oakland-brewery
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Dokkaebier
Dokkaebier is an Oakland-based craft brewery brewing Asian-inspired beers that fold ingredients like kimchi culture, yuzu, lemongrass, Szechuan peppercorns, galangal and bamboo leaves into familiar styles. Founded in 2020 by beverage-industry veteran Youngwon Lee and named after the mischievous, drink-loving spirits of Korean folklore, the company set out to build a more representative craft beer scene while making flavors that stand out. Its lineup - led by the experimental Kimchi Sour and the approachable Yuza Blonde - is sold direct-to-consumer online and has been distributed across California and beyond.
Youngwon Lee
Youngwon Lee is the founder and CEO of Dokkaebier, an Oakland-based craft brewery built around Asian ingredients and Korean folklore. After more than a decade in the wine and spirits trade across Seoul and California, he launched Dokkaebier in February 2020, named for the mischievous shape-shifting spirits of Korean myth. He brews beers like a kimchi sour and a yuzu blonde, and set out to change an industry where only about 2% of professionals identify as Asian American. In three years he released 40-plus beers, reached 400-plus retailers, and in 2023 acquired Oakland's Federation Brewing to take over its taproom near Jack London Square.