M. Special

M.Special Brewing Co. is an independent craft brewery based in Santa Barbara, California, founded in 2013 by Chris Miller, Brendan Malloy, Emmett Malloy, and Ted Fourticq. The brewery draws its name from a blend of the founders' family surnames and the legendary "Malloy Special" tether car collection belonging to their grandfather Emmett, one of which competed in the Indy 500 during the 1950s. This nod to racing heritage is woven throughout the brand identity, with core beers named as though they were racing vehicles. The company operates two taproom locations — one on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara and a second in Goleta, California — serving the greater Santa Barbara County market and distributing packaged product to most local retailers between Ventura and San Luis Obispo. The brewery's portfolio is diverse and designed to appeal to a wide range of craft beer consumers. Flagship offerings include the M.Special American Lager, the Greatland IPA, and the award-winning Lazy Eye DIPA, alongside additional styles such as the Dozer Brown Ale. Head brewer Joshua A. Ellis, an award-winning zymurgist whose passion began as a homebrewer, oversees the brewing program. His expertise spans a broad range of beer styles crafted to meet the evolving palates of today's craft beer enthusiasts. M.Special has earned numerous regional and industry accolades, including Best of Santa Barbara honors in 2016 and 2022, two Silver Awards at the 2017 Santa Barbara Independent Craft Beer Awards for the Lazy Eye DIPA and Dozer Brown, Reader's Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019, and 1st Place Best Brewery recognition from 2017 through 2019. Beyond beer, both taproom locations function as community entertainment venues. The State Street taproom features live music bookings across a variety of genres, film screenings via a professional projector setup, and has hosted productions connected to the Malloy brothers — accomplished film and commercial directors — as well as documentary screenings and locally produced content. The brewery also produces original digital content under the M.Special TV banner. Membership programs are available for loyal customers, offering benefits including 20-ounce pours, merchandise discounts, growler fill discounts, and weekly BOGO promotions valid at both taproom locations. The ownership team brings a diverse background spanning operations, finance, entertainment, and private equity, giving the brewery a well-rounded business foundation uncommon in the regional craft brewing space.