In a small town like Gustine, businesses often become more than storefronts. They become meeting places, conversation starters, and part of the community’s rhythm. That is exactly what WhichCraft Taproom has grown into since opening its doors. For co-owner Joe Garcia, the taproom began with a simple idea that slowly turned into a reality.
“WhichCraft Taproom started with an idea,” Garcia explained. “The more it was talked about, the bigger the realization it could be done sank in.” What started as casual conversations eventually turned into serious planning. Choosing Gustine was never an afterthought. “We picked Gustine because we like the small-town vibes. If bigger cities could have a craft beer taproom, why couldn’t we?”
The taproom’s playful name also has a story. “It started with some jokes and some word play,” Garcia said. “Then, boom. WhichCraft.” The humor stuck, but the vision behind the business was grounded in something meaningful. Garcia and his partners had spent time visiting breweries elsewhere, enjoying not only the drinks but the environment they created. “We would visit various breweries and enjoy the atmosphere and overall experience,” he said. “Then thought, why not bring those experiences to a place of our own, where we could be the ones creating that experience for others in our own way.”
That focus on experience shows up in how the taproom operates. WhichCraft is not just about serving beer, it is about creating a welcoming space where people can relax, try something new, and connect. Garcia says one of the most rewarding parts of the job is being part of the wider craft beer world. “Being part of the beer community as a whole is awesome. There are lots of cool people at every level of the industry,” he said. “Nothing is better than hearing the excitement of a person sharing their experience at a new brewery or a beer they tried.”
Craft beer also comes with variety and change, and Garcia sees that as a positive. When a favorite brew rotates out, it often leads to discovery. “Usually someone will come in and say, ‘Oh dang, it’s gone.’ Then they try something else and that ‘oh dang’ turns into an ‘oh wow,’” he said. That sense of exploration is something WhichCraft encourages, giving customers a chance to develop their own tastes and preferences.
When asked about standout moments, Garcia finds it hard to narrow it down. “I wouldn’t be able to pick a specific memorable day over another. They have all been great in their own way,” he said. “That’s the reason I love doing what I do. There’s always a new conversation, a new memory created, a new story shared… a new experience from the last.” For him, the day-to-day interactions are what make the work meaningful.
Garcia also emphasizes the importance of being part of the local business network. “Being part of the Gustine small business community means to support each other,” he said. “We all have different experiences we can share to help one another in some way that can help their business.” That collaboration, he believes, strengthens the town as a whole.
He encourages residents to keep local businesses in mind when making choices. “Try to buy local when possible to continue supporting local businesses,” Garcia said. “Supporting local is keeping more options closer to you. It’s funding those business owners’ dreams while they provide you with the best service and experience they can.”
In a town where relationships matter, WhichCraft Taproom has found its place as a spot where neighbors gather, visitors feel welcome, and conversations flow as easily as the taps. What began as an idea talked over among friends has grown into a local fixture, one that reflects both a love for craft beer and a belief in small-town community.
