(credit: bootleggersbrewery.com)

The craft beer craze has hit Orange County by storm. We cannot think of anything better than enjoying a freshly brewed craft beer from a local, independent brewery. Bootleggers Brewery is using a distinctive beerology to craft some of the most refreshing beers. Starting out as a small local brewery, they have since grown to sell at Angel’s Stadium and beyond Orange County.

(credit: bootleggersbrewery.com)

Bootlegger’s Brewery

401 S. Richman Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 871-2337
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Bootlegger’s Brewery has an authentic tasting room to showcase their best brews. With downtown Fullerton being one of the hottest bar scenes in Orange County, they keep it a traditional brewery tasting room by closing earlier than the surrounding local bars. The tasting room is open Thursday through Friday from 4pm to 10pm, Saturday 12pm to 10pm, and Sunday 12pm to 6pm. Tours of the brewery are available by appointment only.

One of my favorite brews from Bootlegger’s Brewery is the Black Phoenix. They are keeping it local by added Orange County’s locally brewed Kean Coffee beans. The beer not only adds Arabica coffee, but also has chipotle peppers and malted barley.

Information about keg rentals and store locations is available by calling 714-871-2337 or online at bootleggersbrewery.com.

(credit: thebruery.com)

The Bruery

715 Dunn Way
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 996-6258
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Another local favorite brewery in Orange County, The Bruery, is brewing some flavorful craft beers. It all started with a homebrew craft beer made by the Rue brothers. The brothers have since pushed the limits of traditional beer, defining what a “craft” beer can truly become.

Our favorite craft beers at The Bruery are their seasonal beers. The Belgian-style Trade Winds craft beer is a summer favorite. It has a unique flavor with its Thai Basil spice adding an Asian twist to this refreshing summer brew. Locals cannot wait for the Autumn Maple brew this fall. The craft beer is brewed with 17 pound of yams combined with traditional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and vanilla. The fall would not be the same without enjoying this pumpkin style beer in front of a warm fireplace.

The Bruery has a tasting room where beer lovers can meet the brewers, taste the current brews and even bring their favorite beers home. The tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 10, Friday 2pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 10pm. For special events check their website at (thebruery.com) or by calling 714-829-1403.

(credit: alcatrazbrewing.com)

Alcatraz Brewing Company

20 City Blvd. West
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 939-8686
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Alcatraz has handcrafted brews and an award winning menu to pair with your favorite beer. Guests will feel like they have flown straight to San Francisco while dining at Alcatraz Brewing Company. The beer is brewed by the 2002 World Beer Cup gold medalist Robb Macleod. Guests can enjoy $3 pints during happy hour on Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7pm

(credit: Tustinbrewery.com)

Tustin Brewing Company

13011 Newport Avenue, Suite 100
Tustin, Ca 92780
(714) 665-2337
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The Tustin Brewery is one of the most popular places for OC locals to hang out and enjoy a cold beer. The brewery has a lively atmosphere, which is perfect for enjoying your favorite brew. They have an extensive menu to pair with the beer selection, and daily specials.

(credit: ocbrewfest.com)

Beer Events:

OC Brew Ha Ha

5305 Santiago Canyon Road
Silverado, CA 92676
More Info

Looking for the next craft beer festival in Orange County? The 3rd annual OC Brew Ha Ha is coming on September 8th. Off duty firefighters will be pouring 175 different types of craft and imported beers from 70 different craft breweries, in support of the Fallen Firefighters Relief Fund.

General admission tickets are available for $40 which includes a commemorative festival class and ten 4oz. tastes with festival access from 1pm to 4pm. VIP tickets include early entry, four extra tastes, a VIP seminar and festival access from 12pm to 4pm. Ticket can be purchased online at ocbrewfest.com.