Best Craft Beers In Orange County
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 beer-ology 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.
Bootlegger's Brewery
401 S. Richman Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 871-2337
www.bootleggersbrewery.com
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. 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.
The Bruery
715 Dunn Way
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 996-6258
www.thebruery.com
Another local favorite brewery in Orange County, The Bruery, is brewing some flavorful craft beers. It all started with a home-brewed 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 pounds 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 also has a tasting room where beer lovers can meet the brewers, taste the current brews and even bring their favorite beers home.
Tustin Brewing Company
13011 Newport Avenue, Suite 100
Tustin, Ca 92780
(714) 665-2337
www.tustinbrewery.com
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.
Beer Events
OC Brew Ha Ha
5305 Santiago Canyon Road
Silverado, CA 92676
www.ocbrewfest.com
Looking for the next craft beer festival in Orange County? The 4th annual OC Brew Ha Ha is on Sept. 12, 2015. 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 $45, which includes a commemorative festival class and 10 four-ounce tastes with festival access from 1 to 4 p.m. VIP tickets include early entry, extra tastes, a VIP seminar and festival access from noon to 4 p.m. Ticket can be purchased online at ocbrewfest.com.
