A member of our local wine group is dating a woman who is going to be living in OC (Huntington Beach) for about six months. He wrote to ask if it is worth the 30-minute trip to visit The Bruery tasting room. I told him I haven’t been, but, yes, he should. What other places in OC, perhaps even closer, are worth his time? I don’t really know his preferences in terms of beer styles, but I think he’s pretty open to discovery.
I have not been but right next to the previously mentioned breweries is Phantom Ales. I have never seen or tried their beers but the do offer this http://www.phantomales.com/brew-hop/
Anaheim Brewery is around as well. They do more traditional straight up beers. Not for people looking for extremes.
Being near Beachwood will be awesome for him if he wants to try beers, although they do not do flights.
Brad, unless there is a Beachwood bottle release like the upcoming Thrillseeker IPA release later this month then you are correct. Bottles can be purchased at both locations however Long Beach always has more stock. There is a handy new release schedule both for growler and bottles on their website under the calendar.
My friend visited Beachwood last night. He sent me a text asking what he should try. I replied back, “As much as you can.” from the pic text that followed, it would appear he did. He also added that the GF was driving.
At KRBC I asked the waitress if I could do “something less than a full pour, like a half pour?” she said “sorry only full pints”. Then I saw people get tasters, like 5oz tulips. Guess sometimes you need to be exact in your wording o_O
Left Coast Brewing is a good spot. It’s in San Clemente, which is a good 40 minutes from HB, but that’s no big deal in these parts. Cismontane is in Rancho Santa Margarita. A bit shorter distance but I’d rather go to Left Coast.