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San Diego? Los Angeles? Hold up! Orange County is where it’s at for craft beer. We’ve got 3 million thirsty people with outdoor temps easily in the mid-70s almost all year long – Orange County is made for craft beer. The OC is the best for award-winning brews and friendly tasting rooms dripping with good vibes. The best of craft beer can all be found behind the Orange Curtain.
For anyone looking to sip some tasty brews and immerse themselves into the Orange County beer culture, here are my top 3 beers that made 2013 great.
*Sunglasses and flip-flops are required when consuming these craft brews.
Batch 1000 Bryeian – The Bruery
In California, it is a must to try as many hopped beers as your palate can handle, and Batch 1000 Bryeian takes the cake. This brew is living proof that homebrewers from all over can make it big, and that’s why it is first on my list.
The Bruery has a line of Batch Series beers originating from a homebrew contest that was held to help the brewery determine their first batch of beer. Fast-forward to Batch 999, and two homebrewers from Colorado came together and brewed the winning Batch 1000. A far cry from The Bruery’s well-known repertoire of sour brews, Batch 1000 Bryeian is a dark rye ale that exudes intense hop notes. I find this brew very earthy and refreshing on crisp afternoons.
Stentorian English Barleywine – Valiant Brewing Company
In the strong ABV category, my favorite brew this year is the Stentorian English Barleywine. Dubbed by Valiant Brewing Company as the “strongest ale offered by breweries,” this ale packs a wallop, but with an air of sophistication. The flavors of raisins, dates, and prunes mix incredibly well with the caramel and molasses aromas.
I had the pleasure of attending the release party for this ale back in August. Now, I’m not much of a barleywine fan, but Stentorian has made me rethink how flavorful barleywines can be. No pairing needed for this beer – just sip it as it is. Valiant Brewing Company is near and dear to me because I have seen it grow into a flourishing brewery since opening up its doors back in February.
The Ghost of Jacob Barley – Collaboration with Portola Coffee Lab, Noble Ale Works, and Beachwood BBQ & Brewing
To finish off my list is a Winter Warmer that is sure to be a treat this season. Brewed to commemorate the 2nd Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival in Orange County, this beer combines the best of three OC beverage powerhouses into one sugary, malty concoction with a kick of coffee.
At the Brew Ho Ho festival, I waited in line for more than 20 minutes just to get a taste of this collaboration brew, and let me say…SCRUMPTIOUS! With Noble Ale Works winning Best IPA at the 2013 LA IPA Festival and Beachwood BBQ & Brewing winning five medals at GABF combining forces with one of the best coffee roasters of its craft, you get a beer that warms your soul and fills you with the holiday spirits of Christmas past.
In the past year, I have grown as a craft beer enthusiast and blogger, and I cannot wait to see what the New Year brings. Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year from sunny Orange County!
