Best Winter Beers In Orange County
Though Albert Hammond's famous song says "It Never Rains in Southern California," the OC does get its fair share of cooler temperatures during the winter months. When the weather changes, it's time to look to the local craft breweries for their seasonal offerings. These brewers blend ingredients and flavors to produce beers that meet the needs of the season. The following winter libations also shows the creativity and care of some of the best Orange County craft brewers.
8 Maids-A-Milking
The Bruery
717 Dunn Way
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 996-6258
www.thebruery.com
A go-to place for craft beer lovers in Orange County, the Bruery has a brew for all seasons, especially winter. The latest release in their "12 Days of Christmas" line, 8 Maids-a-Milking is an intriguing milk stout. Brewed with lactose, milk chocolate and Belgian yeast, this winter beer really meets the needs of the season. As the staff points out, 8 Maids-a-Milking goes quite well with sweet holiday treats, such as coffee cake or the cookies that are intended for Santa. You will have to wait until 2019, though, to see what owner Patrick Rue brews up for the Twelfth Day of Christmas.
Rum To The Hills
Tustin Brewing Company
13011 Newport Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 665-2337
www.tustinbrewery.org
Rum to the Hills, a Tustin Brewing "Barrel Program" beer, can ease the chill off a winter's night. Incorporating flavors such as pumpkin spice and raisins, this beer was aged in the barrel for 14 months before being tapped. After a hard day, it's a nice idea to kick back with a pint or two of this brew. This beer also can be matched with one of the Tustin Brewing Company's burgers, a decadent slice of their Chocolate Wipeout Cake or a dish of vanilla ice cream.
Daft Punkin
Newport Beach Brewing Company
2920 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 675-8449
www.newportbeachbrewingcompany.org
Pumpkins signal the change of season, especially at the Newport Beach Brewing Company. Brewed with that prominent orange squash plant and spices, Daft Punkin brings to mind family gatherings during the holiday season. This interesting beer also bridges the gap between fall and winter. Paired with one of the brewery's sandwiches, pizzas or house specialties, Daft Punkin definitely can spice up a chilly night out.
The Wedge
Left Coast Brewing Company
1245 Puerta Del Sol
San Clemente, CA 92673
(949) 276-2699
www.leftcoastbrewing.org
Even San Clemente, an Orange County destination known for surfing, isn't immune to winter's chill. When they can't challenge a wedge-shaped wave, however, surfers can enjoy the bold taste of the Wedge. Left Coast Brewing blends hops and dark crystal malts to create this winter selection that goes well with a gathering on the beach. Family-owned and operated, the award-winning Left Coast Brewing Company always comes up with new and different beers to match the needs of the season.
Winter Wheat
Anaheim Brewery
336 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 780-1888
www.anaheimbrew.org
The Anaheim Brewery's Winter Wheat is a beer steeped in tradition. Shuttered when Prohibition went into effect, the brewery was reestablished by Barbara and Greg Gerovac. Their dark and spicy Winter Wheat is just one of their offerings. By the way, the label on the bottle holding this dark beer is a reproduction of one that was pasted on Anaheim Beer bottles back in 1914.
Related: Best Brewery Tours In Orange County
