Brew Heavens: Anaheim Brewery

The Anaheim Brewery is one of the newest breweries in Orange County. It is located on Anaheim Blvd, near the "downtown" Anaheim shopping area, in an old Packard building. It is actually a resurrection of the name from a brewery that was closed down about 90 years ago. The brewery opened its tasting room doors on July 1st, and then had a grand opening party two weeks later. I was able to show up for the opening on July 1st. The doors opened at 4pm, and we arrived at about 4:05pm and snagged the last two seats available at the bar. Unlike most of the other local breweries in Orange County, Anaheim Brewery is not in an industrial area, and the tasting room has more of a bar atmosphere. By about 4:15pm, almost all of the standing room was filled as well. It seemed like a nice place to relax and drink a pint or two with some friends. I bellied up next to some strangers but struck up a conversation about beer and brewing and was able to chat a little bit with the owners, Greg and Barbara, as well.

At the opening they only had their 4 staple beers on tap, but they told me they plan to expand to include seasonal and special beers as well. My favorites were the Anaheim 1888 which is a California Common, and the Hefeweizen, although none of the 4 blew me away. I think perhaps they may have all been a bit young still, and I look forward to going back and trying them again. Definitely a place worth checking out, though.

This is the outside of the building. I think they are still working on the landscaping, and was told they plan to make this area in to a patio where you can bring food from the Umami Burger (attached to the building in front) and enjoy a pint.

I started off with a flight of their 4 staple beers. This picture is the Anaheim Gold, and shows the tasting glass that they let you keep. The old saying on the glass still sort of applies, because pints are $5 each.