A recent unplanned visit to The Anaheim Brewing Company was a pleasant surprise. The driver tried to find a place to drop Lady Ellamie, but it was surrounded by parking, and the entrance was not easily located. Turns out the entrance is in 'the back', and allows for a much more casual feel. The historic area is in the midst of revival, and what was an over-grown weed-riddled parking lot in the rear, is turning into a centrally located park, developed specifically for a farmers market. The open air seating anchoring the scene, will be THE place to get your groceries, sip some good beer, and listen to live music.
The ritual flight was ordered, and the following was tasted: Conrads Kolsch 5.1% - a top fermented wheat fashioned after beers from Koln (Cologne) Germany. It is slightly sweet and refreshing with a closing bitterness that seems just right, a good place to start. Anaheim Gold 4.5% made with honey malt, has a nice full, smooth body, and a lovely honey color. A plain Jane sort of beer, but acceptable by all means. Anaheim Hefeweizen 5.5% hazy-pale yellow-straw lacking that banana. A questionably green pepper finish. Anaheim Red 5.5% slight roastiness and a grainy nose, carbonated bitterness. 1888 5.5% Tasty and fragrant, almost flowery with a bit-o-malt. Mellowly carbonated, it makes for easy drinkin, and was pint worthy. Coast to Coast IPA 7.0% this seemed to be the locals favorite, with pints and growlers in constant pour. An East Coast IPA, it is not nearly as hoprageous as the West Coast style, making it much more drinkable (rather than sip-able). Dark Scotch Ale 6.1% - Peat and smokiness take a back seat to the malts, though both were present.
This was a very friendly place, and while they do not serve food, Umami Burger is right next door, and will happily deliver to the bar, if they aren't slammed. The locals will talk your ear off about, well, just about anything. There is lots of laughter to be heard, even with a small crowd. Many of them walk from the local hood, and are eager to talk to you, if you want them to. Samantha and Amber were very attentive and happy to be there, even when you walk in at closing and ask for three growler fills.
The brewery itself is visible from the bar, and was quiet that Thursday night. While this probably won't be a regular stop, its hard not to envision having a lovely afternoon with a pint or three while noshing on farm fresh goodies, on a summer afternoon.
