Old Orange Brewing Company

What can I say about Old Orange Brewing Company – the beer is really good, the tap room is modern without being annoying and the people are friendly, knowledgeable and excited to be part of the OC craft beer scene.

First things first, the beer – Old Orange may be just over a year old – but they have mastered a variety of great tasting beers from heavy hitting, high abv sippers to smooth session beers.  The Old Dummy American Strong Ale was quite simply the best, balanced and complete strong ale I have tasted in California.  The straw hewed beer is a perfect balance of hops and sweet malt, with a crisp, dry finish.  Thumbmaster DIPA, a well balanced brew that is a bit sweet and not overpowering is another standout in the Old Orange lineup.  Cannonball IPA is a good beer, but could use some additional hop punch for my taste.   The Streetfair Summer Ale and Backseat Blonde are excellent session beers, perfect for any summertime activity.  The lower ABV of these beers make them ideal session brews.

Like many breweries in Orange County, Old Orange is located in a small, tucked away industrial park.  The outdoor space is non-existent, but the interior of the tap room certainly makes up for the lack of outdoor space.  I am not typically a fan of modern design – especially in a brewery – but Old Orange makes it work.  The bar, which transported from a sushi joint in Hollywood, glows a neon orange and provides seating for ten or so.  In addition to bar seating, there are a variety of tables to choose from – from high tops to picnic tables.  Tasters are offered for $1, but they are two-ounce tasters, so it really isn’t a bad deal.  Ordering four or five tasters is similar in price and quantity to ordering a sampler other places.  The staff was very friendly and provided great recommendations on beers and information about each.  We were fortunate enough to meet Old Orange’s brewmaster, who stopped by our table to talk about the brewery’s history and their beers – he even let us taste a new IPA straight from the fermenter.   The tap room is family and dog friendly, and provides snacks for a donation that goes to charity.  Old Orange may be the new kid on the block, but the quality of the beer and the cool and comfortable tap room will keep them around for years to come.

Score 3 pints