Bootlegger's Brewery: Above the Law

Anson and I have a particular affection for local restaurants, breweries, wineries and food producers. There's something about seeing where it's made, meeting the owner and being regulars that we like and, in a way, we take on a pride of ownership for ourselves.

When we finally got around to visiting Bootlegger's Brewery in Fullerton recently, we were bummed we hadn't made the effort sooner. We had seen the beer on the shelves at our favorite well-stocked liquor store, Liquor Warehouse, for some time now and liked their modern style of brewing. In step with the trend on the West Coast of creative brewing of bold beers that has begun to have an influence on the larger beer world, owner and head brewer, Aaron Barkenhagen, is making his own interpretations of traditional beers.

The raw material and bottles waiting to be filled.

Clockwise: wine barrels for aging; a view of the coat of arms through the mash tank;
a grain grinder; steam coming off the mash tank as it boils.

One of the most popular beers they make, Knuckle Sandwich, is a double IPA, meaning they use double the hops in brewing making for a beer with strong floral aroma, hoppy flavor and high alcohol. And while he's comfortable making unorthodox beers such as Black Phoenix, a stout made with coffee and chipotle peppers, he's equally at home making his Old World Hefe and Palomino Pale Ale.

Clockwise: new fermenters that just tripled their capacity;
owner Aaron Barkenhagen; beer aging in bourbon barrels
from Heaven's Hill bourbon distillery; VP Patricia Barkenhagen filling up growlers.

They have half a dozen beers in distribution locally, but a visit to the tasting room is really where it's at. On our last visit I had a wonderful Spring Ale, brewed with herbs and honey, while Anson tried the Maple Porter. You can also sample test batches and seasonal beers, and of course, take home a growler of your favorite.  Aaron is hesitant to categorize the style of beer he makes, I think that anyone who tries it will agree that it's a whole new way of making beer.

Aaron and Vice President/Wife, Patricia, were very welcoming and let me hang out with brewer, Randal, one day while he made a couple batches of Knuckle Sandwich. I returned a couple weeks later and spent some time in the bustling tasting room with other friendly beer lovers.

Clockwise: beers aging in old wine barrels; the crowd on a sunny
Saturday; have a seat next to the fermenters to taste your beer;
hop pellets that go into the Knuckle Sandwich. 

Clockwise: What's on tap today; pick up a growler and
a logo bag; the beer selection changes by the day; jelly
jars waiting to be filled for thirsty customers.

Check out this article in the Los Angeles Times for some great information on the rise of American craft beers.

Bootlegger's Brewery
401 South Richman Avenue
Fullerton, Ca. 92832
Hours, Directions, more Info