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My Top 10 OC Beers of All Time

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I’ve been casually writing about beer in Orange County since there were literally three breweries. Although I no longer have the time (or pay) to keep doing so on the reg, one sleepless night had me thinking…what are the best and most memorable beers I’ve had that are crafted here in Orange County?

For whatever reason, Orange County seemed to sweep world and national competition with Coffee Beers. Thanks to the incredible coffee-nerdiness of Jeff Duggan from Portola Coffee Lab, Beers like Mocha Machine from Beachwood, Dusk ’til Dawn from Pizza Port, Naughty Sauce from Noble Ale Works, Super Tonic from Docent, The Riizo from Riip, Portola Breakfast Stout from Tustin, There is no Cow Level from Gamecraft…and on and on and on. They’re not all Portola, but most of the brewery collabs he did set the bar for insanely aromatic roastiness in our beer scene.

The Bruery, Black Tuesday. Back in 2009, there weren’t a whole lot of local breweries putting Russian Imperial Stouts into freshly-emptied bourbon barrels. Now, every beer geek probably has a decade-long vertical gently resting in the back of their closet.

Green Cheek, Radiant Beauty. West Coast IPA wasn’t born in Green Cheek’s brewhouse, but they sure did seem to perfect it. Low bitterness, big aroma, resinous mouthfeel. After a pint, I always wanted another.

Unsung, Metaplex

Barley Forge, The Patsy

Bottle Logic, Fundamental Observation

Riip Beer Co, Dan K IPA

Everywhere Brewing Co, Everyone Kolsch

Stereo Brewing, Wall of Sound

 

The Year OC Got Eighteen GABF Medals

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So, I crept out of beer blogging semi-retirement to jot down some super important thoughts on GABF 2025 and what the Orange County beer scene has accomplished this year. In the past, I’ve usually jotted down a quick blog for historical purposes, but this year OC Register beat me to it as I was watching the award ceremony in bed, fighting a hangover from a night out with Brad Daniels (IFKYK).

Later that day, I read SD Beer News’ coverage of GABF medals, and I must say, I got a little bit FIRED UP. SD Beer News clumped in beers brewed in Orange County with asterics* if the place has ‘local ties’ or other location in SD. I’m fine with that; however, I believe the awards belong to the city, county, and god-given soil the beer was made on. It goes where the medal will be displayed and pondered over by guests for years to come.

In 2025, Orange County got EIGHTEEN medals at the Great American Beer Festival. We got ten in 2024, and before that, ten to twelve was more or less our average. But EIGHTEEN? Why is nobody talking about this? That’s so insane!

Los Angeles, with its nine million people, got EIGHT. SD received ELEVEN.

I’m not here to take the wind out of anyone’s sails, but since I’ve been covering OC Beer since we had three breweries, we never get credit where credit is due…and that credit belongs to the brewers and teams here, the ones who continually repeat in the most-entered categories like IPA, Coffee Beer, and others.

Gold Way Heavy Pizza Port San Clemente San Clemente OC Scottish-Style Ale
Gold tracing the departed everywhere Orange OC Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale
Gold Trunk Box Left Coast Brewing Co. Irvine OC American-Style Brown Ale
Gold Chaos Erupts Unsung Brewing Co. Tustin OC American-Style Strong Pale Ale
Gold Record Beer 1886 Brewing Co. Orange OC Brown Porter
Silver Saison For Papa Green Cheek Beer Co. – Costa Mesa Costa Mesa OC Classic Saison
Silver Gaining Momentum Radiant Beer Co. Anaheim OC Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale
Silver Guava Cart Golden Road Brewing Anaheim OC Fruit Wheat Beer
Silver Pint of Soul Docent Brewing San Juan Capistrano OC International-Style Pale Ale
Silver Blimp Hangar Porter Tustin Brewing Co. Tustin OC Robust Porter
Silver Doom Sludge Green Cheek Beer Co. – Costa Mesa Costa Mesa OC American Black Ale or American Stout
Silver Moooving On Beachwood Brewing – Huntington Beach Huntington Beach OC Sweet Stout or Cream Stout
Silver Coast Molinos Los Molinos Beer Co. San Clemente OC West Coast IPA
Silver Darkstar November Bottle Logic Brewing Anaheim OC Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout
Bronze Californios Station Craft Dana Point OC Mexican-Style Pale Lager
Bronze DDH The Other Brian Green Cheek Beer Co. – Costa Mesa Costa Mesa OC Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale
Bronze A Dark in the Light Radiant Beer Co. Anaheim OC American Black Ale or American Stout
Bronze Super Tonic Docent Brewing San Juan Capistrano OC Coffee Stout or Porter

Five Beer Festivals

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In 2026, a lot of people are saying the traditional beer festival as we know it is DEAD.  And while I agree, I don’t ever want to wield a tiny plastic cup with ten sponsors scribed on it only to meet various beer reps pouring their most mainline IPA; “but come back at 1:34pm to get a special can pour of our latest triple hazy!” Ugh.

With a beer festival, I want to be dazzled by beer…I want to learn something new. I want to dance and simultaneously sit and hold a conversation with a brewer or a total random stranger. I want to leave the fest and feel glad I went. I don’t want hard kombucha, seltzer, mead, or cider getting in the way of my water, malt, hops, and yeast-made concoctions.

Whenever I talk about beer festivals, I inevitably fall back to the Tim and Eric bit where they talk about the universe

Since starting this blog fifteen years ago, I’ve attended seven or eight festivals a year, which puts me around a hundred during this time. Some were very memorable, some I left after an hour. I’ve done huge invitationals like Firestone Walker, some on the east coast, and hell, I’ve even hosted my own cask ale festival nearly ten times.

Here are five festivals I haven’t yet been to, but plan on it:

Kriek & Lambic Festival – Belgium

Organized by the Gueuze Society, is just what you’d expect. Every other year, a thousand or so bottles are de-corked and caged, placed in a lambic basket, and drizzled festively into glassware, some even landing on the historic cobblestone street below.

Checking out Brussel's Mannequin Pis with a belly full of andoiette AAAAA and Cantillon Gueuze.

Why I want to go: My last trip to Brussels in 2024 was very short, and although I got to try the greatest hits, I’d like to dive deeper into traditional Lambic culture. As fewer “sour” beers in the U.S. are being produced, it would be heartwarming for me to go back and sample directly from the blenders literally fighting extinction.

Fynefest – Scotland

Think Scottish Highlands, rain, mud, mountains, and ale. It’s all part of a magical Scottish brewing revival story, where I couldn’t be stopped from singing the hills are alive from the Sound of Music whilst prancing around (even though that’s Austrian lol). The fest lasts a weekend, and camping on the grounds is permitted. There’s panels, live music, ____________

Why I want to go: I haven’t been to Scotland, for starters, but I’m a huge fan of Highland and Islay Scotch. I want to see what the resurgence of Scotch craft beer can tell me about the country, other than shilling-based pub ales and Wee Heavies.

Laguna Hills Just Got a Little Bit Cooler With This New Bar

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upon entry – photo greg nagel

I had so many questions before checking out Bardega, a new bar opening soon in Laguna Hills, right off the 5 at Alicia.

“Can I do lotto scratchers while drinking a margarita on a bowling alley-lane bar while waiting for takeout?” The short answer is yes, which is intriguing for a bar/bodega. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

margarita next to a real candle – photo greg nagel

Co-owners Matt Sharp and Corey Danger, friends since attending nearby Aliso Niguel High School, aimed to bring something completely different from every other bar in Orange County: Seventies nostalgia with modern twists at every turn…oh and there’s a store to buy booze, snacks, and sundries. Ooh, ooh, ooh…the drinks come in three octanes: regular, low-ABV, and N/A. Crazy.

“We wanted to create a place that feels instantly familiar yet completely unlike anywhere else,” added Matt Sharp, co-owner of Bardega. “From the design to the drinks, Bardega celebrates individuality and connection. Everyone can come in and have the same great experience, no matter what’s in their glass,” he continued.

Hoover manning the margarita fountain. photo greg nagel

It’s usually hard to comment on a new place that has a completely new menu that’s still working out the kinks. But the bar/kitchen has vets from the likes of Robert Hoover, Chef Kiel Anderson, and Chef Ted Fleury.

There’s a standard Old Fashioned with a clear as a bell cube, there’s a re-imagined Midori Sour. There are even spiked root beer floats. Beers weren’t in the forefront of what I experienced; however, I did see a few taps which will pour local craft, as well as Coors heavy, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and NA options.

spiked root beers with 101 and NA – photo greg nagel

On the bar snacks, think pickled eggs, dusted popcorn, several house dogs with even a vegan option (try the Danger Dog!). There’s a TV Dinner-inspired meatloaf with mashed potatoes better than mom makes. It’s all pretty ridiculous and fun, two adjectives that are sorely missed in today’s dining scene.

OF – photo greg nagel

midori sour w/faba – photo greg nagel

mushroom pot pie – photo greg nagel

skrimps – photo greg nagel

Once they open on Dec 12, I’ll swing back in to check out more of the menu. Bardega is at 24781 Alicia Parkway, Suite A, Laguna Hills.

Firestone Walker International Beer Festival’s 2025 First-Timers

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…plus seven breweries that have been every year.

Evan Price (Green Cheek) and Matt Brynildson (Firestone Brewmaster, Fest organizer) have a laugh at FWIBF 22. Photo Greg Nagel

Beer culture in 2025 feels different from every other year. Hardcore beer lovers from a decade ago have been distilled into a tight-knit family of old souls who appreciate what beer still brings to the table—and those still passionate and brave enough to stick their necks out to create beer at such a high level.

The best place to be among this (totally functional) family is one weekend in Paso Robles, usually late May or Early June at the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival (FWIBF). I used to say this festival is a greatest hits mixtape of the best and most interesting breweries and beers of the world…now I liken it to the beer version of the Louvre Art Museum in Paris, where international masters paint with bines of hops on canvases of malted grain. Lines of passionate and informed fans get to taste beers at their peak.

Besides the excellent food, live music, seeing local friends, and educational talks, my favorite thing about the fest is discovering something new…and this year has plenty to discover:

  1. Alma Mader (Kansas City, MO)
    A stone’s throw from Boulevard Brewery, this tiny midwest brewery focuses on award-winning hop-forward ales and lagers, mostly only available in their taproom.
  2. Bofkont (Belgium)
    Known for rare, high-quality Lambic and Gueuze blends, Bofkon is making its long-awaited West Coast debut. Bofkont translates to ‘lucky boy’, and you’ll be lucky to try them.
  3. Fiden’s (Albany, NY)
    Their hazy IPAs are widely regarded as among the best, and they rarely pour in California, making this a special opportunity to break out the measuring stick to see what the fuss is about.
  4. Grand Fir (Portland, OR)
    Whitney Burnside’s brewing prowess shines through her award-winning brewpub-made beers that stand out in Portland’s crowded beer scene.
  5. Hoppy People (Switzerland)
    If you’re ever been at an international beer festival, chances are you’ve stood in a Hoppy People line. Don’t let the name fool you! 
  6. Horus Aged Ales (Oceanside, CA)
    Operating without a traditional brewery, Kyle Harrop’s focus on blending and small-batch beers has earned widespread respect. How is this his first time at FWIBF?
  7. Lawson’s Finest Liquids (Vermont)
    Since 2008, Lawson’s has built a devoted following and continues to set the standard for East Coast craft beer. Shocking this is their first go! 
  8. Minoh (Japan)
    An all-female-owned brewery producing clean, sessionable beers.
  9. Moksa Brewing (Rocklin, CA)
    Every non-FWIBF festival I’ve been to with Moksa always has a line. Their pastry stouts and IPAs are festival favorites.
  10. Offset Bier (Park City, UT)
    Offset Bier specializes in award-winning hazy IPA and trad styles.
  11. Radiant Beer (Anaheim, CA)
    Co-founders Andrew Bell and Jonas Nemura have been to FWIBF in the past with The Bruery; this is their first go as Radiant.
  12. Tuju (Finland) – Wild blends and big beers hail from this sauna-hot brewery.
  13. Verdant (UK) – Sort of the kings of Hazy beers in the UK
  14. Uncharted (Antwerp, Belgium) Brews a wide range of simple classics.
  15. Single Hill (Yakima) – Known for insane wet hop beers.
What breweries have been to every FWIBF? Stay tuned…
Tickets go on sale 2/5. Info: firestonewalker.com/event/fwibf/

From French Lessons to Brunch Sessions: A Morning at Benny & Mary’s

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Debuting on the new menu soon, Winter Briii’s. Spiced Remy, brandy, Averna, lemon – photo-Nagel

After learning German, I switched to trying my hand at French, and I was shocked to see the words crème anglaise simply translate to English cream. While at brunch, a lightbulb went off in my 11am cocktail buzzed head…”Does hollandaise mean Dutch cream?”

My daughter, who speaks French, shakes her head as if I dropped another lame dad joke. “In fact, hollandaise doesn’t contain cream, so it just means Dutch,” she replies. “Then what the hell is mayonnaise, and why do the Dutch douse their fries in it,?” I spout back, taking a sip of my cocktail.

All that sauce talk aside, we’re at Benny & Mary’s in Irvine near John Wayne, and I’m sort of like the guy wearing the band’s T-shirt while seeing them live as I order a Benedict and Bloody Mary. If a place has food items in its name, it’s a personal rule that I always have to get that item.

Salmon Benedict with “Dutch.” photo-Nagel

I’ve been to this space many times over the years with different restaurants, and this is by far the classiest modern take. It looks and feels worthy of afternoon tea in London, with mid-afternoon light spilling in from the tall ceiling, reflecting back upon their black marble tables and blue fuzzy chairs. Candle-esque lighting accents the space with a large open kitchen and side bar. There’s also ample cushy outdoor seating and even a private “speakeasy-like” lounge for private events where you enter through a bookcase.

The kid’s fave: Fried chicken and waffles with boozy honey bourbon sauce – photo-Nagel

Somewhat odd, I notice I’m the only guy dining in the restaurant, where every table is filled with ladies popping corks for champagne mimosas while snapping photos of their dishes. The menu looks heavily brunchable, where various toasts like an avocado towers toast or pork belly with melted provolone compete with things like country-fried filet, chilaquiles, and even a shakshuka making a rare appearance.

The Old Cuban, a brunch cocktail worth trying. photo-Nagel

The real shocker for me are the inventive brunch cocktails, where a beer lover like myself can get a brunch box (fruit, lager, and Amaro) or a Michelada. However, I start the morning off with an Old Cuban (Royal Standard white rum, Prosecco, mint, lime) which is zippy, bright, and fresh served in a coupe.

Ben, the brunch bartender, mentions a new menu dropping soon, complete with winterized drinks, and drops a Winter Briii’s – somewhat of a drink one would serve as a holiday punch with spiced Remy, Aperol, brandy, pineapple, and lemon juice, cranberry bitters, and topped with smoking cinnamon and rosemary. It’s definitely something that got me in the mood for the holidays!

Iced Latte for the kid. photo-Nagel

 

Benny & Mary’s just started brunch a few months ago, and is still somewhat of a secret; so if you’re looking for a spot without a wait and fantastic drinks, service, and bites, definitely grab the gang and go.

Benny & Mary’s is at 18420 Von Karman Ave #100, Irvine. Parking was free on my visit. // bennyandmarys.com

OC Nabs Ten Medals at GABF 2024

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Everywhere Grabs their first GABF Medal – image BA Livestream

250ish judges took nine days to judge 9200 entries (including 230 ciders for the first time) from 1,838 breweries at the 2024 GABF. Orange County brewers took home a tenner of medals overall, down a couple from 2023.

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At this year’s Alpha King hoppy beer challenge, Bearded Tang kept the coveted Yakima Chief hop helmet in OC, won last year by BreweryX and Radiant in 2022.

  • Riip Beer Co. Brewery of the year 2001-5000 BBLs
  • Everywhere Beer Co. Brewery of the year 1001-2000 BBLs

Here are the 2024 Great American Beer Festival Winners:

Gold

  • Pizza Port San Clemente – Dusk Til Dawn – Coffee Stout or Porter (Won Silver in 2016)
  • Green Cheek Beer Co. (Oceanside) – Jeff’s Baltic Porter
  • Green Cheek Beer Co. (Costa Mesa) – Zombi Shark Fight – Italian-Style Pils
  • Riip Beer Co. – Blackside Snap – Stout
  • Riip Beer Co. – Smells Like Purple Rain – Intl’ Pale Ale
  • Everywhere Beer Co. – Joyful Intuition – Juicy or Hazy Strong Pale Ale

Silver

  • Green Cheek Beer Co. (Orange) – Josh’s New Tiny Shoes – Session IPA
  • Everywhere Beer Co. – Branching Out – Hoppy Lager (1st GABF medal)
  • Beachwood Brewing (HB) – Full Malted Jacket – Scotch Ale (Won Gold in 2022)
  • Riip Beer Co. – Wannabe Wallaby – New Zealand IPA

Bronze

  • Radiant Beer Co. – A Dark in the Light – Stout

Can Anaheim Three-Peat Alpha King?

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Every year at GABF, Yakima Chief Hops holds a little side competition to bestow the coveted “Alpha King” award to the brewer with the absolute best hoppy beer.

“I’ve certainly had beers that have won Alpha King,” notes Andrew Bell of Radiant Beer Co. “I feel like most of the beers that win are in the 8-9% ABV range and are incredibly aromatic.” he continued in a video with Yakima Chief. Having had some of the winning beers myself, I agree.

2022 went to Dig This Crazy Scene from Radiant Beer in Anaheim.

A few miles away in 2023, Trevor Walls with BrewerX took the golden hop crown with Slap & Tumble.

Alpha King is this weekend, who do you think will win?

Radiant Adds Kitchen

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photo – nagel

Making pizza isn’t casual. Just like a job interview at the French Laundry being asked to make an omelet, there are a million ways it can go wrong.

But this isn’t the French Laundry, and we’re outside of a brewery on Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim near the 5 freeway with cars buzzing by, and the pizza being made is from a food truck…Radiant’s first self-ran truck…well, tow a long thing called “Radiant Kitchen.”

photo – nagel

And the slice is….nice. Thin leopard underbelly crust, robust sauce, and fresh salty mozzarella cheese pulls with a satisfying balance of price, location, and freshness. I’m here for it. Ranch to dip? Oh man, this brings me back to my Isla Vista days hitting backyard band parties with Woodstock’s pizza and keg beer.

“We plan on adding sandwiches and lots of other sides,” says Christopher “Duke” Kent, Radiant’s tasting room manager and host of Craft & Arts paint nights.

As food trucks can be hit-or-miss at certain breweries, it’s nice to settle into a set menu on most nights with an expectation of consistency and quality with beer-friendly food.

photo – nagel

Radiant Kitchen just launched and is worth checking out. Hit them up at radiantbeer.com 1566 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim