The Bruery

Founded in 2008, The Bruery’s name was created from a metamorphosis of founder Patrick Rue’s family surname. Located in Placentia, CA, The Bruery specializes in producing barrel aged, experimental and sour beers. They have developed an impressive reputation for their products.

While studying law, Patrick Rue started homebrewing to create distraction from the stress of law school. Soon he was winning awards for his homebrew creations. Upon finishing school, Patrick decided his passion for craft beer and brewing exceeded his passion for law. Hence, he drew up a business plan and founded The Bruery with his father Mike Rue.

The team constantly challenges themselves to develop distinctive and imaginative beers that stretch or defy the bounds of conventional beer styles. In addition, nearly half of The Bruery’s beers are aged in wine or spirit barrels. Expect flavors reminiscent of the Belgian countryside or classic American distillers. As noted by The Bruery, “barrel aged beers showcase a vast, and often rather intense, spectrum of flavors — from quenching sours to decadent stouts.”

“Each time we sip on a barrel aged beer, we’re savoring the investment of time, energy, and capital that went into it.”

The Bruery celebrates Barrel Aged Beer Day each fall. The event focuses on beers created through the art and science of barrel aging. Read about my visit to their barrel aging facility by clicking here.

Today the company produces over 100 different beers annually, offering a range of styles through The Bruery and its sister brands – Bruery Terreux and Offshoot Beer Company. Located in a separate facility just a few miles from The Bruery, Bruery Terreux focuses on farmhouse-style and oak-aged sour ales fermented with wild yeast strains. The Offshoot Beer Company brand specializes in hoppy beers, especially IPAs and DIPAs.

Just a few of the beers available for purchase to take home.

In 2017, Patrick Rue sold a majority stake to Boston-area private equity firm Castanea Partners. However, Patrick and Mike Rue maintained a substantial amount of equity. Patrick Rue continues to serve as the company’s CEO.

In 2018, The Bruery Store opened at Union Market in Washington, D.C. The location established an East Coast gateway for product sales.

When visiting Southern California, drop by The Bruery and Bruery Terreux tasting rooms. You’ll find The Bruery uses lots of stainless steel and modern texture while Bruery Terreux is all about oak and earth. Stainless steel tanks surround The Bruery Tasting Room. Corrugated steel lines the walls with a few barrels placed about. Whereas,the Bruery Terreux Tasting Room provides an indoor and outdoor drinking space. When you sit inside, you’re immersed in oak barrels because you’re actually in the sour barrel cellar! The decor is rustic with a bit of a European twist in its marble countertops and decorative tap handles.

Try a sample flight!

At either location, you’ll find some delicious beers and a great opportunity for a vacation in a glass!