You'll Really Want to Sip the Anaheim Craft Beer Trail

  

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Tucked away in laid-back, sunny California lies a secret world for hop enthusiasts. While all of Orange County seems to be crushing the beer scene, Anaheim is one of the fastest growing hot spots in the U.S. for craft breweries.

With a city that revels in its German heritage, it’s no surprise that Anaheim is bursting with breweries that have called the city home since the 1990s, alongside new hipster Belgian hot spots. As the brew scene continues to grow, Canadian Traveller has sussed out the latest and greatest for our unofficial Anaheim Craft Beer Trail, accompanied by activities that just might inspire a cold brew. Read on for spots that will leave you buzzing - literally. 
  

Anaheim Brewery

Anaheim Brewery 

Must-try beers: 1888 and Hefeweizen
Address: 3830, 336 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim
Pair it with this attraction: MUZEO

If you’re in search of one of the aforementioned hipster hot spots, Anaheim Brewery is not for you. In fact, they pride themselves on being un-hip. They don’t chase trends, but instead focus on classic brews to be shared with friends. While Anaheim Brewery originally opened their doors in the 1870s, the Prohibition caused them to fold in the 1920s. A native couple who heard of the story reopened a brewery with the same name in 2011 to celebrate its history. Today, it’s their relaxed beer garden and taproom that draws in the crowd with European-style ales on tap.
  

Backstreet Brewing

Backstreet Brewery

Must-try beers: Late to the Party Citra IPA
Address: 1884 S Santa Cruz St, Anaheim
Pair it with this attraction: Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center

While once a popular brewing arm of the pizza-parlour chain Lamppost Pizza, the company quietly fizzled out during the ‘90s brewpub era. But they’re back as of 2015 with a brewery and tasting room just a stone throw from the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center. Now, Canadians can purchase either their red ale or IPA at the local big-box stores on any Southland road-trip or if you find yourself at a local Angels game, be sure to stop in and grab a pitcher, along with a bite at the on-site food trucks.
  

Unsung Brewing Co.

Unsung Brewing Co. 

Must-try beers: TROGLODYTE, NATURIA
Address: 500 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim
Pair it with this attraction: Anaheim Packing House

If you want to drink like the locals, this brewery is for you. Inspired by superheros and everyday heroes, you can find these brewers hard at work to bring the ale geeks both ultra tropical IPAs and approachable beer — and these ales are meant for newbies and seasoned beer veterans alike. It’s clear based on the taproom that the nostalgia of hero mythologies fuel the heart of the Unsung operation. They serve up small batch R&D beers, as well as their core beers. Also featured on tap; cold brew coffee from local roaster friends. Your palate-senses will be tingling!
  

Bruery Terreux

Bruery Terreux

Must-try beers: Fredrick H
Address: 1174 N Grove St, Anaheim
Pair it with this attraction: Yorba Regional Park

This brewery was created with the intention of exploring distinctive sour beer fermentation. With small batches and a shorter period of taste testing time, you’ll want to frequent Bruery Terreux more than once. Founded on an exciting revitalization of age-old traditions blended with newly forging practices, this brewery focuses on wild beers—something that is incredibly hard to find. From popsicle-style sour ales to oak aged grisette with flowers, you can guarantee you’re in for a unique bar experience.
  

Legends Craft Brewery 

Legends Craft Brewery 

Must-try beers: Any Lager
Address: 1301 S Lewis St, Anaheim
Pair it with this attraction: Disneyland Resort

The fame of Legends Brewing started with just one solid American lager, made in Costa Mesa and sold exclusively to big-box stores. But as demand grew, owner Jay Talley knew he had to open a place to feed (err, drink?) the masses. Today, the Legends Craft Brewery features a tasting room with a communal table and enough space to make multiple lagers. The most unique brew available? A black lager called Sable, plus the Aurora Red lager can’t be missed.
  

Noble Ale Works

Noble Ale Works 

Must-try beers: Nose Candy (2015 GABF Bronze Medal)
Address: 1621 Sinclair St B, Anaheim
Pair it with this attraction: Honda Center

Steps from the Honda Center where the Anaheim Ducks play, this is the perfect game day location. Not only is this brewery convenient, but it also holds the title of "best small brewery" in the World from the 2016 World Beer Cup. This world-class institution continues to churn out entirely unique combinations—whether your drink of choice is an IPA, pilsner, milk stout or hop. Their tasting room features 20 limited edition beers at all time, making this a must stop.
  

Golden Road Brewing Co.

Golden Road Brewing Co. 

Must-try beers: So Cal Coconut Wheat, Melon Cart
Address: 2210 E Orangewood Ave, Anaheim
Pair it with this attraction: Angel Stadium

If baseball is more your sport of choice, Golden Road Brewing Co. is the place to be. Just a quick jaunt from famous Angel Stadium, this brewery is the perfect spot for a game day or pre-concert drink. Serving up unique seasonal brews, the Fruit Cart series is not to be missed. With flavours like pineapple, watermelon and mango on the menu, it’s hard to find a more refreshing beer joint in the summertime—just don’t forget to order a side of the truffle pancetta mac.