Bootlegger’s Tasting Room & Pilot Brewery
130 S Highland Ave,
Fullerton, CA 92832
http://www.bootleggersbrewery.com/
Undeniably one of my favorite local breweries. It’s unpretentious, only slightly off the beaten path, and they make some amazing beers.
Location
Located in Downtown Fullerton, parking can be a bit of a hassle on the weekends. Luckily, Bootlegger’s is just down the street from a public parking structure and a few blocks from a train and bus depot. Set back from Commonwealth, the tasting room doesn’t stand out, but if you know what you’re looking for then you’re in for a treat.
Comfort & Decor
This is an industrial warehouse opened up to the air with a garage roll-up. Seating is all picnic tables and communal. They have no AC, so if you come in the summer, be prepared to be standing outside on their patio hoping for a gust of air. On the upside, they have plenty of cold beer. This is a very relaxed setting. Even though downtown Fullerton turns into a busy night spot on the weekends, the club getup is not the norm at Bootleggers. Jeans, tshirts and hoodies are the unspoken dress code. In fact, on Sunday afternoons you’ll find Millennial parents with their dogs and toddlers in tow.
Brews
Here are a few of the beers I’ve tried on various occasions at Bootlegger’s:
Old World Hefeweizen – 5.0% ABV, 8.1 IBU – A simple, traditional and delicious hefe made for everyday enjoyment. It’d go perfectly with a fresh slice of banana bread.
Palomino Pale Ale – 5.5% ABV, 19.5 IBU – A solid go to. Slightly citrus with light hops, but mild on the bite.
Rustic Rye IPA – 6.2% ABV, 90.9 IBU – My boyfriend Rick’s favorite. The earthy and floral notes help balance the hops. It makes for a smooth IPA without any skunk.
Rocco Red Ale — 7.1% ABV, 35.8 IBU – My personal favorite. It’s malty, toasty, flavorful but not heavy and with just enough hops to keep it interesting.
Golden Chaos – 8.5% ABV, 27.5 IBU – Whenever available, we fill up a growler. It’s a strong Belgian golden ale. Rich in fruit and honey flavors. It also can sneak up on you.
Mountain Meadow — 5.5% ABV, 15.7 IBU – Want to try something a little different? Try mixing all the savory herbs in your cupboard with a field of wild flowers, then toss in some honey and a nice pale ale. That’s what this tastes like and it’s refreshing as all get out.
Marketing
Bootlegger’s doesn’t even have a real sign up. At least they didn’t last month. They had a banner sadly flapping in the wind. But, does that impact their patronage? I don’t think so, and if it did, then it does it on purpose. Most people aren’t going to stumble upon Bootlegger’s and wander in. Instead, they are seeking the clientele that knows who they are or specifically came out to find them – therefore no fancy signage is required. It’s their product that will bring forth the masses. They bottle their beer and it can be found at various local retailers and on tap throughout Orange County. Their notoriety is growing on a cult level.
Food
They do not have their own food, but they do have food trucks on the weekends and there’s the Two Saucy Broads pizza parlor next door that will deliver a fresh pie right next to your cold pint.
Entertainment
They are involved with Beer for Boobs, OC Brew HaHa, and various other events throughout the year, but not too much onsite. Periodic events are held on site for different occasions (release parties, birthdays, etc.), but mostly it’s just Bootlegger’s everyday tapping. They have giant Jenga and corn hole toss on the patio and a few old-school video games inside. Oh, and every Wednesday you can drink beer and play Trivia during their weekly trivia night.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a relaxed evening with friends over some unique cold beers, this is the place. Sitting or standing, it’s a comfortable environment filled with a mellow crowd and great beers. Bootlegger’s reminds me of my time in Denver and for a lot of people that’s quite the brewery compliment.
SoCal Brewery Reviews 