Taste the Brew

Orange County has created quite a rep for itself as the home of the best breweries around. Beer aficionados will be glad they made the trip to check out these top spots for suds: • Valiant Brewing Co., Orange: A must try is “The Criterion” which is anchored with honey and rye making it a great option. • Newport Beach Brewing Co., Balboa Peninsula: Beer is brewed only using the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516 known in German as “Reinheitsgebot.” That law states that beer may only contain three ingredients: barley, hops, and water. No preservatives • The Bruery, Placentia: What you have to try: “Saison Rue”. The fruit, the tart, the balance is enough to please the snob and still not offend the novice. • Noble Ale Works, Anaheim: When you get here, go with the Big Whig IPA, which marries tangerine, honey, and rosemary. • Cismontane Brewing Company, Rancho Santa Margarita: The Citizen delivers traditional taste with a hint of mint.