Cismontane Brewing Company

 

 

The beers are decent, the ambiance seems in progress still, but the service is exceptional. Worth checking out.

Just as friendly and knowledgeable with the beers as their other location in Rancho Santa Margarita. Great staff.

Although its location may be difficult to find at first (suited behind the Pep Boys in the same building), Cismontane Santa Ana is a welcoming addition to the area. I enjoy Rancho Santa Margarita, however it isn't the easiest of drives. Not only is this location more convenient, the taproom is larger and there are extra tap handles. Despite being operational and holding into the woodsy Cismontane theme, another part of the taproom was closed off and looked like it was still be refurbished. Time will tell whether that becomes a second brewhouse, extra tables, or a barrel aging room.

15 different taps, all pouring Cismontane beer. In addition, 15 bottled options area available for taproom drinking or carryout. Note that not all bottled beers are consumable on-site; if the same beer is on-tap, you can only buy the bottle for carryout. But there's plenty to like. Standards like the Coulter IPA, XPA, The Citizen, Black's Dawn were pouring, while additional rotating options (tap and/or bottled) included Double Rainbow, Black's Twilight, Belgian Apple Pie, the Single Malt Series, and Dead Santa. Of the three I tried, the Double Rainbow was the standout, and quickly became my new favorite of Cismontane. Beers are poured in standard shaker pints and half-pints, and growlers are available for a few of the beers.

I received much needed clarity on the Single Malt Series thanks to the bartender. On the other hand, he was the only one I saw manning the bar on a Saturday night. I did have to queue for my final purchase of two bottles to go, although the place wasn't every seat occupied busy.

Cismontane Santa Ana; close to the airport, close to the beach, close to The District, and close to my apartment. I'll be back again.