Barley Forge Brewing Co. is closing

First thing that came to my mind was the employees walking out a few months back.

This doesn't bode well for the other breweries in the area. BF was always packed and had distribution in Costco, Mother's et al.

 

This was announced in a buried thread earlier. But ya, I’m surprised. They were always packed, and my local Mother’s always had Grandpa Tractor stocked which I enjoyed. Meanwhile Gunwhale across the street, I’ve never seen them too crowded, but they just opened up a new location in Orange. Go figure.

 

Definitely a s surprise, but there must be more factors than just rent. Otherwise, why not just re-locate than just shut down.

But its hard to believe it's also not related at all to the employees that walked out.


One things for sure, will miss the Patsy.

 

I'd only been once or twice. Based on what I tried there, I would have had them on my brewery deadpool. The fact that it was always busy is a bit of a surprise to me but I've seen other places like that. Right mix of decent food, passable beer, and good atmosphere can carry a place a long ways.

I'd say I'll miss The Patsy, but I've had Death by Coconut. I'm good.

Best of luck to these folks.

 

RIP Barley Fart....
Here's my thoughts from the New OC Breweries Worth Visiting

 

I feel bad for Kevin, he's a good brewer.

 

I can't believe they're shutting down while Gunwhale is still open, some of their first cans literally had sand in them.

 

Wow I had a friend head down to SD a few weeks ago, brought me back a mixed 6 pack of theirs. Apparently my first and last Barley Forges.

 

Monkish is moving there.

 

Henry?

Or maybe the boys at Modern Times May be interested in the Barley Fart location? They’d be open before the LeisureWorld location in Anaheim.

 

Notorious for treating employees bad, and never really experimented beyond their initial launch beers to keep people coming back. Patsy was fun back in 2014, but I don't remember anything exciting beyond that.

 

maybe Three Chiefs can move in

 

If Monkish moved there, they’d be a lot closer to me...and I still wouldn’t go.

 

Do you have that on good authority?

 

not happening

 

I wonder if that was the location that electric brewing was considering before they landed on Temecula.
Also, i like gun'z idea of MTs ditching anaheim and opening up in CM. Ive been optimistic of Ballast Points LB location crumbling and MTs taking over that spot but i doubt that ever happens. That place is still packed all the time. CM, LB... Who cares just ditch anaheim!

 

Wow this is a total shocker!! I chalk it up to bad business management since I've been supporting them since the first week they opened and in all honesty the place is standing room only most weekends.. They had a nice vibe, great food, family friendly and although beers where not A++ they were good enough. You could find Patsy and a few other cans in most liquor stores throughout OC. Usually places that face a rent increase just move so it has to be more then just that.....

 

Not sad about this one. While I don't celebrate a brewery closing, I have no problems with Barley Forge going away. The beers were mediocre and never changed, the tap room was meh, and apparently the ownership was downright awful. Gunwhale, Barley Forge, and Bootlegger's are much better options in the area.