Gunwhale Ales - Costa Mesa

That's great news - would be great to have another option over that way. That said, the parking at Barley Forge (and that neighborhood) is currently a nightmare, so hopefully they'll figure something out when they build it out. I understand that the zoning issues for Barley Forge were a headache to navigate, so I am surprised someone else decided to open up over there (unless Barley Forge did the heavy lifting with the city and paved the way to make it easier for others).

 

Yeah, Barley Forge did some heavy lifting (addition of kitchen, etc), but I think that had more to do with logistics than anything. I think the location of Gunwhale will allow food trucks, so that headache is erased for them. I think I also saw somewhere where the Gunwhale folks were establishing something with the nearby businesses to allow for parking in their spots when those businesses are closed. I could be making that up, though.

 

http://www.gunwhaleales.com/news/2016/10/7/our-tasting-room

 

Per the very clear post by @F2brewers, this thread should be called "Gunwhale Ales."

Pretty simple, really.

EDIT: Looks like someone already started one.

 

Man I hope so regarding parking, that general area is hell trying to find parking on a weekend with the camp nearby.

As for what @AlexM @eLeMeNOhPee1 @Rollzroyce21 were saying, perhaps we can do monthly/quarterly/yearly format and still call it "LA/OC release" or perhaps more specifically "LA/OC Bottle Drops" as some of us may frequent our local bottle shop/supermarket more than the actual brewery.

 

Regarding parking.....it will be a mess. There is a nightclub right in front of Gunwhale. So in the parking lot area it will be very limited. Maybe less than what those are use to at HpB lot. I think the other issue is the club is open at nights (not sure if its every night, but weekends I'm pretty sure it is) so the parking lot is for night club use only. Meaning that Gunwhale hours may be limited on weekends due to parking in the area. Been there a few times already to see how progress is going. I think its going to be very cool brewery/tasting room with outdoor patio. Derek is anxious to get his beers out again.

 

Anyhow, did I miss it or did Gunwhale open yesterday?

 

Not yet J. Soon.

 

Thanks for the anticipation everyone. We will be open imminently, announcing it within a week or two, so hang on.

Parking is fine for us. The area is busy but we have a large lot dedicated to us (30+spots). At first we won't operate when Commissary does, which is late on 2-3 nights a week. There is also a parking structure in the works a few doors down. Look forward to having you guys taste the beer, the pilot batches have been getting a lot of praise.

 

Grand opening weekend has been announced for November 19 & 20. 11am-830pm for both days. More information can be found on their FB page and IG.

 

A parking structure in that part of Costa Mesa?? Hipsters will be pissed...food/beer taste better when you have to steal a parking spot from a handicapped grandma.

 

Just happen to be at their soft opening last night. Place was packed with friends & family invite only. 4 beers on tap. Had 3 of the 4 (Hoppy Saison, Bait Ball IPA & The Bend IIPA). All good. But damn that Bend was good for 4 pours. Congrats to Justin, JT & Bobby for a beautifully done brewery in OC. And to Derek for his awesome beers. Check them out this weekend for their grand opening.

 

Was thinking about coming by here this weekend. Maybe next. Anybody have any insight / thoughts? Seemed to have some interest before they opened, and haven't heard a thing since . Cheers!

 

Solid beers, but nothing that's outstanding on it's own. Bait ball was a great IPA, but it's not done as a west coast style. They seem to be aiming for more of a funky beer portfolio, so I am looking forward to how things develop with time.

They do have a crowler system ready to go, and most things are priced at either $11 or $12. No flights, it'll just be a 4oz pour in a tulip glass, which is better then drinking out of a shot glass.

 

Nice, and thanks for the response! I'm a fan of the funky, so I think I'll give it a go. Not to mention the Crowlers. I wish every brewery would have them damnit! Cheers

 

I've been there 4 times since it's opening. Bait Ball is a solid IPA. Not in the same ballpark as BW or Noble or some of the others. But I like it better than Barley Forge and few others. I also like their Oyster Stout. Can't remember the name off hand.Derek Testerman is the brewer and his DIPA should be out soon. Love the Crowlers.

 

Yea Riip just got them and Noble is supposed to have them early next year.

 

I didn't try anything there I didn't like, but nothing blew me away either - some real potential, though, especially with the funky farmhouse and saison beers. Also, make sure you walk over to Tenkatori Karaage afterwards for some great fried gizzards and tendons (or just karaage chicken if the "alternative parts" aren't your thing).