While the George Schirm Bakery Building at 114 N Glassell Street was constructed in 1886, much more went into the creation of 1886 Brewing Company than the age of its building in Old Town Orange. A great deal of foresight, vision, hard work, planning, dedication and support helped its formulation as a community hub.

In speaking with co-owner Mike Hernandez about the origin of 1886, he shared that ever since he and business partner Drew Ciora opened Smoqued BBQ (just two doors north of 1886) in 2012, he felt that the area was in need of a community brewpub; a need he hoped to fill at some point.

Having worked for many years in brewpubs that were centers of their own communities, the goal was to craft something similar in Old Town Orange; an unpretentious destination offering world class beer, food, drink and sports that could be enjoyed by everyone, including families.

When the 1886 Building came available in early 2020 it was time to bring those goals to fruition. Mike expressed his appreciation for the 1886 family and customer base for their support during the pandemic and assisting in bringing 1886 to the point it is today.

Securing Shaun Morgan as the brewer served to complete the plans Hernandez and Ciora had for realizing their vision.

The Brewer & The Beer

Shaun Morgan’s ESB and brown ale recipes, both brewed in the British-style, have been longtime companions, with him since his kitchen home brewing days. He has continued to work on perfecting those and other recipes over the years as his professional career has unfolded.

Since taking the reins as head brewer at 1886 Brewing, more-recent tweaks resulted in his taking home a Bronze medal from last year’s Great American Beer Festival for Elleigh’s ESB, followed by a Gold plaque from this year’s World Beer Cup for Record Beer Brown Ale (British Brown Porter category).

In speaking with Shaun after his WBC achievement, he was quick to point out the valuable input received from Jeff Bagby (Bagby Beer Co) in further developing his brown ale stylistically for competition. He began brewing his brown on a professional level while at Kern River Brewing. Not thrilled with its hops profile, he reached out Jeff for input. Jeff suggested changing up the hops to impart a more-British presentation.

Brunch Saturday and Sundays 10AM-2PM
BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS
MICHELADAS
3 COURSE BRUNCH
BRUNCHUTERIE BOARD
& LUNCH FAVORITES

Happy Hour Monday through Friday 3PM to 6PM - $7 appetizers
Taco Tuesday $3 Carne Asada, Pollo Asada or Potato, $1.50 Charro Beans
Plan your next event with us!

Brewer Shaun Morgan and Chef Luis Perez.
Thanks for joining us!

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