Stanislaus County Brew Tour
Back before the prohibition, a town wasn’t really considered a town until it had its own brewery. Then, when alcohol was banned, we lost our little breweries. We live in exciting times, as we have gone back to our roots, with breweries opening up throughout the Central Valley. Take a tour of the breweries in Stanislaus County. All of these breweries have become the much-needed home for live music, so check their calendar to see who is playing.
Black Orchid Brewing 2101 Sylvan Ave, Suite 106A, Modesto. Well-executed beer, friendly staff, and dog-friendly. They can make 25,000 gallons a year and serve it to you fresh and icy on their 12 taps. With flavors like Honey Lavender, Thai Tea, Jackfruit Stout, and all the traditional styles you know and love, like IPAs, Cream Ales, Lager, and Pilsner, they have a style for everyone. “We want to share our love of beer. If we make it and don’t like it, we won’t serve it. If it’s on tap, then we love it.” Thurs 5-9:00 pm, Fri 2-9 pm,
Sat 1-9 pm, Sun 1-7 pm @blackorchidbrewing
Blaker Brewing 1063 Montclaire Dr, Ceres. Good service, good beer, good scene. Founded by Tom Lucas and Mike Lucas in 2015, Blaker Brewing’s roots sprouted in the farming community and transitioned over to home-brewing. Blaker Brewing began as a concept in the refurbished milking parlor, and over the next two years, they continued to refine recipes and pour at local non-profit events. They grow their own hops, stone fruit, and almonds, and source ingredients locally. I recommend their Orange Blossom IPA or the Upton Imperial Stout. Mon 4-9 pm, Wed 4-9 pm, Thu 4-11 pm, Fri 2-12 am, Sat 1-12 am, and Sun 11-9 pm @blakerbrewing
Contentment Brewing Co. 208 Campus Way, Modesto. Great beer, fun atmosphere. Contentment Brewing is all about the custom flavors. It is about the small craft brew batches that allow founder/owner and brewer Alejandro Serrato to create a fantastic experience and connect with the people in his neighborhood. There are 18 beers on tap, along with root beer and cream soda, all brewed in the Contentment facility near MJC on the Campus Way loop. In the shadow of the famous grain elevators. Try the Murphy’s Howelling at the Moon, a classic style Pale Ale, or the Honey Dunkel, a dark wheat Dunkelweizen. Mon/Wed/Thurs 4 to 9, Fri 4 to 10 pm, Sat 12 to 10, Sun 12 to 6 pm @contentmentbrewing
Dustbowl Brewing Co. 3000 Fulkerth Rd, Turlock Great beers, friendly service, and fantastic food. The Central Valley’s local gem, based in Turlock, has become a statewide sensation thanks to its distinctive Dust Bowl-era names. It’s a great place to bring your kids, family, and furry friends. Hops of Wrath and Taco Truck are go-to, but may I suggest the Tank You Very Much Mega India Pale Ale or the Tomorrow’s Clear Tropical IPA? Mon-Thurs 4-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 11 am-9 pm @dustbowlbrewingco
Dying Breed Brewing, 963 Shepard Ct, Suite B, Oakdale. Beer is always good, food trucks are amazing, and the service is stellar. Dying Breed is a place for the community to come together and enjoy each other’s company using the three pillars of good ol’ Oakdale tradition: excellent beer, excellent music, and excellent company. Try their Tiki Twist Sour or the Hoarder Porter Coffee Porter. Hours: Wed & Thurs 3-9 pm, Fri 3-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-7 pm @dyingbreedbrewing
18Seventy Brewing Co. 911 J Street, Modesto. Great atmosphere to sit back and enjoy some wonderfully crafted beer with your friends and family. Bridgette Berry has been in the alcohol industry for over 15 years with a background in fermentation. With most of the 20-plus beers on tap being brewed in-house. They recently tapped their first Doppelbock, the Doppelgänger, and might I suggest their Pie Seltzer series if it’s still on tap? They also make a great Detroit-style pizza to pair with any of their drinks…