Moonlight Brewing Company: Craft Beer Excellence in SF

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Founded in 1992 by brewmaster Brian Hunt, Moonlight Brewing Company has been a stalwart of the San Francisco craft beer scene for over three decades. With a commitment to traditional brewing processes and a focus on quality, Moonlight Brewing has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest handcrafted ales and lagers in Northern California.

Key Points

  • Moonlight Brewing Company is a key player in the San Francisco craft beer scene
  • Signature beers include Death & Taxes Black Lager, Reality Czeck Pilsner, and Bombay By Boat IPA
  • The brewery has shown resilience through challenges, including the Wine Country fires

The Beers of Moonlight Brewing Company

Death & Taxes Black Lager: A San Francisco-style black lager known for its light body and drinkability, Death & Taxes drinks like iced coffee but with a different effect.

Reality Czeck Pilsner: A traditional Czech-style Pilsner celebrated for its authenticity and quality, Reality Czeck showcases Moonlight Brewing’s commitment to continental brewing traditions.

Bombay By Boat IPA: An IPA that perfectly balances malt and hops, reflecting Brian Hunt’s brewing philosophy of creating harmonious, subtle beers.

Seasonal and Special Brews: Moonlight Brewing also offers a range of seasonal beers, including the Homegrown Wet Hop Ale, made with locally-grown hops, and the Working for Tips Redwood Ale, a unique beer brewed just once a year.

The Brewing Philosophy and Process

Brian Hunt’s Approach: As a traditionalist and purist, Brian Hunt’s philosophy towards brewing emphasizes balance, subtlety, and respect for classic beer styles.

Traditional Techniques: Moonlight Brewing utilizes a direct fire copper kettle and places a strong emphasis on aging and fermentation processes to create beers with depth and character.

Small Batch Excellence: By focusing on small batch brewing, Moonlight Brewing maintains a high level of quality control and ensures that each beer is crafted to perfection.

The Taproom Experience

Visiting the Santa Rosa Brewery: Located at 3350 Coffey Lane in Santa Rosa, the Moonlight Brewing taproom is open Tuesday through Sunday, offering visitors a chance to sample the brewery’s latest creations.

Tasting and Tours: In addition to the taproom, beer enthusiasts can experience Moonlight Brewing’s beers through craft beer tours in San Francisco and the surrounding area.

Events and Community: Moonlight Brewing regularly hosts events at its Santa Rosa brewery and actively participates in the wider craft beer community.

Distribution and Availability

Local Focus: Moonlight Brewing’s distribution strategy primarily focuses on Northern California, with a strong presence in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Finding Moonlight Beers: Moonlight Brewing Company beers can be found on tap at select locations across the Bay Area, and in cans at the brewery and at retailers throughout the region.

Expansion and Partnerships: In 2016, Moonlight Brewing entered into a partnership with Lagunitas Brewing Company, which has helped to expand the brewery’s distribution while maintaining its commitment to quality and independence.

Moonlight Brewing and the Community

Volunteer and Relief Efforts: Moonlight Brewing has been actively involved in community volunteer and relief efforts, particularly during the devastating Wine Country fires.

Craft Beer Community Involvement: As a key member of the San Francisco craft beer scene, Moonlight Brewing contributes to and supports the wider craft beer community through collaborations, events, and knowledge-sharing.

The Future of Moonlight Brewing Company

Innovation and Tradition: As Moonlight Brewing looks to the future, the brewery aims to balance its commitment to traditional brewing practices with a spirit of innovation, exploring new beer styles and techniques.

Sustainability and Growth: Moonlight Brewing is dedicated to sustainable practices and thoughtful growth within the craft beer industry, ensuring that the brewery can continue to produce high-quality beers for years to come.

FAQ

What are the taproom hours for Moonlight Brewing Company?

The Moonlight Brewing taproom in Santa Rosa is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 4-9pm Tuesday-Thursday, 3-10pm on Fridays, 12-10pm on Saturdays, and 12-8pm on Sundays.

Can I find Moonlight Brewing Company beers outside of Santa Rosa?

Yes, Moonlight Brewing Company beers can be found on tap at select locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and in cans at retailers across the region.

What makes Death & Taxes Black Lager unique?

Death & Taxes is a San Francisco-style black lager, known for its light body and drinkability. It has been described as drinking like iced coffee, but with a different effect.

How does Moonlight Brewing Company contribute to the local community?

Moonlight Brewing has been actively involved in community volunteer and relief efforts, particularly during the Wine Country fires. The brewery also supports the wider craft beer community through collaborations, events, and knowledge-sharing.

Are there any gluten-reduced options available at Moonlight Brewing Company?

While Moonlight Brewing Company does not specifically produce gluten-reduced beers, they do offer a range of styles that may be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. It’s always best to check with the brewery directly for the most up-to-date information on their offerings.

SF Citizen Team

About the author

SF Citizen is your local guide to San Francisco, leading you through the city's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant experiences. From the historic echoes of the Gold Rush era to stunning hikes in Muir Woods and the rich culinary scene, we provide meticulously curated explorations of this dynamic city. Whether you're planning your next adventure, considering a move, or exploring from afar, SF Citizen navigates you through the diverse neighborhoods, cultural scenes, and outdoor activities, helping you discover and connect with the city's soul.