The Bruery - Girl Grey 2024

Girl Grey was first made in 2018 with Top Chef and friend of the Bruery, Brooke Williamson. Girl Grey is a standout example of how The Bruery blends traditional brewing techniques with innovative flavor profiles, reflecting their dedication to pushing boundaries. This Belgian-style ale, infused with the distinctive notes of Earl Grey tea, showcases the brewery’s ability to merge unexpected ingredients while maintaining balance and complexity. The bergamot from the tea provides a bright, citrusy character that pairs harmoniously with the malt and yeast-driven spice of the Belgian ale base, creating a truly unique drinking experience.

Brooke, a key figure in this creation, represents a new wave of culinary innovators who are influencing not just the food world but also craft brewing. By helping to redefine how flavors from different culinary traditions can be integrated into beer, Brooke is expanding the boundaries of what is possible within the craft beer scene. Girl Grey is a testament to this vision, reflecting her influence and creativity, as well as The Bruery's ongoing commitment to experimenting with bold and unusual flavors.

This collaborative spirit and willingness to blend culinary arts with brewing science is part of what has made The Bruery a leader in the craft beer industry. Girl Grey exemplifies their ability to continually innovate and appeal to both beer aficionados and those with more adventurous palates. Girl Grey production is very limited and is exclusively available through the Rare Beer Club and the Bruery’s Hoarders, Reserve, and Preservation clubs.

The Bruery Girl Grey pours a clear, deep, golden-amber color with a creamy off-white head. The head retention is moderate, leaving a slight lacing on the glass. The nose is immediately greeted by a mix of sweet malt, light citrus, and floral notes from the Earl Grey tea. The bergamot from the tea adds a distinct, fragrant aroma, while subtle nutty almond and hints of vanilla from the milk sugar balance the sweetness. Yeasty esters typical of a Belgian-style ale contribute mild clove and banana undertones.

The first sip Girl Grey reveals a delicate sweetness from the milk sugar, which provides a creamy mouthfeel and softens the beer's overall character. Bready malt flavors come through initially, accented by soft caramel and toffee tones. The Earl Grey tea asserts itself more in the middle, with its citrusy bergamot oils lending a bright, slightly bitter edge. This contrasts beautifully with the slight sweetness as the tea’s floral and herbal nuances add complexity. Belgian yeast contributes subtle spice—notes of clove, pepper, and banana—while the almonds provide a nutty warmth, complementing the malt backbone.

Medium to full-bodied, the Girl Grey has a velvety mouthfeel, thanks to the milk sugar. The carbonation is lively but balanced, enhancing the creamy texture. Despite the sweetness, the Earl Grey tea provides a drying effect on the finish, making the beer pleasantly drinkable. Girl Grey finishes smooth, with lingering sweetness from the milk sugar and a soft bitterness from the tea. There’s a touch of almond nuttiness in the aftertaste, paired with a mild warming sensation from the 8.5% ABV, typical of a strong Belgian-style ale.

The Bruery’s Girl Grey is a rich, multi-layered brew that marries the sweetness of milk sugar with the nutty depth of almonds and the bright, floral complexity of Earl Grey tea. It’s a decadent yet well-balanced beer, where each ingredient shines without overpowering the others. Perfect for sipping and savoring, especially in cooler weather.

The potential for aging of Girl Grey is north of five years but it is drinking extremely well now, so there’s no reason to wait. We recommend pairing Girl Grey with roasted duck, almond-crusted halibut, or grilled lamb chops for your main dishes. Brie and Camembert cheeses make a fine accompaniment as well, with London Fog Earl Grey cake for dessert. Cheers!

The Bruery’s rise from a small, obscure operation in Orange County to an internationally recognized craft beer institution is a remarkable story of innovation, risk-taking, and passion for pushing brewing boundaries. Founded in 2008 by Patrick Rue, The Bruery set itself apart early on by focusing on experimental, Belgian-style beers, which were not as widely produced in the U.S. at the time. Their dedication to creativity, including complex barrel-aged ales and unique flavor profiles, captured the attention of adventurous beer drinkers. One of the key elements of The Bruery's influence was its pioneering work in barrel-aging. Their extensive barrel-aging program, producing beers aged in bourbon, wine, and other spirit barrels, gave rise to some of their most iconic offerings. This program helped raise the bar for what craft beer could achieve in terms of complexity and depth of flavor.

In 2015, The Bruery launched Bruery Terreux, a brand dedicated to wild and sour ales, which was a growing trend in the craft beer community. This move allowed them to focus on beers fermented with wild yeast and bacteria, and the brand quickly gained a reputation for excellence in this niche category. The opening of the Bruery Terreux tasting room in Anaheim further solidified their presence in the Southern California craft beer scene and attracted beer tourists from across the country.

The Bruery's focus on membership-based beer clubs like the Reserve Society and Hoarders Society also helped build a dedicated following, allowing fans to access exclusive, limited-edition releases. This model fostered a sense of community and exclusivity, making their beers even more sought after.

Today, The Bruery is a name synonymous with high-quality, innovative brewing. Their influence extends well beyond Orange County, helping to shape the broader U.S. craft beer movement, particularly in the realms of barrel-aged and wild ales. Their continued experimentation and commitment to quality have earned them a place among the most respected breweries in the United States.

Should you be traveling to SoCal, definitely swing by to check out what they’re currently working on. We’ve been following the path of this brewery basically since they first opened, and the continued energy and innovation coming from these folks is inspiring. For more information on The Bruery, visit their website at thebruery.com.