{"id":119066,"date":"2025-03-08T02:27:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-08T02:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/beer\/bearded-tang-in-stanton-delivers-top-notch-mexican-lager-so-cal-craft-beer-blog\/"},"modified":"2025-03-08T02:27:12","modified_gmt":"2025-03-08T02:27:12","slug":"bearded-tang-in-stanton-delivers-top-notch-mexican-lager-so-cal-craft-beer-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=119066","title":{"rendered":"Bearded Tang in Stanton Delivers Top-Notch Mexican Lager \u2013 So Cal Craft Beer Blog"},"content":{"rendered":" \r\n
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By Stephanie Thara Metzinger<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by Stephanie<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Located in an eclectic public market in the small city of Stanton, Bearded Tang Brewing<\/a><\/strong> is one of the most unassuming breweries in Orange County. Bearded Tang\u2019s vast beer selection offers something for everyone \u2013 from a hop-forward pale ale to a juicy hazy and even a non-alcoholic crisp kolsch.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The brewery\u2019s mascot, \u201cFil,\u201d is a Blue Tang fish that serves as the welcome committee to Bearded Tang patrons and fellow beer lovers.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Every time I visit Bearded Tang, I am impressed at how many different types of beers are on tap. Even more astounding is that each beer delivers a top-notch flavor; you\u2019ll be hard pressed to taste a beer that you didn\u2019t like. Bearded Tang is unique not only in its beers, but the brewery has a mascot, \u201cFil,\u201d a Blue Tang fish who adorns the walls of the brewery area and atop each of the brewery\u2019s taps acting as Bearded Tang\u2019s welcome crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Beer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I visited Bearded Tang right before Christmas, and on this particular Tour De Fil, I indulged in the 4-taster flight. I selected a Lager, Pilsner, Hefeweizen and IPA and also did a half pour of the Pale Ale. Here\u2019s a rundown of each, in order of my favorite to least favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by Stephanie<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Carlos Danger<\/strong> [Mexican-Style Lager]<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you think of a Mexican beer, you probably think of Dos Equis or Corona, whose single note beer can only be spruced up by a lime. This is not that.<\/strong> The Carlos Danger is more of a mildly sweet blonde ale which has a subtle burst of new flavors at each sip. From the first sip to minutes after the last, your taste buds will be rejoiced with a set of rolling flavors that yield a creamy undertone. It\u2019s no wonder it won the 2022 GABF Silver Medal, as it\u2019s absolutely delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tank\u2019d <\/strong>[West Coast IPA]<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tank\u2019d is designated as the brewery\u2019s flagship IPA with the \u201cWesty\u201d hops of Citra, Mosaic and Nectaron. Though it\u2019s 7.2% ABV, you wouldn\u2019t expect it as it\u2019s a crushable IPA that has a nice balance between citrus and pine. If I had one gripe about Bearded Tang though, it would be that it only had one West Coast IPA on tap. I like other IPA options beyond Hazys and DIPAs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Original Hazy<\/strong> [German Hefeweizen]<\/em> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I love myself a full-bodied Hef that hits hard with notes of banana and clove\u2026and the OG Hazy is just that. This beer is light, yet heavy on the flavor, with the ideal amount of sweetness that German Hefs are typically known for.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Bearded Tang offers a 4-flight taster. (l to r) Carlos Danger, OG Hazy, Ausflippen, Tank\u2019d. Photo by Stephanie<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Ausflippen<\/strong> [German Pilsner]<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A traditional German-Style Pilsner that hits the mark if you are looking for a light, crisp, refreshing Pilsner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Total Pailure<\/strong> [American Pale Ale]<\/em> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A very hop-forward Pale Ale with a subtle malty vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On my next visit (and yes, I will be returning many of times in the future), I would like to try the German Black Lager and Mexican Amber Lager. For non-beer lovers, the brewery also offers fun drinks such as a hard seltzer slushy, rose wine slushy as well as an ample seltzer, cider and wine selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ambiance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The unique thing about Bearded Tang is that it\u2019s located right smack dab in the middle of Rodeo 39, an open market with dozens of unique food and dessert locations, niche shops, an arcade, full bar and ample seating. The brewery opened in September 2020 and is situated alongside an exceptional curation of 15 or so other artisanal food and drink vendors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can grab a beer, walk around the shops and soak up the alcohol with a tasty meal or small bites. From ramen or pizza to Mexican fusion or Hawaiian, you\u2019ll find a perfect food pairing for your beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Brewers<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Jerrod and Jordan, courtesy of Bearded Tang website.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The masterminds behind Bearded Tang\u2019s tasty selections are the two brewers: Jerrod Larsen and Jordan Friesen. Head Brewer Jerrod, a 13-year veteran of the Orange County brewing scene, is known for his creative approach and has designed dozens of unique brews over the years as well as classic style beers. Assistant Brewer Jordan is a bit greener, with only 5 years as a brewer, but his integral role in creating innovative beers has brought home medals for the brewery. Jerrod and Jordan are also joined by Kyle Coltrain, who is Bearded Tang\u2019s cellarman and serves as a vital part of the brewing team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of medals, Bearded Tang has racked up quite a few awards. Its award-winning beers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n