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2 of L.A.’s early craft breweries celebrate five years of making beer

The Eagle Rock Brewery's label stands out on a frosty glass of beer from the tap.
The Eagle Rock Brewery’s label stands out on a frosty glass of beer from the tap.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
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Time flies when you’re drinking craft beer. Believe it or not, it’s been five years since the first of Los Angeles’ craft brewing operations started making beer, and two of them are throwing parties to celebrate their anniversaries.

When Eagle Rock Brewery in Glassell Park opened in 2010, there wasn’t much of a craft brewing scene in Los Angeles. ERB is considered the first production brewery operating within Los Angeles’ city limits during the current wave of growth in the beer industry.

Over the years, the close-knit Eagle Rock team has developed a loyal following of craft beer fans, fine-tuned a half a dozen core brands of beer, and provided invaluable advice and encouragement to nearly every brewery that’s opened in L.A. since.

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It has also launched an exciting sour beer program and just opened the Eagle Rock Brewery Public House — an extension of the ERB brand on Colorado Street in Eagle Rock that serves up serious chef-driven cuisine alongside Eagle Rock Brewery’s food-friendly beers.

Fans can celebrate Eagle Rock Brewery’s influence on the craft beer scene in Los Angeles on Sunday when it hosts a fifth anniversary party and tapping of this year’s anniversary brew: Populist XL.

The super-sized version of the brewery’s flagship IPA measures 11% alcohol and has all the hop flavor to match. The party starts at noon, and $20 admission includes three drink tickets and the obligatory commemorative glass. Proceeds from ticket and beer sales will benefit the Pedal Pushers, a group that helps provide adaptive tricycles for children and adults with disabilities, according to its Facebook page.

Also celebrating the five-year milestone is the Conejo Valley’s first brewpub: Ladyface Ale Companie. The Agoura Hills craft beer destination is known for excellent house beers (many in the Belgian and French brewing tradition), its gastropub-style dishes, and having one of L.A.’s best beer-friendly patios. There are few better spots to sip on a restorative brew after a long day exploring the nearby tracks and trails.

The weeklong “Putting Down Roots” celebration at Ladyface begins Sunday and will include anniversary glasses, a brewhouse hangout and tour, a brewmaster’s dinner and live music.

Playing off the traditional fifth anniversary gift of wood, the special commemorative brew created by Ladyface brewmaster David Griffiths, “La Dame du Bois,” is a blend of Belgian dark strong ales that have been aged in used California red wine barrels for a year.

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