Sour beer at the Bruery in Placentia

Assistant brewer Jay Goodwin attends to a batch of beer at the Bruery.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Patrick Rue, owner of the Bruery, draws a sample of a sour beer from the barrel in which it is being aged. The Bruery is just more than a year old. The fermenting techniques it uses might date back to the 6th millennium BC.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Bruery lead brewer Travis Smith checks on a batch’s progress.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Belgian and German beers inspire many of the craft brews at the Bruery, but ideas are likely to come from just about anywhere, according to the company’s website and blog, www.thebruery.com. The store/tasting room is at 715 Dunn Way in Placentia. Phone: (714) 996-MALT.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)