A behind-the-scenes barstool interview with Old Caz Beer Co-Founder Bryan Rengel at the best brewery in Sonoma County, California.
Welcome to the New Tasting Room: Old Caz Beer
Walking into the brand new tasting room of Old Caz Beer, my jaw dropped at the size of the place — it was much bigger than I expected. It’s a slow Monday night in Sonoma, but most of the indoor and outdoor tables are taken. The atmosphere is buzzing with energy and people are clearly enjoying themselves. Our bartender, CJ greets us, and everyone else with a smile, making us feel welcome. The wood and metal decor on the tables and seating, perfectly captures the vibe of Sonoma County. And, as we found out, everything in the space was actually donated, bartered and collected by the founders from the many nooks and crannies of Sonoma.
Bryan, the co-founder of Old Caz Beer, was buzzing around with a warm smile and a handshake that makes you feel like an old friend. Bryan is the personality and spirit of this brewery. His enthusiasm and passion became obvious as he shared stories of grit, creativity, and determination that shaped Old Caz Beer into the best brewery in Sonoma. This is not just a place to grab a pint – it’s a community hub where everyone is invited to enjoy exceptional beers crafted with heart.
It all began when Bryan and Tom (Bryan’s friend and business partner) would chat about their dream of creating a brewery, as they mountain biked around Sonoma. Bryan recalls the early days with a grin, “We started small, pouring our heart and soul into every pint. The tasting room was small and modest, but it was filled with warmth and some great beer.” Despite the limited space, the original tasting room at the Old Caz Beer brewery quickly gained a loyal following.
Old Caz: It’s Been a Journey of Grit and Determination
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing DIY
When COVID-19 hit, Old Caz Beer faced a challenge that many small businesses encountered—they had to shut down their public tasting room. With their main avenue for sharing their brews suddenly closed, Bryan and Tom had to think on their feet. Their solution? Start canning their beer to sell in stores.
Bryan, ever the resourceful co-founder, decided to take on the design task himself. He signed up for a 30-day trial of Adobe Illustrator and, with the help of YouTube tutorials, taught himself how to design. “It was a crash course in graphic design,” Bryan recalls with a laugh. “I knew we needed something that would stand out on the shelves, something bold and memorable.”
The result of Bryan’s hard work is a series of big, bold labels that are as striking as they are functional. Each label is a different color, making it easy for customers to identify their favorite brews without having to remember the often creative names. As in, “Pickup a 4-back of that Old Caz black label”.
This straightforward but vivid design approach ensures that Old Caz beers are immediately recognizable on any shelf. These labels have become a hallmark of the brand, giving the canned beer its distinctive character. “We wanted our cans to be as bold and unique as the beers inside them,” says Bryan. “The response has been fantastic, and the labels continue to perform well on the shelves.”
Old Caz Beer cans are now distributed within a 90-mile radius, reaching from Sonoma and Napa down to San Francisco and Berkeley. The bold designs help the cans stand out in a crowded market, ensuring that the spirit of Old Caz Beer reaches a wide audience. Bryan shares. “What started as a necessity has become a key part of our brand identity.”
From finding free or low-cost brewery parts and tanks on Craigslist, to brewing at breweries 200 miles away when things weren’t working as expected, the stories of overcoming hardships and challenges are printed on the back of each beer. And, like Free Craigs, a tropical IPA, they’re captured in each name.
In true Old Caz fashion, what began as a challenge was turned into an opportunity.
The Inspiration Behind Old Caz Beer
The name “Old Caz Beer” is a reference to Old Cazadero Road, a downright Jurassic path in West Sonoma County. This road connects the two former logging towns of Guerneville and Cazadero, which still retain much of their wild character. For Bryan and his co-founder Tom, Old Cazadero Road is more than just a road; it symbolizes their journey and the spirit of their brewery.
Bryan and Tom were avid cyclists, often riding and racing their bikes around Sonoma. After grueling rides, they’d relax with a pitcher of beer (each!), sharing stories and dreaming up big plans. Their favorite route, Old Cazadero Road, was known for its biodiversity and relentless uphill climb and challenged them every time. This road had mythical status and represents the adventurous spirit of Sonoma they wanted to capture.
By naming their brewery after this legendary road, Bryan and Tom have infused their beers with the same sense of adventure that Old Cazadero Road represents.
Unique Beers that Capture the Best of Sonoma County
It’d be crazy to go through each of the Old Caz beers and rate and review them. We tried about 10 of them, but there are many more varieties. Some are so unique (like the Sours) it’s hard to describe in words how delicious they are. There’s a style for everyone (although no German beer at the moment), even if you’re not an IPA fan (or a beer fan at all!).
My favorite? The Chismosa.
Chismosa: An Award-Winning Mexican Amber Lager
Of the beers I had, the standout brew at Old Caz Beer is called Chismosa. It’s a Mexican Amber Lager that has quickly become a favorite. It’s not just the fans who are singing its praises—Chismosa recently brought home a prestigious gold medal from this year’s World Beer Cup.
With 280 judges evaluating more than 9,000 beers from 2,060 breweries across 50 countries, it took a week for the judges to sift through the entries and award 329 gold, silver, and bronze medals. Among the 262 medals won by U.S. breweries, Chismosa shone brightly in the American-style amber lager category.
Bryan humbly reflects on the win, “Winning a gold medal at the World Beer Cup is great, but it’s not why we’re here. I really want people to enjoy the beer, but I also want them to be part of this experience.”
The Chismosa taste is similar to Dos Equis Amber but has a unique twist that makes it distinctly Old Caz. It’s a light Mexican lager, but has the body and malt profile of a strong beer, and that makes it both refreshing, tastier than a Modelo, and very satisfying.
The bold and colorful label of Chismosa, like all of Old Caz Beer’s designs, is bold and the colors of the Mexican flag. The name “chismosa” is a Spanish word that translates to “gossip” in English, and it playfully refers to a person who enjoys spreading rumors or chatting to pass the time. You can tell Bryan and Tom love to have fun with everything they do.
Fan Favorites and New Creations
“We really pride ourselves on having a beer for every taste (although we were pretty much wiped out from the grand opening party)” said Bryan. In addition to our their brews, they have a selection of other beverages. The Free Craigs and One Way are both IPAs (hazy and West Coast respectively) and the Lavender Radler is technically a “kettle sour ” but it tastes similar to a cider. Different from a typical sour as it’s tart, low alcohol, refreshing and easy to drink on a hot summer day.
Bryan said, “Tom and I had the party house in college and our rule was, ‘we’re having a party, everyone’s invited.'” We’ve really tried to go above and beyond to bring that same mentality to the brewery and to do that, we needed beers of every style, non-beer options.
Old Caz also features local cider, wine, hard kombucha, and several non-alcoholic options. Nitro coffee is on tap regularly, along with homemade root beer and sparkling lavender lemonade.
Old Caz Beers Capture the Best of Sonoma County
At Old Caz Beer, each variety is a labor of love, imagined and brewed to reflect the spirit and flavors of Sonoma County. The journey from concept to pint is a fascinating process that combines creativity, precision, and a respect for local ingredients.
Inspiration
Every beer at Old Caz starts with an idea. Bryan and Tom draw inspiration from their surroundings, experiences, and the rich history of Sonoma County. Whether it’s the rugged beauty of Old Cazadero Road or the hardship they went through to achieve a goal in their life—or the life of the brewery. “We want our beers to tell a story,” said Bryan. “Every one should be a little taste of Sonoma, and every one means something personal to us.”
Local Ingredients
Once the concept is clear, the next step is sourcing the finest ingredients. Old Caz Beer uses local ingredients whenever possible. This supports local farmers but ensures the freshest flavors. From hops and barley to specialty malts and unique adjuncts, every element is chosen with care. “There’s something special about knowing where your ingredients come from,” Bryan explains. “It adds authenticity and a sense of place to our beers.”
Using local ingredients means that Old Caz Beer can craft unique beers that truly reflect the terroir of Sonoma County. From the hops to the barley, every element is carefully selected to create beers that are both distinctive and delicious. “There’s something special about knowing exactly where your ingredients come from,” says Bryan. “It adds a layer of connection and authenticity to our brewing process.”
Innovative Techniques and Sustainability
Innovation is at the heart of Old Caz Beer’s brewing philosophy. Bryan and Tom are constantly experimenting with new techniques and recipes to push the boundaries of what beer can be. This includes exploring sustainable practices, such as recycling spent grain for livestock feed and using energy-efficient equipment. “We’re always looking for ways to improve and minimize our impact on the environment,” Bryan shared.
The brewery is dedicated to implementing sustainability practices that reduce their environmental footprint. This includes various efforts, such as recycling spent grain to local farms for livestock feed and using energy-efficient brewing methods. “We want to make sure we’re doing our part to protect the environment,” Bryan shares. “It’s about ensuring that Sonoma County remains as beautiful and abundant for future generations as it is today.”
Building a Beer Hub in Rohnert Park
From Humble Beginnings to a Spacious New Home
As the brewery’s popularity has grown over the past 6 years, so did the need for a larger space. Bryan’s vision for the new tasting room was clear: create a place where people could not only enjoy great beer but also come together, share stories, and make memories. “We wanted to build something special, a hub for our community where everyone feels at home,” he explains.
The new tasting room in Rohnert Park is the delivery of this vision. The spacious, beautifully decorated venue captures the essence of Sonoma County, with rustic touches and a welcoming vibe. On any given night, the room is filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation as patrons enjoy the wide variety of beers on offer and the delicious food that complements them.
Bryan’s enthusiasm for creating a community hub is evident in every detail. “We’ve put a lot of thought into this space, from the decor to the menu, to ensure it truly represents who we are and what we stand for,” he says. This new chapter for Old Caz Beer is not just about expanding their physical space but about deepening their connection with the community and continuing to share their love for great beer and the incredible place they call home.
Plan Your Visit to the Best Sonoma Brewery – Old Caz Beer
If you’re ready to experience the best brewery Sonoma has to offer, planning a visit to Old Caz Beer’s new brewpub should be at the top of your list. Located in the heart of SOMO Village in Rohnert Park, this vibrant spot is more than just a place to grab a pint—it’s a community hub where you can immerse yourself in the spirit of Sonoma County.
How to Get to the Old Caz Tasting Room, and What to Expect
Getting to the Old Caz Brewpub is a breeze. Situated just west of Sonoma Mountain, the brewpub is easily accessible from various parts of Sonoma and Napa Counties, and even from San Francisco and Berkeley. Ample parking means you won’t have to worry about finding a spot, and the picturesque drive is an added bonus.
Old Caz Beer
1500 Valley House Drive
Rohnert Park, California 94928
Instagram
Old Caz Website
- From Sonoma: Head west on Highway 12, merge onto US-101 South, and take exit 484B for Rohnert Park Expressway. Follow Rohnert Park Expressway and turn left onto Bodway Parkway. SOMO Village will be on your left.
- From Napa: Take CA-29 North to CA-12 West, merge onto US-101 South, and take exit 484B for Rohnert Park Expressway. Follow Rohnert Park Expressway and turn left onto Bodway Parkway. SOMO Village will be on your left.
- From San Francisco: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on US-101 North, take exit 484B for Rohnert Park Expressway. Follow Rohnert Park Expressway and turn left onto Bodway Parkway. SOMO Village will be on your left.
- From Berkeley: Take I-80 East to CA-37 West, then merge onto US-101 North and take exit 484B for Rohnert Park Expressway. Follow Rohnert Park Expressway and turn left onto Bodway Parkway. SOMO Village will be on your left.
Cheers to Old Caz Beer
Bryan sums it up perfectly: “At Old Caz, it’s not just about brewing beer – it’s about living our dream and creating a place where everyone feels like they belong. We’ve always believed that great beer brings people together, and we want to live that every day.”
So, gather your friends, plan your visit, and raise a pint to the next exciting chapter of Old Caz Beer. Cheers! 🍻
What is YOUR favorite Old Caz Beer?
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