Drinks 2026 | Edible Notables

A Welcome Winter Lair

Sip classic ales in a wooded Sierra Nevada setting.

Tucked in California’s Sierra Nevada, in a tiny corner of Plumas County called Blairsden, sits The Brewing Lair, a wooded “lair” and mainly outdoor brewery open to the public. On gifted land, Susan and Rich DeLano have built a hideaway in the woods — one that tends to get busy on weekends. While summer proves more fruitful for the business, the DeLanos keep weekend hours through winter as well, beckoning the local community and visitors to escape to a winter wonderland quite unlike any other.

For many, The Brewing Lair is a magical place, built on a dream and with a unique combination of skills between husband and wife, including years of experience in the San Diego beer industry. The brew operations sit on 15 acres of forested land near State Routes 70 and 89. The property has been developed over the years to include a nine-hole disc golf course, hiking trails, a slack line, table tennis, cornhole, a merchandise store, and a stage, which sometimes sees visiting talent.

Even when it’s cold outside, people flock to the venue, bringing their own food to cook on the communal grills or takeout pizza and other local delicacies from Graeagle and nearby. Families spread out on long picnic tables, their mittened hands wrapped around icy beers or warm cups of steaming hot cocoa for young guests. While children play on a ski swing built into the trees, adults can enjoy warm and cold beverages in the serene escape just minutes from town.

Some New, Some Old
Open since 2012, the property has undergone several renovations to include cabin-like outhouses and a firepit to warm your hands. The beer, however, has stayed the same, focused on classics rather than fads.

“We stick to stretching classic styles only a tad bit,” Susan says. “You won’t find anything in the fruit-smoothie department at TBL.”

Rich brews everything on site, in a pristine but small 15-barrel brewhouse. In the winter months, Susan suggests either sampling the Deep Cover, a crisp yet dark IPA with a roasted malt backbone, or pretending you’re in the tropics and not freezing your buns off by ordering the BLT — Belgian Tripel, a tropical ale with a little sweetness.

“We keep it simple,” Susan says. “If you’re looking for a place to relax, where your kids can build forts in the woods and your dogs can enjoy the fresh air under tall pines, all while you enjoy a beer or craft mocktail, then we’re your place.”

The Brewing Lair is open weekends only, noon to sundown, Nov. 1 – May 1, with extended hours (including weekdays) for the rest of the year.

The Brewing Lair · 530-394-0940 · Thebrewinglair.com