The Backroom: Valley Brewers’ New Speakeasy

Head past the malt, hops, and grain to a private door, where beer nirvana awaits. Owned and operated by home-brew retailers Sandy Harrison and Chris Kelly of Valley Brewers, The Backroom is an intimate tasting room located inside their Solvang home-brew shop, and both are a haven for amateurs and industry veterans alike.

“We wanted The Backroom to be a place for education, resources, and relationships,” said Harrison. “This is your place to ask questions, get educated, and enjoy hard-to-find, premium beers.”  

The Backroom features 15 rotating beers as well as cold-brew nitro coffee on tap, plus cribbage sets. It will also serve as the meeting ground for their home-brew club, special classes, and private industry events.

“Over the last four years, we have created amazing relationships in our tight-knit community,” said Harrison. “We want each beer on draft to represent a different beer style, pairing beer with education.”

That’s what will happen on Thursday, September 8, at 5 p.m., when Libertine Brewing founder Tyler Clark will lead a tasting of his wild ales. The $35 seats are limited, so reserve by calling (805) 691-9160.

The Backroom (515 Fourth Pl., Solvang) is open Wednesday-Saturday, 1-8 p.m., and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. Call (805) 691-9160 or visit valleybrewers.com.