The Brewing Lair

This is a he’d den gem in the sierras. Awesome drive from Truckee along 89. Anticipation builds as you round the last curve to Blairsden, then turn right and carefully look for the Itty bitty sandwich sign pointing you to the Lair. Drive up the dirt road to the brewery. Yum!!! The Uncle Eliot IPA is excellent. It’s so quiet here. Peaceful as you drink your beer suiting on the hillside…

Stopped here on my way back from the lake yesterday. I have heard about it from several people and probably driven by it a dozen times, which is understandable since it is tucked back into the trees up an unassuming dirt road. I actually was not sure what to expect from this place. It is not your typical brew pub. In fact, I do not think they have indoor seating. Rather it is like a barn with beer making equipment inside. There is ample seating outside at tables and benches. You walk up to the counter at the side of the building and order from a list of about a half dozen beers. I tried a red ale called Take a Hike. Since you are drinking it outside you would expect your beer to come in a cheesy plastic cup but no sir, you get an honest to goodness glass that actually matches the style of beer your drinking.
They offer cribbage boards for loan, there is a pile of Frisbees to play with and lots of other distractions. Plenty of dogs were hanging out with their owners and there were lots of kids playing on the lawn. Several folks had brought picnics and food (they do ask that you do not bring outside beer onto the property which is understandable). A great place to spend a little time on a nice fall day. They also fill growlers and sell them there.

We were up touring the Graeagle area when a local (the server at our lunch stop) recommended this place to come to taste beers, since I guess were were ordering beers at the table. Her directions were a bit sketch, like turn right on 70 and then there’s a dirt road on the left. OK, so we went anyways. There is suppose to be a sign at the dirt road for the Brewing Lair. I didn’t see the sign, but we saw a dirt road and took it. the first thing after turning onto 70 from Graeagle. Take the road slow unless you have an SUV or something.
The grounds are actually kinda nice. There is only beer for sale and tasting here, no food or other drinks, like sodas or wine. They encourage you to come and spend time here, bring a picnic, just no outside beer for obvious reasons. But you can bring other drinks like soda and wine. There are BBQs available to use as well. I’ll have to remember that when I return, cause it’s so nice I think I will.
Beer tasting is available, best to get the tastings and taste in order. Some I liked, others not so much, but that’s why you taste! The staff was friendly and answered all our questions. We had already eaten lunch and had some beer with lunch, so this was a sort of quick stop just to check it out, but for sure I’ll come back and bring a real picnic. They also have this thing called disc golf you can do here … I have no idea what that is! I’d come for the beer and picnic!

So, we’ve visited the Brewing Lair since before the name change. We usually visit a couple times a year at least.
It was previously known by another name until the proprietors of a certain Petaluma brewery required the relinquishing of the Lair’s original appellation.
Regardless, the beers and ambience have often been good, until today.
My family and I dropped by this afternoon for a beer and a game of «corn hole» (Midwest drinking game — sounds scandalous, but isn’t).
We were greeted by a rather cranky, gray-​haired fellow who was clearly irritated that we asked for a small sample of 2 – 3 different beers before we decided on buying a round.
In the process of tasting, he insisted we sip the small samples of beer that were poured for others of our group, instead of pouring a small amount for each to taste as any requested. Regardless, my father-​in-​law and I decided on two pints of the blonde beer offered on tap.
Afterwards, I inquired about the t-​shirts on display and asked if he had green in a large size. He gruffly replied, «They’re for ladies. The navy blue shirt is for men.»
Taken aback again by another curt response, I paused, thanked him for his time and excused myself.
This guy was straight-​up rude. Not sure if he was the proprietor, a partner, an employee or whatever.
Bottom line, we’re not going back — no matter how good the beer is, or how fun the grounds are. Nobody wants to be treated this way. Certainly not someone who’s patroned a business as long as we have. Steer clear until service becomes a priority again.
A truly disappointing experience.

Yeah, this place is that cool.
I was by myself with an hour to kill in Graeagle, and I knew I wanted to try to get out here. I came mostly for the disc golf, but the beer is just an added bonus! I guess my five stars mostly come for just the location and setup of this whole place. It’s a gorgeous outdoor area with ample seating. Kid and dog friendly too.
The beer they serve is mostly IPA. I’m not really a «hoppy» guy so I can’t say I was in love with the brew. I got the least hoppy IPA which was ok for me (although let’s face it, it’s still beer!).
The 9 hole disc golf course was actually pretty tough. There is some uncertainty as to the actual holes– I think if they posted a sign with the hole number at each tee box that would be helpful. Plus, there is so much brush growth, it is super easy to lose a disc or three. I spent a fair amount of time searching for a few errant throws, but luckily came out with all discs in hand. Lots of steep up and downhill walking sections too. It was fun to get out and throw, but as a disc golf course alone it wasn’t my favorite. But you can bring the beer out on the course with you!
So let’s see… beer that I’m not crazy about and disc golf that wasn’t really all that great… why five stars? Because you put them together and it’s actually really awesome! And mostly I envision it as a place I’ll return to for a picnic to hang out with friends and/​or family.

Beer, nice people, disk golf, picnics… If you like any or all of these things you need to stop here! We had a tasting flight, loved all the beers. We brought a pizza from Anton’s in town and enjoyed a little picnic. Played the 9 basket disk golf course, it was challenging but so beautiful, especially around the 6 basket. This place is dog friendly, which we loved… but if you have a fear of dog maybe avoid.

My boyfriend and I went up to Greagle for a getaway, but this was the highlight of our trip. Super intimate and we had the place to ourselves. The beer was awesome and the owner was super friendly! What a wonderful experience :) definitely want to go back

For atmosphere, setting and just the tranquil /​peace of mind This is the spot! The beer is a different story.
WOW, never I have been so Flatulence after drinking there beer. It was not just me. But the 4 other folks I was with. It reminded me of the movie Blazing Saddles where all the cowboys were sitting around the campfire eating beans. Just a word of caution for the folks sitting next or near to you. The beer is good! but the after effects is smelly!

Love this place! Beer is great, atmosphere is spectacular. The owners and employees are always smiling and very friendly. They continue to make improvements more seating etc… Don’t forget to pack a lunch and get ready to sip a cold one and
r-​e-​l-​a-​x

Good beer, nature, friends, games, and BBQ make this my ideal kind of place to hang out. The residents of Graeagle and surrounding areas have it good and am glad that I was let in on the secret thanks to Kimberly at Howling Dogs.
After a hike, a group of Unilocalers decided to ruin any sort of calorie burn by heading up to the Brewing Lair. Driving up the dirt driveway and seeking out parking in the brush alongside of it immediately took me back to high school house parties in Northern California. The atmosphere can best be described as «your buddy’s backyard + beer».
There was a decent sized crowd for a Saturday afternoon, obviously this is a local hotspot. The crowd ranged in vastly in age — young kids were running around playing with each other, older couples were feasting on BBQ (bring your own food, but you can utilize their grills), and younger people were playing games of cornhole while enjoying a beer. Plus, there was the occasional dog that just wanted you to throw his tennis ball for him.
Inside is a bar with taps of their beer (and a couple of sodas) and the big tanks that the beer is brewed. There’s no seating area inside, so I’m not sure what the crowd is like on a cold, rainy/​snowy day.
The beer was pretty good and the taps had a nice variety. This set the tone for the rest of the weekend as we consistently ordered Brewing Lair beer everywhere we went.
I’m insanely jealous of what a wonderful place this is. And although we sort of have something like it in Reno, the atmosphere just isn’t the same — it must be all those trees!

I’m not a beer drinker but I loved this place!
We were in the area and someone recommended this joint. We decided to check it out and I’m so glad we did! There is a little building where the beer is brewed and sold. You can actually see all of the equipment which is pretty cool. I was thrilled they had something other than beer because I’m not a beer drinker. My drink of choice was cream soda and I loved it.
The thing that is special about this place is the wild open area for hanging out. There are adirondack chairs on the deck, picnic tables, random chairs, and plenty of areas to pull up your own picnic blanket. It would make a fantastic spot for a picnic. The trees surrounding you keep the area pretty well shaded which is nice for those really pale ladies, like myself! There is corn hole and a make-​shift tightrope to keep you entertained or to provide entertainment. I was definitely in the mood to people watch today and I had plenty to look at!
The vibe here is so chill and mellow it is pretty irresistible. Grab a beer or soda, plop down in a chair, and let the stress melt away.

What a wonderful hidden spot! Good beer, especially the Dope is King pale ale. They have non-​alcoholic options as well. Pack a picnic and spend the day.

One of a kind. I make a hobby of visiting breweries in any town I travel. Knew nothing of this place. Tucked off of Hwy 70 and almost hidden. Went there and discovered a small, one man show. Only outside seating. Frisbee golf and corn hole toss for games. Bring your own food to BBQ. Totally family oriented. And great beer. Great beer. Probably my favorite brewery of all I have visited. Will go every time I’m in the area.

This brewery is a hidden gem! Worth the drive from Reno. You could easily spend all day here. Pack a picnic, bring the kids, play some disc golf, and enjoy some amazing beer!

Many classic and unique flavors found in each of the five selections available today on tap. Makes me want to take a growler home of each.

Without a doubt the best brewery I have ever visited. The Brewing Lair is tucked away in the forest (hence «Lair»: you will likely miss the driveway in the first pass –look out for the sandwich board) and the setting is as idyllic as anything you’ll ever come across. The owners Rich and Susan are great people. The beers are fantastic. «Dope is King», a reference to the historic Longboard mystique of nearby Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl, is probably my favorite beer on the market, bar none.
You owe it to yourself to check this place out if you’re in the area. I live nearby and recommend it all the time I have yet to come across somebody who hasn’t loved the experience.

Such a sweet spot to hang out and have a cold beer after a long hike! I love how the seating is spread out and also the fact your dogs are welcome as well. This was the perfect ending to my hike at the Yuba River trailhead!

If a brew happens in the woods and no one is around to hear it …
On a hot summer day it would be nice to have umbrellas … Other than that it’s like striking gold in them-​thar mountains !!!

Lovely spot in the woods. Great for picnics, as noted by others. There’s a fire pit that would be awesome on cool days/​evenings. The furniture is all hand carved it seems and super sturdy and comfy.
I think there were 5 beer choices. I had the black IPA and it was good. The sampler selection was popular. I would like to see a few snack items added — even traditional beer fare-​peanuts, pretzels, etc would be a welcome addition. And an option for the under 21 set. Flavored seltzer? Not sure… but something.
And finally… I didn’t actually ask so I can’t be 100% sure… but I think a porta-​potty is the only option for a bathroom. If I’m correct on this, that’s problematic and would definitely curtail any plan I might make to have more than one beer and really hang for awhile. Someone can please let me know if I’m wrong on this :-)
UPDATE: SUSAN M. LET ME KNOW THAT THERE ARE INSIDE BATHROOMS. WOO HOO!

I’ve had the pleasure of coming here since they first opened in 2011 under their old name Undercover Ale Works (you can thank Lagunitas Brewing for the name change — long story). I really love this small batch brewery. The beer is exceptional and being in the «Lost Sierra» with ample access to fresh water resources it should come as no surprise.
Visiting the brewery is the best way to experience their craft ales. They’ve created a welcoming area for people to picnic, play frisbee golf, slackline or just worship the sun with a tall glass of their Incognito saison or Ambush IPA. The owners are always on site so the quality of the service and operation remain high. Upon last visit in June 2014, growler refills were $ 16.
Pro-​tip: Pack a picnic basket, bring the crew, and set up shop in this little hidden nook of Blairsden-​Graeagle. It’s also a short hour drive from Reno so it’s a destination for a day-​trip or after golf libations.