Linden Street Brewery has big plans in 2016

Linden Street Brewery is an independent production brewing company located in Oakland, Calif. Since 2009, Linden Street Brewery has paid tribute to pre-Prohibition and uncommon classic styles through the use of proprietary yeast cultivated in-house, brewing small batches using Two-Row European malts and premium fresh ingredients. Building on what has made it a unique brewery, Linden Street announced several new endeavors it will undertake to start the 2016 off on the right foot.

New Head Brewer: Shane Aldrich

The brewery is looking forward to entering the new year with a new head brewer Shane Aldrich, who was officially hired last month. Shane has more than 13 years of professional brewing experience and was trained by Siebel graduates Tony Lawrence (Boneyard Beer) and Tim Gossack (Bell’s Brewing). Shane has brewed at renowned Bay Area companies including Marin Brewing Co., Moylan’s, Lagunitas and Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. Honored with five GABF medals and a winner in the prestigious World Beer Cup while with Marin Brewing Co., Shane employs methodical and innovative techniques with every batch he brews.

New year, new beer

Shane Aldrich will lead the launch of new beers for early 2016 to supplement the current year-round menu. Included on the highly anticipated list are the Coffee Belgian Dubbel (using Oakland’s RoastCo Cold Brew Coffee), Tartine Sour Blonde (brewed with San Francisco’s Tartine yeast), Smoked Black Lager, Vienna Lager, Helles Bock, and a Bavarian Hefeweizen. The brewery is also enlisting its followers to help them choose a new IPA. Aldrich will brew three IPAs in January, and the public will vote for their favorite via social media. In addition to the announced line-up, Linden Street will release a series of seasonal brews, and a limited-release barrel-aged ale.

The brewery also plans to begin canning several of its beers for the first time next year.

Brewery expansion

A new brewer and revamped portfolio were not enough to satisfy Linden Street. The brewery, located in a 19th century brick-warehouse in Oakland’s Jack London Square, has also seen some updates. In an effort to increase capacity and upgrade brewing operations, the company has doubled its tank space and added new equipment. In addition to these updates, the company plans to add a new tasting room.

Andrew Ritter takes on new role

Linden Street Brewery’s Andrew Ritter, most recently Head Brewer and Operations Manager, will be transitioning into a consulting role. Andrew was recently diagnosed with ALS and will be focusing on many collaborative endeavors, including fundraising for the ALS foundation and working with “Ales for ALS”. Central to every aspect of operations, Andrew has long been the foundation of Linden Street Brewery. In a public statement, the brewery had the following to say about Ritter, “Our team is deeply thankful for Andrew’s tremendous effort and commitment to the brewery over the last 5 years. He will continue to be a contributor to the Linden Street family as a leader on special projects and events.”