The roar of a small plane taking off from Redlands Municipal Airport provides a rhythmic backdrop to the clinking of glasses. It is a sensory combination that defines a specific corner of the Inland Empire, one that has radiated outward to Orange County, the high desert of Arizona, and beyond. This is the enduring legacy of Hangar 24, a name that started as a literal aircraft hangar where friends gathered to share homebrews and aviation stories, and evolved into one of the most respected independent craft breweries in the American West.

Standing in a taproom in early 2026, the brand feels as vital as ever. While the craft beer industry has seen massive shifts, consolidation, and changing consumer palates over the last two decades, Hangar 24 has maintained its course by adhering to a simple triad: character, craft, and community. This isn't just marketing speak; it’s a philosophy rooted in the science of brewing and the soul of flight.

The Aviation Soul: More Than Just a Theme

Many themed breweries feel like a novelty, a collection of props gathered to sell a standard lager. Hangar 24 is different because its connection to aviation is authentic. The very name refers to Hangar No. 24 at the Redlands airport, a space that served as the social hub for the founders. The transition from trading homebrewed beers for flight lessons to operating a multi-state brewing powerhouse is a narrative of passion meeting technical precision.

In the brewing world, precision is everything. The scientific rigor required to navigate a plane at 10,000 feet is not unlike the attention to detail needed in a laboratory. The brewery’s origins are steeped in biology and brewing science, ensuring that every batch of beer is consistent, clean, and technically sound. This dedication to "craft" means that whether you are sipping a flagship wheat ale or a complex, barrel-aged imperial stout, the quality remains uncompromised.

Exploring the Core Lineup: The Flights We Take Daily

To understand Hangar 24, one must start with the beer that put them on the map.

Orange Wheat: The Inland Empire in a Glass

Orange Wheat is perhaps the most iconic representation of the brewery’s commitment to "Local Fields." Using whole, locally grown oranges from the Redlands area, this unfiltered wheat ale avoids the artificial sweetness often found in fruit-forward beers. Instead, it offers a crisp, citrusy aroma and a refreshing finish that perfectly complements the Southern California sun. It is a gateway beer in the best sense—accessible enough for the casual drinker but crafted with enough integrity to satisfy the connoisseur.

Betty IPA: The Modern Classic

Named after the pin-up art synonymous with WWII-era aircraft, Betty IPA is a masterclass in the West Coast style. It’s a bold, hop-forward experience featuring a blend of Mosaic, Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial hops. The result is a profile rich with tropical fruit, stone fruit, and pine notes. In an era where many IPAs have become overly sweet or excessively hazy, Betty remains a steadfast example of balance—bitter enough to be satisfying, but smooth enough to keep you coming back for a second pint.

Iconic Double IPA and Beyond

For those seeking something with more altitude, the Iconic Double IPA pushes the boundaries. It amplifies the hop profile and ABV without losing the drinkability that characterizes the brewery’s portfolio. It’s a beer designed for sipping, allowing the complex layers of citrus and resin to unfold as the glass warms slightly.

The Barrel Roll Series: Reaching New Altitudes

If the core beers are the reliable fleet that keeps the airline running, the Barrel Roll series is the experimental flight program. This is where Hangar 24 truly flexes its muscles as a world-class brewery. These high-ABV, barrel-aged specials are released in limited quantities and are highly sought after by collectors.

Pugachev’s Cobra

A Russian Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels, Pugachev’s Cobra is named after the legendary aerial combat maneuver. It is a massive beer, often exceeding 13% ABV, with intense notes of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and oak. The time spent in the wood mellows the heat of the alcohol, creating a velvety texture that is unparalleled. Each vintage offers slight variations, making vertical tastings a popular activity among enthusiasts.

Immelmann and Hammerhead

Other notable entries in the series include Immelmann, a bourbon barrel-aged porter, and Hammerhead, a barleywine that explores the limits of malt complexity. These beers represent the "masterful craftsmanship" pillar of the brewery’s mission. They require patience—not just in the brewing and aging process, but in the drinking. These are beers meant to be shared, discussed, and savored.

A Tour of the Taprooms: Where Community Takes Flight

One of the most impressive aspects of Hangar 24’s growth is its ability to create distinct environments across its various locations. Each taproom reflects the local community while maintaining the core aviation identity.

Redlands: The Original Source

The Redlands taproom remains the heart of the operation. Located directly across from the airport, it offers an outdoor patio where guests can watch planes take off and land. It’s a dog-friendly, family-friendly space that often features live music and food from local vendors like Coaches Pit BBQ. There is a raw, industrial energy here that reminds you of the brewery's humble beginnings.

Orange County (Irvine): Elevated Urbanity

Located at the Intersect campus in Irvine, the Orange County location offers a more polished, modern experience. With a massive outdoor patio, fire pits, and an elevated food menu, it caters to the business crowds of the Irvine Business Complex as well as local residents. It’s an example of how the brand can adapt to a more corporate-urban setting without losing its soul. The pairing of craft beer with high-quality, "farmer-focused" food makes this a premier destination for lunch or an evening social hour.

Lake Havasu City: Desert Adventure

The expansion into Arizona brought Hangar 24 to the shores of Lake Havasu. This location captures the adventurous spirit of the brand, serving as a hub for boaters, off-roaders, and desert explorers. The views are spectacular, and the atmosphere is perpetually in "vacation mode," proving that the Hangar 24 experience translates perfectly to the heat of the Arizona desert.

Riverside: The New Tradition

The Riverside location has quickly become a community staple. It emphasizes the "gathering" aspect of the mission, providing a space for live music, local events, and the sharing of stories. It bridges the gap between the original Redlands vibe and the more expansive footprint of the newer locations.

The Science of Sustainability and Quality

In 2026, a brewery cannot survive on brand name alone. Hangar 24 has invested heavily in the technical side of production. Their use of high-quality ingredients—whether it’s the local citrus in the wheat ale or the specific strains of yeast cultivated for their stouts—ensures a product that stands up to international competition.

Furthermore, the brewery’s focus on community includes an awareness of their environmental impact. By sourcing ingredients locally when possible and optimizing their brewing processes to reduce waste, they align themselves with the values of a modern, conscious consumer base. They are an independent craft brewer in the truest sense, maintaining their autonomy in an industry often dominated by large conglomerates.

The Annual Airfest: A Celebration of Flight and Foam

You cannot discuss Hangar 24 without mentioning Airfest. This annual event has grown into one of the most unique festivals in the country. Part air show and part craft beer festival, it brings together world-class aerobatic pilots and thousands of fans for a day of high-flying excitement and exceptional beer.

Airfest is the physical manifestation of the brewery’s mission. It creates joy by gathering people and bringing out stories. Whether you’re a pilot talking shop about a vintage warbird or a beer fan trying a new seasonal release, the event fosters a sense of shared adventure that is rare in today’s world.

Tasting the Season: Exploring the Rotating Taps

Beyond the flagships, Hangar 24 excels at seasonal releases that capture the spirit of the time.

  • Oktoberfest: A traditional fall lager that honors the German heritage of brewing while maintaining the brewery's clean, American finish.
  • Hullabaloo: A winter warmer that provides the perfect companion for the cooler months, with a rich malt backbone and subtle spice.
  • Local Fields Series: This rotating series explores whatever is fresh from the farm. From dates to berries, these beers are a testament to the agricultural richness of California.

Why Hangar 24 Matters Today

As we look at the landscape of 2026, Hangar 24 represents a successful model of the "middle way" in craft beer. They have grown large enough to have a significant regional footprint and a sophisticated distribution network, yet they have remained small enough to care about the quality of every pint and the culture of every taproom.

They haven't chased every fleeting trend. While they have embraced styles like hazy IPAs and sours (such as the Galaxy Gardens series), they haven't abandoned the classic styles that built their reputation. There is a sense of "time-honored tradition" here that provides a stabilizing force in a chaotic market.

For the consumer, Hangar 24 offers a guarantee of quality. When you see that aviation-inspired logo, you know you are getting a beer that was crafted with integrity, rooted in a real place, and inspired by a genuine passion for adventure. It is a reminder that the best experiences are often found when we look up at the sky and share a glass with those around us.

Conclusion: Your Next Flight Starts Here

Whether you find yourself in the heart of the Inland Empire, the coastal stretches of Orange County, or the sunny shores of Lake Havasu, a visit to a Hangar 24 location is more than just a trip to a bar. It is an invitation to join a community of explorers, dreamers, and craftsmen.

The brewery continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in a glass while staying grounded in the values that started it all in a small hangar years ago. In an ever-changing world, the consistency of a cold Orange Wheat or the complexity of a barrel-aged stout provides a welcome point of connection.

Next time you’re looking for an adventure, don’t just look for a seat; look for a hangar. The beer is fresh, the stories are waiting, and the spirit of flight is alive in every pour. Hangar 24 isn't just a place on a map; it's a destination for the soul, proving that when you combine character, craft, and community, the only way to go is up.