Now comes another reason to venture into the industrial badlands of West Oakland: Brix Factory Brewing, an innovative brewery run by veterans of San Leandro’s craft-beer fixture Drake’s Brewing.
Brix Factory Brewing has been in a stealth-opening phase this past week and will hold a grand opening this weekend (March 1-3) at 2431 Peralta St. in Oakland. Patrons will get to sample the strange but tasty brews of ex-Drake’s brewmaster John Gillooly, whose “Rube Goldberg mind” has elevated him into an “industry treasure and delight,” according to his frequent collaborators at Hen House Brewing. Also involved in the operation is Gillooly’s wife, Natasha, daughter Kira, Drake’s former brewery engineer Michael Boals and industry vet Eric Ortega.
Brix Factory Brewing, which opened in West Oakland in Feb. 2024, is run by veterans of San Leandro’s popular craft-beer maker Drake’s Brewing. (Courtesy of John Gillooly)
Brix takes its name from the Brix measurement scale used in brewing, though the moniker also adequately reflects the rough, brick-and-concrete landscape of much of West Oakland, where unique businesses continue to pop up. The cult favorite June’s Pizza has obtained a beverage license for a spot next to the brewery, which right now only serves snacks. And Brix is a few blocks away from Ghost Town Brewing, a big-time medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival.
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Right now, the Brix website lists half-a-dozen beers on tap, available in flights of two to four for $5 to $10. To whet your whistle, here’s a sampling of the suds on offer:
Lemon Theory“A lower ABV Blonde ale featuring bright hop flavors reminiscent of an orange/lemon Creamsicle, held together with pleasantly toasty malt flavors driven by malted wheat from Admiral malts. Citric finish.”
Pop Art“Pop Art is a hybrid ale with elements of fruited seltzer and blonde ale. The blackberry aromatics blend with the fruity ester profile generated by our house ale yeast.”
Brix Factory Brewing, run by veterans of Drake’s Brewing, opened in West Oakland in early 2024. From left: Eric Ortega, brewery partner Michael Boals, Kira Gillooly, brewery partner John Gillooly.
The Eye of Tasman“Crisp pilsner hopped at all stages with resinous Superdelic hops bursting with dank Sativa, bright tropical fruits and aromatic calamansi zest.”
Details: Open 2 to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday (closed Tuesday-Wednesday) at 2431 Peralta St., Oakland; brixfactorybrewing.com.