Liquid Gold
Placer Valley is home to awarding-winning craft beer breweries — and goat yoga
by Jennifer Fergesen photos by Debbie Cunningham
Placer Valley is classic Gold Country , named for the gold-bearing deposits that run beneath its rivers . Today , there ’ s another kind of gold flowing through the Valley : craft beer .
More than 20 breweries and taprooms call Placer County home . Many are less than a decade old , but some of the Placer Valley breweries are already gathering acclaim from beer buffs in California and farther afield . The quality comes down to Placer Valley ’ s proximity to the farms that grow hops and other ingredients , says GoatHouse Brewing Co . co-owner Catherine Johnson . She and Michael Johnson , husband and co-owner , are from the Bay Area . They looked at property around the state before choosing Lincoln to build their farm-to-tap brewery .
“ We ’ re below the pines , so you can still really farm the land ,” she says . “ And the people are kind of ridiculously amazing . … Authenticity is still alive and well here .” To taste that authenticity , try these local favorites .
Moksa Brewing Co .
Moksa has earned out-of-town accolades since it opened in 2018 . That year , it ranked on RateBeer ’ s list of the “ Best New Brewers in the World ” and Hop Culture ’ s best breweries in the country . But its biggest fans are locals , who have made the barrel-lined , industrial-chic taproom on Pacific Street in Rocklin a popular watering hole . Some of its most creative brews are inspired by head brewer Derek Gallanosa ’ s favorite desserts , like Aloha State of Mind : guava , coconut and lactose alchemizing into the flavors of Hawaiian shaved ice .
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