Craft beer enthusiasts in Pleasant Hill, California, have something to look forward to: Morgan Territory Brewing is set to open a new location in the heart of downtown, near the recently opened Paris Baguette café. The Bay Area Telegraph observed on a recent visit that construction is well underway, with announcement banners up to generate excitement among the local community.
The Origins of Morgan Territory Brewing
With a passion for craft beer and a strong drive to join the craft brewing movement, Michael and Dave LaCross set their sights on starting or purchasing a brewery in the San Francisco Bay Area. In May 2014, they acquired the award-winning Schooner’s Grille and Brewery in Antioch, California.
They immediately supported their Brewmaster, Craig Cauwels, in entering craft beer competitions, winning California Brewery of the Year at the California State Fair in 2014 against some of the biggest names in the industry.
An Award-Winning Legacy
Over the past decade, Brewmaster Craig Cauwels has produced some of the best craft beers in the country, earning numerous awards at major beer competitions. These accolades include ten medals from the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and four from the World Beer Cup – the largest beer competitions in the world. Morgan Territory Brewing’s most recent win was a Gold Medal for their Apogee Baltic Porter at the 2016 World Beer Cup.
Expanding Beyond Antioch
Despite their success, the brewery remained something of a hidden gem, distributed only to a few local watering holes. The new owners sought to change this by focusing on brewing excellent beer, increasing manufacturing capacity, and expanding distribution.
They acquired a large warehouse at 1885 N. MacArthur Drive in Tracy, California, which they adapted for brewing and added a tasting room. The space was rebranded as Morgan Territory Brewing to signify a fresh start and to avoid potential trademark issues outside California.
Embracing the Spirit of the Wild West
Morgan Territory Brewing, named after a historic ranch on the “morning side” of Mount Diablo, is dedicated to the independent spirit of early California pioneers. With a commitment to producing bold, diverse, and high-quality craft beers, they aim to continue their award-winning legacy.
The Future of Morgan Territory Brewing
Although the craft beer industry is becoming increasingly competitive, Morgan Territory Brewing is determined to make its mark. The new Pleasant Hill, California location is a big step towards expanding their reach in the Bay Area.
We’re excited for the grand opening. Stay tuned here for more coverage.
