Enegren Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery in Moorpark, California, born from a shared passion for German-style beers, quality, and local connection. Founded in 2010 by brothers Chris and Matt Enegren and longtime collaborator Joe Nascenzi, what began as homebrewing experiments gradually evolved into one of Ventura County’s standout lager-focused breweries. Their journey, from dorm-room extract batches to a full 15-BBL brewhouse producing over 6,000 barrels annually, speaks to both ambition and devotion to craft.
German brewing traditions are at the heart of Enegren’s work. Their six year-round beers, The Lightest One, Lagertha, Schöner Tag, Valkyrie, Edel-Pils, and Nighthawk, showcase their comfort with lagers, pilsners, hefeweizens, and darker styles, all brewed with precise technique, noble hops, clean fermentation, and respect for the ingredients. Alongside these staples, they allow themselves creative breathing room with rotating seasonal brews and special one-offs, letting their experimentation enhance, not distract from, their core identity.
On the equipment and infrastructure side, Enegren operates with serious craft tools: multiple hot and cold liquor tanks, a steam boiler named “Mary Anne,” steam-jacketed mash and kettle systems, a lauter tun, a modern command center, fermenters in 60, 30, and 15 barrel sizes, filtration systems, and in-house canning and kegging lines. Automation and control, such as touch-screen fermentation monitoring, enable consistency and let the brewers refine how each beer comes through.
Enegren Brewing has earned praise not just from fans but from peers in the craft beer world. In the recent Untappd Community Awards, they won multiple medals, golds, a silver, and a bronze for their German-style lagers. Their reputation in Southern California is strong: they are frequently cited among the best lagers in the region, with many drinkers and reviewers lauding “The Lightest One” as a favorite for its crispness, drinkability, and balance.
Community and gathering are woven into their DNA. The brewery serves as a hub for the Moorpark area, hosting events like Oktoberfest celebrations, local music and food fairs, monthly athletic gatherings like road rides and runs paired with discounted beers, and themed social nights. Their tasting room and biergarten, located just a few blocks from downtown Moorpark, offer a family-friendly atmosphere with food trucks, music, and a space where locals come to relax, connect, and share stories.
What makes Enegren Brewing feel rooted and resonant is this mix of tradition, technical excellence, and warmth. Their beers don’t just aim for gustatory quality; they aim for community, consistency, and honoring German styles while adapting them to California’s craft scene. Every pint from Enegren feels like a nod to brewing history, a handshake among neighbors, and a reminder that beer’s power lies in bringing people together.
