Linden Street Brewery Emerges As Oakland United Beerworks

Though Oakland is having a rough start to the week following the announcement that the Raiders are leaving town for Las Vegas, there’s at least some good news on the beer front, as the seemingly defunct Linden Street Brewery has reemerged. After its sale and move from its original West Oakland digs (now home to Old Kan Beer & Co.), Linden has officially re-branded as Oakland United Beerworks with a brewery and tasting room is coming to 2nd St near Jack London Square “in the late summer.”

It is now headed by owner and Oakland resident John Karnay along with Brewmeister Shane Aldrich. A 13-year industry veteran, Aldrich trained with Boneyard Beer’s Tony Lawrence and Bell’s Brewery’s Tim Gossack — two respected figures on the national beer scene. Aldrich has made the rounds in the Bay Area as well, brewing at Lagunitas, Moylan’s, Half Moon Bay and Marin Brewing Company. He’s clearly a seasoned professional in the brewing industry, which is refreshing for an East Bay beer scene that features brewers with varying levels of experience.

What’s also refreshing is the news of a locally-owned brewery opening up a new facility, as opposed to one backed by major corporate enterprises. Take for example the recent announcement that the Anheuser-Busch InBev-owned Golden Road Brewery is opening up a beer garden in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood. The announcement has seen strong opposition from local beer aficionados and local craft brewery owners. In fact, neighboring Temescal Brewery founder Sam Gilbert had this to say to SFGate:

"Golden Road is not healthy competition — it is a deliberate attempt by an international conglomerate to stifle small business and to cash in on a beer scene started through the risk and sacrifice of local beer lovers," he says. "I hope that our neighbors will see through this ploy and continue to support the homegrown businesses working tirelessly to build real community and to keep Oakland unique."

So here’s your chance to support a homegrown brewery in Oakland United Beerworks (and Temescal Brewing as well for that matter). In fact, Oakland United has been brewing from an Alameda facility (Faction) and their beer can be had at nearly 30 Bay Area locations already. Currently available are a Black Lager, a Common Lager, a West Coast style IPA and a Pilsner (No flagship Hefeweizen...take that Golden Road!)

Stay tuned for more details on the taproom, and opening timeline.

• Oakland’s The Dock to Take Over Linden Street Brewery Space [ESF]
• Oakland United Beerworks [Official Site]