Bravery Brewing: Where Craft, Community, and Camaraderie Meet
- Brian Lawrence
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
LANCASTER, CA — Tucked away just off 8th Street West, Bravery Brewing isn’t just a brewery — it’s a community hub. For more than a decade, owners Brian and Kara Avery have built a space where craft beer, camaraderie, and local pride blend together seamlessly. With its veteran ties, artisan approach to brewing, and signature basset hound mascot “Watson,” Bravery has become a beloved Antelope Valley staple.
A Passion Born from Film Sets and Homebrewing
Before launching the brewery in 2011, Brian Avery was pursuing a career in the film and television industry in Orange County. But between productions, he found himself drawn to a different craft. Without a garage of his own, Brian would return home to Palmdale to brew beer in his parents’ garage — a humble start that would soon become a local legacy.
After a year of working in a professional brewery in Orange County, he made a life-changing decision: trade film sets for fermentation tanks. Lancaster, then a “craft beer desert,” offered affordable space and opportunity. Bravery Brewing opened its doors brewing just 100 gallons at a time — about six kegs per batch — and reinvested every penny back into growing the business.
A Legacy of Friendship and Local Pride
One of Bravery’s most unique chapters is its connection to R. Lee Ermey, the iconic actor known for Full Metal Jacket. A close family friend and avid golfer, Ermey was one of Bravery’s early partners. He passed away in April 2018, and later that year, Avenue N in Lancaster was renamed in his honor — a permanent reminder of his influence on the community.
Today, Brian also serves as the President of the L.A. County Brewers Guild, which includes around 90 breweries across the county.
Crafting Beer Like Jazz
Bravery’s approach to beer is both technical and artistic. On one side, they focus on rigid classical brewing styles, studying international water profiles to closely replicate European beer traditions. On the other, they embrace creativity — “like jazz,” Brian says — adding unique twists and ingredients once the fundamentals are mastered.
“We strip our water down to nothing, then rebuild it to match Cologne, Germany or wherever the style originates,” Brian explains. “That allows us to honor those traditions while still playing with them.”
Their top sellers include Allegiance IPA and Alta Cerveza, a crisp Mexican lager. But their barrel-aged beers are what truly set them apart — earning awards at the California State Fair, World Beer Cup, and San Diego International Beer Competition.
Wine Bees & Culinary Flair While Brian focuses on beer, Kara Avery brings her expertise as a sommelier to Bravery’s wine program. She hosts “Wine Bees”, monthly pairing events featuring five or six wines matched with hors d’oeuvres or chocolate, often centered around a specific region or seasonal theme.
Food is also part of the experience. During the pandemic, the brewery pivoted to open an in-house pizza kitchen, making dough from scratch daily. They offer unique monthly pizzas — including themed specials like the charcoal-crust “Fire and Ash” for October — alongside fresh salads and charcuterie boxes.
A Relaxing Space for Everyone
What sets Bravery Brewing apart is its atmosphere. With no TVs blaring sports, the taproom maintains a calm, welcoming environment. The brewery attracts veterans, business professionals, and families alike. It’s dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and, as Brian proudly notes, has had virtually zero incidents in over a decade of operation.
“Pubs were originally public houses,” Brian explains. “A place to catch up with neighbors, vote, or just talk. That’s what this space is about — community.”
Events that Bring People Together
Bravery hosts a variety of community events including trivia nights, wine and beer pairings, live music, speed dating, Odd Art Expo, and more. They also play a key role in the annual Day of the Drafters Beer Festival, which draws breweries and beer lovers from across Southern California.
Expanding the Horizon
Looking ahead, Bravery Brewing plans to open a second location within the next two to five years, likely outside Lancaster to expand their reach while maintaining their personal touch. They currently self-distribute, with beer available in roughly 90% of local bars and restaurants, as well as in grocery stores throughout the Antelope Valley.
Visit Bravery Brewing
Address: 42705 8th Street W., Lancaster, CA 93534 Phone: 661-951-4677 braverybrewing.com Hours: Mon–Wed 11am–10pm | Thurs–Sat 11am–11pm | Sun 11am–9pm
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a wine lover, a foodie, or just looking for a friendly place to gather — Bravery Brewing is a place where craft meets community.
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