Beer Birthday: Julian Shrago

Jay Brooks

2 weeks ago

Today is the 49th birthday of Julian Shrago, former brewmaster at the Beachwood BBQ & Brewery in Long Beach, California. I can’t remember when I first ran into Julian, probably either one of the early Firestone Walker Invitational Festivals or possibly out at GABF, where in 2013, he won Mid-Size Brewpub of the Year and the following year, won big again as Large Brewpub of the Year. Julian is a great brewer and made his mark very quickly after turning pro in 2011. I visited the brewery a couple of years ago, and it really is one of the best. More recently he may moved to Sacramento and is working art Urban Roots with Peter Hoey. Join me in wishing Julian a very happy birthday.

Me and Julian during GABF judging a couple of years back.

My wife Sarah, Matt Brynildson and Julian at the Firestone Walker Invitational a few years ago.

Me, Terrence Sullivan (from Sierra Nevada) and Julian at Trumer for a CCBA evey during SF Beer Week in 2018.

Jamil Zainasheff, Julian and Mitch Steele in San Diego for the Stone/Heretic/Beachwood collaboration in 2014.

Beachwood BBQ chef Gabe Gordon, Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo, and Julian at a beer dinner at Beachwood shortly after they added the brewery in 2011.

Julian with Charlie Papazian at GABF in 2006.

With a group of ne’r-do-wells in Sacramento several summers ago.

Taking a group to the Riverside Grill Shack for the best frites in Nashville during CBC 2023.

[Note: Middle three photos purloined from Facebook.]