Where Craft Beer Meets Holiday Giving in Old Towne

Each December, a familiar tradition returns to Old Towne as 1886 Brewing Co. opens the door for new members to join its Craft Beer Society Mug Club — a program that blends craft beer, community, and charitable giving.

The annual Mug Club sign-up is tied to the holiday season and supports children and families through Ronald McDonald House of Orange County. Raffle tickets are given in exchange for a Christmas gift, which is then donated to help families in need. In December, a drawing is held and new Mug Club members are announced.

Membership lasts through December of the following year, with the exact renewal date varying annually. Those selected receive a personal 20-ounce Craft Beer Society mug, which is kept at the brewery and reserved exclusively for that member. Each time a member visits and asks for their mug, it’s filled with their choice of one of the brewery’s handcrafted draft ales or lagers at a special discounted Mug Club price.

While the custom mug holds 20 ounces, standard 16-ounce pours are served in the mug, with other beer styles poured in their appropriate glassware at a discounted rate. In addition to drink perks, Mug Club members are also invited to private events throughout the year, adding another layer of community and connection to the experience.

The Mug Club has become a meaningful part of the holiday rhythm at 1886 Brewing Co. — a way for locals to enjoy craft beer, support a good cause, and take part in a tradition that brings people together year after year.