Archives for September 2023

Saucy Brew Works Expands into Kentucky Distribution

September 30, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Saucy Brew Works announced the state-wide distribution expansion into the Kentucky market, in partnership with Heidelberg Distributing (Heidelberg), a family-owned and operated business for over 84 years. Heidelberg services more than 26,000 retail and industry establishments across all counties in Ohio and Kentucky. This strategic distribution expansion marks a significant milestone in Saucy Brew Works’ mission to share its passion for craft beer with enthusiasts throughout the Midwest and beyond.

From 2019-2022, Heidelberg’s distribution rights covered the majority of Ohio, excluding 9 counties in Saucy’s home market of Cleveland, Ohio. During this time, Saucy’s portfolio of products saw a total draft volume growth of +115%, and a total package volume growth of +84%. With total points of distribution (PODs) up +57%, Heidelberg’s impact has been seen across all channels. In 2023, Saucy announced the full transfer of home-market distribution rights to Heidelberg, setting the stage of the strongest year to date.

Heidelberg Distributing, with a legacy spanning over 80 years, is a trusted name in the beverage industry. Their commitment to quality and exceptional service aligns perfectly with Saucy Brew Works’ dedication to producing outstanding craft beers. With Heidelberg’s footprint extending across state lines, the potential for expansion into Kentucky was always top of mind for Saucy in 2023.

Kentucky beer lovers can now enjoy Saucy Brew Works’ diverse range of styles, from hazy IPAs to rich stouts, all crafted with the finest ingredients and a passion for brewing excellence. Saucy’s flagship beers such as Juicy Asap – American IPA, and Love You, Bye – Hazy Imperial IPA, will be available in bars, restaurants, and retail locations across the state.

Brent Zimmerman, Co-Founder and CEO of Saucy Brew Works said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Heidelberg Distributing to bring Saucy Brew Works to the beautiful state of Kentucky. Our team has poured their heart and soul into creating these exceptional brews, and we can’t wait for beer enthusiasts in Kentucky to savor the Saucy experience.”

Chris Emmons, Vice President of Sales of Heidelberg Distributing said, “We are excited to extend Saucy’s presence beyond state borders into Kentucky. The passion and dedication exhibited by the Saucy team align seamlessly with Heidelberg’s 85-year legacy in distribution, which began with a single man and a truck in 1938. We are honored that Saucy Brew Works has placed their trust in us to further expand the reach of their delicious brews.”

About Saucy Brew Works

Founded in 2017, Saucy Brew Works is a Cleveland-based craft brewery sercing up a wide range of high-quality craft beer. With five locations in Ohio, Saucy Brew Works is firmly founded on a commitment to their first-rate people that, as a team, create consistently superior, quality products. Advocating for change, giving until it hurts, and pushing creative and scientific boundaries all while fostering a positive environment for growth are key pillars in Saucy’s success. In 2020, Saucy expanded its product offering with the introduction of Saucy Coffee – the sub-brand of Saucy Brew Works can be found in any of their four Brewpub/Coffeehouse locations as well as online and on Amazon. In 2019, Saucy was awarded Best Brewery in Cleveland, followed in 2020 with the Outstanding Small Business Award for their community-driven efforts during the pandemic. In December of 2022, Saucy Brew Works announced the acquistion of Cartridge Brewing, Maineville, Ohio’s premier craft brewery with historic roots, nestled along the banks of the Little Miami River.

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Anderson Valley Brewing Company Unveils Redesign for Iconic Boont Amber Ale

September 28, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

BOONVILLE, California— Northern California’s Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC), a pioneer in the craft beer industry, unveiled the redesign of its flagship beer, Boont Amber Ale. The Boont redesign is a milestone in the brewery’s overall rebranding process, which has been rolled out over the past few years.

“Since the start of the rebranding process, we prioritized the brewery’s longtime legacy and spirit. We owed it to the brand and all the work put in by the people who came before us. The label redesign of Boont, our most iconic beer, is a landmark and something we have been putting energy towards since my family purchased the brewery in 2019,” said AVBC President and CEO Kevin McGee. “Boont Amber Ale is the beer that put AVBC on the map. It’s a foundational part of what we think of as craft beer today and literally introduced legions of beer drinkers to craft beer so redesigning the package was something that we approached very carefully.”

The new package blends the brewery’s rich heritage with a fresh, modern appeal while preserving the distinctive qualities that have made AVBC a beloved classic. Bringing the brewery’s mascot Barkley, who has been a fixture of the brewery since 1987, front-and-center on the cans is a way to call back to the heritage of AVBC while inviting a whimsical connection with consumers.

Boont Amber Ale is a cornerstone of Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s portfolio and the first beer made at the brewery 35 years ago. With the launch of Boont’s redesign, AVBC continues to invest in Amber Ale at a time when established breweries have recently vacated the category and it’s paying off: while sales in the Amber Ale category are down YOY, Boont sales have increased.

“We love Amber Ale and we love the Amber category. Contrary to the impressions gleaned by some larger breweries retreating from their Amber programs, we are continuing to see a lot of strength in the category for well-crafted Ambers and that makes sense – it’s a very drinkable and versatile style that has a lot of awareness and history with the craft consumer. Assuming your Amber actually tastes good, it’s a great category to be in.”

AVBC’s new packaging features full-wrap recyclable cardboard cartons and aluminum cans and is the most sustainable packaging available. The new Boont Amber Ale cans have been shipping from the brewery since the beginning of September and will be available on shelves nationwide.

About Anderson Valley Brewing Company

Founded in 1987, Anderson Valley Brewing Company brews hand-crafted, authentic beers with balance, complexity, and an unwavering commitment to sustainably producing world-class beer. As the World’s First Solar Powered Brewery, AVBC leads the craft beer industry as pioneers in responsible brewing and innovators in environmental sustainability practices. Anderson Valley Brewing Company beer is available in 40 states and at its taproom in Boonville, California.

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Hail to the Harris Hazy IPA Release

September 28, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

DELAPLANE, Virginia – Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery is pleased to announce the release of our Hail to the Harris Hazy IPA. To honor the new era that Josh Harris symbolizes for the Washington Commanders, our team has crafted a celebratory brew.

Get ready to tackle the flavor game with “Hail to the Harris” – a brew that fuses football excitement into every sip! Crafted with Barrel Oak’s farm-grown Cascade hops, then dry hopped with Citra hops, this Hazy New England IPA is smooth and creamy with tropical hints of citrus and mango. Like a game-changing pass, this beer is sure to be your next winning play.

About Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery

Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery is located at 3623 Grove Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144, and is open seven days a week.

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Eastern Market Brewing Co. Launches Its Newest Venture, Elephant & Co.

September 27, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

DETROIT, Michigan— Eastern Market Brewing Co., one of Michigan’s fastest-growing breweries, is introducing a new concept at 456 Charlotte St, Detroit: “Elephant & Co.” This location will include dozens of self-serve taps featuring the brewery’s wide-ranging beer offerings alongside artisanal Detroit-style pizza.

The Charlotte Street location will be open throughout the day with coffee roasted on-site as part of a Dooped Donut cafe, the company’s vegan donut venture. Dooped Donuts opened its first location at 1555 Broadway, across from Comerica Park, and also distributes its small batch, handcrafted vegan donuts to local cafes.

“Six years ago today, we poured our very first beer at Eastern Market After Dark. We’ve come a long way, and this location will be a representation of everything we’ve learned. The name ‘Elephant & Co.’ is an ode to where it all started, with our elephant logo in Eastern Market, while ‘& Co.’ represents our many other brands. Charlotte Street will be a showcase for our beer, as well as our offerings beyond beer,” reflected Dayne Bartscht, Managing Partner of Eastern Market Brewing Co.

Eastern Market Brewing Co. is known as a trailblazer in the local craft beer market. They are the only brewery in Michigan self-distributing at scale, meaning they not only brew their beer but also deliver it directly to retailers throughout the state. Within its first few years, the brewery reached Michigan’s self-distribution cap, so in 2020, it spearheaded efforts to change the law, successfully increasing the limit. Then in 2021, Eastern Market Brewing Co., while brewing at capacity, acquired the former Roak Brewing Co. site in Royal Oak to act as its primary production facility. Last year, the Royal Oak location became Michigan’s first fully self-service taproom.

Elephant & Co. will maintain this entrepreneurial spirit, with a novel concept yet to be seen in Michigan: pizza delivery which includes beer, straight from the source. Eastern Market Brewing Co. first tested this concept during the pandemic at their sister location, Ferndale Project, and has considered re-launching it ever since. Leveraging its self-distribution infrastructure, the business is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the opportunity with in-house logistics software and a fleet of vehicles.

The new location will open in 2024, as soon as their state and federal brewing permits are approved. Similar to their other ventures, Eastern Market Brewing Co. plans to activate the space while they wait. This will include an event on Friday, October 27 in partnership with their new landlords, Midtown Inc. and Invest Detroit, where all proceeds will be donated to community-based charities within Detroit.

Retail designer, JGA, is overseeing the branding of the space with an emphasis on restoring the look-and-feel from the 1950s when it was a radio parts manufacturer. The interior will pay homage to other tenants of the building, including the Cass Corridor Food Co-op, whose mission and principles were found in old photographs and resonated with the values on which Eastern Market Brewing Co. was founded.

While Charlotte Street is the flagship location for Elephant & Co., the broader vision is to open additional venues throughout the state creating a hub-and-spoke network enabling Eastern Market Brewing Co. to continue its growth trajectory. Plans are in the works to rebrand their Royal Oak location, Lincoln Tap, as an “Elephant & Co.” and start testing concepts there including Detroit-style pizza and barrel-aged beers.

“Midtown Inc. and Invest Detroit’s commitment to the revitalization of Detroit is impressive and we are fortunate for the opportunity to partner with them. Our team is made up of awesome humans who are deeply passionate about the products they craft, the experiences they curate, and the communities they reside in,” said Pauline Knighton-Prueter, VP of Sales & Marketing. “We look forward to delivering meaningful connections and contributing positively to Midtown’s vibrant community.”

About Eastern Market Brewing Company

Eastern Market Brewing Co. is a community-focused brewery and taproom in the heart of Detroit’s Eastern Market, a historic district celebrated for its brewing history. Fusing tradition with experimentation, the craft brewery is known for Elephant Juice, their flagship IPA. The taproom is located at 2515 Riopelle Street in Detroit, MI.

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Viva Beer and Alamo Beer Company Unite to Craft a Bold Future for San Antonio’s Beer Scene

September 27, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – In a union that promises to enhance San Antonio’s craft beer community, VIVA Beer and Alamo Beer Company are thrilled to announce their merger. This exciting merger will bring together the best of both worlds, creating a powerful synergy that will strengthen their shared commitment to crafting exceptional, approachable beer for the San Antonio community and beyond.

For VIVA Beer co-owners, Micheal (MJ) Johnson and Bobby Jones, their innovative style, self-distribution model, and contract brewing partnerships fueled their rapid growth since 2019, and they have become a San Antonio favorite at a rapid pace. After a fortuitous meeting with Alamo Beer Company in 2022, Johnson and Jones saw the Alamo Beer Co. team taking the helm of brewing operations for VIVA. The result was a dynamic partnership built on shared values and a deep passion for San Antonio.

Johnson, co-owner of VIVA Beer, states this merger is not only an exciting next step but also a testament to the mentorship and support they’ve received from the Alamo team. “Eugene has been a mentor of ours since we started. With the help of the Alamo team, we know we can continue to grow the brand throughout San Antonio and beyond.” Jan Matysiak, Alamo Beer’s new VP of Operations and talented brewmaster, is excited to lead the brewery team in continuing the VIVA recipes of their much-beloved craft beer to an even larger fan base.

Eugene Simor, owner of Alamo Beer Co., shared his enthusiasm for the merger, stating, “I have been really impressed with how quickly VIVA has grown and how the beer has resonated with San Antonio.” It was only 20 years ago that Simor was delivering kegs out of his minivan all over San Antonio, and the similarities with VIVA’s growth shed some light on why this is a special event for both companies. Be sure to look for VIVA Beer’s “Ale Camino” which is rigged with taps to pour beer from the back. Some things never change.

As the craft beer scene in San Antonio continues to grow, this merger promises an exciting future, with both VIVA Beer and Alamo Beer Company working hand in hand to craft exceptional experiences, celebrate the essence of San Antonio, and raise a toast to the vibrant craft beer culture that defines our beloved city.

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Fire Maker Brewing Announces Second Location in Griffin, GA

September 27, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

ATLANTA, Georgia— Fire Maker Brewing Company is thrilled to announce the opening of its second taproom in downtown Griffin, Georgia. This expansion project involves renovating a historic 114-year-old building, with a target opening date set for the summer of 2024.

Fire Maker Brewing Company has received recognition for its quality, having been voted the #2 Best New Brewery in America by USA Today. Additionally, it has been named Best Brewery in Atlanta for the past two years, in 2022 and 2023.

The new taproom will offer a diverse range of craft beers, cocktails, wine and a food menu, making it a prime destination in downtown Griffin. The space will feature both indoor and outdoor seating options to accommodate various preferences as well as offer space for private events.

As proud partners of the PGA, Georgia Section, Fire Maker Brewing Company is committed to supporting the local community and contributing to Griffin’s economic development. Mayor Doug Hollberg shared his excitement, stating, “It’s a Great Griffin Day when we announce a new addition to our community. I’m thrilled to have Fire Maker in Downtown Griffin and would like to thank our Board of Commissioners, the Griffin Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Griffin staff for working together to grow economic development and quality of life opportunities for our citizens.”

City Manager Jessica O’Connor added, “As the City Manager, I am proud to announce the arrival of Fire Maker, voted Best Brewery in Atlanta, to our beloved downtown. It’s an honor to be the community of choice for Fire Maker’s second location. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to building a thriving and vibrant downtown for those who live, work, and visit our city.”

With the anticipation of the building and the historic building’s transformation underway, Elliott Hall, the CEO and Co-Founder of Fire Maker Brewing Company, adds, “I grew up on the Southside and still have family ties there. I can’t express how thrilled I am, as a Georgia family-owned brewery, to bring our passion for craft beer and fun to downtown Griffin. I’m really looking forward to cracking open some cold beers with everyone next summer at our Grand Opening.”

About Fire Maker Brewing Company

Based in Atlanta Upper Westside, Fire Maker Brewing Company is committed to people and the beverages they want to drink. We exist to inspire others, have fun, and enjoy life. Whatever the occasion, we want to have a high-quality beverage for you.

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2023 Great American Beer Festival Awards Announced!

September 24, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

DENVER, Colorado – The Brewers Association (BA) unveiled the best beers of 2023 during an awards ceremony at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF®). GABF is the nation’s largest professional beer competition, with its medals globally acknowledged as an emblem of brewing excellence and among the most sought-after accolades within the brewing community. This year, there were 303 medals awarded to 263 breweries.

Top-tier brews spanning 99 beer categories across 175 beer styles (including all subcategories) received prestigious gold, silver, and bronze medals. In addition, three GABF Collaboration medals for beers created by a team of two or more professional breweries, and three GABF Pro-Am medals for beers developed by teams of professional brewers and amateur homebrewers were announced.

The competition took place in three phases over nine days and was judged by 250 beer experts from 10 countries, including the U.S. In addition to evaluating 9,298 commercial brewery entries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the judging panel assessed 95 Collaboration and 50 Pro-Am entries. The competition was made possible with the help of more than 300 volunteers.

“The Great American Beer Festival competition serves as a platform for the finest beers from across the nation to undergo rigorous scrutiny and vie for the title of ‘Best in Class,’” remarked Chris Williams, competition director for the Great American Beer Festival. “The beer community’s unwavering commitment to pushing the frontiers of innovation and quality is truly commendable. The Brewers Association takes great pride in recognizing the achievements of this year’s winners.”

The awards ceremony was held at the Bellco Theatre in Denver on Saturday, September 23, 2023, as part of the Great American Beer Festival and was livestreamed on The Brewing Network.

View the 2023 winners or download a PDF list of the winners.

GABF COMPETITION STATISTICS
37th edition of the GABF competition
9,298 beers judged
2,033 breweries in the competition from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
250 judges
300+ volunteers
Average number of competition beers entered in each category: 92
Category with the highest number of entries: 65: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale (365)
303 total medals awarded
263 medal-winning breweries
325 first-time GABF entrants
16 first-time GABF winners

TOP 5 MOST-ENTERED STYLE CATEGORY WINNERS
Category 65: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale (365 entries) – Sponsored by Antigo Zeon

Category 66: West Coast-Style India Pale Ale (301 entries)

Category 36: Light Lager (284 entries)

Category 45: German-Style Pilsener (228 entries) – Sponsored by Tripleseat

Category 64: American-Style India Pale Ale (206 entries) – Sponsored by Micro Matic

MOST-MEDALED BREWERY
Third Eye Brewing Co. | Sharonville, OH
GOLD: Herb and Spice Beer (Cat.7)
GOLD: Chocolate Beer (Cat. 8)
SILVER: Pumpkin Beer (Cat. 5)
SILVER: Collaboration Competition

COLLABORATION COMPETITION (95 entries)
See criteria here.

GOLD: Luna Mexican Export Lager | Cheluna Brewing Co. & Prost Brewing Co.
SILVER: Mounds of Importance | Third Eye Brewing Co. & Narrow Path Brewing Co.
BRONZE: Two’s Daze | Attic Brewing Co. & Two Locals Brewing Co.

PRO-AM COMPETITION (50 entries)
See criteria here.

Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients, Country Malt Group, and White Labs

GOLD: She Fancies Herself A Little Bit French | CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing and Mark Pennick
SILVER: Rob’s Baltic Porter | New Belgium Brewing Co. and Rob Hardisty
BRONZE: What Is That? | Decipher Brewing Co. and Joel Miller

Editor’s note: Photos for media use are available on the GABF website. Members of the media are encouraged to contact brewerspr@backbone.media with any questions.

The 2023 Great American Beer Festival was made possible in part by the generous support of its sponsors.

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Great Lakes Brewing Announces Return of Christmas Ale, Launch of Cookie Exchange Milk Stout

September 20, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

CLEVELAND, Ohio— Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announces the return of beloved seasonal Christmas Ale, along with a barrel aged version, and new holiday seasonal Cookie Exchange Milk Stout.

Originally brewed in 1992 with a classic recipe featuring fresh ginger, cinnamon, and honey, Christmas Ale has grown into a top performing beer for GLBC, despite being available in its 14 states for only ten weeks. Christmas Ale returns in package and draft beginning October 16 in Ohio, and October 23 in all other markets, following the brewery’s annual First Pour party and ceremonial tapping on Thursday, October 12.

BARREL AGED CHRISTMAS ALE RETURNS

In addition to the original Christmas Ale, Barrel Aged Christmas Ale returns in 2023 in 16 oz. Can 4-Packs for a limited time throughout GLBC’s footprint. In 2022, Barrel Aged Christmas Ale sold out in most markets within four weeks. Aged in bourbon barrels, Barrel Aged Christmas Ale follows Christmas Ale’s release in mid-October for a limited time.

COOKIE EXCHANGE MILK STOUT & HOLIDAY PACK DEBUT

GLBC debuts new seasonal Cookie Exchange Milk Stout in all markets in mid-October. Brewed with a rotating cookie flavor, the inaugural edition of Cookie Exchange Milk Stout takes inspiration from Caramel Vanilla Shortbread, or, Speculoos. The holiday-themed seasonal launches in 6-Pack 12 oz. Cans and Draft. It also appears in a brand new Holiday Pack, which includes six cans of Cookie Exchange Milk Stout and six cans of Christmas Ale.

BREWPUB HOSTS ANNUAL FIRST POUR EVENT

The GLBC brewpub hosts its celebrated First Pour party on Thursday, October 12. The ceremonial tapping event includes the first taste of Christmas Ale, limited edition holiday merch, holiday music and food specials, a toy drive, and more. The brewery also hosts its annual First Pour VIP contest, where one lucky fan will win a private brewery tour, swag, and exclusive access at the event, followed by a season-long Merry Christmas Ale sweepstakes awarding swag to lucky winners.

Christmas Ale First Pour Celebration

Time: Doors at 11AM; Tapping at 11:30AM
Location: GLBC Brewpub, 2516 Market Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113
Highlights: Ceremonial tapping, holiday music, holiday-themed menu items, merch, and more.

About Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery, founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland, Ohio. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, GLBC is independent and employee-owned, and serves 14 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Vibacious Double IPA, Hazecraft Hazy IPA, Dortmunder Gold Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings.

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Veteran-Owned Honor Brewing Announces Grand Opening of Second Virginia Location

September 19, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

STERLING, Virginia— Honor Brewing is thrilled to announce the grand opening of their Sterling, Virginia (Loudoun County) location, slated for October of this year.

Honor Brewing currently has two other locations – the Chantilly tasting room and the Honor Brewing Kitchen in Fairfax.

When founder Allen Cage began Honor Brewing in 2014, he knew he wanted it to be more than just a brewery as he is more than just a brewery owner himself. Cage, a small town boy from West Virginia, says that, from a young age, he knew he wanted to be two things when he grew up: a pilot and an entrepreneur. He went on to serve in the military with 24 years of active duty – 12 of which were as a Cobra pilot and the other 12 are still classified. After beginning life as a civilian upon retirement, Cage started several successful businesses – a few of which he would sell a few years later to fund his dreams of a philanthropic brewery.

Cage created Honor Brewing to be a place that gave back to the community and paid homage to those that have given some or all to their country. “I wanted to make sure that those who have served… [that] they’re not forgotten for what they do and what they’ve given up.” From the magnetic “Wall of Honor” to the “Honor Pour” (the first pour of the day set aside in memoriam) to even the wall taps that are made to look like dog tags honoring those that have given their lives in service, Honor Brewing certainly lives up to its name. The Honor team is constantly finding new ways to give back to the veteran & first responder communities, as well as to the community as a whole. According to their website, they have donated well over $51,500 since 2014. And when asked to boast on his own accomplishments?

“It’s my time to give back,” says Cage, humbly.

The new location will continue its thematic giving and offer a 35,000 sq ft production facility and restaurant. Cage hopes this will help Honor Brewing expand distribution – and chances to create community, employ veterans, and give back – throughout the United States. The restaurant will boast an expertly-crafted menu by Michelin chef, John Dylan Snyder. Snyder hails from the D.C. area but says that Honor’s mission enticed him to join the team:

“Honor Brewing has provided a platform, and the tools necessary, to serve a larger demographic and impact people’s lives on a grander scale than what I thought was possible,” Snyder commented, “The reality of working with a like-minded team, using food and drink to bring people together in order [to] invest back into our communities, there is nothing more rewarding.”

Honor Brewing will celebrate their grand opening with a full list of events and offerings.

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California Wild Ales Opens New Location in Point Loma

September 19, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

POINT LOMA, San Diego— California Wild Ales announced the opening of its new brewery and tasting room at 3826 Sherman Street in Point Loma, California. The brewery moved to Point Loma from its original location in Sorrento Valley, operating since 2015 due to the demolition of its original location. The grand opening will occur on Sept. 15 from 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PST.

The brewery will offer a wide variety of classic fruited sours, clean IPAs, and lagers, as well as seltzers and a non-alcoholic beer on its 20-tap system in its two-story tasting room overlooking the oak barrels. The Point Loma tasting room will also have food options from The Last Typewriter. Patrons can order gourmet burgers and fries, fusion-style fried chicken, toasted sandwiches, and more from a wall-mounted tablet, then have their food delivered to the tasting room.

Initially, the tasting room will be open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8:00 p.m. Adjustments will be made when concerts and sporting events occur at nearby Pechanga Arena.

“We are thrilled to have found a new home in Point Loma,” said Bill DeWitt, co-founder of California Wild Ales. “The Sherman Street location provides the perfect space to serve our unique creations and offer an unforgettable experience with the exceptional flavors and craftsmanship that define California Wild Ales while immersing ourselves in the dynamic beer culture of Point Loma.”

Formerly occupied by Green Fix Green Juice and shared with Five Star Fish Processing, the 1,200-square-foot facility will be the new home for the California Wild Ales brewery facility and tasting room.. The brewery will make significant investments in new oak-foeders and all-new wine and spirit barrels for aging a wide variety of aged sour, wild and mixed-culture beers and guaranteeing exceptional quality and integrity.

The new space will follow the brewery’s tradition of featuring fun and funky creative design that exudes warmth and character and include reclaimed wood from Sorrento Valley repurposed to provide callbacks to the original tasting room. Similar to its Ocean Beach tasting room, located at 4896 Newport Ave, San Diego, which opened in 2021, the new venue will feature Legos, including a three-dimensional Lego sculpture of the brewery’s mascots Lacto, Brett and P.D.O., created by Mortarless Bricks representing the bacteria strains that are used to craft their sour beers.

One of the standout features of the new space is an impressive 18’x10.5′ movie screen, one of the largest of its kind outside of Petco Park. This colossal screen will be a centerpiece of the brewery, showcasing live sporting events such as the San Diego Gulls games, San Diego Padres games, NFL matchups, and more.

Additionally, like its OB location, the brewery will live-stream concerts, host live music, and have bar-top games, including ring-toss, landslide, roller bowler, rolo, washers and more, making it a hub for entertainment. In addition, the new location will house a 4-player retro arcade cabinet with 17,000 games and the brewery plans to add three more machines in the coming months.

Bill DeWitt noted, “This screen is massive, and I think once people see it, it will become a major draw for this location. It will be a fantastic place to catch live games, enjoy a craft beer, and soak up the atmosphere.”

For example, all October, the brewery plan to run horror movies and even host a live podcast from one of our fellow industry members, Kelly Cashman. Her podcast B Movie And A Beer will be a live episode projected onto our giant screen. Mortarless Bricks will also host “Bricks and Brews” twice a month, where patrons have the chance to design, build, and race their own Lego creations.

The vision for the new location is to create a welcoming atmosphere and provide unique experiences that enrich the community and beyond,” said Zack Brager, co-founder of California Wild Ales. “Being situated near Modern Times Beer and Bay City Brewing, we aspire to create a destination for beer lovers to explore and enjoy.”

Strategically located near Interstates 8 and 5, the tasting room is poised to become a hub for locals and visitors attending nearby sports events and concerts. Additionally, with the anticipated completion of the Midway Rising project—a 16,500-seat arena, hotel, retail spaces, and thousands of homes—California Wild Ales will capture the attention of a vibrant and expanding community.

When the brewery opens, the new tasting room will offer a wide assortment of beers, including:

· Warzone West Coast IPA

· The Point West Coast IPA

· Up the Hill Hazy IPA

· Rainbow Weather Double Hazy IPA

· Pesky Parrot Pale Ale

· Bike Lane Lager

· Dragon Fruit, Blueberry, Blackberry and Raspberry Sour Ale

· German Chocolate Cake Dark Sour

· Oak Barrel-aged Saison (collaboration with OB Brewery)

· Mead Barrel-aged Flanders-style Red Ale (collaboration with 13 Point Brewing and Lost Cause Meadery)

· Super Cuvée Brewer’s Blend

· Buzzed Bee (collaboration with Hoppy Beer Hoppy Life and Lost Cause Meadery)

· Sour Quadrupel with Kakawa Cold-brew Coffee

· Peach & Raspberry Hard Seltzer

About California Wild Ales

In 2015, California Wild Ales originally found its niche in San Diego County’s craft beer scene by focusing exclusively on brewing barrel-aged sour beers, setting itself apart as a unique and innovative establishment. Since then, California Wild Ales has introduced several clean beers, including IPAs, lagers, seltzers, red ale, and barrel-aged Saison. The brewery’s signature sour beer is aged in American, French, and Hungarian oak barrels for at least nine months and uses fresh, seasonal produce from local San Diego farmers, resulting in a refreshing, tart flavor profile. In 2023, the brewery relocated its brewery and tasting room to Point Loma, and in 2021, had a successful expansion with a satellite tasting room in Ocean Beach.

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