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San Diego Beer

Thorn Brewing Announces New Year-Round Beer in Cans

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SAN DIEGO, California— Thorn Brewing is thrilled to introduce a fresh new addition to their year-round lineup: Sun Soaked, West Coast IPA.

“Sun Soaked IPA first made its appearance in our series of thoughtfully crafted limited-release IPAs over the past 2 years and the response from our customers has been nothing short of fantastic.” Marc Martin, Thorn’s CEO explains. “We’re thrilled to share that Sun Soaked will now be a year-round offering, a nod to its outstanding quality and popularity among beer enthusiasts. This exceptional brew seamlessly joins the diverse Thorn Brewing Co. year-round portfolio, which is celebrated for its well-earned recognition. Our devoted team of brewers continues to create fantastic beers and we invite you to experience the excellence of Sun Soaked.”

With an average of 246 days of sun a year, it can be said that San Diego is soaked in sun, which is how Sun Soaked IPA was inspired by America’s Finest City.

In this 7% ABV IPA, mango, passion fruit, and fresh berry flavors play off of the heady, dank aroma of tropical fruits and light herbiness that comes from the Strata and Ekuanot hop combination.

Sun Soaked will be joining Thorn Brewing’s other year-round beers including Barrio Lager, Pineapple Tepache, Hopster Pot Hazy IPA, Michelada, Relay IPA, and Treading Lightly Light IPA.

Sun Soaked IPA is now available in cans and on draft throughout San Diego and Southern California!

About Thorn Brewing Co.

Thorn Brewing Co. started out in 2012 in North Park as Thorn Street Brewery where they became known as San Diego’s ultimate neighborhood brewery. Their Barrio Logan location opened in 2017 and produces their beer on a 30-barrel system, houses their canning line as well as a tasting room and events space. Thorn Mission Hills opened up in 2019 and became a local hangout featuring 12 rotating taps, beer-to-go, and skeeball.

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San Diego’s Karl Strauss Brewing Releases Oktoberfest Beer for 35th Year

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SAN DIEGO, California – Karl Strauss, San Diego’s longest continuously operating post-Prohibition brewing company, released its seasonal Oktoberfest beer for the 35th year in a row. Brewmaster Paul Segura made the announcement.

The German-style Märzen lager, which has a 5.0% ABV and a golden amber color, is available on draft at Karl Strauss’s four San Diego brewpubs in 4S Ranch, Carlsbad, Downtown San Diego, and Sorrento Mesa, as well as at several bars and restaurants throughout the County. The beer is also available on draft at Karl Strauss brewpubs in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Downtown Los Angeles, and Temecula.

Six packs of 12-oz Oktoberfest bottles are available at all eight brewpubs and at retail locations such as 7-Eleven, Costco, CVS, Ralphs, Sprouts, and Vons.

“In a world of ever-changing beer styles, our Oktoberfest stands as a timeless classic – an original masterpiece that pays homage to the heart and soul of this Bavarian brewing tradition,” Segura said. “No doubt, this is one that both our team and our fans get most excited for each year.”

The official 2023 Oktoberfest celebration in Germany takes place from September 16 – October 3. This year marks the 188th festival. Karl Strauss’s Oktoberfest beer uses a blend of Vienna and Munich malts, along with Perle hops imported from the Hallertau region of Germany. It has toasted malt flavors, nutty undertones, and a crisp, clean finish.

In addition to traditional pints, Karl Strauss brewpubs will offer an Oktoberfest stein-and-fill promotion for $15. Refills of Oktoberfest or any Karl Strauss core beer in the newly-designed take-home stein are just $6. The beer will be available through October 31.

Karl Strauss released its first version of an Oktoberfest beer “Blonde Bavarian Oktoberfest Beer” in 1989, the same year the brewery was founded. Blonde Bavarian was part of Karl Strauss’s first Oktoberfest celebration at the brewery’s original location on Columbia Street in Downtown San Diego.

On July 30, it was announced that Karl Strauss was voted as one of San Diego’sBest Craft Breweries in The San Diego Union-Tribune’s 2023 Readers Poll. Only 10 made the list. A Karl Strauss beer garden in San Marcos is expected to open in September.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene throughout San Diego and beyond with innovative and award-winning releases. It has an ongoing collaboration series with some of the nation’s most well-respected breweries, and are known for launching exciting brands like Tower X West Coast IPA, as well as cult classics like Red Trolley.

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AleSmith Brewing Company Extends .394 Line with Session .394

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SAN DIEGO, California – AleSmith Brewing Company is proud to announce the release of Session .394, a light, sessionable beer in cans and draft throughout San Diego. Following in the footsteps of their original .394 beer, collaboration with Hall-of-Famer Tony Gwynn, this rendition has a lower alcohol content while still packing all of the hop character you love. The light, easy-drinking beer is sure to be a hit with those looking for a lower alcohol option without sacrificing flavor.

This new release speaks to Tony Gwynn’s original vision of creating a beer that was both easy-drinking and full of flavor – one that could be enjoyed by everyone. It is this same vision that has guided AleSmith Brewing Co. since 1995 as they have grown into one of San Diego’s most beloved brewers who continue to honor Gwynn’s legacy through their .394 line.

Session .394 is a San Diego-style Session Pale Ale brewed with Mosaic and Citra hops giving it lovely notes of citrus and pineapple for an enjoyable drinking experience that transcends style boundaries. This crushable .394 embodies Tony Gwynn’s original vision of a beer that is “light with a kick.” Weighing in at 4.9% ABV, Session .394 will provide relief from heat during long summer days without sacrificing taste or quality.

“We are thrilled to extend our popular .394 product line with this lighter version,” said Brandon Richards, President of AleSmith Brewing Company. “As always, we believe in creating beers that represent the highest quality standard so drinkers can enjoy them no matter what their lifestyle or taste preference.”

“I am so proud of our ability to continue honoring Tony Gwynn and his legacy with this new version of .394,” said Peter Zien, Owner and CEO of AleSmith Brewing Company. “This version is an easy-drinking rendition that embodies Tony’s original vision of a full-flavored beer with a light body. It’s the perfect way to celebrate America’s favorite pastime in our hometown – San Diego!”

Session .394 will be available in cans and draft throughout San Diego beginning this month. Fans can look forward to enjoying the new offering at AleSmith’s tasting room in Miramar as well as other locations throughout San Diego County. Find the retailer nearest you by visiting AleSmith’s Beer Finder.

ABV: 4.9%

About AleSmith Brewing Company

Forged in 1995, AleSmith has been recognized by consumers and critics alike as one of the world’s foremost craft brewing companies behind accolades that include medals won at prestigious national and international beer competitions. In addition to being well established within its hometown of San Diego, AleSmith was acknowledged by the RateBeer community as the Top Brewer in California and the 4th Best Brewery in the World in 2017. AleSmith also received the Champion Brewery Award for the past three years at the San Diego International Beer Competition and was named Small Brewing Company of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival in 2008. AleSmith is celebrating its 23rd year in business and occupies a 109,942 square-foot facility with a state-of- the-art brewery. AleSmith is currently ranked #9 out of 33,000+ breweries worldwide.

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The Original 40 Brewing Co. Announced Two New Beers That Pay Homage To Its North Park Neighborhood

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SAN DIEGO, California— San Diego’s The Original 40 Brewing Company will release two beers that pay homage to its North Park neighborhood – University Ave Kölsch and University Ave Raspberry Kölsch. Head Brewer Zack Kaplan made the announcement.

University Avenue is the main east-west road in North Park, featuring dozens of restaurants, bars, breweries, and retail locations.Original 40 Brewing, which is named after the original 40-acre parcel of land that became modern-day North Park, is located at 3117 University Avenue.

Both Kölsch-style ales, which have a 4.8% alcohol by volume (ABV), will be available on draft and in four packs of 16-oz cans. Draft beers will be poured using a side pull faucet, which allows for thick and creamy-headed pints that beer drinkers would find more commonly in Europe than in the United States. The Raspberry Kölsch pours a clear, deep red to light pink hue.

“These Kölsch beers were fun to create and I can’t wait to see the reactions from our regulars and those who walk through our doors for the first time,” Kaplan said. “We stepped out of the box a little by using different techniques that we hadn’t yet tried since I joined the brewery last May, and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. I believe the raspberry edition especially will turn heads from both visual and tasting standpoints.”

University Ave Kölsch was brewed with German Bohemian Pilsner Malt, utilizing traditional German brewing techniques to mimic a classic German Kölsch-style ale. A Spunding valve was used during fermentation to recapture as much of the CO2 produced, as well as the natural carbonation and a thick and creamy head.

For the Raspberry Kölsch, fresh Pacific Northwest red raspberries were used in the batch to make it burst with fruit flavors and aromas. No extracts or artificial flavorings were included.

“There’s nothing like the goodness of a clean German Kölsch,” said Original 40 founder and North Park resident Steve Billings. “Zack nailed it quite frankly. These are the perfect beers, especially Raspberry Kölsch with the vibrant color, to celebrate our vibrant North Park community that we’ve called home for nearly three years now.”

Kaplan is a six-time Great American Beer Festival (GABF) winner, garnering medals most recently in 2019 while serving as the head brewer at Migration Brewing in Portland, Ore. The La Jolla native has won two Gold Medals, one Silver Medal, and three Bronze Medals overall at GABF, which is often referred to as “The Oscars” of the craft beer industry.

Kaplan studied mechanical engineering at UC San Diego after graduating from La Jolla High School. He started his career in craft beer in 2011 with San Diego’s Green Flash Brewing.

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Modern Times Beer Debuts Pause for Effect Hazy Double IPA

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SAN DIEGO, California— Modern Times Beer announces the launch of Pause for Effect Hazy Double India Pale Ale, the first in a series of highly innovative and incredibly delicious Double IPAs planned for 2023.

Pause for Effect took years to develop, using a process of estery Juice yeast, mid-fermentation dry hop, and secret mineral additions. Concentrated hop products including Mosaic Cryo and Citra Incognito add layers of citrus and tropical aromas that will continue to transform throughout the life of the beer.

“We wanted to create something that was as drinkable as it was boundary-pushing,” said Andrew Schwartz, Director of Product Innovation and Development. “Using the combination of cutting-edge hop products and time-tested techniques we were able to make something both alluring and high ABV, simple and aromatically boastful.”Pause for Effect (8.0% ABV) is a limited release available on tap and in 4-pack cans to-go at Modern Times Beer locations in Point Loma, North Park, and Encinitas and at fine retailers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Washington.

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Best Day Brewing Expansion and New Brand Build Out

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SAN DIEGO, California – Mindful drinking, non-alcoholic beer and other alcohol-free leisure beverages are gaining major traction across multiple consumer segments. Best Day Brewing is looking to expand its foothold in the market and broaden consumer awareness thanks to a comprehensive brand build out from Gestalt Brand Lab.

“The ritual of cracking a great beer is one associated with relaxation, enjoyment and unwinding. Consumers are looking for ways to savour that experience and embrace the moments of awe in every day life with a clear head and no hangover,” said Best Day Brewing Founder and CEO Tate Huffard. “We have built a reputation for quality, authentic craft beer taste that allows you to enjoy more, not less while drinking — This marketing and communications plan pushes that message out to a wider audience,” he added.

Best Day has been on an massive expansive track over the past year and recently signed a multi-year relationship with Life Time Fitness (NYSE: LTH), the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand, including serving as the official sponsor of Life Time Pickleball and select events within the company’s portfolio and rolling out to select LifeCafes located inside Life Time’s health clubs and outdoor beach clubs nationwide.

Best Day Brewing selected Gestalt Brand Lab as its Agency of Record in the spring of 2022 with the goal of taking their existing product footprint and elevating it to a larger stage. Working with an established logo and two existing products (Kölsch and West Coast IPA), Gestalt Brand Lab was tasked with developing a defined brand framework for the company, creating an overall brand aesthetic and marketing campaign, redesigning the website and implementing the brand across all consumer and customer touchpoints, including point-of-sale materials, marketing and sales content, advertising, packaging designs, event collateral and more.

Key to the brand framework was incorporating Best Day’s existing core values and communicating them in a meaningful, holistic way. “Best Day is brewed for doers, surfers, climbers, early-risers, free divers, chefs, gardeners, dancers, oyster farmers, dreamers, painters, builders and more, and the integrated messaging needed to communicate that the product is a delicious and full-flavor craft beer for those looking for a mindful drinking experience — a low-calorie, hydrating, non-alcoholic option at that. Best Day drinkers are those looking to live each day to the fullest, celebrating the beauty in life’s every day moments and experiences without dulling them with a buzz,” said Gestalt Brand Lab Managing Director Brian Munce.

The resulting brand framework tied all of these key elements together and Gestalt built a communications platform that centers around the idea of “Best Day Yet” — The genuine craft beer experience that lets you feel the awe of everyday life, finding beauty in even the simplest elements.

“Consumers want to be fully present and enjoy a taste experience they love in more parts of their life while retaining a clear head and full functionality – Everything from sharing some giggles and fun with your kids to simply getting some Vitamin D as you tackle yard work. Our brand work for Best Day is aligned to communicate the feeling of drinking Best Day beer and having an amazing day,” Munce added.

Gestalt focused on an illustrated graphic poster design style filled with iconic commissioned imagery from noted French artist Quentin Monge that visually communicates the feeling and emotions that go with the experiences associated with a Best Day beverage. Simple slogans and themes call out occasions and moments such as “Make Dawn Patrol” with an image of surfers checking the waves — Customers can envision themselves in quirky and carefree moments, unrestricted and unmuted by alcohol.

“Our entire creative and brand vision speaks to those who desire to be present in every moment, enjoying a beverage they love in more parts of life with a selection that promotes a thoughtful and engaged lifestyle,” said Gestalt Brand Lab Creative Director Chad Farmer.

“The combination of visuals, clean illustrations and a color palette evocative of the natural beauty of Northern California transports customers to a place of calm and enjoyment that elicits a unique emotional response,” added Farmer. “Monge’s illustrations capture the essence of the sun, encouraging viewers to stop and enjoy small pleasures, serving as a perfect fit for Best Day’s brand platform”, according to Farmer.

In addition to brand elements outlined above, Gestalt has also developed a wide variety of photo and video assets for Best Day, social media content for all platforms, vehicle and bike wraps, email templates, seasonal product packaging designs and more. The agency plans to continue pushing the Best Day work with new product rollouts, custom events and experiences, new advertising and more.

ABOUT GESTALT BRAND LAB:

Founded in 2019, San Diego-based Gestalt Brand Lab believes that the powerful sum of simple and emotional brand strategy, story and aesthetic creates deeper meaning for the whole, driving overall client success. Built with a team of branding and marketing veterans, this award-winning agency has jumped from #66 to #23 in the latest Agency Spotter “Top Design Agencies” report and was named #35 on Agency Spotter’s “Top 100 Best Brand Companies” in 2022. Gestalt has created holistic brands for well-known companies across diverse industries, including Luna Grill Restaurants, Chuze Fitness, Meridian, Lumin, Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Jamba and more. To learn more about Gestalt Brand Lab, please visit gestaltbrands.com.

ABOUT BEST DAY BREWING:

Born in Northern California, Best Day Brewing crafts great-tasting, non-alcoholic beers for those who do what they love and love what they do, always in pursuit of their best day yet. Inspired by the rugged eccentricities of its West Coast roots, the brand’s full-flavored range of craft brews are made to complement all of life’s adventures. For the fun-loving, thirsty souls fuelled by passions from sunrise to sunset, who like to work hard and play hard without the limitations of a traditional brew. Because life is chockfull of moments that deserve a great beer, but not the buzz. Available for shipment nationwide at www.bestdaybrewing.com.

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Thorn Brewing Co. Kicks Off New Beer Series With Local Artists

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SAN DIEGO, California – Thorn Brewing Co. is excited to announce the kick-off of a brand new series of hazy IPAs that highlights local San Diego artists.

“San Diego is home to so many amazing artists,” Thorn CEO, Marc Martin explains. “So for our Shades of Haze series, we reached out to local artists from each of the neighborhoods where we have tasting rooms. Each artist created a beer label for us and we will be hosting a release event featuring their art for each beer release.”

The first artist in the series is Hector Villegas, a first-generation Chicano from the historic neighborhood of Barrio Logan. His artwork is a blend of Mesoamerican glyphs, textiles, and 3D geometry that he calls “Neo-Mexika.”

“The Barrio Logan Art Scene is rooted in working-class Chicano culture,” Villegas shares. “It’s relentlessly resourceful and always the vanguard of new, exciting art forms. The art scene here has established artists as well as youth and up-and-coming folks. Venues and galleries come and go but there is always a pulse of artists making sense of the world through the Barrio lens. I encourage folks to suit up and show up to Barrio Logan to enjoy the scene. As long as you come here with respect, you’ll love the energy and vibe of this community.”

Villegas artwork adorns The Portal Hazy IPA can that’s releasing on Saturday, Jan 21st. Thorn Brewing Barrio Logan is hosting a release party to celebrate with food, live music, local vendors, and limited edition screen printing onsite.

Find The Portal Hazy IPA throughout San Diego starting on January 23rd!

About Thorn Brewing Co.

Thorn Brewing Co. started out in 2012 in North Park as Thorn Street Brewery where it became known as San Diego’s ultimate neighborhood brewery. The Barrio Logan location opened in 2017 and produces beer on a 30-barrel system, and Thorn Mission Hills opened in 2019.

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