The Legend Returns: California Wild Ales’ “I’m Kind of a Big Dill” Pickle Beer

Now pairing beautifully with our Micheladas too

Pickle beer fans, rejoice — I’m Kind of a Big Dill is here again, better than ever. One of California Wild Ales’ most beloved concoctions has come out of hibernation, revived with all the tangy, briny goodness you remember.

From Pickled Rick to Big Dill

You might remember the beer under its former name, Pickled Rick — yes, that name ended up in a sticky legal pickle with Cartoon Network, so we changed it. The new name? I’m Kind of a Big Dill. Because, honestly… it is kind of a big deal.

What Makes It So Dill-ightful

• ABV: ~5.4%, easy-drinking, crisp, sour, and perfectly balanced for those who love something funky but refreshing.

• Fresh Ingredients: Cucumbers from local sources + garden‐fresh dill.

• Seasonings: Whole black peppercorns, Maldon sea salt (for that minerality), and for certain editions, a hint of garlic to deepen the savory edge.

• Base: Rested on a foeder‐aged sour base. Barrel aging comes into play in some batches, giving extra character. (The gallery edition had oak barrels + real garden cucumbers & dill from owner Bill DeWitt’s backyard plot.) California Wild Ales

What’s New This Round

• This time around, the flavor profile is back to basics — crisp cucumbers, local dill, salt, and peppercorns.

• For a limited period, you can get it on draft now plus cans exclusively at our Ocean Beach location.

• And yes — we’ve got something special in the works with our Micheladas (see next section).

Micheladas Meet Pickle Beer 🍹

Because why should only the beer drinkers have all the fun? Our Micheladas usually come with Bike Lane Lager, but for a brief time, you can:

• Swap in I’m Kind of a Big Dill for the base of your Michelada.

• Or go hybrid: classic Michelada with a “splash of pickle beer on top.”

Salt + lime + pickle sour beer = magic. Don’t snooze on this if you’re into refreshment with a twist.

Limited Time, Limited Supply

This isn’t something that’s going to hang around forever:

• It’s one of our most popular beers — people wait for it, talk about it, trade stories over it.

• Cans are only at the OB tasting room; draft available while supplies last.

• Once this batch is gone, it’s gone (or at least until next season).

Why You Can’t Miss This

• It’s bold: the salty, sour, briny flavor is unlike most beers, and unlike most things period.

• It’s local: fresh cucumbers and dill, grown nearby or from Monica & Bill DeWitt’s own garden.

• It’s fun: that punny name, the pickle flavor, the option to customize your Michelada — all part of the experience.

• It’s craft beer done right: small batches, real ingredients, attention to detail.

Come Taste the Big Dill

Stop by California Wild Ales – Ocean Beach to grab a can, try a pint, or pimp your Michelada with pickles. Because when it comes to sour beers in San Diego… I’m Kind of a Big Dill is one you don’t want to miss.

🏈 Bears vs. Vikings Kickoff Party at California Wild Ales – Monday, September 8th

Football season is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than with Chicago Bears football, ice-cold craft beer, and authentic Italian beef sandwiches in the heart of Ocean Beach? Join us at California Wild Ales in Ocean Beach, San Diego this Monday, September 8th as the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings in the first game of the NFL season. Kickoff is at 5:15 p.m., and we’re making it a night to remember.

🍻 Chicago Bears Game Day at California Wild Ales

This isn’t just another Monday night—it’s the start of a wild football season at California Wild Ales OB. We’ll be showing every Chicago Bears game all season long, so whether you’re a lifelong Bears fan or just love the energy of NFL football in San Diego, our tasting room is the place to be.

Special Deal: Come dressed in your Chicago Bears gear and score $1 off your beer all night long. Show your Chicago pride while sipping on some of the best craft beer Ocean Beach has to offer, from crisp lagers to juicy hazy IPAs to our famous barrel-aged sours.

🥖 Doughboys Brings Chicago Italian Beef to OB

For this special Monday night, we’re teaming up with our friends at Doughboys, one of the newest restaurants in Ocean Beach. Known for their smash burgers, wings, and pizza, Doughboys has quickly become a favorite hangout for OB locals.

But here’s the twist: for the first time ever, Doughboys is creating a Chicago-style Italian beef right here in Ocean Beach. Served free to our guests, these sandwiches will be piled high with tender beef, dripping with rich au jus, and topped with Monica’s homemade giardiniera—a spicy, tangy mix that takes the flavor to another level. Trust us, this will be the best Italian beef Ocean Beach has ever seen.

Doughboys isn’t just about food—they’re about community. Their team is passionate about bringing people together around the table, and we’re excited to showcase this collaboration with a true Ocean Beach favorite.

📍 Where to Watch the Game in Ocean Beach

If you’re searching for the best place to watch Chicago Bears games in San Diego, look no further. California Wild Ales in Ocean Beach offers the perfect game-day atmosphere:

• 16 beers on tap, plus rotating hard seltzers and slushies

• Family-friendly, dog-friendly vibes in the heart of OB

• A strong community of Chicago fans ready to cheer on Da Bears

• Exclusive food collaborations with local OB restaurants like Doughboys

Whether you’re a San Diego local, visiting Ocean Beach, or part of the growing Chicago Bears community here, California Wild Ales is your new Monday Night Football headquarters.

📅 Event Details

• Who: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings fans (all welcome!)

• When: Monday, September 8th – Kickoff at 5:15 p.m.

• Where: California Wild Ales – Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA

• Food: Free Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches by Doughboys, with Monica’s homemade giardiniera

• Specials: $1 off beer all night for anyone wearing Chicago Bears gear

🐻 Bear Down, OB!

This is the first game of the season, and we’ll be here every week hosting Bears fans, football lovers, and beer drinkers alike. Gather your crew, throw on your navy and orange, and let’s make this a season to remember at California Wild Ales Ocean Beach.

Zest Coast Paloma: The Spicy Citrus Hard Yerba Maté You Didn’t Know You Needed

At California Wild Ales, we’re all about bold flavor, wild creativity, and keeping things fresh. And our latest small-batch release might just be the wildest yet. Introducing Zest Coast Paloma — a hard yerba maté bursting with juicy grapefruit, zippy serrano peppers, and a beachy vibe that screams summer. With a bold 10% ABV, this isn’t your average cocktail in a can. It’s a full-on flavor adventure made for sun chasers, flavor seekers, and spice lovers alike.

What Is Zest Coast Paloma?

Zest Coast Paloma is our vibrant twist on a classic Paloma cocktail, with a few wild upgrades. We start with the invigorating herbal kick of yerba maté, a South American tea known for its earthy flavor and natural energy boost. Then we layer in tart, juicy ruby red grapefruit for a citrus blast that’s bright and refreshing. Finally, we turn up the heat with a splash of fresh serrano pepper—adding just enough spice to wake up your palate without burning it out.

The result? A citrusy, spicy, and slightly herbal hard tea with a bold personality and a whole lot of beach energy.

Why Yerba Maté?

Unlike typical hard seltzers or sweetened teas, yerba maté adds depth and character. It’s a natural source of caffeine and antioxidants, giving this drink a subtle lift without the crash. Combined with high-quality citrus and a touch of serrano spice, it makes for a uniquely refreshing alcoholic beverage that’s perfect for warm weather, outdoor adventures, and late-night beach hangs.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Grapefruit zest, soft herbal maté, and a whisper of chili heat

• Flavor: Bright citrus tang up front, smooth earthy tea mid-palate, and a warm serrano kick on the finish

• Finish: Clean and dry with a lingering spice

• ABV: 10% – strong, smooth, and surprisingly crushable

Where Can You Get It?

Zest Coast Paloma is available exclusively at California Wild Ales in San Diego. We’re pouring it fresh at our tasting rooms and offering growler fills while supplies last. As with all our experimental brews, this one’s a limited release — so once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Perfect Pairings

Looking for the ideal snack to go with your spicy citrus bomb of a drink? Try it with:

• Ceviche or citrus-marinated shrimp

• Tacos al pastor or grilled fish

• Fresh mango with tajín

• Salty chips and guac under the sun

Why You’ll Love It

If you love:

• Spicy Palomas

• Grapefruit hard teas

• Creative craft cocktails

• High-ABV drinks with real flavor

• California beach vibes

Then this drink has your name written all over it.

Final Sip

Zest Coast Paloma is more than just a drink—it’s a vibe. It’s bold, energizing, a little rebellious, and totally unforgettable. With its perfect balance of citrus, tea, and heat, it’s quickly becoming a crowd favorite for those looking to sip something different and delicious.

Whether you’re catching a sunset in Ocean Beach or dancing through a backyard party, Zest Coast Paloma brings the flavor and the fun.

Swing by California Wild Ales and grab a glass (or a growler) before the wave crashes. This is one summer

❄️ Wild Slushies Have Landed: The Coolest Craft Drink in San Diego This Summer

When the sun’s blazing, the beach is calling, and the flip-flops are out in full force, there’s only one thing left to complete your perfect San Diego summer: a frozen, boozy drink that’s as fun as it is refreshing.

Introducing Wild Slushies, the brand-new frozen cocktail experience from California Wild Ales, now available exclusively at our Ocean Beach tasting room. Made with real fruit, wild flavor combinations, and a heavy pour of creativity, these adult slushies are already a fan favorite — and for good reason.

🌴 A Frozen Drink Like No Other

This isn’t your average slushie. Each Wild Slushie is handcrafted in-house using fresh ingredients and brewed to perfection, blending the fun of a cocktail with the soul of a craft beer. At 8.5% ABV, it’s a drink that’s here to party, while still giving you that icy chill you crave when the temperature climbs.

We rotate flavors frequently based on what’s seasonal, fresh, and delicious — so you can try something new every time you stop in. Some past hits include:

• 🥭 Mango Chili Lime – A tropical sweet heat with a tajin rim

• 🍉 Watermelon Mojito – Crisp, minty, and dangerously crushable

• 🍓 Berry Lemonade – Tart, juicy, and perfect for patio sipping

• 🍍 Piña Colada Punch – A beach vacation in every sip

And that’s just the beginning. We’re constantly experimenting with flavor combos, fruit infusions, and wild twists to keep you coming back.

Tip: Don’t be shy — ask your bartender for the flavor of the day. You never know what frozen magic might be spinning.

💥 Meet “The Iceberg”: A Frozen Collision You’ll Never Forget

Feeling adventurous? We’ve got a secret weapon that takes the Wild Slushie experience to the next level.

Say hello to The Iceberg — a bold, beautiful mashup of our Wild Slushie and our in-house Hard Yerba Mate Tea. It’s equal parts caffeine kick and frozen bliss. Imagine the buzz of yerba mate, the flavor of fresh fruit, and the chill of a slushie, all fused into one epic summer sipper.

Perfect for beach days, long afternoons, or just shaking up your usual routine, The Iceberg is a California Wild original you won’t find anywhere else.

🌞 Why Wild Slushies Should Be Your Summer Staple

Let’s face it — San Diego summers can get hot, especially when you’re soaking in those Ocean Beach rays. Whether you’re hitting the boardwalk, cooling off after a surf session, or just looking for something unique to sip on, Wild Slushies are your go-to frozen escape.

Here’s what makes them so special:

• 8.5% ABV – Just enough to turn up the volume on your beach day

• Rotating flavors – Fresh, exciting, and full of surprises

• Crafted in Ocean Beach – Support local and sip wild

• Made with real fruit & cane sugar – No fake syrups or shortcuts

• Only at California Wild Ales – One-of-a-kind, like everything we do

🧊 Come Sip with Us in Ocean Beach

Wild Slushies are only available at our California Wild Ales tasting room in Ocean Beach, San Diego. That means you can’t grab them in a can (yet!) — you’ve gotta come see us to get a taste.

We’re located just steps from the OB pier and surrounded by the best neighborhood vibes in the city. Come in, grab a flight, try a few sours, and top it off with a Wild Slushie or Iceberg. You’ll thank us later.

📍 Location & Info

California Wild Ales – Ocean Beach
📍 4896 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
📆 Open daily – check our Instagram for hours and slushie flavor updates
🎉 Wild Slushies & Icebergs available until they sell out — come early!

🏷 Hashtags to Follow the Flavor

#WildSlushies #SanDiegoFrozenDrinks #OceanBeachVibes #CaliforniaWildAles #SlushieSeason #FrozenCraftCocktails #HardYerbaMate #OBDrinks #SummerInSanDiego #CraftBeerInnovation

Tasting Event Set for Saturday, July 20 at Open Outcry Brewing

Something exciting is brewing on Chicago’s Southwest Side — and it’s got deep neighborhood roots and plenty of coastal vibes.

Wind & Waves, a bold and bright new West Coast IPA, is the product of a unique collaboration between two breweries with big hearts and strong ties to the South Side: California Wild Ales, based in sunny San Diego, and Open Outcry Brewing Co., located at 10934 S. Western Ave. in the heart of Beverly.

The beer officially launches Saturday, July 20, and the public is invited to enjoy the very first pours during a special tapping event at Open Outcry.

“It’s more than a beer,” said Bill DeWitt, Beverly native and co-founder of California Wild Ales. “It’s a celebration of community, friendship, and the shared love of good beer that spans from Lake Michigan to the Pacific.”

A Neighborhood Story in Every Sip

California Wild Ales is known for its funky, barrel-aged sours and saisons — beers that are just as wild as the name implies. But this collaboration, with its clean bitterness and hoppy brightness, leans West Coast IPA through and through.

The project brings Bill and his wife Monica DeWitt (née Garza) full circle — back to the neighborhood where they grew up, just blocks from Open Outcry’s home in St. Cajetan’s Parish. Bill (Class of ’92) and Monica (Class of ’95) are both proud St. Cajetan’s alums, making this brew not just a creative venture, but a heartfelt homecoming.

“This is truly full circle for us,” said Bill, who moved to San Diego in 2009 chasing waves and warmer weather.
“What started as a small sour beer club has become a full-blown brewery with two tasting rooms, but our South Side roots never left us.”

Even More Local Ties

And the neighborhood connections don’t stop there.

Monica and Katie Beck, co-owner of Open Outcry, go way back — both are alumni of Marian Catholic High School (Katie graduated in ’96, Monica in ’99).

“It’s wild to think we crossed paths back then,” Monica said. “And now here we are, creating something that represents both our journeys and our roots. It really means a lot.”

Open Outcry is owned and operated by Katie and Jim Beck, a born-and-raised South Sider from St. Barnabas Parish. Since taking the reins, they’ve kept the brewery laser-focused on the community — with a rooftop beer garden, warm vibes, and a dedication to quality that’s become synonymous with Beverly’s craft scene.

“This is our first long-distance collab since becoming the new owners, and we’re super pumped,” said Jim.
“Katie’s known Monica and her sister for years, and we loved the idea of tying something old — friendship — with something new — our breweries. We think the neighborhood’s going to love it.”

So, What’s Wind & Waves All About?

This West Coast IPA brings the sunshine. It’s crisp, hoppy, and balanced — with citrus and pine notes that offer a refreshing counterpoint to Chicago’s summer heat. The beer reflects both regions: the strength and heart of the South Side, and the laid-back creativity of Southern California.

“This collab is about more than beer,” Bill said. “It’s about honoring the places that shaped us. And it’s about giving back to the neighborhood that raised us.”

Join the Celebration

Wind & Waves will be tapped for the first time at Open Outcry Brewing on Saturday, July 20. Pints will be flowing, good vibes will be plenty, and you just might catch a few South Side stories along the way.

Whether you’re sipping at the Open Outcry taproom or visiting Ocean Beach out west — raise a glass to Wind & Waves. It’s more than just a beer.

It’s a toast to home.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA WILD ALES

Founded by Bill DeWitt, California Wild Ales is San Diego’s first all-barrel-aged sour brewery. With tasting rooms in Ocean Beach and Point Loma, they’re known for crafting funky, creative, and boundary-pushing beers rooted in community and experimentation.

ABOUT OPEN OUTCRY BREWING

Located at 10934 S. Western Ave. in St. Cajetan’s Parish, Open Outcry Brewing is Beverly’s go-to neighborhood brewery. Under the leadership of Jim and Katie Beck, it’s become a beloved gathering place known for its handcrafted beers, rooftop space, pizza oven, and South Side soul.

Does Your Dad Love Craft Beer? Celebrate Father’s Day at California Wild Ales!

This Father’s Day, skip the neckties and golf balls—give your dad something he’ll actually brag about: a barrel-to-glass beer tasting experience at California Wild Ales!

On Sunday, June 16th, treat the beer-loving dad in your life to an unforgettable day of flavor, fermentation, and fun. We’re opening up our barrel room for a special Father’s Day Barrel Tasting featuring some of our most unique and exclusive beers—served straight from the source.

Here’s What’s Included – $65 per person:

• A behind-the-scenes tasting experience featuring three pours directly from barrels, puncheons, and foeders

• Your choice of a full pour to finish (stout, saison, or sour—your call!)

• A limited-edition California Wild Ales glass to take home and remember the day

• Two tasting sessions available: 2PM or 4PM — choose what fits your Sunday schedule best!

Whether your dad’s a die-hard stout guy, a funky sour connoisseur, or just someone who appreciates something different, he’ll love this immersive journey through the world of wild ales.

Reserve Your Spot Now

Space is limited and tastings will sell out fast. Book your preferred session (2PM or 4PM) and raise a glass to the man who helped raise you. You bring the dad jokes—we’ll bring the barrels.

📍 Location: California Wild Ales – Ocean Beach
📅 Date: Sunday, June 16th
⏰ Tasting Times: 2PM & 4PM
💲 Price: $65 per person (includes tastings, full pour, commemorative glassware, and light snacks)