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)

29 to Life: A Steam Beer Worth Doing Time For

Coastal creativity meets desert precision in this classic-meets-modern California Common

When you get three craft breweries together—each with their own style, terrain, and brewing philosophy—you don’t just get a beer. You get a story.

29 to Life, the latest collaboration between California Wild Ales, OB Brewery, and 29 Palms Beer Company, is more than just a throwback to one of California’s oldest beer styles. It’s a bold, drinkable love letter to the Golden State, brewed deep in the high desert and built to be enjoyed anywhere the sun touches.

🍺 What is a California Common?

If you’re not familiar with the California Common (aka steam beer), here’s the quick breakdown: it’s a hybrid style—fermented with lager yeast at ale temperatures, giving it a unique combo of crispness and fruity character. Traditionally rooted in the resource-limited brewing of 19th-century San Francisco, it’s a style that was built on innovation and adaptability. Sound familiar?

29 to Life takes that foundation and layers in rich malt complexity, modern brewing precision, and just enough personality to make it unmistakably ours.

🔍 Beer Details

• Style: California Common / Steam Beer

• ABV: 5.2%

• Malt Profile: Toasty, biscuit, caramel

• Yeast Character: Clean with subtle fruity esters

• Finish: Crisp and dry with lingering malt warmth

• Color: Deep amber, bright and clear

On the nose, you’ll get gentle waves of toasted grain and toffee. The flavor delivers smooth caramel and light biscuit upfront, balanced by a whisper of fruit and a clean, satisfying finish that leaves you wanting another sip.

🌵 Born in the Desert. Made for the Coast.

Brewed at 29 Palms Beer Company, 29 to Life was the second half of a two-part collaboration project with OB Brewery and California Wild Ales. The same team that brewed the award-winning Czech Your Head Dark Lager at the beach flipped the script and headed to the desert for round two.

“We wanted to brew something that honored California brewing history, but still felt fresh and exciting,” said Ed Heethuis of 29 Palms.
“This beer feels like the perfect crossroads between old-school tradition and modern craft.”

🍻 Where to Find It

29 to Life is conditioning now and will be available on draft soon at the following taprooms:

• California Wild Ales (Ocean Beach / Point Loma)

• OB Brewery (Ocean Beach)

• 29 Palms Beer Company (29 Palms / Joshua Tree area)

This one’s a taproom-only release for now, so if you want a taste, you’ll have to roll through. Trust us—it’s worth the drive, whether you’re coming from the sand or the cactus.

🎯 Why “29 to Life”?

The name is a playful nod to the town of 29 Palms, but it also hints at how good beer can feel like a life sentence in the best possible way. Once you get your first pint of this malty, toasty Cali Common, you’ll want it to stick around for good.

Whether you’re winding down after a desert hike, hanging beachside in Ocean Beach, or just looking for a well-balanced, easy-drinking beer with roots in California’s past and a future in your fridge—29 to Life is here for you.

From the desert to the coast, and every stop in between—cheers. 🍻

About the Breweries

California Wild Ales

Specializing in unique and adventurous beers inspired by tradition and innovation, California Wild Ales is known for its bold sour ales, IPAs, and experimental brews. Based in San Diego, CA, the brewery is dedicated to creating unforgettable beer experiences for enthusiasts everywhere.

OB Brewery

Located in the heart of Ocean Beach, OB Brewery is a community-driven brewpub focused on classic and modern styles brewed with quality and passion. With a killer rooftop view and a dedication to local flavors, OB Brewery is a must-visit for beer lovers.

📍 Find out more at OB Brewery’s website

29 Palms Beer Company

Nestled in the high desert, 29 Palms Beer Company brings craft beer to Joshua Tree country with a mix of traditional styles, experimental batches, and an appreciation for the rugged California landscape.

📍 Check them out at 29 Palms Beer Company’s website

CALIFORNIA WILD ALES, OB BREWERY, AND 29 PALMS BEER COMPANY UNITE TO CREATE TWO EXCITING NEW BREWS

Introducing Czech Your Head Dark Lager and 29 to Life Cali Common – A Coastal-Desert Collaboration

SAN DIEGO, CA — January 27, 2025 — Craft beer lovers, get ready for an exciting new collaboration! California Wild Ales, OB Brewery, and 29 Palms Beer Company have joined forces to bring you two unique and flavorful brews that reflect the best of their respective brewing styles. These collaboration beers, Czech Your Head and 29 to Life, were brewed at two different locations, each showcasing the expertise and creative vision of the brewing teams involved.

“This collaboration was a chance for all of us to step outside of our comfort zones, learn from each other, and make something truly special,” said Zack Brager, co-founder of California Wild Ales. “Each beer tells its own story—one inspired by the cool, coastal vibes of Ocean Beach, and the other influenced by the rugged beauty of the high desert.”

Czech Your Head – Dark Lager

📍 Brewed at OB Brewery, San Diego, CA

The first of these two collaboration beers, Czech Your Head, is a bold and complex Dark Lager inspired by the classic Czech Tmavé Pivo style but with a modern West Coast touch. Brewed at OB Brewery by the collective talents of Zack Brager (California Wild Ales), Jim Millea (OB Brewery), and Ed Heethuis (29 Palms Beer Company), this beer has already made a name for itself—winning the bronze medal in the Dark Lager category at the 2025 San Diego County Fair Craft Brew Competition.

Pouring a deep mahogany color with ruby highlights, Czech Your Head delivers an enticing blend of nutty malt complexity, subtle caramel sweetness, and a smooth roasted backbone. It finishes crisp and clean, thanks to the traditional Czech lagering process.

Inspired by the Beastie Boys’ iconic album Check Your Head, this beer embodies the spirit of collaboration and boundary-pushing creativity.

“Dark lagers don’t always get the attention they deserve, and we wanted to create something that truly highlights the depth of this style while making it incredibly drinkable,” said Jim Millea of OB Brewery. “The name is a nod to both our musical influences and the idea of expanding your brewing horizons.”

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Dark mahogany with ruby highlights

• Aroma: Toasted bread, mild chocolate, and hints of caramel

• Flavor: Rich malt depth with notes of roasted nuts and a touch of coffee

• Finish: Crisp, clean, and refreshingly smooth

Czech Your Head is now pouring exclusively at California Wild Ales, OB Brewery, and 29 Palms Beer Company taprooms. Be sure to stop by and taste this award-winning beer while it lasts.

29 to Life – Cali Common

📍 Brewed at 29 Palms Beer Company, 29 Palms, CA

The second half of this collaboration journey took the brewing team eastward into the high desert of 29 Palms, CA, where they crafted 29 to Life, a California Common that beautifully merges rich maltiness with a crisp, refreshing West Coast finish.

Fermented with a lager yeast at ale temperatures, this unique beer showcases a toasty caramel malt profile, balanced by a touch of fruity esters from the hybrid fermentation process. It’s a nod to the classic “Steam Beer” style made famous by California brewers in the 1800s, but with a modern twist.

“We wanted to brew something that pays homage to California’s brewing heritage while also representing the diversity of the state’s beer scene,” said Ed Heethuis of 29 Palms Beer Company. “Brewing in the desert presents different challenges than brewing by the ocean, and this beer is a reflection of both our environments and our collective passion for craft beer.”

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Deep amber with a bright, clear body

• Aroma: Toasted malt, light caramel, and a subtle hint of dried fruit

• Flavor: Balanced malt sweetness with notes of biscuit, toffee, and a crisp, slightly fruity finish

• Finish: Smooth and dry with a lingering malt complexity

29 to Life is currently conditioning and will be available on draft at California Wild Ales, OB Brewery, and 29 Palms Beer Company taprooms.

A Collaboration That Bridges Ocean & Desert

From the laid-back beachside vibes of San Diego to the rugged, untamed beauty of the high desert, these two collaboration beers represent the heart of California brewing. By bringing together three breweries with unique perspectives and backgrounds, this project is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and craftsmanship in craft beer.

“Collaborations like this remind us why we love brewing,” said Zack Brager. “It’s about pushing boundaries, trying new things, and, most importantly, having fun while making great beer.”

So whether you’re sipping a dark, roasty lager by the coast or enjoying a crisp Cali Common under the desert sky, grab a pint, raise a glass, and toast to the spirit of collaboration and the love of craft beer.

Prost! 🍻

About the Breweries

California Wild Ales

Specializing in unique and adventurous beers inspired by tradition and innovation, California Wild Ales is known for its bold sour ales, IPAs, and experimental brews. Based in San Diego, CA, the brewery is dedicated to creating unforgettable beer experiences for enthusiasts everywhere.

OB Brewery

Located in the heart of Ocean Beach, OB Brewery is a community-driven brewpub focused on classic and modern styles brewed with quality and passion. With a killer rooftop view and a dedication to local flavors, OB Brewery is a must-visit for beer lovers.

📍 Find out more at OB Brewery’s website

29 Palms Beer Company

Nestled in the high desert, 29 Palms Beer Company brings craft beer to Joshua Tree country with a mix of traditional styles, experimental batches, and an appreciation for the rugged California landscape.

📍 Check them out at 29 Palms Beer Company’s website