AND ENTERTAINED

In April, California Wild Ales’ owners revealed some big news. After a solid eight years at their Sorrento Valley headquarters, they decided to pack up and move over to Point Loma. There, they’d be sharing a space with Five Star Fish Processing.

This move was more than just changing addresses; it involved some serious renovations. They installed an oak foeder and got themselves all-new wine and spirit barrels to age their array of matured, often fruity sour, wild, and mixed-culture beers. Not to mention, they also built a tasting room so that beer enthusiasts could get their fix right at the source. And after four months of hard work, that tasting room is finally nearing completion and will be ready for a soft opening on Friday, September 8.

Co-owner Bill DeWitt explained, “The soft opening will allow us to fine-tune our operations while also building connections within the community before the grand opening. We’re enthusiastic about sharing our innovative brews and creating lasting memories for our patrons.”

Now, let’s talk about the aesthetics. This new 1,200-square-foot public venue is all about unique and creative interior design. You’ll find three-dimensional Lego sculptures by Mortarless Bricks, mirrors, and reclaimed wood from their Sorrento Valley location, giving a nod to the original tasting room.

But it’s not all about the beer. They’ve got some entertainment lined up for you too. There’s a small arcade with a four-player retro-style cabinet loaded with a whole bunch of games. They’ve also got three more video-game cabinets on order. If old-school gaming is your thing, they’ve got a collection of board and bar-top games too, from ring-toss to washers. And for the ultimate spectator experience, check out their massive 18-foot-by-10.5-foot movie screen.

Bill DeWitt couldn’t be more thrilled, saying, “This has got to be one of the largest screens outside of Petco Park. It’s downright massive, and I think once people see it, it will become a major draw for this location. We will be showing live sporting events—the Gulls, the Padres, NFL games, et cetera—as well as live-streaming concerts. Our new spot is going to be a fantastic place to catch live games, enjoy a craft beer, and soak up the atmosphere.”

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the beer. With 20 taps at your service, here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect to sip on:

• 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)
• Super Cuvée Brewer’s Blend
• Buzzed Bee Sur Ale (collaboration with HBHL and Lost Cause Meadery)
• Sour Quadrupel with Kakawa Cold-brew Coffee
• Sour Meyer Lemon Radler
• Peach Hard Seltzer

Unlike their Sorrento Valley location, this tasting room will also serve up some everyday grub thanks to their neighbors at The Last Typewriter. You can dig into gourmet burgers, fusion-style fried chicken, toasted sandwiches, and more, all ordered conveniently from a wall-mounted tablet.

General Manager Monica DeWitt sums it up, saying, “We’ve created an inviting and exciting space that’s designed for both beer enthusiasts and those looking for a unique, community-oriented experience.”

Co-owner Zack Brager adds, “There will be a bigger focus on events at this location. The space will allow us to be really creative; it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Get ready for a flurry of events, starting with the soft opening on September 8, followed by an industry-night launch on September 9, and the grand opening on September 15, complete with a golden sour ale aged on Cabernet Franc grapes and live music from Tecolote Canyon from 4 to 6 p.m.

After that, Mortarless Bricks will hold Bricks and Brews events twice a month, where you can design, build, and race your own creations. And for the entire month of October, California Wild Ales is turning into a horror movie haven and hosting live podcast recordings with industry colleague Kelly Cashman for her show, B Movie and a Beer.

As for their hours of operation, they’re taking it slow at first to get acquainted with their new neighborhood. Initially, you can swing by Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., with adjustments for concerts and sporting events at nearby Pechanga Arena.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to experience California Wild Ales in Point Loma, located at 3826 Sherman Street. It’s going to be a memorable journey, that’s for sure!

California Wild Ales Takes the Crown at the 43rd Annual Chili Cookoff in Ocean Beach

The 43rd Annual Chili Cookoff in Ocean Beach recently concluded with a surprising twist, as California Wild Ales, a local brewery known for its experimental craft beers, emerged as the champion. The key to their victory was an outstanding chili recipe crafted by the talented Monica DeWitt, who had previously secured third place in last year’s competition. Let’s dive into the story behind California Wild Ales’ triumph and Monica DeWitt’s impressive culinary journey.

Monica DeWitt’s Journey to Success: Monica DeWitt, an enthusiastic chili enthusiast and flavor enthusiast, has been participating in the Ocean Beach Chili Cookoff for the past two years. Despite not being a professional chef, her passion for culinary creativity and dedication to perfecting her chili recipe earned her a well-deserved third-place finish last year. Her determination and commitment to refining her skills set the stage for her remarkable achievement this year.

We approached this year’s Chili Cookoff with a unique strategy. They sought to combine their exceptional craft beers, particularly our Bike Lane LAger, with Monica DeWitt’s award-winning chili recipe, creating a distinct fusion of flavors. This collaboration between the brewery and a passionate chili enthusiast set them apart from their competitors.

Monica DeWitt’s winning chili recipe, enhanced by the incorporation of California Wild Ales’ craft beers, captivated the judges and attendees alike. Her careful selection of spices and premium ingredients, combined with the addition of the brewery’s distinct flavors, resulted in a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The final dish showcased a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and a subtle hint of hoppy bitterness, leaving a lasting impression on all who tasted it.

The Ocean Beach community was thrilled by California Wild Ales’ victory at the 43rd Annual Chili Cookoff. The event, a beloved tradition that unites locals and visitors, witnessed an outpouring of support for the brewery and Monica DeWitt. The triumph served as a testament to the region’s culinary creativity and the spirit of collaboration.

The success of California Wild Ales and Monica DeWitt in the Chili Cookoff has opened new doors for both the brewery and chili enthusiasts alike. Their collaboration showcased the incredible potential of infusing craft beer into culinary creations, sparking inspiration for future experimentation. This recognition will ignite interest in their unique offerings and inspire others to explore innovative flavor combinations.

The 43rd Annual Chili Cookoff in Ocean Beach will be remembered for California Wild Ales’ victory and Monica DeWitt’s impressive culinary skills. Their exceptional chili recipe, enriched by the infusion of California Wild Ales’ craft beers, earned them the prestigious gold medal. This win symbolizes the triumph of passion, dedication, and the spirit of collaboration. As the Ocean Beach community continues to celebrate this remarkable achievement, it is clear that California Wild Ales and Monica DeWitt have made their mark on the local culinary scene, inspiring others to push the boundaries of flavor exploration.

Celebrating Two Years of Flavor Exploration in Ocean Beach on May 27th

It’s been two incredible years since California Wild Ales opened its doors in the vibrant neighborhood of Ocean Beach, and the time has come to raise our glasses high in celebration. This milestone marks a journey of passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of crafting exceptional sour beers. As we reflect on our achievements, we invite you to join us in commemorating this momentous occasion.

Nestled amidst the stunning coastal scenery of Ocean Beach, California Wild Ales has become a hub for beer enthusiasts and flavor adventurers alike. Our tasting room has served as a gathering place for the community, a space where friends and strangers can connect over a shared love for unique and boundary-pushing brews.

To honor this special anniversary, we are proud to introduce a limited-edition beer, crafted exclusively for this occasion – the “Up the Hill” Double Hazy IPA. This brew showcases our commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavor and providing an unforgettable experience for our patrons. “Up the Hill” is a testament to our dedication to innovation, as we blend the bold and hop-forward characteristics of a Double IPA with the hazy and juicy qualities that have captivated beer enthusiasts worldwide.

This anniversary brew bursts with a harmonious blend of tropical fruits, dank hops, and a subtle malt backbone that balances the intense hop profile. With each sip, you’ll discover layers of pineapple, passionfruit, and citrus dancing alongside the aromatic notes of fresh pine and resin. The velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish will leave you craving another pour of this enchanting libation.

While “Up the Hill” is the centerpiece of our celebration, we have a lineup of other captivating wild ales that showcase our signature style. From oak barrel-aged sours to fruit-infused experiments, each sip tells a unique story that represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques.

Beyond just the brews, we are most proud of the warm and inviting atmosphere within our tasting room. The walls adorned with local artwork, the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the communal tables all contribute to the sense of belonging that patrons experience when they walk through our doors. It is this sense of community that has been the driving force behind our success, and we are eternally grateful to the people who have supported us on this incredible journey.

As we raise our glasses to toast these two incredible years, we extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, friends, and partners who have been instrumental in making California Wild Ales a beloved destination in the heart of Ocean Beach. Your passion and enthusiasm fuel our desire to continue crafting remarkable brews and exploring the uncharted territory of flavor.

Join us at California Wild Ales as we celebrate this remarkable milestone. Indulge in the unique and captivating flavors that have become synonymous with our name, and let us take you on a journey through the world of sour beers like no other. Together, we will raise our glasses to the past, revel in the present, and embrace the exciting future that lies ahead. Cheers to two years of California Wild Ales in Ocean Beach!

Ocean Beach, where Newport meets the beach, will host San Diego’s WILDEST Oktoberfest on Friday, Oct. 7 & Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.  

As part of the event, we are releasing four new fall-inspired wild ales to coincide with this neighborhood extravaganza, including a German Chocolate Cake Dark Sour, Sour Apple Pie, Liquid Pumpkin Pie, and SourKraut. We create these unique seasonal flavors only once a year, and this year we are bringing back some old flavors and introducing two new ones this Oktoberfest season.

Ocean Beach is a magical place that hosts a handful of neighborhood parties yearly; Oktoberfest is one of the biggest. There will be fantastic music, delicious food, and of course…beer! We hope these funky flavors will inspire craft beer lovers to don their lederhosen or dirndl dresses and join us in OB.

There will be a lot of activities in OB this weekend so make sure you do not miss out on these truly unique beers because we have a limited supply, and when they are gone, they are gone.

We always look forward to the OB neighborhood parties and want to make something unique this year. This event is a fun way to release some beers with familiar flavors that reflect the season and give people a taste of something new and different

• German Chocolate Cake Wild Ale: Dark sour aged in whiskey barrels for 12 months and rested on whole Madagascar vanilla bean, Saigon cinnamon, toasted coconut, candied pecans, and semi-sweet chocolate.

• Sour Apple Pie: Golden sour aged in oak barrels for a year and rested in Cosmic Crisp apples, Saigon cinnamon, vanilla, allspice, clove, and other spices.

• Liquid Pumpkin Pie: Golden sour aged in oak barrels for 12 months and rested brown sugar-roasted pumpkin and a bevy of spices, including nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, clove, and vanilla. 

• SourKraut: This barrel-aged salty Gose-style beer features fresh red cabbage, caraway seed, Malden sea salt, and black peppercorns resulting in a pickle-like sour/salty combination perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest.

It’s okay if sour beer isn’t your thing; we have 16 beers on tap, including those that we created for Oktoberfest. 

This year’s OB Oktoberfest will feature plenty of action at California Wild Ales, located at 4896 Newport Avenue. There are a lot of activities in OB this weekend, but make sure you do not miss out on these truly unique beers. California Wild Ales creates these beers once a year, and when they are gone, they are gone.