California Wild Ales Set to Wow Attendees at San Diego Beer Week’s In-Person and Virtual Festivities

San Diego Beer Week, a weeklong celebration of the craft brewing scene, is about to take the city by storm once again. This annual event, which kicks off with a virtual toast on Friday, November 3, is a testament to San Diego’s reputation as one of America’s craft beer capitals. With a lineup of events spanning the county, it’s a time when beer enthusiasts come together to revel in the finest brews and bubbly delights.

A Week of Boozy Bliss

From November 3 to November 12, 2023, San Diego Beer Week promises an array of exciting events, from brewery visits and bar tastings to restaurant pairings and more. The festivities kick off with a countywide virtual toast at 7 p.m. on November 3, where participants can join in from their favorite local brewery and share the experience on social media using the hashtags #SDBEER, #SDBEERWEEK, and #SDBW.

Meet the Breweries

One highlight of this year’s San Diego Beer Week is the stellar lineup of breweries participating in the celebration. Among them is the renowned California Wild Ales, eager to share their unique take on craft brewing with attendees. This event offers an exceptional opportunity for beer enthusiasts to explore the diverse flavors and styles that define the San Diego craft beer scene.

California Wild Ales: Pushing the Boundaries

California Wild Ales is known for its groundbreaking approach to brewing, specializing in wild and mixed-fermentation ales. They’ve gained recognition for their innovative creations, often incorporating locally sourced and unconventional ingredients, setting them apart in the world of craft beer.

Bill DeWitt, co-founder of California Wild Ales, expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “We’re thrilled to be part of San Diego Beer Week once again. This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with fellow beer enthusiasts and share our passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing. We can’t wait to showcase our innovative and flavorful wild ales to the San Diego community and beyond.”

Tasting the Unconventional

As part of San Diego Beer Week, California Wild Ales is set to offer an impressive selection of their most intriguing wild ales. Attendees can look forward to barrel-aged sours, fruited goses, and experimental brews that embody the essence of California’s unique terroir.

Beyond the Main Event

In addition to their presence at the main event, California Wild Ales will host special events and tastings throughout the week. These intimate experiences provide a unique look into their brewing process and philosophy, giving attendees a chance to connect with the creators behind the beer.

Join the Celebration

Beer lovers and fans alike are encouraged to join the celebration of America’s finest independent craft brewers during San Diego Beer Week, taking place from November 3 to November 12, 2023. To participate in the kickoff toast and subsequent events, use the dedicated hashtags and celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors and creativity brewed into each pint during this spectacular weeklong event.

And So It BeGins…

I am thrilled to share some exciting news from California Wild Ales. We’re about to embark on a captivating journey with freshly emptied gin barrels generously provided by our good friends at Cutwater Spirits. Our team is taking our beloved Spelt Saison base and infusing it with the unique and tantalizing flavors that only gin barrels can offer.

This project is nothing short of magical as we watch our Spelt Saison undergo a remarkable transformation. It will ferment and mature in these gin-soaked barrels for a minimum of 9 months before we release it to our eager fans. This extended aging period represents our unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional and distinctive brews that push the boundaries of traditional brewing.

The Gin Barrel Influence: A Symphony of Flavors

The decision to age our Spelt Saison in gin barrels is a match made in craft beer heaven. Gin barrels are renowned for imparting a spectrum of intriguing and delightful flavors. Some of the vital flavor elements we expect these barrels to contribute to our Spelt Saison include:

1. Botanical Infusion: Gin barrels carry the botanical bouquet used in gin production, including juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peels. As our Saison rests in the barrels, it will absorb the essence of these botanicals, creating a harmonious interplay of herbal and citrus notes.
2. Oak and Vanilla: Like any wooden barrel, gin barrels bring a hint of oakiness and vanilla to the party. The aging process allows the beer to take on these subtle, creamy undertones, adding depth and complexity to the final product.
3. Subtle Juniper Spice: Juniper is the heart and soul of gin and carries a unique aromatic and slightly spicy quality. As our Saison mingles with the gin-soaked wood, it’s expected to pick up a whisper of juniper, which could add an intriguing twist to the beer’s profile.
4. A Touch of Dryness: Gin barrels are known for leaving a touch of dryness on the palate, which could complement the Spelt Saison’s natural effervescence, resulting in a well-balanced and refreshing experience.

These flavors will bring a new level of complexity to our Spelt Saison and create a memorable drinking experience for those fortunate enough to savor it.

A Long-Awaited Journey

For us at California Wild Ales, the decision to age our Spelt Saison in gin barrels has been a long-cherished dream. Ever since we created our Spelt Saison recipe, we’ve been eager to experiment with different barrel-aging techniques, and gin barrels seemed like the perfect next step. The anticipation has been building, and we can’t wait to see how this marriage of flavors unfolds.

This particular release is part of a larger project that we intend to carry on in the future. We are committed to producing and releasing Saisons with increasing regularity, exploring different flavors, and pushing the boundaries of what barrel aging can bring to our beers. Gin Barrel Saisons are just one of the many exciting endeavors we have in store for our fans.

In a world where craft breweries continue redefining beer possibilities, California Wild Ales stands at the forefront of innovation and creativity. Our dedication to experimenting with unique barrel-aging techniques like gin barrels is a testament to our unwavering commitment to producing exceptional brews that captivate the senses and take beer enthusiasts on a flavorful journey. So, keep your eyes peeled and your taste buds ready for California Wild Ales’ Gin Barrel Saison, a craft beer experience that’s sure to be nothing short of extraordinary.