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sour beer Archives - California Wild Ales

Sep 24
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A Wild Pumpkin Carving

By cwa-blog, event

🎃 Pumpkin Carving at California Wild Ales – Ocean Beach đŸș

Fall has arrived in San Diego, and with it comes one of our favorite seasonal traditions — pumpkin carving at California Wild Ales in Ocean Beach! After a huge success last year, we’re bringing it back for two days of festive, family-friendly fun. If you’re searching for a local SD brewery event in Ocean Beach that mixes creativity, community, and craft beer, this one is for you.

Event Details

📍 Location: California Wild Ales – Ocean Beach
đŸ—“ïž Saturday, October 25th @ 12pm
đŸ—“ïž Monday, October 27th from 5–7pm

Our Ocean Beach tasting room transforms into a pumpkin patch full of creativity, laughter, and fall vibes. It’s the perfect setting to bring friends, family, or even just yourself for an afternoon or evening of festive fun.

How It Works

đŸ‘» BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) – Bring a pumpkin and carve for free.
🎃 Pumpkin & Beer Combo – $20 – Don’t have a pumpkin? No problem. Grab one here along with a pint of your favorite California Wild Ales craft beer.
đŸș We Handle the Mess – We provide the space, carving tools, and cleanup. You just focus on creating your masterpiece.

This event is designed to be fun for all ages. Whether it’s kids trying their first jack-o’-lantern, parents enjoying a well-deserved beer, or friends looking for a seasonal activity, this is an Ocean Beach community event that brings everyone together.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Our OB tasting room is the ideal place to create memories with your crew, your kids, or just your neighbors.

  • Local San Diego Brewery Vibes: Sip on a fresh pour while soaking in the Ocean Beach energy that makes this community so unique. Try pairing your pumpkin carving with one of our famous Micheladas for the ultimate fall treat.

  • Creative Fun Without the Mess: No need to cover your kitchen in newspaper and pumpkin guts. We’ll take care of all the cleanup so you can focus on the fun.

  • Seasonal Tradition: Last year’s event was packed with smiling faces, wild pumpkin designs, and happy families. This year promises to be even more special.

 

More Than Just Pumpkins 🎃đŸș

At California Wild Ales, we’re always crafting unique experiences. While you’re here, don’t forget to ask about our seasonal releases, including “I’m Kind of a Big Dill” pickle sour — a quirky fan favorite that pairs perfectly with our Micheladas.

And if you’re in the mood for more exploration, check out our other San Diego location: the Sherman Street Barrel House, where you’ll find a different vibe, more barrel-aged sours, and the same friendly faces you know from Ocean Beach.

See You in OB!

Don’t miss this chance to carve, sip, and celebrate fall with your community. Whether you’re a family looking for a seasonal outing, a couple seeking a creative date night, or a group of friends who just love craft beer and good times, our pumpkin carving at California Wild Ales – Ocean Beach is the perfect fit.

đŸŽšđŸ» Join us on Saturday, October 25th at noon or Monday, October 27th from 5–7pm. Bring your pumpkins, your creativity, and your Ocean Beach spirit. We’ll handle the rest!

Jul 26
Love4
Comic Con 2025 Zombies | California Wild Ales

Comic Con Tap-Takeover

By cwa-blog, event

Comic-Con Tap Takeover 2025 at California Wild Ales

San Diego Comic-Con has landed once again, bringing with it a tidal wave of fandom, cosplay, and unforgettable pop culture moments. And this year, the best after-party for your Comic-Con weekend isn’t in the Gaslamp—it’s at the beach and Point Loma, where California Wild Ales is throwing the wildest celebration in the San Diego craft beer scene.

đŸ» A BEER UNIVERSE WORTHY OF A CROSSOVER EVENT

We’ve gone full-on multiverse with 16 Comic-Con-inspired beers on tap in Ocean Beach, and 20 unique brews pouring at our Point Loma taproom. From barrel-aged sours and hazy IPAs to crisp lagers and botanical ales, this is the San Diego craft beer event you don’t want to miss.

Get ready for limited-edition beers brewed with geeky precision and maximum flavor, including:

đŸ”„ FEATURED BEERS:

Ozzy Oz-Orange

A face-melting blood orange sour that spent 12 months aging in oak barrels. Tart, funky, and full of rock ‘n’ roll attitude—this is barrel-aged beer for headbangers.

The Foeder Awakens

A wild golden sour that slumbered in a massive oak foeder, developing complex layers of funk, acidity, and stone fruit magic. The funk is strong with this one.

Jabba the Hop

Our dankest West Coast IPA yet—sticky, resinous, and packed with citrus and pine. This beast of a beer has serious crime lord energy.

STRAWBERRY Into the SOURVERSE

A mind-bending strawberry sour that explores infinite tart dimensions. Brewed for lovers of barrel-aged beer, pop culture, and intergalactic fruit.

CREAM (CITRA Rules Everything Around Me)

This juicy pale ale is packed with Citra hops and old-school hip-hop vibes. Light, bright, and endlessly drinkable—because dollar dollar beer, y’all.

🏆 GIVEAWAYS, CONTESTS & COSPLAY REWARDS

It wouldn’t be Comic-Con without prizes, costumes, and free stuff, right?

  • 🎭 Cosplay Costume Contest – Stop by either taproom in costume and enter our contest for the chance to win exclusive Wild Ales merch, gift cards, and free beer for a year (yes, really).

  • 🎁 Comic-Con Prize Raffles – Raffles every day of the weekend! Win rare bottle releases, beer bundles, and other nerdy delights.

  • 📾 Photo Wall & Fan Booths – Snap a pic with our monster mascots Brett, Lacto, and Pecos—fully geared up in cosplay for the weekend.

đŸŽ¶ BONUS: Phish LIVESTREAM FINALE!

We’re capping off the weekend with a Phish livestream party at both locations as the band wraps up their summer tour. Catch the live show on our 10-foot screen in OB while sipping your favorite sour. Great beer, great tunes, great company.

📍 LOCATIONS & HOURS

Ocean Beach Tasting Room

  • 16 Beers on Tap

  • Steps from the sand

  • Chill neighborhood vibes

  • Perfect post-Comic-Con beach hang

Point Loma Tasting Room

  • 20 Beers on Tap

  • Big indoor space + outdoor patio

  • 20-ft movie screen for visuals & livestreams

  • Family- and cosplay-friendly fun

🚀 SAN DIEGO CRAFT BEER GOES SUPERHERO MODE

If you’re hunting for the most creative San Diego craft beer experience this Comic-Con weekend, look no further. At California Wild Ales, we brew with imagination, wild fermentation, and a passion for storytelling. From superheroes to sour beer lovers, there’s something here for everyone.

Skip the Gaslamp chaos and join us for a weekend of wild beers, wild costumes, and wild fun.

âšĄïž TAP TAKEOVER RUNS THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT!

Beers are limited, costumes are encouraged, and memories are guaranteed. Don’t miss the California Wild Ales Comic-Con Tap Takeover 2025—it’s San Diego’s best kept secret for post-Con celebration.

Apr 30
Love4
May the 4th Be With You - California Wild Ales - Star Wars Celebration

May the Fourth Be With You – 2025

By cwa-blog, event

May the 4th Be With You

A Star Wars Celebration of Galactic Proportions

Brace yourselves for an intergalactic extravaganza as California Wild Ales gears up to host a Star Wars-themed bash on Sunday, May 4th, 2025! With an array of craft brews boasting names straight out of the saga—like Juicy Jedi IPA, Lightsaber Lager, and the returning C3-POrter—this event promises to be a celestial celebration you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a Jedi, Sith, or somewhere in between, join us as we transform our tasting rooms into the ultimate Star Wars cantinas. This year’s May the 4th celebration is happening at both our Ocean Beach and Midway locations, uniting fans across San Diego in one epic experience.

🛾 EVENT DETAILS:

📅 Sunday, May 4th, 2025
📍 California Wild Ales – Ocean Beach & Midway
🕐 Festivities kick off at 1 PM
đŸŽ¶ Streaming Star Wars movies all day + the iconic music of John Williams

đŸș FEATURED BREWS FROM A GALAXY NOT SO FAR AWAY:

  • C3-POrter – Our smooth, roasty fan-favorite is back and fluent in over six million taste profiles

  • Juicy Jedi IPA – Balanced, bright, and strong with the Force

  • Jabba the Hop (Sour Ale) – Tangy, hoppy, and as bold as the Hutt

  • Lightsaber Lager – Clean, crisp, and ready for battle

  • Imperial Strike IPA – A bold, hop-forward assault on your taste buds

  • Sai-son Jinn – A wise, complex puncheon-aged saison with balance and finesse

  • Sith Happens – A brooding, barrel-aged stout from the dark side of the brewhouse

We’re thrilled to bring back C3-POrter, unleash the new and powerful Sai-son Jinn, and tempt your taste buds with the return of Sith Happens, our bold, barrel-aged stout that’s strong with the Dark Side.

And yes—the Sith Sauce Micheladas will be flowing all day long! Choose regular or spicy and fuel your rebellion (or descent into darkness) with our signature savory mix.

✹ ACTIVITIES & HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Costume Contest – Show off your best Star Wars fit and win epic prizes

  • Streaming Star Wars Films All Day – from Phantom Menace to Rise of Skywalker

  • John Williams Soundtrack Takeover – legendary scores echoing across the taproom

  • Sith Sauce Micheladas – spicy, savory, and straight-up legendary

  • Themed Decor & Vibes – OB chill meets galactic thrills

đŸ’« JOIN THE REBELLION

Star Wars enthusiasts and beer aficionados alike are invited to immerse themselves in a chill, celebratory atmosphere that captures the spirit of Ocean Beach and the Wild Ales community. Whether you’re rocking Jedi robes, Sith cloaks, or just coming for the beer, this is a day filled with unforgettable moments.

California Wild Ales - May the Fourth be With you Celebration
California Wild Ales - May the Fourth be With you Celebration
California Wild Ales - May the Fourth be With you Celebration
Apr 23
Love4
May the 4th Be With You - California Wild Ales - Star Wars Celebration

May the Fourth Be With You – 2024

By cwa-blog, event

Get Ready for a Galactic Gathering on May 4th!

Brace yourselves for an intergalactic extravaganza as California Wild Ales gears up to host a Star Wars-themed bash on May 4th! With an array of craft brews boasting names straight out of the saga, such as Darth Citrius and Juicy Jedi IPA, this event promises to be a celestial celebration.

Star Wars enthusiasts and beer aficionados are invited to join the fun and immerse themselves in a chill, celebratory vibe ideally suited to the essence of Ocean Beach. Prepare to journey through a galaxy of themed drinks, decor, and entertainment, including a thrilling costume contest where attendees can showcase their best Star Wars attire. Prizes and giveaways will add to the excitement, ensuring a day filled with unforgettable moments.

We will bring back some crowd favorites, including Jabba the Hop, Darth Citrius, C3-POrter, the Mangolorian, and more as part of the festivities. These beloved brews pay homage to iconic characters and moments from the Star Wars universe, adding extra excitement to the event.

We’re pumped to blend two of our passions – Star Wars and craft beer – into one epic event. Seeing our customers embrace the day, whether it’s through their costumes or their brew choices, always gets us hyped. We’re already gearing up for next year’s bash!

This year’s May 4th festivity is poised to draw fans from across San Diego. It promises to unite a diverse crowd of Star Wars devotees and beer enthusiasts under one roof. The celebration will occur at both our Ocean Beach and Midway locations, ensuring that everyone can participate in the excitement.

Take advantage of this out-of-this-world experience at California Wild Ales on May 4th. May the Force be with you!

May the Fourth Be with You

California Wild Ales - May the Fourth be With you Celebration
California Wild Ales - May the Fourth be With you Celebration
California Wild Ales - May the Fourth be With you Celebration
Apr 21
Love4
May the 4th Be With You - California Wild Ales - Star Wars Celebration

May the Fourth Be With You – 2023

By cwa-blog, event

May the Fourth Be With You!

On May the 4th, California Wild Ales will host a Star Wars-themed event, featuring a variety of craft beers with Star Wars-inspired names, including Darth Citrius, Chewboocha, Jabba the Hopp, and Juicy Jedi IPA.

This event will bring together fans of both Star Wars and craft beer in a festive and laid-back atmosphere, embodying the spirit of Ocean Beach. Attendees can enjoy the themed beers and decorations, as well as a costume contest and limited edition Star Wars-themed merch.

“We’re thrilled to be able to combine two of our passions, Star Wars and craft beer, into one event,” says co-founder Zack Brager. “It’s always exciting to see our customers get into the spirit of the day, whether it’s through their costumes or their choice of beer. We’re already looking forward to planning next year’s celebration.”

This year’s May the 4th celebration is expected to draw in Star Wars fans and beer lovers from all over the San Diego area.

“As a small, independent brewery, we’re always looking for ways to connect with our customers and create a sense of community,” says co-founder Bill DeWitt. “Events like these allow us to not only showcase our love for craft beer and Star Wars, but also to bring people together and create lasting memories. It’s what we love to do, and we can’t wait for the next opportunity to share our passion with our customers.”

If you miss out on the May the 4th celebration at California Wild Ales, make sure to follow us on social media or sign up for their newsletter to stay up-to-date on all their latest events and offerings. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or simply a lover of great beer, California Wild Ales will be a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and memorable experience.

May the force be with you, and we hope to see you at the next California Wild Ales event!

California Wild Ales - May the 4th
Jul 30
Love4
Black is Beautiful - California Wild Ales

Black is Beautiful – Collaborative Effort

By cwa-blog, event

Black is Beautiful

California Wild Ales had been working on a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Dark Sour … and when Weathered Souls introduced the Black is Beautiful initiative we knew we had to be a part of it. Introducing our very first Dark Sour… Black is Beautiful.

The Black is Beautiful initiative, created by Weathered Souls Brewing Co., is a collaborative effort amongst the brewing community and its customers, in an attempt to bring awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily.

100% of this beer’s proceeds will go to support Color of Change.  Color of Change leads campaigns that build real power for Black communities. They challenge injustice, hold corporate and political leaders accountable, commission game-changing research on systems of inequality, and advance solutions for racial justice that can transform our world.

Made in collaboration with our friend Samantha Olsen, we chose a grain bill extremely reminiscent of an Imperial Stout. Coming in around 9% abv, it has a light pleasant roasted character with deep notes of plum and a malty sweetness to compliment the acidity for an extremely well balanced sour stout/dark sour.  This beer has been aged in bourbon barrels for 10 months and bottle conditioned for an additional 6 weeks.  This beer was just about ready when the Black is Beautiful initiative was created so we bottled it up and got involved.

Only (100) 500ml bottles total, so make sure to reserve your bottles today.

Pick up available starting Saturday, August 1st at 12 pm.

If you are unable to pickup on Saturday, August 1st, no worries.   We are open for pickup Wednesday – Sunday 12-3 pm.

ONLY 100 Bottles Available

Reserve Your Bottle Today

We are proud to be San Diego’s only all barrel-aged sour house and we are constantly striving to bring you new funky brews.  We are honored to be a part of such an amazing initiative as Black is Beautiful.

As always we keep 10 sours on tap at our tasting room.  If you are looking to take your tastebuds on a funky adventure … pickup a few bottles and taste what you’ve been missing.

Jun 02
Love4
grapefruit -wild-ale California Wild Ales - Barrel-aged Sour beer

Grapefruit Wild Ale

By cwa-blog, event

Grapefruit Wild Ale

Breakfast Beer for the Summer!!!

Our Grapefruit Wild Ale was blended specifically to highlight the fresh local fruit. While many grapefruit beers offer a subtle hint of the fruit, this one explodes with grapefruit flavor!  The Oro Blanco and Ruby Red Grapefruit were handpicked in nearby Escondido, California.  We wanted our fruit to really shine so we racked them onto our barrel-aged golden sour and let them rest for 3 months.

The resulting flavor is a fresh glass of grapefruit juice that can be enjoyed in the morning, although we don’t recommend drinking too early.

 

ONLY 100 Bottles Available

Reserve Your Bottle Today

We are proud to be San Diego’s only all barrel-aged sour house and we are constantly striving to bring you new funky brews.  As always we keep 10 sours on tap at our tasting room.  If you are looking to take your tastebuds on a funky adventure … pickup a few bottles and taste what you’ve been missing.  We are open 6 days a week Tuesday-Sunday.

Apr 30
Love3
tapshack-collab-californiawildales

Intersteller Collab w/ Tapshack Kombucha

By cwa-blog, event

Kombucha and Sour Beer!

Hello Kombucha and Sour Beer Fans!  We are excited about our latest collaboration with our good friends Tapshack Kombucha for this year’s May the 4th.

Amanda and Chris, of Tapshack, burst onto the scene a few years ago and have been creating some of the best Kombucha in San Diego.  With wild flavors and an awesome vibe, Tapshack has redefined what booch can be.  We love their creativity and knew we had to team up on some really Wild Ales!

We used a high ABV barrel-aged brew and blended it 50/50 with Tapshack’s kombucha creating a 5% booch beer that will leave your tastebuds tingling.

Introducing …. Chewboocha and The Dark Side.

Each one of these beers is extremely limited, (40) 16oz cans, so reserve your booch beer today.

Chewboocha

(40 Cans Available)

We started with a higher ABV Golden Sour base and blended it in equal parts with non-alcohol Carrot, Tumeric, Ginger, and Cayenne Pepper flavored Kombucha.   This Sour Booch has a hint of spice from the Cayenne that helps to highlight the rest of the flavors for a refreshing Sour Booch.  If ever there was a healthy beer
this would be it!

Join the Rebel Alliance

The Dark Side

(40 Cans Available)

Perfectly Peach is one of our most popular stone fruit sours. We started with our golden ale that we aged 12 months in oak barrels to produce tart flavors, fruity notes, and a funky character. We then added a ridiculous amount of peaches to our golden sour base.

Join the Dark Side
Apr 27
Love4
may-the-4th-california-wild-ales

May the Fourth Be With You

By cwa-blog, event

May the Fourth Be With You!

A long time ago in a beach town far, far away 
 A band of rebel brewers broke away from the IPA dominant galaxy and formed a Sour resistance to the Empire.  This Rebel Alliance, known as California Wild Ales, continues to produce Barrel-Aged, Funky Brews.

This May 4th we invite you to join us in celebrating all things Star Wars.  We have assembled an intergalactic lineup of Sour Beers featuring members of both The Rebel Alliance and The Darkside.

Rebel Alliance Lineup

  • May the Force Be With Yuzu
  • Han SoLoQuat
  • Padme Almondala
  • Chewboocha
  • The Mangolorian

The Darkside Lineup

  • BanAnakin Skywalker
  • Tuskin Radler
  • Mango Fett
  • The Darkside
  • Darth Citrius

 

Reserve your Star Wars beers today.

All beers are available for pickup on May 4th.

 

Pickup and Local Delivery Only

Only 40 Crowlers of Each Flavor

Full Lineup of Beers
Apr 25
Love4
ImPEARial STormtrooper | California Wild Ales

ImPEARial Stormtrooper

By cwa-blog, event

ImPEARial Stormtrooper

A long time ago in a mountain town far, far away (Julian CA)
 A Band of ImPEARial Stormtroopers deserted from the Empire.   These ImPEARial Stormtroopers stole the plans to the DeathPear and now hold the fate of the galaxy in their hands.  They have joined forces with the Rebel Alliance to help defeat BanAnakin Skywalker and destroy The DeathPear!

Coming in at 7.5% ABV this is our first ever Imperial Sour.

ImPEARial Stormtrooper began with fresh local pears that we handpicked in the beautiful mountain town of Julian, CA.  We combined the Julian Pears and some Saigon Cinnamon and allowed the flavors to meld together for an additional 3 months.  The warm cinnamon flavor with the natural sweetness of the pears is the perfect pastry sour.

We only have (100) 500ml bottles, so make sure to reserve your bottles today.  Bottles are available for pickup on May 4th.

Pickup and Local Delivery Only

(Limit 3 per customer)

ONLY 100 Bottles Available

Reserve Your Bottle Today

We are proud to be San Diego’s only all barrel-aged sour house and we are constantly striving to bring you new funky brews.  As always we keep 10 sours on tap at our tasting room.  If you are looking to take your tastebuds on a funky adventure … pickup a few bottles and taste what you’ve been missing.  We are open 6 days a week Tuesday-Sunday.