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.
