From the Beer Writer: Last October, when wildfires raged throughout Northern California, Santa Rosa-based Russian River Brewing partnered with King Ridge Foundation to create a way for breweries to help raise money to help fire victims. In doing so, RRBC lent the name of a beer originally created to celebrate their home county, Sonoma Pride. More than 60 breweries crafted special beers under that title, donating 100% of proceeds from each to the cause and doing their part to raise more than $1.2 million dollars for various organizations estimated to have assisted well over 400 families in dire need of help. Ballast Point Brewing was among the Sonoma Pride participants. Their specialty beer was an easy-drinking Kölsch coming in at 4.2% alcohol-by-volume. Light-bodied with a tingle of evergreen hop bitterness in the finish, it made its return to Ballast Point’s portfolio this week under the new name Made in San Diego Golden Ale. But that’s not all that’s new. It will once again raise money for a good cause, but moving forward those dollars will be funneled back to the city the beer’s name references. Fifty cents from every case sold will go to the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, which will disperse those funds to local entrepreneurs looking to launch or grow small businesses, much as original Ballast Point owner Jack White did when opening Home Brew Mart in 1996. Made in San Diego is currently available exclusively on draft, but will make its debut in cans come the end of May.
From the Brewer: “Made in San Diego Golden Ale is inspired by a county with a passion for big flavors in bright and balanced beers. We have been lucky to brew one of the most popular Kölsch-inspired beers in San Diego over the past 20 years and we wanted to take a new Ballast Point twist on a favorite style. Using techniques learned over the years like whirlpool-only hop additions, greater understanding of enzymes that reduce calories and gluten, and the continued affair with kilned malts makes this beer completely different, while remaining familiar. It was originally made as a one-time charity beer, Sonoma Pride, to help with our Northern California brethren affected by the wildfires (to which we’ll donate over $100,000). Now we’re bringing it back full-time for San Diego, and again for a great cause: we’re partnering with San Diego Regional EDC to donate a portion of proceeds to support local San Diego entrepreneurs and small businesses. A surprisingly flavorful beer made and available in San Diego only, that’s perfect for quenching your thirst in the California heat.”—Colby Chandler, Vice President & Specialty Brewer, Ballast Point Brewing
