Beer of the Week: Local California

For locals (and tourists, I suppose), SeaWorld is a special place. I remember countless excursions and field trips where I not only enjoyed a day amongst the aquatic wildlife, but learned a lot and had a good time doing it. As an adult, I still enjoy visits there, thanks in part to the park’s embrace of local craft beer. San Diego ales and lagers have been woven into SeaWorlds’ Seven Seas Food Festival and other events. So it’s only fitting that, in celebrating a whopping 60 years in operation, the stewards of the education-and-amusement locale teamed up with one of their longtime craft-beer collaborators to have them brew up a celebratory quaff. That operation is North Park-based Mike Hess Brewing, that anniversary ale, Local California, is of the West Coast India pale variety, and it’s this week’s featured beer. Available in cans with an iridescent sheen (with matching commemorative SeaWorld glassware), the beer is built with a new-wave host of hops and hop products, lending various citrus, tropical and stone-fruit flavors in line with the typical modern-day IPA profile. Yet, almost fittingly, this beer tastes as though it could have been picked out of another decadal slice of SeaWorld’s lifespan, namely the late-nineties or early-two-thousand-aughts. That’s mostly due to a firm (yet not overpowering) malt presence, dankness and woody pine notes reminiscent of hop-bombs of old. It’s an interesting blend of today and yesterday celebrating the past, present and future of an enduring San Diego landmark.

It has been an incredible journey working with SeaWorld San Diego over the past decade. Collaborating on this special 60th-anniversary ale has been a highlight for us. Just as SeaWorld is deeply committed to marine life rescue beyond its role as a theme park, Mike Hess Brewing is dedicated to philanthropy beyond crafting exceptional beers. This unique IPA we crafted together showcases our innovative brewing techniques, including low kettle-hopping to reduce bitterness, and hopping the beer at many atypical stages along the way with Lupomax, Cryo and Nectaron hops. The result is a juicy and very aromatic IPA with delightful notes of peach, pineapple, citrus and passionfruit. Partnering with such a purpose-driven organization aligns perfectly with our values. Working closely with SeaWorld’s leadership team was a real treat, and we are thrilled to offer their guests a distinctive beer experience this summer.”

Mike Hess, Founder & Chief Brewing Officer, Mike Hess Brewing

We are thrilled to once again collaborate with our local partner, Mike Hess Brewing, to craft a special IPA commemorating SeaWorld San Diego’s 60th anniversary. This collaboration marks a decade-long journey with MHB, celebrating milestones and creating memorable experiences for our guests. By joining forces, we aim to elevate the park experience through unique offerings like this West Coast IPA, a tribute to San Diego’s iconic brewing culture and our long-standing presence as an iconic landmark for 60 years. We are excited about the possibilities that partnerships like this bring, and we look forward to what’s to come in the future with our friend, Mike Hess!”

Tyler Carter, Park President, SeaWorld San Diego