Last year, Kilowatt Brewing extended its spirit of fun and generosity beyond the confines of its Kearny Mesa headquarters – a facility that already sports not only a brewery and taproom, but full kitchen and speakeasy serving tiki-themed, liquor-based cocktails called Forbidden Cove – lending its rear parking lot to the San Diego Brewers Guild so the nonprofit could hold its biggest event of San Diego Beer Week, the Capital of Craft Beerfest. The event was a success and that expansive outdoor space proved ideal for next-level celebrations of the collaborative ilk.
When determining how to best observe a decade in the beer biz, Kilowatt’s brain trust decided to again go with an al-fresco fete and team up with another local organization close to their hearts. So, on Saturday, May 3, Kilowatt will work with the Convoy District to hold an event called Convoy Nights, which will simultaneously celebrate 10 years of craft beer while kicking off May’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
“The event will celebrate all things Kilowatt Brewing along with the rich heritage and diverse businesses of the Convoy District,” says Kilowatt Director of Operations Caitlyn Nemeth. “We will have over 40 vendors, including locally owned businesses, artists, sweet treats, candles, jewelry, alternative healing, and K-pop clothing and accessory vendors. We will also have some amazing community vendors from Convoy as well as Balboa Park’s House of Ukraine.”
Kilowatt co-founder Steve Kozyk, who is of Ukrainian descent, has supported organizations providing relief to citizens of that war-torn nation who have been displaced and otherwise negatively impacted by the conflict. This has come chiefly from donation of proceeds from an imperial stout called Brew for Ukraine, which, in addition to its charitable attributes, earned gold medals at last year’s U.S. Open Beer Championship and Brewers Cup of California competitions.
“There will be five food trucks and culinary vendors, one of which will be Kilowatt,” says Nemeth. “This will be the first time we’ve showcased our food as a vendor outside of the brewery, so we’re super-excited about that.”
The Kilowatt team is also enthused about the slate of commemorative and limited-edition beers it will be releasing at the event. The following are the specialties being tapped for the anniversary affair…
- 10th Anniversary Hazy Rye IPA
- AANHPI K-Pop Pandan Lychee Korean Lager
- Pineapple Lilikoi Barrel-aged Sour Ale
- Joyous Almond Chocolate Almond Coconut Stout
- PB&J Tiempo Barrel-aged Double Chocolate Macadamia Stout with Peanuts & Strawberry Jam
Last year, PB&J Tiempo garnered a bronze medal in the Dessert Stout or Pastry Stout category of the country’s most prestigious brewing competition, the Great American Beer Festival. A to-be-announced experimental beer will be included on the anniversary brew roster, as well.
In addition to its recently launched menu of craft cocktails, Kilowatt will also release a pair of specialty drinks for the event, both of which are inspired by the AANHPI community. The first is a vodka-based tipple incorporating lychee, akashi ume and jasmine water, while the second can be ordered with vodka or gin mixed with nigori sake and fresh lemon. A quartet of spirit-based slushies will also be available, along with boilermakers and zero-proof cocktails.
Throughout the day, local organizations from within the Convoy District will put on a variety of cultural performances. Additionally, a DJ will be spinning vinyl in Kilowatt’s new disco lounge, and local band, The Water Spots, will perform live at 8 p.m.
Tickets are not required for this free event. Those who are interested in attending can get more information and follow the event online.
Kilowatt Brewing is located at 7576 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in Kearny Mesa