Beer of the Week: Toked To Be Here

It’s hard to believe it’s been an entire decade since I first met Joey Hanna, the scrappy, seemingly omnipresent force behind brewery merchandise consultancy Hoppy Beer Gear. Our initial introduction took place at Second Chance Beer Co.‘s Carmel Mountain Ranch headquarters during a meeting of the San Diego Brewers Guild. Within minutes of speaking with Hanna, I realized parallels we shared, most notably enthusiasm for the local craft-beer industry and above-average drive. Those attributes have remained hallmarks of hers over the years, during which she has worked with tons of breweries of all sizes and types, providing them with quality tees, hoodies, hats, glassware and one of her favorites: interlocking wooden coasters stylishly emblazoned with brewing company logos. Hoppy Beer Gear’s most recent brewery collaboration actually has nothing to do with apparel or merch, but rather the conception of a beer to commemorate the company’s first decade in business. That hop-laden creation comes from OB Brewery, and it’s this week’s featured beer, Toked To Be Here. An IPA primarily hopped with old-school Pacific Northwest varietals, it’s bold in its trademark West Coast flavors of pine, citrus and a dankness hinted at by the celebratory quaff’s name. Another throwback element lending the beer extra oomph is its 7.2% alcohol-by-volume. Toked To Be Here will debut as part of Hoppy Beer Gear’s anniversary party happening at the three-story Ocean Beach brewpub where it was produced later today. That sudsy soiree will go from 3 to 8 p.m. and provide the perfect opportunity for you to meet and appreciate one of the county’s nicest, most motivated industry-appurtenant contractors. And over a really great IPA, no less!

Toked to be Here is a West Coast IPA collaboration with Hoppy Beer Gear celebrating their 10 years in business. It has medium-high yet smooth bitterness at 55 IBUs (international bittering units). I wanted it to have some dank, piney, citrusy flavors and aromas that I aimed to attain using Simcoe and Chinook hops ‒ a couple of my favorites. I also wanted to impart some tropical, stone-fruit and tangerine-like character by incorporating Calypso and Mandarina Bavaria hops. But what is most special about this beer to me has little to do with flavors and aromas, and everything to do with how it came about. I dove into the beer industry head-first in part because I love beer, but also because of how much I enjoy being part of our community. Working together, sharing ideas, learning from each other, helping out others in need and celebrating each others’ success. Back in 2015, when OB Brewery was still being constructed, we hooked up with Joey and Matt Hanna from Hoppy Beer Gear. Their team designed our awesome logo as well as our website, t-shirts, hats, beer labels, tap handles…you name it. We have continued to work together over the last 10 years, and they have become great friends as well as colleagues. When Joey asked me if I wanted to do a collaboration brew to celebrate their anniversary it was a no-brainer. I’m so “toked” we made it happen, and it’s pretty cool we were able to time it for San Diego Beer Week. Come try it while it’s fresh!”

Jim Millea, Head Brewer, OB Brewery

OB Brewery is located at 5401 Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach