This week’s roundup delivers coast-to-coast collabs, legacy tributes, pastry stouts born from beer history, and a blonde ale buzzing with hyper-local charm. There’s barrel-aged decadence, coastal pilsner freshness, and even some double-digit IPA dominance for the old-school hop lovers. Dock your boat, crack a can, and let’s dive in.
Bourbon, cocoa, and the ghost of Modern Times: Original 40’s pastry stout is a San Diego time capsule
If beer could talk, this one would have stories. Aged 45 months in Elijah Craig Bourbon barrels that were once part of Modern Times’ now-shuttered barrel program, Original 40’s new pastry stout is a silky, boozy tribute to San Diego beer history. Head Brewer Kyle Fjalstad, who managed Modern Times’ barrel program before joining Original 40, led the creation of Magnetic Ribbon: Final Cut Edition—a 13.3% ABV dessert-in-a-can packed with Dominican Republic cocoa nibs, Muddy Paws coffee, Ugandan vanilla, almonds, and three types of coconut.
“This is dessert in a can,” said Fjalstad. “Even the non-beer drinkers may want to try this one out.” Only 250 cans were produced, available exclusively at the brewery, with a release party (and brewer Q&A) set for August 8.
For the beer nerds, there’s also a 4-beer flight available, including rare variants like Cocoa Bonanza and Super Strawberry Pilsner. “While Kyle is certainly versatile in his brewing, there is no doubt that his barrel-aged beers are always a home run,” said Original 40 founder Steve Billings.
Dogfish Head x The Qualified Captain team up
Crafted for dockside sipping, The Qualified Cast Ashore is a new American Pilsner brewed with North Carolina-grown ingredients and coastal swagger. Dogfish Head joined forces with boating brand The Qualified Captain to create this crisp 5.2% ABV lager, hopped with Zuper Saazer and fermented with Andechs Lager yeast for a citrusy, peppery profile.
“This collaboration came out of our shared love for the ocean, drinking good beer and telling great stories,” said Dogfish Head Founder Sam Calagione. Available in select East Coast markets and at Dogfish’s Rehoboth and Milton locations, it’s hitting shelves just in time for the World’s Largest Billfish Tournament.
“It’s the kind of beer we’d want in our cooler to celebrate with the entire crew after a great day on the water,” added The Qualified Captain’s Aaron Stasiak.
Sip of Sunshine sees big 2025 growth
Ten years in, and Sip of Sunshine is still glowing. Lawson’s Finest Liquids reports double-digit growth in 2025 for its flagship IPA, with sales up 23% across NE Food and 21% in Vermont. The brewery’s values-based growth strategy—combined with cold-freshness logistics and strategic venue placements like Fenway and Gillette—is clearly paying off.
“It’s really special that this iconic beer continues to shine,” said Seth Talmon, VP of Sales and Distribution. “And we’re dedicated to continuously earning that place in fans’ hearts.”
Lawson’s expanded distribution to Virginia and North Carolina last year, its first new markets in over five years, and continues to amplify its Social Impact Program (SIP), which has now donated over $2.5 million to nonprofits across nine states.
From bees to beer: Pure Project collabs with Town and Country Resort
Inspired by on-site beehives and crafted with Encinitas Honey, Atomic Buzz Blonde Ale is the latest buzzworthy brew from sustainability-forward Pure Project. Released in partnership with Town and Country Resort, the light, subtly sweet ale is now pouring across the resort’s restaurants and bars.
“This light, subtly sweet, and refreshing beer is perfect for sunny San Diego days — and to enjoy while cheering on your favorite hometown teams like the Padres and Wave,” said Lindsey Amador, Director of Sales and Marketing at Town and Country.
The blonde ale is just the latest in a string of community-minded, environmentally tuned collaborations from the resort and the brewery.
