Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing have partnered to create Witching Hour, a 5.5% ABV coffee stout that captures the punk rock spirit of Southern California. This collaboration represents the next chapter in their creative partnership following last year's Gambino Coffee Stout, with the new brew designed to be more accessible while maintaining the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines both companies. The beer was inspired by the shared love of Southern California's punk rock culture and childhood memories of growing up in San Diego.
Austin Pinder, head of brewing at Bay City, explained the shift from their previous 9% ABV Gambino Coffee Stout: "This time, we wanted something more accessible to the masses. We created a smoother, lighter, and even more coffee-forward flavor." The result is a beer that balances intensity with approachability, featuring Counterflow's signature cold brew that brings a fresh, bold aroma and subtle espresso character. While Gambino leaned heavily on liquor and malt, Witching Hour dials back the intensity and brings coffee flavors forward, creating what Geoff Davis described as "honoring that punk rock energy that shaped us while keeping it true to San Diego's craft scene."
The beer is designed not just for connoisseurs but to connect with Southern Californians through its imaginative, communal character and full flavor profile. The Witching Hour release party will take place Thursday, November 13th, from 6pm to 9pm at Bay City Brewing's downtown location. The free public event will feature Counterflow Coffee's iconic espresso martinis and a food pop-up by ELE Burger, offering perfect pairings for the new stout. Three bold flavors will be premiered: Apple Pie, Coconut Macadamia Nut, and the Original Witching Hour.
Following the launch, Witching Hour will be available on tap at Bay City Brewing's Midway and Downtown locations and distributed to bars and stores throughout Southern California. Counterflow Marketing developed the visual identity and storytelling for Witching Hour, channeling what they describe as "the wistful edge of SoCal punk" with a moody, raw aesthetic that maintains modern refinement. The collaboration between Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing continues their tradition of creative partnerships that redefine craft beverages while staying true to San Diego's community roots.
Witching Hour delivers what the companies describe as "the perfect balance of craft and caffeine, brewed for the nights you don't want to end," capturing the energy and nostalgia of Southern California's distinctive culture. This release matters because it represents a strategic evolution in craft beverage collaboration, moving from high-alcohol specialty products to more approachable offerings that maintain artistic integrity while expanding market reach. The partnership demonstrates how regional identity can be authentically translated into product development, creating beverages that serve as cultural touchstones rather than mere commodities.
The implications extend beyond the immediate product launch, suggesting a maturation of the craft beverage industry where collaborations increasingly focus on accessibility without sacrificing quality or narrative depth. By targeting broader appeal while maintaining specific cultural references, Witching Hour establishes a model for how craft brands can grow their audience while preserving their authentic connections to local communities. The beer's distribution throughout Southern California represents an expansion of both companies' reach while reinforcing their commitment to regional identity, potentially influencing how other craft producers approach collaboration and market positioning in an increasingly competitive landscape.
