Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing Launch Witching Hour Coffee Stout with Southern California Punk Rock Inspiration
Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing have collaborated to create Witching Hour, a more accessible 5.5% ABV coffee stout that captures Southern California's punk rock spirit while expanding their successful partnership in the craft beverage market.
Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing have partnered to create Witching Hour, a 5.5% ABV coffee stout that embodies the punk rock spirit of Southern California. The collaboration represents the next chapter in their creative partnership following last year's successful 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 creation of Witching Hour was inspired by the shared love of Southern California's punk rock culture and childhood experiences growing up in San Diego. "It's about honoring that punk rock energy that shaped us while keeping it true to San Diego's craft scene," said Geoff Davis of Counterflow Coffee. The beer aims to bring nostalgia into something consumers can taste, connecting with the people of Southern California through its imaginative, communal character and full flavor profile.
Unlike the previous Gambino Coffee Stout, which was brewed at 9% ABV, Witching Hour was designed to be more approachable to broader audiences. "This time, we wanted something more accessible to the masses. We created a smoother, lighter, and even more coffee-forward flavor," explained Austin Pinder, head of brewing at Bay City Brewing. At 5.5% ABV, the beer features Counterflow's signature cold brew, which brings a fresh, bold aroma and distinct yet subtle espresso character while maintaining a roasty, smooth profile perfect for evening consumption.
The Witching Hour release party will take place on 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 beer. The beer will premiere with three bold flavors: 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. The beer is positioned as the perfect balance of craft and caffeine, designed for social occasions and evenings that consumers don't want to end. The visual identity and storytelling for Witching Hour were developed by Counterflow Marketing, who aimed to channel the wistful edge of SoCal punk while giving the brand a modern, refined aesthetic.
The collaboration between Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing represents a strategic expansion in the craft beverage market, combining coffee expertise with brewing innovation to create products that resonate with Southern California's cultural identity. While Gambino leaned heavily on liquor and malt characteristics, Witching Hour brings coffee flavors forward in a more balanced, approachable format that still maintains bold character while being crafted for sharing.