Something exciting is brewing on Chicago’s Southwest Side — and it’s got deep neighborhood roots and coastal vibes. Wind & Waves, a bold new West Coast IPA, brings together the creative energy of California Wild Ales in San Diego and Open Outcry Brewing Co. 10934 S. Western Ave., Chicago, in Beverly.
The beer-loving public will get a chance to enjoy a pint of the collab brew, Wind and Waves, when it debuts on Sunday, July 20 at Open Outcry.
“It’s more than a beer,” said Beverly native Bill DeWitt, owner of California Wild Ales. “It’s a celebration of community, friendship, and the shared love of good beer that spans from Lake Michigan to the Pacific.”
California Wild Ales — the San Diego brewery celebrated for its funky barrel-aged sours and saisons — has teamed up with Beverly’s own Open Outcry Brewing Co. – known for its popular favorites and inspired new brews – to create a craft beer that’s as much about community as it is about crisp, crushable pints.
The collaboration brings DeWitt and his wife, Monica (Garza) DeWitt, back to where it all began: just blocks from Open Outcry’s home at 109th and Western, in St. Cajetan’s Parish. Both Bill (class of ’92) and Monica (class of ’95) are proud alums of St. Cajetan’s, making this collaboration a true homecoming.
“This is truly full circle for us,” said Bill DeWitt, who moved to San Diego in 2009 chasing sunshine and surf. It wasn’t long before the brewing bug took hold. What started as a small barrel-aged sour beer club evolved into a full-scale brewery with two bustling tasting rooms in Ocean Beach.
Adding to the hometown ties, Monica DeWitt and Open Outcry co-owner Katie Beck share more than just a passion for beer, both are alumni of Marian Catholic High School (Katie, class of ’96; Monica, class of ’99). “It’s wild to think we crossed paths back then, and now we’re collaborating on something like this,” said Monica. “It just makes it even more meaningful.”
Owned and operated by Jim Beck, a born-and-raised South Sider from St. Barnabas Parish, and his wife Katie Beck, Open Outcry Brewing Co. is a place where neighbors connect over top-notch beer, good eats, rooftop views, and a shared love for the South Side.
“This is our first long-distance collab since becoming new owners, and we are super pumped. Nice to do it with friends who have ties to the neighborhood,” said Jim Beck. “Katie has known Monica for a long time, and really loved the idea of tying something old (friendship) with something new (our breweries). We think the neighborhood is really going to dig this beer.”
Wind and Waves is a beer that bridges the distance between Beverly’s brick bungalows and San Diego’s salty air. This West Coast IPA is bold, bright, and bursting with a crisp bitterness that’ll have you dreaming of Lake Michigan breezes and Pacific swells in the same sip.
“This collab is about more than beer — it’s about roots, connections, and giving back to the neighborhood that raised us,” said Bill De Witt. “We’re beyond stoked to bring a little taste of California to Chicago, and to brew something for Beverly that’s truly unique.”
So whether you’re grabbing a pint at Open Outcry’s taproom or visiting Ocean Beach, keep an eye (and a thirst) out for Wind & Waves. It’s more than a beer — it’s a toast to home.
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