Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing Launch Witching Hour Coffee Stout with Southern California Punk Rock Inspiration

Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing have unveiled Witching Hour, a 5.5% ABV coffee stout that embodies the punk rock spirit of Southern California while paying homage to childhood memories of growing up in San Diego. This collaborative brew represents the next chapter in the companies' creative partnership following last year's successful Gambino Coffee Stout, but with a deliberate shift toward greater accessibility and coffee-forward flavors.

The new Witching Hour stout was specifically designed to be more approachable than its predecessor, which featured a potent 9% ABV. Austin Pinder, head of brewing at Bay City, explained the strategic shift: "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 maintains bold character while being crafted for broader appeal and easier drinking.

What sets Witching Hour apart is its integration of Counterflow Coffee's signature cold brew, which brings a fresh, bold aroma and distinct espresso character to the stout. The beer delivers rich flavor while capturing the energy and nostalgia of San Diego's cultural landscape. Geoff Davis of Counterflow emphasized the deeper significance: "It's about honoring that punk rock energy that shaped us while keeping it true to San Diego's craft scene."

The collaboration extends beyond brewing to visual identity and storytelling, with Counterflow Marketing developing a design that channels the "wistful edge of SoCal punk" while maintaining a modern, refined aesthetic. This attention to brand storytelling reflects the companies' commitment to creating products that resonate culturally as well as flavorfully.

Following its launch event on November 13th at Bay City Brewing's downtown location, Witching Hour will be available on tap at both Bay City Brewing locations and distributed to bars and stores throughout Southern California. The beer will debut in three bold flavors: Apple Pie, Coconut Macadamia Nut, and the Original Witching Hour, offering variety for different palates while maintaining the core coffee stout character.

This release demonstrates the evolving nature of craft beverage collaborations, where companies are increasingly focusing on creating products that balance artistic vision with commercial viability. By dialing back alcohol content while enhancing coffee flavors, Counterflow and Bay City have positioned Witching Hour as both a tribute to Southern California culture and a practical choice for consumers seeking flavorful but sessionable craft options.

The partnership between Counterflow Coffee and Bay City Brewing represents a growing trend in the craft beverage industry where cross-category collaborations create unique products that appeal to multiple consumer bases. For coffee enthusiasts, the integration of specialty cold brew offers familiar flavors in a new format, while beer drinkers gain access to innovative flavor profiles that push beyond traditional brewing boundaries.

Witching Hour's development signals an important shift in craft brewing toward more balanced, approachable products without sacrificing character or quality. As the craft beer market matures, collaborations like this demonstrate how companies can leverage their respective expertise to create products that expand their audience while staying true to their artistic roots and regional identity.