From the Beer Writer: Craft beer is woven into the fabric of San Diego. So, too, is the 65-year-old tradition that is Over the Line, which is why it’s so good to see OMBAC, the organization that puts on our annual OTL tournament, embracing local beer with two firm, sand-covered hands. In doing so this year, they enlisted the fermentation services of a brewer who is also quintessentially San Diegan, Marty Mendiola. The founding brewmaster of Second Chance Beer Co., he’s crafted a wide array of award-winning beers over the past two decades, both under his flag and for his long-time employers at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery in La Jolla. He’s mentored numerous young brewers and even served as president of the San Diego Brewers Guild. And now he’s brewed the official beer of this year’s OTL world championship: Over the Line Lager. As one would expect, it is a light-bodied, easy-drinking number perfect for drinking over two weekends spent in the summer sun on Fiesta Island. What’s not as expected is the depth that Mendiola and his team have incorporated without chipping away at its exceptional drinkability. Floral aromas plus a mild scent akin to key lime zest give way to classic lager flavors with mineral notes similar to Sauvignon Blanc wine aged in stone wine tanks. It’s a San Diego beer through and through that’s suitable for a time-honored San Diego tradition.
From the Brewer: “I remember OTL taking over Fiesta Island ever since I was a teenager. We hadn’t been to it for many years, but a couple of years ago they started buying Second Chance and other craft beer to pour there so we went to check it out again. It is quite a fun time and a well-run event! I got to talking with my mom, Hilda’s, neighbor Lee Shick who has been helping run OTL for many years. I mentioned that it was strange that no one had ever brewed a beer with them before. Lee said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and the ball got rolling. We met with the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) reps and talked about beer styles. We all agreed we wanted something light and refreshing with moderate alcohol, something good for the hot sun and sand. OTL Lager was born! Using German lager yeast, a long, cool fermentation, and German hops, we were able to brew a crisp beer while retaining a smooth, full flavor. We are very happy with how it turned out. It will be in stores, at our taprooms and at the OTL Tournament July 14-15 and 21-22, and on-draft around San Diego. Cheers!”—Marty Mendiola, Co-owner & Brewmaster, Second Chance Beer Co.
From the Organizer: “As a longtime community non-profit organization, OMBAC is excited to partner with local and independent breweries and distillers. The partnerships provide our organization, its members, volunteers and the charities we support with a tremendous opportunity to become further integrated within the fabric of San Diego. When OMBAC first had the idea of creating relationships with craft breweries in 2016, a veteran member, Lee Shick, introduced us to his neighbor who owned a brewery, and wanted to learn more about OMBAC and get involved with the club. Since that time, we have enjoyed a strong relationship with our partners, Second Chance. In early 2017, they approached us regarding a collaboration beer. Those talks materialized this last fall and the process to create OTL Lager began in earnest. The team at Second Chance has been great in helping us work through the processes of producing a beer of this stature, from the naming and marketing of OTL Lager, to the introduction and roll-out for the 65th annual World Championship Over the Line Tournament in July. We are excited to have OTL Lager hit the sand at Fiesta Island so all of our friends, pals, partners, supporters and the community at-large can enjoy a great beer while watching world-class Over the Line.“—Tom Doyle, First Vice President, Old Mission Beach Athletic Club