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Pizza Port prepares to host its Strong Ale Festival in Carlsbad Village. Courtesy photo
Pizza Port prepares to host its Strong Ale Festival in Carlsbad Village. Courtesy photo
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26th annual Strong Ale Festival returns to Pizza Port Carlsbad

CARLSBAD — Craft beer enthusiasts will converge on downtown Carlsbad this weekend for Pizza Port Carlsbad’s 26th annual Strong Ale Festival, a holiday tradition showcasing bold, high-alcohol brews.

Held on Dec. 6-7 at Pizza Port’s Carlsbad Village location, the festival will feature more than 60 beers on draft with an alcohol content of 8% or higher, including rare and experimental creations brewed exclusively for the event.

“This event started with the idea of bringing breweries together to showcase high-octane beers in one place,” said Gina Marsaglia, CEO and co-founder of Pizza Port. “It’s been an incredible journey watching this festival grow into a holiday tradition for so many loyal attendees.”

General admission tickets, priced at $50 per day, include a festival glass and eight tasters. VIP tickets, offering early access, complimentary food, and 10 tasters, are available for $75 per day or $100 for both days. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.

The festival began in 1998 as a small gathering of San Diego County breweries at Pizza Port Carlsbad. Over the years, it has expanded to include collaborations with regional breweries and a variety of beer styles, from barrel-aged ales and coffee stouts to Belgian quads and IPAs.

“We collaborate with [participating breweries] to create unique beers that are truly one of a kind and can’t be found anywhere else,” Marsaglia said, noting that many brewers at the festival previously worked at Pizza Port.

This year’s highlights include the 26th Strong Ale Blend, a rum barrel-aged creation combining Green & Eggs Ham Coffee Porter and Pine Park Porter, and Hanging With the Gnomies, a 9.3% Belgian Quad brewed in collaboration with Lake Arrowhead Brewing.

Other exclusive offerings include Ambient Pairing pastry stout, a maple syrup and vanilla creation from Pizza Port Solana Beach and Solaris Beer & Blending, and Snow White Tripel, a 10% Belgian Tripel from Pizza Port Imperial Beach. Collaborations from Pizza Port Ocean Beach, San Clemente, and additional breweries will also be featured, including the Gate Crasher Imperial Red IPA and Tidal Fools Imperial West Coast Pilsner.

“It takes more grain, more hops, and a lot of time in a barrel to brew these high-octane beers,” Marsaglia explained, describing the months-long preparation involved in creating the festival’s signature brews.

Marsaglia highlighted the festival’s role in fostering community and celebrating craft beer. “We have people who’ve come to nearly every festival, and it’s a chance to share good beer, critique new styles, and enjoy some old favorites,” she said.

For tickets and more information, visit Pizza Port Carlsbad’s Eventbrite. page.

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