A Dill-lightful Return: California Wild Ales Revives Its Iconic Pickle Sour

SAN DIEGO, CA – San Diego’s experimental craft brewery, California Wild Ales, has once again brought back one of its most talked-about beers: I’m Kind of a Big Dill. The barrel-aged pickle sour—formerly known to fans as Pickled Rick—returns with the same briny, refreshing punch that made it a cult favorite, now with a new twist that pairs perfectly with the brewery’s signature Micheladas.

From Cult Classic to Legal Pickle

Originally released under the name Pickled Rick, the beer quickly gained a devoted following in Southern California’s craft beer scene. But a trademark snag with Cartoon Network forced the San Diego brewery to get creative. The result? A tongue-in-cheek rebrand to I’m Kind of a Big Dill—a name that perfectly matches the beer’s playful personality and reputation among fans.

What’s Inside the Big Dill

I’m Kind of a Big Dill clocks in at 5.4% ABV, delivering a crisp, crushable drinking experience that balances sour tang with savory depth. The recipe leans into:

• Locally sourced cucumbers and garden-fresh dill
• Maldon sea salt for minerality and texture
• Whole black peppercorns for a subtle bite
• A base of foeder-aged sour beer, with occasional oak barrel character in select editions

This year’s batch keeps things clean and classic: cucumber, dill, salt, and peppercorns.

Limited Release, OB Exclusive

The current release is available on draft and in cans exclusively at California Wild Ales’ Ocean Beach tasting room. With limited supply, fans are encouraged to stock up quickly—once this run is gone, it won’t return until the next seasonal release.

Micheladas Meet Pickle Beer

For this round, California Wild Ales is also rolling out a new way to enjoy Big Dill: in Micheladas. Guests can swap out the traditional Bike Lane Lager for a full pickle beer base, or opt for a hybrid Michelada with just a splash of Big Dill on top. Combined with lime, Tajín, and olives, the result is a tangy, salty-sour twist that’s already become a local favorite.

Why Fans Keep Coming Back

• Bold & Unique – Few beers deliver the salty-sour pickle profile quite like this one.
• Local Roots – California Wild Ales sources ingredients from nearby farms and, in past editions, even from co-owner Bill and Monica DeWitt’s own garden.
• Community Connection – As San Diego’s only dedicated wild ale brewery, California Wild Ales has built a reputation for inventive, small-batch releases that keep Ocean Beach buzzing.

A Must-Try in San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene

Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast, a Michelada fan, or simply looking for something offbeat in San Diego’s ever-growing craft beer market, I’m Kind of a Big Dill is worth the trip.

Fans can stop by the California Wild Ales Ocean Beach tasting room to try it on draft, grab cans to-go, or experience the new Pickle Michelada mashup.

Because in the world of sour beer, this one isn’t just another seasonal release—it’s kind of a big dill.