In San Diego, Black’s Beach has a certain reputation. The beautiful stretch of sand is only accessible by a long, steep, downward hike. Once you’re there, it’s a sight to behold: High cliffs, soft sands, blue waves, and a whole lot of... naked people?!

Yes, this gorgeous ocean gateway is also Southern California’s only nude beach. And if you’re feeling brazen enough to make your way down the windy path, the legendary Nelson will be there to greet you. This naked, self-proclaimed “Mayor of Nudity” is a mythic figure all the way up the coast to San Marcos, where Port Brewing is located.

This 18-time GABF and 6-time World Beer Cup award-winning brewery found Nelson’s brazen attitude so empowering that they decided to let their own freak flag fly by paying homage to him with a bold IPA: Nelson the Greeter. Fittingly, they brewed it with Nelson Hops as bold and vibrant as he is, whose fruity flavor profile is reminiscent of a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

The addition of Denali, Lemon Drop, and Mosaic hops adds notes of passionfruit and gooseberry play gently across the tongue, while the Nelson Hops leave you radiating in a bittersweet and citrusy glow. And in the end, this audaciously hoppy flash mob of flavor is as smooth and laidback as the brewery it comes from.

The fine people at Port Brewing are no strangers to palate-pleasing brews. As The Lost Abbey’s other personality, they specialize in American, West Coast styles like IPAs. Nelson the Greeter stands as a testament to their love for local lore. Here, we can learn an important lesson: while clothing is sometimes optional, being shameless, courageous, and drinking great beer, is not.

Packaged On October 12th, 2018