A Legendary Collaboration Between Coronado Brewing and Bear Republic Brewing Company

In the ever-dynamic world of craft beer, collaborations between bold breweries often yield something truly memorable. Such is the case with the union of Coronado Brewing Company and Bear Republic Brewing Company, which gave birth to the imaginative and adventurous MerBear Rye IPA. This partnership brings together two distinct brewing voices—from the sun-soaked shores of Southern California to the rugged hills of Northern California—in a refreshing twist on the IPA style that both honours craft tradition and pushes it forward.

The Meeting of Two California Craft Icons Bear Republic Brewing Company has long been a stalwart of the craft scene, known for its fiercely independent spirit and award-winning beers. Founded in 1995 in Sonoma County, Bear Republic earned its stripes with confident hop-forward beers that celebrate the West Coast style while allowing for innovation. Coronado Brewing Company, founded in 1996 in San Diego, likewise built a reputation for crisp, aromatic hops and a beach-influenced vibe that speaks to laid-back Californian life. Together, these two craft pioneers teamed up to create something never before seen: the MerBear Rye IPA—half mermaid, half bear, and entirely fantastic.

The idea began modestly. According to Coronado’s press release, the friendship between the two breweries was sparked when Coronado’s president Rick Chapman and Bear Republic’s Brewmaster & COO Richard “Ricardo” Norgrove met for beers at a local San Diego bar. What began as a handshake over a pint progressed into a two-year development process, countless brewery visits, shared recipe brainstorming sessions, and ultimately the launch of MerBear Rye IPA in February 2016.

The collaboration is as playful as it is serious, merging style, place, and personality into a beer that invites craft drinkers to explore beyond the usual.

MerBear Rye IPA is a beast of flavor—brewed with rye malt to provide a subtle spicy backbone and hopped with Amarillo, Hallertau Blanc, Centennial, and Equinox hops that deliver a pungent, fruity character and a full-bodied finish.

The result is a beer that lives at the intersection of classic West Coast IPA audacity and the creative use of rye malt. It isn’t just hop-forward; it’s designed to stand out and make you appreciate how collaboration can elevate craft beer.

What makes MerBear so special isn’t just the taste—it’s the story. Collaboration beers are like conversations between brewers. They combine distinct philosophies, ingredients, and brewing methods. In MerBear’s case, the NorCal grit of Bear Republic meets the sun-soaked surf culture of Coronado.

The name itself is playful: “Mer” for mermaid—a nod to Coronado’s coastal identity—and “Bear” for Bear Republic’s iconic symbol. Together, they create a mythical creature and a new icon in the craft beer world: The MerBear.

The release of MerBear wasn’t just about the beer—it was about community. The breweries hosted launch parties and tap takeovers at spots like Blind Lady Ale House and Fathom Bistro in San Diego. Attendees got the chance to meet the brewers, sample both versions of MerBear (“By Land & By Sea”), and share in the collaborative spirit that defines craft beer culture.

From a distribution standpoint, MerBear had ambitious goals. It was released across 16 U.S. states, including California, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina, and Virginia, and exported to New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Japan, and South Korea.

This wide reach demonstrates that the collaboration wasn’t just a fun one-off—it was a full-scale project designed to showcase the creativity of both breweries on an international stage.

The MerBear release also included a Teddy Bear Drive at Coronado’s Bay Park Tasting Room, where guests who donated a new stuffed bear received a free pint glass. All donations went to a local children’s charity—proof that the collaboration extended beyond brewing into community impact.

This kind of initiative reminds us that craft beer is about more than what’s in the glass—it’s about people, creativity, and giving back.

For beer enthusiasts, collaborations like MerBear Rye IPA offer something more than a unique flavor—they represent exploration and connection. You get to experience two brewing philosophies in one glass, blending Coronado’s crisp coastal flair with Bear Republic’s bold hop intensity.

It’s a beer that invites you to slow down, savor, and think about how collaboration continues to redefine the boundaries of craft brewing.

The MerBear Rye IPA collaboration between Coronado Brewing Company and Bear Republic Brewing Company stands as proof that when two imaginative breweries unite, the result can be something extraordinary. It celebrates creativity, friendship, and craftsmanship—values that sit at the very heart of the craft beer movement.

The MerBear Rye IPA isn’t just another collaboration beer—it’s a celebration of creativity, friendship, and California’s thriving craft beer scene. By combining Coronado Brewing Company’s coastal cool with Bear Republic Brewing Company’s bold northern character, the result is a beer that bridges two worlds beautifully. It’s rich in flavor, steeped in story, and built on the shared passion of two legendary brewers.

Whether you’re a long-time IPA lover or a casual craft drinker, MerBear serves as a reminder that the best beers aren’t just brewed—they’re born from collaboration, imagination, and a shared love of great craft beer. So, the next time you see MerBear on tap, raise your glass to the spirit of teamwork and the joy of discovery that makes every sip worthwhile.