A Holiday Stout Worth Talking About: Station.Craft’s Limited Release with High Tide Coffee

Every now and then, a seasonal release lands that feels like it was brewed for the community—something cozy, a little nostalgic, and somehow exactly what we’ve all been craving without realizing it. This winter, that moment belongs to the Station.Craft Beer High Tide Holiday Stout, a limited release available only at Stationcraft Brewery in Dana Point. And honestly, we couldn’t be more excited to share the story behind it.

This seasonal stout blends our freshly roasted Guatemala coffee with Madagascar vanilla, creating a creamy, roasty, chocolatey brew that lands somewhere between dessert and comfort blanket. Dana Point in December has that crisp harbor air rolling in at dusk, and this stout fits right into that feeling—like it’s been part of local winter tradition for years.

But before we get completely swept up in the tasting notes (we’ll get there), let’s talk about why this collaboration matters so much to us and to the communities around us.

Why a Holiday Stout Feels So Right for Coastal Southern California

Here’s the thing: winter hits a little differently along the Southern California coastline. It’s cool enough to call for something comforting, but the sun sticks around long enough to keep things bright. You might catch surfers paddling out with steam rising off the water at sunrise or families strolling the Dana Point harbor wrapped in soft hoodies. That blend of mild chill and coastal cheer is uniquely ours.

A stout that’s creamy, roasty, chocolatey, and brewed with real Guatemala coffee and Madagascar vanilla just makes sense here. It’s bold but not heavy, warm but not overwhelming. And at 5.4% ABV, it’s easy to share with friends while still giving you layers of flavor worth paying attention to.

That balance is exactly what made this collaboration such an obvious yes. Stationcraft brews with intention—deep, thoughtful intention—and that aligns with everything we care about at High Tide Coffee across San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and Oceanside.

A Closer Look at What’s in the Glass

Some beers tell their story through their malt bill. Some tell it through aroma. This one tells it through both—and then keeps surprising you on the finish.

Malts: Golden Promise, Pale Chocolate, Chocolate Wheat, Carafa III
Hops: Nugget, Cascade
Yeast: US05
Additions: High Tide Coffee’s Guatemala + Madagascar vanilla
Contains lactose for that silky finish

At the first sip, you get a soft creaminess. A heartbeat later, the roasted Guatemala coffee and chocolate malts show up. Then the vanilla sweeps in to smooth everything out with a subtle sweetness. It’s layered without being loud, decadent without being sugary.

If you’ve ever had the perfect holiday dessert—the one that’s indulgent but not too much—you’ll get the idea.

The Coffee Behind the Brew: Why They Chose Our Guatemala

A question we hear all the time when breweries partner with us: “What roast did they use?”

And this time, the answer is one we’re especially excited about: they used our Guatemala.

Our Guatemala roast brings natural cocoa tones, caramel sweetness, and a whisper of citrus brightness. It stands out beautifully against darker malts without overpowering them. It contributes flavor, structure, and warmth—everything a winter stout should have.

Brewing with coffee requires a special kind of coordination. The roast needs to withstand fermentation, express clearly, and still blend seamlessly into the malt profile. It’s a delicate balance that we love being part of, and Stationcraft nailed it.

A Collaboration That Extends Far Beyond This Beer

One of the things we love about Stationcraft is that our partnership isn’t just seasonal—it’s woven into their everyday experience.

✨ Our cold brew is on tap at Stationcraft all year long.
It’s become a staple for guests who want something bold, smooth, and refreshing with their meal or their afternoon stop-in.

✨ Our cold brew also powers their espresso martinis year-round.
If you’ve had one, you already know it’s dangerously smooth and incredibly balanced. If you haven’t—add it to your list. It’s one of those drinks that turns first-time visitors into regulars.

That ongoing collaboration makes this holiday stout feel even more meaningful. This isn’t a one-off. It’s another chapter in a growing, thoughtful partnership.

Why the Release Is Limited

There’s something exciting about knowing a beer only exists for a moment in time. It turns a pint into a seasonal ritual.

This High Tide Holiday Stout is a limited release exclusive to Stationcraft Brewery in Dana Point. It wasn’t made to sit on shelves or circulate across multiple cities. It was crafted for the locals—for the folks who show up, support small businesses, and look forward to Stationcraft’s seasonal creations.

And let’s be honest: limited beers spark the best conversations. People compare notes, bring friends, and say things like, “You’ve got to try this before it’s gone.”

We love that kind of community energy. It’s what this season is all about.

How It Fits Into Dana Point’s Winter Vibe

Walk into Stationcraft Brewery in December and you’ll feel it immediately—the buzz of neighbors, cyclists refueling after a coastal ride, families stopping in after seeing the harbor lights.

This stout fits that vibe perfectly. It’s festive, approachable, a little indulgent, and incredibly food-friendly.

Here’s what it pairs beautifully with:

• A hearty winter burger
  
• Anything with caramelized onions
  
• Rich, cozy bowls
  
• Chocolate-forward desserts
• Or even a simple plate of fries after holiday shopping
  

It doesn’t demand attention—it complements the moment.

A Collaboration Rooted in Local Life

Partnering with Stationcraft feels natural because both our teams care deeply about our neighborhoods. Whether you’re picking up a latte in Laguna Niguel, grabbing a slow-morning cappuccino in San Clemente, or stopping by Oceanside after a surf session, there’s a consistency in how we show up.

Stationcraft does the same. Their taproom is warm, inviting, and built to bring people together.

When two local businesses value quality and community in the same way, collaborations like this holiday stout feel effortless—and meaningful.

How Long Will It Be Around?

Honestly? Not long.

Seasonal releases at Stationcraft tend to move fast, and this one has all the makings of a quick sell-out. If you’re planning to try it, make it a priority, grab a friend, carve out an evening, and enjoy it while it’s still flowing.

Why We Love Sharing Projects Like This

We roast coffee every day with the intention of bringing people together. Collaborations like this let that intention extend beyond the cup and into something a little different—but still rooted in hospitality and flavor.

Good coffee. Good beer. Good people.
It’s a simple equation, but somehow always the most memorable.

This stout isn’t trying too hard. It’s not overly sweet or fussy. It’s familiar, comforting, and unique—like the kind of beer you’d tell visiting friends they have to try.

Final Thoughts: Grab It While You Can

If you’re looking for a seasonal beer that captures the warmth and charm of a coastal California winter, the Station.Craft Beer High Tide Holiday Stout limited release available only at Stationcraft Brewery in Dana Point absolutely deserves a spot on your list.

Creamy, roasty, chocolatey, and brewed with High Tide Coffee Guatemala and Madagascar vanilla, it’s everything a winter stout should be.

And while you’re there, remember:

✔ Their cold brew with our coffee is on tap year-round
✔ Their espresso martinis feature our cold brew all year long

A little High Tide in every season.

Want More High Tide Coffee This Winter?

Stop by our shops in San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, or Oceanside for fresh-roasted beans, holiday drinks, and gift-worthy merch. Prefer staying cozy at home? You can always order online.

Cheers to a season full of flavor, good company, and coastal memories.
If you try the stout, let us know—we love hearing from our community.