Ballast Point Brewing Swingin' Friar Ale
Ballast Point Brewing Swingin' Friar Ale is a 5.5% ABV (approximately 40 IBU) hoppy pale ale in a six-pack of 12oz cans, brewed in San Diego, California. Per Ballast Point's official page, it is hopped entirely with Simcoe for citrus, peach, mellow berry, pine and grapefruit aromas over a biscuity malt backbone — a beer brewed to toast the hometown San Diego Padres and named for the club's Swingin' Friar mascot. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 5.5%
- IBU: ~40 (producer)
- Size: 6-pack, 12oz cans
- Style: Hoppy pale ale
- Hops: 100% Simcoe (producer)
- Namesake: The Swingin' Friar, San Diego Padres mascot; debuted Opening Day 2019, the Padres' 50th anniversary season
- Origin: Ballast Point Brewing, San Diego, California
The Padres' Own Pale Ale
Swingin' Friar debuted on Opening Day 2019 to mark the Padres' 50th anniversary season, poured first at Petco Park and around San Diego — Ballast Point lists it as a year-round beer available only in San Diego County, which makes it one of the more local beers on this shelf. The name salutes the Friar himself, the swinging mascot on the club's sleeve since the early days. Catch it in our craft beer range next to the brewery's famous IPAs below, browse the wider beer shelf, or visit the Ballast Point Brewing vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Citrus, peach, mellow berry, pine and grapefruit — the all-Simcoe signature, per the producer. Palate: A biscuity malt backbone keeps the hops in a pale ale's balance rather than an IPA's bite. Finish: Crisp and clean.
How to Enjoy
A ballgame beer by birth: serve it cold in the can at the tailgate or in a pint at home during the game. At 5.5% it is built for nine innings — and it pairs with ballpark food, from nachos to carne asada fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Swingin' Friar? For the San Diego Padres' mascot — Ballast Point brewed it to toast the hometown club, and it debuted on Opening Day 2019 for the Padres' 50th anniversary season.
What hops are in Swingin' Friar? Simcoe only — 100% Simcoe-hopped, per Ballast Point's official page.
Is it an IPA? No — it is a hoppy pale ale: 5.5% ABV and roughly 40 IBU, hoppier than a classic pale but lighter than the brewery's Sculpin IPAs.
San Diego's ballpark pale — order Ballast Point Swingin' Friar online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.