WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Dogs and beer. Many people love at least one, and some love both. Still, the two seem like an unlikely pairing.
To two Walnut Creek institutions, though, the combination felt natural–and impactful!
Joybound (formerly ARF), Walnut Creek’s iconic animal rescue charity and shelter, is teaming up with Calicraft, one of the city’s most popular microbreweries, to release Forever Home IPA.
They describe the new beer as a “mission in a can.”
Why? Because sales of the beer help support Joybound’s work to connect “veterans and others facing mental health challenges with psychiatric service dogs that provide support, stability, and life-changing companionship,” according to a spokesperson for Joybound.
The Bay Area Telegraph spoke to Amanda Conlon, Joybound’s Shelter to Service Program Director, about the collaboration–and the beer itself!
How did Calicraft and Joybound first connect?
AC: This collaboration just makes sense—Joybound and Calicraft are not only neighbors in the Shadelands Business Park, but we’re also like-minded when it comes to giving back.
For years, Joybound has brought their Mobile Adoptions vehicle to Calicraft, giving guests the chance to meet (and often go home with) some amazing dogs and cats. We also share a deep commitment to community upliftment and supporting Veterans facing mental health challenges.
Through our Shelter to Service program, Veterans are paired with trained psychiatric service dogs, facility animals, or emotional support animals—and now, even have the option to train their own dogs. It’s all about creating lasting bonds that enhance emotional resilience and promote independence.
Can you describe the beer? Any tasting notes? How is it reflective of the partnership?
Forever Home is a bold, crisp West Coast IPA brewed with Mosaic, Strata, and Idaho 7 hops—delivering bright notes of freshly squeezed grapefruit, vibrant California pine, and a subtle touch of tropical fruit. It’s a beer that’s as refreshing and layered as the mission behind it.
The flavor profile reflects the energy, optimism, and California roots of both Joybound People & Pets and Calicraft Brewing Company. Just as this beer blends boldness with balance, our partnership blends purpose with craft—uniting our shared commitment to community, compassion, and meaningful connection.
Calicraft produced approximately 30 barrels of Forever Home, making it a special, limited-edition release with impact in every pour.
When does it launch and how can people get it?
Forever Home will be released this Friday May 23, 2025. It will be sold in Calicraft’s Walnut Creek Taproom at 2700 Mitchell Drive, and at its Taproom in Fairfield.
We’re very excited to see these two institutions work together. And a “mission in a can”? That’s something we can get behind!
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