KEEP IT CRISP, KEEP IT COASTAL

KEEP IT CRISP, KEEP IT COASTAL

SALTY WALRUS LANDS IN VISALIA WITH CHILL VIBES & CRUSHABLE BREWS

Words by Lifestyle Staff

Photos by Peter Amend & Salty Walrus

The Legend Behind Salty Walrus

Born from the salty air and sun-soaked surf of San Diego, Salty Walrus Brewing Co. was created by Christian Carter and Will Peltzer, two passionate brewers with a shared love for fun adventure and good beer. The brand is inspired by a Southern California legend named Patrick, a free spirit with a bushy mustache who lived life boldly and never took things too seriously. Patrick’s carefree spirit combined with Christian and Will’s brewing expertise laid the foundation for Salty Walrus.

Though the brewery’s roots are steeped in the laid-back surf culture of Southern California, Will and Christian are bringing that same bold spirit to Visalia. They’re blending coastal energy with the agricultural richness of the Central Valley, focusing on a farm-to glass approach. Their beers embody both the easy-going attitude of the beach and the hard-working ethos of their Central Valley roots.

With a focus on creating quality, approachable craft beer, Salty Walrus is a brewery that’s truly an experience, a celebration of the unexpected, and a tribute to the legend that started it all.

The Here And Now

For Christian and Will, bringing Salty Walrus Brewing to Visalia is more than simply opening a brewery. They desired to create a space that blends their love for craft beer with the community that shaped them. While San Diego gave them their start in brewing, Visalia is home. Here, they’re both introducing great beer and infusing the Valley with the adventurous, welcoming spirit that inspired their brand.

Step inside Salty Walrus, and you’ll find far more than a taproom. The goal is to capture that coastal state of mind—laid-back, vibrant, and full of life—while staying true to their Central Valley roots. They’re offering patrons a refreshing escape, where the beer is cold, the vibes are good, and the experience is always memorable.

Their Visalia brewery may be opening soon, but Salty Walrus beer has already been making waves around town. You can find their signature brews at local restaurants, bars, and liquor stores, allowing beer lovers to imbibe all over Visalia. Whether you stop by the taproom or grab a pint elsewhere, Salty Walrus is here to stay.

THE ROAD AHEAD

With the grand opening on the horizon, there’s plenty to be excited about. Alongside their core lineup, Christian and Will are rolling out four brand-new brews to mark the occasion, ensuring there’s something fresh to try for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Expect an opening packed with great beer, good company, and the kind of energy that turns a brewery into a local staple.

But this is just the beginning. Salty Walrus has big plans, and while they’re keeping some details under wraps, one thing is certain—their journey is only gaining momentum. With the community’s support, the brewery’s future is wide open, and Christian and Will are ready to see just how far this wave will take them.

THE SALTY WALRUS EXPERIENCE

FROM THE FOUNDERS

WHAT BEER WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO FIRST-TIME SALTY WALRUS DRINKERS?

CHRISTIAN: We strategically designed our core beer lineup to serve the masses first—whether you’re a seasoned craft beer connoisseur or just getting into it you really can't go wrong with any Salty Walrus beer. I usually recommend our Hazy IPA, I’ve Seen Better Haze. It’s super approachable with low bitterness and packed with tropical, fruity notes. Even folks who say they’re not IPA people end up loving it. It’s just a fun beer for all.

WILL: If you’re not so familiar with craft beer, I’d recommend starting with some of our lighter lagers and easing your way into the rest of our crushable lineup. If you are familiar with craft, you gotta try our Hazy IPA. You really can’t go wrong with any beer you decide to put back!

WHAT'S YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE BREW FROM THE SALTY WALRUS LINEUP, AND WHY?

CHRISTIAN: Lately, I’ve been reaching for Boho Babe, our Bohemian Pilsner. It’s super crisp, refreshing, and just easy to drink—perfect for these long Central Valley days. There’s this subtle floral hop character and a smooth finish that makes it stand out. It’s got that “endless summer” feel, which really fits our vibe: laid-back, local, and rooted in quality.

WILL: My answer to this question seems to change throughout the year. As of right now I would also say that our Bohemian Pilsner called “Boho Babe” is my go to. At 4.1% ABV and its slight breadiness, it goes down a little too easy.

DESCRIBE SALTY WALRUS BEER IN THREE WORDS.

CHRISTIAN: Crisp. Crushable. Laid-back. At the end of the day, we brew what we like to drink: crisp, crushable West Coast-style ales and lagers. Beer that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but is still built on quality. It’s that blend of Central Valley grit and coastal soul, just like us.

WILL: Approachable. Balanced. Easy-drinking. At Salty Walrus, we keep it simple: Make good beer that people actually want to drink. For me, that means crisp lagers, bright West Coast IPAs, and beers that go down easy after a long day. We’re not trying to overcomplicate things—we just brew with intention, and let the beer speak for itself.