Technically California doesn't have a state fruit, but if it did, we'd bet on the avocado (move over, citrus industry). Take it as a spread, dip, sliced on a burger or straight from the skin with a spoon — but in your beer? Angel City Brewery downtown will challenge palates and pay homage to the green gold on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 1-7 p.m. at their Avocado Festival.

Not only will the festival debut brewer Dieter Foerstner's 100th batch of beer — the guacamole-inspired Avocado Ale with fruit from Foerstner's grandmother's orchard — but there will be a guacamole contest and tasting, live music and food trucks. The first 50 attendees will receive a free avocado popsicle from Octopops. The fest will be in support of Lamp Community, who works to end homelessness and provide services for adults with mental illness.

Full Flight; Credit: Erika Bolden

Full Flight; Credit: Erika Bolden

Experimental brews have become a whimsical way for brewers to attract attention to their more straight-laced selections and recruit newcomers to craft beer. With nineteen taps devoted to house-made choices, Angel City provides room for Foerstner to brew and play.

See also: L.A.'s Two Newest Breweries: Congregation Ales and Timeless Pints

The Avocado Ale marks their fourth experimental release. Preceding the Avocado Ale was the Pickle Weiss, which united the light-bodied Berliner Weisse with homemade pickles and wooed the lips of every pickle lover who attempted it; the White Nite, a less polarizing golden ale with chocolate and espresso on nitro; and the French Sip, brewed with beef bouillon with just a smattering of au jus.

Angel City has become a focal point for brewing in downtown L.A., helping to revitalize the Arts District and restore the dignity of this historic neighborhood. Look for six-packs and 22-ounce bottles of the brewery's flagship beers Eureka Wit and Angeleno IPA on shelves Sept. 9.

Special thanks to Dieter Foerstner for reminding us that craft beer, with its many intrigues and developments, is still just beer — the enlivening libation that enthralls us and brings us together. Avocado or otherwise.

Think you have an unbeatable guacamole? Bring it to the festival and let the experts decide. Contact Emily@Angelcitybrewery today for details.

Erika writes at erikabolden.com and @erikabolden. Want more Squid Ink? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

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