San Diego county brewery Mother Earth Brewing and legendary artist Sean Dominguez create a beer to honor local celebrity Nate Sorko. Introducing Project X Series "In Memoriam Hazy IPA".

Beer, like so many things culinary, is an expression brewed by someone whose dedication and imagination inspired what you hold in your hand. It matters not what is inside your hand, be it a citrus-inspired india pale ale or a bold and sharp stout, so long as it leaves a lasting memory. After all, that is what we as individuals aspire to from birth to grave, to be remembered.

One of those who gave his heart and soul to produce breathtaking experiences was San Diego resident, chef, and bartender, Nake Soroko.

Born in the Northern Mariana Islands via Saipan, Nathan “Nate” Samuel Sorko, was an only child, adopted at birth, growing up in Eugene (Oregon), Guam, and Rancho Cucamonga. Known for his quick wit, his talent for making friends and acquaintances comfortable, by recalling previous conversation, Nate would eventually move to San Diego to pursue a culinary career. It would be here that he would also get his start at some of San Diego’s first breweries, including Modern Times, Alpine, Ballast Point, before settling in at Toronado’s southern California location in San Diego.

An accomplished chef, Nate had a talent for marrying food and beer together. When he wasn’t impressing people with his culinary skills, he was found tending the bar, assisting strangers find social communion, tourists with brewery or restaurant recommendations, or telling the occasional NSFW joke. Through it all, Nate built the foundation as someone that was loved by family, friends, strangers, and co-workers both former and current.

But like a sparkler on the Fourth of July, his life ended seemingly too soon, passing away on June 12th, 2021. Born an only child, Nate didn’t leave the world alone, instead the memories of Nate continue with yet another brewery announcing a tribute beer, celebrating the man who was larger than life itself.

A ‘friend’ of many breweries in San Diego County, Nate affected many, including one artist, known for his canvas-evoking artwork, often seen on bottles and cans at The Lost Abbey, Port Brewing, and now Mother Earth. A legend in the local brewery artwork scene, Sean Dominguez was a dear friend to Nate, which is why he sought a way to pay homage to his fallen ‘brother’.

image courtesy Mother Earth Brewing Company

In cooperation with Mother Earth Brewing Company, Sean Dominguez is the newest artist to contribute to the brewery’s Project X Series of hazy india pale ales. In his own words, why Mother Earth sought to create this unique Project X series release is Kevin Hopkins.

“Nate’s High Standing within the Beer and Culinary Communities was demonstrated to me firsthand time, and time again over our many years of working, traveling, beer-tending, and cooking together. Nate’s love and passion for “Craft” in all its forms, tied together with his loving kindness towards all people, made him not just a staple of the hospitality community, but a Legend that inspired everyone to do better, and to settle for nothing but the best. Nate is sorely missed; however, his legacy lives on through all who were lucky enough to spend time with him.”

image courtesy Mother Earth Brewing Company

Recognizing that a beer isn’t meant to replace the memories of a man as unique as Nate, Kevin and the brewers of Mother Earth sought to produce something that had notes of floral aromatics, citrus, and stone fruit, along with pine. Built on a sturdy frame of 2-row malted barley, and wheat, the result is a beer that should have a balance and no doubt something Nate would have enjoyed.

Released on draft and in cans, with Sean Dominguez’s artwork of his fallen ‘brother’, “In Memoriam” is available at Mother Earth Brewing’s taproom, or wherever you find Mother Earth Brewing beers. Besides this beer, is supporting Nate in another way.

Taking one more step to support those, like Nate, who were inspired in kitchens throughout the world, to express their love of cooking, Mother Earth Brewing is donating to the “Anthony Bourdain ’78 Legacy Scholarship” managed by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

For more information on “In Memoriam”, visit Mother Earth Brewing’s taproom in Nampa or Boise, Idaho, or seek it out via their ‘beer finder’ at findmotherearthbrewing.com.

About Mother Earth

Mother Earth Brew Co. develops hand crafted artisanal ales in year-round, as well as seasonal and specialty offerings. With multi-state as well as international distribution serviced by breweries in Vista, CA and Nampa, ID; Mother Earth’s award-winning beers help define and maintain the standard of excellence expected of independent craft brewers.

For more on Nate’s life, read the San Diego Union Tribune’s article.