Chef, brewery collaborate on new beer that pays homage to Santa Clara Valley flavors

For 49ers fans looking for a genuine taste of the Santa Clara Valley at Levi’s Stadium, Chef Rodney Baca and Hapa’s Brewery have cooked up something special.

Anyone who’s had Baca’s food — like the Eastside Burger or his pastrami burger, knows he’s a real innovator in the kitchen, but it turns out he’s also got a great nose for beer. Baca recently collaborated with Hapa’s Brewing Company owner Brian Edwards on a new Valley Craft line of beers that pay tribute to the flavors of the Santa Clara Valley.

The first result of the partnership is an Apricot Summer Orchard IPA will be served — along with Hapa’s Prospector Golden Ale, which tips its hat to the gold-mining origins of the 49ers name — at the United Club at Levi’s Stadium. Of course if you don’t have those pricey tickets, you can also get cans or find it on draft at Hapa’s taproom on Lincoln Avenue in San Jose.

In addition to apricot, the IPA is made with honey and a touch of cayenne that doesn’t add heat but manages to bring out the other flavors.

“We really love the valley, and it doesn’t get a lot of credit for what we have here,” Baca said at a sampling event at Hapa’s location on Lincoln Avenue. “Our goal is to do five or six beers that pay homage to San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley.”

The can for the Apricot Summer Orchard IPA also has a nod to Baca’s family history, too: The woman pictured on the can is the grandmother of Baca’s wife, Madelyn Baca.