Drake’s Brewing Co. has become well known in recent years for its double IPAs, rich barrel-aged stouts, and innovative limited releases. But with the year-round bottled release of Flyway, a North German-style pilsner, Drake’s is honoring a classic beer style that’s been growing in demand over the past year (since it debuted as a draft-only beer).
Inspired by the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory path for birds that extends from Alaska to Patagonia, and a nod to the unofficial duck mascot of Drake’s, Flyway Pils is pleasantly dry and crisp. Flyway Pils is made with Extra Pale Premium Pilsner Malt from world-class German malting house Weyermann Malting Company. Made with some of the palest barley, it produces a hint of malty sweetness and honey flavors. The brewing team uses Vanguard hops, an unjustly ignored hop that deserves some recognition, according to Brewmaster John Gillooly. A direct descendant of the German noble hop Hallertau Mittlefrüh, Vanguard lends a delicate cedar and woody characteristic along with a soft bitterness. In keeping with the beer’s European lineage, Drake’s ferments Flyway Pils with a lager yeast strain that can be traced back to Carlsberg Brewery in Denmark, who first isolated and domesticated it in 1882. Extra clean and crisp, it dials the beer up to 4.5% ABV.
Available now, Flyway Pils is sold in bottled six-packs across all of Drake’s retail, restaurant, and bar distribution channels and is also taking a place in Drake’s Hop Ladder Variety 12-pack alongside cult favorites 1500 Dry Hopped Ale, Best Coast IPA, and Denogginizer Double IPA).
About Drake’s Brewing Co.:
Drake’s Brewing Co. is an independent craft brewery located in San Leandro, Calif., that has been dedicated to bringing people together over great beer since 1989. Quietly situated in its gritty warehouse environs, Drake’s has become known over the years for consistently producing a wide variety of hop-forward craft beers. From the groundbreaking 1500 Pale Ale to innovative creations like the Denogginizer Double IPA, and a growing collection of artisan barrel-aged and sour beers, the brewery’s commitment to quality and integrity shines through in every beer. As one of the original craft breweries in the Bay Area, Drake’s is dedicated to supporting its community first and working tirelessly to bring its brand of quality beer to more people.
Terry Bunch
