Rogue Ales & Spirits will launch Pilots Pale Ale this week as a tribute to the brewery’s ties to the University of Portland. Charged with providing their alma-mater its very own brew, two former Portland Pilots who now work at Rogue Ales, Danny Connors and Anna Abatzoglou, created Pilots Pale Ale. Rogue’s Innovation Brewer Danny Connors is a former Pilot men’s soccer player while Director of Marketing Anna Abatzoglou was a volleyball player on The Bluff.
Hazy golden in color with citrus and blueberry on the nose, Pilots Pale Ale delivers an initial fruity hop flavor and a slight malt sweetness that ends with a crisp bitterness. Sessionable, aromatic and downright delicious, Pilots Pale Ale is the go-to beer for game day or catching up with your old college roommate.
“I’m very excited with this partnership with Rogue Ales, and specifically, the connection with two of our former student athletes,” University of Portland Vice President for Athletics Scott Leykam said. “We are very excited for the launch at this Saturday’s men’s basketball season opener.”
“It’s an honor and privilege to brew Pilots Pale Ale,” said Rogue Innovation Brewer and former Portland Pilot Danny Connors. “School spirit never graduates.”
Rogue Pilots Pale Ale will launch officially at the University of Portland men’s basketball regular season opener against Portland State University on Saturday, November 11th at the school’s Chiles Center. Meanwhile, across town, an official tapping will be held at Rogue Hall which is located next to Portland State University’s campus.
In addition to its availability during home games and on campus, Pilots Pale Ale will be available at Rogue Portland pubs and other establishments starting on November 11.
Watch the story on University of Portland’s TV show “Portside With The Pilots” this Wednesday night at 9pm on NBC Sports Northwest. For more information on the show click here. Check out the preview here.
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