Welcome to Flagship February. A new campaign has emerged calling all beer lovers to remember their roots and the beers that helped shape the craft beer industry throughout the years. There are, by some estimates, in excess of 22,000 operating breweries in the world today. Flagship beers are mass-produced for a reason, below we highlighted some of the all-time greats as a reminder that flagship beers never fail as a go-to option in a pinch.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
Back in 1984 Jim Koch leaped to get into the beer business and started The Boston Beer Company. The company inserted itself into the industry with their Samuel Adams Boston Lager. This beer started a revolution, and Sam Adams Boston Lager became a household name that is still going strong. The beer itself brought a new flavor to the craft lager scene and took off with beer drinkers, making Sam Adams a household name.
Available: 12 oz. bottles and draught
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Although Dogfish Head has been around since 1995, they are still one of the world’s largest craft breweries, largely thanks to their 90 Minute IPA. While Dogfish Head has expanded beyond this beer with tons of other great options, the 90 Minute IPA was the first continuously hopped IPA, which gave the beer world something that they never saw before.
Available: 12 oz. bottles, 16 oz. cans, and draught
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Brewed initially back in 1980, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was an innovative pioneer in the beer scene. Pale Ale contained Cascade hops and delivered a balanced blend of hops and malt. Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale is a smooth-drinking 5.6% ABV beer that is a perfect gateway to craft beer. No matter the situation, this beer is something that you can always fall back onto.
Available: 12 oz. bottles, 12 oz. cans, and draught
Yuengling Lager
Hailing from the oldest operating brewing company in the U.S., Yuengling Lager is a king of the category. This flagship was introduced back in 1987 and is still going strong today, counting for most of Yuengling’s sales. Yuengling’s Lager is a staple in the beer world, and a delicious lager is a perfect option any time of day.
Available: 12 and 32 oz. bottles, 16 and 12 oz. cans, and draught
New Belgium Fat Tire
A bike trip through Belgium in 1988 inspired a young couple to launch New Belgium Brewing Co., bringing the flavors of centuries-old Belgian beer styles to the little town of Fort Collins, Colorado. In June of 1991 came New Belgium’s Fat Tire Amber Ale. This easy-drinking 5.2% ABV Amber Ale is a balanced beer with a fresh herbal hop profile, fine malt presence, and fruity yeast touch, making it a timeless beer.
Available: 12 oz. bottles, 12 and 16 oz. cans, and draught