Every year during hop harvest season, typically beginning in August, the pilots-turned-brewery-owners of aviation-themed FlyteCo. Brewing board a small passenger plane from Denver to regional hop fields. Once they get their hands on the season’s freshest they make the flight back to the brewery, where they add the bright green aromatic flowers to their brew kettles—a whirlwind trip for a single ingredient.
FlyteCo. Brewing’s passion for craft beer is evident in every aspect of its operation, but taking a passenger plane to a hop farm is an example of just how far these brewers will go for their craft.
Because fresh hops are less concentrated than dried ones, it takes more of them to achieve the same flavor as a beer made with dried and pelletized hops. The result is a beer that’s less bitter than a standard IPA, which typically highlights heavy amounts of dried hops.
Beer lovers seek out fresh-hopped beers for their distinctively grassy, plant-like, or “green” flavor profile and look forward to fresh hop season all year. This style typically begins popping up on shelves by mid-August and into September.
Last year FlyteCo. produced about 450 gallons of this signature brew, Hop is My Co-Pilot Fresh Hop IPA.
In addition to fresh hops, FlyteCo. Brewing sources its malt from Colorado growers.
“You truly can’t get a fresher beer than what we are producing,” says Michael Bracco, one of FlyteCo.’s master brewers.
Founded in 2019 by Eric Serani, Morgan O’Sullivan and Jason Slingsby , the partners share a love of craft beer and aviation. The name “FlyteCo. Brewing” is a nod to their mutual interests and the brewery’s location near Denver International Airport.
The brewery’s commitment to artisanal craft beer can be tasted in the other varieties of beer it produces, range from traditional German lagers to experimental IPAs. The brewery also produces seasonal beers that incorporate fresh, local ingredients.
In addition to its commitment to craft beer, FlyteCo. Brewing believes in the power of regenerative practices throughout the beer-making process. They use a closed-loop water system that recycles and reuses water and they donate spent grains to local farms for animal feed.
Their tasting room has been meticulously designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for customers. The walls are adorned with aviation-themed decor, and the bar is made from repurposed airplane parts. The brewery hosts a variety of events, including trivia nights, live music performances and food truck festivals.
With a plethora of breweries in Colorado, this one stands out for its dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients, sustainability and hospitality. Next time you plan to board a flight from DIA, build a few extra hours into your trip and stop by FlyteCo. Brewing’s taproom. Who knows, you might bump into Justin and Travis returning from the hop fields.
