What better way to toast Drexel’s 125th anniversary than with an exclusive amber ale?
The limited-edition beverage, named Dragon’s Gold, will be available in 12-ounce bottles at select Drexel celebrations in the upcoming year. It was created by alumnus Gene Muller ’84 and will be distributed by Flying Fish Brewing Co., which he founded in 1995.
The idea for the beer came about when members of Drexel’s Institutional Advancement office approached Muller about possibly supplying beer for some anniversary events. The partnership eventually expanded to creating a special beer just for Drexel — a first for both parties.
Muller, who had never created a custom beer for a college or university before, saw the opportunity as another great way to give back to his alma mater.
“As an alum, I’ve partnered with Drexel a lot for tastings or group events at the brewery. This is another way to build our relationship while sharing what we do and showing off the beer a little bit,” he says.
The resulting beer, the Flying Fish ESB Amber Ale, commemorates Drexel’s history of innovation by putting an American twist on the classic British extra special bitter (ESB) amber ale. The beer contains a rich, malty start featuring caramel notes that develop into a smooth hop finish.
“We wanted to make a beer that was more of a traditional style from when the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry was founded in 1891,” says Muller. “We went with our ESB Amber Ale, which is kind of a session, pub-style ale. It has a nice flavor to it and a little bit of hop character.”
According to Muller, Dragon’s Gold pairs well with food like meats and cheeses — a perfect accompaniment to some of the spreads featured at special anniversary events this year.
“We like to think Anthony J. Drexel could have celebrated with this brew when he founded Drexel,” the beer bottle’s label reads.
Nurul Rumlan, a senior graphic design major in the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, created the special-edition label as a design co-op at Drexel’s Office of Institutional Advancement.
“I wanted the label to look vintage but, of course, still work within the Drexel brand,” Rumlan says.
After exploring different colors, typefaces and designs, Rumlan created two different potential labels that were released on April 7, which is National Beer Day. Members of the Drexel community voted on their favorite, which eventually became the final design.
Rumlan, who had never designed a beer label before, was proud to create an important part of the 125th anniversary that would be prominently displayed and used on campus.
“There’s nothing more exciting than seeing your own design in the real world,” she says.
You can see Nurul Rumlan’s creation and taste Gene Muller’s beer for yourself during these upcoming months, either by visiting campus for some of the events being staged to commemorate Drexel’s founding or at the Flying Fish Brewing Co. brewery in Somerdale, New Jersey.