Pittsburgh Thunderbirds Announce Launch Date of Collaboration Beer

The Pittsburgh Thunderbirds are thrilled to announce the launch of the teams official collaboration beer, For The Flock – a crisp and refreshing pilsner brewed in partnership at Two Frays Brewery.


3D render of "For The Flock" pilsner - Two Frays Brewery x Pittsburgh Thunderbirds collaboration

The Thunderbirds will be attending an official release party on Thursday, April 24th from 6–8PM at Two Frays Brewery in the Garfield neighborhood. Come grab the first ever cans with the team and be the first to try this limited-edition brew.

Crafted in the spirit of Pittsburgh pride, For The Flock is our electric take on a West Coast-style pilsner – or as we like to call it, a “Pittsburgh pilsner.” Lightly hopped with bright citrus notes and brewed with Simcoe and Krush hops, this 5.7% ABV beer was born from a collaborative brainstorming session between Two Frays Head Brewer Lauren Hughes, Thunderbirds players Anson Reppermund and Jimmy Towle, and General Manager Andrew Gardner.


Two Frays Head Brewer Lauren Hughes (left) and Thunderbirds Player Jimmy Towle discuss plans for the flavor profile of "For The Flock" pilsner

But the creativity didn’t stop at the whiteboard. For The Flock was brewed right on-site at Two Frays by Hughes, Two Frays co-owner Mike Onofray, and Thunderbirds players Reppermund and Ryan Kindell.

“‘For The Flock’ pilsner is the first of many collaborations between the Thunderbirds and Two Frays Brewery,” said Thunderbirds General Manager Andrew Gardner. “We’re incredibly proud of the product we put on the field, and Two Frays is incredibly proud of the product they put into each can.”

So… what exactly is a “Pittsburgh pilsner”?

Traditionally, a classic pilsner is a lager-style beer that requires a longer fermentation process at cooler temperatures — often several weeks to fully develop its clean, crisp profile. A West Coast IPA is an ale that ferments faster, using warmer temps and producing bold, hop-forward flavors in a shorter amount of time.


Thunderbirds player Anson Reppermund at Two Frays Brewery scooping the grains into a barrel after milling

With limited time to bring the beer to life before the season kicked off, the Thunderbirds needed something that balanced speed and flavor. It bridges the gap: lighter and cleaner than an IPA, but brewed faster than a traditional lager. The result? A refreshing, citrus-tinged pilsner with just the right amount of hop character.

For The Flock is available exclusively on-site at Two Frays Brewery, both on draft and in cans. Don’t miss your chance to taste it fresh at the brewery on launch night!