Adam Coates and Vegas Golden Knights star Ryan Reaves met in school when they were eight years old. Their friendship has remained strong and over the past three years they’ve found a way to work together on something they are both passionate about: beer.
After coming to Las Vegas, NHL star Reaves saw the craft beer scene developing and an opportunity to create 7Five Brewing Company with his longtime friend. Coates said, “I’ve worked in beer since the start of my career and this seemed like a natural next step and to get to work with Ryan was icing on the cake.”
The name of the company represents the only number Reaves has worn, and the beer names signify stages of his career. “7Five is the story of my career—it’s not just my story, it’s for everyone in some aspect or another,” Reaves says.
Training Day, the initial offering, is an easy drinking golden ale with a mild hop finish. It was followed by Dawn Breaker, a crisp, golden lager with a smooth finish representing showing up before everyone else. The next release was Reaves’ go-to beer style: Shiver Giver IPA bursting with hop flavor and aroma balanced with a touch of malty sweetness. Grim Reaver, the latest, is described by Reaves as: “channeling our greatness, focused on the goal. It’s one of my favorites of all time, smooth and rich with notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee.” While not part of the main four, there’s also Showtime Blonde Ale, a drinkable blonde that is an exclusive partnership with MGM Resorts, available at select locations throughout their Las Vegas properties, signifying being in the Show.
The beers are brewed by local Able Baker Brewing. Coates said, “We were really impressed with what they were brewing. We have an idea, come to them with flavors and they work with us to bring it to life. It’s been a great partnership from day one.”
While Grim Reaver is the final beer in the narrative, Coates said, “We’re definitely looking to do more in the future that will tie in with the other beers in the lineup.”
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