Aviation and Ales: FlyteCo’s Fresh Hop Challenge
Every August, craft beer enthusiasts mark their calendars for the much-anticipated delivery of fresh hops at FlyteCo Tower in Denver. This unique brewery, founded by the passionate aviator Eric Serani, has been making waves since its inception in 2019, not just for its beers but for its airborne hop-fetching escapades. This year, as clouds loomed heavily over Colorado skies, Serani’s hopes for a smooth flight to Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose were dashed. Despite the delay, Serani remained optimistic. “Harvest timing and weather patterns are tricky,” Serani shared, emphasizing the spontaneity required to brew their celebrated fresh hop beer.
Serani’s dedication to this annual tradition is a testament to his commitment to the craft and FlyteCo’s aviation-themed ethos. Assembling a brewhouse team ready to blend hops almost as soon as they land exemplifies true teamwork. Although 2025 presented a new set of challenges, with a possible overnight ship instead of flying the skies, the FlyteCo crew remained hopeful. “Every time we produce Hop Is My Co-Pilot Fresh Hop IPA, it feels miraculous,” Serani remarked.
The Drive Behind FlyteCo: Learning to Fly
For FlyteCo cofounder Eric Serani, flying is more than just a passion—it’s tradition. Growing up in aviation-rich Colorado, Serani was inspired by his grandfather’s legacy, taking his first flight at just three years old. This family tradition of flying ignited a passion that led Serani to earn his pilot’s license by 17, aided by support from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). This community rallied behind Serani, ensuring he could continue his training even after his grandfather’s passing.
Continuing to give back, Serani became involved with the EAA’s Young Eagles program to inspire the next generation of pilots. This community-driven spirit echoes in FlyteCo’s mission: to inspire and challenge. Whether it’s inviting kids aboard for their first flights or crafting beers that push the boundaries of conventional brewing, FlyteCo stands as a beacon of both craft beer and aviation dedication.
The Visionary Concept of FlyteCo Brewery
Located near the historical echoes of Stapleton International Airport, FlyteCo Brewery is more than a taproom; it’s an experience rooted deeply in Colorado’s rich aviation history. When Serani and co-founder Jason Slingsby, both aerospace enthusiasts, decided to turn their homebrewing passion into a business, they chose to anchor it in their love for flight. FlyteCo originally opened in 2019 on Tennyson Street and has since relocated to the iconic air traffic control tower, remaining true to its flight-themed origins.
This move to Stapleton’s control tower wasn’t just about space—it’s about honoring Colorado’s aviation legacy. The FlyteCo Tower has become a community hub complete with arcade games, dining, and of course, a plethora of distinctive brews. From a full bar service featuring local favorites to the ongoing support of aviation programs, FlyteCo lives up to Serani’s belief in pushing boundaries and redefining what a brewery can be.
Crafting Fresh Hop IPA: A Brewhouse Adventure
The journey to brew Hop Is My Co-Pilot Fresh Hop IPA is as much an adventure as the flight itself. This unique beer comes to life through Serani’s commitment to bringing in fresh hops directly from the farm, despite the high costs and logistical challenges. “It’s not the most efficient way to get hops, but it’s part of our story,” Serani notes. The flight over the Rocky Mountains is a testament to FlyteCo’s commitment to delivering not just a beer, but a remarkable piece of their narrative.
Despite the difficulties encountered in 2025, FlyteCo’s approach to fresh hop beers remains an inspiring tale of persistence and passion. Through the years, each batch crafted with these fresh hops encapsulates the spirit of innovation and community that is the heart of FlyteCo, offering more than just a drink but a taste of adventure.
FlyteCo Tower: An Ode to Aviation and Ale
While 2025 brought its share of disappointments with missed hop flights, the inspiring adventure continues at FlyteCo Tower. This brewery is not just a homage to aviation but a destination where visitors explore history and indulge in craft beer. Tours led by Sean Henson guide patrons through aviation milestones, making it clear that FlyteCo is as much about honoring past aviators as it is about making great beer.
The community spirit remains in everything FlyteCo does. Each pint sold supports local youth aviation initiatives, continuing the cycle of inspiring future pilots. Serani’s passion is mirrored in the beers served at FlyteCo, each a blend of dedication, innovation, and a nod to the skies. Here, under the watchful wings of history, the legacy of flight and craft beer is celebrated, one brew at a time.
