I’m with Hank: Meet the tribute-turned-brew child of these beer-drinking serial entrepreneurs

A limited-release craft lager at Jim’s Alley Bar and Alma Mader Brewing pays homage to classic American brewing traditions and a shared family name, said Nick Mader and Eric Flanagan.

“Hank”, a collaboration between Alma Mader Brewing and Hank’s Garage and Grill; photo by Alyssa Broadus

The duo joined forces this summer to release “Hank” — in honor of several family relatives with the middle name “Henry,” as well as Flanagan’s son, Henry, who also serves as the namesake of the soon-to-open Hank’s Garage and Grill in Shawnee.

Flanagan previously launched King G and Jim’s Alley Bar in Kansas City’s East Crossraods.

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“Hank is inspired by our appreciation for classic American lager — crisp, clean, crushable, and in an iconic 12-oz format,” said Mader, who owns Alma Mader Brewing with his wife, Tania. “We got to talking with Eric about the family connection to the Henry name that we both share, and we love working with Jim’s and King G, so we knew we had to make a beer. Hank pays homage to tradition in multiple ways, and we’re excited to be the beer of Hank’s Garage & Grill.”

The first batch will be available exclusively at Jim’s Alley Bar and Alma Mader in 12 oz 6-packs (4.4 percent ABV) starting Wednesday. Once Hank’s Garage and Grill opens this fall, the lager’s footprint will expand to the new space.

Brewed with premium ingredients to deliver a clean, balanced flavor profile, “Hank” is a perfect summer beer that both craft beer lovers and domestic beer drinkers will enjoy, Mader said.

Flanagan and Mader families; photo by Alyssa Broadus

Eric Flanagan, Hank’s Garage and Grill, and Nick Mader, Alma Mader Brewing; photo by Alyssa Broadus

“With a pale golden hue and frothy white head, this lager offers subtle notes of grainy malt sweetness complemented by a mild hop bitterness,” the duo described in a press release about the collaboration. “The use of quality malts and hops results in a smooth, easy-drinking beer with a light body and a dry finish that embodies the spirit of American lager and the hard-working folks that enjoy it.”

“I’m a big beer guy and have been a fanboy of Alma Mader since they first opened,” Flanagan added. “I knew immediately that their commitment to brewing and the quality of their premium products were in line with what we try to offer at our businesses.”

“We were proud to be one of their first few accounts at King G, and once Jim’s Alley Bar opened, we decided to serve Alma Mader exclusively on draft there,” he continued. “It’s been a pleasure working with them. We’re both at similar stages in our lives with business and young families, and I’m glad to call Nick and Tania friends. I’m excited about ‘Hank’ for our businesses, and moreso as a beer drinker.”