Begyle Free Bird 6Pk

Begyle Free Bird 6Pk is a Chicago-brewed American Pale Ale sold in a six-pack format at 5.6% ABV. Built around the proprietary Falconer's Flight hop blend, this pale ale has earned an 84 ("Good") rating on BeerAdvocate and carries a 3.6 out of 5 average across nearly 14,000 ratings on Untappd — a testament to its consistent drinkability and clean hop character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.6%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Style: American Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Begyle Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Begyle Brewing Company operates out of Chicago's North Center neighborhood and has built a reputation for straightforward, well-constructed ales. Free Bird centers on Falconer's Flight hops, a proprietary pellet blend created to honor Northwest brewing legend Glen Hay Falconer, with proceeds from each purchase supporting the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation. This hop selection gives Free Bird a distinctive citrus-and-stone-fruit hop profile that differentiates it from single-hop pale ales, layering complexity without veering into IPA territory.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Apricot and plum lead the nose, followed by brighter citrus peel and a subtle peppery spice. A faint grain backdrop rounds out the bouquet and signals the malt structure beneath.

Taste: The entry is clean and moderately bitter, with lemon and orange citrus arriving immediately on the palate. Mid-palate, stone fruit notes — apricot, plum, and a flash of apple — push through, supported by lightly sweet toasted malt and dry cracker-like grain. A prominent grapefruit-like bitterness anchors the peak and provides structure.

Finish: Medium in length, dry and crisp with lingering grapefruit rind and a trace of cereal sweetness. The bitterness fades cleanly, encouraging the next sip without any cloying residue.

How to Drink Free Bird

Free Bird is best served cold — around 45°F — in a pint glass or shaker to let the hop aromatics open up. Its moderate ABV and dry finish also make it a strong base for beer cocktails.

• Shandy: Mix half-and-half with fresh lemonade; the beer's existing citrus notes integrate seamlessly.
• Radler: Combine with grapefruit soda for a low-ABV sipper that amplifies Free Bird's natural bitterness.
• Michelada: The dry, slightly bitter profile stands up well to lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire in a savory build.

Best For

• Stocking a cooler for a summer cookout or backyard gathering
• Introducing hop-curious drinkers to American Pale Ales without overwhelming bitterness
• Pairing alongside grilled meats and casual outdoor dining
• Supporting a craft-beer-focused weeknight rotation at an approachable ABV

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Free Bird taste like? Free Bird delivers a citrus-forward flavor profile dominated by lemon, orange, and grapefruit-like bitterness, balanced by lightly sweet toasted malt and dry cracker grain. Stone fruit notes of apricot and plum add depth without heavy sweetness.

How does Free Bird compare to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale? Reviewers frequently describe Free Bird as a drier, hoppier alternative to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, with less malt sweetness and more pronounced grapefruit bitterness. Both are classic American Pale Ales, but Free Bird leans leaner and crisper on the finish.

Is Free Bird good for beginners? Yes — at 5.6% ABV with balanced bitterness and accessible fruit flavors, Free Bird works well as a gateway American Pale Ale for drinkers moving beyond lagers and wheat beers.

Where is Free Bird made? Free Bird is brewed by Begyle Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery is located in the city's North Center neighborhood.

What foods pair well with Free Bird? Grilled chicken or bratwurst benefit from the beer's hop bitterness cutting through char and fat. Fish tacos with citrus slaw echo the ale's lemon-orange notes. A sharp cheddar or aged gouda matches the toasted malt backbone, while a simple arugula salad with grapefruit vinaigrette mirrors the finish.

What sizes does Free Bird come in? Free Bird is commonly available in a six-pack format of 12 oz units, which is the standard retail offering from Begyle Brewing.

Is Free Bird worth the price? Free Bird positions comfortably in the mid-range craft beer tier — affordable enough for everyday drinking yet made with a specialty hop blend that delivers more complexity than many comparably priced pale ales.

Why Free Bird?

The use of Falconer's Flight hops is what truly separates Free Bird from the crowded American Pale Ale field. This proprietary blend layers citrus, stone fruit, and spice in a way that single-hop or standard two-hop recipes rarely achieve, and every purchase contributes to the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation. With nearly 14,000 community ratings on Untappd and a solid 84 on BeerAdvocate, Free Bird has proven its consistency across a large sample of drinkers. It hits a sweet spot between flavor complexity and session-friendly drinkability that earns it a regular place in the rotation.