Richie Diehl may not have run away with the Iditarod this year, but there has definitely been a run on “The Real Diehl” beer at an Eagle River taproom. The Odd Man Rush Brewing company in Eagle River announced its new brew just as this year’s Iditarod began, and there has been a non-stop rush for the beverage ever since.
“It’s been hugely popular so far. It’s one of the best-selling beers we’ve ever had. Very good moving beer for us,” said Reid McDonald, one of the brewery owners.
McDonald, one of three hockey players who opened the boutique brewery Odd Man Rush Brewing, said that The Real Diehl is a very hoppy beer known as a raw IPA. McDonald has known Diehl for a long time; McDonald's cousin, Emerie Fairbanks, is Diehl’s fiancée. The two plan to marry this summer.
“They’ve been dating for, I think, 10-plus years,” McDonald said.” So that’s how we’ve known him that long. And we are all heading out to Aniak for the wedding as well, so we’re pretty excited. We’re bringing the beer out, you know. That’s our contribution.”
Diehl approved the naming of the new IPA. Odd Man Rush Brewing also supported Diehl financially.
