Tap Handle #524: Pyramid - Fling Pale Ale

Tap size:  11.25"
Rarity:  Very Rare
Mounting:  special elongated 3/8" nut

The first thing you notice about the Fling tap when you are holding it is the weight - this is a very solid and heavy tap. Due to the weight, it is most likely constructed of steel. As to whether the steel made it expensive to produce, I'm not totally sure, but it seems like it would. The tap appears to be a collection of different machine parts, from the solid and beautiful metallic green coil (which is not springy whatsoever) that rests on some kind of gear or cog, to the shaft with the long nut on the end for mounting. At the top of the tap is what feels like a plastic pyramid, glued to a round piece that bears a label with the brewery's name and the beer variety on it. To my knowledge this version of the tap was only produced for a year, since Fling was only offered in the spring of 2010. Due to the fact that Blue Point already owned the name "Spring Fling", Pyramid was forced to call this seasonal ale "Fling", with the "Spring" implied by the green coil of the tap. An alternate version featuring a coil colored yellow instead of green was used for a different variety (whose name escapes me right now). Neither version has appeared on the secondary market in quite some time. The price has risen steadily as you would expect when the supply dries up.

For more about Pyramid Brewing, see this post.

Click through to read more about Pyramid's Fling Pale Ale and to see more photos of this twisted tap...

Fling is an American Pal Ale punctuated with a slightly hoppy bite, thanks to an experimental Cascade/Fuggle hybrid hop, as well as Nugget and Willamette hops. It sports a medium body and a beautiful golden orange color, and ends with a crisp finish. It was only offered in the spring of 2010 and has since been retired.

Ratebeer weighted average:  2.93 out of 5

Beer Advocate:  80 out of 100 (good)