We are gonna miss this guy right here.

We had a fantastic  Labor Day weekend with our September First Friday a special Brew Day with the Pink Boots Society and lots of R&R, but now that the holiday is over, we are back to our day-to-day routine, which today, has one big piece missing.

Last Friday, long time member of the Drake’s family, Mike Manty, brewed his final batch here in San Leandro. Our in-house veteran has been a part of Drake’s crew since our early years as Lind Brewing Company, brewing his first batch (Drake’s Gold) on October 30, 1993 and since leaving his mark in more ways than we can think of.  Manty has been a big part of this brewery originating our Zatec Pilsner and working as the lead-off brewer making sure our days get off to a great start everyday at 6 am.

Over the years, Mike left Drake’s to explore other opportunities, but for the past couple years Manty has been our early risin’, 60′s girl group lovin’, laid back smilin’, stand-up comedian, “old-timer” and friend. The brewery’s kinda quiet this morning. He is missed.

While his absence this morning is definitely palpable, luckily for us and for the beer-lovers in the Bay Area, Mike isn’t going far. He will be just down the road working as the Head Brewer at Buffalo Bill’s in Hayward. All we can say is that they are getting one heckuva brewer.

From all of us here at Drake’s, Godspeed Manty, and you better come up here an have a pint with us from time to time. Until that time, we will have to take solace in a pint of the Drake’s “Old-Timey” Pils, Manty’s recipe and an awesome beer.  Cheers!