A collaboration born in Los Angeles
Benny Boy Brewing has teamed up with World Series winning pitcher Alex Vesia to release Bullpen Dawg Hazy IPA. The limited-edition beer debuted August 30 at the brewery’s Lincoln Heights location. The name comes straight from the Dodgers’ bullpen culture. Vesia and his fellow relievers call themselves the “bullpen dawgs,” a nod to their grit and camaraderie. That same energy fuels this collab. From the press release:
“We were drawn to Alex’s appreciation for what we’re building here at Benny Boy,” said Benny Boy Brewing Co-Founder Benny Farber. “This collaboration is about honoring moments big and small that make us proud to cheer for Los Angeles. Alex brings the same dedication to his game and love for this city that drives everything we do.”
A hazy with bite
Bullpen Dawg is brewed with whole flower Citra, Simcoe and Krush hops. It’s naturally carbonated, unfiltered and checks in at 6.3% ABV. Expect bold tropical flavors balanced with a crisp, refreshing finish. Fans can grab it on draft for $9 a pour or in four-packs of 16-ounce cans for $20. Supply runs through the end of the current baseball season.
“I was really excited to have the opportunity to work with Benny Boy on this project,” said Alex Vesia. “Not only am I thrilled with the product, but their mindset as a growing company, and the value they place on the Los Angeles community mirrored that of my own.”
A can design that pops
The can itself is a collector’s item. Designed by Darn Good Design Co., the artwork captures the heart of Los Angeles baseball. The wrap features Vesia in his No. 51 jersey, standing tall on the mound. The stadium backdrop, hand-drawn typography, and hop callouts make this label one of the sharpest you’ll see this year.
Launch event with Vesia
Benny Boy Brewing opened in 2022 in Los Angeles’ historic Lincoln Heights neighborhood. Founded by husband-and-wife team Chelsey Rosetter and Benny Farber, the brewery set out to create a welcoming “backyard” drinking space that blends Old World tradition with California creativity. Benny Boy is Los Angeles’ first combined brewery and cidery. The facility includes a 15-barrel brewhouse, a dedicated cider house, and the city’s only Tank Bar. Guests gather in a spacious outdoor beer garden that hosts food pop-ups, events, and community celebrations.
Athletes stepping into beer
This isn’t the only athlete-beer crossover making waves. Tyson Barrie, a 14-season NHL veteran, just launched Chilly Ones Beer in Canada. The Kelce brothers co-own Garage Beer. Troy Aikman is behind Eight Beer. Even skateboarders and cyclists are finding their way into the category. We have a deeper dive into that trend in our story: From ice to ales: Tyson Barrie and other athletes find opportunity in beer. Read it!
What this means for craft brewers
Collabs like Bullpen Dawg show how partnerships extend beyond the taproom. Athletes bring built-in fan bases, visibility, and media attention. For independent breweries, these projects can deliver outsized marketing value without a massive spend. Craft brewers should consider offering contract brewing, limited releases, or co-branded recipes for athletes and other public figures. The right partnership can drive awareness, expand demographics, and strengthen community ties.
