Bolts fans, this is worth a toast: Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson has inspired a new craft beer, set to be released for a limited time only next week at Oggi’s Sports | Brewhouse | Pizza.
On Nov. 9, Oggi’s will release its limited edition #21 Grapefruit SIPA (Session India Pale Ale), a brew that pays tribute to Tomlinson – better known to fans as “LT” – just in time for the Nov. 22 ceremony at Qualcomm Stadium in which LT’s No. 21 jersey will be retired.
The light beer (4.8% ABV) boasts bittersweet grapefruit flavors and dank, piney hops. It will be sold exclusively at Oggi’s Sports | Brewhouse | Pizza and Oggi’s Express locations including Oggi’s in Mission Valley, Santee, Vista, Del Mar, Point Loma, Encinitas, Eastlake and Carmel Mountain Ranch. Oggi’s says $1 of every #21 Grapefruit SIPA pint sold will be donated to LT’s Touching Lives Foundation.
Tomlinson says he’s honored to have a brew named after him.
“[Oggi’s has] been so supportive of me throughout my career and have never wavered in their support for my charity, for which I am forever thankful,” the retired NFL star said in a press release.
Estelle Ferrera, VP of Oggi’s Sports | Brewhouse | Pizza, says the special beer is a way to thank LT for everything he has done for the Chargers and San Diego community.
“Each sip of this refreshingly light beer will be just as memorable as LT’s career!” Ferrera said.
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According to the Chargers website, LT will be inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame at the Chargers vs. Chiefs game at Qualcomm Stadium on Nov. 22. The special halftime ceremony will make LT only the fourth player ever to have his number retired by the Bolts organization, joining legends Lance Alworth (No. 19), Dan Fouts (No. 14) and Junior Seau (No. 55).
Tomlinson, now 36 years old, played the majority of his 11-year NFL career as a star running back for the San Diego Chargers, earning many accolades for his talents on the gridiron before retiring from the NFL in 2011.
