Modern Ahabs Craft Beer Reality TV Show Pilot Episode To Feature Founders Brewing

Jason Ley, craft beer enthusiast and modest underdog from Grand Rapids, MI, has been quietly brewing an idea for a TV show for almost the last two years. Now, it’s ready to crack open.

The show, titled Modern Ahabs, explores the hunt for the world’s most elusive craft beer. With this generation’s boom in brewing, craft beer has become more than a casual pastime hobby. Like rookie cards in mint condition or vintage toys still in their original packaging, craft beer is a worldwide phenomenon — a drinkable collector’s item. Modern Ahabs dives into the unique fanaticism that steers the pursuit for these highly sought-after, coveted trophies — known to enthusiasts as “whales.”

The pilot episode features Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS) by Founders Brewing Co., of Grand Rapids, MI.

Ley, who created the show, wrote and produced the episode. He enlisted the help of director, Ben Wilke and his video production company, Deep End Films, to film and edit Modern Ahabs. Modern Ahabs is a non-staged, realitystyle episodic series.

Filming took place in Grand Rapids, MI in March 2016 during KBS’s citywide release festivities, KBS Week. Locations featured in the pilot episode include HopCat, Derby Station, The Winchester, The Meanwhile, and Founders Brewing Co.

Ley will host the premiere of the pilot episode of Modern Ahabs on Thursday, July 21, 2016. It will take place at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with a surprise, episodethemed Founders draft tapped at that time to celebrate the occasion. This free event is open to the public. General admission seating will be first-come, first-served. *Membership to Wealthy Theatre is not required to enjoy what will be on tap for this special event.

Ley’s ultimate goal for Modern Ahabs is to partner with a major TV, cable or streaming network — to develop a series of multi-episode seasons, with each episode featuring a different national or international craft beer whale.

To watch the pilot episode teaser, for more information, and to join the hunt, please visit modernahabs.com. Full website presence will be revealed following the premiere. Download the Modern Ahabs logo and promo photos,here. Be social: @modernahabs, #modernahabs.