Portland, Ore.-based Pyramid Breweries announced the launch of its 1977 Lager in commemoration of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers’ 1977 title run. As the third edition of the brew partnership with the Trail Blazers, raising a pint with this distinctly Portland beer celebrates the 40^th anniversary of the team's victorious season, the company says. 

1977 is a crisp, bright golden lager with sweet malt notes of bread and toast, and a spicy, herbal hop finish. Kettle-hopped with three hop varieties — Nugget, Mt. Hood and Crystal — 1977 delivers a delicious flavor, it adds.

"We are extremely proud of our team's history, and no season brings back better memories than the Championship run in 1977," Trail Blazers Senior Vice President of Revenue Steve Scott said in a statement. "We're thrilled to continue our partnership with Pyramid Breweries with a special brew in honor of a truly special time for our city."

Pyramid Head Brewer Ryan Pappe used iconic numbers from that team and the 1977 season to help guide the creation of the unique recipe, the company says. In determining color of the lager, he used seven standard reference methods for winning the championship in its seventh year as a team. Pappe also chose 32 international bitterness units as that was the number worn by NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Bill Walton. Finally, the five malts included in the recipe — 2-Row Pale Barley, Goldpils Vienna, Munich 20, Wheat and Carapils — represent Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas, Dave Twardzik, Bob Gross and Larry Steele running Dr. Jack Ramsey's offense, it adds.

"As proud sponsors of the Portland Trail Blazers, Pyramid Breweries is extremely happy to announce this special release," said Robert Rentsch, general manager of Pyramid Breweries. "The strategic combination of crisp, sweet and hoppy flavors in this fest-style lager truly embodies Portland and one of the most exciting NBA seasons in the city's history." 

In November and December Pyramid is celebrating fans with a "Party Like it's 1977" text-to-win contest, in which consumers can win a party suite for 77 guests at a January Trail Blazers game and a custom 1977 growler, the company says.