Block Three was founded in 2013 by four Ontario hockey fans, Graham Spence, Derek Lebert, Bryan Maher and Phil Hipkiss. The three Toronto Maple Leafs supporters and one Montreal Canadiens fan wanted to create an easy-drinking Czech pilsner that brewery visitors could enjoy during the summer months.
The four decided to name it after Jagr, arguably the most famous Czech-born hockey player. Jagr, who is third on the NHL's all-time list for points and goals, behind Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier in each category, has represented the Czech Republic at numerous international tournaments, winning the gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
"If there is something we want to brew, drink, we do it," Spence said. "Being fans of hockey, the name just sort of came to us, so we decided to roll with it."
Thus far, the beer and its label designer, Zak Hannah, have been roundly praised. Yet, there has been one complaint, and it pertains to the beer's 5 percent alcohol by volume.
"I think the only complaint we have heard about the beer is that we didn't make it 6.8 percent," Spence said, alluding to No. 68, which Jagr has worn since entering the NHL in 1990.
There has been no word whether Jagr has sampled the beer yet, though the 44-year-old may be
too busy training
for next season, his 23rd in the NHL.
