Hays CVB
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the Fish-Within-a-Fish with Defiance Brewing Company’s latest creation Gillicus Island, named after the famous fossil. Gillicus Island is a wonderful New England style IPA, loaded with Sabro, Citra, and Mosaic hops that lend to a bouquet of tropical fruits. The idea for the collaboration was created by Curtis Schmidt, the Sternberg Museum’s Zoological Collections Manager, and Brett Straight, the Brand Master of Defiance Brewing Company.
“It’s the first time we have done a project like this,” said Straight, “so, we are excited to be able to work with another local entity to promote western Kansas, specifically Hays, Kansas.”
“I thought it was great way to reach a new audience,” said Schmidt, “for both the Museum and Defiance. It will be interesting to see how the public reacts and if it sparks their curiosity.”
The name Gillicus comes from the smaller fish fossil within the large fish. Although sometimes overlooked compared to the impressiveXiphactinus, the Gillicus being in a well-preserved state makes it a more significant find. There are other Xiphactinus fossils with gut content, but none compare to the Fish-Within-a-Fish. The specimen was found on a hot summer day in Gove County by George F. Sternberg in 1952.
Gillicus Island will be released late June and will be available throughout Kansas. Check with your local provider for the product.
If you are interested in getting Defiance Brewing Company products in your area, contact Brett Straight at [email protected]. Stay up to date with Defiance by following them on Facebook and on Instagram @defiancebeer. For more information, visit their website at www.defiancebeer.com. Stay up to date with the Sternberg Museum of Natural History by following them on their social media @sternbergmuseum. For more information about the Museum, visit www.sternberg.fhsu.edu.