Beer and music are two things I’d probably struggle to live my life well without. There is also a definite link between the two. I mean, who has ever been to a live gig and not been struck by the sticky floors and the ridiculous queue at the bar? The music industry has been wise to this co-dependency for a while now and the latest outfit to jump on the (not a pun, I promise) bandwagon has been legendary stoner rocker Queens of the Stone Age.
The band recently collaborated with Beavertown Brewery to create the music video for their new single “Paper Machete,” with the video rather stunningly bringing to life the brewery’s exceptionally psychedelic visual brand world. But this rather unique meeting of the minds got me thinking back to the other recent collaborations between beers and bands. Here are a few of the very best.
The Flaming Lips/Dogfish Head Brewery
Anything that Flaming Lips’s frontman Wayne Coyne touches is tinged with a bit of weird. The band creates lush soundscapes defined by themes of fantasy and sonic experimentation. So, it makes some twisted sense that its signature beer would follow that trajectory. Brewed with dragon fruit and yumberries (yes, those are apparently things), it’s a robust, fruity beer unlike any you’ve tasted before. The band even released a 7-inch single with songs inspired by the collaboration. The psychedelic sounds are the perfect accompaniment to the beer’s luscious fruit flavours.
Iron Maiden/Robinsons Brewery
British heavy metal legends Iron Maiden collaborated with Robinsons Brewery to create Trooper, a beer that pays homage to their iconic song of the same name. This traditional English ale possesses a malty backbone with a harmonious balance of citrus notes from Bobek, Goldings, and Cascade hops. Trooper's artwork, featuring the band's famous mascot Eddie, adds a touch of Iron Maiden's visual prowess to the experience.
Mogwai/Signature Brew
Signature Brew’s identity is built upon pairing beer and music. Working with acts like Frank Turner and Mastodon, they have a roster of beverages designed to appeal to music fans. Mogwai, the progressive Scottish band formed in the mid-90s, is an interesting and inspired choice. This particular beer, based on the seminal 16-minute track “Mogwai Fear Satan” is billed as a “concept beer.” The flavours start out with tropical IPA tastes of mango and pineapple and slowly accumulate heat thanks to chili additions, designed to build intensity in the manner of its namesake inspiration.
Deftones/Belching Beaver Brewery
Deftones, the alternative metal band known for their atmospheric and emotive sound, partnered with Belching Beaver Brewery to produce the Phantom Bride IPA. This India Pale Ale combines a vibrant hop profile with flavours of tropical fruits and pine. The collaboration showcases the band's penchant for dark and ethereal themes, intertwining them with the hop-forward nature of West Coast IPAs.
Pitchfork/Goose Island
Goose Island, based on personal preference, wins the “Coolest Collabs” Award even though there’s technically no such award. Each summer at the Pitchfork Music Festival, the festival in Chicago that Goose Island sponsors, a different artist collaborates to create a new beer. Notable alumni include Chance the Rapper’s “No Collar,” Run the Jewels’ “Run the Jewels,” and Twin Peaks’ “Natural Villain.” Pitchfork might not be the site it once was since it was bought out by Conde Nast but I’ll certainly give them this one!
Metallica/Stone Brewing
In 2018, the iconic heavy metal band Metallica teamed up with Stone Brewing to create the Enter Night Pilsner. This collaboration captures the spirit of Metallica's energetic performances with a bold and refreshing brew. The Enter Night Pilsner boasts a crisp flavour profile, combining the crispness of a traditional pilsner with a subtle hoppiness. The beer's sleek black can adorned with Metallica's distinctive logo adds an extra layer of rock 'n' roll aesthetic.
Did I miss any out? And have any of you been lucky enough to taste one of the beers above? Let me know in the comment below!
