TAMPA – Multi-‐‐platinum rock band 311 has partnered with Rock Brothers Brewing to create and release an exciting custom craft beer in conjunction with the band’s 25th anniversary this summer.
“Besides the obvious connection to the band’s hit song of the same name, 311 wanted a very drinkable amber ale with a craft beer twist,” said Rock Brothers co-‐‐founder Kevin Lilly.
“After several meetings and tasting sessions with 311, it became clear the band wanted great taste with a bit of complexity,” explained Lilly, who is intimately involved with the flavor-‐‐profile-‐‐process that occurs between band members and brew masters.
According to Lilly, 311 Amber Ale will “shine bright,” as roasted caramel malts will be blended with Equinox hops, resulting in subtle hints of tropical citrus and kush aromatics. The craft beer’s blend of malted barleys and unique hops will set this beer apart from other amber ales.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said the band’s bassist Aaron “P-‐‐Nut” Wills, who explained a custom brew is something the band has been interested in for a while.
“We’ve explored the craft beer idea with several brewers over the years, but they were less inclined to do beers outside of their typical line,” said 311 co-‐‐manager Peter Raspler. “But Rock Brothers came along with an authentic model that made it possible for the band to make the beer they wanted.”
311 band members have been involved in each stage of development -‐ from selecting the style, to influencing the taste, to creating the name and other branding elements.
“We appreciate that our beer is not a side-‐‐project for Rock Brothers,” Raspler said. “Creating custom brews for bands is their focus, and that is a big reason we feel this is a great partnership for the band.”
While Rock Brothers Brewing is based in Tampa, home to award-‐‐winning Cigar City Brewing with whom Rock Brothers partners on all its band brews, each of its band beers are created in collaboration with input from band members, and a local brew partner who additionally manufactures the beer – in this instance, with Paul Kavulak at Nebraska Brewing Company.
“311 has called Los Angeles home for many years, but Omaha is where the band is from,” said Tony Casoria, the other-‐‐brother at Rock Brothers Brewing. “Having Nebraska Brewing on-‐‐board is a natural fit and adds another level of authenticity we strive for with all our band partnerships.”
Fans will get their first tasting opportunity at 311’s special concerts in Las Vegas over 4th of July weekend, and at special events in Omaha & Los Angeles the following month, with details to come. 311 Amber Ale will then appear on tap in bars and restaurants in select cities, with package goods hitting the market in 2016.
“I don’t think this first Amber Ale will be our last beer with Rock Brothers” Wills added, hinting of additional specialty beers in the future.
311 is the first west-‐‐coast act on the Rock Brothers’ roster, whose other beers include JJ Grey’s Nare Sugar Brown available in Florida, Hootie & The Blowfish’s Homegrown Ale in South Carolina, and Umphrey’s McGee’s Nothing Too Fancy Everyday Ale in Chicago.
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