In a new monthly column at Ghost Cult, New England native, metal scribe and devourer of beers Tim Ledin pairs up what he’s drinking with the perfect heavy music to enjoy it with. Stay tuned to this space in the future for more beer reviews, craft beer hacks, brewery tours, and beastly tunes.
Nothing compliments heavy music like a solid beer. No, I do not mean that swill you cheap guys and gals out there buy at shows. Here are five brutal beers you should be drinking to compliment your music experience:
#5
Jack’s Abby: Leisure Time (Wheat Lager)
I was introduced to this year round beer at the ONCE Ballroom in Somerville, MA. Brewed in Framingham, MA by Jack’s Abby, the Leisure Time will hit you at first like a usual wheat lager but then finish strong with flavors such as lemongrass, coriander, orange peel, and chamomile. Even the pickiest of beer drinkers will crush a few cans.
#4
Harpoon: Camp Wannamango (Pale Ale)
Making its rounds last summer, Harpoon’s Camp Wannamango is one of the better fruity pale ales available. This beer is light enough to enjoy in the hot summer days ahead but keeps your taste buds dancing over the mango notes. At 5% ABV, you can still get tanked but with a good tasting beer.
https://www.harpoonbrewery.com/beers/harpoon-camp-wannamango-68
#3
Allagash: White (Belgian-style Wheat)
One of my personal favorite breweries in Portland, ME, Allagash’s flagship brew known as Allagash White is one of the most crushable beers that has ever hit my palate. Similar to the Leisure Time, the White utilizes the orange peel approach to bring out citrus notes that will explode off of your tongue. This beer is a must when I am slamming at shows at Sammy’s Patio in Revere, MA.
http://www.allagash.com/beer/white/
#2
Magic Hat: Electric Peel (IPA)
With craft beer comes the world of IPAs. Typically on the bitter side, new fans of craft beers may not immediately “get” IPAs. Having said that, Burlington, VT’s own Magic Hat has created an IPA with a strong grapefruit aroma and taste. The bitterness of the grapefruit which we are accustomed to masks the bitterness in the hops and leaves behind the secret sweetness in the fruit. One of my personal favorites any time of year.behind the secret sweetness in the fruit. One of my personal favorites any time of year.
http://www.magichat.net/elixirs/electricpeel/
#1
Sam Adams: Porch Rocker (Bavarian Radler/Shandy)
Be forewarned, if you like lemonade this beer will creep up on you. Yes, lemonade. The radler/shandy style is as it sounds, beer with lemonade in it. Sam Adams, originating in Boston, MA) takes a Helles style beer and adds real lemons to the batch.
https://www.samueladams.com/craft-beers/seasonals/porch-rocker
Perfect Pairing: Given most of these are easy-going and resemble light drinking on hot days, pop open a cold one, sit in your favorite chair on the porch, and kick off the playlist right with some sludge metal like Eyehategod or Down. Cheers!
TIM LEDIN
PS: Please drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive.