10 Classic Rock Band Beers
10 Classic Rock Band Beers
(Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson with special Trooper release)
Music festivals, concerts, and even the jukebox at your local dive sound better with a beer in hand. So it’s not all that surprising that bands like to co-brand with breweries and lend their names to beers…
Rock band beers happen for all kinds of reasons, but more times than not they’re released in conjunction with special dates like Dogfish Head’s annual celebration of Record Store Day and increasingly they serve as tour announcements and are sold on the band’s tour as well.
And if you think that these ‘collaborations’ are actual collaborations and that band members are working the mash tuns you’re dreaming…No matter the spin the brewery or band is putting on these collaborations this is MARKETING 101 at its most straightforward. But that doesn’t mean that these beers can’t be decent…and in some case they’re even better than that.
And here are 10 Classic Beers (most of them unfortunately no longer available) from some of Rock’s biggest bands…
(Courtesy Iron Maiden / CAMRA)
Iron Maiden – Trooper Ale
Iron Maiden, one of the most iconic heavy metal bands, teamed up with Robinsons Brewery to create Trooper Ale. Named after one of their most famous songs, “The Trooper,” this beer combined traditional English ale qualities with a modern twist, featuring a blend of Bobec, Goldings, and Cascade hops.
KISS – Destroyer Beer
The legendary rock band KISS produced a range of beers, but Destroyer Beer stands out. Named after their 1976 album “Destroyer,” this beer captured the band’s flamboyant and larger-than-life persona. It was fun and a fitting tribute to one of rock’s most theatrical acts.
Pearl Jam – Faithfull Ale
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Pearl Jam collaborated with Dogfish Head Brewery, who have done several rock band beers over the years. Craftier than the traditional rock band beers which tend to be low ABV lagers Faithfull Ale was a Belgian-style golden ale brewed with black currants, a beer with complex flavor profile that mirrored the band’s innovative and evolving sound.
(Courtesy Stone Brewing)
Metallica – Enter Night Pilsner
Made in collaboration with Stone Brewing, Metallica introduced Enter Night Pilsner in 2019. This crisp pilsner with a punch of hops mirrored Metallica’s powerful and energetic music, making it a hit among fans.
Mastodon – The Hunter
Mastodon, known for their progressive and heavy music, partnered with Copenhagen’s Mikkeller Brewery to create The Hunter, an American-style IPA. The beer, named after their album “The Hunter,” is characterized by its intense hop aroma and bold flavors, echoing the band’s intense and powerful music.
AC/DC – Rock Or Bust Beer
Synonymous with hard rock, AC/DC had its own line of beers, and the band’s Rock Or Bust Beer was a standout. Named after the band’s 2014 album, this German pilsner was a no-nonsense beer, much like the band’s music.
Queen – Bohemian Lager
Created in partnership with RnR Brew Ltd., Queen’s Bohemian Lager, celebrated the band’s iconic song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The golden pilsner is brewed which was the Czech Republic and offers a smooth and refreshing taste, paying homage to one of rock’s most beloved bands.
(Courtesy Dogfish Head Craft Brewery)
The Grateful Dead – American Beauty Pale Ale
In 2013 Dogfish Head Craft Brewery collaborated with The Grateful Dead to produce American Beauty Pale Ale. Inspired by the band’s eclectic and improvisational style, this beer was brewed with granola and wildflower honey.
Motorhead – Road Crew Pale Ale
Motorhead, the legendary rock band known for their hard-hitting music, partnered with Camerons Brewery to create Road Crew Pale Ale. Named after their song “(We Are) The Road Crew,” this beer (which might still be available in the UK) features a bold and refreshing taste, perfect for Motorheads.
Megadeth – À Tout Le Monde
Megadeth’s frontman Dave Mustaine collaborated with French Canadian brewer, Unibroue to create À Tout Le Monde, a Belgian-style Saison. Named after one of the band’s most famous songs, this beer featured a light and crisp taste with hints of spices and fruit, reflecting Mustaine’s uber-diverse influences.
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