Beer Category: Hits On Repeat

Respect

Inspired by “Respect” Aretha Franklin

Our Rye IPA is a bolder version of a traditional IPA, because it uses rye in the grist build instead of just pale malts. A style that was popularized by craft home brewers, using rye presents a nice spicy, peppery malty backbone that mingles with the bitterness of the hops. Tons of hop aroma and flavor from this bold ale include papaya, lime and tangerine. Rye IPAs tend to be spicier, drier and creamier than a traditional IPA. Respect Rye takes all the best parts of an IPA, hop forward and bitter, but also adds a spicy, dry note to give it a more of a sophisticated spin. What you want, baby, I got it, but not for long, as this super limited release, will be gone quick.

Food Pairings: Pepperoni Pizza • Buratta • Rhubarb Custard

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“Respect” Aretha Franklin

Recorded at Atlantic, 1967

Written and originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965 for his third album, OTIS BLUE; would later become an even bigger hit for Aretha, when she recorded it and released it in 1967, making this song her signature hit. Released on her Atlantic Records debut album, I NEVER LOVED A MAN THE WAY I LOVE YOU. Her version turned into a feminist anthem in the 1970s. Aretha was also awarded 2 Grammys with the song, Best R&B Recording and Best R&B Solo Female Vocal Performance. Her version was honored, in 2002, by the Library of Congress adding it into the National Recording Registry and in 2021, it was ranked #1 on Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. When asked about her song being an anthem for the civil rights movement and her stance on the matter, she said, “I don’t think it’s bold at all. I think it’s quite natural that we all want respect-and should get it.”

Dy-No-Mite

Inspired by “Dy-No-Mite” The Green Brothers

Our double IPA, Dy-No-Mite, is an explosion of hoppy goodness! As soon as you bring this glass to your nose, you will be hit with a powerful dank aroma. A super, juicy ale with hints of mango, passion fruit, a mélange of citrus and tropical fruits that will tantalize your palette. All of these aromas and flavors are even more pronounced as this IPA comes in at 8.2% ABV. Dy-No-Mite Double IPA will make you feel alright and will make you want to come back again, but you better be quick, this ale won’t last long.

Food Pairings: Pork Belly • Stracciatella • Fried Wontons

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Inspired by “Dy-No-Mite” The Green Brothers

Recorded at Pioneer Recording Studio, 1975

This song, written by Mack Rice, “Mustang Sally” songwriter and Donald “Duck” Dunn, bass guitarist and member of Booker T. & the MGs; was only one of two singles released by the brother duo, formally from the groups the Violionaires and the Spiritual Wonders.  The single would be released on Truth Records, a division of STAX records, as this was during the time of STAX’s downfall. Bobby and Al, went on to other careers, as their other recordings fell through with the crumbling of the label, but they did record with Bobby Manuel again in 2009. “Dy-No-Mite” was re-released on the Complete STAX/VOLT soul singles compilation Volume 3 CD.

Malted Milkshake

Inspired by “Malted Milk” Robert Johnson

A Milkshake IPA is a sub category of the New England IPA made with lactose to create a creamy beverage, reminiscent of our favorite childhood indulgent treat! Did you know that back in the day when a soda jerk added “malt” to a milkshake it was actually dried sprouted barley, that we use in brewing today! It was just in powder form and mixed with powdered milk that helped to add a distinctive flavor to the shake. Our Malted Milkshake has a luscious body, due to the added lactose, and has flavors of vanilla, tropical punch and sugared berries. These flavors are all because of our special blend of hops, no fruit is added to this beer. A bright, juicy and full of tropical fruit flavors libation, this ale will definitely chase your blues away.

Food Pairings: Cobb Salad • Pepper Jack Cheese • Strawberry Shortcake

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“MALTED MILK” Robert Johnson

Recorded in Clarksdale, Mississippi, 1937

Johnson originally wrote and recorded “Malted Milk” in 1937 shortly after  prohibition had ended and quite a lot of the speakeasies or illegal drinking dens would serve their spirits mixed with milk in case they were raided. A lot of the breweries folded because of the lack of sales, others stayed in business by brewing Malted Milk. This was a safe cover story since commercially advertised Malted Milk contained some alcohol, but was marketed for a slumbering sleep aid for children. Blues of this time was full of wordplay and double-entendres. In this case of “Malted Milk” Johnson sings of alcohol being the “forbidden fruit.”

Sha-La Lager (Makes Me Hoppy)

Inspired by “Sha-La-La (Makes Me Happy)” Al Green

Our Double IPL is an India Pale Lager. Here, we use our house strain of lager yeast and cold ferment, to give this beer a smooth, refreshing taste that only time can make. The uniqueness of using a lager strain allows us to retain some of the more delicate aromas for maximum flavor impact during dry hopping.  Highly hopped to give Sha-La-Lager flavors of papaya, mango and coconut; a hint of cardamom spice also lingers on the palate. A truly unique style of beer that only comes around a couple of times a year, and once you try it, you can’t leave it alone, it will make you so happy baby, oh baby, so happy.

Food Pairings: Tikka Masala • Cambozola Cheese • Hummingbird Cake

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“SHA-LA-LA (MAKES ME HAPPY)” Al Green

Recorded at Royal Studios, 1974

This would be the last gold single released by Green, backed by the Hi Rhythm Section and Memphis Horns, the album was Green’s fifth consecutive #1 on the Soul Albums chart. His eighth studio album, AL GREEN EXPLORES YOUR MIND, would only have this one major hit, but included the original version of “TAKE ME TO THE RIVER” which was ranked #117 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Born in Arkansas along the Mississippi Delta, Al Green would become one of the most prolific soul singers of all time. He had a series of hit soul singles in the 1970s before becoming an ordained minister in 1978, and essentially retired from secular music and started recording gospel records; eventually he would return to secular in the late 80s, but still continues to minister in Memphis. Green has won 11 Grammys and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995; he is listed as #65 on Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and #14 of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Sour Finger

Inspired by “Soul Finger” The Bar-Kays

Our Fruited Sour IPA tastes like dessert in a glass, specifically, a blackberry and peach cobbler, which is in fact our Master Brewer’s favorite dessert. This fruited ale is fermented with lots and lots of fresh blackberries and peaches. Not only is it highly fruited, but it’s also highly hopped with just the right amount of our hop blend to accentuate the fruit flavors. Sour Finger is also, well a sour ale, so get ready for flavors of tangy ice cream and buttermilk biscuits. Lactose helps to sweeten and give a luscious body. We then round out the mix with Madagascar vanilla that will really make you feel like you are eating fresh fruit cobbler with ice cream! Don’t skip out, keep the party going with this mouthwatering India Pale Ale!

Food Pairings: Baby Back Ribs • Mascarpone • Bahn Mi

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“SOUL FINGER” The Bar-Kays

Recorded at Stax Studios, 1967

The first single released by The Bar-Kays, on the album of the same name in the summer of 1967. They started out as a studio session group and backed many artists for Stax Records and were mentored by Booker T. and The MGs and drummer Al Jackson Jr. Soul Finger, as with the rest of the album, is all instrumental, was written by the band; you might recognize the first melody of the song as it is “Mary Had a Little Lamb” then the main riff comes in along with the trumpet. The children you hear shouting “soul finger” in the background were actually hanging around outside the studio and were paid in Coca-Cola for the recording! The Bar-Kays were selected by Otis Redding to be his backing band during his tour. That year in December, four of the six members, died in the plane crash along with Otis Redding. One survived the crash and the other was in a separate plane, they re-formed the band and continued to back dozens more Stax artists including Issac Hayes’ HOT BUTTERED SOUL album. They had dozens of chart topping hits in both soul, R&B and funk genres and still continue performing in the industry today.  In 2013, they were inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

Morning Judge

Inspired by “Good Morning Judge” Furry Lewis

Our Double IPA packs a decent punch at 8% ABV and a whole lot of flavor! Morning Judge starts off with a dank aroma and then drinks with lots of tropical flavors, like papaya, mango and passion fruit or stone fruits such as apricots and plums. Our unique blend of 6 different hops will give this ale a firm bitterness, unlike most Hazy IPAs, that have a more delicate bitter hop taste. Morning Judge also reminds one of dreamy, orange creamsicles, with hints of other citrus fruits.  A full-bodied and highly hopped IPA that does not need to be missed. After a couple of these you might be asking, good morning judge, what may be my fine?

Food Pairings: Clam Chowder • Vermont Cheddar • Frittata

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“GOOD MORNING JUDGE” Furry Lewis

Recorded in Memphis TN, 1967

Born in Mississippi on an unknown date, Walter Lewis moved to Memphis at the age of seven and given the nickname “Furry” by childhood playmates. He began playing solo at local taverns, parties and on the streets in 1908; and was even invited to play several dates with W.C. Handy’s Orchestra. As one of the first blues musicians to be active in the 1920s; then retired from music only to be revived during the blues folk revival in the 1960s. During his later years, he opened for the Rolling Stones twice, performed on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and was even profiled in Playboy magazine.  A beloved public performer and is recognized as one of the giants in the world of blues. “GOOD MORNING JUDGE” comes from the album of the same name recorded in informal sessions with blues archivist George Mitchell, the album highlights Lewis’s form of hypnotic acoustic blues using his trademark bottleneck style of guitar playing and pure raw vocals. In 1973, he was the first African American to be named Honorary Colonel of the State of Tennessee. Considered to be the personification of Memphis blues; lived in an apartment on Beale Street, is still regarded as one of the best blues storytellers of all time, Furry continues to attract new listeners generations later.

Hoodoo Hazy

Inspired by “Hoodoo Lady” Memphis Minnie

Our Hazy India Pale Ale is a bright, juicy ale that is beautifully balanced between bitterness and sweetness of the malt. We use an exorbitant amount of hops leaving you with that beautiful haze. The hop blend created for this beer gives bursting flavors of ripe mango, juicy citrus and tropical notes. You may also find hints of oozing sticky pine, and fresh brewed black tea. True to style, this flavorful ale has a soft, balanced bitterness. A unique ale that will have you wondering where you been all this time, but this Hoodoo Hazy will treat you right.

Food Pairings: Tri-Tip BBQ • Baked Brie • Marionberry Cobbler

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“HOODOO LADY” Memphis Minnie

Recorded in Chicago, 1936

Born Lizzie Douglas in 1897 in Tunica County, Mississippi; music began early for her at the age of 10 when she started playing banjo and guitar by age 11. She ran away from home at 13 and began playing and making a living on Beale Street. From 1916-20, she toured with the Ringling Brothers Circus. After returning back to Beale she met her husband, fellow musician Joe McCoy; they were discovered while playing on the sidewalk and sent to New York by a Columbia talent scout and it was during this time they were given the names Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe. “HOODOO LADY” is a song that expresses fear of the woman who performs hoodoo, as she seeks her for magical help she also wants to avoid whatever curse the hoodoo lady might lay on her, it was released as a single in 1936, and then released on compilation albums. Often described as the “most popular female country blues singer of all time” she recorded and performed for three decades, wrote and recorded 200 songs, was one of the artists who had renewed interest during the blues folk revival of the 1960s. Many female blues singer songwriters would credit Memphis Minnie as their influence such as Big Mama Thornton and Bonnie Raitt. She was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1980.

Bright Lights

Inspired by “Bright Lights, Big City” Jimmy Reed

Our West Coast inspired IPA is full of juicy flavors of grapefruit, woodsy pine and bursts of citrus fruits, most famously associated with this signature style of beer. Hints of tropical fruits and stone fruits are also present in aroma and body. A bright, crisp ale full of flavor and dank bitterness. You will be transported onto the hops fields of the West Coast after that first sip. A nod to the originators of the most popular beer style brewed by craft breweries today. Don’t let the bright lights of this big city go to your head, come grab it before it’s gone, available only on draft at the taproom.

Food Pairings: Smoked Salmon • Bleu Cheese & Bacon Dip • Fried Cherry Pie

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Inspired by “Bright Lights, Big City” Jimmy Reed

Recorded in Chicago, 1961

Written and originally recorded by Mississippi bluesman Jimmy Reed, was one of his most popular songs, and reached #3 on the Billboard R&B charts. It was co-written with his wife, Mama Reed, who also sang background vocals on the recording, with Reed accompanying his vocals with guitar and harmonica. A traditional twelve bar blues in Reed’s classic steady rolling style.  It has become known as one of the integral standard blues repertoires and covered by many artists spanning across multiple genres. One of the most well known bands in history, The Rolling Stones, credit Jimmy Reed, as the major influencer of their sound. His other works would be covered by artists such as: Elvis Presley, The Yardbirds, the Grateful Dead, Freddie King and Bob Dylan. The song is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame list of  500 Songs That Shaped  Rock and Roll. Jimmy Reed would be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Riverside

Inspired by “Down By The Riverside” Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Our Fruited Mud Island Ale, is a milkshake version of our Mud Island Ale that we add real fruit to, either Cherry, Raspberry or Strawberry. We add lactose and oats to give it the fullness and mouthfeel of a milkshake. Also, we add roasted cocoa nibs and Madagascar vanilla to really give an intense chocolate flavor. Riverside is highly hopped to give strong jammy berry notes, that complements whichever fruit is added. This ale tastes like a lava cake served with fresh berries. So come visit us down by the riverside, lay down your heavy load, and grab one of these limited beers before they are gone.

Food Pairings: Steak Burger • Oreo Cheesecake • Club Sandwich

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“DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE” Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Recorded in New York City, 1948

An African-American spiritual, with roots dating back before the American Civil War; it was first published in 1918, and first recorded in 1920 by the Fisk University Jubilee Quartet. Throughout the years it has been used as an anti-war protest song. Tharpe’s version was selected for preservation by the National Recording Registry in 2004. Known as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll” Sister Rosetta Tharpe, born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas,  was the first great recording star of gospel music. A pioneer in her technique of playing electric guitar, Tharpe was one of the first recording artists to use heavy distortion, presaging the rise of electric blues and the development of British blues. A performer who wasn’t afraid to ride the line between sacred and secular, she pushed gospel into the mainstream and pioneered the genre pop-gospel. She performed up until she suffered a stroke in 1978 and died at the age of 58. She was a huge influence on many artists including: Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards. In 2007, she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and in 2018, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Wang Dang Doodle DIPA

Inspired by “Wang Dang Doodle” Koko Taylor

Our Imperial Oat Cream IPA is a style of beer that is a subcategory of the New England Style Hazy IPAs. We add an absurd amount of oats accompanied with lactose, to give this beer an extremely silky mouthfeel. Wang Dang Doodle DIPA is a Double IPA full of tropical character such as mango, dried apricots, pineapple and a touch of coconut from the mess of American hops we throw in. A hint of lime gummy candies and the sensation of a fresh mint also drive this flavorful and highly hopped Imperial IPA. Be careful with this ale, she might just make you want to pitch a wang dang doodle all night long!

Food Pairings: Burnt Ends • Smoked Bleu Cheese • Mango Sticky Rice

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“WANG DANG DOODLE” Koko Taylor

Recorded at Checker Records, 1965

First recorded in 1954, ‘Wang Dang Doodle’ is a party song in an urban style with its massive, rolling, exciting beat. In his autobiography, Dixon explained that the phrase ‘wang dang doodle’ meant a good time, especially if the guy came in from the South. A ‘wang dang’ meant having a ball and a lot of dancing, they called it a rocking style so that’s what it meant to ‘wang dang doodle.’ Dixon claimed that he wrote ‘Wang Dang Doodle’ when he first heard Howlin’ Wolf in 1951 or 1952, but that it was ‘too far in advance’ for him and he saved it for later. Shortly after joining Chess Records in the Summer of 1964, Koko Taylor immediately won over Willie Dixon with her sound, and in December of 1965 he convinced her to perform Wang Dang Doodle for Checker Records, a subsidiary of Chess Records. Taylor’s rendition was released in 1966 and quickly achieved critical and popular acclaim. This particular version would rise as high as #4 on Billboard magazine’s Rhythm and Blues Charts, and #58 on the magazine’s Hot 100 Pop Charts. Koko Taylor breathed new life into Wang Dang Doodle, and because of that, her version of the song was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1995.

Love Vibration

Inspired by “Love Vibration” Ann Peebles

A Milkshake IPA is a sub category of the New England IPA made with lactose to create a creamy beverage, reminiscent of our favorite childhood indulgent treat! Love Vibration, a variation of our Mud Island Ale, is a dark version of a Milkshake IPA, using darker malts to create a sensual chocolate aroma, vanilla beans and the added lactose gives this ale flavors of cookies & cream ice cream. Our hop blend creates the flavors of chocolate covered strawberries and dark stone fruits which lingers on the palate. Stop playing cool, and don’t let this love vibration pass you by.

Food Pairings: Black & Blue Salad • Merlot BellaVitano • Maple Bacon Donut

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“A LOVE VIBRATION” Ann Peebles

Recorded at Royal Studios, 1973

Ann Peebles, born in St. Louis, began performing as a child with her family’s gospel band, The Peebles Choir, during this time she opened for Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke. While visiting Memphis in the late 60s, she met the Hi Rhythm Section at Hi Records while singing at a club and Willie Mitchell quickly offered her a recording contract. She began writing with Don Bryant, whom she would marry in 1973. “A Love Vibration” was penned by the two of them along with Bernie Miller. It was released on her fourth studio album, I CAN’T STAND THE RAIN, her most well known album and contain her two most popular singles, the track by the same name and “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down.” Most of the album was written by her and Bryant and backed by Hi Records house band the Hi Rhythm Section and the Memphis Horns.  When Hi Records closed in 1979, she took a break from performing to spend more time with family and had a comeback in the 1990s; she continued to perform until 2012. In 2014, she was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.