Beer Category: Hot 52

BOOK FAIR BEER – LYRIC

HARD TO HANDLE

LOVING YOU TMAVÝ LEŽÁK

I Can’t Stand Champagne

I Can’t Stand Champagne is a Cold IPA brewed to resemble a Brut IPA, super dry and refreshing. A Cold IPA is fermented using a lager yeast instead of an ale yeast, so you get a super clean and bright beer. It is also conditioned or lagered, for an extended amount of time, which is not typical for an IPA. Aromas of lemon grass and mint green tea entice the senses along with flavors of mild citrus and soft stone fruit. Subtle white grape notes present themselves like a crisp, sparkling Riesling. A fruity, dry and highly drinkable beer, this will be your go to party drink, resembling champagne, without being too frilly or fussy. You won’t be haunted over a little rain, but bringing back sweet memories.

Food Pairings: Caviar • Triple Crème Cheese • Foie Gras

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Inspired by “I Can’t Stand The Rain” Ann Peebles

Recorded at Royal Studios, 1973

Originally recorded and written by Ann Peebles along with her husband, Don Bryant, and Bernard Miller. It would become her biggest hit, reaching number 6 on the R&B chart. The song was written as a direct opposite of other songs celebrating bad weather as a reaction to Peebles stating “I can’t stand the rain” as they were trying to get to a concert one night. Instead Bryant plucked the phrase and wrote a whole song from it and they never made it to the concert. As one of John Lennon’s favorite songs, he said “it was the best song ever.” The song was covered by Tina Turner and sampled by Missy Elliot for her solo debut single, “The Rain.” Peebles’ original version is ranked #197 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Peebles was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2014. She continued to write songs for herself and others including Albert King, and countless others have covered her songs. She continued performing and recording up until she suffered a stroke in 2012.

Holy Ghost

Our American Stout is everything you want in a stout; robust, roasty and resinous. A dark, hoppy ale that is perfect for the start of the winter season.  Stouts have been around since the time of the London Porter, often called a “stout” because it was stronger than a Porter. Irish brewers took claim to the Stout with their Dry Irish Stout and Export Stouts, and then American brewers adapted these styles to be a little stronger. Our stout has no additives, we wanted to just showcase this style in all of its of glory, a woody aromatic ale with lots of piney flavors, strong espresso and hints of tropical fruits underlying within in the dark malts. This version of the stout style really got started in the west, where hoppy ales reigned supreme, they are fairly hop forward, but not as hoppy as the Black IPAs, that were also born in this region. Holy Ghost will have you shakin’ in all your bones and set your soul on fire, but only available during the winter months, so come grab yours on tap or in cans to-go and enjoy with your love a second time.

Food Pairings: Pot Roast • Aged Gouda • Blackberry Ice Cream

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Inspired by “Holy Ghost” The Bar-Kays

Recorded at STAX Studios, 1972-1975

The Bar-Kays were a funk group originally formed during high school in the 1960s in  Memphis. They got their start as one of the house bands for STAX records performing on other well known STAX artists’ albums such as Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding and were mentored by Booker T. & the MGs. Otis Redding personally picked them to be his touring band in 1967. The band would come to a tragic end, when their plane crashed and killed 5 of the eight original members, along with Otis Redding. The one surviving member of the crash, Ben Cauley, along with the other 2 members would go on to recreate the band with new members. “Holy Ghost” was recorded before the collapse of STAX Records in 1975, and released from the new owners of STAX Records, Fantasy Records, on the MONEY TALKS album in 1978. This album was one of their highest chart toppers at 21 on the Billboard Soul Chart and #9 on the Soul Singles Chart.

In 2013, the group was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

3 O’Clock

Our Bavarian Dunkel is a darker German malt forward lager, with notes of toasted bread, toffee and fresh chestnuts. The malts used for brewing 3 O’Clock create a more rounded sweetness in this lager. A delicate floral finish is found in the aroma and flavor from the hops. A smooth drinkable beer that is delightful anytime of the year. This beer style is most often seen side by side with a Helles in a German beer hall, giving the customers two choices: a dark “Dunkel” or light “Helles” lager.  We give you this chance only once a year to have these incredible lagers back to back! The Germans often say “kein Bier vor vier” which translates to ‘no beer before four,’ but using it in jest much like “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” but if you decide to follow this rule, you will definitely have the drinking blues at 3 o’clock for this German Dunkel.

Food Pairings: Bratwurst • Young Gruyère • German Chocolate Cake

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Inspired by “3 O’Clock Blues” B.B. King

Recorded at YMCA Memphis, TN, 1951

Recorded in a makeshift recording studio in a room at the Memphis YMCA with Sam Phillips at the helm, made for a pretty low quality audio recording. The resulting recording of this track brought a subdued distant sound of the accompanying musicians, which included Ike Turner on piano and Evelyn Young on horns, which historians have said brings more drama and urgency from King’s guitar and vocals. It was originally written by Lowell Fulson in 1946. The single spent 5 weeks at #1 and 17 weeks on the R&B chart and gave B.B. King his first opportunity to play in front of a national audience. It appeared on King’s debut album, SINGIN’ THE BLUES, and would remain in his live repertoire. In 2020, the Blues Foundation inducted this song as a “Classic of a Blues Recording.” Born Riley B. King in 1925 near Itta Bena, MS, was a blues singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer and influenced many blues electric guitar players and Allmusic listed King as “the single most important electric guitarist of the last half of the 20th century.” He was known as “The King of the Blues,” because he was one of the most influential blues musicians of all time; winning a total of 15 Grammys and nominated for 21, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980,  the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2014, and Rolling Stone ranks him #6 on the 100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time. He began his life as a musician in 1946, and was one of the fixtures on Beale Street in the 1950s. He had a very active touring schedule, sometimes performing 300 nights in a year and performed live up until 2014, when he fell ill before his death in 2015.

Black Betty

Our special Black Friday release is Black Betty Black IPA. This beer is dark and hoppy, also known as a Cascadian Ale, which pulls its hop profile from the Northwest – citrusy, piney and resinous. We used a different variation of yeast that gives another layer of flavor and aromas of tropical and stone fruits. Using dark malts instead of pale malts, that are normally used in brewing IPAs, we are able to give a richer, malty backbone of chocolate and caramel to create a perfect balance with the hop bitterness.  A dark, dank, fruity IPA that is different than most hoppy beers that you find year round; if you were to close your eyes you wouldn’t know you are drinking a typical American IPA.  We release this super limited beer only on Black Friday, only on draft in the beer hall, bam-ba-lam, oh baby, Black Betty, whoa, she will go quick.

Food Pairings:  Wild Game Sausage • Mimolette Cheese • Gingerbread

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Inspired by “Black Betty” Lead Belly

Recorded at Musicraft Records, 1939

Often credited to Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, as the writer, but was a traditional African American work song that was adapted by Ledbetter as many other folk material that he recorded. It was made most famous in 1977, when it was recorded by rock band Ram Jam. Like many folk songs the origins and meanings behind most songs are shrouded in mystery. Historically, the term “Black Betty” has been used to refer to a number of things: a bottle of whiskey, a whip, a penitentiary transport vehicle and even motorcycles. Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly, was a folk and blues singer that most notably played the twelve string guitar, but also the harmonica, piano, mandolin, violin and windjammer, a type of accordion. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

Private #Pils

Inspired by “Private Number” William Bell

Our German Pilsner harkens to days spent lingering in the beer gardens as the days turn shorter and the nights get longer surrounded by friends and bonfires. German Pilsners are normally thinner, lighter in color and with the combination of harder water and use of different hops tend to be more delicate and spicy than their Czech counter parts. Germans tout their pilsners to always be polished, balanced and consistent, but some would see this to be tame or fussy. Every brewer agrees that Pilsners, no matter what style you brew, are one of the hardest styles to brew and get right, but put in the right hands becomes the pinnacle of the art of brewing. This crisp, light lager at 4.7% ABV offers all you need from a delightful beer that you can drink all day and into the night. Fresh herbal and floral aromatics grab your senses right away, while a light, balanced bitterness lingers on your palate, tempting your taste buds for one more sip. You can have my private number, but only for a short time, as this rotating pilsner only comes around during the fall season.

Food Pairings: Smoked Turkey • Pimento Cheese • Mint Ice Cream

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Inspired by “Private Number” William Bell

Recorded at STAX Records, 1968

William Bell was born, William Yarbrough, in Memphis and has been an active singer  songwriter since 1957. He took his stage name Bell in honor of his Grandmother, Belle. Bell grew up singing in church and started song writing when he was 10 years old. He was the first male solo artist signed to STAX records as a songwriter. A close friend of Otis Redding, he was supposed to be onboard the tragic flight that night, but his show got cancelled. After the death of his friend, Booker T. Jones and Bell collaborated on “A Tribute To A King” in honor of Redding, which became an instant hit in 1967. One of Bell’s most popular songs “Born Under A Bad Sign” was a hit for Albert King and Cream, and “I Forgot To Be Your Lover” which was his first hit was popularized in 1986 by Billy Idol. “Private Number” was a duet with Judy Clay and was a top 10 hit in the UK in 1968. It hit #17 on the R&B charts here in the US. It has been covered and sampled by many artist including Joss Stone, Beverely Knight, Jamie Cullum, and some of his other notable songs have been covered by: Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Jimi Hendrix, Carole King, The Byrds, Melissa Etheridge, and many, many others. Bell was awarded a Grammy in 2017 for Best Americana Album. He continues to perform today, and in 2018 was part of a tribute set to Royal Studios at Mempho Music Festival in Memphis.

Voodoo Woman

Inspired by “Voodoo Woman” Koko Taylor

Our Candy Bar Pastry Stout hits all the big Imperial Stout marks that you want out of a big beer, at 9.5% ABV this ale is sure to make you reminisce about your favorite childhood candies. Loaded with an insane amount of toasted and un-toasted coconut chips, cocoa nibs, and vanilla beans to enhance the flavors of a dark chocolate coconut candy bar. A creamy, chewy complexity gives the illusion that Voodoo Woman is indeed inspired by candy and leaves your tastes buds longing for that next sip. Don’t miss out on this spooky season ale, or sadly you’ll have to wait until next year for this boozy candy bar stout.

Food Pairings: Braised Beef Short Ribs • Langres Cheese • Salted Mixed Nuts

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“Voodoo Woman” Koko Taylor

Recorded at Sound Studios, 1975

Koko Taylor, was born Cora Anna Walton, on a farm near Memphis in 1928. She grew up singing in church but the blues was what she was born to sing, imitating the blues men around her; B.B. King, Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson. She would earn the title of the “Queen of the Blues” when her blues singing career started in Chicago in the 1950s. I GOT WHAT IT TAKES, would be her first album to record with Alligator Records after two records with Chess. She hand selected the artist for the album, including Mighty Joe Young, Sammy Lawhorn and Abe Locke. “I Got What It Takes” would be the biggest hit from the album, with “Voodoo Woman” and “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean” releasing as singles. She released 9 albums with Alligator and 8 of them were nominated for Grammys. She is one of the most decorated female blues artists. She was nominated 32 times with 29 wins for the Blues Music Award (previously the W.C. Handy Award) in the following categories: Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist, Song of the Year, Traditional Blues Album, Traditional Blues Female Artist, and Vocalist of the Year. She won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1985. She was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1997 and was awarded the Blues Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. She continued performing up until she died from complications from surgery in 2009.

Behind Closed Gourds

Our Pumpkin Gose, is in a new category called Contemporary Gose, in that we brewed a traditional style gose, a sour ale with salt and coriander but gave it a fall surprise. We added 50 pounds of brown sugar roasted pumpkins, along with the typical seasonal spices you would find in pumpkin pie cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. The acidity of a sour ale helps balance the sweetness of the roasted pumpkins. A salted cream finish rounds out Behind Closed Gourds and this tart ale a refreshing new twist on a gose. Behind these closed doors you will find the perfect drink to get you into the fall spirit!

Food Pairings: Smoked Turkey • Chèvre Cheese • Caramel Apples

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Inspired by “Behind Closed Doors” Charlie Rich

Recorded in Nashville for Epic Records, 1973

Country music singer, songwriter, and musician, Charlie Rich, was born in the delta in Colt, AR, whose eclectic music would span over multiple genres including: rockabilly, jazz, soul, blues, country and gospel. After leaving the air force in 1956, Rich and his wife moved to West Memphis to farm and he started playing clubs in Memphis. He became a session musician for Sun Records in 1958; he played on a variety of records with Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Bill Justus. His career would peak in the 1970s, and the song written by Kenny O’Dell, “Behind Closed Doors” would be his first #1 hit on the country charts, spent 20 weeks on the chart and would also be a crossover hit on the pop charts. It was certified platinum for sales of two million. Rich would go on to win a Grammy for Best Country Song and Best Male  Country Vocal Performance. It is also ranked #9 on the 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music. His two most well known songs came from this album of the same name, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS,  and “The Most Beautiful Girl.” He semi-retired from the music business in the early 1980s and did some acting gigs, later known as the “Silver Fox” in his later years. He died in 1995 at the age of 62 and is buried in Memphis, TN.

Polk Salad

Our Fresh Hopped IPA, Polk Salad, is brewed in the traditional style of a hazy IPA, and we loaded it with even more generous amounts of fresh hops late in the brewing stage to keep all of that fresh hop goodness. A fresh hop ale is different from traditional IPAs in that instead of using kiln dried hops, we throw in fresh hop cones and a new product from Yakima Chief, called Cryo Fresh Hops. This is where they concentrate the oil glands and freeze dry them, in the same process as fresh blueberries. We get this new product, along with Citra and Mosaic hops overnighted from the hop farms in the Pacific Northwest, because you have to use them within 24 hours of harvest. Polk Salad is even more special here at Soul & Spirits, because we also used Cascade hops grown right here in Memphis in our Master Brewer’s backyard! This ale is bursting with aromas and flavors of ripe stonefruit, sweet candy, fresh cut grass and has a very gentle bitterness. We picked a whole mess of hops to make this once a year beer, so come grab a pint or take some cans to tame the gators on your way home.

Food Pairings: Chili • Camembert • Fried Salmon

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“POLK SALAD ANNIE” Tony Joe White

Recorded RCA Studio B Nashville TN, 1968

Written and recorded by Tony Joe White, the song is a swamp rock tune with influence from the Blues, R&B and Cajun music; it would chart in 1969 at #9 on Billboard Hot 100. He grew up on a cotton field west of the Mississippi River in Louisiana, and wrote the song based on his real upbringing and sometimes having to eat pokeweed, or poke, which is a cooked greens dish. He first heard Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe” on the radio and could relate to how real the lyrics were and he knew he could write real music that recalled the life he lived in the swampland of LA. It would also be made famous as a cover by Elvis Presley in 1970. It was also covered by over a dozen other artists, including Johnny Cash, Tom Jones and the Foo Fighters. Often referred to as “the Swamp Fox,” he spent five decades as a performer and song writer and wrote big hits for Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Dusty Springfield.

Mane in Black

Inspired by “Man In Black” Johnny Cash

Brewed to pay homage to the original style of London Porters, our Memphis Porter, Mane In Black, is poured on Nitro to give you that creamy, velvety texture and long lasting foam cap. This softer ale is dark in color with flavors of smooth chocolate and subtle coffee aromas. Not quite as bitter or roasty as a stout, but with just the right amount of bitterness to balance out the sweeter notes from the malt. Porters were once viewed as working class ales, brewed to keep the workers going; we brew, Mane In Black, to keep Memphians moving on through the grit and grind.

Food Pairings: Handpies • Cheddar • Smoked Sausage & Potatoes

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“Man In Black” Johnny Cash

Recorded at Nashville’s Columbia Studios, 1971

A protest song written by Cash for his 38th studio album by the same name. It was one of two singles released from the album and would top the Country chart at #3 and the Billboard Hot 100 at #58. The album itself did hit the number one spot on the Country chart in 1971. Cash was known as the “Man in the Black” referring to his distinctive style of costuming and his stage persona. He explained that the entire song was written as a protest statement against the poor people by wealthy politicians, mass incarceration, and the war in Vietnam. He wrote the song after a weekend concert at Vanderbilt University and speaking with audience members afterward, he then performed the song the following Wednesday with written cue cards and received a standing ovation.

Because

Inspired by “Is It Because I’m Black” Syl Johnson

Our German Black Lager, Schwarzbier, literally translates into black beer.  Although sometimes compared to the Munich Dunkel, this style of beer is darker in color, drier on the palate and lighter in body. A very clean lager with hints of dark chocolate, German pumpernickel bread and caramel flavors with a spicy dry herb hop character. Because is surprisingly drinkable due to the balance of roasted, smooth malt flavors and moderate hop bitterness.  This beer appears black but if held up to the light has a hidden ruby hue.  Is it because I’m black? Don’t hold this one back, it’s only available once a year!

Food Pairings: Beef Brisket • Robusto Cheese • Bread Pudding

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“Is It Because I’m Black” Syl Johnson

Recorded at Twinight Records, 1969

The song was co-written by Johnson, with Jimmy Jones, and Glenn Watts, after Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis; not as a hate song against people, but as a sympathy song. The single reached #11 on the R&B Billboard chart and #68 on the Hot 100. Syl Johnson was born near Holly Springs, MS and moved to Chicago and performed alongside other blues artists like Howlin’ Wolf, Magic Sam and Junior Wells. Willie Mitchell brought him to Hi Records and produced three of his albums, that would become his most famous. His biggest hit was “Take Me To The River” which was also recorded by his album mate, Al Green. He retired from music in the 1980s, but made a small comeback in the 90s when young hip hop artists, including the Wu-Tang Clan and Jay-Z,  started sampling his music. He was one of the first artist to sue other artists for not compensating him for using his music to sample.

Boom-A-Rang

Inspired by “Boom-a-rang” The Dynamic Soul Machine

New Zealand Pilsners are similar to German Pilsners, but not quite as bitter, has a maltier body and softer mouthfeel. This lager is brewed to showcase the emergence and popularity of New Zealand hops.  These hops have aromas of stone or tropical fruits, melons, tend to be a bit grassy and have a finish similar to white wine. Boom-A-Rang is a crisp and refreshing lager perfectly paired for the end of summer, and like a boomerang, it will be right out the door and come back again but not until next year.

Food Pairings: Fish Tacos • Havarti • Beef Curry

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“Boom-A-Rang” The Dynamic Soul Machine

Recorded in Birmingham, AL, 1975

Written by Frederick Knight and Sam Dees, recorded by Birmingham Alabama family band The Dynamic Soul Machine. The band was just performing locally when Dees spotted them and asked them to record a couple of songs. One of them being “Boom-A-Rang” which he penned with Knight, and the other was a song that the group had written “Movin’ On,” because STAX was currently in ruin, the 45 single was released on Respect records, a division of STAX records. The group would eventually fall through the cracks because of poor marketing and would only release this one 45 with STAX. Although it was not given a release in the UK, “Movin’ On” would make it onto the compilation record, STAX Southern Disco Sounds in 1975.

Let It Be Pale

Inspired by “Let It Be” The Beatles/Ike & Tina Turner

Our Hazy Pale Ale shines and shimmers on nitro tap, and because it is poured through that nitro, it leaves a beautiful creamy head to protect all those volatile hop aromas. Let It Be has a hit of cracker maltiness and a mild, spicy melon undertone in the flavor along with spritzy citrus which makes this a perfect session ale for these hot summer months. This beer may also find its way to the cask cellar, so make sure you check it out when it is being served through the cask engine and see if you can tell any differences or find out which way you prefer it being poured! Come have a few pints and whisper your words of wisdom and there will be no sorrow, just let it be.

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The Beatles, Recorded at Apple Studios, 1969

Ike & Tina Turner, Recorded at Bolic Sound, 1970

Written by Paul McCartney, but credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, for their twelfth and final studio album by the same name, before the separation of the band. It was also the last single released by the band before McCartney announced his departure from the Beatles. They won a Grammy and an Academy Award for the album as the soundtrack to the subsequent film; it is also ranked #20 on Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.  Ike and Tina Turner would be among the many artists who covered it for their album, WORKIN’ TOGETHER, that included their biggest hit “Proud Mary.” The album also included another cover of the Beatle’s song “Get Back.” The album would win them a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group in 1972. “Let It Be” has been covered and recorded by over 200 artists.

Native Land IPA

Brewed on the Ancestral Lands of the Chickasaw Nation

The Native Land campaigned was announced on Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021 by Bow & Arrow Brewing; as the first Native Woman owned brewery they wanted  to make an impact and leverage their platform, craft beer, to make a difference. The objective is to acknowledge the facts of on whose ancestral land breweries brew on and to generate resources to support Native organizations. Soul & Spirits will be donating part of our proceeds to First Nations Development Institute for their Stewarding Native Lands initiative. The goal of the Stewarding Native Lands program is to provide financial and technical assistance to support Native ecological stewardship and improve Native control of and access to ancestral lands and resources to ensure the sustainable, economic, spiritual and cultural well-being of Native communities.

Here at Soul & Spirits, we acknowledge the fact that all beer is brewed on Native Land, and here in Memphis, we are brewing on the Ancestral Lands of the Chickasaw Nation.

Native Land IPA recipe was developed by Bow & Arrow for a beer collaboration with other breweries across North America. This India Pale Ale has an extremely soft body, and malt sweetness. It is accompanied by a hop blend that has aromas and flavors of guava, peach gummies and fruit stripe bubblegum. A beautifully, drinkable ale that is brewed for a great cause.

 

Alt Lady

Inspired by “Who’s Making Love” Johnnie Taylor

Our Altbier is brewed to pay homage to the beers being brewed in Düsseldorf Germany. When translated from German to English “alt” means old, a reference to the old style of making beer – since ales were around before lagers. A city along the Rhine, just like Memphis is next to the Mighty Mississippi, the water is hard and brings a minerality to the beer that adds a pleasant crispness. Even though it is an ale, we condition this beer at near freezing temperatures for 6 weeks to add a subtle, soft smoothness to the body of the beer. The darker malts used also bring a gentle, honeyed biscuit and a hint of woodsiness to the flavor. Aromas of fresh flowers or peppery spice come from the hops. A firm bitterness rounds out the beautiful finish of this unique style of beer. A refined beer that is hard to find done right outside of Düsseldorf; it has been perfected by our German trained Master Brewer to share with you!

Food Pairings: Schweinshaxe • Feta Cheese • Apple Pie

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“Who’s Making Love” Johnnie Taylor

Recorded at Stax, 1968

Written by Stax Records staff Homer Banks, Bettye Crutcher, Don Davis, and Raymond Jackson and recorded by Taylor in 1968. It reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and would be the single that Taylor would become primarily known for; it featured the house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s and Isaac Hayes on keys. Taylor grew up in West Memphis, AR performing in gospel groups and in 1966 he came to Stax Records and was nicknamed the “Philosopher of Soul;” by the mid 70s, along with Isaac Hayes and the Staple Singers, he was one of the label’s flagship artists and was often credited as keeping the company afloat after Otis Redding’s accident. He retired from music and became a radio DJ until his death in 2000. A three time Grammy award nominee; in 1990 he was given a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm & Blues Foundation; in 2015 he was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame; and he was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2022.

Mo Joe Workin’

Inspired by “Got My Mojo Workin’” Muddy Waters

Our Imperial Coffee Milk Stout is a robust and strong coffee ale. Aromas of roasted coffee are noticeable right away. Mo Joe Workin’ has been brewed and conditioned with local coffee from Dr. Beans. The blend of coffee beans give this ale a strong flavor of dark berries and roasted nuts with woodsy pine lingering on the palate. Lightly hopped to bring balance, lactose is also added to give a very, silky body and mouthfeel. Lactose also gives the illusion of cream added to coffee, giving a rounded out sweetness. This high alcohol, warming stout will keep your mojo working on those long, cold winter nights.

Food Pairings: Beignets • Piave Vecchio • Po’ boys

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“GOT MY MOJO WORKIN’” Muddy Waters

Recorded at Chess Records, 1956

A blues song written by Preston Foster, originally a doo- wop style recorded by Ann Cole in 1956. Foster’s lyrics describe several objects associated with hoodoo folk magic. In hoodoo, a mojo is an amulet consisting of a bag filled with magical items, that the person wears on their body and carries around with them. Muddy Water’s version adapted the song with some different lyrics and a new musical arrangement, moving the song into a blues and rock and roll mash up. His version is the best know rendition of the song, it was a standard during his live performances and considered a blues standard being covered by many different artists. It is included in the Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and in 1999 received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

Thirteen °Pils

Inspired by “Thirteen” Big Star

Our Czech Style Pilsner is a light lager beer with a rich malt character that resembles rustic bread. We use Czech floor malted barley and Memphis’ perfect water in a traditional decoction. A firm bitterness from the Czech hops and a slight grassy note, that is well balanced and refreshing.  Our standard pour is smooth liquid to the pour line with a creamy big head. This lager originates from Plzeň, in the Czech Republic; however Pilsner Urquell is the only beer that can truly be called a Pilsner as it is located within the city, despite how widely adopted this name has become. Na Zdraví! To your health!

Food Pairings: Nashville Hot Chicken • Goat Cheese • Scalloped Potatoes

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“THIRTEEN” Big Star

Recorded at Ardent Studios, 1971

Big Star, formed in Memphis in 1971, by Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Jody Stephens, and Andy Hummel, the band would break up by 1975, only recording 3 albums; but would produce a style that foreshadowed the alternative rock of the 1980s and 90s. The band drew influence from The Beatles, The Byrds, and The Rolling Stones, which Rolling Stone magazine would later describe them as the “quintessential American power pop band.” The band is considered “one of the most mythic and influential cult acts in all of rock & roll.” They have been credited as influences on the following bands: R.E.M., KISS, the Replacements, and many others. Their music will live on through the next generation of musicians that find their albums while crate digging at local record stores. Thirteen would go on to be one of their biggest songs released off their first album, #1 RECORD, with Rolling Stone describing the song as “one of rocks most beautiful celebrations of adolescence” and rating it in the list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Big Star was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2014.

Cupid

Inspired by “Cupid” Sam Cooke

Our Chocolate Stout can only be described as chocolate on chocolate on chocolate! A rich stout that can be shared or enjoyed alone.  We start Cupid with a stout base using roasted chocolate malts, this gives our first introduction of chocolate flavor, while also giving some balance to the sweetness. Adding cocoa nibs layers the chocolate flavors even more; and then using oats for a silky mouthfeel. The addition of vanilla and lactose enhances more chocolate characteristics and sweetens it up. A tripled chocolate stout for a treat anytime, but made even sweeter when shared with whomever you deem worthy. After a few sips of Cupid, you will be asking for that arrow to go straight into your lover’s heart!

Food Pairings: Oak-Fired Filet • Boursin Cheese • Dessert

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“CUPID” Sam Cooke

Recorded at RCA Studio, 1961

Written by Sam Cooke, originally for another artist per his producers request, but after they heard her sing it, they kept it for Cooke to perform himself. A music critic described the song as the “perfect pop song” because it combines Latin, R&B, Jazz and mainstream pop elements together seamlessly. The song would be another Billboard 100 and Hot R&B charting hit for Cooke and was included in Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. It would also be covered and performed by another soul legend, Otis Redding. Standing the test of time and covered by artists many years later for new generations, including Amy Winehouse and Boyz II Men. Cooke was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and is referred to as the “King of Soul,” he is still regarded as one of the most influential soul singers of all time.  A perfect song to pair with our Chocolate Stout!