We at Hear Nebraska are fans of enjoying a good craft beer with our music, especially when it’s brewed right here in our home state. Recently, we found ourselves wondering if the two can be “paired,” just as a chef might complement summer salad with a wheat ale, New York strip with a stout, or pizza with … well, anything.
For help and expertise, we asked Zipline Brewing Co.’s Craig Reier, Low Horse frontman and Certified Cicerone®, for suggestions on some Nebraska brews to savor with Nebraska tunes. Read on for five of the Zipline taproom manager’s favorites.
And, by the way, the Lincoln-based Zipline Brewing Co. will be celebrating its second anniversary with the release of Dry-Hopped Black IPA on Black Friday (Nov. 28) in their taproom. Featuring Big Luvs BBQ, free beard trims from The Straight Edge Barber Shop and a raffle for bottles of Barrel-Aged Barleywine from 1 to 9 p.m.
Let’s turn it over to Craig.
* * *
1. McCarthy Trenching’s “My Old Ways” paired with Barrel Aged Barleywine
In the world of beer, Barleywine is equivalent to the “100-proof Whiskey” Dan sings about in this song. As an added bonus, Zipline’s version was aged in bourbon barrels. It’s a beast, at almost 15% ABV, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, but should you find yourself alone with a bottle of it, this song makes for a great drinking buddy.
Listen here.
2. Thirst Things First’s “I Need More Oil” paired with Chocolate Double Stout
This beer is thick and dark, just like oil, but the addition of chocolate complements this song’s sugary, sweet pop melodies. What I’m getting at here is… Drink Oil.
3. Manny Coon’s “Winter’s Bedlam” paired with Belgian Strong Dark Ale
This song sounds best while looking out your window as the snow falls. This beer tastes best the same way. Enjoy this pairing on a snowy day, in the refuge of your warm home. Inspired by the classic Abbey strong ales of Belgium, raisin and dark fruit flavors and a healthy amount of alcohol make it a perfect one day vacation beer.
4. The Renfields’ “SPF15” paired with Kölsch
This is a bright, summery song for a winter day, which goes well with Zipline Kölsch as it’s a summer beer that we are releasing in the dead of winter. Kölsch is a German-style hybrid, essentially an ale brewed like a lager. Very light, like a Pilsner, but with less bitterness, plus some nice fruity, honey characteristics. It’s very sessionable and good for a day at the lake or mowing the lawn, but for now, put away your sunscreen and dig it with this jam.
5. Powers’ “MMM” paired with Dry-Hopped Black IPA
This beer reminds me of a really good rock band. It’s a loud, brash, punch to the face: dark, roasty and malty; bitter, hoppy and piney. But hidden in the depths are notes of citrus and a subtle hint of blackberry. In other words, there is a lot going on, making it complex and nuanced. That’s how I feel about Powers. Loud, technical riffs and booming drums coupled with intricate songwriting and precise dynamic shifts. It’s a perfect match.