Dogfish Head is once again releasing American Beauty, a pale ale inspired by the Grateful Dead that is named after the jam band’s 1970 LP and is brewed with granola and wildflower honey.
The 6.5 percent ABV brew was initially launched in 2013, and Dogfish Head asked the psychedelic band’s fans for recommendations about the beer’s ingredients. The brewery received more than 1,500 suggestions before settling on granola. The pale ale was a big success, and American Beauty is back for a limited time through 2019. It will be available in a six-pack, 12-ounce bottles.
“After more than 50 years of performing in front of fans all over the world, folks remain fiercely loyal to the Grateful Dead due to the organically imaginative, creative and accessible culture they nurture across all artistic platforms,” said Sam Calagione, CEO and founder of Dogfish Head, in a release.
“We, at Dogfish, are inspired by their music, along with their unprecedented ability to bridge long-lasting, meaningful connections with fans for decades on end. We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Dead for the second iteration of American Beauty and hope fans of free-spirited music and independent beer will join in welcoming back this classic pale ale.”
Even non-deadheads will recognize some of the songs from the American Beauty LP, such as “Friend of the Devil,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Truckin.’” Dogfish Head is also teaming up with Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux to create engaging storytelling events at the Rehoboth and Milton locations in February.
It’s not the first time the brewery has partnered with musicians. Dogfish Head has also produced beers tied to artists such as the Flaming Lips, Miles Davis, Deltron 3030, Pearl Jam and Guided by Voices.
Dogfish Head recently released its 2019 beer calendar, which includes 60 Minute IPA, 90 Minute Imperial IPA, SeaQuench Ale, Flesh & Blood IPA, Namaste White, Liquid Truth Serum IPA, Lupu-Luau IPA, Palo Santo Marron, Burton Baton, Midas Touch and Wood-Aged Bitches Brew.
A new brew debuting this year is called SuperEIGHT, a Super Gose made with several berry and fruits as well as quinoa and red Hawaiian sea salt. It’s described as “slightly tart” with a “pleasantly refreshing finish.”
