While I’m on a beer and reading binge, I thought it’d only be fair to bring you along on the ride. The two just go so perfectly together that I couldn’t resist looking up craft beers inspired by books, and I was pleasantly surprised. Here are the best of them!
First Rule – Ninkasi Brewing
Despite meeting really annoying men who keep quoting Fight Club at me, I still haven’t managed to dislike this work of art by Chuck Palahniuk. This IPA made in Oregon happens to be named after the infamous line in the book and the film, and the packaging reflects the violence of the book too. It’s made with different hops so you’re going have a whole lot of flavour.
Mad Hatter – New Holland Brewing Company
No points for guessing what this Midwest IPA is inspired from. Anything Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland is good in my book (heh). The beer is just as whimsical and it’s reflected in the three varieties of hops used. We wouldn’t mind pairing this with a burger and fries.
Infinite Jest – Notch Brewing
David Foster Wallace gave us a heavyweight classic in the form of Infinite Jest in 1996 and now Notch Brewing is trying to recreate that with their American Pale Wheat beer of the same name. Although the founders say it hasn’t been inspired by the book, umm… what else could it be about? It’s brewed with malted wheat, Pils malt, oats and Equinox hops and smells like fruity hops… yum!
The Temple – Narragansett
H.P. Lovecraft has inspired everyone with his fantasy horror that gripped so many of us, with monsters like Cthulhu who happen to still haunt my nightmares. But this beer, despite it’s inspiration from one of his books and deadly packaging, is surprisingly pleasant. It’s a sticke altbier which can make even the most stable drinkers are going to be shaken.
Powell’s White Whale Ale – Rogue
Even though this may not be available still, it deserves a special mention solely because of how unique it is. This was launched as a 41st anniversary special for Powell’s Books, dedicated to Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. It’s a German Maibrock style beer which smells malty and somehow, ocean-y. It also has actual pages of the Moby Dick in it (!!!). If you want to forego the pages but have the same beer, Rogue Dead Guy Ale is for you.
