Attend a heavy metal music concert and you are likely to see many things. Mosh pits, high energy, and noise- these are common components of a metal show and they are part of what endears this type of music to its die- hard fans. But another important part of any concert is beer and today, it was announced that another musical act is getting into the beer business. That band is Anthrax and it has cut a deal with Butternuts Beer and Ale Brewery to produce its own brew, Wardance Pale Ale.
Lots of other heavy metal bands have cozied up with breweries to market their own brand of beer or other booze. AC/DC and Iron Maiden have lent their names to beer while antiquated heavy metal bands Warrant and RATT have both released their own wines. For Anthrax to hop on the bandwagon is therefore nothing original, but there are a few key differences that set Wardance Pale Ale apart from the others. For one, it was offered on tap for fans to try at an Anthrax show and everyone was encouraged to share their opinion on what they liked and didn’t like. These suggestions were then taken into account and the recipe for the beer was adjusted accordingly.
Butternuts Beer and Ale owner Chuck Williamson, an avid Anthrax fan, quickly seized the opportunity to brew a beer for one of his favorite heavy metal outfits. And Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian is huge fan of Butternuts, tracing his affections to several of the Garrattsville, New York brewery’s beers, but to one of its pale ales in particular.
“I’ve wanted to do our own beer for a long time. It was just finding the right guy to make that a reality,” said Ian. “I am a fan of Butternuts, especially their Porkslap Pale Ale, and when I found out that Chuck was interested in doing a beer with us I immediately said yes”, Ian added.
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante is equally psyched about the partnership and he and the other band members were very specific with what they were looking for in a namesake brew.
“Finding the right taste that all of us loved was really important, but it was also important that the beer not leave people feeling heavy or filled up afterwards. The other thing I love about our beer is that it goes really well with a burger. It’s the one beer to have when you’re having a ‘Wardance,’” said Benante.
Wardance Pale Ale weighs in at 5.5 percent alcohol by volume and will be available in New York beginning on March 27, 2017. In due time, the beer will make its way to more states and serve more of Anthrax’s thirsty followers. For more information, visit Butternuts online at www.butternutsbeerandale.com
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