What is the perfect present for a 25th anniversary? The gift that keeps on giving, your own beer! Opeth has been celebrating 25 years as a band with a tour, and they are now topping it off with a beer. For the past few weeks, the band has been posting cryptic photos on their Facebook page of kettles, bottles, and other brewing equipment. Finally, the official announcement has been made that Opeth has collaborated with Leeds brewery Northern Monk.
The 9.2% ABV XXV Anniversary Imperial Stout is a fitting style to celebrate the anniversary. The beer comes from a traditional 18th century British stout porter (back in the day, a ‘stout’ porter referred to the strongest of porters). This modern version packs a punch with a whopping 10 malt varieties. Aging is also encouraged- so perhaps you should pick up two bottles- one to drink now, and one to imbibe in later- maybe at Opeth’s 30th anniversary celebration? The Anniversary Imperial Stout is also a limited-release of only 1700 bottles.
Even the packaging is grand, in large 660 ml bottles topped with golden wax dripping off the caps.
A beer collaboration is an idea that Opeth had been looking into for some time. They had not found the right brewery until they met with Northern Monk. Mikael Akerfeldt says, “When we were approached by the fantastic Northern Monk brewery to do a Opeth signature beer we simply could not turn it down. But believe me, we’ve turned down zillions off offers to do alcoholic beverages with the Opeth logo on it. Northern Monk are great. They have great ideas and makes great beer.”
Northern Monk seemed to be just as excited. Founder Russell Bisset says, “We’re big metal fans at Northern Monk and Opeth is often the soundtrack to our brewing. When the opportunity to work with the band came up, we jumped at the chance.”
While they are a fairly new brewery, opening in 2014, Northern Monk is no stranger to working with artists, musicians, and even skateboarders. The Northern Monk Patrons site gives a full list of everyone they have joined forces with in the name of beer.
UK fans can place an order through the Northern Monk website or stop by the brewery in person! For the rest of us across the pond, send an e-mail to libations@northernmonkbrewco.com to coordinate orders outside of the UK.
Kristen Bayusik blogs about beer and music at Nowbeerthis.
