Bob-bin' to the 'bach

Bob Dylan and Rodenbach Alexander

Have you ever been to a party without music?...hardly a party. Most people need music when they drink, or even just socialize. Beer and music pairings then seem like they should have gained more popularity. Fortunately I've recently seen this subject come up several times. Its possible that this obvious match will start gaining more recognition.

When I think of Bob Dylan's music, his characteristic voice is always first to come to mind. His voice has a sweet smoothness, that has an underlying scratchiness. The result is a unique blend of sweet and sour notes. Dylan was born in '41 in Minn.; he is most popular for his songwriting, in which he has been active for over five decades. His music is intelligent and often contains stratified symbolism and messages. Political, social, philosophical, and literary influences are common subjects.

Crack open the beer and crank up the music (Bob Dylan "Boots of Spanish Leather") . Deep burgundies and melodies fill the me and my glass. The slight harshness of Dylan's voice emphasizes the acidity (which is fairly hefty in this beer), and counteracts the deep, diverse harmonies of rich pit-fruits: cherries, plums, and chocolate candied orange peels. Often his voice sharply juts up through the soft acoustics. A balance between soft and sharp levels, combining to make a moody, deep, melody. I sit back and listen as I focus on the blend of sharp acidity, and the sweetness, with its light variations of fruit flavors. bitter and A smooth driftwood note plays back-up to the strong initial impression. The body has an incredible silkiness that reminds you how sweet some of Dylan's music can be. The entire beer, akin to the music, being composed of comparisons and contrasts.

Soured beers and lambics are gaining in popularity again; thanks to micro/craft brewers (MCB) interest in style reviving and extreme methods, such as barrel-aging. Michael Jackson and all the beer writers spreading the word of good beer. contributed the beer's sharp acidity and even some of the colour to aging in grand oak vats. In this case the beer is aged for more than 2 years, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.

Some other music/beer ideas:

Portishead "Humming" and something deep and dangerous: Lost Abbey Judgement Day, or St Bernardus Abt 12 are good bets.

The Faint "How Could I Forget" and Lost Abbey The Angel's Share.

Royksopp "Remind Me" and Tsingtao: For my own reasons, but I encourage associating beers with special memories. I find that is a good place to start when I'm trying to find a matching beer.

Life's a symphony--
Orchestrate it.