Wearing, listening, and watching Kanye West and his art might be not enough for some fans. No shame in that. They need to experience it in another sense. And now, thanks to the fine folks at Stillwater Artisanal, they can do just that—in the shape of an “I Miss the Old Kanye” Imperial Porter.
How might a Kanye-inspired beer taste? Apparently like Dr. Pepper. The brew boasts 23 different complex flavors—just like Mr. West—and includes ingredients like juniper, vanilla, prunes, Brettanomyces, cloves, plums, and star anise. As the beer’s tagline says: “I’ve been afflicted by not one, not two, but all twenty-three flavors. I’m always one-of-a-kind.”
This isn’t Stillwater’s first foray into producing hip-hop inspired brews. They also recently created the Hopvine Bling, playing off Drake’s hit “Hotline Bling” and is a Dry-Hopped Berliner Weisse with Sauvignon Blanc Grapes. Then there’s the Moneytree$, a Gose-style Session India Pale Ale, of the same name as Kendrick Lamar’s good kid standout “Money Trees.”
Founded by former electronica producer and DJ Brian Strumke, Stillwater Artisanal is unique for more than just its beers. Unlike traditional breweries, Stillwater considers itself a “gypsy” brewer. Instead they use excess capacity at other breweries, where Strumke himself will often travel to craft the beer.
No word yet if this will bring back the old Kanye. Sometimes, tasting nostalgia can be enough.
