Asheville Brewing Company and the Asheville-based Bob Moog Foundation are launching a beer named for synthesizer pioneer, Bob Moog.
The Moog Filtered Ale, an American pale, will be available starting Thursday May 27. The first tastes will be served to the public at Moogus Operandi, the Moog Foundation’s fundraising event, showcasing synthesizer musician Erik Norlander. All proceeds from the sale of the limited edition beer will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation — that’s right, all.
The Ale initially will be sold from May 27 through May 30 at Greenlife Grocery, The Orange Peel and Asheville Pizza and Brewing. Beginning May 31, the beer will be distributed nationally and internationally (where possible) through Asheville-based beer shop Bruisin’ Ales. It also will be available on tap at various restaurants and pubs throughout Western North Carolina.
“Moog Filtered Ale is an American-style pale ale with distinctive notes of caramel and pine. It’s a very accessible beer that reflects the Moog legacy. I’ve been a fan of Bob Moog since college, and I am excited to present a beer in honor of an American pioneer,” says Doug Riley, head brewer and part owner of the Asheville Brewing Company.
Asheville Brewing previously produced a limited edition Christmas Jam White Ale in honor of Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam concert. All profits from that beer’s sales went to the W&S Charitable Foundation, which partners with Habitat for Humanity to provide housing for area residents.
Sean McDonald, who serves on the Bob Moog Foundation’s Board of Directors as co-chair, is excited about the ale — and what it means for Moog. “We can give people a rock star way to donate to the Bob Moog Foundation, which means schools will get better programs to use music to teach science,” he says. “I think the whole team here at the Foundation is really proud to be working with Mike Rangel and Asheville Brewing because this model is fun, innovative and generates revenue for a non-profit that’s making the world a better place. That’s a win-win-win.”
The label for the Ale was designed by Asheville artist Phil Cheney, and is already garnering praise (see below). The label depicts Bob Moog leaning over a keyboard with musical notes, synthesizer knobs, and patch cables floating around him. The number “76” graces the upper right-hand corner of the label, commemorating what would have been Moog’s 76th birthday on May 23 (Moog died in 2005).
When asked how he likes the brew, McDonald says, “I love it. Perfect ale —
worthy of the Moogie community of donors, sponsors, allies, volunteers and friends. In my experience, the Moog Filtered Ale is best served with a pizza from APBC and a side of synth rock, turned up loud … but I’m going to try salad and theremin jazz next.”
Tickets to the Moogus Operandi fund-raising event and beer launch are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Visit www.theorangepeel.net to purchase.
Great idea, great beer, great event! Mountain Xpress is excited to be a co-sponsor of the May 27 Moogus Operandi show!!!!