“My Life Would Suck Without Brew”: An Unusual Pairing of Music and Beer!

Secret’s out: Rev, the owner of hardcore bourbon, beer, and rock bar Idle Hands, has a soft spot for America’s first “Idol.”

His Alphabet City venue hosted a most unexpected event on October 2nd.  Every Wednesday night from 7-9PM, the bar holds $10 beer tastings featuring different craft breweries; the focus of this particular evening, however, was Rev’s love for pop singer Kelly Clarkson.

Much to the dismay of his co-workers (all of whom are a little rough around the edges), Rev put out a notice asking if any brewery reps would be interested in constructing a tasting menu paired with Kelly’s songs.  The San Diego-based Ballast Point expressed desire; hence, “My Life Would Suck Without Brew” became a reality.

Each Idle Hands tasting entitles participants to three beers, a shot of bourbon or whiskey, and an order of tater tots — a fantastic deal for only $10!  Tonight, we lucked out and got to try four beers: Yellow Tail Pale Ale, Sculpin, Big Eye IPA, and Sea Monster Stout — paired with “Don’t Be A Girl About It, “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “Stronger,” and “Dark Side,” respectively.

These pairings were very thoughtfully constructed: for instance, the Stout was an appropriate match for its song given its coloring.  Lovers of “hoppy” beers would agree their life would “suck” without Sculpin.  Songs blared loudly enough to make conversation difficult, but my girls and I, comprising the majority of the female constituency, enjoyed rocking out to some longtime favorite jams.  We enjoyed sampling several drinks we would not normally order, including the shot of bourbon!

I commend Idle Hands’ clever execution of this unique concept and hope it wasn’t their last musical tasting.  In order to prevent any permanent damage to the bar’s grungy, hardcore reputation, a “late night 80’s metal happy hour” commenced at 9PM.  Don’t worry, guys, I won’t tell anyone about your upcoming Spice Girls night ;)