Toadies Release 'Rubberneck Red' Collaboration

By: Caryn Robbins Feb. 12, 2014

Fort-Worth-based platinum recording artist Toadies have teamed up with Texas brewers Martin House Brewing Company (MHBC) for the release of Rubberneck Red, a collaborative limited edition beer, debuting this spring. Rubberneck Red is a 5% ABV malty red ale with a big dose of American hop flavor. The beer's debut coincides with a huge milestone for Toadies - the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling debut album Rubberneck - and marks the one year anniversary for Martin House as a brewery. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Kirtland Records will be releasing a re-mastered special edition of Rubberneck, set to drop on April 1st.

The idea for a Toadies beer began in the summer of 2013. As the band discussed their vision, MHBC quickly came to mind as the ideal local brewery to partner with. Toadies soon had the chance to meet the Martin family brewers, and it was instantly a match made in heaven. Vaden Todd Lewis, Toadies frontman, says that pairing up with Martin House was like "hanging out with old buds - who happened to run a brewery." Drummer Mark "Rez" Reznicek also shared his delight: "Having a beer named after/inspired by the Toadies is amazing." The partnership was also a dream come true for the Martin family. "I grew up on Toadies music and it has always been a part of my life," Cody Martin says, "I had thoughts about working with the Toadies since we started Martin House, so when they came to us asking to make a beer together, I was beyond excited."

The Toadies were heavily involved in all aspects of the beer's creative process and the Martins welcomed them with open arms. "More than anything, we wanted it to be a beer that the band would want to drink while they played music," Cody said. To develop the beer, there were several meetings and tastings. The final product was crafted with caramel and Munich malts, which give the beer a solid malty flavor and bold red color. The American hops were used intensively during the brewing process to bring out the tropical fruit and pine flavors. "Lastly, we serenaded the yeast with non-stop Toadies music to give it just hint of Rock 'n' Roll," says Cody. Rubberneck Red was born.

The artwork on the can was designed by Donny Stevens. For Rubberneck Red, Donny wanted to create something that combined the MHBC brands while really highlighting Toadies' influence on the name and recipe. Donny looked to the original Rubberneck cover art for inspiration, taking the red and green color scheme and applying it to his can art. The mysterious man on the can is a play on the Rubberneck man, this time he stands on the shores of Possum Kingdom Lake with Hell's Gate upon the horizon.

Toadies and Martin House will host a Rubberneck Red Beer Launch and Brewery Tour on Sunday March 16th at Martin House Brewery in Fort Worth. In celebration the Toadies will play an intimate acoustic set at the brewery. This will also be the first chance to taste Rubberneck Red. Tickets for this exclusive event will go on sale Friday February 14th starting at 10:00 AM CST. Patrons must be 21+ to attend this event and can purchase tickets from the link below. Rubberneck Red will be available exclusively throughout Texas starting this April.

GET Tickets to the March 16th Celebration here: http://www.prekindle.com/promo/id/22815447477026869