On the mystical convergence between music and beer

[Rob DeNunzio]

Going through the Philosopher's archives recently, I noticed a post that he'd written on a beer and music episode of The Session (on a month that it was hosted by one of my local brewing heroes, Tomme Arthur, as it were), and realized that as much time as I spend wheedling around on the 'net, I apparently don't pay much attention, having written my own piece on the subject just a few weeks ago myself. (And if anyone in that session feels like chiming in, now'd be the time.)

The basic premise of my post was a rhetorical follow-up to some layman's research that has been done on the effect of one's musical environment on their actual taste buds: specifically, how certain music could make things taste differently. I proposed a sort of tasting party based off this premise, and was soliciting guidelines and suggestions for pairings that could work as a template for getting these parties off the ground. Before I post that follow-up post, however (which I hope to embed with a playlist for your home beer-listening enjoyment), I thought I'd enlist the advice of my (not so) secret brewthren. Take a look at the premise I've suggested and let me know what you think: What aspects of the flavor and aroma of beer do you think can be reflected and affected by what aspects of music? Or is it all about association and the emotional resonance of memory?

The theory posited by Clark Smith is that it's not a personal choice - he argues that there are universal forces at work here - but I'm personally so inclined to disagree that I'd love some feedback before I follow up...

[Eli the Mad Beer Man]

Mooooahahahaha!

First: someone was drinking way too much when they came up with this hypothesis! Wish I'd thought of it! ;)

Seriously though, music has obviously played a pivotal roll throughout mankind's history. It's an expression of the soul. One could almost argue that people who don't like music might not have a soul. But that's my personal opinion - one of many, and none of which I'm shy to proclaim.

But I'm with you... I don't think one's musical environment has any sort of effect on one's taste buds. Then again, I'm a Neanderthalish brute... what the hell do I know?

I love music and I love beer. And I love nothing more then combining beer with blues music (or reggae, which I refer to as Caribbean Blues). But then, I loved blues long before I loved beer. And I know that I don't need one without the other, and the two combined don't mesh to make the "Reese's Peanut Butter Cup" of musically beery nirvana.

I can say for me that music has a far stronger emotional association with memory. I can be rolling along the highway listenin' to the radio - the instant a song from my high school days pops on I can remember things I was doing 20 years! This coming from someone who has to take Gingko everyday to remember their name! Beer doesn't do that. And beer and music? Not jiving for me.

So to this Clark Smith (two last names?) I offer this... the "reasoning" that "universal forces" can discount "personal choice" is an excuse. It smacks of the same Politically (in)Correct "reasoning" from those who can't (or don't want to) accept responsibility for their own actions.

Where the hell did this turn into a diatribe?! ACK! Sorry folks. Slowly back away from the Mad Man. ;) I'll just be stepping off the soap box now and grabbing a beer. It's almost noon here in the Rocky Mountains. Close enough for government work anywho!

[Shawn, the Beer Philosopher]

...and follow up, I will Rob! Little busy today, but let me collect my thoughts and I'll post them in reply soon. Great premise, by the way. I'm excited about the opportunity to get all philosophical on beer. Thank you for posting!