Glenn: American Stout

This is Glenn, an American Style Stout ale named for American rock artist, Glenn Danzig. Danzig’s voice is recognizable to many. There’s a high likelihood that you’ve heard the hit off of his band’s eponymous debut from the 80’s, “Mother” ( which oddly enough, received a renaissance in 1993 thanks to MTV). Glenn’s voice is suited for many styles. His vocal range is far wider than the dark rock and metal for which he is famed. He could croon American Standards with the best of them. He’s extremely versatile in the way that Elvis was: deep baritones, and soft mid-ranges.

Likewise, dark and chocolate malts make great bases for other beer styles, but none better than the Stout, which personifies Glenn Danzig’s writing and vocal abilities.

 This particular homebrew follows a template for Stouts, with some tweaks that make it identifiable and unique.  The hops used are powerful, and not designed to stay in the background. Many Stouts keep hops hidden, which can make them a bit weak. Like Glenn Danzig, “weak” wasn’t an option for this beer. Magnum hops break through enough to tell the the chocolate malt, “you’re not alone here.”  

One of the most interesting parts of Danzig’s early work, was that it was slow and clean in places, especially for the reverb soaked music of the late 80’s.  ( For further proof, listen to the drum tracks on his early solo albums). A nod to Danzig’s work can be found in this beer’s yeast – a kolsch yeast, which yields a much different and cleaner finish than Stout’s using traditional ale yeasts.  

It was truly enjoyable creating this American/Gothic/Clean brew, in tribute to Glenn Danzig.  There’s definitely a “Twist of Cain” that you notice while drinking.