In July and August of 2021, we lost Dusty Hill ( Bassist, ZZ Top) & Charlie Watts ( Drummer, Rolling Stones), respectively. They were initially, an easy choice to honor with this homebrew recipe ( I typically design and name my beers after musicians).
An IPA seemed the best route where understated British Malts could conjur Charlie, and Neo-Mexicanus hops ( the only kind that can thrive in the Texas heat) would represent Dusty. In my mind’s eye, I could see Dusty & Charlie keeping time for Heaven’s rock n’ roll band. Thus, the name “Heaven’s Rhythm Section.”
The beer started with that narrative. Then, it changed.
This beer was brewed on September 25th, 2021. Eleven days earlier, Sloane Swanton entered Heaven as well. She was 18 months old. A rare and malignant pediatric chordoma would end up taking her life after a long and intense fight.
Sloane Swanton
Some backstory– Sloane’s parents, Mat & Sarah, are WONDERFUL humans. When our family moved to the Columbus, OH area, we didn’t know anyone. Mat & Sarah’s two older daughters were the same age and in the same classroom as our two kids. Our families would run into one another often, and you could easily sense their warmth and kindness. They made us strangers feel welcome; something we will never forget.
We remember when they were pregnant with Sloane, and us talking through potential names ( they chose the right one) and us playfully ribbing Mat for having to live with yet, another girl. Sloane arrived right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit full force and lockdowns started. When we did get to see her, it was clear, that she was a special child. People say that, and often don’t mean it, since all children are special. Sloane was the real deal. A quick and true smile. Easy going in all conditions. Warm, like her parents. Fun, like her sisters. In every interaction we had we can’t remember her ever being anything but happy and wearing a huge grin.
When our family decided to move back to Indiana, it hurt having to say “bye” to them. When we learned of Sloane’s rare chordoma our hearts broke again. Through Sloane’s fight, it was evident that their family’s warmth and kindness had been bestowed upon many, with so many offering help and support.
This beer will be another way we can help and also honor Sloane.
So here’s HOW:
- We have 25 total, 22oz bottles of Heaven’s Rhythm Section.
- We are going to trade them for a donation to the Chordoma Foundation, and our family will match donations up to $500.
- ( We would LOVE to see at least $1,000 total contribution in Sloane’s honor, so we are suggesting $10-$25 in exchange for a bottle.)
- Send us a direct message or text of proof of your contribution to the foundation, and your address, and we’ll get you the beer. That simple. ( If you’re local, we’ll deliver your bottle.)
- First come, first serve. If you make a donation, and the beer has run out, I’ll brew more and get you one ( This process will take time, so be patient).
I thought about changing the name of the beer once it became clear what we were going to do with it…. But then… it made sense. Heaven’s Rhythm Section – in honor of those we’ve lost, keeping the beat, and driving us on from above; especially Sloane.
Andrew L Hamilton 