From discussing hop types to debating the merits of fining or not fining, craft brewing presents many an opportunity for enjoyable, chin-stroking arguments.

However, the type of music used to brew beer has not generally been a factor.

Until now.

Infused with live music

Glasgow’s Drygate Brewing Company is collaborating with Celtic Connections to produce the world’s first beer infused with Celtic music.

The beer – named ‘Festival Brew’ – has been infused with live music throughout the brewing and maturation process and has been created to be paired with live performances at Celtic Connections 2016.

Festival Brew is a 5.3% Saison style beer brewed with French hops. The style of beer was inspired by the tenth anniversary of twinning the cities of Glasgow and Marseille; a partnership which has also informed aspects of the Celtic Connections 2016 programme.

A Celtic piper – John Mulhearn – and acoustic guitarist – Finlay Napier – played alongside the brewing team at Drygate as they made the beer.

Microphones placed inside the fermentation tanks will ensure the beer continues to infuse with Celtic music throughout the two week conditioning process.

Adding a fifth ingredient

Matt Corden – Operations Director at Drygate – spoke more about the collaboration:

‘Festival Brew has been a truly innovative and collaborative project; the first time a beer has been brewed to the sounds of Celtic music. Beer is traditionally brewed with just four ingredients. In this instance, we’re adding a fifth – music – and can’t wait to taste the finished result.’

We can’t wait to see the tasting notes. We’re expecting lots of talk of ‘harmonised flavours’ which ‘hit all the right notes’.

Stranger things happen

Will it really make any difference to the beer? Our heart says ‘Yes’ even if our head disagrees.

Stranger things happen in biodynamic vineyards where it’s not unusual for wine makers to bury cow horns filled with cow manure to encourage the vines.

Established in 1994, Celtic Connections is the largest roots music festival in Europe. Running 14th to 31st January 2016, the festival blends music, workshops and events at various venues across Glasgow including a programme of events taking place at Drygate Brewery.