Dogfish Head Craft Brewery: Brewing Up Grateful Dead Vibes

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery: Brewing Up Grateful Dead Vibes

Sam Calagione, a devoted Deadhead and co-founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, starts his mornings on a boat in the Atlantic, fishing and listening to the Grateful Dead. He believes in the power of an hour of Dead music a day to keep his head straight. Calagione and his partner, Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux, collaborated to make Dogfish Head the official beer of the Grateful Dead, creating beers like American Beauty and more accessible brews like Grateful Dead Citrus Daydream Lager and Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale.

The partnership between Dogfish Head and the Grateful Dead is rooted in shared values of sustainability and a desire to make every day a special occasion. The collaboration has extended to limited-edition vinyl releases like the On a Back Porch series, curated by Lemieux and Calagione. Lemieux's deep knowledge of the Grateful Dead's catalog and live recordings has led to the creation of compilations that serve as a beginner's guide to the band's music.

Lemieux's Play Dead streaming service offers over 400 full Grateful Dead concerts, with plans to release more shows from the band's vault. The partnership with Dogfish Head and the release of special vinyl records are part of a larger culture that celebrates the Grateful Dead lifestyle. Calagione admires the community of Deadheads and aims to introduce new fans to the band's music through their collaborative projects. The collaboration between Dogfish Head and the Grateful Dead has been a rewarding and enduring experience for both parties, resonating with fans of all ages.