Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

Editorial Dept.'s picture

AleSmith To Release Beer Inspired by Sublime's "40 Oz. To Freedom"

AleSmith is planning to release Sublime Mexican Lager in June 2017 in order to celebrate and honor the 25th anniversary of Sublime's classic "40 Oz. To Freedom" album.

The beer will be available, fittingly, in limited-edition "forties" directly from the brewery, as well as 6-packs of 12-ounce cans throughout its distribution footprint.

Here is the full release from AleSmith:

How do Southern California’s favorite reggae-punk pioneers commemorate the 25th year anniversary of their iconic album “40oz. to Freedom?” They release a 40oz. bottle of their own beer, of course.

Long Beach, CA/ San Diego, CA, March 21, 2017- Sublime has something special brewing for their fans in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their seminal debut album “40oz. to Freedom.” The band, hailing from Long Beach, has enlisted the help of craft beer stalwart AleSmith Brewing Company, operating out of San Diego, to brew this namesake beverage.

AleSmith Brewing Co. is brewing a Mexican-style lager on behalf of Sublime. There are plans for national distribution of the beer in 12oz. six-pack cans through AleSmith’s supply channels with an initial small batch of limited edition 40oz. bottles to be made available for sale from the brewery.

When asked how the decision to produce a Mexican-style lager came about, AleSmith owner/CEO, Peter Zien replied, “The band members are all big fans of this style of beer. We wanted to create our thirst-quenching version of a traditional Vienna-style lager (famously brewed by the Mexican breweries) that showcases a grainy, malt-forward sweetness and easy drinkability.  Clean and crisp with subdued hop bitterness to balance, makes Sublime Mexican Lager the go-to beer for hot summer days or pre-concert tailgating.”

“From our very first meeting this was obviously a perfect fit,” says Sublime’s manager Dave Kaplan.  “Both AleSmith and Sublime are all about staying true to quality and authenticity above all else. Plus, I always could see that classic Sublime ‘Sun’ logo on a beer bottle. We just needed a world-class beer to go inside and we found it with AleSmith.”

“It doesn’t taste like anything else,” says Sublime co-founder Bud Gaugh. “The flavor is great and it has a craft beer flare with a true Mexican lager taste. This is the one!”

“Being a beer lover, I’m so proud to partner with an elite world-class brewery like AleSmith and I know Sublime fans will absolutely love it!,” added Troy Holmes, widow of Bradley Nowell.  “Like Bradley sang, ‘That 2nd beer was such a turn on.’”

As to how the Sublime and AleSmith Brewing Co. partnership was forged, it came down to similar track records and longevity within their respective industries.  Since 1988, Sublime has stayed true to their independent, authentic music and lifestyle, resulting in a continually growing fan base with over 17 million albums sold.  The band has brought all walks of life together through their revolutionary blend of musical styles.  Since 1995, AleSmith Brewing Co. has been dedicated to creating the world’s highest quality beer while promoting an understanding and appreciation of craft beer and its styles and traditions to those they call their customers.  The brewery has brought beer fans from around the globe together through their artisanal approach toward brewing and a diverse portfolio of beer styles offered. 

Sublime Mexican Lager will become a permanent fixture in stores with a June 2017 release to coincide with the official anniversary date of “40oz. to Freedom.”  Consumers should expect to see the beer nation-wide throughout AleSmith’s distribution channels. Exact outlets for the limited edition 40oz. bottles have yet to be determined.