Big Man’s Brew is the flagship brand of Big Man’s West, a company that is dedicated to licensing products that celebrate the life and legacy of Clarence Clemons, a larger-than-life saxophonist who played with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The brewery, based in Hoboken, New Jersey, is co-founded by Clemons’ son Nick and his brothers.
Big Man’s Brew has been brewing for almost two years, and is already making headway in their goal of becoming a destination for craft beer lovers across the country. A IPA that is named in honor of Clemons and will be sold at special events where the musician is featured is one of their newest offerings, but the company has plans to expand its horizons by offering other beverages, such as coffee and wine.
It is also working on a coconut coffee porter and a chocolate brown ale, both of which feature espresso beans. The company has also started a partnership with Tommy T’s Catering in Vero Beach, Florida.
This stout is a rich, dark, and robust American-style stout that has an aroma and flavor of dark chocolate and espresso with a smooth bitterness and crisp finish. It has a light malt bill with a small amount of wheat and barley. It is hopped with Nugget, Fuggles, and Styrian Celeia hops for added flavor and aroma.
Milner’s Leicht is a lightly flavored, lighter-bodied lager that is reminiscent of the German “leichtbier.” It is brewed with Idaho two row malted barley and a blend of specialty grains for a touch of sweetness. The resulting beer is a clean, refreshing pilsner style with a pleasingly low ABV that is sessionable on its own and pairs well with many of our food selections.
The first IPA brewed at Big Man’s West is named for the late Clarence Clemons, a New Jersey native and former member of the E Street Band who died in 2011. A collaboration with 902 Brewing Company in Hoboken, this India Pale Ale has become a popular beer for fans across the country.
“We thought it would be a great way to remember the life of this guy and to bring his spirit to our community,” said Allen Rosen, a founder of Big Man’s West and chairman of the board for the company. The IPA, which is a tribute to Clemons, has been very well received by beer fans and is available at select special events across the country.
Despite its name, this IPA is not only a great beer to drink during summertime, it’s also great on a cold winter night! A blend of hops gives this beer a citrus and tropical fruit flavor that is balanced with a sweet, malty finish.
This beer is the perfect companion to our smoked salmon and spicy charred onion appetizers. We hope you enjoy this beer as much as we do!
The company hopes to expand its menu with more beers that will help promote the local Mendocino County beer scene. It currently has four beers, including a ginger saison and an English-style brown ale that combines vanilla beans with espresso beans. It also sells kegs of its beers, which can be ordered at liquor stores and are a great gift idea for the beer lover on your list.
