In March, after collaborating with bands like Umphrey's McGee, Have Gun Will Travel, JJ Grey & Mofro, Hootie & the Blowfish and 311, Rock Brothers Brewing debuted its latest rock n' roll brew, Rebelution IPA, with a private party at the Hard Rock Cafe featuring a set by the California-based reggae band, which was involved in each stage of development — from style and taste to its name and accompanying artwork.

Now, Rebelution is ready to initiate its official launch, and fans get their first chance to taste it at a blow-out concert on June 25, at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. 

From the release: "We’ve had a bad ass time creating beers with our favorite artists over the last few years,” said Rock Brothers founder Kevin Lilly. “Rebelution came to us through our mutual friend Vincent Jackson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and it was an instant friendship on all levels. The band is as stoked about craft beer as any beer connoisseur or brewer would be. They have been drinking local craft since the early days of Cali IPAs and we love that they care as much about the music and beer industry as we do.”

After several meetings and tasting sessions with Rebelution it became clear the band wanted to recreate the essence of a SoCal IPA, explained Lilly, who is intimately involved with the flavor-profile-process that occurs between band members and brew masters.  “They grew up drinking and appreciating IPAs,” he said. According to Rock Brothers newly-appointed Head Brewer, Eric “The Brewer” Wannemacher, “Rebelution IPA is the perfect harmony of ingredients. The pilsner and rye malts provide a crisp, refreshing and dry finish, while the fuggles and mosaic hops bring the tropical citrus and dense herb characteristics.”

The beer comes in at 7.5% ABV with 41 IBUs, and Wannemacher believes it will be a big hit with both fans of the band and craft beer enthusiasts in general. "Craft beer and music go hand in hand,” said Rebelution keyboardist Rory Carey.  "I was home brewing in college when the band formed in 2004, so quality beer and tunes have been passions of mine for a while.  I can't wait to share them both with everyone on a much bigger scale!” 

Gates for the Sat., June 25 concert open at 4 p.m., with Rebelution preceded by warm-up sets from The Green, J Boog, Stick Figure and Through The Roots; tickets are $30 and can be purchased here. To find out more about the Rebelution IPA, click here.

This article appears in May 5-11, 2016.