Meddlesome Brewing Co. is adding a new year-round beer to its core lineup with the release of Analog Groove, a 5%-ABV amber ale inspired by Memphis music culture and tied to a charitable initiative supporting local music organizations.
The malt-forward amber ale features notes of chocolate and caramel with a lighter body and subtle toasted bread character.
“The recipe was originally created by our brewer, Chris Hamlett, as one of the first beers he developed on his own,” Ben Pugh, Meddlesome president and head brewer, told Memphis Beer Blog.
“After seeing its potential, we scaled it up, made a few refinements, and ended up with a beer we’re incredibly proud of.”
The name “Analog Groove” was developed through a collaboration with Memphis Record Pressing and their connection to analog sound.
“Vinyl records are made up of grooves that hold analog audio waiting to be played, and we wanted the beer’s name to reflect both that process and Memphis’ deep musical roots,” Pugh said.
Analog Groove will be distributed throughout West Tennessee and North Mississippi.
The beer will officially launch Saturday, May 16, as part of a local music-themed event at Meddlesome, 7750 Trinity Road in Cordova, from 1 to 6 p.m.
The release marks a return to a more balanced core lineup for Meddlesome, alongside Memphis Style, a lager, and 201 Hoplar, an IPA.
“Originally, we had three core beers: a light offering, a hoppy offering, and a malt-forward offering,” Pugh said.
“Over time, we discontinued Broad Hammer Brown because of lower sales volume, but we always wanted to return to that balance in our lineup. Analog Groove represents a return to those roots and gives us a malty, approachable beer as part of our core offerings again.”
Supporting Memphis music organizations
Analog Groove also includes an ongoing charitable component tied to Memphis music organizations.
For every barrel of Analog Groove brewed, Meddlesome will donate $2.50 to local music-focused charities, while Ajax Distributing Company will contribute an additional $1.00 per barrel sold from May through August.
The brewery plans to rotate charity partners throughout the year, with each can featuring a QR code directing customers to information about the current nonprofit partner and its mission.
The first beneficiary will be the Memphis Blues Society, an organization focused on preserving and promoting blues music and musicians throughout the Memphis region.
“Community involvement has always been a major part of who we are as a brewery,” Pugh said. “Analog Groove is another extension of that commitment.”
