Beers as Taylor Swift Eras
If you haven’t kept up with the craze, Taylor’s “Eras” Tour has even been cited by the Federal Reserve for its economic impact. If you’ve been at the shop while our owner, Kelly, is behind the bar, there’s a decent chance you’ve heard at least one Taylor Swift album playing through the speakers. Kelly has been a Taylor Swift super fan for years but didn’t get tickets to the Eras Tour. This week, Kelly selected 10 beers to represent each era of Taylor’s music career.
Album: Taylor Swift Debut
Beer: Hopsadasical from NoDa
Why this pairing works: Taylor’s debut album is a quintessential country album with hits like “Our Song” that make us think about sneaking in through a screen door in the heat of summer. That’s why it pairs perfectly with Hopsidasical, an easy-drinking IPA that you can enjoy while sitting on your front porch.
Album: Fearless
Beer: Ginger’s Revenge Original Ginger Beer
Why this pairing works: Fearless is an album that crosses the lines between country, pop, folk, and rock. Similarly, Ginger’s Revenge brings the best of beer, cider, cocktails, and a unique blend of spices to create a perfect harmony for your taste buds. It drinks like a cocktail, brewed like a beer, and is gluten-free like a cider. “You Belong With Me” was one of the best music videos of all time, and we think Ginger’s Revenge belongs in our everyday lineup.
Album: Speak Now
Beer: The Hustle Is Weird from DSSLVR
Why this pairing works: Speak Now was a clear departure from the youthful wistfulness of Taylor’s first two albums. It mirrors the sophistication found in The Hustle is wild - an American IPA with a complex flavor profile and aggressive hoppiness. While Taylor wrote the Speak Now album entirely by herself, the beer is a collaboration with 19 Asheville breweries.
Album: RED
Beer: Wise Man Angelo’s Italian Style Pils
Why this pairing works: Red was both praised for its versatility and criticized for its departure from traditional country music. Similarly, Angelo’s Italian Pilsner toes the line of the traditional pilsner by bringing in floral and herbal notes through a dry-hop bill of Saphir and Spalter Select. Featuring singles like “We are never ever getting back together,” “I knew you were trouble,” and “22,” this album is a go-to fan favorite, and we think Wise Man’s Italian Pils might be our new go-to beer.
Album: 1989
Beer: Loch Lomond Scottish Export Ale from Flying Machine
Why this pairing works: Taylor’s fifth studio album was the first all-pop album. Titled after her birth year, 1989 symbolizes an artistic rebirth while harkening back to synth-pop sounds of the 1980s. Similarly, Loch Lomond reimagines a Scottish export ale with a nod to traditional lagers. In your Wildest Dreams, this lager will never go out of Style.
Album: Reputation
Beer: Vampire Walrus from NoDA
Why this pairing works: Reputation is full of experimentation and emotional evolution as Taylor works through public scrutiny to come out stronger and more resilient. Tracks like “Look What You Made Me Do” and “...Ready For It” are laced with anger and bitterness, while “Delicate” and “Gorgeous” show a softer side. Vampire Walrus is quite similar - this West Coast Double IPA is aggressively bitter thanks to the experimental hop EXP 17701. But it’s balanced by tropical and fruity notes that keep us coming back for more. Clocking in at 8.3% ABV, this is the strongest beer on our list, so enjoy responsibly to avoid that “This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” talk.
Album: Lover
Beer: Coastal Sunshine (v17) from Humble Forager Brewery
Why this pairing works: After a highly public dispute over the ownership of her music, Taylor released Lover under her new label. With pastel imagery and bubbly pop sounds on singles like “Me!” and “Lover” this album looks overly sweet on the surface, but on deeper examination it reflects Taylor’s thoughts on political issues. “You Need to Calm Down” supports LGBTQ Rights and “The Man” is a pointed message on feminism. Coastal Sunshine (v17) pours neon pink in color but it balances sweet and sour to create one of the best sours in this series. Don’t let the pink exterior fruit fool you - this is a complex blend!
Album: Folklore
Beer: Screw Wit from Hatchet Brewing Company
Why this pairing works: The Lover tour was cut short amid the COVID pandemic, but the folklore album was born from quarantine. The album is a collection of mellow ballads that explore fictional narratives, like those in the singles “Betty” and “Cardigan.” Screw Wit is a classic wheat beer that takes us back to “virtual happy hours” and the search for a bright spot in the midst of chaos. It’s light-bodied, lightly hopped, and simple - a welcome break from the bold and experimental styles.
Album: Evermore
Beer: Turtleback Brown from Pisgah
Why this pairing works: The sister album to folklore, evermore was another surprise album showcasing escapist, indie folk ballads. The Turtleback Brown from Pisgah Brewing Company is named for the waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, which mirror the natural themes found on tracks like “Willow” and “Ivy.” Made from organic ingredients, Turtleback is a malty, medium-bodied, brown ale that’s surprisingly delicious.
Album: Midnights
Beer: Moondance from Wilmington Brewing Company
Why this pairing works: Midnights marks Taylor’s return to pop music after her indie/folk detour. On first listen, it sounds like the T-Swift we’ve come to know and love, but dive into the lyrics and you’ll uncover complex emotions of self-criticism, revenge, and the falling in and out of love. Tracks like “Lavender Haze” and “Bejeweled” are the more mature interpretations of “Love Story” and “Me!” Moon Dance is a belgian blonde ale, but its flavors are far more developed and complex, blending in wild yeast and fruity hops. Both the album and the beer are truly mesmerizing.
Find these, and other exceptional NC Beers at Bottle Theory and check in on UnTappd to tell us what you think.
About Bottle Theory
Bottle Theory is a bottle shop and taproom in Apex, NC, selling fine wine and craft beer. The bar also serves wine by the glass, rotating selection of draft beer and cider, coffee, and tea. Locally owned and operated by Pavel and Kelly Chtcheprov, Bottle Theory is pet-friendly and family-friendly, and hosts food trucks, trivia, and seasonal events. Whether you’re catching up with neighbors over a juicy IPA or picking up a bottle of wine for your dinner party, we strive to provide something special. Located on the Apex-Cary border in the Green Level Market, Bottle Theory has both indoor and outdoor seating, and is steps away from the Greenway. Visit www.ApexBottleTheory.com to learn more.