Birdsong Dabbles With Pink Robots For Flaming Lips-Inspired Beer

Charlotte-based Birdsong Brewing Co. is dabbling with fruits, veggies and rose colored androids for its latest release, Pink Robots, inspired by the eponymous Flaming Lips track. For all the details, see below:

CHARLOTTE, NC — “Local” and “seasonal” are increasingly driving the food decisions we make. So why not beer? Really, why not beer? Seasonality has long been a factor in the creative process for Charlotte’s Birdsong Brewing Co., and the brewery’s latest release — Pink Robots — is just one example of that intention becoming reality.

“For us, beer is intensely seasonal,” says Chris Goulet, principal owner of Birdsong. “We crave light, crisp styles in the hotter months and hearty, more complex styles in the colder months. We think it's important to source local ingredients, so it only makes sense to combine those two themes.”

Pink Robots, inspired by a Flaming Lips song, is a kettle sour brewed with 250 lbs. of fresh raspberries and blackberries. The wildly popular beer recently made it’s third annual debut on tap. And this year, it was canned for the first time as well. Ever experimental and intentional, Birdsong isn’t afraid to get busy with veggies too. The brewery’s favorite ingredient? Probably sweet potatoes, Goulet says, used in the beloved St. Tuber Abbey Ale. “But the hand picked cherries for Puppies on Penguins are a close second,” he says.

Keeping ingredients seasonal and local when they can has many benefits, Goulet says. “We know the growers, we know the product is delicious and super fresh. And we're investing in our community and getting a better product for it.“

On the seasonal horizon for Birdsong? Be-Bop-A-Ree-Bop, a red wine barrel-aged wild stout featuring rhubarb will debut May 18 in 22 oz. bombers. It’s an oak-aged stout that has a slight tartness and smooth finish. Likely coming later this year is the summer favorite Eat a Peach. “Cross your fingers for the peach harvest,” Goulet says. The beer should debut sometime in June or July.