Union Craft Brewing Releases Heavy Metal Parking Lot Strong Golden Ale in Honor of Cult Film’s Anniversary
BALTIMORE – Union Craft Brewing Company today announces the release of a new brew to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Jeff Krulik and John Heyn’s 1986 documentary, Heavy Metal Parking Lot. Considered among the greatest rock documentaries of all time, the 17 minute film explores the tailgating scene festivities prior to a Judas Priest concert at the Capital Centre on May 31, 1986. Thirty years, countless bootleg VHS dubs, and now Youtube views, later – this film has certainly attained cult status and captured a music scene at the height of its popularity.
“I first saw HMPL in my dorm room in college on VHS.” says Jon Zerivitz, Co-founder of Union Craft. “As a big music fan, I fell in love with this perfect time capsule of the early heavy metal rock scene. The fact that it was filmed so close to home – the people, the styles, those beautiful Maryland accents – I felt like I knew some of those fans and relished in their enthusiasm for their favorite band. When I got the call from Jeff & John asking us to make a beer for the 30th anniversary of the film, I couldn’t say ‘Hell Yeah’ fast enough!”
“We approached Union Craft because we’re looking to keep it local,” says filmmakers Jeff Krulik and John Heyn. “The beers are outstanding and the quirky names for the regional tribute brews won us over. Considering all the beer consumed in Heavy Metal Parking Lot, what better way to commemorate the film!”
The beer is a Belgian-style Strong Golden Ale that marries a soft malty character with fruity and spicy notes from the yeast. Notes of pears, oranges or apples balance with subtle hints of pepper on the palate. This style of beer is infamously often named after the devil for its high ABV and spicy character. Packaged both in kegs and limited 16oz tall-boy cans featuring artwork by Baltimore illustrator, Alex Fine, depicting several of the film’s most memorable characters. The beer will debut at a special exhibition and screening at the University of Maryland College Park’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on May 27th.
