Zelda and Craft Beer

Zelda

Well happy release day everyone! It’s Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom release day (5.12.23). Did everyone get it already? Physical copy or download?

Earlier in the day I covered Black Flag Brewing Company’s latest release – Motueka’s Mask; in honor of Majora’s Mask. You can find that beer review here:

Was a wonderfully tasty New England IPA released just in time for Zelda day. (I guess we can call today Zelda day can’t we?)

Just like Star Wars – which we cover every year with our May the Fourth articles (May the Fourth 2022 and May the Fourth 2023), this article is going to take a look at Zelda and Craft Beers designed to celebrate the Legacy of Zelda.

There is certainly no shortage of craft beers that illustrate the influence Zelda and the franchise has had on the brewers, creators, and owners of breweries. So let’s celebrate Zelda!

Zelda and Craft Beer

Motueka’s Mask by Black Flag Brewing Company

Craft beer and video games might seem like two completely unrelated topics, but in recent years, many breweries have been releasing beers inspired by popular video games. One of the most popular franchises for video game-inspired beers is the Legend of Zelda series. Fans of the series can now enjoy a delicious brew while they embark on their next quest.

Deviate Brewing, based in Indianapolis, has created a beer that pays homage to one of the most iconic items in the Legend of Zelda series – Lon Lon Milk. Their Lon Lon Milk Stout is brewed with lactose and coffee beans, and it delivers a rich and creamy flavor that would satisfy any adventurer’s thirst.

Another popular Zelda-inspired beer is The Legend of Kolsch by Fifth Hammer Brewing. This light and refreshing German-style Kölsch features notes of honey and biscuit malt, with a crisp and clean finish. It’s the perfect brew to enjoy after a long day of dungeon crawling.

For those who prefer hoppy beers, Schilling Beer Co. has created an IPA that references a famous line from the original Legend of Zelda game – “It’s Dangerous to Go Alone”. Their It’s Dangerous to Go Alone IPA is brewed with Amarillo, Cascade, and Simcoe hops, giving it a bold and bitter flavor that is sure to satisfy any hophead.

Woodland Empire Ale Craft’s Majora’s Mango Wheat is a light and fruity wheat beer that is perfect for those hot summer days. Brewed with mango puree, it’s a delicious and refreshing beer that pays tribute to the Majora’s Mask game in the Zelda franchise.

Last but not least, Hop Butcher for the World has released a beer that is inspired by one of the most famous weapons in the Legend of Zelda series – the Master Sword. Their Master Sword IPA is brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops, delivering a hoppy and flavorful brew that would satisfy any beer enthusiast.

The popularity of video game-inspired beers has been on the rise in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do these beers offer a fun and unique way to pay tribute to beloved games, but they also provide a new way for breweries to get creative with their flavor profiles and brewing techniques.

One reason why the Legend of Zelda franchise is such a popular source of inspiration for brewers is the rich and immersive world that it creates. From the lush forests of Hyrule to the mysterious temples and dungeons, the Zelda games offer a wealth of ideas and themes for brewers to draw from.

In addition to the Lon Lon Milk Stout, Deviate Brewing has also released a beer called Cucco Attack. This hoppy and citrusy IPA is named after the infamous Cuccos (or chickens) in the Zelda games, which can quickly turn on players if they attack them too many times.

Fifth Hammer Brewing has also released another Zelda-inspired beer called Clock Town Lager. Named after the bustling town in Majora’s Mask, this light and refreshing lager features notes of biscuit and honey malt, with a crisp and clean finish.

Meanwhile, Black Bottle Brewery has created a beer that pays tribute to one of the most iconic characters in the Zelda series – Link. Their Link’s Liquid Courage is a barleywine-style beer that is aged in bourbon barrels, giving it a bold and complex flavor that is sure to impress.

Another brewery that has gotten in on the Zelda-inspired beer trend is Burial Beer Co. Their Skorn of Ganon is an imperial stout that is aged in bourbon barrels and features notes of dark chocolate and coffee. It’s a rich and decadent beer that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter’s night.

Overall, the Legend of Zelda franchise has inspired some truly fantastic craft beers that are sure to please both gamers and beer enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a fan of stouts, IPAs, lagers, or barleywines, there’s a Zelda-inspired beer out there that is sure to satisfy your thirst. So grab a cold one, sit back, and prepare to embark on your next epic quest!

Some Zelda Themed Beers

Lon Lon Milkshake IPA

There are several craft beers with a Zelda theme that have been produced by various breweries. Here are a few examples:

  1. Lon Lon Milk Stout by Deviate Brewing – This beer is a rich and creamy stout brewed with lactose and coffee beans, inspired by the iconic Lon Lon Milk from the Legend of Zelda games.
  2. The Legend of Kolsch by Fifth Hammer Brewing – This is a light and refreshing German-style Kölsch beer named after the iconic video game franchise. It features notes of honey and biscuit malt, with a crisp and clean finish.
  3. It’s Dangerous to Go Alone IPA by Schilling Beer Co. – This beer is a hop-forward IPA brewed with Amarillo, Cascade, and Simcoe hops. The name is a reference to a famous line from the original Legend of Zelda game.
  4. Majora’s Mango Wheat by Woodland Empire Ale Craft – This beer is a light and fruity wheat beer brewed with mango puree. It is named after the Majora’s Mask game in the Zelda franchise.
  5. Master Sword IPA by Hop Butcher for the World – This beer is an intensely hoppy IPA brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops. The name is a reference to the legendary Master Sword in the Legend of Zelda games.

These are just a few examples of the many Zelda-themed craft beers that have been created. If you are a fan of the franchise, you may want to check with your local breweries to see if they have any Zelda-inspired beers on their menu.

Craft Beer Brewers Are Just as Enthusiastic About Zelda

Craft Beer Brewers are just like Craft Beer Drinkers… kinda nerdy, kinda hip, kinda cool, kinda uncool. And that means they are just as enthusiastic about Zelda too. So thats why theres so many pop culture themed beers, like Zelda beers, Star Wars beers, etc.

Calling all Zelda fans and craft beer enthusiasts! The Legend of Zelda franchise has inspired a wave of creative and delicious craft beers, and we’re here to explore some of the best brews that pay homage to this beloved series.

First up on our list is Lon Lon Milk Stout from Finkel & Garf Brewing in Boulder, Colorado. This sweet and creamy milk stout is named after the iconic Lon Lon Ranch from Ocarina of Time and features notes of chocolate and roasted malt. It’s a deliciously smooth and comforting beer that’s perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.

Another standout Zelda-inspired beer is Tears of the Goddess from Red Castle Brewery in Portland, Oregon. This Belgian-style golden ale is brewed with chamomile and honey, and is named after the tears of the goddesses that play a crucial role in the series’ lore. The beer is light and refreshing, with a sweet floral aroma and a crisp finish.

If you’re looking for something a bit hoppier, check out Cucco Attack IPA from Deviate Brewing in Indianapolis, Indiana. This citrusy and hoppy IPA is named after the infamous Cuccos (or chickens) that can wreak havoc on unsuspecting players in the Zelda games. With its bright and refreshing flavors, it’s a great beer to enjoy while embarking on your next epic quest.

For a darker and more decadent option, try Skorn of Ganon from Burial Beer Co. in Asheville, North Carolina. This imperial stout is aged in bourbon barrels and features notes of dark chocolate and coffee. It’s a rich and complex beer that’s perfect for sipping by the fire while reflecting on your latest adventure.

Finally, we have Clock Town Lager from Fifth Hammer Brewing in Queens, New York. This light and refreshing lager is named after the bustling Clock Town from Majora’s Mask and features notes of biscuit and honey malt. It’s a clean and crisp beer that’s perfect for pairing with a hearty meal after a long day of adventuring.

Whether you’re a diehard Zelda fan or just a beer enthusiast looking to try something new, these Zelda-themed craft beers are sure to delight. With their unique flavor profiles and creative names, they’re a testament to the enduring legacy of the Legend of Zelda franchise. So grab a cold one and let the games begin!

Twenty Zelda Themed Beers

Here’s twenty more Zelda themed beers:

  1. Lon Lon Milk Stout from Finkel & Garf Brewing in Boulder, Colorado
  2. Tears of the Goddess from Red Castle Brewery in Portland, Oregon
  3. Cucco Attack IPA from Deviate Brewing in Indianapolis, Indiana
  4. Skorn of Ganon from Burial Beer Co. in Asheville, North Carolina
  5. Clock Town Lager from Fifth Hammer Brewing in Queens, New York
  6. Triforce IPA from Noble Ale Works in Anaheim, California
  7. Heart Container Hefeweizen from SanTan Brewing in Chandler, Arizona
  8. The Legend of Hefe from 11 Below Brewing in Houston, Texas
  9. Majora’s Mask Ale from Fiddlehead Brewing in Shelburne, Vermont
  10. Master Sword IPA from Brew Link Brewing in Plainfield, Indiana
  11. Kokiri Forest Ale from White Lion Brewing in Springfield, Massachusetts
  12. Zelda’s Potion from Seabright Brewery in Santa Cruz, California
  13. Great Deku Wheat from AleSmith Brewing in San Diego, California
  14. Hylian Rye from 18th Street Brewery in Gary, Indiana
  15. Red Potion Ale from Three Heads Brewing in Rochester, New York
  16. Octorok Saison from Side Project Brewing in Maplewood, Missouri
  17. Shadow Temple Stout from The Unknown Brewing Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina
  18. Link’s Lemonade from Blackstone Brewery in Nashville, Tennessee
  19. Dark World Black IPA from Urban Artifact in Cincinnati, Ohio
  20. Spirit Temple Brown Ale from La Cumbre Brewing in Albuquerque, New Mexico

These are just a few examples of the many creative and delicious Zelda-themed craft beers out there. Each beer pays tribute to different aspects of the franchise, from iconic locations and characters to key gameplay elements and lore. So if you’re a fan of both craft beer and the Legend of Zelda, be sure to check out some of these brews and raise a glass to your favorite game series!

The Legend of Zelda Franchise

The Legend of Zelda – Opening Screen

The following comes from Wikipedia, and provides a quick summary of The Legend of Zelda franchise:

The Legend of Zelda[a] is an action-adventure game franchise created by the Japanese game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. It is primarily developed and published by Nintendo, although some portable installments and re-releases have been outsourced to Flagship, Vanpool, and Grezzo. The gameplay incorporates action-adventure and elements of action RPG games.

The series centers on the various incarnations of Link, a courageous young man of the elf-like Hylian race, and Princess Zelda, a magical princess who is the mortal reincarnation of the goddess Hylia, as they fight to save the magical land of Hyrule from Ganon, an evil warlord turned demon king, who is the principal antagonist of the series. Ganon wishes to use the Triforce, a sacred relic left behind by the three goddesses that created Hyrule, to remake the world in his own dark image. When gathered together, the power of the Triforce can grant any wish its user desires; however, if someone with a heart that does not possess a balance of the three virtues of Power, Courage, and Wisdom attempts to touch the Triforce, it will split into three triangles and bond with three people whose hearts embody the required virtue.

Although their personalities and backstory differ from game to game, the incarnations of Link and Zelda often have many traits in common, such as Link often being left-handed and clad in green, and Zelda being associated with wisdom, light, and prophesy. While the conflict with Ganon serves as a backbone for the series, some games have featured other settings and antagonists, with Link traveling or being sent to these other lands in their time of need.

Since the original Legend of Zelda was released in 1986, the series has expanded to include 19 entries on all of Nintendo’s major game consoles, as well as a number of spin-offs. An American animated TV series based on the games aired in 1989 and individual manga adaptations commissioned by Nintendo have been produced in Japan since 1997. The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises; several of its entries are considered among the greatest video games of all time.

The Legend of Zelda – Wikipedia

Not going to go into the full timeline or gameplay, or every little nook and cranny of the entire 20+ game series, but I think the above does a pretty good job at being a quick summary, and I think the following gives you a good jist of the story.

According to the in-game backstories, the world of Hyrule was created by the three golden goddesses: Din, Farore, and Nayru.[28] Before departing, the goddesses left a sacred artifact called the Triforce, which could grant powers to the user. It physically manifests itself as three golden triangles in which each embodies one of the goddesses’ virtues: Power, Courage, and Wisdom.[29] However, because the Triforce has no will of its own and it can not judge between good and evil, it will grant any wish indiscriminately.[30][31] Because of this, it was placed within an alternate world called the “Sacred Realm” or the “Golden Land” until one worthy of its power and has balanced virtues of Power, Wisdom, and Courage in their heart could obtain it, in its entirety. If a person is not of a balanced heart, the triforce part that the user mostly believes in will stay with that person and the remainder will seek out others. In order to master and control the triforce as a whole, the user must get the other parts found in other individuals and bring them together to reunite them. The Sacred Realm can itself be affected by the heart of those who enters it: those who are pure will make it a paradise, while those who are evil will transform it into a dark realm.[32]

In Skyward Sword, the Triforce was sought by the Demon King Demise,[33] an eternal being that had conquered time itself.[34] After a long battle against the goddess Hylia, guardian of the Triforce, Demise was sealed away within her temple.[29][35] Hylia, placing the Hylians on a floating island (called Skyloft) in the sky to protect them, orchestrated a means to stop the demon from escaping: creating the Goddess Sword (later becoming the Master Sword) for her chosen hero[36] and discarding her divinity to be reborn among the people of Skyloft.[37] In time, Zelda and Link (the reborn Hylia and her predestined warrior) enacted the goddess’s plan and Demise was destroyed, but he vowed that his rage would be reborn and forever plague those descended from Link and Zelda.[38] Following the establishment of Hyrule Kingdom, Demise’s prophecy came to fruition in Ocarina of Time, when Ganondorf’s attempt to get the Triforce scattered it with him gaining the Triforce of Power. The Triforce of Wisdom ended up with the Hylian princesses descended from Zelda, each named after her, while the Triforce of Courage is passed to a youth named Link across generations. While the Triforces of Power and Wisdom have been part of the series since the original The Legend of Zelda, it was only in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link that the Triforce of Courage was first introduced, being obtained by Link at the end of his quest. The Triforce, or even a piece of it, is not always distributed as a whole. Such as in The Wind Waker, Link must find all the pieces (called Triforce Shards) of the Triforce of Courage before he can return to Hyrule. Even in the original The Legend of Zelda, Zelda breaks her Triforce of Wisdom into 8 pieces for Link to find, before she was captured by Ganon.

The Legend of Zelda – Wikipedia

If you want a more thorough read make sure to read the full Wikipedia article or read the book ‘Hyrule Historia‘.

Top Zelda Games

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time box art

Here are the Metacritic rankings for the mainline Legend of Zelda games as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021. Note that these rankings are subject to change as new reviews are added to the site:

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64) – 99
  2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch/Wii U) – 97
  3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super Nintendo) – 95
  4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube) – 94
  5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii/GameCube) – 95 (Wii), 96 (GameCube)
  6. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Nintendo 64) – 95
  7. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii) – 93
  8. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons (Game Boy Color) – 91
  9. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX (Game Boy Color) – 91
  10. The Legend of Zelda (NES) – 90
  11. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Nintendo DS) – 90
  12. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Game Boy Advance) – 90
  13. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo DS) – 87
  14. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (GameCube) – 81

Keep in mind that these rankings are based on the average of professional critics’ reviews and do not necessarily reflect personal opinions or preferences.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Widely considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time, Ocarina of Time was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive story, and stunning graphics, and introduced many of the mechanics and themes that have become staples of the Zelda franchise.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U, Breath of the Wild revolutionized the Zelda formula with its open-world exploration, non-linear gameplay, and survival mechanics. It was praised for its gorgeous visuals, engaging story, and sense of discovery, and is widely considered to be one of the best games of the modern era.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Originally released for the Super Nintendo in 1991, A Link to the Past is widely regarded as one of the greatest 2D action-adventure games ever made. It introduced many of the gameplay mechanics and design elements that have become hallmarks of the Zelda franchise, including the Light and Dark Worlds and the Master Sword.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Released for the GameCube in 2002, The Wind Waker was initially controversial for its cel-shaded art style and lighter tone, but has since become a fan favorite. It was praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative use of sailing mechanics, and is considered one of the most visually striking games in the franchise.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Released for the Wii and GameCube in 2006, Twilight Princess was praised for its immersive world, engaging story, and darker tone. It introduced several new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to transform into a wolf, and is notable for being one of the few Zelda games to receive a T rating from the ESRB.

Some Fun Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom YouTube Vids

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdVO_fYoF5g
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UHacX6tuMM
14 Things to Know about Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (GameSpot)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR_B3xoLIFk
Improved Building Vehicles and Traps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsJbdggGyM0
15 Early Game Tips and Secrets – Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Zeltik)

Some Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Related Links

I always find it funny and ironic mentioning Links on websites with discussion about LINK the character…. but here we are. Here’s some fun links to look up when you have time:

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Thank You For Reading

Thank you all very much for reading. Been a busy week! We always appreciate having you here at the blog, make sure to check out our other articles!

Thank you for reading, I know this was a very long article, and it took me quite a while to do. So I appreciate everyone who read the article, who comments, who shares it, etc. Thank you very much!

In just a bit we are going to be starting up a live stream tonight at Drew’s for Knights of Nostalgia. You can find Josh (MasterMind X Studios), Drew (Knghts of Nostalgia) and myself (The Beer Thrillers) streaming tonight – here: Knights of Nostalgia | Facebook.

Whats your favorite Zelda game? Ocarina of Time? A Link to the Past? The original? Breath of the Wild?

How do you think Tears of the Kingdom will hold up?

Have you gotten to play Tears of the Kingdom yet? Enjoy it?

 

Cheers!

-B. Kline

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