Paradiso’s Dance Beer
Marjan’s favorite pop temple, Paradiso in Amsterdam, has been around for 50 years. And that’s being celebrated not only with music, but also with an anniversary beer: Gloria. Named after ‘in de gloria’ (‘in glory’) and the eponymous pop classic. But it also refers to the building’s original function.
The former church near Leidseplein has hosted pretty much all the pop gods and goddesses on earth on its stage. And even now, Paradiso is still a hotbed of talent, of whom you’ll be able to say in a few years: ‘I saw them when they were still a supporting act at Paradiso.’
Celebration beer
Paradiso is an institution. And it turned 50 this year. That makes you thirsty, thought the management, who wanted a beer of their own to celebrate. For their regular supplier Heineken, such a batch was too small. But Amsterdam-East brewery Poesiat & Kater was happy to brew the celebration beer.
During the official presentation in Paradiso’s basement, Poesiat & Kater brewer Julián Álvarez Zárate says that the Paradiso management was very clear about one thing: no IPA (India Pale Ale). That very bitter and hoppy trend beer is more of a sit-back-and-enjoy beer. The Paradiso beer, on the other hand, had to be blond and fresh, because you had to be able to dance hard with that beer in your hand. A dance beer, in other words.
Dance hard with a Paradiso beer in your hand
After several tasting sessions, they had made up their minds. It became a Golden Pale Ale (5.0% ABV) with a fresh and full flavor, a malty character and a fruity finish. Made not with the hugely popular American hops, but with German hops.
Long neck
A beer like this naturally deserves a bottle. But because the pop temple normally sells beer only in plastic cups for obvious reasons, it couldn’t be made of glass. So they opted for an aluminum longneck. Rotterdam artist Toto Blaauw designed it, and the name became Gloria. For that celebratory feeling.
Gloria costs € 5.00 and can be enjoyed until the end of the year at all Paradiso locations and at Poesiat & Kater, as well as at selected restaurants and retailers. Find out where here.
