Ragga metallers Skindred are the kind of band you just have to go and see live. They raise the roof in any venue they play. Their heady, unique fusion of music styles and vibrant creativity, alongside their aim of bringing people of all backgrounds together, and achievements doing so, drew Ross Holland (Head Brewer of Box Social Brewing) to want to work with this iconic band.
Ross, founder of Box Social Brewing – a 15-barrel UK Micro-Brewery based in Newburn, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has also always aimed to bring people together over a good beer. Skindred’s seamless blend of Metal, Ska, Rock, Hip Hop and more resonated with him, hence he got in touch with their charismatic, larger-than-life front man, Benji Webbe.
Walking down to see the band play their Newcastle gig, Ross thought about how amazing it would be to create a unique beer with the band, whose seven albums, he had heard dozens of times each.
Following the bands performance Ross talked with both Skindred and 7PM Management, working out how to make a beer that could represent the band and brewery both. Eventually, they settled on a particular recipe: a complex, unique beer, that unites both rich roasted bitter flavours, with the sweetness of vanilla and the spice of Jamaica. This beer is a harmonious blend of different flavours – a fitting tribute to the band, uncompromising on flavour and texture, yet equally unique, inviting and open to everyone.
But what to name it? The moniker they hit on was ‘Union Black’ after Skindred’s fourth album: A complex, unique beer, that unites both rich roasted bitter flavours, with the sweetness of vanilla and the spice of Jamaica. The beer is a harmonious blend of different flavours, a fitting tribute to the band, uncompromising on flavour and texture, yet equally unique, inviting and open to everyone.
“This beer is the perfect representation of Box Social Brewing and Skindred,” says Ross, “And can be enjoyed by all people, together. Best enjoyed listening to their unique sound, we hope you like it!”
For anyone wanting to order the beer or to know more about Box Social Brewing go to