The newest release from Vanessa House Brewing Company, Beerserker Hoppy Lager, bears the images of Jay and Silent Bob, characters from filmmaker Kevin Smith’s series of movies including Clerks, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, on the label. Why the nod to Kevin Smith films? Up-Down, the arcade bar-restaurant in Plaza District, chose Vanessa House to participate in the Mooby’s pop-up this week.
Mooby’s is the fictional restaurant made famous in Clerks, and Smith created the pop-up version to help restaurants during the worst of the crisis in 2020. Just as in the movies, Mooby’s sells Cow Tipper burgers – including a vegan version – Hater Totz, Onion Rings to Rule Them All, Cookies from the Mall Stand and other items, some bearing names too raunchy to print here. (It is Kevin Smith we’re talking about.)
“I watched those movies when I was way too young to be watching them,” said Andrew Carrales, one of the partners in Vanessa House. “The whole theme is kind of nostalgic, and fits the vibe of our taproom, so we were happy to say yes when they reached out.”
The beer itself is a variation on a hoppy lager VHBC has produced before, but this time they used cashmere hops to add melon and citrus notes. For the can design, Carrales said they wanted to work with local artist Juan LeMarante.
“Juan did our Slush Fund label designs,” Carrales said. “We love the work he produces, and this project was perfect for his style.”The pop-up runs through Monday, June 28, but it’s a ticketed event. Each ticket is $29, and customers can select dine-in or carryout. Time slots can be reserved online, and full details and the menu are available at moobyspopup.com.
