What do you get with beer inspired by a book? Lager that goes with pizza and, maybe, pot
First there was pizza. And then allegedly there was pot. Eventually, there was a book. And now there’s a beer.
That’s the story of “Hillbilly Hustle” in a nutshell.
The book, a debut novel by Apollo Pizza co-owner Wesley Browne, is based “loosely” on the history of the Richmond pizza restaurant at 228 South Second St.
According to a press release, the restaurant — under previous ownership — apparently was know as a place where you could pick up a little something herbal to go with your pizza.
Browne took that as the premise of his novel about “Porthos Pizza” and a plot involving a local marijuana kingpin and poker debts.
“It’s not a true story,” Browne said, “but it was inspired by true events and the local setting.”
The book and a beer inspired by the local literature have been drawing rave reviews.
Kentucky author Silas House hailed it a “tour-de-force” and author Kayla Rae Whitaker called it “hilarious, exhilarating, utterly gripping.” Publisher’s Weekly called “Hillbilly Hustle” a “wry, thrilling debut” that would “appeal to fans of Daniel Woodrell and Charles Portis,” according to the release.
Browne will appear at a hometown launch, reading and signing his book at Apollo Pizza in downtown Richmond at 7 p.m. March 6. And Hillbilly Hustle Lager will be on tap there that night and at the other two Apollo Pizza locations (Berea and Lexington), with custom glasses available.
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The book inspired Country Boy Brewing brewers Nate Coppage and Stephanie Miracle to create a beer that goes with pizza and, maybe, pot.
Hillbilly Hustle Lager is lemon-blackberry flavored and was brewed at Country Boy’s Lexington brewery.
The beer has gone over so well that Drake’s reached out to request eight kegs, according to Browne, and Country Boy is brewing more.
