Nicki Minaj record label launches Jamaica Porter

Island Records, the label of high-profile musical artists such as Nicki Minaj and Florence + the Machine, has made its second foray into beer brewing with the launch of a Jamaica Porter.

Island Records Jamaica Porter (Photo: Island Records)

Designed by brewer and music lover Robin Pearson, of SoundWaves Brewing, in collaboration with Horsham-based Two Tribes Brewing, and ‘A&R’d’ by Island Records, the porter is the second beer released by the record label following the Island Records Session IPA in February. 

In a novel crossover from music to the beer industry, Island Records has committed to a “five-album deal” of beers, with a “long-term plan” for artist development connected to its nascent craft beer range.

The new Jamaica Porter, created as a complement and contrast to the Session IPA, represents “all-night beach parties, heavy beats in the background and lit by the moon in a cloudless sky”, according to Pearson.

The Jamaica Porter contains “signature tropical flavours in line with the Island Records legacy”, achieved through an infusion of coconut, vanilla and rum.

Island Records was founded in Jamaica and has been based in the UK since 1962. It has been responsible for the careers of such artists as U2, Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, Traffic, Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, Toots & The Maytals, John Martyn, Aswad and Tom Waits.

More recently its roster has included Amy Winehouse, PJ Harvey, DJ Shadow, Paul Weller, Portishead and Florence + The Machine.

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The Island Records Jamaica Porter has aromas of roasted cocoa nibs, treacle toffee, dark fruits and creamy vanilla, with a palate of dark chocolate, creamy coconut and vanilla milkshake, and a spicy rum finish. The porter, which carries an ABV of 6.2%, will be marketed and distributed through Boutique Beer Brands.

“It was always our goal to create a unique line-up of quality craft beers that embody the idea of great music, great beer and great vibes, working together in harmony,” Glenn Cooper, Island Records’ strategic marketing director, said.

Robin and Two Tribes have created a fantastic second release with the Jamaica Porter to follow up our first hit, Session IPA, and together with Boutique Bar Brands we are all committed to making Island Records a serious player in the Craft Beer market.”

As with Island Records’ Session IPA, drinkers will be able to ‘Shazam the can’ of Jamaica Porter to listen to Island Records’ new playlist of reggae tunes. Users are required to open the app and tap the camera to access the music.

This partnership with Spotify and Shazam “bridges the gap between music and beer, creating a mood which further resonates those classic Island Records vibes”, Island Records said.