Motörhead Road Crew IPA: To Hell and Back – Beer Review
If you’re into rock music and craft beer, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Motörhead Road Crew IPA. Named after the iconic song “(We Are) The Road Crew”, this beer is a hard-hitting tribute to both the band’s legacy and the behind-the-scenes crews that keep live music alive. I recently tried the To Hell and Back edition, and here’s my honest take.
A Brief History of the Beer
The original Motörhead Road Crew beer launched in 2015, created in collaboration with Camerons Brewery shortly before Lemmy’s passing. This hoppy pale ale was an instant hit among fans of the band and craft beer lovers alike.
The To Hell and Back edition is a special release that builds on the original, offering a slightly amped-up flavor profile with a nod to Motörhead’s no-compromise ethos. Brewed under license by various craft brewers over the years, it carries forward the snarling attitude of Snaggletooth, the band’s iconic mascot, on every can.
The Pour (or Lack Thereof)
I’ll be honest — I didn’t pour this one. I cracked it open straight from the can at a music gig, and that felt right for a Motörhead beer. That said, others who’ve poured this beer describe it as a clear, golden amber IPA with a creamy, off-white head that sticks around. It reportedly has good lacing and a respectable carbonation level, giving it a nice visual appeal in a proper glass.
Would I have poured it under different circumstances? Probably. But drinking it from the can at a loud, sweaty gig somehow made it feel more authentic.
Taste & Aroma
Aroma:
Opening the can releases a wave of citrus and pine – classic American hop aromas. I picked up notes of grapefruit zest, a touch of tropical fruit, and a hint of caramel malt sweetness in the background. It smells punchy and clean.
Taste:
This IPA leans toward the West Coast style:
- Bold hop bitterness hits first, but it’s not overpowering.
- Bright flavors of citrus peel, pine resin, and a bit of stone fruit follow.
- The malt adds balance with some bready, biscuity notes, but stays in the background.
- The finish is dry and crisp, with lingering bitterness that keeps things lively.
Mouthfeel:
Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation. It drinks smoothly from the can and feels refreshing.
My Verdict: 3.5 out of 5
I give Motörhead Road Crew IPA: To Hell and Back a solid 3.5 out of 5. It’s a well-crafted IPA that doesn’t stray too far from the classics, but it does so with energy and attitude. The flavor is solid, and while I enjoyed it from the can, I would’ve liked to try it poured into a proper glass had I not been at a gig.
Whether you’re a Motörhead fan, a hop-head, or just someone who enjoys a beer with some personality, this is worth checking out — especially if you’re drinking it loud.
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