Chairman Of The Brews: Chatham Brewery Pays Tribute To Phish With Updated Play It Leo IPA

Chatham Brewery is reviving its Play It Leo IPA in celebration of Phish‘s return to MVP Arena in Albany for Divided Sky Foundation benefit concerts this weekend. Made in collaboration with Cia Brewery and Rip Van Winkle Brewing Co., the Hazy India Pale Ale featuring a blend of Nelson, Mosaic and Citra hops will be available at select Capital District bars, restaurants and beverage centers.

Play It Leo is an update to the beer first released in 2018, which was sold at SPAC during Phish’s two-show run at the venue the following year. “When we first introduced Play It Leo, fans who love Phish were thrilled. It’s a great single IPA, super crushable at 6%, so everybody else liked it, too,” said Tom Crowell, owner of Chatham Brewing, as per news10.com. “Our brewer Matt blasts Phish while he’s working, so he really wanted to get this right. And he did, collaborating with Hutch and Adam.”

“Leo” is among Phish keyboardist Page McConnell‘s nicknames. The moniker originated from the “Play It Leo” line in Cyril Ferguson’s song “Ya Mar,” which Phish has covered since 1987.

Proceeds from this weekend’s concerts will benefit the Divided Sky Foundation and its newly opened facility in Ludlow, Vermont. Livestreams are available via LivePhish.com.