The Clarks inspire Washington brewer's 'Wheat Penny' beer

When they released “Penny on the Floor” in 1991, The Clarks probably never imagined that — 28 years later — the song would inspire a new beer.

The band has teamed up with The Washington Brewing Co. for Wheat Penny, a German-style hefeweizen beer that will be introduced during an Oct. 9 event.

“Several other breweries have collaborated with different bands. It’s the first time we did something like this,” says Angela Burgess, who owns the brewery with her husband, brewer John Burgess. “We reached out to The Clarks and they were very receptive to the idea. We’re excited, and they’re pretty excited themselves.”

“Our collaboration beer with The Clarks is unlike any other wheat beer,” the brewery’s Facebook page says. “To take the place of a traditional malt, John selected an exotic ingredient which gives this beer a creamy, smooth mouthfeel without taking away from the wheat.”

That exotic ingredient is “proprietary, it’s a certain type of grain,” Burgess says. “It’s a really good drinking beer.”

The Oct. 9 event, set for 6-9 p.m, will include a meet-and-greet with members of The Clarks at the brewery, 28 E. Maiden St., Washington.

Wheat Penny will be available by the growler or crowler “until it runs out or we brew another batch,” says Burgess, adding that a batch runs to more than 300 gallons.

The Clarks also are working to have the brew available at certain venues where they will be performing, she says.