Jimi Hendrix's Favorite Beer: A Musical Legend's Drink

Jimi Hendrix is known to have consumed a variety of alcoholic beverages throughout his life, with sources noting his drinking of beer, red wine, and hard liquor. According to his brother Leon Hendrix, Jimi's favourite alcoholic drink was Johnnie Walker Red Whisky, which he always made sure was backstage. On the night of his death, Hendrix was drinking red wine, which he mixed with lager, and this combination may have contributed to his untimely passing.

Hendrix's favourite alcoholic drink was Johnnie Walker Red

Jimi Hendrix's favourite alcoholic drink was Johnnie Walker Red. In his book, Jimi Hendrix: A Brother's Story, Leon Hendrix, Jimi's brother, mentions that the musician always made sure a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red was backstage.

Hendrix's relationship with alcohol was a complex one. While he was known to enjoy drinking, particularly after achieving fame and success, his drinking also triggered anger and violence. On the night of his death, Hendrix had been drinking red wine, which he mixed with lager and drank out of a pint glass. This was unusual, as, according to his friend Meic Stevens, who was with him that night, Hendrix had never drunk red wine before. The doctor who tried to save Hendrix's life said it was "plausible" that red wine contributed to his death, as he may have choked and lost his life because he didn't know how to drink it.

Hendrix's death was ultimately ruled as an accidental overdose, caused by asphyxiation while intoxicated with sleeping pills. He had taken 18 times the recommended dose of barbiturates, which caused him to vomit in his sleep, leading to asphyxiation.

Hendrix's talent as a guitarist, as well as his struggles with addiction, have left a lasting legacy in the world of music. His story serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the destructive forces of addiction.

Hendrix mixed red wine with lager the night he died

Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist, died on the night of September 18, 1970. The official cause of death was ruled as asphyxiation while intoxicated with sleeping pills. However, Hendrix's friend, Meic Stevens, who was with him on the night of his death, revealed that the musician had been drinking red wine mixed with lager, something he had never done before.

Stevens recounted that Hendrix poured red wine into his pint glass of lager and drank the mixture. Despite appearing to be okay that night, Hendrix was found dead the next day, with reports indicating that he had choked on his own vomit.

While Stevens suggested that the red wine could have been a contributing factor in Hendrix's death, it is important to note that a coroner's report attributed the death to an overdose of barbiturates, specifically, taking 18 times the recommended dose of sleeping pills. This overdose caused Hendrix to vomit in his sleep, leading to asphyxiation.

Hendrix's untimely death at the age of 27 shocked the world and highlighted the dangers of substance abuse, which was prevalent in the rock and roll scene at the time. His talent and influence continue to be celebrated, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.

Hendrix's death was caused by choking on his own vomit

Jimi Hendrix, one of the most influential guitarists of the 1960s, died in London on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27. The official cause of his death was asphyxiation on his own vomit while intoxicated with barbiturates.

In the days leading up to his death, Hendrix was reportedly exhausted, overworked, and suffering from insomnia and an illness assumed to be influenza. He was also facing legal troubles, insecurities about his personal relationships, and disillusionment with the music industry.

On the day of his death, September 17, 1970, Hendrix spent much of his time with his girlfriend, Monika Dannemann, at her apartment in the Samarkand Hotel in Notting Hill, London. They spent the day running errands, shopping, and visiting friends. That evening, they shared a meal and a bottle of red wine at her apartment. At some point during the night, Hendrix took nine of Dannemann's Vesparax sleeping tablets, which was 18 times the recommended dosage. Unable to sleep, he also took at least one amphetamine tablet.

The next morning, September 18, Dannemann awoke to find Hendrix unresponsive and covered in vomit. She called for an ambulance at 11:18 am, and Hendrix was taken to St Mary Abbots Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:45 pm. The autopsy confirmed that Hendrix had aspirated his own vomit and died of asphyxiation while intoxicated with barbiturates. The amount of sleeping pills he took, combined with the amphetamines, likely suppressed his gag reflex, making it impossible for him to clear his airways once he began to vomit.

While foul play and suicide were initially suspected, the coroner's inquest concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support either theory, and an open verdict was recorded. The exact circumstances of Hendrix's death remain a mystery, but it is clear that his untimely passing was at least partially due to choking on his own vomit.

Hendrix's drinking triggered anger and violence

While it is unclear what type of beer Jimi Hendrix drank, it is well-documented that he struggled with alcohol addiction. In fact, Hendrix himself admitted that alcohol became a problem for him soon after he moved to Clarksville, Tennessee, in 1961. On his first night in town, he went to a jazz club with $400 (his pay from the army) and left with only $16.

Hendrix's drinking often triggered anger and violence. His friends reported that liquor set off the anger he otherwise kept "bottled up". On the road, he was arrested for drunken brawls, and there were also allegations of domestic violence. On one occasion, Hendrix hit his girlfriend with a bottle, requiring her to seek medical treatment for stitches.

Hendrix seemed to be aware of the destructive forces of substance abuse, once saying that for him, "music is a safe kind of high". Unfortunately, his struggles with alcohol and drugs ultimately led to his untimely death in 1970.

Hendrix's favourite drink inspired a cocktail recipe

When it comes to the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and his taste in beverages, one particular drink comes to mind: beer. Specifically, Hendrix was often seen with a bottle of German beer called Einbecker Brauherrn Premium Beer. This preference for a specific type of beer has not only become a part of Hendrix's iconic image but also inspired a unique cocktail recipe that pays homage to the musician's favourite drink.

Einbecker beer, also known as "Bock Bier," is a dark, strong lager with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It is said that Hendrix developed a taste for this particular beer during his time spent in Germany, where he was stationed with the US military in the early 1960s. His affinity for Einbecker beer followed him throughout his career, and he was often photographed with the distinctive green bottle.

The "Jimi Hendrix Cocktail" is a tribute to the guitarist's beloved beverage. Created by mixologist and cocktail enthusiast Chris Hopkins, the drink is a unique twist on the traditional beer cocktail. The recipe combines Einbecker Brauherrn Premium Beer with a carefully selected blend of spirits and mixers to create a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.

Here's the recipe for the "Jimi Hendrix Cocktail":

> Ingredients:

> - 1 bottle of Einbecker Brauherrn Premium Beer

> - 1 oz. bourbon whiskey

> - 0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice

> - 0.5 oz. simple syrup

> - 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

> - Lemon wedge, for garnish

> Directions:

> 1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is cold, which should take about 20 seconds.

> 2. Strain the contents of the shaker into a highball glass filled with ice.

> 3. Top the glass with Einbecker beer and stir gently to combine.

> 4. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.

This cocktail captures the spirit of Hendrix's favorite beer while adding a sophisticated twist. The bourbon adds a smooth depth of flavor, while the lemon juice and simple syrup provide a balanced sweetness and acidity. The result is a refreshing and unique drink that any fan of Jimi Hendrix and craft cocktails will surely enjoy.

Frequently asked questions