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From boy band to brewers: Hanson talks craft beer ahead of 2-night Dallas gig

Until recently, Isaac Hanson didn't consider himself a beer guy.

When he and his musically inclined brothers, Zac and Taylor, would go on tour, Isaac would opt for whiskey instead of a bubbly malt beverage. But as the craft beer movement spread across America, the oldest of the Hanson trio was repeatedly exposed to unique styles and enticing flavors.

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"As anybody in their mid-20s to mid-30s knows, the beer business is a very different one than it was in our parents' generation," Isaac says, adding he grew to appreciate the complexity and creativity behind craft beer.

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Now the band is set to debut its own original recipe. Hanson will stop by Dallas' House of Blues for a two-night stand Oct. 24 and 25. The shows will celebrate the brothers' new original brew, Mmmhops.

There is a slight hitch, though. Contrary to previous plans, Mmmhops won't actually be available at the show. The band is now targeting an end-of-year wide release date.

But there's more to love about this special event. Saturday, Hanson will perform a night of covers from artists who inspired them, followed by a night of original tunes on Sunday.

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We recently spoke with Isaac via phone to hear about the brothers' foray into craft brewing and what fans should expect while they are here.

Hanson Brothers Beer Co. doesn't yet have its own brewery, but it hopes to soon

Hanson worked with Mustang Brewing Co. in Oklahoma City to develop and contract-brew Mmmhops, released in the band's home state in 2013. It's an easy-drinking pale ale that Isaac describes as mellow enough for novices and enticing enough for seasoned drinkers.

Though the band has taken years to distribute it outside Oklahoma, Isaac promises many new recipes down the line.

"There's no reason why we won't have a full brewery ourselves in the future," he says. "Hanson Brothers Beer will be making lots and lots of styles."

Fans might hear Michael Jackson and Billy Joel on the band's opening night.

Jackson and Joel might not be the first things listeners think of when they play a Hanson record, but Isaac says these artists are woven into the fabric of the band's sound.

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The point of the covers evening is to give fans "an opportunity to understand where we've been coming from in a way unlike ever before," Isaac says. There will be classic singalongs and moody mellow moments. Those who dig the vibe can even take a piece of it home with them -- Hanson has recorded an EP of covers which is only available at the show.

What's next for Hanson?

Attendees might hear new-ish songs in Dallas -- Hanson has released 50-plus tracks exclusively for its fan club -- but Isaac wouldn't confirm a new studio album. He says there are other projects in the works that may materialize before another Hanson record, but was hush on details. Until then, at least there's beer coming.