DaytonDailyNews.com

Safe to say that beer would be the official drink of country music, huh?

After all, Toby Keith gave us "Beer for My Horses," Kenny Chesney sings of the virtues of "Beer in Mexico" and Alan Jackson reminds us "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere."

And that's not to mention concerts sponsored by Budweiser for Tim McGraw and Corona for Kenny. Yet how many celebrities can boast a beer of their own?

I know, former President Jimmy Carter's brother, Billy, began the whole craze back in the '70s with Billy Beer and just a few years ago, Larry the Cable Guy came up with "Git R Done." But what about country singers?

For those of you waiting for just this moment, it's here. Kid Rock, the ratty looking country crossover from Detroit has decided to bring his expertise to those of us pining for the perfect pint. I guess Kid figures he likes beer, so why not share his love with us?

Rock has signed a deal with the company that came up with the Donald's brand of vodka, Willie Nelson's line of bourbon and Paul Newman's fruit juices and flavored waters to create a Kid Rock line of "premium domestic beer."

According to a statement by Drinks America Holdings Limited, the singer will work with them to, "develop and bring to market a product targeted to beer drinkers who appreciate value with an easy-to-drink, traditional, good-tasting American manufactured beer."

This begs the question: Of all the people out there, why Kid Rock?

Sure, I like his music, but it seems like he prefers his beer wrapped in a brown paper bag.

Company CEO J. Patrik Kenny explains, "Kid Rock is a reflection of great American rock 'n' roll music and the American spirit, and we think we can create a beer in that same image. ... There is no question in our mind that people will try a beer that Kid Rock will stand by and when they like it, a great and incredibly valuable trademark will be created."

Hmm. Details are still being worked out, but the brewski is expected to debut this spring, just in time for college kids to indulge at Daytona!

Gone Country appears every other Sunday. Contact Nancy Wilson, a morning radio personality, at WHKO-FM (K99.1), by e-mail through the Web site at k99online.com.