"And now for something completely different." This evening I'm pairing some old, British favorites, Samuel Smith's India Ale and Judas Priest's "Sin After Sin." Mmm-yes, jolly good!
Characterized by a deep amber color, Samuel Smith's India Ale is a traditional, English IPA. The nose is fruity, malty, and aromatic. It pours a 1 finger head with subtle and light lacing. Full-bodied and complex, Samuel Smith's India Ale has a rich, abundantly malty flavor with a strong and "fruity hop character." Not as hoppy and bitter as the Northwestern American IPAs, this still has a bite, but is crisp and finishes dry. There is definitely that sweet finish characterized by English IPAs here as well.
Judas Priest's 1977 (Roger Glover produced) classic "Sin After Sin" is a cherished, favorite hard rock/metal album of mine. This is pre-big hit Priest - complex in song-writing and delivery... like a good IPA! From the opening note of "Sinner" to the closing note of "Race With The Devil", "Sin After Sin" delivers a complex, robust, and rich musical journey... so very good with a beer like Samuel Smith's India Ale! With songs like the amazing Joan Biaz cover "Diamonds and Rust," and rockers "Starbreaker," "Raw Deal," "Dissident Aggressor," and the slightly creepy and epic "Let Us Prey/Call For the Priest," the Judas Priest boys do not disappoint bringing forth a full-bodied and powerful song structure. And like the smoothness of the IPA, Priest lays down some beautiful gems as well in "Last Rose of Summer" and "Here Come the Tears."
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of "Sin After Sin" and a bottle or two of Samuel Smith's India Ale tonight! Cheers!!
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