August 15th, 2013 - The Ale Of Taliesyn

Here's a requested pairing that goes out to our friend and page fan, Matteo Sillitti from "across the pond" in Edinburgh, Scotland!  Tonight we're going with a McEwan's Scotch Ale from Matteo's city of residence and Deep Purple's brilliant 1968 album, "The Book Of Taliesyn."   Thanks for the request Matteo... cheers mate!!  

Named for the works of 6th-century Welsh poet, Taliesin, "The Book Of Taliesyn" is Deep Purple's 2nd studio album.  As with the first album, "Shades Of Deep Purple," their sophomore album is very much a late 1960s psychedelic/progressive rock album, yet there are hints of the harder edge that would become more pronounced with the band's evolution into the 1970s.  Founding members Ritchie Blackmore (guitars), Rod Evans (lead vocals), Jon Lord (Hammond organ, keyboards, backing vocals, and string arrangements), Ian Paice (drums), and Nick Simper (bass guitar and backing vocals) make up the band of this era.   The depth and talent of DP is evident throughout the album, but really shines on tracks like "Listen, Learn, Read On," "Kentucky Woman," "Anthem," "River Deep, Mountain High," and "Wring That Neck."  There's a great 1960s groove, but with some rocking teeth.  The guitar solo on "Wring That Neck" is brutal!  The drumming and bass work throughout is precise and swinging.  The Hammond organ work is reminiscent of John Mayall, but with more power.  And Evans' voice is smooth as a Scotch ale!

McEwan's Scotch Ale pours a deep ruby brown with a thick, mocha head.  The nose is a mix of sweet and spicy along with dark-roasted malts, dark bread, and dark fruits like prunes, raisins, and fig.  Like the nose and the richness of "The Book Of Taliesyn," taste is a wonderfully and well-balanced blend of dates, prune juice, roasted malt, some nice hop bitterness, and a hint of dark chocolate. There is also a Brandy-like alcohol presence from that 8% ABV that becomes more prevalent as the beer warms.  The mouthfeel is medium to heavy with a smooth, velvety, and syrupy feel.  It finishes rich and sugary.  A good, big beer that is perfect for the depth of character and musical prowess of early Deep Purple (and any Deep Purple for that matter!)

Cheers!!