October 12th, 2013 - "25 To Life" Is Fine As Long As I've Got My Bavarian Dark!

Afternoon kiddies!  The Meista here with another Oktoberfest themed pairing for you!  Today I'm pairing the mighty Rose Tattoo's live album "25 To Life" with an Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel Authentic Bavarian Dark from Privatbrauerei Franz Inselkammer KG / Brauerei Aying!

Now I know what you are thinking... "What does an Australian hard rock band have to do with Oktoberfest?"  Well this album, "25 To Life" just so happened to be recorded at the 2000 Wacken Open Air Heavy Metal Festival in Wacken, Germany!   And the Rose Tattoo boys are known for their hard-drinkin' heavy metal lifestyle.  What I've always loved about this band since I first discovered them when I was a junior high school-aged kid is the straight-up, hard-core, old-school hard rockin' sound defined by Angry Anderson's broken glass and gravel vocals and the late, great Pete Wells' KILLER slide guitar work!  A 17 track double disc, "25 To Life" covers the entire career of the band (up to 2000 that is) and includes my all-time favorite of theirs, a 9+ minute version of "Nice Boys (Don't Play Rock 'N' Roll), one of the greatest hard rock songs ever recorded in my opinion... a Meista-defining song!!  Damn straight!  Other classic RT tunes include "Bad Boy For Love," "Butcher And Fast Eddie," "Rock 'N' Roll Outlaw," "Scarred For Life," "Remedy," "Juice On The Loose," and "Suicide City"!  This is definitely a "must own" album for any true rocker!!

One of things I adore about Ayinger is the fact that their beers are brewed according to the German 1516 Reinheitsgebot Purity Law so you know you are getting the real deal.  The other thing I love about Ayinger is the beer itself!  The Altbairisch Dunkel pours a wonderfully rich red/brown, almost mahogany hue with a thin, off-white head.  The nose is subtle with just hints of freshly baked pumpernickel, roasted almonds, caramel, and touch of sugary sweetness... maybe maple or brown sugar.  "Deep" and malty, the flavor follows suit.  Sweet malts, mild carbonation, complex nuttiness and depth, and a clean finish characterize this lovely brew.  There is a bit of cocoa, some good, strong nuttiness, burnt toffee, and heavy grains.  The Altbairisch Dunkel is such a great autumn ale!  It is meaty, rich, and oh so tasty... just like Rose Tattoo!!

RAISE YOUR FISTS - RAISE YOUR GLASSES... PROST!!