August 23rd, 2014 - Invaders From Spain... And Space!

Alright my friends... the Meista here pairing a craft brew tonight with another new album out this week.  This evening I'm going with the mighty Ace Frehley and his "Space Invader" (Deluxe Edition) along with an El Conquistador Pale Ale from Mission Brewery outta San Diego, California!  This pairing goes out to my sista Gwendolyn Wainwright!  Cheers and thanks for the beer Gwenny!!

Released on  August 19th, 2014, "Space Invader" is technically Ace Frehley's 7th solo studio album (if you include the 1978 Ace Frehley KISS album).  With a very 1970s feel, "Space Invader" is a rambunctiously spacey and rockin' good time!  From the opening notes of the title track to the humorous fade out of "Starship" ("Did anybody see George Jetson?"), Ace's guitar work and vocals sound youthful, vibrant, and along the lines of the Space Ace of yesteryear!  The guitar work on "Past The Milky Way" alone is worth every damned dime of this gem!  I was really happy to see that monster drummer Matt Starr (Ace's touring drummer) contributed to the album as well.  (I interviewed Mr. Starr back in February of 2013... read it here: http://brewsandtunes.blogspot.com/2013/02/february-4th-2013-interview-with.html!)  Man, this album is just plain bad-ass rock and roll from start to finish... a real joy to listen to with a frosty brew!  I picked up this bad boy from my buddy Kevin at the Heavy Metal Shop (www.heavymetalshop.com) and you should too!! 

The El Conquistador Pale Ale from Mission Brewery is an American Pale Ale (APA).  It pours a hazy straw-gold with a bright, white half-finger head that leaves thick, layered, and intricate lacing.  The nose is an interesting blend of citrus, honey, and melon.  There are aromas of lemon, orange zest, light honey, biscuit, and watermelon rind.  Lots of effervescence here, the mouthfeel is rather light and very crispy and refreshing with a dry, peppery finish.  Brewed with Centennial hops and a Yakima Valley pilot hop, the flavor is characterized by a nice blend of crackery biscuit notes, citrusy and bitter herbal hop notes, sharp peppery spices, and a hint of caramel malt.  There are some really strong Lipton sun tea flavors mixed with lemon notes, watermelon, and grassy hops... a great summer ale!  Coming in at 4.8% ABV, the El Conquistador Pale Ale is a very sessionable brew that works perfectly with the rockin' brilliance of "Space Invader"!

Long live Space Ace!!  Cheers!!