September 7th, 2014 - Johnny The Fox's American IPA

Good Sunday afternoon rockers, rollers, and ale drinkers!  The Meista here with a pairing of "Johnny The Fox" by Thin Lizzy and Johnny's American IPA from Moab Brewery outta Moab, Utah!  This one goes out to fellow Thin Lizzy fans Kevin Kirk and Michael Dean Damron... cheers buddies!!

Released on October 16th, 1976, "Johnny The Fox" is the 7th studio album by quintessential Irish rockers Thin Lizzy.  The album was written and recorded when the "Jailbreak" tour was cut short due to bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott suffering a bout of hepatitis.  Sadly, the album would be the last to feature guitarist Brian Robertson as a full member of the band.  Personality clashes and musical differences between Robertson and Lynott resulted in his being fired, then temporarily reinstated, and once again fired.  Following up from the huge "Jailbreak" album, "Johnny The Fox" is a bit more melancholy thematically, but still has all those great hooks and licks the band is known for.  One of my favorite Thin Lizzy albums, it examines everything from the loss, heartache, religious prejudice, the Irish Potato Famine, war, and the enigmatic character of Johnny.  In fact, guitarist Scott Gorham jokingly once stated the following about Johnny:  "Phil should've been this guy's publicity agent, as he was cropping up everywhere!"  (Along with the songs "Johnny" and "Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed" on this album, Johnny is referenced on songs "The Boys Are Back in Town" and "Showdown" from the prior 2 albums.) Here's the full track list of this wonderful album:

1. "Johnny"
2. "Rocky"
3. "Borderline"
4. "Don't Believe A Word"
5. "Fools Gold"
6. "Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed"
7. "Old Flame"
8. "Massacre"
9. "Sweet Marie"
10. "Boogie Woogie Dance"

Johnny's American IPA is a fragrant and very sessionable 4% ABV ale.  It pours a cloudy golden-amber from a 16 ounce can.  The 2-finger head is billowy and sustaining.  It leave intricately layered cloud-like patterns on the glass.  The nose is characterized by "vibrant citrus aromas" along with sweet toffee malt aromas.  There are notes of grapefruit, pine, burnt toffee, and freshly baked bread.  Lighter bodied and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel is crisp, dry, and refreshing.  Brewed with 4 American hop varieties and dry-hopped, the flavor of  Johnny's American IPA is grassy, piney, and bitter.  There are notes of bitter black tea, grassy hops, lemon zest, and crackery biscuit.  The finish is bitter and biting.  With the lower ABV, this is an easy drinking IPA and probably more akin to an extra pale ale... and it goes great with the rock and roll goodness of "Johnny The Fox"!!  In fact, I think I'll crack open another and crank up Lynott and the boys!!

Cheers!!