Brews and Tunes... Beer and Music Pairing: October 30th, 2014 - Me And The King Smashing Pumpkins With The Best Of 'Em!

Evenin' beasts and ghouls... and Happy Halloween!! Tonight for my listening and drinking pleasure, and to get your ready for All Hallows Eve, I'm pairing "The Best Of King Diamond" and a Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale (Pugsley's Signature Series) from Shipyard Brewing Company!!

Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale from Shipyard Brewing Company is part of their Pugsley's Signature Series. It is a big, bold, 9% ABV boozy pumpkin spice ale that is great for pairing with the haunting melodies of King Diamond and especially delicious on this All Hallows Eve! The Smashed Pumpkin pours a deep copper orange with a thin white head that dissipates rather quickly. The nose is characterized by earthy, spicy, malty, and boozy aromas. There are notes of fresh pumpkin and squash, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, brown sugar, caramel, hearty pumpkin bread, and rum. Medium to full bodied, the mouthfeel is sticky and warming with some slight astringency in the finish. The taste is a wonderful blend of pumpkin, spices, malts, and sweetness. There are notes of fresh pumpkin pie, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, and bourbon. The Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale goes down easy (maybe a little too easy), but there's a slight boozy bite in the finish. Speaking of big and bold flavors...

Released on September 23, 2003 through Roadrunner Records, "The Best Of King Diamond" is a wonderful compilation album and introductory into the mad world of Danish heavy band King Diamond. Formed in 1985 by former Mercyful Fate members vocalist King Diamond, guitarist Michael Denner, and bassist Timi Hansen, the band also included guitarist Andy LaRocque and drummer Mikkey Dee. "The Best Of King Diamond" is made up of tracks from the first 5 brilliant albums by the band. All the classic King Diamond tracks are there: "The Candle", "Abigail", "The Invisible Guests", "Burn", etc. The only downside here is that the majority of King Diamond's work is compilation albums so some of the songs loose their context when pulled from the continuity of an entire album setting. Regardless, it still kicks ass... especially with a cold one in hand!! Musically, this is top notch metal goodness! Here's the full infernal track list: