November 2nd, 2014 - Rampantly Screaming For IPA!

Evenin' metal heads and hop heads!  Your pal the Meista here with another kick-ass metal and artisan brew pairing for ya.  Tonight I'm spinning the legendary "Screaming For Vengeance" by the metal gods themselves, Judas Priest and sipping a Rampant Imperial IPA from New Belgium Brewing Company!  Hell yeah!!

"Screaming For Vengeance" is one of my favorite all-time Priest albums... and all-time metal albums for that matter!  It is the 8th studio album by the metal gods.  It was recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios in Ibiza, Spain and released on July 17th, 1982 (1982??  How is that possible??  Shit I'm old!!).  Although they were very popular in the U.K. and had a large underground following in America prior to its release, this is the album that really launched them into superstardom in the U.S.  Musically speaking, "Screaming For Vengeance" found the band going in a faster and heavier direction than the previous album.  From the opening notes of "The Hellion/Electric Eye" to the final notes of "Devil's Child", Priest lays it the hell down!!  Every song is a metal masterpiece, a microcosm of intensity, and a defining force in my life!  Note: Interestingly enough, the album's biggest hit ("You've Got Another Thing Comin'")was a last minute addition to the album.

Rampant Imperial IPA from New Belgium Brewing Company is a very hop forward and aggressive 8.5% ABV ale... perfect for the heavy metal stylings of Judas Priest!  It pours a clear copper-amber with a thin white head showing good retention and lacing.  The nose is characterized by a well-balanced malt and citrusy hop aroma.  Brewed with Calypso, Centennial, and Mosaic hops, the flavor is characterized by "heavy peach tones and a profoundly bitter bite".  There are big notes of citrus (tangerine, pineapple, peach, and grapefruit), floral and earthy notes (pine, cedar, black tea, and lemongrass), along with breadier and sweeter malt flavors (caramel/toffee and wheat bread).  There's a slight booziness to the Rampant Imperial IPA, but it is well-hidden by the bitter hop bite.  The mouthfeel is exceptionally dry from start to finish.  The Rampant Imperial IPA is an excellent sample of the style and great for accompaniment to the power and might that is Judas Priest!!

Cheers... hails... raise those horns and raise those glasses!!