May 4th, 2017 - In The Heat Of The IPApaya Moment

Good evening!  The Meista here tonight rocking out  with a pairing of a Full Sail IPApaya Papaya India Pale Ale and the debut album (on my 1982 original cassette copy!) by supergroup Asia!  This pairing is dedicated to the memory of the late John Wetton... rest in peace Mr. Wetton!!

Album Info:

• Artist: Asia
• Title: "Asia"
• Recorded: June through November 1981
• Release date: March 1982 (debut album by Asia)
• Record company: Geffen
• Production: Mike Stone
• Album cover art: Roger Dean
• Personnel: Geoff Downes (keyboards and backing vocals), Steve Howe (guitars and backing vocals), Carl Palmer (drums and percussion), and John Wetton (bass guitar and lead vocals)
• Musical style: Hard rock, power pop, progressive rock, art rock
• Sound: Far more commercial than the previous work of the musicians involved, "Asia" is still a very rockin' album with wonderful hooks, melodies, and Steve Howe's amazing guitar work!
• Major themes: Heartbreak, love, desire, betrayal, isolation, the passing of time, war, hope, etc.
• Tracks:

1. "Heat Of The Moment"
2. "Only Time Will Tell"
3. "Sole Survivor"
4. "One Step Closer"
5. "Time Again"
6. "Wildest Dreams"
7. "Without You"
8. "Cutting It Fine"
9. "Here Comes The Feeling"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Full Sail Brewing Company (Hood River, Oregon)
• Website: https://fullsailbrewing.com/
• Brew: IPApaya Papaya India Pale Ale
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA) / Fruit Ale
• Serving: 12 ounce bottle
• ABV: 6.2%
• IBUs: 58
• Ingredients: Pale and wheat malts with Equinox and Cascade hops, and papaya
• Pour: It pours a slightly hazy yellow-gold with lots of effervescence and a bubbly, white head with good sustain and soapy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is a nice blend of citrus, tropical fruits, and green hops.  There are aromas of orange juice, grapefruit, lime, passion fruit, mango, and lots of papaya along with more subtle pine resin, and summer grass. 
• Taste: The taste is fruity, citrusy, and hoppy. There are big notes of papaya and mango along with pink grapefruit, tangerine, orange, lime, and bitter pine with a solid malt base. 
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and well-carbonated the IPApaya's mouthfeel is very crisp, somewhat tart, and very smooth with a clean, crisp finish.

Overall pairing: The crisp, refreshing, and very drinkable elements of Full Sail's tasty IPApaya Papaya India Pale Ale is perfect for the musical prowess and pop sensibilities of Asia!  'Nuff said!

Cheers!!