November 23rd, 2019 - The Curse Of Abigail And The Batsquatch... Live!

In anticipation and celebration of tonight's King Diamond concert that I will be attending with my daughter, your pal the Meista is here today pairing a Batsquatch Hazy India Pale Ale from Rogue Ales and "In Concert 1987 Abigail" by King Diamond!!  Hell yes!!

This pairing is dedicated to the memory of the original Mercyful Fate and King Diamond bassist Timi "Grabber" Hansen who passed away earlier this month from cancer.  Rest in power Grabber!!

Album Info:

• Artist: King Diamond
• Title: "In Concert 1987 Abigail" 
• Recorded: live 1987 
• Release date: December 7th, 1990 (1st live album by King Diamond)
• Record company: Roadrunner Records
• Production: Roberto Falcao and King Diamond
• Album cover art: ? 
• Personnel: Mikkey Dee (drums), Timi "Grabber" Hansen (bass), Andy LaRocque (guitars), Michael Moon (gutiars), and Kim Bendix Petersen aka King Diamond (vocals)
• Musical style: Heavy metal with elements of progressive rock and NWOBHM
• Sound: Characterized by Petersen's extensive vocal range (and most notably his insane falsetto) coupled by the powerfully intense and complex musicianship of the band, the sound on "In Concert 1987 Abigail" is brilliantly composed and executed live metal album with machine gun fire drumming, thunderous bass, and soaring guitars.
• Major themes: A ghost story concept album, "Abigail" tells the story about a young couple who move into an old family mansion only to learn that it is haunted by an evil presence.  Themes throughout include the supernatural, paying heed to omens, death, devil worship, and evil.
• Tracks:   

1. "Funeral"
2. "Arrival"
3. "Come To The Sabbath"
4. "The Family Ghost"
5. "The 7th Day Of July 1777"
6. "The Portrait"
7. "Guitar Solo"
8. "The Possession"
9. "Abigail"
10. "Drum Solo"
11. "The Candle"
12. "No Presents For Christmas"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Rogue Ales
• Website: http://www.rogue.com/
• Brew: Batsquatch Hazy India Pale Ale
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 12 ounce can
• ABV: 6.7%
• IBUs: 45
• Ingredients: 2-Row malt, flaked wheat, malted wheat and oats; Mosaic, El Dorado, and Belma hops; Imperial Juice yeast
• Pour: As the name implies, the Batsquatch Hazy India Pale Ale pours a very hazy bright orange hue with a frothy, 2+ finger, bright white head with great sustain and lot of layered and intricate soapy lacing throughout.
• Nose: The nose is characterized by lots of citrus and tropical fruit aromas along with more subtle grassy and malty notes.  There are aromas of orange juice, orange peel, tangerine, lime, grapefruit rind, mango, pineapple, guava, a hint of cream, a hint of vanilla bean, and soft caramel.
• Taste: The taste of the Batsquatch Hazy India Pale Ale follows the nose with lots of citrus and tropical fruit flavors along with more subtle malts.  There are notes of orange juice, pith, tangerine, pink grapefruit juice, mango, herbal tea, a hint of vanilla, light cream and caramel/toffee.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, the Batsquatch is juicy, crisp, smooth, and refreshing with a slightly bitter and dry finish.

Overall pairing: I can think of nothing more fitting right now for the juicy Rogue Batsquatch to be paired with than King Diamond's "In Concert 1987 Abigail"!  And not just for the creepy imagery either, but more specifically for the complexity, crushability, and richness of character.  Those big fruity and malty flavors go great with the King's insane vocals!  And as for the hoppiness... just listen to LaRocque's smokin' guitar!!

Cheers and hails to the King!!