June 22nd, 2025 - A Declaration For The HIPAcrits

 

Hello and happy Sunday my friends!  The Meista here with a pairing of a tasty Hipacrit India Pale Ale from the fine folks at 2 Row Brewing and the classic, kickass "Declaration" by The Alarm!  This pairing goes out to my buddy Paul Consiglio and to the memory of the late, great Mike Peters... RIP!

Album Info:

• Artist: The Alarm
• Title: "Declaration"
• Recorded: November 1983 at Abbey Road Studios and Good Earth Studios in London, England
• Release date: February 13th, 1984 (1st studio album by The Alarm)
• Record company: I.R.S. Records
• Production: Alan Shacklock
• Album cover art: Simon Adamcewski (artwork), Robert Mason (illustrations), Stephen Oliver (photography), and Michael Ross (artwork)
• Personnel: Eddie Macdonald (bass guitars, electric guitars, bowed guitar, and backing vocals), Mike Peters (lead vocals, acoustic guitars, and harmonica), Dave Sharp (acoustic and electric guitars, and backing vocals), and Twist (drums, percussion, and backing vocals)
• Musical style: Rock, pop, new wave
• Sound: Blending a classic rock sound with punky sensibility, thoughtful lyrics, and tight musicianship, the sound on "Declaration" is a wonderful musical journey that is both compelling and entertaining!
• Major themes: Life, rebellion, violence, peace, truth, justice, freedom, honesty, hope, etc.
• Tracks: 

1. "Declaration"
2. "Marching On"
3. "Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?"
4. "Third Light"
5. "Sixty Eight Guns"
   
6. "We Are The Light"
7. "Shout To The Devil"
8. "Blaze Of Glory"
9. "Tell Me"
10. "The Deceiver"
11. "The Stand (Prophecy)"
12. "Howling Wind"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: 2 Row Brewing (Midvale, Utah)
• Website: http://2rowbrewing.com/
• Brew: Hipacrit India Pale Ale
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 16 ounce can
• ABV: 5.0% 
• Ingredients: Mosaic and El Dorado hops
• Pour: The Hipacrit IPA pours a clear golden yellow with a bright white, thin head with good sustain and soapy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is hoppy, malty, citrusy, and a little nutty.  There are aromas of grapefruit rind, tangerine, a hint of mango, herbal orange tea leaves, roasted hazelnuts, light pine resin, bready dough, and toffee.
• Taste: The taste of the Hipacrit IPA is characterized by and bready malts.  There are notes of orange zest, tangerine, a hint of roasted nuts, black tea, pine resin, and soft caramel.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel of the Hipacrit is crisp, smooth, and slightly punchy with a mildly bitter and dry finish.

Overall pairing: The Hipacrit IPA from 2 Row is a bold, attention-demanding, yet very drinkable brew with lots of great flavors and aromas... perfect for the depth and brilliance of The Alarm's quintessential "Declaration"!  'Nuff said!

Cheers!!  Rock on!!