April 25th, 2014 - Junction City Chocolate Dementia

European Version

U.S. Version

Hello my friends!  Here's an interesting pairing for you... the rather obscure "Bolex Dementia" by Hard Stuff and a Junction City Chocolate Stout from Rooster Brewing Company outta Ogden, Utah!  This pairing goes out to my buddy Eric... cheers man!!

Released way back in 1973, "Bolex Dementia" was Hard Stuff's second and (sadly) last studio album.  Shortly after its release, the band broke up.  Hard Stuff was a power trio made up of two former Atomic Rooster members: John Du Cann (guitars, cello, vocals) and Paul Hammond (drums and percussion) along with John Gustafson (bass, keyboards, vocals) formerly of Quatermass.  Musically, "Bolex Dementia" is a heavy blues/hard rock album (with a touch of funk and a touch of glam) in the vein of Jo Jo Gunn, Wishbone Ash, Slade, and Cactus.  (Interesting side note: the US pressing of the album reversed the sides and the CD release reversed the track listing as well to match the US version.  This is the version I own.)  Songs like "Sick N' Tired", "Mermany", "Jumpin', Thumpin' (Ain't That Somethin')", "Roll A Rocket", and "Spider's Web" are foot-tappin', first-pumpin' rockers that go great with a session stout!

Smooth and creamy, the Junction City Chocolate Stout from Rooster Brewing Company pours a dark mahogany with a thin yet frothy mocha head that displays solid lacing throughout.  The nose is characterized by aromas of roasted malts, dark chocolate, and dark roasted coffee.  Following suit, the flavor is robust and earthy, but very smooth and velvety.  Very drinkable, notes of coffee and caramel abound with just hints of dark chocolate and dark bread.  Nothing fancy, this is a very good, very solid chocolate stout that works wonderfully well with the rockin' good tunes of Hard Stuff!

Cheers!!