July 12th, 2014 - An Electric Rye Rodeo

Evenin' y'all!  The Meista here switching gears with a pairing that has a little bit o' twang to it... "Electric Rodeo" by Shooter Jennings and a Rodeo Ryle Pale Ale from Payette Brewing Company!

"Electric Rodeo" was released on April 4th, 2006 and is the sophomore album by American Southern rock/country artist Shooter Jennings.  Along with Jennings (guitars, vocals, Hammond organ, piano, and Wurlitzer), personnel on the album include: Leroy Powell (guitar, backing vocals, and slide guitar), Ted Russell Kamp (bass guitar and backing vocals), Bryan Keeling (drums and percussion), Robby Turner (pedal steel), Gary Murray (fiddle), and Bonnie Bramlett (backing vocals).  In the tradition of his papa, Johnny Cash, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shooter's music and lyrics are raw, honest, and steeped in cowboy mythos.  Each song is a rebellious joy!  Here's the full kick-ass track list:

1. "Electric Rodeo"
2. "Gone to Carolina"
3. "Some Rowdy Women"
4. "The Song Is Still Slipping Away"
5. "Hair of the Dog"
6. "Little White Lines"
7. "Alligator Chomp (The Ballad of Dr. Martin Luther Frog as Told To Tony)"
8. "Manifesto No. 2"
9. "Aviators"
10. "Bad Magick"
11. "It Ain't Easy"

Straight outta Garden City, Idaho, the Rodeo Ryle Pale Ale from Payette Brewing Company is probably one of the most flavorful ryes I've had.  It pours a dark clove-honey gold with a thin white head.  The nose is a big blast of rye and citrusy hops.  There are aromas of freshly baked rye bread, lemon zest, tangerine peel, and pine.  Light to medium bodied and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel is crisp and refreshing and quite dry with a slight lemony tartness in the back.  The flavor (much like the nose) is characterized by big rye and hop notes.  Peppery rye, pine, black tea, earthy herbs, and citrus notes abound.  The finish has a nice, bitter, and peppery kick that lingers "for a spell".  Damn, I love rye!  The peppery, bitter, rye bite goes great with the foot-stompin' rockin' kick of "Electric Rodeo"!

Cheers!!