July 19th, 2014 - "I Don't Want [Just One Snapshot]... It's Not Enough!"

Good afternoon!  The Meista here pairing Def Leppard's "Pyromania" with a New Belgium Brewing Company Snapshot Wheat!

The Snapshot Wheat is brewed with Hybrid ale yeast, Cascade hops, Pale and Wheat malts along with Coriander and Grains of Paradise.  New Belgium also adds Lactobacillus (a bacteria) to the wort, which produces lactic acid and provides sourness to both the flavor and mouthfeel.  This acidic wort is then added to another wort that is fermented with ale yeast.  The combination of worts gives the Snapshot both a sour and a hearty wheat character.  It pours a hazy, pale straw-gold with a thin, white head that leaves trace lacing.  The nose characterized by aromas of biscuit, cracker, honey, lemon, and mild spices.  Light bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel crisp and refreshing with some tartness.  The flavor is characterized by that well-balanced combination of hearty wheat and lemony sourness.  There are notes of lightly toasted biscuit, Pale malt, cracked bread, lemon zest, sweet honey, and subtle spices.  Coming in at only 5% ABV and 13 IBUs, the Snapshot is a very sessionable, very drinkable summer ale that goes down easy and finishes clean with a tart kiss... great for the rockin' tunes of "Pyromania"!!

Recorded January through November of 1982 at Park Gates Studios, Battle, East Sussex, England and released on January 20th, 1983, "Pyromania" is the 3rd studio album by NWOBHM band Def Leppard.  With heavy radio and video rotation, charting high in both the U.K. and the U.S., and selling over ten million copies in the U.S. alone, "Pyromania" launched the band into worldwide superstardom.  The album was also the first of the band's to feature new guitarist Phil Collen.  However, original guitarist Pete Willis' rhythm guitar tracks appear on every song on the album and he is visible in the band photo on the original LP.  Along with Collen and Willis, personnel on the album included Rick Allen (drums), the late, great Steve Clark (guitars), Joe Elliot (lead vocals), and Rick Savage (bass).  Keyboards were provided by Booker T. Boffin (aka Thomas Dolby) and backup vocals were provided by The Leppardettes.  With themes of sex, partying, rocking, and violence, I consider "Pyromania" to probably be the best cohesive album by the band (although I think their earlier albums have some of their best songs).  Each song feels like its own monster metal anthem!    Along with fan favorites "Rock Rock (Till You Drop", "Photograph", "Rock Of Ages", and "Foolin'", the album includes some other great rockin' gems like "Too Late For Love", "Comin' Under Fire", and "Action Not Words"!  Driving guitars and bass, and thunderous drums along with Elliot's unique vocals make this album one of the greats!

Cheers... raise those fists and glasses!!