April 23rd, 2017 - The Jack Rabbit's Counterparts

Good afternoon and happy Sunday!  The Meista here today pairing the wonderful "Counterparts" by Rush and a Jack Rabbit Gin Barrel Aged Saison from Uinta Brewing Company!

Album Info:

• Artist: Rush
• Title: "Counterparts"
• Recorded: April through June 1993 at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec and McClear Place in Toronto, Canada
• Release date: October 19th, 1993 (15th studio album by Rush)
• Record company: Anthem / Atlantic Records
• Production: Peter Collins and Rush
• Album cover art: Hugh Syme
• Personnel: Geddy Lee (bass, guitar, keyboards, and lead vocals), Alex Lifeson (electric and acoustic guitars), and Neil Peart (drums and percussion)
• Additional musicians: Michael Kamen (string arrangements and conducting on "Nobody's Hero") and John Webster (keyboards)
• Musical style: Hard rock, progressive rock, alternative rock
• Sound: More straightforward and organic than past works, the sound on "Counterparts" is aggressive and angst-driven. 
• Major themes: Dark, personal, and emotional themes including relationships, control, love, anger, life, death, sorrow, HIV, etc.
• Tracks:

1. "Animate"
2. "Stick It Out"
3. "Cut To The Chase"
4. "Nobody's Hero"
5. "Between Sun And Moon"
6. "Alien Shore"
7. "The Speed Of Love"
8. "Double Agent"
9. "Leave That Thing Alone"
10. "Cold Fire"
11. "Everday Glory"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Uinta Brewing Company (Salt Lake City, Utah)
• Website: http://uintabrewing.com/
• Brew: Jack Rabbit Gin Barrel Aged Saison
• Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
• Serving: 22 ounce bottle
• ABV: 9.3%
• Pour: The Jack Rabbit pours a hazy bright yellow with a thin, bubbly head that dissipates quickly, leaving a thin white ring and soapy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is fruity, funky, and herbal.  There are aromas of apple, gin, lemon zest, Belgian yeast, leather, light grains, soft banana, and spicy herbs.
• Taste: The taste is nice blend of fruity, tart, and funky flavors.  There are initially big notes of gin that fade into spicy Belgian yeast, soft banana, apple, pear, white grape, lemon zest, and crackery grains.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel of the Jack Rabbit is crisp, sharp, and frothy with a dry and slightly boozy finish.

Overall pairing: Uinta's Jack Rabbit Gin Barrel Aged Saison makes for a great brew to accompany Rush's great and underrated "Counterparts" album!  The crispness and more farmhouse elements of the Jack Rabbit are great for the more progressive elements of the album, while the punchier and boozier gin character is great for the more assertive and aggressive musical movements!

Cheers!!