December 15th, 2017 - Selling New England IPA By The Pound

Hello and happy Friday my friends!  Your pal the Meista here today pairing a New England Style India Pale Ale from Epic Brewing Company with "Selling England By The Pound" by Genesis!

Album Info:

• Artist: Genesis
• Title: "Selling England By The Pound"
• Recorded: August 1973 at Island Studios in London, England
• Release date: October 13th, 1973 (5th studio album by Genesis)
• Record company: Charisma Records
• Production: John Burns and Genesis
• Album cover art: Betty Swanwick
• Personnel: Tony Banks (keyboards, Hammond organ, piano, ARP Pro Soloist synthesizer, Mellotron, and 12-string guitar), Phil Collins (drums, percussion, lead vocals on "More Fool Me", and backing vocals), Peter Gabriel (lead vocals, flute, oboe, and percussion), Steve Hackett (electric guitar and nylon guitar), and Mike Rutherford (12-string guitar, bass, and electric sitar)
• Musical style: Progressive rock, art rock
• Sound: Wonderfully progressive in the vein of Yes and Gentle Giant, "Selling England By The Pound" is indicative of Peter Gabriel-era Genesis.  It is smart, compelling, complex, upbeat, and incredibly entertaining!
• Major themes: Filled with humor, wit, sarcasm, and introspection, subject matter and themes include commercialism, "the decay of English folk culture and an increase in Americanization" in the U.K., territorial battles by two rival gangs in East London, existentialism, life and death, emotional pain, love, etc.
• Tracks:   

1. "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight"
2. "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)"
3. "Firth of Fifth"
4. "More Fool Me"
5. "The Battle Of Epping Forest"
6. "After The Ordeal"
7. "The Cinema Show"
8. "Aisle Of Plenty"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Epic Brewing Company (Denver, Colorado)
• Website: http://epicbrewing.com/
• Brew: New England Style India Pale Ale
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 22 ounce bottle
• ABV: 7.3%
• Pour: The Pile Of Face pours a murky golden-amber with a 2-finger, frothy white head with great retention and lots of sudsy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is fruity, citrusy, woody, and dank.  There are aromas of orange juice, grapefruit juice, tangerine, mango, a hint of pine resin, crackery grains, and light caramel.
• Taste: The taste of the New England Style India Pale Ale is characterized by citrus and tropical fruits, light grains, and light, sweet malt.  There are notes of orange juice, tangerine, very light pine, and sweet malt and grapefruit in the finish.  
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel of the New England Style India Pale Ale is crisp, dry, and juicy with a dry and slightly bitter finish.

Overall pairing: The complex and citrusy flavors and aromas of Epic's New England Style India Pale Ale coupled with the brilliance of "Selling England By The Pound" is a delightful and very lovely way to start off the day and the weekend!
    

Cheers!!