February 9th, 2018 - Going Big With A Petrus Aged Pale

Sadly, Mr. Big drummer Pat Torpey passed away this week after a 4 year battle with Parkinson's disease.  Brews and Tunes reader Ruben M. suggested I do a Mr. Big pairing in Mr. Torpey's honor... so today I'm pairing Mr. Big's self-titled, debut album and a Petrus Aged Pale from Brouwerij De Brabandere .  Thanks Ruben!  And R.I.P. Mr. Torpey.  :(

 

Album Info:

• Artist: Mr. Big
• Title: "Mr. Big"
• Recorded: 1989 at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California
• Release date: June 20th, 1989 (debut album by Mr. Big)
• Record company: Atlantic Records
• Production: Kevin Elson
• Album cover art: ?
• Personnel: Paul Gilbert (guitars), Eric Martin (lead vocals), Billy Sheehan (bass guitar), and Pat Torpey (drums)
• Musical style: Hard rock, heavy metal, power pop
• Sound: What I can say?  The sound is BIG on this album!  Powerhouse guitars, bass, and drumming from 3 of the most talented musicians in the industry!  The songs are perfectly executed, the band is incredibly tight, and the riffs will grab you and not let go!   
• Major themes: Relationships, love, lust, heartache, rebellion, rock and roll, etc.
• Interesting side note: according to Sheehan, the song "Wind Me Up" is based on Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" played backwards! 
• Tracks:   

1. "Addicted To That Rush"
2. "Wind Me Up"
3. "Merciless"
4. "Hard Enough"
5. "Blame It On My Youth"
6. "Take A Walk"
7. "Big Love"
8. "How Can You Do What You Do"
9. "Anything For You"
10. "Rock & Roll Over"
11. "30 Days In The Hole" (Humble Pie cover)

    Brew Info:

• Brewery: Brouwerij De Brabandere (Bavikhove, Belgium)
• Website: http://www.brouwerijdebrabandere.be/nl/merken/bavik
• Brew: Petrus Aged Pale
• Style: Belgian Pale Ale
• Serving: 11.2 ounce bottle
• ABV: 7.3%
• Pour: The Petrus Aged Pale pours a hazy golden hue with a massive 2+ finger, bright white, frothy foam head with great retention and lots of sticky, intricate lacing.
• Nose: The nose is zesty, sour, fruity, grainy, and woody.  There are aromas fresh lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemons, cherry juice, light herbs, oak, light hops, light pine resin, and a hint of caramel.
• Taste: The taste of the Petrus Aged Pale is tart, fruity, grainy, funky, and woody.  There are notes lemon juice and zest, apple cider vinegar, cherry, buttery oak, light grassy hops, and pale malt.
• Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel is crisp and very tart with a dry finish. 

Overall pairing: The punchy, tart, and complex flavors and aromas of Brouwerij De Brabandere's Petrus Aged Pale is perfect for the hard rockin' punch of Mr. Big's wonderfully executed and powerful tracks!

Cheers!!  R.I.P. Big Mr. Torpey!!