January 17th, 2021 - A Worthy Cactus

 

Hello and happy Sunday rockers, roller, and hop freaks!  With the passing of Tim Bogert a few days ago, I thought it fitting to do a pairing in honor of this amazing musician.  Today I'm pairing the self-titled, debut album by Cactus and a Worthy NW IPA from Worthy Brewing Company!  Rest in Power Mr. Bogert!! 

Album Info:

• Artist: Cactus
• Title: "Cactus"
• Recorded: October through December 1969 at Ultra-Sonic Recording Studios, Inc. in Hempstead, New York  
• Release date: July 1st, 1970 (1st full-length studio album by Cactus)
• Record company: Atco 
• Production: Cactus
• Album cover art: Mark L. Rollins, Jr. (art direction and photography)
• Personnel: Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass), Rusty Day (vocals and harp), and Jim McCarty (guitar)
• Musical style: Hard rock, blues rock, rock and roll 
• Sound: Raw, punchy, and powerful, the sound on Cactus's debut album is pure early '70s, high-octane, heavy duty rock and roll!  These are four master musicians at the top of their game!  Day's vocals are full of emotion, piss and vinegar, and power!  McCarty's guitar work matches the vocal punch with an almost raunchy and dirty tone!  And the Appice and Bogert rhythm section is one of my all-time favorites... the create a wonderful swinging tapestry! 
• Major themes: life, death, love, desire, acceptance, loss, the blues, joy, music, etc.
• Tracks:   

1. "Parchman Farm" (Mose Allison cover)
2. "My Lady From South Detroit"
3. "Bro. Bill"
4. "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" (Willie Dixon cover)
5. "Let Me Swim"
6. "No Need To Worry"
7. "Oleo"
8. "Feel So Good"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Worthy Brewing Company (Bend, Oregon)
• Website: https://worthy.beer/ 
• Brew: Worthy NW IPA
• Style: North West India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 12 ounce can
• ABV: 6.9%
• IBUs: 69
• Ingredients: Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Crystal, Meridian, Nugget, and Mosaic hops
• Pour: The Worthy pours a slightly hazy golden-orange hue with an off-white, billowy, 1+ finger head with great retention and lots of sticky, intricate doily lacing.
• Nose: The nose is citrusy, tropical, herbal, earthy, and malty.  There are aromas of grapefruit rind, tangerine, lime zest, pineapple, mango, pine resin, fresh herbs, light onion, herbal tea, and sweet caramel.
• Taste: The taste is characterized by citrusy, tropical fruit, sweet malt, and earthy flavors.  There are notes of grapefruit juice, tangerine, pineapple, mango, light pine, crackery biscuit, caramel/toffee, and a zesty white pepper finish.
• Mouthfeel: Medium in body and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel is very crisp, slightly bitter, yet smooth with crisp, dry finish. 

Overall Pairing: The well-balanced, smooth, yet punchy flavors of the Worthy NW IPA is the perfect beer to throw back on a mellow Sunday afternoon whilst rocking the hell out to the crunchy, blues, sonic rock and roll blast of the amazing Cactus!  'Nuff said!

Cheers!!