April 18th, 2026 - Setting Todd Free on the 19th Hole

 

Hey there craft beer freaks and punk rockers!  The Meista here today rocking the hell out to a pairing of Draize Method's "Set Me Free" demo tape I was given at a show by the band waaaaaay back in 1990 and a deliciously citrusy Todd's 19th Hole Pale Ale from Talisman Brewing Company in collaboration with Salt & Hops!  This pairing is dedicated to my friend Mr. Todd Kirk!  He's not only the guitarist of Draize Method guitarist, but one of the owners (and one of my amazing bosses) at Salt & Hops Beer Store in Ogden, Utah!  And this is his beer!  Hell yeah!

Album Info:

• Artist: Draize Method
• Title: "Set Me Free"
• Recorded: 1989 at TB Records in Roy, Utah
• Release date: 1989 (1st demo tape released by Draize Method)
• Record company: TB Records
• Production: Draize Method
• Album cover art: ?
• Personnel: Ron Caulford (drums and backing vocals), Danny Fonoti (lead vocals), Todd Kirk (guitars and backing vocals), and Steve Poole (bass and backing vocals)
• Musical style: Hardcore punk, punk rock
• Sound: Fast, furious, raw, and full of piss and vinegar, the sound on "Set Me Free" is pure late 1980s, O-Town punk rock!  The powerful guitar riffs, and intricate bass line, machine gun fire drumming, and rebellions lyrics will get you circling the pit like a maniac!  Fans of 7-Seconds and Dag Nasty will totally dig this band!
• Major themes: Freedom, rebellion, drugs, insanity, states of mind, life, anger, confusion, social criticism, etc.
• Tracks*: 

1. "Behind The Wall"
2. "Discriminator"
3. "Set Me Free"
4. "B.O.P."
5. "Remember"
6. "Myself"
7. "Inside"
8. "In Cages"
9. "Shades Of Grey"
10. "Face First"
11. "Confusion"
12. "Once It Was Cool"

*Track list may not be completely accurate.

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Talisman Brewing Company (Ogden, Utah) in collaboration with Salt & Hops (Ogden, Utah)
• Website: https://www.talismanbrewingco.com/home / https://www.saltandhops.com/
• Brew: Todd's 19th Hole Pale Ale 
• Style: American Pale Ale (APA)
• Serving: 32 ounce crowler can
• ABV: 5.0%
• Pour: The Todd's 19th Hole pours a slightly hazy, golden orange-yellow color with a frothy, 2+ finger, off-white head with good sustain and sticky, layered lacing.
• Nose: The nose is citrusy, floral, slightly herbal, and malty.  There are aromas of grapefruit rind, bright tangerine and orange juice, orange herbal tea, barley, fresh herbs, crackery biscuit. and a hint of burnt toffee.
• Taste: The taste of the Todd's 19th Hole follows the nose with bright citrusy flavors and more subtle malty and grainy flavors.  There are notes of grapefruit juice, orange juice and pith, lime, herbal tea, light caramel, and white pepper. 
• Mouthfeel: Medium to full in body and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel of the Todd's 19th Hole is very crisp and hoppy with a dry, slightly bitter finish.

Overall pairing: The Talisman Todd's 19th Hole Pale Ale is a citrussy and punchy, yet very drinkable brew... great for the wonderfully entertaining and powerful punk energy that is the legendary Draize Method!  The hoppy elements work great with the fiery and melodic guitars of Kirk and Fonoti's vocals and lyrics, while the malty backbone is great for thunderous rhythm section of Caulford and Poole!

Cheers!!  

If you haven't done so already, check out my interview from with Draize Method from 2023!  Here's a link to that video interview: https://youtu.be/tf2Ok3_37rM