June 26th, 2026 - A Handsome Gold & Platinum

 

Hello and happy Friday rockers, rollers, and craft beer freaks!  The Meista here today pairing "Gold & Platinum", a stellar greatest hits compilation album by the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd and a tasty and smooth El Guapo Dorado Mexican Lager from Talisman Brewing Company!  Hell yeah!

Album Info:

• Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Title: "Gold & Platinum" 
• Recorded: 1972 through 1977 at various studios
• Release date: December 1979 (2nd compilation album released by Lynyrd Skynyrd)
• Record company: MCA Records
• Production: Lynyrd Skynyrd 
• Album cover art: ?
• Personnel: Jo Billingsley (backing vocals), Bob Burns (drums), Merry Clayton (backing vocals), Allen Collins (guitars), Ronnie Eades (saxophone), David Foster (keyboards), Cassie Gaines (backing vocals), Steve Gaines (guitars and vocals), Leslie Hawkins (backing vocals), Jimmy Johnson (guitars), Clydie King (backing vocals), Ed King (guitars and bass), Al Kooper aka "Roosevelt Gook" (Moog synthesizer, organ, mellotron, and backing vocals), Rickey Medlocke (drums and backing vocals), Robert Nix (drums), Wayne Perkins (guitars), Billy Powell (keyboards and piano), Artimus Pyle (drums), Ronnie Van Zant (lead vocals), Greg Walker (bass), and Leon Wilkeson (bass and backing vocals)
• Musical style: Hard rock, Southern rock, rock and roll, blues rock
• Sound: What can you say about Lynyrd Skynyrd that hasn't already been said a million times before?  These songs are as groundbreaking and brilliant as they are timeless!  
• Major themes: Life, rebellion, drinking, the South, fighting, love, desire, bravado, loss, etc.
• Tracks: 

1. "Down South Jukin'"
2. "Saturday Night Special"
3. "Gimme Three Steps"
4. "What's Your Name"
5. "You Got That Right"
6. "Gimme Back My Bullets"
7. "Sweet Home Alabama"
8. "Free Bird" (live)
9. "That Smell"
10. "On The Hunt"
11. "I Ain't The One" (live)
12. "Whiskey Rock-A-Roller"
13. "Simple Man"
14. "I Know A Little"
15. "Tuesday's Gone"
16. "Comin' Home"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Talisman Brewing Company (Ogden, Utah)
• Website: https://www.talismanbrewingco.com/
• Brew: El Guapo Dorado Mexican Lager
• Style: Mexican Lager
• Serving: 16 ounce can
• ABV: 5.0%
• Pour: The El Guapo Dorado Mexican Lager pours a clear, golden bronze hue with a frothy, bright white, thin head with that dissipates slowly to a thin ring with light lacing.
• Nose: The nose is malty, slightly floral, toasty, and slightly sweet.  There are aromas of maize, wildflowers, doughy bread, a hint of apple, and a splash of honey.
• Taste: The taste of the El Guapo Dorado Mexican Lager follows the nose with malty, grainy, and slightly sweet flavors.  There are notes of corn chips, toasted barley, bready malts, a touch of sweet honey, and a hint of caramel.
• Mouthfeel: Light in body and well carbonated, the mouthfeel is crisp and very smooth with a clean, slightly dry finish.

Overall pairing: The El Guapo Dorado Mexican Lager from Talisman Brewing Company is a great brew to accompany the classic rock and roll punch of the mighty Lynyrd Skynyrd!  What more could you ask for on a hot summer day?! 

Cheers!!  Rock on!!