November 14th, 2026 - The Florida Man is in a State of Emergency

 

Hey there rockers, rollers, and hopheads!  I'm pairing "State Of Emergency" and a Florida Man Fruit Punched Double IPA from Cigar City Brewing Company!

Album Info: 

• Artist: Prong
• Title: "State Of Emergency"
• Recorded: 2023
• Release date: October 6th, 2023 (13th studio album by Prong)
• Record company: Steamhammer
• Production: Steve Evetts
• Album cover art: Marcelo Vasco 
• Personnel: Jason Christopher (bass), Griffin McCarthy (drums), and Tommy Victor (guitar and vocals)
• Additional/guest musicians: Marc Rizzo (lead guitar on "The Descent") and Steve Zing (backing vocals on "Back (NYC)")
• Musical style: Crossover, thrash metal with elements of punk rock, groove metal, and industrial metal
• Sound: With their signature sound of crossover thrash and punk perfectly blended with groove metal, on "State Of Emergency", Prong once again proves why they persevere and continue to rule the underground.  The tracks are punchy, energetic, and full of vigor!  Another excellent album from the Prong camp! 
• Major themes: Life, hardships and struggles, deception, depression, confusion, greed, corruption, social issues, freedom, rebellion, etc.
• Tracks: 

1. "The Descent"
2. "State Of Emergency"
3. "Breaking Point"
4. "Non-Existence"
5. "Light Turns Black"
6. "Who Told Me"
7. "Obeisance"
8. "Disconnected"
9. "Compliant"
10. "Back (NYC)"
11. "Working Man" (Rush cover)

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Cigar City Brewing Company (Tampa, Florida)
• Website: https://cigarcitybrewing.com/
• Brew: Florida Man Fruit Punched Double IPA
• Style: Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) / Fruited Beer 
• Serving: 20 ounce can
• ABV: 9.0% 
• Ingredients: Citra, Azacca, El Dorado, and Mandarina Bavarian hops, and Canadian Honey malt 
• Pour: The Florida Man Fruit Punched Double IPA pours a fairly clear, golden yellow hue with a bright white, half-finger, frothy head with great retention and lots of sticky, layered lacing.
• Nose: The nose is hoppy, malty, and fruity.  There are aromas of grapefruit rind, tangerine, lemon zest, soft peach, Hawaiian Punch, a hint of pine needles, crackery biscuit, and soft caramel. 
• Taste: Hop and fruit forward, the taste of the Florida Man Fruit Punched Double IPA follows the nose with fruity, hoppy, and malty flavors.  There are notes of tangerine, orange juice, pink grapefruit juice, pineapple, peach, Hawaiian Punch, bready malts, light pine resin, caramel / toffee, and a hint of booze.
• Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel is crisp and juicy, yet thick and slightly oily with a soft, pillowy, yet bittersweet and boozy finish.

Overall pairing: What goes great with an energetic and punchy crossover album?  A bold, hoppy, and fruity beer of course!  Those bold hop and fruit flavors and aromas of Cigar City's delightful Florida Man Fruit Punched Double IPA are perfect for the artistic brilliance and aggression found on "State Of Emergency"!  This bold and complex, but easy drinking brew has the same depth of character and tasty fun as each track!  

Cheers!