Music And A Dram: "Caravan" by Rush paired with King Alexander III by The Dalmore

Clearly invigorated from both the album-making and album-touring for Snakes & Arrows, Rush kept “thinking big” and produced their first (and) only concept album: Clockwork Angels. But first, they dropped a single in the form of 2010’s “Caravan” b/w “BU2B.” The A-side features rather more than a smattering of keys—honestly, Rush began their ‘keyboard’ years as early as 1976 and never did leave that sonic affinity behind—but the synthy stuff is so deeply integrated into steamrolling power trio bombast that I don’t think many decriers have noticed. Alex’s solo is deft as any, Geddy’s voice sounds better than ever, and Neil just...I mean, geez, this guy and his drive to put so many fills into a song and make every one a gem. 

The B-side, meanwhile, is among the heaviest tracks in all the Rush catalogue, delivered here without the softening of the acoustic intro added for the album flow. Nope, here it’s the incredible force of the Holy Triumvirate playing like they’re trying to break drum heads and guitar strings. And check out that little pre-chorus pivot where Geddy just jazzes the living daylights out of his bass.

How about some liquid accompaniment for our listening?

King Alexander III pours a lovely copper in the glass, with undertones of amber and dripping honeycomb. The nose is on the sweeter/richer side, folding toffee and praline into a brunch-spread of fruits including date and that juicy-squirting first bite of a soccer-halftime orange slice. “Redolent” is a word custom-built for the fruit profile here. Some lighter heathery-floral notes peek through. The toffee-honeycomb-dates hit first on the tongue, followed by a lightly woody florality, praline, then bright citrus and baking spice in the finish. Neither the most complex nor most intense whisky you’ll imbibe, but delightful through and through. For the sherried whisky fan, King Alexander III brings that and enlightenment concerning the possible contributions of other fortified wine casks.