Pipe works If The Shoe Fits West Coast Style India Pale Ale with Waimea and Cryo Simcoe

 Pipe works If The Shoe Fits West Coast Style India Pale Ale with Waimea and Cryo Simcoe.

7% ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

Clear with a slight chill haze, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: soft citrus and pine. 

In the mouth: nice bitterness up front, but not as brittle and dry as I’d like. I’m not up on my Waimea, and I’m not thoroughly well versed on cryo and what it’s supposed to do, but there are some undefinable flavors that don’t quite match what I look for in a West Coast IPA. Light bodied, easy drinking, just enough bitterness, but doesn’t really deliver. 

Ol’ George #35: Metaphysical Funnies

 

Ol’ George #35: Metaphysical Funnies

Notes on #35: 

1. We’re getting so meta now. Will this continue? Sometimes. If it serves the gag. 

2. The ending steals from the finale of Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese’s 1953 classic Looney Tune, “Duck Amuck.” I am playing the Bugs Bunny role. 

Junkyard Yardwork Session IPA

 Junkyard Yardwork Session IPA.

4% ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, Minnesota. 

Well, they got me. I don’t see New England or Vermont or “hazy” anywhere on the label, but sure enough, it pours all hazy. I’m going to pretend it doesn’t bother me. 

Just a reminder that I don’t review hazies anymore. If I get one as a sample or in a variety pack, I’ll drink it without comment. I certainly never buy them. 

Fuzzy, cloudy, slim white head, all orangey. 

In the nose:  bright citrus, lemon, orange, grapefruit. 

In the mouth: nice bitterness up front that fades, but returns with each new sip. Light bodied, low alcohol, but it needs to be cleaner and clearer. Too much business going on in the mouth for a true session IPA.

But what do I know?

This is the story of an amazing new kind of liquid handy-man that will help you do just about every one of those tough, back-breaking chores you have learned to dread. 

This is the story of the revolutionary, new, all-purpose, extra-handy, SESSION IPA!!

Now taking care of your yard can be a JOY instead of a HEADACHE! 

Featuring Galaxy and Citra Hops!

Dangerous Man Peach Citra Sour

 Dangerous Man Peach Citra Sour.

6.7 % ABV, 20 IBU, Dangerous Man Brewing, Maple Lake, MN. 

Yes, I have some DMBC cans hanging on. Quite a few, actually. Why not go ahead and review it? Doesn’t matter if you’ll never be able to go out and buy one. You’ll allow me that, right?

Mostly clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: peachy.

In the mouth: bright, peachy, citrusy, tart. Highly drinkable. No bitterness, no sweet, just straight up sour , with plenty of peach. A delightful blend of fruit and funk. 

Ol’ George #34: People Skills

 

Ol’ George #34: People Skills 

Notes on #34

1. I finished a strip a week for over 7 months, but the streak ended last week when I spent Monday working on a color piece. This was started last Thursday and finished tonight, so I’m calling it last week’s, turned in late. (Shh, don’t tell..) If I finish another one this week, I’m back on track. I have dozens of ideas I can’t wait to get to. 

2. Maybe you think George is referencing some album/song  by Oasis. It’s actually from the Mary Lou Williams tune recorded by Andy Kirk and his 12 Clouds of Joy in 1938. If the phrase predates that I can’t find it. 

3. This is Greg’s first time at Kelly’s. He’s not used to bars with talking cats. Did he come with Balonious? Are they friends? Balonious is still trying to figure out the “reality “ of Kelly’s. 

4. The whole beard without mustache thing is something I can’t figure out. Why bother shaving your lip? It just looks weird.

5. In panel three, George is referencing “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues” by Danny O’Keefe, 1972.

6. Should Greg return? Vote in the comments!

Arbeiter Net J. Carver Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Quad

 Arbeiter Net J. Carver Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Quad.

10.4 % ABV, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Solid darkness, fully opaque, slim, cocoa-toned head. 

In the nose: mmmm, barrel-y! (Says Pee Wee H.) Big and malty. Rich and caramel-y. Slightly smoky. 

In the mouth: here comes toffee and caramel, bounding out of the gate. Brandy barrel hugs the edges. Alcoholic warmth spreads everywhere. Cool and calm, while big and boisterous. Take it either way you like it.

Why am I drinking a beer like this on a hot summer night? You can drink anything anytime as long as you’re safe at home, late, late at night. 

Unmapped Final Destination Helles Lager

 Unmapped Final Destination Helles Lager. 

5.2 % ABV, 18 IBU, Unmapped Brewing, Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Light, the label says. Also, “breezy.” Well, it’s 95 degrees out, so that’s exactly what I need. 

Pale golden color, transparent, with a large white head that drifts down quickly. 

In the nose: lightly hopped, slightly malty, soft hints of cereal grains. 

In the mouth: light bodied, smooth, crisp, refreshing. Nice maltiness, just the kiss of the hops. Great balance of bitter and sweet. 

I’m liking this, and I’m normally not a lager liker. 

Final Destination Helles is a German style lager.  This beer is the perfect pounder for all occasions.  With a rich golden appearance and a nice malty aroma on the nose, this refreshing lager is the perfect beer to pair with Brats, mild cheeses, or even a lemon sorbet.

Summit Saga Sensation IPA

 Summit Saga Sensation IPA.

5.2% ABV, 55 IBU, Summit Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

From the Summit Saga Goddess Series variety pack. What makes a “sensation IPA” and how does one join the Saga brand family? That is what we endeavor to discover. 

Clear, golden hued, bright ivory head, long lasting. 

In the nose: slightly citrus aromatics.

PIn the mouth: blasts of bitterness, altogether dry. Easy drinking. Medium bodied, just a touch juicy, but mostly brittle and dry. I rather like it. 

Hammerheart Jormungandr’s

 Hammerheart Jormungandr’s. Rye Pale Ale.

7.5!% ABV, Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, Minnesota.

I’ve had this one twice before this 4-pack, when it was called Jormungandersblod. In May of 2016, at the brewery taproom, and two years later, when I tapped it Acadia Cafe. Neither was an occasion for note taking. Let’s take care of that at last, with, again, the final can. 

Murky, brownish, beige ring of foam. 

In the nose: slight smoke, bigger caramel, and then along comes rye. Spicy rye malt notes emerge. Just lovely. 

In the mouth: more maltiness floods the palate. Rich, robust, smooth, delicious. Nice bitterness throughout. Never quite quits and blends wonderfully with earthy, peppery malts. 

Another Hammerheart beer that I fully enjoyed. 

Little Thistle Export Stout

 Little Thistle Export Stout.

4.2 % ABV, 22 IBU, Little Thistle Brewing, Rochester, MN. 

Solid blackness, utterly opaque, slim brown head. 

In the nose: malty, sweet, roasted notes. 

In the mouth: sweetness on the palate, smooth, caramel-y, notes of toffee, coffee. Medium bodied, exceptionally easy drinking. Very tasty. 

I’d happily go back for more. 

Collaboration with Modist Brewing. Export Stout. Notes of chocolate and coffee, designed to have several. Inspired by the original. 

Ol’ George #33: Balonious’ Funk

Ol’ George #33: Balonious’ Funk

Notes on #33:

1. Another one I’ve had in the hopper for a while. Couldn’t decide on an ending. I’m happy with this one. 

2. George doesn’t tolerate beer geek wishy-washiness. If it’s a beer, you drink it. (Unless it’s peanut butter pickle porter.) 

3. “Is it true?” Some may ask about Balonious’ dialogue. To each their own! I just grabbed some random hop names. Feel however you want to. “Ew, Mosaic tastes like onions…” As George told him in his first appearance, you be you, Sonny Jim…up to a point. 

4. Too late, Irma! By the way, the last time I drew Irma, I forgot her apron, leaving her naked behind the bar. Let’s forget that happened. 

Junkyard Coco Mondo Coconut Cream Ale

Junkyard Coco Mondo Coconut Cream Ale. 

4.7% ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN.

Clear-ish, golden-hued, skim white head. 

In the nose: got the coco-, got the nut. Big time toasted. 

In the mouth: loaded with coconut, light bodied, easy-drinking. Solid cream ale base. Not too much else to say. If you like coconut, go for it. If you’re like Charlie Brown and every other character in Peanuts, stay away.

This coconut cream ale is brewed with toasted coconut and is sure to transport you to paradise!

Ol’ George #32: Mad Monk

 

Notes on #32:

1. This is the fourth in the series where George meets representatives of beers, assesses them in front of them, and delivers a smart ass response. I knew I wanted to do Rasputin, as a fan of the beer for oh, 25 years, at least, but couldn’t think of a gag. Until I heard a coworker sing the song. Thanks, Ezra! 

2. All of these strips so far have been inked with felt tip pens and markers. When I was younger, I tried to do everything with nib pens and brushes, like my cartoonist heroes, but wasn’t always successful. One of these days I’m going to give myself enough time to do one all with brush and that’ll be great.

A couple weeks ago, I did my first Ol’ George illustration inked with brush and colored with watercolor. This will be available as a sticker that I will be giving out in person while supplies last. 

I intend to redo it and make the new version available for sale in a variety of forms on a website very soon. Hold yer horses, the George merch is coming!

Steel Toe Worn Sole Imperial Alt

 Steel Toe Worn Sole Imperial Alt.

8.5 % ABV, Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, MN. 

Dark brown color, slim tan head, nearly opaque.

In the nose: cocoa, coffee, caramel. Slightly sweet.

In the mouth: more of the same on the palate, rich and robust. Practically delicious. Full bodied. This brings to mind the king of this style, the Urrige Doppelsticke. That’s a compliment. 

It’s been gone for a bit, and I deeply regret not buying more than one six pack. So very tasty. 

Aromas of dark caramel, toffee, raisin, and slight spice. 

Ol’ George #31: Canned Corn

 

Notes on #31:

1. This was one of the first ideas I came up with, way back in October. Something was nagging me about it, though. It seemed like Norm joke from “Cheers.” I’ve seen every episode, so perhaps it burrowed into my brain. I had to be sure of it, but I wasn’t going to watch them all over again. I searched the internet and watched YouTube compilations. Nothing came up. Okay, I did my due diligence. When George Wendt passed away last week, I added the second half. 

2. During my deep dive of YouTube, encountered a clip that demonstrated that my strip #13 from January apparently plagiarized Cheers. In their version, Frasier recites “The Raven” and states “that was Poe”,  whereupon Coach tells him “don’t be modest, it was great.” I swear I’d forgotten all about it. 

3. The laugh track joke I stole from myself. Way back in my high school newspaper comic strip, “Lenny.” I don’t have copies to prove it, though. Steal from the best, am I right? 

Ol’ George #30: It’s a Feature...

 Notes on #30

1. Wait, what kind of a bar serves dogs, talking cats, and giant cockroaches? Where’s the health department? We’re in a different world here, people. Repeat to yourself, it’s just a comic strip, I should mreally just relax. 

2. This might be out of character for Ol’ George. Sitting on the patio means leaving Irma alone inside the bar. Depriving her of his jokes and smartassery.  It probably won’t happen again, I did it just for this gag. 

3. At first, I wanted to call the big bug Greg, a nod to Frank Kafka’s unfortunate Gregor Samsa, who was turned into some manner of insect in the short story “The Metamorphosis.” But I finally won an argument with myself in favor of bringing out a character I created in my teenage years. Cuddles was pet to the eccentric Granny Giuseppe, and there were possibly other characters. Unless someone can prove otherwise, I wrote stories about these characters, but never published them, or showed them to anyone. I drew them, but never made comics about them. Again, maybe I did, can’t remember, and all evidence is lost. Maybe Granny will appear soon? Is this the beginning of....the Alniverse?!?

Ol’ George #29: Last Orders

 

Notes on #29:

1. Nothing to explain, just George being a smart ass again, getting Irma’s goat. And she always starts out so positive. One of these days, George, one of these days…

2. We haven’t seen Riblet in 24 episodes. I had intended to use him as more of a regular character, but I haven’t pinned down his look. I’m sure his Mama don’t mind. 

3. If you look look back at Balonious’ previous appearances, there isn’t a human among the crowd. (Wait, I’ve never drawn a crowd…some day..) He’s never made Chester’s acquaintance. He wasn’t there to see Tom Waits, Thelonious Monk, Santa Claus, David Lynch, or that couple doing Dry January. He doesn’t even know that…whoops, I’m getting ahead of myself…

Three Floyds Chain Sword Extra Pale Ale

 Three Floyds Chain Sword Extra Pale Ale.

5% ABV, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, Indiana.

From the latest variety pack. 

Clear, golden hued, short white head. 

In the nose: slightly citrusy, brisk and lively. 

In the nose: lemon and lime lead the charge on the palate. Crisp and clean, light bodied and refreshing, with an incessant bitterness that pleases the tongue. Goes down nice and smooth. Highly likable.

Not as clumsy or random as other extra pale ales, Chain Sword was brewed with Golden Promise Malt and El Dorado hops - an elegant beer for a more civilized age

Inbound Fruit of the Double Loop West Coast Double IPA

 Inbound Fruit of the Double Loop West Coast Double IPA.

9% ABV, 90 IBU, Inbound BrewCo., Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Clear, bright golden hue, small white head. 

In the nose: floral, fruity, hoppy, citrusy with a drop of the tropical.

In the mouth: bitterness and dank fruity flavors set the palate ablaze. Slightly sticky icky. It’s got the hops. Tantalizing. Full-bodied, generously flavored, a true hophead’s delight. 

So, congrats, Inbound, on nine years, though I can’t condone the spelling error on the label. (“Fruit Loop-esk”? Oh, brother!)

This is one I will probably return to before it disappears. 

9th Anniversary double West Coast IPA. We took our Fruit of the Loop recipe and jacked it up to 9%. We then applied the same quantity of hops we’d add to a 30bbl batch and crammed them in to a 15bbl tank. The result is absurdly hoppy and dangerously easy drinking.

Oliphant Snail Pale Pale Ale

 Oliphant Snail Pale Pale Ale.

5% ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, Wisconsin. 

Collaboration with Sea Salt Eatery, Minnehaha Falls on the shell limns the connection.

Clear, bright golden / orange hue, fine white froth rests atop. 

In the nose: bright citrus zest, bold orange and grapefruit. Perfect.

In the mouth: bitterness greets the palate, kisses the lips and coats the tongue. Fiercely hoppy, fresh and expertly drinkable. Medium to light bodied. Long, bittersweet finish. Infinitely enjoyable.

I’ll tell you this, people: I don’t know how pale ales fell out of favor, but it’s got to stop. There ain’t nothing like a good one, and this one is that. 

In Collaboration with those saltwater sweeties over at Sea Salt Eatery in MPLS, this pale ale drinks like it would've over a decade ago. A little malty, a little bitter and hoppy; most of all, delish! Snail on chums!