Ol’ George #54: Bats

 Ol’ George #54: Bats

Notes on #54:

1. Personal accomplishment unlocked: pencil, ink and color all done in one night, under four hours. Wrote it today, too. Originally, I thought I would have Superman as Bats’ drinking buddy, but I am glad I chose Boy Wonder as the one to take the Caped Crusader home after too many vanilla porters. Yeah, I figure Batman as a vanilla Porter kind of guy. 

2. When I was 4, 5 years old, I was the biggest Batman fan on the block. I tuned in, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel to see Adam West and Burt Ward pow, zap, and ka-zowie the bad guys. I was that weird kid running around the neighborhood with a bath towel around my neck. When the kids on the school bus sang “Jingle Bells, Batman smells “, how it irked me! How dare they malign my hero!

I would read the comic books off and on over the years, not really becoming a regular reader until the mid-80’s, and that was a great time for it, in the years before Burton’s big film. Miller’s Dark Knight & (Mazzuchelli’s) Year One, Moore’s ( & Bolland’s) Killing Joke, Morrison’s (& McKean’s) Arkham Asylum …and so much more. I dropped it all when I dropped everything mainstream and corporate owned and delved full force into everything alternative. The only Batman I could look at after that was the stuff that never took itself seriously. It’s a comic book, people, lighten up! I couldn’t avoid in the 90’s, though, as I worked at a comic book store for seven years.

3. I feel the same way about beer these days. It’s just beer! Lighten up! 

And I feel the same way about alternative comics. Only the serious stuff gets attention these days, only autobiography and memoirs of oppression and great tragedies. No one gives a damn about silliness. That can be a great art form, too, and that is one hill I will die on, with a flower growing out of my corpse. 

Ol’ George #53: It’s the Great Pumpkin Beer, Charlie Brown!

 Ol’ George #53: It’s the Great Pumpkin Beer, Charlie Brown!

Notes on #53: 

1. This was an idea I had a year ago and couldn’t get to, saving it for later. I remembered it after finishing #52, realized it was almost Halloween and decided that this would be the week that I did two in one week, one right after the other. Make up for that one week in June that I skipped. I thought I could do it all in one evening, but, alas, this hand-coloring takes time. 

So, there we go, 53 strips in 13 months. In your face, haters and doubters! 

(Sorry, that makes me sound too much like our current butthead in chief.) 

2. George as a devil was an easy pick, Chester as Aladdin Sane seems out of left field, but I arrived at it naturally. Once I assigned my hatted characters non-hatted costumes, I thought that my hatless character should have one. But, no, Irma is no witch. She is a princess. 

The original version I wrote was a simple joke, but this comes out of Irma’s mouth oozing with sarcasm. 

3. It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is an astounding work of art centered around a child’s delusions. Where were the Van Pelts? Did they have no concern for their young son’s mania and his nights in the pumpkin patch, freezing himself, awaiting his imaginary fantasy creation? Where are the Peanuts parents? I hold them complicit! It’s bad enough what happened to Sally, Peppermint Patty, others, but when would the authorities finally become involved? Lucy actually behaves as a parent to Linus, while still allowing his odd beliefs, but in a real world…I wonder when he would give up the idea? You know what? I don’t want to know. 

Ol’ George #52: The Sign (part one)

 Ol’ George #52: The Sign (part one) .

Notes on #52:

1. In 2007, I did a sketch of an ill-tempered cat that I decided to render as an oil painting, something I hadn’t, and still haven’t, done much of. I wasn’t thrilled with the results, despite being satisfied with the basic design, and it went into my closet.

The next year, it inspired me to rework it for another project. I put a hat on his head, gave him a cigar, and this one was done in ink and watercolor. The project I intended the illustration for never saw the light of day, but I liked the work well enough to frame it and keep it on the wall. 

Sixteen years later, I was looking at that picture and got the idea for Ol’ George. The cigar was ditched but he remains hatted and blue. 

In January of this year, I thought about ordering stickers of some of my work and happened to have a pic of Bad Kitty on my phone. Soon, I had 100 Bad Kitty stickers to give to friends and plaster all over the place. A few months ago, I had a friend with better computer graphic skills help me rework the image into something maybe more commercial. Then, it hit me: this could be the logo for George’s new favorite beer! I thought back to a strip I did in July and, the ideas started flowing . There are a few more chapters here. I won’t do them all together, they will be broken up by one shots. 

Later, I realized that I had already shown George drinking a beer called Bad Kitty. Well. We can do two things: pretend this is a prequel or an origin story, or not worry about it. Either option is fine with me. I will not ret-con. 

2. This is the happiest I’ve ever drawn George. I’ll try to keep it to a minimum. 

3. Here we are at #52, under a year after I revealed this project to the world. I will strive to meet my goal of one a week, maybe even two, if I can. Not slowing down. #cat #cartoon #i

Hammerheart Dunkelwald Smoked Dunkelweizen Ale

 

Hammerheart Dunkelwald Smoked Dunkelweizen Ale.

6.1% ABV.

Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, Minnesota. 

Dark brown, nearly opaque, large and lasting cocoa-tinged head. 

In the nose: smoked malt sits right up from the start. Campfires and smoked meats. Dark malts beneath. 

In the mouth: smooth and delicious! Weizen sweetness blends perfectly chocolatey malt goodness, with that hint of smoke right behind. Slight caramel notes. This rides so clean on the palate. 

Ol’ George #51: 86 47

 Ol’ George #51: 86 47

Notes on #51:

1. This is the 3rd time that the star of his own strip has no lines. The first time was #3, which also featured Donald Trump, being kicked out of the Mos Eisley Cantina by bartender Wuher, who speaks the only line. It’s also the only one-panel strip (but won’t be the last). So, there is another bar George visits, but it’s a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. 

2. This one’s been on the hopper awhile, but I was stuck on the ending. Originally I imagined Irma dropping an anvil on his head, but I didn’t want her to be seen as violent. She did once threaten George with a baseball bat, but that was a movie parody and shouldn’t count. Once I put the Portland frog in there, it fell into place. 

It occurred to me that it might come off as a non-sequitor to some, but I’m not worried about that. There will always be some strips that not everyone will get. It occurred to while re-reading Krazy Kat that there are always some that I just won’t get. That’s okay. There’s always the pretty pictures and the shapes and colors. 

3. For the first time, no bird-theme beer ads on the wall (or tongue in cheek slogans), but evidence of the bar’s stance on Budweiser. 

Junkyard Uncle Chuck’s Czech

 

Junkyard Uncle Chuck’s Czech. Czech-style Pilsner lager. 

4.5 % ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, Minnesota.

Crystal clear, bright golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: lovely floral aromatics, beautiful hoppy expression.

In the mouth: fresh and zesty, light-bodied, easy drinking. Hop bitterness stays on the tongue and lasts through the bright, breezy finish. Touch of malt sweetness. Soft mouthfeel. A genuine pleasure.

I don’t drink a lot of pilsners, but I would if they were all as good as this. 

This Czech style Pilsner is the perfect companion for any fishing expedition, even if it's just sitting on the dock with your Uncle Chuck. Brewed with European malts and traditional hop varieties, this easy drinking, light-bodied beer is a fresh interpretation of a flavorful classic.

Ol’ George #50: Krazy He Calls Me

 Ol’ George #50: Krazy He Calls Me 

Note on #50:

1. I got the idea for Ol’ George last September after finishing a biography of “Krazy Kat” creator George Herriman. George takes his name from the cartoonist, as well as his hat-wearing habit, and the”0l’” appellation (though Herriman spelled it “ole”). (And, you may have noticed, no one actually calls him that.)

Over the past year and 49 strips, George has met Snoopy, Popeye, Bill the Cat, Charlie Brown, Cathy, Zippy the Pinhead, Fritz the Cat, Cosmo Cat, and Superman. Also in the past year, I have read and re-read every Krazy Kat volume in my collection, as well as whatever else the library had on hand. After closing the covers on Krazy and Ignatz The Complete Sunday Strips Volume Three 1935-1944, I knew that the only way to make #50 special was finally have George and Krazy meet. 

2. I could go on and on about how remarkable a comic strip Krazy Kat was, but you didn’t come here for that. I am one of those who eagerly and wholeheartedly declare it the greatest strip of all time. If you’ve never read it, I urge you to visit your local library and check out a volume. You have to have a heart ready to receive an enormous amount of whimsy and be able to accept about a dozen or so absurd conceits at once in order to get it. 

3. I realized too late an error. Krazy shouldn’t be saying “we had a tryss (“tryst”)”, it should have been “hed.”

4. For 31 years, Ignatz held an enmity for one resident of Coconino County alone, his hatred aimed only at the fanciful feline. I’m not the only cartoonist to imagine the mouse attacking his hero, brick in hand. Charles Schulz did so in the early ‘50’s. But he had Charlie Brown emitting a “heart react”, like Krazy would. I just couldn’t see George responding that way. Instead, his addled bean makes him sing Krazy’s favorite song. 

Venn Basic Decency Pale Ale

 Venn Basic Decency Pale Ale.

5% ABV, Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Clear, light amber-hued, slim white head.

In the nose: basic hoppiness, basic slight citrus. 

In the mouth: starts out mild, moves quick into clean hoppiness, delightful citrus, minor grapefruit and major lemon/lime. Nice and easy on the palate, crisp and refreshing, highly likable. 

Ol’ George #49: (title forthcoming)

 

Ol’ George #49: (title forthcoming)

Notes on #49

1. Vern, I’m sorry George called your beloved pup a “dumb mutt.” I can’t control him sometimes. 

2. There are nearly 20 beers out there with a “snozzberry” theme, most of them fruited sours. Geni’s is a Belgian lambic, and has been around since last week when I drew George drinking one on a birthday card for my friend Winona. She gets credit for naming Irma after writer Erma Bombeck, because bartenders give advice, as did E.B. I switched the spelling because I’s are easier to write than E’s. 

Junkyard Festbier Lager Bier

 Junkyard Festbier Lager Bier. 

Well, it’s October, perfect time to drink up some Oktoberfests. Twenty six more days for märzens! What, they’re taking down the tents in Munich? Whaddaya mean? 

5.3 % ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Clear, golden hued, ivory head. 

In the nose: herbal, floral, some slight sweetness. 

In the mouth: clean, light bodied, and exceptionally malty. Exquisitely drinkable, robustly flavorful. I am slowly but surely coming over to the Festbier style. It certainly has its charms. 

FESTBIER is our take on a crushable and crispy German style lager that will keep the party going!

With its smooth body, light mouth feel along with a stronger hop presences than our Junktoberfest, this will keep any classic celebration rolling into the wee hours of the morning

Headflyer California Love West Coast IPA

 Headflyer California Love West Coast IPA. 

7% ABV, 55 IBU, HeadFlyer, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, fine layer of ivory froth atop.

In the nose: highly hopped, prickly pine and citrus. Just right. 

In the mouth: starts out largely bitter and packed with grapefruit and lemon. Dry, brittle, beautiful. Clean, crisp, light bodied. Non-stop hoppiness. This one delivers.

I passed on a 4-pack because I wanted to try out this free sample first. Now, I’m going to make sure I get more next time I see it. Well-done West Coast. 

Wooden Ship Sparky’s Gone Rogue American IPA

 

Wooden Ship Sparky’s Gone Rogue American IPA.

Vera hops, terpenes. 5.3 % ABV, Wooden Ship Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Crimson colored, lightly hazed, slim white head. 

In the nose: soft and fruity, with an encroaching certain something. Dankness is coming….

In the mouth: fruity at the front, with practically no bitterness, something I look forward to in an IPA. Soft, light bodied, easy drinking, but lacking in character. I keep trying to like it, but it’s coming up short. Not sure what they’re going for, but I’m not digging it. 

An IPA made with Vera hops, as well as OG Kush and Sour Tangie terpenes!

Ol’ George #48: September Song

 Ol’ George #48: September Song

Notes on #48: 

1. George has a poetic side to his soul. Leave it to one of his good Ol’ drinking buddies to bring him back down to earth. It’s what drinking buddies are for. 

2. I don’t know how many windows Kelly’s bar has, but it’s probably not a lot. I’ll bet they’re small and don’t reveal much to the outside world and vice versa. 

Half Acre Sunset Vallejo India Pale Ale

 Half Acre Sunset Vallejo India Pale Ale.

6.7% ABV, Half Acre Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: soft, floral, slightly citric, a trifle tropical. 

In the mouth: grapefruit zest, big bitterness, lemons, bracingly refreshing. Citrus bonanza. Ridiculously delicious. Light bodied, lean and clean, big time citrusy hop attack. 

A matching malt bill to the original with a different collection of hops, en route to creamy tangerine, fresh lime and candied waters.

Junkyard West Is Best West Coast Style IPA

 Junkyard West Is Best West Coast Style IPA.

6.6 % ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden, slim white head. 

In the nose: popping with prickly pine and succulent citrus, vibrant and illuminating.

In the mouth: blast of hoppiness at first, bracing, brittle, bitter. Grapefruit and orange at play on the palate. Dank, sticky, beautifully bitter, judiciously juicy. Medium bodied, highly likable. Yum….a dum dum. 

This is flat out delicious. Make more, make more! 

West Coast IPA's are the clear victor in the bitter battle for world domination...

We designed this beer to be enjoyed all by itself and also mixed with the East Coast IPA , East is Sweet. Have fun and experiment! Just don't cause any international incidents!

Brewed in collaboration with Hollingbery Hops. Special thanks goes to our sales guy Steve, who we call our "Dealer".

This beer is hopped with Comet, Chinook, and Citra hops. 

Headflyer Pröst Malone Festbier

 Headflyer Pröst Malone Festbier.

5.8 %, 20 IBU, Headflyer Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Did you know that there are at least 24 other beers with this name? You can’t keep a good pun down, it seems. 

Clear, bright golden hue, voluminous ivory head.

In the nose: sweet and malty, classically hopped. Bready, earthy, inviting. 

In the mouth: sweetness slaps the palate from the start, but kept from cloying with just-so balance. Delicious. Medium bodied, easy drinkability. 

I may be turning into a fan of festbiers, you never know. 

Grab a stain and say congratulations- smooth malt vibes and toasty notes that hit better now than ever. Pröst Malone is here for good times, cold pours, and no more thirstin’.

Central Waters Why Is The Cake Gone?

 

Central Waters Why Is The Cake Gone? Brewer’s Reserve. Imperial Porter Aged in Rum Barrels with Natural

13.3 % ABV, 30 IBU, Central Waters Brewing, Amherst, Wisconsin. 

Opaque, thoroughly black, slim cocoa-tinged ring above. 

In the nose: cake and frosting. Sickeningly sweet. Overly sugary. Just about gross. 

In the mouth: oooh, more overwhelming sweetness, more sugary grotesqueries. What did they do to make it do damned confectionery and how do we lose track of the rum barrel and the imperial porter? Every new sip brings more sugary concoctions, sickeningly sweet, and not too terribly enjoyable. 

Did someone say cake? This robust porter has been aged in rum barrels and comes together with vanilla and natural flavorings to deliver a cake experience in liquid form.

Ol’ George #47: Nuts to you!

 

Ol’ George #47: Nuts to you! 

Notes on #47:

1. Finally, a member of familia rodentia has joined the cast! Has he joined, will he return? I kind of like Gavin. I love his pink suit and green bowtie. I’m really digging the color, how ‘bout you? 

Has Ol’ George engaged in rodent stereotyping? Let’s not go too deep into this. Will another rodent, a beaver, or raccoon, say, pop up and accuse him of such? I don’t like to repeat myself, so…

2. When I first started this strip, almost a year ago, I assigned the following characteristics to George: irascible, cantankerous, grumpy, grouchy, misanthropic, etc. I wasn’t long before I realized that the main source of the comedy would be his smart alecky-ness. A jocular curmudgeon is better than a prickly, morose, misanthrope. And I’ve noticed that George rarely rises to engage with his opponents and instead collapses under an argument’s absurdly. I don’t think he has it in him to fight the fight. Therein lies his humanity (felinity?)

Wait, “I’ve noticed?” Don’t I write this thing? 

Dangerous Man Starlight BlackBerry Wine Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout

 Dangerous Man Starlight BlackBerry Wine Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout. 

10.8 % ABV, Dangerous Man Brewing, Maple Lake, MN. 

Utter blackness, supreme opacity, slim cocoa/ tan head. 

In the nose: fruity, blackberry-y, wine-y, with the richness of the stout below. 

In the mouth: richness and complexity abounds. Not too thick, not too heavy,  but a beautiful blend of flavors. Big blackberry, mixed with chocolate, vanilla, cocoa, not too sweet, not too bitter. Tannin-y. Full bodied. Just enough of everything, and utterly unique. 

Oh, Dangerous Man, will we ever see your like…again? 

Ol’ George #46: Doodlin’

 

Ol’ George #46: Doodlin’

Notes on #46:

So far in this strip, what we know about the man called Chester is his wardrobe and his beer of choice. With this strip, we introduce him as a cartoonist, a trait he shares with his real life counterpart. 

I’m on the hunt for Chester comics, doodles and drawings. I lost mine, long ago. Pics and scans are fine, of course. I’d like to create some kind of digital shrine to them, even if only here in the Nib. I’m going to go around asking in person and online. Palmer’s would have been a good place to ask, but I missed my opportunity to visit before they closed for good. 

I’ll begin expanding my search, but if anyone reading this has any or has ideas where to look, please contact me.

Personally, I am always cautious when sketching, especially strangers, when I’m in public, precisely because of George’s reaction. 

Sierra Nevada Phantom Torpedo IPA American IPA

 Sierra Nevada Phantom Torpedo IPA American IPA.

6 % ABV, 45 IBU, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico, CA. 

Slightly clouded, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: big time citrus and plenty of pine. Lemon orange and a forest floor. 

In the mouth: hop assault, though not too terrible, on the palate, slightly juicy/fruity. Just enough bitterness to keep me interested. Excellent drinkability. Veers too far away from a real American IPA, though, into the lighter, contemporary style. I’ll take it, though, it’s just good enough. 

This American IPA delivers layers of tropical, citrus, and woody hop flavors that reappear with each sip. Exclusively in the Torpedo IPA Pack.

Malts: Golden Promise, Rye, Two-row Pale, Vienna

Hops: Azacca, Magnum, Vic Secret

Yeast: Ale

Ol’ George #45: On Cats

 Ol’ George #45: On Cats

Notes on #45: 

1. Now in Color! From now on, I won’t share this to the blog until I have it colored in the medium of my choice. I might share it in b&w to other platforms if I just can’t wait. I will be coloring the past strips and swapping them out with the b&w files at my leisure. 

2. Why did I just now come around to the obvious fact that C.B. and George should be drinking buddies? . Bukowski loved cats, George is one. They both love beer, and their misanthropy is probably equally matched. They may have other things in common. Who knows? 

It was the quote that made me rush this one into production. Why does C. B. answer George the way he does? Because it begins this poem…”My Cats”

I know. I know.
they are limited, have different
needs and
concerns.

but I watch and learn from them.
I like the little they know,
which is so
much.

they complain but never
worry,
they walk with a surprising dignity.
they sleep with a direct simplicity that
humans just can't
understand.

their eyes are more
beautiful than our eyes.
and they can sleep 20 hours
a day
without
hesitation or
remorse.

when I am feeling
low
all I have to do is
watch my cats
and my
courage
returns.

I study these
creatures.

they are my
teachers.

3. See how literary I am? It’s not all comical books in my brain. 

4. Why did I choose Harvest Gold for the background color? I figured they’re day drinking. 

Falling Knife Mpls Legend Kölsch

 Falling Knife Mpls Legend Kölsch. In collaboration with Arbeiter, Back Channel, Insight, & Venn. 

5.2 % ABV, Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden head, fine ivory froth. 

In the nose: fruity notes hit first, apple, pear, melon…light and floral.

In the mouth: minor bitterness, moderate malt. Light and easy-breezy. Just enough deliciousness to keep the palate happy. Ultimately consumable. An incredibly competed kölsch. Quite delightful.

Traditional Kölsch-Style Ale mega-collab with Arbeiter, Back Channel, Insight and Venn, brewed for our brother, friend and co-owner Tom Berg who was taken from us April 5th.

Nine Mile Harness the Dark Imperial Rye Porter Aged in Rye Whiskey

Nine Mile Harness the Dark Imperial Rye Porter Aged in Rye Whiskey.

11.5 % ABV, 50 IBU, 9 Mile Brewing, Bloomington, Minnesota. 

I bought this at the brewery a couple months back and decided to drink it tonight, instead of going to bed at a decent hour. Cause that’s just me. 

Solid blackness, purely opaque, slim ring of brown foam. 

In the nose: all manner of darkness and depth, charcoal, smoke, bourbon, cocoa, etc. 

In the mouth: rich, thick, robust. Motor oily. It’s got the imperialism down pat and mastered like a proverbial boss. Chocolate, oak, char, etc. Deep deliciousness. Much goodness and dark delights. Before you know it, the burn comes along. And I am digging it. A most welcome nightcap. 

Aged in J. Carver rye whiskey barrels

Avery The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest

 Avery The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest.

8% ABV,  25 IBU, Avery Brewing, Boulder, Colorado. 

Clear, deep copper hue, large, cream-toned head. 

In the nose: classic, herbal/malty aroma. Caramel notes.

In the mouth: a touch of sweetness, rich and malty, toasty and delicious, with a little bit of extra oomph. Wonderfully warming. Prost! 

The Kaiser once said, “Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.” If the Kaiser and his significant other had tipped this bottle, we’d all be “sprechenden Deutsch!” We took all that is good in a traditional Oktoberfest – gorgeous, deep copper sheen, massive malty backbone and spicy, floral, pungent noble hops – then intensified each into this, an Imperial Oktoberfest.

Central Waters Honey Dripper Double Dry Hopped Honey Double India Pale Ale

 

Central Waters Honey Dripper Double Dry Hopped Honey Double India Pale Ale.

8.1% ABV, Central Waters Brewing, Amherst, Wisconsin. 

Lightly hazed, pale orange, bright ivory head, leaving lace. 

In the n: bold citrus! Ripe orange, tangerine. Quite a hoppy li’l thing. 

In the mouth: nice bitterness up front, flooding the palate. Nice and dry. You’d think honey would suggest sweetness, but I’m getting none. Wait…there it is. Just a touch. Now we’ve got a tango between the bitter and the sweet and it’s not too shabby. 

I like this. I’d have another. 

Honey Dripper

Double Dry Hopped Honey DIPA  - 8.1%

Mosaic / Simcoe / Calypso Cryo / Strata

This beer is quite a handful & a bit out of hand. On top of the heavy hand of hops, Acacia Honey, WI Cranberry Honey, & Raspberry Honey,  were added at both the brewing side & fermentation side, this thing is absolutely loaded with hops & honey. The beer also features Briess' American honey malt, adding a nice orange hue, backed by a heavy layering of wheat and oats. 

Tasting Notes : 

Floral stone fruit aromatics, honey candy, and dank peach juice, with a fluffy finish.

Three Floyds Calumet Queen Kölsch

 

Three Floyds Calumet Queen Kölsch.

5 % ABV, 20 IBU, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, Indiana. 

Crystal clear, golden toned, large, lace-leaving ivory head. 

In the nose: delightfully fruity, apple & pear. A trifle sweetish. Altogether enticing. 

In the mouth: light bodied, flavorful, and ultra-smooth. Pretty much perfection. Incredible drinkable, with full-on kölsch flavors. So delicious. 

A crisp and refreshing lighter summer offering, this Kolsch-style beer is golden in color, light-bodied and a perfect remedy for hot weather.

Hammerheart Von Winterherz Verhasst Oak-smoked Hefe Weizen

 Hammerheart Von Winterherz Verhasst Oak-smoked Hefe Weizen.

6.8% ABV, Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, MN. 

Look at Winterherz, that hefe weizen hater. I’ve never had a beer named after me, and I like Hefeweizens. 

Slightly hazed, dark golden, large white head. 

In the nose: there’s our banana, coupled with cloves! Fresh & funky, a perfect Bavarian weizen aroma. And along comes the smoke. 

In the mouth: smoke is more prominent on the palate. Banana & clove more subdued in the flavor. Great texture, with superb drinkability. No smoke bomb, it’s a fairly traditional take on a weizen, and I am enjoying it, thoroughly. 

Dual Citizen Sounding Line Oatmeal Stout

 Dual Citizen Sounding Line Oatmeal Stout.

4.7 % ABV, 35 IBU, Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Full-on blackness. Opaque. Sizable, creamy head. 

In the nose: roasty, malty, coffee & caramel. 

In the mouth: super-smooth, while rich & robust. Dry & roasty/toasty. Medium body, meaty mouthfeel. Has everything you want in an oatmeal stout, and we don’t see enough of those these days. Quite consumable. 

Ol’ George #44: Cosmo Cat

 

Ol’ George #44: Cosmo Cat

Notes on 44:

1. Here’s the problem I’ve been having collecting Cosmo Cat comics. I have Wotalife Comics #9 from 1945. The scene on the cover does not appear in the issue. There is  a Cosmo story inside about a trio of baby ducks. When does he do superhero stuff? I have a Cosmo Cat #2 from 1959 which reprints a 1940’s cover, but no Cosmo inside! What the?!? The 40’s books are out of my price range now, and those ‘50’s “reprints “ contain unrelated, inferior material. There’s a 1960’s reprint book that might be affordable, but he looks too cute on the cover. If I dig online, I might find some scans. I really like the art by Al Fago (always under pseudonym.)

2. Cosmo’s fur appears to be pink. Pink! That’s not a normal color for a cat! When I get around to coloring this, he’ll be orange. 

Steel Toe Dunkel Dark Lager

 Steel Toe Dunkel Dark Lager. Munich-style.

5.5 % ABV, Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, MN. 

Clear, deep crimson coloring, fine ring of cream toned foam.

In the nose: caramel, toffee, mostly malty. 

In the mouth: smooth and malty, little bit of nuttiness, veering just shy of sweet. Dry, earthy, little bit of roast. More caramel and toffee. Medium bodied, expertly drinkable, Flat out yum a dum dum. 

Alvinne Oak Collection The Oak Melchior Ale Brewed with mustard seeds and aged in oak barrels

Alvinne Oak Collection The Oak Melchior Ale Brewed with mustard seeds and aged in oak barrels. Aged in Bourbon barrels (Maker’s Mark) for 8 months!

Clear, reddish hue, slim, off-white head. 

In the nose: vanilla, caramel & oak right from the start. Brandy, leather, cherries, whiskey.

In the mouth: more of the same at play on the palate. Minor hops, major malt, big time barrel. Mustard seeds? Whatever. It’s all swallowed up by the bourbon. Very mellow, despite the 11%,…very smooth and comforting. And okay, maybe I’m picking up the mustard after all.?

Big Axe/South Lyndale Liquors Toffee Coffee Pumpkin Blonde

 Big Axe/South Lyndale Liquors Toffee Coffee Pumpkin Blonde.

5% ABV, Big Axe Brewing, Nisswa, MN.

I said I would review everything in my fridge, no matter what, and post my notes, unless they’ve gone bad. This can is probably a year old. No date, but it’s from last fall. Let’s see how it held up

Hazy orange hue, with floaters about, short-lived head. 

In the nose: prominent coffee notes, earthy & bitter. Pumpkin lurks just below, hanging out with toffee. 

In the mouth: pleasant, and pumpkin-y enough. Sweetness from the malt, just enough hops for the style.  Very mellow, very groovy. If you want a blonde ale with pumpkin, and some toffee and coffee, too, this one ain’t too shabby, there. 

This was probably much better fresh, but it hasn’t faded significantly. Not in its prime. 

“Hey, biking skeleton! You’re not supposed to ride over that bridge!”

Modist Last of the Best Strata Double Dry-hopped Pilsner

 

Modist Last of the Best Strata Double Dry-hopped Pilsner.

5% ABV, Modist Brewing, Minnesota, Minnesota. 

Clear, pale gold color, slim white head. 

In the nose: soft and citrusy. Herbal. Floral. 

In the mouth: crisp & clean, smooth and super-drinkable. Minimal bitterness. Extra dry. When you want a Pilsner, this ain’t a bad one to have. Top notch.

 Czech-Style Pilsner w/ pilsner malt, hopped & double dry hopped w/ Czech Saaz & Strata

Bad Weather Immortal Toast Infused White Stout

 

Bad Weather Immortal Toast Infused White Stout.

7.5 % ABV, 35 IBU, Bad Weather Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota.

I’ve never understood “white stout.” It ain’t white and it ain’t stout. Watch me struggle anew! 

Clear, golden toned, slim white head.

In the nose: coffee up front, bold and roasted, with vanilla right behind. 

In the mouth: Small bitterness, smooth and malty. So, the infusion is the addition of coffee and vanilla, which is a tasty treat that can’t be beat. But I am still absolutely hornswaggled (I think I made that up) by this “white stout” business. It’s a gimmicky name that needs to be replaced. Not by me, I can’t spare the brain cells required. 

Light bodied, rich, robust, and utterly delicious, despite the confusing nomenclature. 

'Immortal Toast' was pulled straight from the homebrew notebook of co founder Zac's late father - Greg Carpenter. White Stout, brewed with whole bean Ethiopian Peace Coffee, Ecuadorian Cacao nibs and Madagascar Vanilla beans. Aroma of freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate and sweet malt. Flavors of honey, vanilla and coffee. Medium body with low bitterness. Pours a hazy orange with white head. 

Junkyard Scrounger Blonde Ale

 Junkyard Scrounger Blonde Ale.

4.3 % ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: slightly citric, grainy/malty, low to negligible bitterness. 

In the mouth: light bodied, brightly flavored. Super sessionable. Lemony. Citrus flavors abound with zer bitterness and a modicum of malt. 

Ho, hum, a blonde ale, says I, til I try it, and then it’s “pretty good for a blonde ale.” 

Light, crisp, very drinkable blonde ale hopped with German Tettnager hops to give it a slightly floral and fruity hop profile. 

Wandering Leaf Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

 Wandering Leaf Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Beet saison.

6.2 % ABV, Wandering Leaf Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Another beer from last fall, as I clear out the fridge? Why else would I drink a Halloween beer in late August? Why else did I drink a beet beer? 

Dark red, pink head. Opaque.

In the nose: dry and vegetal.

In the mouth: yep, that’s beets in there, right up in that saison. You don’t get much saison, it’s just to have something for the beets to swim around in, and they’re only for the beer to be red, so you can take it to a Halloween party and pretend you’re drinking blood. Again, dry and vegetal. Not much else.

Was this better when fresh? Not significantly. 

Beet Saison with lemon and basil

Ol’ George #43: Introducing Geni

Ol’ George #43: Introducing Geni

Notes on #43: 

1. I have mentioned previously how I recognized that this strip lacks an independent human female character. I said this to a friend, who remarked that Ol’ George does not pass the “Bechdel Test”! If I wanted to get over that indignity, I’d need a scene where two women characters with names have a conversation that doesn’t involve a man. I’d already written this one, but I’d been putting it off because it required designing a new character, which is work. It’s okay that one is a bird and it’s only about her drink order, right? 

I decided that this new character would be based on a drawing I did seventeen years ago, which was rejected as a label design by Surly. (Go to my blog’s search bar, look up Surly Two, read about it). 

This sketch still exists in pencil form, but I intend to finish it in one form or another. A great tribute to her would be that she live on as a character in this strip, after spending nearly two decades in my closet(s).

By the way, if that drawing had a title, it would be Too. It was intended for Surly Two, but was rejected because , according to Omar, she was “too pretty.” 

2. She is called Geni, for reasons which shall remain a mystery. Is it pronounced “Jenny” or “Jeannie”? You decide!

3. All of George’s drinking buddies-Chester, Balonious, Riblet-and many of the guest stars-Tom Waits, Snoopy, Thelonious Monk, Santa Claus, etc.-wear hats, like him. Geni wears a cranberry beret because Surly Two was a cranberry stout and she’s a Prince fan.

4. Does George have a thing for Irma? Shhh! I mean, who wouldn’t? 

Here she is, Miss Too Pretty of 2008.

Une Année Le Seul XVI American Wild Ale Fermented with Blackberry and Lemon

 Une Année Le Seul XVI American Wild Ale Fermented with Blackberry and Lemon. 

6.5% ABV, Une Année Brewery, Niles, Illinois.

Clear, deep crimson color, slim, pinkish head. 

In the nose: fruity, funky, very lambic-y. 

In the mouth: nicely soured, fresh and refreshing. Delightfully tart and plump with berries. Long fruity finish. 

I don’t drink a lot of fruited sours, but when I do, I’m glad they’re like this. 

Sierra Nevada Electric Torpedo IPA

 Sierra Nevada Electric Torpedo IPA. 

7.5 % ABV, 45 IBU, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico, California.

Clear, bright golden, lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: whiff of dank, plenty of citrus, whisper of pine. 

In the mouth: big blast of bitterness blazes the palate. Grapefruit and lemon on the tongue. Bold pungency. Medium bodied with a long, hoppy finish. Packs a powerful punch. 

Bring this back, outside the variety pack. I’d drink it on the reg. 

This high-voltage West Coast IPA features a striking balance of orange, stone fruit, and herbal hop flavors. Exclusively in the Torpedo IPA Pack.

Malts: Munich, Two-row Pale, Wheat

Hops: Bravo, Chinook, Citra, CTZ, Magnum

Yeast: Ale

Squatter’s Juicy IPA India Pale Ale

 Squatter’s Juicy IPA India Pale Ale.

5% ABV, Squatter’s Craft Beers, Salt Lake City, Utah.

So, I’m doing that thing again, that I briefly stopped doing, where I review everything, no matter what. Except for hazies, I’ll drink those, but no notes. And the “juicy IPA” is something I would never purchase on my own. Hooray for samples!

Slightly hazy, bright yellow, slim white head.

In the nose: some citrus, a touch of pine, then the sweetness starts. A trickle of tropical. (Oh, also, melon, dank, fruity, as per the label. )

In the mouth: soft and smooth, slightly malty, altogether pleasant. More citrus on the palate, light bodied, easily consumed…rather humdrum in my estimation. But, maybe you’d like it, who knows? Lacks the bitterness I want, nay, demand in an IPA, but that’s just funny little me…

Squatters Juicy IPA is a fresh squeezed glass of hazy deliciousness. Packed with bright, citrus aromas and notes of ripe stone fruit, this unfiltered Northeast IPA finishes smooth, creamy and pulp-free.

Oliphant Two Headed Dracula Weed West Coast Double IPA

 Oliphant Two Headed Dracula Weed West Coast Double IPA.

9% ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, Wisconsin.

Thoroughly opaque….opaque-ier than I like…bright orange-ish hue, strong & lasting snowy white head. 

In the nose: dank, fruity, full. Stone, with a slice of citrus. Powerfully pungent.

In the mouth: big and beefy. Overwhelmedly hoppy and bitter, rolled up in citrus and dank. Oooo, lord! Big sticky-icky bitterness that dominates the palate. And I am digging it, rich and ridiculously rewarding. This is firmly and securely one of my favorite takes on this style. (Although some clarity would have made it even more epic.)

West Coast Double IPA. Double the fear, double the taste, double the thrill. This does NOT suck...or does it? Pull up those covers when you turn in this evening!

Hinterland Oktoberfest Seasonal Vienna Style Lager

 

Hinterland Oktoberfest Seasonal Vienna Style Lager.

5.8% ABV. 

Green Bay Brewing, Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

Huh. Wait a minute. Since when was a Vienna lager an Oktoberfest? I guess everything’s anything now. 

Clear, dark(ish) golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: malty and sweet. Classic and noble.

In the mouth: rich and malty. Smooth, easy drinking. Lightish bodied, but tasty, refreshing, satisfying. I’m enjoying this, but c’mon, Vienna lagers aren’t even a German style! 

Oktoberfest pours with a deep golden color. This lager's head is thick and foamy which leaves a thick web of lace. The sweet caramel and brown sugar aroma balances well with a hint of grain. Very malty and lightly hopped, the flavor of rich caramel makes this Oktoberfest extremely drinkable.

Ol’ George #42: 42

Ol’ George #42: 42.

Notes on #42:

1. It’s #42. I had to do it. Sorry for the spoiler, anyone who isn’t aware of this franchise from the past 47 years, the books, radio play, BBC tv show, motion picture, comic books, video games, rpgs, etc. 

I’m pretty sure I consumed the books first, back in the early 80’s, then TV & radio. Anything after that, I didn’t care. We won’t talk about it.

2. Okay, we will.My Zaphod and Marvin are based on their 1981 BBC TV incarnation. You couldn’t do much with special effects on a low budget in ‘81, so you could forgive Zaphod’s second head just sitting there, doing nothing. I think they dubbed some lines, or something?

But, 2005, you could put a second Sam Rockwell head up there and it would have worked, but they didn’t! And nothing against the great Alan Rickman, but I didn’t take to the new Marvin. And that is all that I will say about 2005 motion picture. There’s very little I like about it, aside from the cast. 

3. The Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster is a drink created by Zaphod and is a cocktail based around Arcturan Mega-gin. We’re just pretending, for the sake of the gag, that this fictional drink is a beer.

Many years ago, I used to celebrate my birthday by creating a beer event at the Blue Nile, putting a disparate array of beers on tap, and urging my fellow beer kegs to join me. One time, a regular suggested that I create a “pan-galactic gargle blaster” from a mix of every beer on tap. I dutifully did so, and that’s all I will say about that.