Arbeiter Quatre Benriach Peated Scotch Barrel-aged Belgian Quad

 Arbeiter Quatre Benriach Peated Scotch Barrel-aged Belgian Quad. 

10.4 % ABV, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Dark mahogany hued, opaque, tight ring of beige foam above. 

In the nose: dizzyingly complex. We get the rich, malty aromatics of a Belgian quadrupel at the core, but do much more enters the mix. Getting the whisky and the pear, but the quad character stands in command. 

In the mouth: thick, full, rich and fulfilling. Quite a mouthfeel. Sweet and strong, notes of cherries, berries, fig, date, a beautiful blend. Where does the barrel end its magic and the original beer emerge triumphant? There’s plenty of Scotch barrel work here, but the Quad is clearly king. 

This is the perfect nightcap for the evening. A cold, hard week of coming to terms with the fact that winter is not taking it easy on us this year. You can easily lose yourself in this, relax and indulge. I will not let it bother me tonight. 

Hammerheart Tugtvann Dark Lager (Bayerøl)

 Hammerheart Tugtvann Dark Lager (Bayerøl).

8.3% ABV, Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, MN. 

Clear, light brown/copper color, slim off-white head. 

In the nose: sweet, smoky, malty. Caramel & smoke.

In the mouth: impeccably smooth and delicious. Plenty malty, light bodied and expertly drinkable. Now, the high ABV rings in, so I ought to slow ‘er down a bit. 

Tasty little Norwegian Dunkel. 

With this Bayerøl, the Norwegian take on German Dunkel, we raise a toast to the Norwegian resistance who stood up against fascism. May their spirit live on in us. SKÅL!

Victory Storm King Imperial Stout

 Victory Storm King Imperial Stout.

Here’s one I go way back with, way, way back. I haven’t seen it in a very long time, and never in cans. I probably took my first notes on it well over 20 years ago but I’m not going to dig those up, instead I’ll write fresh ones from fresh cans. I bought 2 6-packs and saved can #12 for just this purpose. 

9.1 % ABV, Victory Brewing, Downington, PA. 

Thoroughly black appearance, absolutely opaque, tan head, leaving lace. 

In the nose: chocolate, caramel, toffee. Anise and ash. Rich Corinthian leather. Mahogany bound hardcover books. Basically, Ricardo Montanan’s study. 

In the mouth: Full, thick, viscous. Bitter, malty, hoppy and flush with flavor. Malt bomb, da bomb, boom goes the dynamite. Tobacco and smoke. Fudge and ash. Touch of dark fruit. Figs and cherries, all this and more. Some of these in a minor key, some in a high-blown tone, but it all comes together as one of the OG Big Bad Daddies. 

A thundering hop presence collides with massive espresso and dark chocolate flavors in our dense and full-bodied imperial.

HeadFlyer Vanilla Bean Porter

 HeadFlyer Vanilla Bean Porter.

5.8 % ABV, 28 IBU, HeadFlyer Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Mostly opaque, dark brown color, slim tan head. 

In the nose: roasted malt, coffee and cocoa, plus the onset of sweet vanilla. 

In the mouth: starts dry, roasty/toasty, and bittersweet. Coffee flavors dominate, more dry and bittersweet character takes command. Full bodied, robust, with a long-lasting, chocolatey finish. Vanilla flavor is here, but subtle, not dominant in the slightest. 

And I man enjoying this quite a bit. Good old regular porter with a touch of vanilla. 

This is a dark porter that has a complex body of roasted malts and has a creamy finish with a hint of vanilla.

Ol’ George #58: The Sign Part 4 (Nuts to You #2)

Ol’ George #58: The Sign Part 4 (Nuts to You #2).

Notes on #58:

1. When Gavin appeared for the first time a couple months ago in #47, I said that I liked him, mainly for the outfit I created for him. But, he doesn’t really seem like a great drinking buddy, does he? At least, not for George. Irma sure is sick of his shit. George has the same expression as in that initial encounter, poor guy, just wants to be friends with a squirrel. What’s so wrong about that? There will be more about this. 

2. I also said that The Saga of the Sign would be a 4-parter. I estimate at least seven, maybe eight.?

Moose Lake Oktoberfest

 Moose Lake Oktoberfest. 

6% ABV, 29 IBU, Moose Lake Brewing, Moose Lake, Minnesota. 

Clear, copper-colored, slim off-white head.

In the nose: toasty malt, noble hops, slightly sweet. 

In the mouth: sweetness hits the palate first, but well in balance, caramel notes abound. Medium bodied, long, sweet, malty finish. Full of a kind of character you don’t get in a drier märzens.

And I kind of like it. 

Wandering Leaf Oh Australia! I Was Way Off! Vienna Lager

 Wandering Leaf Oh Australia! I Was Way Off! Vienna Lager. 

6% ABV, Wandering Leaf Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Clear, amber-hued, large & creamy head.

In the nose: soft and floral, mostly malty, minor hops. 

In the mouth: crisp, clean, caramel-y. Medium bodied, smooth and malty, just enough hops for balance. Moderate bitterness keeping it all in check. 

There should be more Vienna lagers out there, don’t you agree? 

Pen Name Fresh Bier

 Pen Name Fresh Bier. Foeder aged Lager Wet hopped w/ wild Minnesotan hops Malty Hoppy Crispy.

Here we have the first Pen Name beer here at Ye Olde Nib, from former Wild Mind brewer/owner Matt Waddell, brewed at Haggard Barrel in St. Louis Park. I had a few of their others at the taproom in summer (a full serve of Field and a taste of someone’s Cellar) but our store missed out on the first few offerings. This one sold out a while back, and I’ve been my usual procrastinator self. 

5 % ABV, 25 IBU, Pen Name Fermentation Project, St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Clear, bright yellow hue, slim ivory head

In the nose: fresh and zesty, hops aplenty. Who knew? Tropical tones with a bit of the ol’ dank, quite citrusy. Arrestingly interesting.

In the mouth: crisp, snappy, citrusy, light bodied, easy-drinking. A touch of the oak comes through. Moderate bitterness. Maybe a bit more lemony than I like. 

Altogether enjoyable and I look forward to more from Matt. 

A hyper-local wet-hopped lager brewed with MN-grown Pilsner + spelt malt and St. Paul beer caves yeast. Wild hops went from farm to beer in just one hour, bringing noble character and bright tropical melon over a crisp, crushable backbone. Brewed to be enjoyed fresh—drink it now!

Ol’ George #57

 

Ol’ George #57.

Notes on #57:

1. If you haven’t figured it out yet, George is not a beer geek. He might actually enjoy the beers Balonious mentions, but he’ll never fuss about them. Deciphering the jargon in itself is a task he would never undertake. 

2. When I started this, I called it a “warts and all” endeavor. By this I meant nothing was meant to be “perfect”, some efforts would be better than others, and I would ask forgiveness for minor flaws. No drawing would be guaranteed to be always “on-model.”

Take this one, for example. I like Balonious in panel three better than two, which is infinitely better than one. But, it’s good enough and it’s better than the first version. This is the first time I scrapped a fouled-up effort and started over. You can see it in the other side of the original , but you’ll have to peek when I’m not looking. 

And then, I posed the page for a pic, as I do, forgetting that my forearm was wet from dishwashing. I’m a forgetter. Not having any liquid paper on hand (note: buy liquid paper), I fixed the lettering and colored over the other stains. Maybe later, I can fix it digitally. I’m not drawing it a third time.

Just asking you to forgive my flaws and enjoy this for what it is. And I’ll keep trying harder. (Note to self: keep your hands dry.)

Une Année Quad Abbey Ale

 Une Année Quad Abbey Ale. 

11% ABV, 33 IBU, Une Année Brewery, Niles, Illinois. 

Clear, ruby/mahogany toned, slim off-white layer of foam. 

In the nose: caramel notes, and toffee hit first. Belgian dark malt looms largest. Terrifically complex flavor profile in the aromatics. Utterly lovely.

In the mouth: much sweetness greets the tongue, but well tempered. Rich and malty, more caramel and toffee appearing on the palate. Excellent balance without a bit of bitterness and high alcohol well hidden. Except when it comes to…yeah, there it is…

Magical malt here, tasting every bit like a classic quadruple. Neither too this, nor too that, and never not enough. And every bit delicious. Belgian Special B all the way. Ever so delightful in every little way. There’s not enough good Belgian quads out there. I’m glad this exists. 

Wooden Ship Boating Enthusiast Schwarzbier

 Wooden Ship Boating Enthusiast Schwarzbier.

4.7 % ABV, Wooden Ship Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Thoroughly ebon, purely opaque, slight head, 

In the nose: roasty, malty, chocolatey. 

In the mouth: slightly bitter, cocoa, coffee, malty. Smooth and creamy. Medium bodied, clean and drinkable. 

Not too shabby of a schwarzbier.

Smoked pistachios, cayenne- collab with 320 Brewing.

Ol’ George #56: The Sign, Part Three, the bear refreshing

 Ol’ George #56: The Sign, Part Three, the bear refreshing.

Notes on 56:

1. Why pick on Keokuk, Iowa? No reason. It’s a fun word to say, like Cucamonga, Walla Walla, Seattle. 

2. Balonious’ dialogue in panel two was not written by me, merely transcribed. I was minding my own business at the Black Forest Inn when I overheard a man say those actual words to a woman he had just met. Way to go, slugger, you’re going to score with a line like that! That’s when it hit me that if I ever run low on ideas, I can just sidle up to the bar and listen in. 

That line was in my idea bin for a year and I finally found a use for it. 

3. Also, I’d always wanted to do one with the Hamm’s bear, but couldn’t come up with a good use or a gag. Glad it all came together in this third installment of The Saga of the Sign. 

Dangerous Man Heaven Hill Bourbon Russian Imperial Stout

 Dangerous Man Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrel Sged Russian Imperial Stout. 

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

Back in March, there was much shock and grief when Dangerous Man Brewing called it quits after 12 years. Who could believe that such a beloved brand couldn’t make it in the market? 

Well, then a funny thing happened. Six months later, having not gotten around to liquidating their assets, a white knight arrived! New owner, with the old owner, good Ol’ Rob Miller, manning the tanks. And they’re returning to stores and bars this week, with plans for a Twin Cities taproom soon. 

So, I will celebrate tonight with something from the cellar (but not really that old, actually).

Solidly Stygian, slim tan head. Complete opacity.

In the nose: smoke, whiskey, ash, leather, oak. 

In the mouth: cherries, vanilla, barrel. Deep and caramelly. Richness abounds, thick and viscous. Malt driven, if it has to be said.  A treat for the tongue, pleasure for the palate. Chocolate creeps around this melange. Big time bourbon, no kidding around, Jack. 

I’m looking forward to more like this in the future. Welcome back, Dangerous Man. 

Russian imperial stout, aged in Heaven Hill, bourbon barrels for eight months.

DAB Dortmunder Ur-Bock

 DAB Dortmunder Ur-Bock.

8% ABV, Dortmunder Actien Brauerei, Dortmund, Deutschland. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim ivory head. 

In the nose: classically clean German lager aroma. Slightly malty / bready notes. 

In the mouth: tastes darker than it looks. Still bolder and brighter than the average lager, though I prefer bocks that are darker and richer. The high ABV isn’t hiding itself at all. It’s ringing loud and clear. Medium bodied, but drinkable enough. 

I don’t love this, but I am enjoying it. Though I wonder. It’s labeled as a maibock, but its strength is that of a doppelbock. What is it? Just an extra-strength maibock? 

Ol’ George #55: The Sign Part Two

 Ol’ George #55: The Sign Part Two

Notes on #55: 

1.You may be reading this from outside the MidWestern region of the United States. You may not know the history of Grain Belt and Minneapolis Brewing, which started way back in the late 1800’s. Grain Belt continued being produced in Minneapolis until the early 2000’s when August Schell took over the brand and moved production to its New Ulm facility. Is the Grain Belt that my Dad drank in the ‘70’s (0r 60’s, or ‘50’s..) the same as the beer they produce now? Probably not. We’ll never know. All I know is that he always had a case in the fridge and apparently the Anoka VFW (or was it the American Legion?) ordered it just for him. 

In 1977, my family went on a 3-week tour of the Western half of the United States, visited family in Washington and California and stopping at all the tourists spots along the way. My older brothers encouraged Dad to try the regional beers wherever we went, just to grow their beer can collection, when Grain Belt was not available. He did his best, but gave up eventually and switched to Budweiser because he could count on it tasting the same wherever we went. 

2. The oldest lore in this strip’s history is Chester’s love of The Big Friendly, from the very first strip last year, when most of the strips were 2-tier, 2-panel, drawn on 12x12 paper. It was the real Chester’s beer of choice, at least at Acadia Cafe: Maybe there were bars that didn’t stock it and he had to settling for Hamm’s or PBR.

3. We haven’t since a plop panel since Rasputin in #32, five months ago. I didn’t plan on it originally, was going to make tier three just like one and two. But I need a panel of George thinking, then couldn’t imagine how to fit them both in the last panel with dialogue. Plop-out was the perfect solution. 

4. A guest star enters the scene in this one. Can you tell who it is? An unnamed ladybug from Walt Kelly’s Pogo! I thought I would have gotten to Albert, Porkypine, Pogo himself, or even Walt himself before this little guy (or girl? Can’t be sure it’s not a girl bug, because it’s not wearing a bonnet) , but here we have it. I’ll get to those guys eventually, I plan on drawing this forever.

Modist Doomed Moon Oak-aged Red Lager

Modist Doomed Moon Oak-aged Red Lager. 

5.5% ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Clear, crimson hued, slim layer of off-white foam. 

In the nose: malty, slightly sweet, kiss of the hops. 

In the mouth: crisp and clean, light on the palate, lightly toasted . Just enough malty flavors to keep it interesting. Just enough hops to keep sweetness at bay.

I quite like this particular lager. 

Red rice lager w/ Red X barley malt, brown rice, hopped w/ Simcoe, aged in American oak foeders 

Inbound Samuin Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Inbound Samuin Harvest Pumpkin Ale.

6.6 % ABV, 15 IBU, Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I can’t remember the last time I actually bought a pumpkin beer. I had a few Dogfish Head Punkin Ales from the variety pack, but that’s not why I bought it. And now, more than a week after Halloween, I will review this one. 

Clear, auburn hued, large, looming head. 

In the nose: pumpkin spice-y! Clove and nutmeg. Floating over a pumpkinny amber ale. 

In the mouth: warming and rich, malty and not too sweet. Brown sugar and spices over an amber ale. Plus actual pumpkin, it seems. Not too shabby here. Fulfilling mouthfeel. Medium bodied. Quite tasty. Hey, I’d drink another. 

And this endeth my pumpkin beer consumption of 2025. 

Savor this Autumnal treat. An amber ale with a rich orange hue, bone white head, and a blend of pumpkin, brown sugar, and spices. Perfect for crisp evenings and fall rituals

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.