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. 

De Leite Enfant Terriple Blonde Triple

 De Leite Enfant Terriple Blonde Triple.

8.2 % ABV, 43 IBU, Brouerij de Leite, Oostkamp, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium. 

Clear, bright golden hue, ivory froth atop.

In the nose: bright, slightly spicy, hint of bubblegum. Some citrus. 

In the mouth: bold and beautiful. Bright and spicy, with increasing alcohol boarding the palate. Bubblegum feel is here, but not overpowering. Nice and warming. Just like I like ‘em. 

The love between Femme Fatale and Bon Homme issued a sprog! The first triple beer by Brewery De Leite was born. The couple baptised their first offspring under the name ‘Enfant Terriple’. A ‘unpredictable’ playful beer. (do you see the pun with ‘triple’?). The Enfant Terriple is a ‘devilishly’ sunny blond beer of 8.2 volume with a playful nose. A subtle bitterness with a faint-fine citrus touch that is enveloped in a sober spicy malt taste. The agreeable bitterness lingers long. For connoisseurs with a bright outlook on life.

Modist The Time Is Nigh Festbier

 Modist The Time Is Nigh Festbier. 

5.2 % ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

It’s time for my first Oktoberfest of the year. I’ve had this one in years past, but not one to drink at home and review. 

Clear, bright golden hue, full, lace-leaving ivory cap.

In the nose: fragrant and floral, absolute delight.

In the mouth: smooth and slightly sweet, delicious and malty. I don’t detect much from the oak-aging, but Modist seems to oak-age all of their lagers. This one is clean, crisp, and ultra downable. Quite tasty, too. 

Festbier brewed with German Barke Pilsner, Vienna and Munich malts. Kettle hopped with Bravo and Hallertau Mittelfruh. Then lagered and aged in our Oak Foeder for 4 weeks.

Tucher Bajuvator Doppelbock Dunkel

 Tucher Bajuvator Doppelbock Dunkel.

7.5 % ABV, Tucher Privatbrauwei, Nuremberg, Deutschland. 

Dark brown brew, with crimson edges, almost opaque,rich, creamy head atop.

In the nose: sweet and malty, cocoa tones with a touch of vanilla. Quite lovely.

In the mouth: malty, rich, sweet and just enough bitter for balance. Bready, delicious, warming. Rye and pumpernickel. A little chocolate, a little nutty. Get me to a bratwurst, now! Bring on the giant pretzel, mit mustard! 

I am thoroughly digging this, wish I could go back for more! 

Eine Spezialität die nicht nur zur Starkbierzeit schmeckt: kaffeefarbene Optik und eine besonders angenehme Vollmundigkeit mit dezenten Röstmalznoten.

Ol’ George # 41

 

Ol’ George # 41

Notes on # 41: 

1. It’s been a while for Chester, almost 5 months since he’s appeared. Got to rotate my regular supporting cast. Irma’s always, around, of course.

2. Is there a new regular on her way in? Stay tuned…

3. People ask me if George is based on me. Well, I’d never talk to my mom like that! I do owe her a call, come to think of it. 

4. George Herriman used to change up his logos with great frequency in “Krazy Kat”, so that’s been working its way in. Forgot to include “@ Kelly’s “, though.

Half Acre Beer Hates Astronauts IPA

 Half Acre Beer Hates Astronauts IPA.

7.8 % ABV, Half Acre Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

I enjoyed the comic book series, so I wanted to enjoy the beer. But it was $18 a 4-pack, and it’s now even barrel aged or imperial or nothing. (Although, 7.8% technically makes it a double…)So, I bought a single at $5, hope it’s worth it…

Clouded (wasn’t expecting that), orange hued, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus and pine, grapefruit and tangerine.

In the mouth: big blast of bitterness, slightly pulpy mouthfeel, loads of citrusy goodness on the palate. Bit of an alcohol burn. Fuller bodied. Altogether enjoyable.

India Pale Ale with Citra 

2025 edition 

Ursa Minor Drunk Gandalf Belgian-style Tripel Ale

 

Ursa Minor Drunk Gandalf Belgian-style Tripel Ale.

7.7 % SBV, 15 IBU, Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth, Minnesota.

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: banana and bubblegum, right off the bat. Citrus and spice and everything nice. 

In the mouth: flood of sweet and spicy flavors blasts the palate. Bright and lively, sweet, strong, with consummate grit. Massive texture, thoroughly magical. Delicious Belgian maltiness, enchanting yeast, sublime hops. And that boozy lilt to take it all the way to Mt. Doom.

. “A beer is never late, it arrives precisely when it means to” -Gandalf. This beer is complex, light, floral, and spicy. The alcohol level has a warming quality about it that will kick you in the butt if you aren’t careful. Styrian Golding hops provide a clean bitterness that balances out the Belgian character of the beer.

Dangerous Man Last Call IIPA

 Dangerous Man Last Call IIPA. Cheers to the adventure of a lifetime. RIP Dangerous Man Brewing Co. 

9% ABV, 90 IBU, DMBC, Maple Lake, Minnesota. 

This, the last DMBC beer, was released back in March. I could have reviewed it then, but, no, I put it off for four months, because that’s me. 

Slightly clouded, bright golden, slim white head. 

In the nose: alcohol takes the lead, followed by citrus notes. Some tropical, grapefruit meets pineapple. 

In the mouth: bitterness sparks the tongue, before waves of fruity sensations wash over the palate. ABV comes roaring in. Medium body, easy drinkability (despite, etc.) Plentiful bitterness with exceptional flavors. 

I might have said something slightly different back when it was fresher, but that’s how it goes. Cheers, Rob & Sarah, you left a great legacy! 

Summit Cold Brew Coffee Blonde Ale

 Summit Cold Brew Coffee Blonde Ale. Brewer with Bizzy Cold Brew. 

4.1% ABV, 23 IBU, Summit Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

This one came in a variety pack that was released last year. According to the stamp on the bottom, it was canned a year and a week ago. But, I’m reviewing it anyway. Because that’s how I clean my fridge.

Clear, bright golden color, slim white head. 

In the nose: nice and toasty coffee aromatics. Rich and abundant in earthiness. 

In the mouth: there’s the coffee from the start, and it’s nothing but smooth. Light-bodied, with never-ending coffee flavor. Good stuff. Held up pretty well. I’d have another. 

A clean, light bitter blonde ale brewed with Bizzy Cold Brew Coffee, this brew will give you strong notes of coffee and hints of milk chocolate.

Ol’ George #40: Seasonability

 

Ol’ George #40: Seasonability

Notes on #40

1. This one is non-canon, an Elseworlds, a hoax, a dream, an imaginary tale. There’s no way that George would stay away from his favorite bar and bartender for 10 weeks. It’s all in service of the gag. 

2. I came up with this one last Friday, when I returned to work after several days off and checked the cooler to what new beers came in, nothing but Oktoberfests, in the week of July, first week of August. That’s how it is, folks.

I started drawing it that night, but just finished it today.

I specifically thought of a regular customer who asked for a recommendation around this time last year. I suggested a local märzen I liked that just came in, and his response inspired George’s dialogue. Okay, we’ll stick to IPAs. The very next week he came in looking for that beer, having tried it at a friend’s house. Too late, sold out!

We want to sell out of that style by October’s end, because there isn’t a Novemberfest. 

3. I just recently finished Dan Nadel’s  new biography of R. Crumb, so I gave a bar stool to Mr. Natural, drinking a Mr. Natur Ale. In panel two, we see his disciple Flakey, having a Foont’s Finest.

4. In all my time managing bars, I never once did a tap takeover. Oh, I held plenty of beer events,  based on many themes, arranged around a myriad of breweries and styles. But I never once used that stupid name. But Irma’s not me, and I am certainly not calling her stupid. 

BlackStack Focus Group:Simcoe Single Hop West Coast Style IPA

 BlackStack Focus Group:Simcoe Single Hop West Coast Style IPA.

7.1% ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: highly hopped, floral, slightly tropical tones, with a whiff of grapefruit, Sauvignon blanc, and litter box. 

In the mouth: high bitterness, bold hops, with a long, dry, abrasive finish. My kind of thing. That pop of white wine mingled with citrus and pine. Goes down nice and easy, with a pinch of sweetness/ fruitiness to match the bitterness. 

I like it. 

Before we get to the beer, I just need to get your opinion on a couple things. Focusing all of our attention on simcoe hops. Can I get a show of hands on who’s ready to crush one of these bad boys?

Ol’ George #39: Hard to Please

 Ol’ George #39.

Notes on #39:

1. Who am I making fun of here? Oh, people that I talk to every day? I remember in the late 2000’s, someone walking into my bar and asking “got any James Page on tap?” But it goes beyond that. Yeah, Anchor Steam closed two years ago and they didn’t get the news, a brewery stops distributing and they never heard, but when it’s a matter of years, I wonder how often they buy beer. Oh, you haven’t noticed no one makes that style anymore? It’s been years!!!

Also, people with a hidebound attitude of what good beers are, who have no idea that things change, people, and it’s probably your fault for not supporting those styles. 

2. I came up with this idea months ago when it made sense to wear that kind of hat. Now that it’s July, I’ve decided that he’s the kind of man who would always wear it. Even in 90 degree weather. 

3. I know that the wife with no lines is only the second human female (versus two avians) (oh, plus Hello Kitty) in this strip’s history. This will change, I promise! 

4. Only the second strip where George has no lines. I thought that he needed a break. 

Ol’ George #38: Super Duper

 

Ol’ George #38: Super Duper.

Notes on #38:

1. Did I do Superman for #38 because he debuted in Action Comics #1 in 1938? Maybe.

2. After I wrote this, I realized that it is plagiarizing a t-shirt I bought at the August Schell Brewery gift shop years ago. The front has an amalgamation of the S on his chest and the A & S of their logo, with a stag thrown in for good measure. The back reads: I make beers disappear, what’s your super power?

I decided to draw it anyway.

3. James Gunn’s new movie informs us that Kryptonians can’t become intoxicated under Earth’s yellow sun. But we all know Kal-el drinks for the flavor. 

4. Easter egg for the hardcore Silver Age fans out there. Flamebirds are Kryptonian avians that reside in a zoo along with nightwings, in the bottle city of Kandor. For some reason, Supes and Jimmy Olsen become superheroes named Nightwing and Flamebird in the bottle city…I’m sorry, I can’t even type this anymore…

Superman dances the Krypton Crawl in Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #…nope, I won’t look it up… 

I might actually have more Jimmy Olsen comics than Superman…no, I won’t count, I don’t want to know…

5. Somehow, Kelly’s stocks bottles of Yule Cat, a coconut & cacao nib bourbon barrel aged imperial porter from Sisyphus Brewing that debuted on tap in late 2023 and in early 2024 in bottles with a label designed by me. My second beer label, hopefully not my last. George really wants his own beer. 

Falling Knife Tomm’s Classic American Lager

 Falling Knife Tomm’s  Classic American Lager.

4.8 % ABV, Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Clear, bright yellow, full ivory head, soon slimming.

In the nose: light hops, slightly citric, touch of cereal grain, typical light lager nose, but done well. 

In the mouth: much lemon. Kiss off the hops. Lightness of body, smooth drinkability, utterly pleasant. Wisp of malt. High quality. I get it. It’s what would happen if Hamm’s wasn’t so damned cheaply made and terribly boring. 

Our take on a Classic American Lager, the kind of beer you pound while building a brewery

Half Acre Daisy Cutter Union West Coast IPA

 Half Acre Daisy Cutter Union West Coast IPA. Brewed in collaboration with Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

7% ABV, Half Acre Brewing, Chicago, IL.

In the label illustration, the lion and bear of FW are met with the daisies and the owl of HA, but where is the squid? What happened to squid owl? I’ve got to know! 

Clear, bright golden, lush and lasting snowy head. 

On the nose: blast of citrus and pine, waves of dank. Richly resinous. Heady hoppiness. 

In the mouth: big bitterness from the first sip and continuity into the swallow. Surprisingly smooth and delightfully malty. Bitterness mellows some for complexity and delicious flavors to come in. Citrus notes with a basic brush with tropical tones. 

We're now so proud to announce this collaboration with Firestone Walker, as we brew a clear, bitter, hoppy, West Coast IPA that features a newly developed hop from the Hop Quality Group breeding program – HQG#4 – paired with Krush and Simcoe. We're honored to share the label with Firestone Walker and excited to share this West Coast IPA with you. HOPS: HQG#4, Krush, Simcoe

Ol’ George #37: The Birds

 Ol’ George #37: The Birds

Notes on #37: 

1. My idea list hasn’t dipped under 50, and the reason is that I keep coming up with new ones. I was going to do a different one yesterday. But the brain started working on a new idea after I passed a turkey on the side of the road as I biked to Steel Toe. What would she do at Kelly’s bar? Accuse him of bird bashing, after last week’s strip. Of course, Irma would join in, and, naturally, Tweety. Would any bird step up to defend him? Of course, Big Bird, and Snuffy.

2. I thought I would bring Oscar into the strip before these two.

3. Okay, okay, I will go back to doing some strips “about beer” and not all comic strip and cartoon guest stars. Or maybe not. 

Little Thistle Double Elbow Wagon Lager

 

Little Thistle Double Elbow Wagon Lager Dry-hopped Wheat Lager. Collaboration w/ Live Oak Brewing, Austin, Texas.

Lightly hazed, bright yellow, ivory head atop. 

In the nose: fresh & hoppy, notes of citrus, slight floral.

In the mouth: big hops at the start, with lemony flavor coming through. Crisp and, mostly, clean. Refreshing, with more flavor and body than a typical lager, which this is not. Exceptionally smooth. Quite tasty. 

Sometimes stories take on lives of their own. "Wagon Lager" started as "Lithuanian Wagon Lager" many years ago, a fictional tale about an apocryphal style of heavily-hopped lager brewed primarily with wheat malt by Baltic pioneers in wagons. Where were they coming from or going to? Not sure, but their destination was well-supplied with choice wheat and hops. Being chill folks, they decided to roll with it, and a new tradition was born.

To date, Double Elbow has been a project that attempts to faithfully recreate foundational styles. You can look at Wagon Lager one of two ways - either we've jumped the shark a bit here, or we're productively expanding the definition of "foundational." We're ok with whichever. 

Brewed in collaboration with my good friends and former co-workers at Live Oak Brewing in Austin, TX, Wagon Lager is a crispy clean, smooth-brewed lager hopped intensively with low-alpha Crystal on the hot side, and dry hopped with the best Cascade Cryo and Simcoe I could lay my hands on. I spent months working on a top-secret hoppy lager at Live Oak in 2012, code-named Hop Sodie, and I'm proud to say that Wagon Lager is its true spiritual successor. 

Or maybe it's just a West Coast Pils with a lot of wheat malt. Either way, you should drink it. 

Details 

Barrel Theory Old Money Double West Coast IPA

 

Barrel Theory Old Money Double West Coast IPA w/ Simcoe, Citra T-90, Chinook Cryo & Columbus Cryo.

7.9 % ABV, Barrel Theory Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim ivory head.

In the nose: big time pine and citrus, resiny, dank. Delivering the goods. 

In the mouth: brisk, bright, crisp, delicious. Bitter and dry. All the citrus is popping on the palate, lemon and grapefruit, orange, tangerine. Blazes the tongue with a payload of hoppiness. Lingers long on the palate.

This one is flat-terrific. Thanks, Ed!

Ol’ George #36: Mo’ Kitty Blues

 

Ol’ George #36: Mo’ Kitty Blues

Notes on #36:

1. There have been only two occasions when a fake beer is advertised on the walls of Kelly’s Bar and they have both been bird-themed. Is this Irma’s (the emu bartender/bar manager) way to support her own species? How could I use that for a future strip, I wondered….and I thought about the great scene in Spike Lee’s classic 1988 film “Do The Right Thing “ and it just wrote itself. Well, Spike wrote it…

2. Barn Owl Bitter is fictitious, but there is a Barn Owl brewpub in British Columbia. There is a Kiwi lager in New Zealand, or was. Emu (Export & Bitter) is real. . The Brouwerij’Tij of the Netherlands is completely real. Why is a Dutch brewery using an African bird for its logo? Why not? (And what of Carlsberg Elephant?) 

3. George is playing the part of Buggin’ Out from the film, originally played by Giancarlo Esposito. Irma performs the role of Sal, first played by Danny Aiello. 

4. In panel two, we see Hello Kitty, who truly doesn’t belong, because according to Sanrio lore, she is an 8-year old human girl living in England, who pretends to be a cat? Whatever….

And the image of R. Crumb’s Fritz the Cat is taken from the 1964 story “Fritz Bugs Out”. (Buggin’ Out?)

5. George’s companions in panel three are there to illustrate the different ways that cats can wear hats. The  Cat in the Hat sits his squarely in the middle of his head, leaving his ears alone. Top Cat (the star of a 1961 Hanna Barberra cartoon ) has actual slots in his hat, allowing for his ears to poke through. And George plops his hat on his head, flattening his ears, and doesn’t give a shit. 

6. Is Irma gonna smack George on the head with that baseball bat, as Sal almost did to Buggin’ Out? There’s no John Turturro there to stop her…let’s imagine another panel where, oh, I don’t know, Chester steps in…

7. I don’t know if the Cat in the Hat will appear again, so I’ll use this opportunity to drop this lore bomb. Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel’s grandfather was the co-owner of a brewery in Springfield, Massachusetts.  It was called Kulmbach & Geisel, but the locals called it “Come Back and Guzzle.” You’re welcome!!

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!