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

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

7% ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

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

In the nose: soft citrus and pine. 

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

Ol’ George #35: Metaphysical Funnies

 

Ol’ George #35: Metaphysical Funnies

Notes on #35: 

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

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

Junkyard Yardwork Session IPA

 Junkyard Yardwork Session IPA.

4% ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, Minnesota. 

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

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

Fuzzy, cloudy, slim white head, all orangey. 

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

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

But what do I know?

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

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

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

Featuring Galaxy and Citra Hops!

Dangerous Man Peach Citra Sour

 Dangerous Man Peach Citra Sour.

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

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

Mostly clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: peachy.

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

Ol’ George #34: People Skills

 

Ol’ George #34: People Skills 

Notes on #34

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

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

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

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

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

6. Should Greg return? Vote in the comments!

Arbeiter Net J. Carver Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Quad

 Arbeiter Net J. Carver Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Quad.

10.4 % ABV, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

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

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

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

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

Unmapped Final Destination Helles Lager

 Unmapped Final Destination Helles Lager. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summit Saga Sensation IPA

 Summit Saga Sensation IPA.

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

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

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

In the nose: slightly citrus aromatics.

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

Hammerheart Jormungandr’s

 Hammerheart Jormungandr’s. Rye Pale Ale.

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

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

Murky, brownish, beige ring of foam. 

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

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

Another Hammerheart beer that I fully enjoyed. 

Little Thistle Export Stout

 Little Thistle Export Stout.

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

Solid blackness, utterly opaque, slim brown head. 

In the nose: malty, sweet, roasted notes. 

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

I’d happily go back for more. 

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

Ol’ George #33: Balonious’ Funk

Ol’ George #33: Balonious’ Funk

Notes on #33:

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

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

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

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

Junkyard Coco Mondo Coconut Cream Ale

Junkyard Coco Mondo Coconut Cream Ale. 

4.7% ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN.

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

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

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

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

Ol’ George #32: Mad Monk

 

Notes on #32:

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

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

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

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

Steel Toe Worn Sole Imperial Alt

 Steel Toe Worn Sole Imperial Alt.

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

Dark brown color, slim tan head, nearly opaque.

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

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

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

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

Ol’ George #31: Canned Corn

 

Notes on #31:

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

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

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

Ol’ George #30: It’s a Feature...

 Notes on #30

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

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

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

Ol’ George #29: Last Orders

 

Notes on #29:

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

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

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

Three Floyds Chain Sword Extra Pale Ale

 Three Floyds Chain Sword Extra Pale Ale.

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

From the latest variety pack. 

Clear, golden hued, short white head. 

In the nose: slightly citrusy, brisk and lively. 

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

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

Inbound Fruit of the Double Loop West Coast Double IPA

 Inbound Fruit of the Double Loop West Coast Double IPA.

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

Clear, bright golden hue, small white head. 

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

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

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

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

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

Oliphant Snail Pale Pale Ale

 Oliphant Snail Pale Pale Ale.

5% ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, Wisconsin. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ol’ George #28: Baby

 

Notes on #28:

1. I’d just like to point out that this is week 25 of finishing a strip by Monday night, six months running. I’m really proud of that. (The first three don’t count. #1 was done in early October of last year and not deemed finished until a month later. #’s 2 & 3 were both done in a rush and I’m not terribly proud of them. So, I count from #4, 11/11. 

2. I put George and Baby at opposite ends of each panel then had to figure what to put between them. Answer: Balonious! But, wouldn’t that alter the flow of their conversation, by having him speak (or think) between them? Yes, but, that’s why I used a different pen point for him, a lighter weight to his lettering, and I liked to play off that awkwardness that happens when two people at a bar are talking and ones in the middle, does he try to join in or start talking to someone else? Or just stare at his beer? 

Wooden Ship Ofstead Norwegian Farmhouse Ale

 Wooden Ship Ofstead Norwegian Farmhouse Ale.

5.6 % ABV, Wooden Ship Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Lightly clouded, golden toned, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: Smokey, peppery…is this a Hammerheart beer? Everything else is minor.

In the mouth: citrus zest, hops, but low bitterness, and unrelenting, lingering Smokey, peppery sensations, though not as strong as in aromatics. Light and refreshing as a farmhouse ale should be, but loaded with character. Goin’ down nice and easy. 

A Norwegian Farmhouse Ale that is slightly funky and smokey with mild citrus notes.

Ol’ George # 27: Zip a Tone

 

Notes on #27:

1. If this one reads like a non-sequitor, then I have done my job. I first encountered Zippy in a B. Dalton Bookseller in 1985 when I bought a copy of “Are we Having Fun Yet? Zippy the Pinhead’s 29 Day Guide To Random Activities and Arbitrary Donuts.” I’ve spent the past 40 years keeping up and catching up. He’s been around since 1971, and still going!

2. George’s beer, Old Crab is a nod to a barleywine of long ago, Rogue Old Crustacean. And that George is a big Ol’ Crabbypants. 

3. I won’t explain Zippy’s dialogue. If you know him, you get it. Laundry is the 5th dimension! Zombies rule Belgium! Frivolity is a stern taskmaster! Legalize Loni Anderson’s hair! 

Ol’ George #26: Brew Monk

 

Notes on #26:

1. I have a long history as a fan of American jazz composer & pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk (1917-1982).  I put a lot of back story in my review of North Coast Brother Thelonious in my blog post back in 2012. Go check it out. 

2. I once had a Brother Thelonious glass sent to me by the brewery (along with a tap handle, coasters, t-shirts, and an CD of a band they put together, the Brother Thelonious Quintet!) and it did indeed say Straight No Chaser on it.  When it broke during a move nine years ago, I paused in sentimental contemplation, whereupon my friend remarking that he heard me say that I have too many glasses as it is. Yeah, but that’s one I wanted to keep. I can’t find a replacement anywhere, but I’ll keep looking. 

3. Flatted Fifths aren’t really the main thing to think of when it comes to Monk’s music, but it sounds funnier than dissonance, angularity or atonality.

4. The “you’ll flip” quote appeared in the documentary “Straight No Chaser”, but I haven’t seen it in a while. Can’t find it on YouTube. So, I got it partially wrong, so what. He actually said “I Mean, for real!” I bet he said it a lot of ways. 

5. Is George a jazz lover?  Of course he is, he’s a hep cat! (My first cat was named Hepzibah so I could call her “hep cat.” Hepzibah is the name of the French skunk who dwells in the Okeefenokee swamp in Walt Kelly’s “Pogo”. And the bar George drinks at is named for him. Full circle!)

Back Channel Sky Crasher West Coast IPA

 Back Channel Sky Crasher West Coast IPA .

7.5 % ABV, Back Channel Brewing, Spring Park, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: bold and booming with citrus notes and stone fruit. Apricot and peach mingle pineapple and orange. Highly aromatic. 

In the mouth: hop assault on the palate, but too lean in the bitterness to truly make a mark as a West Coast. Medium bodied, mostly crisp and clean. but needs a bit more in the dry department. Not a truly successful attempt, I’m afraid. 

Citrusy // Piney // Resin

West Coast IPA

Ol’ George #25: How to Draw Ol’ George

 

Pizza Port Endless Shoreline India Pale Ale

 Pizza Port Endless Shoreline India Pale Ale.

7 % ABV, 65 IBU, Pizza Port Brewing, Carlsbad, CA. 

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

In the nose: bold citrus with a pinch of pine. 

In the mouth: fresh, fruity, and dry. Moderate bitterness, but plentiful hops. Medium bodied, long hop forward finish. Citrus tones meet with stone fruit. Easy drinking as she goes. 

I like this one fine, but it won’t replace Swami’s. 

Endless Shoreline IPA captures the essence of sun-soaked days with a refreshing burst of earthy tangelo and bright Meyer lemon. Brewed with Riwaka, Waimea, NZ Cascade, Crystal, & Columbus hops - the mid-palate reveals a tropical blend of sweet citrus, lush mango, and juicy papaya, transporting you to a beachside paradise. The finish is dry and crisp, leaving behind subtle hints of peppery lemongrass and a touch of slightly sticky resin. Just like the shoreline that stretches beyond the horizon, this IPA offers an experience that feels endless with every sip.

Bad Weather Sweater Weather Winter Warmer

 Bad Weather Sweater Weather Winter Warmer.

8.1% ABV, 35 IBU, Bad Weather Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

So much weather in that name. 

Winter is gone, but it ain’t spring yet. Birds are here, but they ain’t chirping. Grass is here, but it ain’t green. No flowers, no leaves on the trees, and we’re still wearing sweaters. Perfect time for the last can of this. 

Clear, dusky brown, voluptuous head, cream toned. 

In the nose: vanilla hits first, followed by cinnamon. Whither coconut? We’re getting hints.

In the mouth: again, vanilla is largest, the rest follow. Big malt, but maybe not robust enough. This is delicious, but I beg for more body. Not hating’, just saying. 

This comforting ale is made with toasted coconut, Saigon cinnamon, and vanilla bean. Also a dash of malted Kernza that aids in the cinnamon flavor of the beer. Kernza is a perennial grain that has been gaining popularity amongst brewers due to its sustainability.  Flavors and aromas of coconut, caramel, cinnamon, vanilla and toast. Medium bodied with a sweet/warming finish. Pours a clear reddish amber with a brown head. Enjoy by the fire or while watching the snow fall outside.

Dual Citizen WaveRacer West Coast IPA

 Dual Citizen WaveRacer West Coast IPA. 

7.1 % ABV, Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting milky white head.

In the nose: citrusy, sliver of pine, tiny tropical tones. 

In the mouth: big blast of bitterness plays on the palate, tantalized the tongue. Nice and dry. Slightest sweetness, but bitter wins out. Light bodied, easy drinking, with never-ending hoppiness. 

I think I like this one. 

Citrus Zest • Floral • Berries

A sunny West Coast style American IPA. 

Surly Niiice Beer

 Surly Niiice Beer. Tastes. Like. Beer. 

Available on tap or 16 ounce 12-packs. 

(Or is it “Surly This Beer is Niiice” as on the label and some tap menus?)

4.5 % ABV. Surly Brewing, Twin Cities, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: grainy, corny, beer-y. 

In the mouth: exceptionally simplistic, light. The light end of a golden ale, the say, which is very in-Surly. Quaffable, for sure, with real flavor to be found. Surly Furious, that made sense. Gotta put one out to please the plebians, I guess. 

Well, that makes two new Surly beers in a row that were clearly not made for me. 

C’est La vie. 

Balanced and approachable, not too hoppy, not too bland, this refreshing ale isn't just nice, it's NIIICE! If you want to call it a beer-flavored beer, go right ahead.

Ol’ George #24: Barley Whine

 Ol’ George #24: Barley Whine

Notes on #24:

1. I’ve been a fan of Bigfoot Barleywine-style Ale for probably 25 years, maybe more. They’ve been making it for 42. I will never forget the first time I tapped it, around 2008, at the Blue Nile. A man at the bar recognized the SN tap handle and said “oh, yeah, Sierra Nevada, I like them, I’ll take one.” Thinking it was the pale ale, I assumed. “This might not be what you think it is,” I told him.”No, no. Yeah, yeah, I’ll take it.” I poured his snifter and watched the confusion as he tried to make sense of this hoppy, nearly 10 % Barleywine. I tried! 

Amazingly, in those 42 years, they never changed the label illustration once. 

2. There is a disruption in continuity here. Normally, Chester drinks Grain Belt Premium, the friendly beer, as did his real life inspiration. But, after hearing of  the unexpected, untimely death of Falling Knife’s Tom Berg, I decided to pay him tribute by having Chester drinking a Tomm’s Lager, in his honor. I didn’t know him well, but he was always nice to me, although he took exception to my views on hazy IPAs, their stock in trade. Sorry, I just don’t dig them. I don’t think I have had a Tomm’s either, not being a lager lover. Maybe I’ll pick up a 4-pack to cheers the man, who left us too soon. 

3. Where did Chester go in the last panel? Out for a smoke, duh. Why didn’t he take his beer? I don’t know! Truthfully, I just wanted to draw Irma rolling her eyes at George’s smartassery.

4. Introducing a character so much taller than the others is difficult. That’s why I chose that age-old cartoon technique of having a character fall backwards out of the panel in response to a punchline, known as a “plop”! You never know when I will use it again!

Ol’ George #23: Everybody Plays the Fool

 

Ol’ George #23: Everybody Plays the Fool

Notes on #23:

1. George wants to play an April Fool’s Day joke on Irma and pretend that he’s given up beer for wine, and along the way make fun of the way wine people anthropomorphize wine with their descriptions. The style known as pèt nat, or petillant naturel (naturally petulant) is one example of this. In fact, I found that expanded on in this precocious piece I just found online. “ By nature, pét-nats are casual. They’re easygoing. They didn’t brush their hair when they got up, and they threw on yesterday’s jeans because, really, who cares?”

It’s also done a lot in descriptions. I recall someone (a friend? Someone from TV/ movies?) making fun of this by saying/quoting something like “it has an impudent nose” or some such. And I wondered where I had heard this and googled the phrase “impudent wine”. The first hits were for a French wine called L’Impudent.

It dawned on that we can mock such language, but it won’t change anything. I wrote this one and I chose not to check and see if there are any Insolent, Sassy, or Obsequious wineries out there. 

Does beer do this? A little, but maybe it’s more of a French thing. 

2. This is the second strip without any beer in it. The first was #2, for George hadn’t ordered yet. Balonious would be having a beer, if George wasn’t taking up Irma’s time with his smart assery.

Ol’ George #22: Head Like A Ball

 

Notes on #22:

1. I first heard of Gumballhead the Cat when I was ordering alternative comics for Shinders Readmore bookstore in downtown Minneapolis, back in the 90’s. He appeared in Skin Graft Comix and others publications, which no longer live in my collection. 

A decade or so later, Three Floyds Brewing released the titular Gumballhead beer, an American Wheat Ale. If they’d made it a pale ale or IPA, I’d pick it up more often. Wheat Ales are just not at the top of my list. 

Gumballhead was the last beer I tapped at Acadia. I can imagine how proud his creator must have felt when he first appeared on a tap handle. 

2. Rob Syers is the creator of Gumballhead the Cat and he’s still drawing his adventures, though you have to be a Patreon. I don’t think there’s ever been a collection. Syers’ Etsy store has plenty of awesome prints for sale. I still haven’t made up my mind between the Dark Lord Day poster where GBH has vanquished a foe, a la Frank Frazetta, with the spectral figures of Snoopy and Heathcliff behind him, or the one where GBH is inserted into a fictional cover of Jack Kirby’s Kamandi.  Better hurry, they’re both almost gone!

3. George knows that there’s no gum balls in the beer. He’s just a smartass. 

Dangerous Man Virgin Island Rum Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout

 

Dangerous Man Virgin Island Rum Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout.

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

Solid blackness, complete opacity, slim brown head. 

In the nose: caramel and ash, vanilla and smoke, molasses, brown sugar, and leather.

In the mouth: dark malt and mysterious sweetness. Rich and complex, compounded treats upon treats. Rum a dum dum. Decadent and powerful. 

I’m going to relax and luxuriate with the remainder as I contemplate the history, the legacy, and the incredible twelve years of DMBC. 

Inbound Exit Stage Less West Coast IPA

 Inbound Exit Stage Less West Coast IPA. 

6 % ABV, 60 IBU, Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: slightly sweet and tropical tones, pineapple, guava, etc. passion fruit. Grapefruit. 

In the mouth: fruit takes center stage on the palate, backed by bitterness. Sweet takes a backseat, as hoppiness and bitterness roll in. Medium bodied, especially refreshing, just enough blend of juice and abrasion to keep the mouth humming. 

I like this one. Wish they made more of it. 

West Coast IPA, notes of white wine and darkness.

I think they mean “dankness”.

Pizza Port Bacon & Eggs Imperial Coffee Porter

 Pizza Port Bacon & Eggs Imperial Coffee Porter.

8% ABV, 40 IBU, Pizza Port Brewing, Carlsbad, CA.

 Clear, dark brown color, Cecil slim beige head.

In the nose: big roasted coffee, earthy, spicy, slight cinnamon. Dark malt below. 

In the mouth: coffee grit all over the palate, roasty malt, with slight sweetness. All the best parts of coffeeI and Porter, wrapped up c cImperial. High ABV slowly but shows it’s strength. And through it all, I think, this is a delightful beverage. Even though eggs are too expensive and bacon is bad for me,I find this highly diggable. 

An Imperial Coffee Porter collaborated with Bird Rock Coffee Roasters 

Junkyard Bleed Green Irish Style Stout

 Junkyard Bleed Green Irish Style Stout. 

4.1% ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Thoroughly dark and opaque, slim, tannish head. 

In the nose: malty, bittersweet, notes of coffee & berries. Dark chocolate. 

In the mouth: rich, while clean, lean and dry. Rolls effortlessly off the palate. Media bodied, with an abundant collection of harmonious flavors. Chocolate, coffee, & bright berries at play, with a touch of nuttiness in there. Delightful. 

Only $12 the 4-pack, and it isn’t a hazy IPA, fruited sour, or pastry stout. Have to pounce on these when you see them in the wild. 

Bleed Green is a Dry Irish Stout has become an annual St. Patrick's tradition for us. It has plenty of dry-roasted character and roasted malt aromas thanks to the use of roasted barley. Revealing more complexity with each sip, it is defined by notes of coffee & cocoa and its full, dry body.

Ol’ George # 21: The Wearin’ O’ the Grin

 

Ol’ George # 21: The Wesarin’ o’ the Grin

Notes on #21: 

1. Damn, I misspelled “Begorra”! No one would have noticed, I’m sure, but now the secret is out. Some day I’ll figure out how to fix it…

2. I stole the title from the 1951 Chuck Jones Looney Tune wherein Porky Pig visits Ireland and is bedeviled by a pair of leprechauns. There’s a great Dali-esque surrealist scene at the end. 

3. Where does George’s pint and pipe go in panel four? I think that, much like characters in Tex Avery cartoons, George makes use of a pocket universe in which he stores and retrieves objects for use whenever he needs them. That makes sense. This firmly establishes George as a cosmic trickster god. Glad we got that ball rolling. 

4. George is not human sized, so the bar provides him with his own chair.

5. Sometimes, I forget to draw Irma on the inside of the bar. This one makes it look like she’s on the outside, sitting next to Chester. She’s always behind the bar. Don’t worry, I’ll get it right eventually, 

Pipeworks Shark vs. Unicorn Double IPA with Cascade, Galaxy, Cryo Simcoe and Nectaron

 Pipeworks Shark vs. Unicorn Double IPA with Cascade, Galaxy, Cryo Simcoe and Nectaron.

8.4 % ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Clear, golden hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: tropical fruity, citrus hoppy explosion. Slight candy-ish sweetness. Quite pleasant.

In the mouth: bursting with bitterness at the start, like any good standing member of this category. Then, in rushes the juicy sweetness. Terrifically drinkable, despite the oncoming booze. Uh oh, here it comes.

Medium bodied, highly hopped, but not quite as bitter and dry as I really like. 

Ol’ George #20: India Pale Fail

 Notes on #20: 

1. I realized after I wrote this that Balonious begins his litany of Wilting Turnip’s great IPAs by copying “Patrick Swayze Christmas “ from MST3K. 

And much later it dawned on me that they were riffing on an old Nat King Cole hit.

2. The punchline comes from Looney Tunes, but where did they get it? No one knows. Some say Vaudeville. They’re just guessing. 

3. George will never go to Wilting Turnip. He’s got everything he needs at Kelly’s.

Surly Mr. Surly’s Orange Whip Cream Ale

 Surly Mr. Surly’s Orange Whip Cream Ale. 

5.5 % ABV,  Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Hey, look, everyone, Surly is making flavored cream ales! Ice Cream themed! Yaaaay! 

Available only in 12 packs for some reason. Luckily (?), I got a sample can. 

Clear and yellow, big white head that folds quickly. 

In the nose: sweet and fruity. Danged if it doesn’t smell like a dreamsicle. It’s got that going for it. 

In the mouth: okay, orange, we got that, little from malt or hops, but that shouldn’t be expected, as this is not a “beer-beer.” Not much else going on here. It’s a suggestion, somehow, of ice cream, and the flavor sparks no joy. Not terrible, but a far cry from anything I’d ever want to drink again. 

Mister Surly's Orange Whip Cream Ale is coming to your neighborhood. A dreamy concoction of vanilla, blood orange, hops, and malt, Mister Surly's Orange Whip is sweet, citrusy, and balanced. Treat yourself.

Ol’ George #19: Tick It To Ride

 Ol’ George #19: Tick It To Ride

Notes on # 19:

1: This strip needed a beer geek character and I decided it should be me. Balonious Funk is a play on my BeerAdvocate.com username FeloniousMonk. When I came up with it in 2002, I thought I was so very clever, unaware that the joke had been made many times before. 

2.  And now we have our very first continuity. The beer called Ferval’s Finest in #18 is the same that Irma served George in #11, 2 months ago. It’s been on tap all this time and hasn’t gotten any better.

Maybe Balonious heard how awful it is. He doesn’t care. 

Obolon Extra Kyivske Lager Beer

 Obolon Extra Kyivske Lager Beer.

12% ABV, Obolon Brewery, Kyiv, Ukraine.

Drinking a Ukrainian beer, for obvious reasons. Not expecting it to be good, but that’s not the point. 

Clear and lightly clouded, bright golden hue, fine, lace leaving, ivory head. 

In the nose: smells like malt liquor! Grainy, corny, overly sweet. Vegetal. I’m anticipating a ton of booze. 

In the mouth: interesting. I’m gonna say “interesting.” The opposite of crisp. Not at all clean. A sweet, mushy mix of malt, some hops and a buttload of booze. 

But, if you just want a buzz, maybe it’s enough. I’m just drinking this to cheers Zelenskyy and Ukraine.

«Obolon Extra Strong» is a lager beer with a mild malt flavor combined with moderate hop bitterness and light wine tones. The peculiarity of the recipe is that the high alcohol content is achieved through the fermentation of high-gravity wort.

Half Acre Drip Castles West Coast Style India Pale Ale

 Half Acre Drip Castles West Coast Style Double India Pale Ale.

8% ABV, Half Acre Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim ivory head.

In the nose: citrus and pine, with a pinch of the tropical.

In the mouth: nice bit of bitterness up front, clean and dry. Medium bodied, with a mild, hoppy finish. Bitterness increases as alcohol strength rises. This doesn’t quite go the distance the way I’d like it to, but it does the trick. 

Drip Castle features Krush, a newly developed hop, paired with classic Chinook to claim fresh territory within the West Coast DIPA realm. Ultra clear on the pour, Drip Castle has a warm boozy note balanced by assertive bitterness and an extremely dry finish. Krush provides raspberry pie blended with the resin and pine from Chinook that hits under-appreciated flavor receptors. This holiday season, spend some time in the Castle.

Ol’ George #18: Poet of the Pints

 Notes on #18:

1. I took the name Ferval of Ferval’s Finest Ale (whatever that may be)  from the character Ferval Lankman, played by Brian Posehn on Mr. Show. Maybe it’s someone else’s name, how would I know?

2. I found a spelling error and tried to correct it, terribly. Then I found another and couldn’t fix it. Please  forgive my spelling errors.

3. Why is Irma giving George that look in panel four? Because she knows that he’s a sarcastic smart aleck. He gives it away in panel three. I never expected to draw George that way. It’s a disturbing look. 

There is a hidden dynamic here, an extra meaning slightly alluded to above. Stay tuned for next week!

4. Ninkasi was the Sumerian beer goddess, circa 3000 B.C. Fun fact: The ancient Sumerians referred to beer as “kas” in her honor. They bartered with beer and that’s how we get our word “cash”. 

Who needs beer reviews when my comics give you beer facts like that!

Schell’s Baltic Porter

 Schell’s Baltic Porter. Limited release (only in the sampler pack). 

6.5 % ABV, August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, Minnesota. 

Clear, reddish brown, sizable, cream-toned head. 

In the nose: cocoa and cream, slightly nutty. Mildly roasty malt.

In the mouth: smoothness on the palate prevails.Mostly malty. Medium bodied. Light fruitiness on top of cocoa & nuts. Low bitterness. Highly enjoyable. 

This Baltic Porter pours a deep, dark black with layers of velvety chocolate and roast flavors that smooth the palate and celebrate the malty character of the beer.

56 Home Improvements West Coast IPA

 56 Home Improvements West Coast IPA.

5.7 % ABV, 46 IBU, 56 Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, golden hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: mildly hoppy, slight sweetness, lacking in the aromatics I want in this style. Some citrus starts to trickle in.

In the mouth: some hoppy flavors, but lacks bitterness. Too juicy, not quite dry enough. Lean bodied, finishing dry and progressively bitter. 

I’m warming up to this one. I’d drink it again, though it disappointed at the start. I like my WCIPAs to tackle the palate from the get-go. 

A super crisp west coast IPA featuring Erebus, Comet, and Chinook hops. Delightfully fruity, floral and dank. A light floral and zesty nose plays well with sweet berry, lemon zest, grapefruit, and resinous flavors.

Ol’ George #17: He’s No Clown

 Notes on #17;

1. I came up with this idea months ago, but I had to do it now for this reason: it was 25 years ago, on February 12, 2000, that Charles Monroe Schulz left this world. 

I found out the next morning. I woke up early that Sunday morning, drew a bath, and got the paper, got in the tub, and read Schulz’ last strip. It was the same goodbye letter as his final daily, published in December 1999, but with a collage of classic scenes surrounding it. Oddly enough, almost immediately after, the announcer on the jazz station playing in the background gave the news. As I say in the tub holding the funnies and started to cry. I’d been following Charlie Brown and Snoopy since I was four years old. 

2. My original idea for this one ended with panel two, but I had a change of heart. I didn’t want to end with a bitter Charlie or with someone being mean to him. I had to give him some happiness.

In the end, Schulz also gave Charlie some happiness. He never flew the kite, kicked the football, won a baseball game or sat down to lunch with the little red haired girl. That wouldn’t be funny, after all. But he did enjoy a relationship with a girl who liked the way he danced, and his dog was always by his side. 

3. So I’m sentimental, so sue me.

Dangerous Man Mango El Dorado IPA

 

Dangerous Man Mango El Dorado IPA. 

6.5 % ABV, 50 IBU, Dangerous Man Brewing, Maple Lake, MN. 

Lightly hazed, golden hued, slim white head.

In the nose: sweet mango first, with citrus below, grapefruit and orange.

In the mouth: sweetness and mango pulp, bitterness on the side. Juicy, then dry in the finish. Medium bodied, fully flavored, a tasty treat.

Hey, I could go for a few more. 

Hoppy, Smooth & Fruity

FLAVOR NOTES

* Hella Mango!

* Candied Lemon

* Undernote of Pine

HOPS

* El Dorado

Yeast

* Dry English Ale

ADJUNCTS

* Mango Puree