Ol’ George #62: The Sign Part 5

 Ol’ George #62: The Sign Part 5

Notes on #62:

1. Maybe you’ve figured it out already, but here’s where we start to see where this storyline is heading. More to come…

Stiegl Sonnenkönig V Imperial Russian Stout Barrel Aged 2018

 Stiegl Sonnenkönig V Imperial Russian Stout Barrel Aged 2018. 50% beer and 50%  beer aged in cherry schnapps barrels. 

9.2 % ABV, 22 IBU, stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg, brewed and bottled in Austria. 

Solid ebony, slim, brown head, full opacity.

In the nose: deep and rich, dark fruits, plums and raisins, ash and smoke, cocoa and coffee. 

In the mouth: plummier, prunier, dark, fruity, funky. Full-bodied, rich and delicious. It’s that cherry schnapps barrel aging coming through. Something I’ve definitely never had before. Slightly tart, but never sour. A touch of tannin. Great balance between sweet and bitter. Elements of both at play. Thoroughly unique and actually delicious. 

Ein mächtiges Russian Imperial Stout ist Fundament des über mehrere Monate im Kirschwasser-Eschenfass gelagerten „Sonnenkönig V.“. Schwarz wie die Nacht beeindruckt das ausladende Bier mit markanten Röstnoten, die aber doch auch Weichseltönen und Holznuancen Raum lassen. Die Erinnerungen an reifen Burgunder kommen nicht von ungefähr, bietet sich Nase und Gaumen doch eine Aromenlandschaft von dunklem Steinobst, Kaffee und schließlich zarten Balsamiconoten. Gemeinsam mit dem alkoholischen Körper tanzen sie den langen letzten Tanz einer majestätischen Ballnacht.

Ol’ George # 61: Santa’s Gonna Be Here

 Ol’ George # 61: Santa’s Gonna Be Here.

Notes on #61: 

1. Tom Waits and Santa Claus both appeared originally last December, in episodes 7 and 9, respectively. Will this be a recurring thing, these two teaming up every holiday? Wouldn’t that be something?

2. I can’t even remember how I came up with this one, though it was only a few days ago. It all came together quite naturally, I assure you. “Jesus Gonna Be Here “ first appeared on Tom Waits’ 1992 album “Bone Machine “. Thirty-three years is enough time for everyone to get around to hearing the record, I think. I’ve only done it once at karaoke. I should do it every night and be known as that one guy who does that one Tom Waits song, instead of what I am, which is the Guy Who’s Done Over 800 songs, most of which no one knows because they’re all from the 60’s and 70’s. 

3. This is a bit of a tribute to Rogue Ales, once upon a time a major force in brewing, now done.  The first beer George is drinking is a Rogue Santa’s Private Reserve, which I was drinking when I started drawing this one. This year’s version, anyway. The label’s get  a bit more abstract as it goes on. 

Lupulin West Coast Bliss West Coast Style Double India Pale Ale

 

Lupulin West Coast Bliss West Coast Style Double India Pale Ale.

9% ABV, Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, lovely layer of ivory froth.

In the nose: big citrus, with creeping onset of tropical tones. 

In the mouth: soft and peachy, with a bitter buzz beneath. Bitterness crawls up and dominates, with ABV coming after. Getting a panoply of flavors now, grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, a flash of pine. Full bodied, fully flavored, giving up the goods. 

Complaint, though: still not dry and bitter enough. Nice try, though. Signed, the picky West Coast IPA fanatic east of the Pecos. 

Born from the same recipe that built Blissful Ignorance, this evolution trades haze for clarity and softness for bite. Mosaic and Citra still shine with tropical fruit and citrus, while Chinook Abstrax and Simcoe Hyperboost bring resinous pine, bright grapefruit, and a crisp finish. Same Bliss, different coast.

Einstök Ölgerö Toasted Porter

 Einstök Ölgerö Toasted Porter.

6% ABV, Einstök Ölgerö, Aukereyrarbaer, Iceland. 

Is the my first Icelandic beer, ever?

Impenetrable, dark brown, toasted tan head. 

In the nose: soft, creamy, malty. Right on the money. 

In the mouth: all the goods are here. Toast and roast, some cocoa, some coffee, rich malt, but never too heavy. Not really robust, more in a brown porter style, easily gulpable. 

Quite nice, this. 

Aromatic coffee from Kaffibrennsla Akureyrar subtly bands together with toasted malt undertones in our Baltic Porter. While dark in color, this classical version of a lagered porter has a medium mouthfeel and dark chocolate notes that result in a smooth on the palate, easy-to-drink brew you'll want to face again and again.

Ol’ George #60: Stupid Sexy Flanders

 Ol’ George #60: stupid sexy Flanders 

Notes on No. 60: 

1. This is one of those strips you may not get if you’ve never shopped the Belgian section of your local liquor store. But, you can “get it” if you understand that George is a cat, and a cat, cartoon or otherwise, will always obey its biological imperative. Who this woman is and why she holds a bird is a mystery I still haven’t uncovered, and I’ve tried. If anyone knows, clue me in. 

2. It just hit me, that I have a sign with a Simpsons reference and a beer style that has inspired many Simpsons references. My favorite was Stupid Sexy Flanders from Fair State. 

I almost did another Bad Kitty sign, but I’m keeping those only to entries in the Saga of the Sign storyline. Number 5 is coming up soon. 

Surly West 1792 Bourbon Barrel aged Doppelbock

 

Surly West 1792 Bourbon Barrel aged Doppelbock.

12% ABV, Surly Brewing, Twin Cities, Minnesota. 

Clouded, deep mahogany hued, utterly opaque, under a slim whitish head.

In the nose: caramel and toffee, vanilla and oak. Hints of cocoa. 

In the mouth: rich, complex, full of malty wonders. Natural flavors of the doppelbock trade time with the sensations of the barrel aging. It all comes together in a wonderfully warming way. Brown sugar and roasted/toasted malt plus vanilla and a comfortable warm of oak and maple. Yum a dum dum. 

Final release in the Bottle Project Compass Series. West takes Surly's Doppelbock (if you attended SurlyFest or Darkness Day, you may have tasted this beauty) and ages it in 1792 Bourbon barrels. The beer's rich, malty character is aided and abetted by the oak and caramel notes of the barrel and its former occupant.

BlackStack Focus Group: Krush

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

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

Clear, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: bold and fruity, pineapple and papaya. Very tropical, with a whiff of dank.

In the mouth:  brash and bitter, on the tongue and on the palate. Aspirin-like astringency leans hard. Light bodied and easy drinking. Some citrus coming around, a prickle of pine. Aroma threw a curve, but we’re getting something close enough to a West Coast IPA that I’m fairly satisfied. 

Not too shabby there. 

Before we get to the beer, I just need to get your opinion on a couple of things. Focusing all of our attentions on Krush Hops, formerly know as Experimental HBC 586. Can I get a show of hands on who's ready to KRUSH one of these bad boys? 

Ol’ George # 59: Bad Bunny

 

Ol’ George # 59: Bad Bunny.

Notes on #59:

1. Horatio is based on a painting by my friend Winona. He’s a lot cuter in her version. 

2. Why does Irma tease the rabbit? It’s not that they’re predators/prey, as is the case with cats vs. rodents. Maybe some of George’s smart- assery rubs off on her? 

3. It’s crazy how many carrot cake beers are out there. Imperial milk stout, pastry sour, brown ale, kölsch, cream ale, barley wine, and, yes, imperial pastry stout. I can’t find any cabbage beers, though. A bunch of beers called “Jazz Cabbage”, where’s that come from? 

4. Was there enough time between panels two and three for Irma to mix that martini, or was it always waiting there beneath the bar, like on every tv show or comedy sketch? 

5. Gavin, two weeks in a row? Hey, why not. He won’t take over. He’s no Fonzie. Might be a bit of an Urkek, though. 

Brasserie Au Baron Cuvée de Jonquilles French Farmhouse Ale

 

Brasserie Au Baron Cuvée de Jonquilles French Farmhouse Ale. Bottle conditioned, unfiltered. 

7 % ABV, 30 IBU, Brasserie du Baron, FRANCE. 

Clear, straw color, frothy, lace-leaving ivory head. 

In the nose: garden fresh! Ever so slightly sour, overall funky. Somewhat citric. Enticing and inviting. 

In the mouth: horse blanket meets the garden grove. All dandeliony up in here and all over the palate. Several layers of funky fresh. Pretty damned delicious. Lovely texture. It’s that special kind of yum a dum dum. Lemony and floral, just a touch of bitter, and all kinds of enjoyable. 

La plus connue de nos bières. La cuvée des jonquilles c'est tout le bocage de l'Avesnois dans une bouteille! Dorée comme le blé! Parfumée comme le foin! C'est elle qu'il vous faut avoir toujours au frais lorsque les copains débarquent à la maison

 La blonde Cuvée des Jonquilles arbore une robe dorée pâle légèrement trouble. Un palais très rafraichissant et digeste, des arômes portés à la fois sur l'agrume et le floral. l'amertume est à la fois subtile et sophistiquée, soutenue par la levure.

levure: Au Baron

malt: Pilsen

houblons: strisselspaltz, hallertau, brewersgold

Castle Danger Fresh Hop ‘25

 Castle Danger Fresh Hop ‘25 Fresh Hop India Pale Ale. 6.5 % ABV, Castle Danger Brewing, Two Harbors, Minnesota. 

Clear (with slight chill haze), bright golden hue, fine ivory froth atop.

In the nose: berries, berries, berries! Straw-, blue-, even a little bit rasp-. Faint citrus on the side. 

In the mouth: all those berries are having a party on the palate. Refreshingly fresh and tasty, with no exaggerated bitterness. Some, but not a ton. Not anything like what I anticipate from a fresh hop IPA. But I like it for what it is. Got to applaud a brew that breaks away from the norm. 

The 2025 Fresh Hop IPA is brewed with farm fresh PINK (ID-158) hops from the fine folks at Jackson Hop Farms in Wilder, Idaho. Fresh hopped beers use hops in their purest form; never processed, never kilned.

PINK hops showcase notes of citrus, strawberry, honey, and peach. Enjoy this true seasonal beer just weeks after the fall hop harvest!

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?