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. 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.
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
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.
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!
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 Lady Gaga 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.
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.
