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.