Ol’ George #42: 42

 

Ol’ George #42: 42.

Notes on #42:

1. It’s #42. I had to do it. Sorry for the spoiler, anyone who isn’t aware of this franchise from the past 47 years, the books, radio play, BBC tv show, motion picture, comic books, video games, rpgs, etc. 

I’m pretty sure I consumed the books first, back in the early 80’s, then TV & radio. Anything after that, I didn’t care. We won’t talk about it.

2. Okay, we will.My Zaphod and Marvin are based on their 1981 BBC TV incarnation. You couldn’t do much with special effects on a low budget in ‘81, so you could forgive Zaphod’s second head just sitting there, doing nothing. I think they dubbed some lines, or something?

But, 2005, you could put a second Sam Rockwell head up there and it would have worked, but they didn’t! And nothing against the great Alan Rickman, but I didn’t take to the new Marvin. And that is all that I will say about 2005 motion picture. There’s very little I like about it, aside from the cast. 

3. The Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster is a drink created by Zaphod and is a cocktail based around Arcturan Mega-gin. We’re just pretending, for the sake of the gag, that this fictional drink is a beer.

Many years ago, I used to celebrate my birthday by creating a beer event at the Blue Nile, putting a disparate array of beers on tap, and urging my fellow beer kegs to join me. One time, a regular suggested that I create a “pan-galactic gargle blaster” from a mix of every beer on tap. I dutifully did so, and that’s all I will say about that. 

De Leite Enfant Terriple Blonde Triple

 De Leite Enfant Terriple Blonde Triple.

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

Clear, bright golden hue, ivory froth atop.

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

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

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

Modist The Time Is Nigh Festbier

 Modist The Time Is Nigh Festbier. 

5.2 % ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

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

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

In the nose: fragrant and floral, absolute delight.

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

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

Tucher Bajuvator Doppelbock Dunkel

 Tucher Bajuvator Doppelbock Dunkel.

7.5 % ABV, Tucher Privatbrauwei, Nuremberg, Deutschland. 

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

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

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

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

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

Ol’ George # 41

 

Ol’ George # 41

Notes on # 41: 

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

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

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

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

Half Acre Beer Hates Astronauts IPA

 Half Acre Beer Hates Astronauts IPA.

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

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

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

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

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

India Pale Ale with Citra 

2025 edition 

Ursa Minor Drunk Gandalf Belgian-style Tripel Ale

 

Ursa Minor Drunk Gandalf Belgian-style Tripel Ale.

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

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

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

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

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

Dangerous Man Last Call IIPA

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

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

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

Slightly clouded, bright golden, slim white head. 

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

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

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

Summit Cold Brew Coffee Blonde Ale

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

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

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

Clear, bright golden color, slim white head. 

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

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

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

Ol’ George #40: Seasonability

 

Ol’ George #40: Seasonability

Notes on #40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BlackStack Focus Group:Simcoe Single Hop West Coast Style IPA

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

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

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

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

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

I like it. 

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