Ol’ George #39: Hard to Please

 Ol’ George #39.

Notes on #39:

1. Who am I making fun of here? Oh, people that I talk to every day? I remember in the late 2000’s, someone walking into my bar and asking “got any James Page on tap?” But it goes beyond that. Yeah, Anchor Steam closed two years ago and they didn’t get the news, a brewery stops distributing and they never heard, but when it’s a matter of years, I wonder how often they buy beer. Oh, you haven’t noticed no one makes that style anymore? It’s been years!!!

Also, people with a hidebound attitude of what good beers are, who have no idea that things change, people, and it’s probably your fault for not supporting those styles. 

2. I came up with this idea months ago when it made sense to wear that kind of hat. Now that it’s July, I’ve decided that he’s the kind of man who would always wear it. Even in 90 degree weather. 

3. I know that the wife with no lines is only the second human female (versus two avians) (oh, plus Hello Kitty) in this strip’s history. This will change, I promise! 

4. Only the second strip where George has no lines. I thought that he needed a break. 

Ol’ George #38: Super Duper

 

Ol’ George #38: Super Duper.

Notes on #38:

1. Did I do Superman for #38 because he debuted in Action Comics #1 in 1938? Maybe.

2. After I wrote this, I realized that it is plagiarizing a t-shirt I bought at the August Schell Brewery gift shop years ago. The front has an amalgamation of the S on his chest and the A & S of their logo, with a stag thrown in for good measure. The back reads: I make beers disappear, what’s your super power?

I decided to draw it anyway.

3. James Gunn’s new movie informs us that Kryptonians can’t become intoxicated under Earth’s yellow sun. But we all know Kal-el drinks for the flavor. 

4. Easter egg for the hardcore Silver Age fans out there. Flamebirds are Kryptonian avians that reside in a zoo along with nightwings, in the bottle city of Kandor. For some reason, Supes and Jimmy Olsen become superheroes named Nightwing and Flamebird in the bottle city…I’m sorry, I can’t even type this anymore…

Superman dances the Krypton Crawl in Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #…nope, I won’t look it up… 

I might actually have more Jimmy Olsen comics than Superman…no, I won’t count, I don’t want to know…

5. Somehow, Kelly’s stocks bottles of Yule Cat, a coconut & cacao nib bourbon barrel aged imperial porter from Sisyphus Brewing that debuted on tap in late 2023 and in early 2024 in bottles with a label designed by me. My second beer label, hopefully not my last. George really wants his own beer. 

Falling Knife Tomm’s Classic American Lager

 Falling Knife Tomm’s  Classic American Lager.

4.8 % ABV, Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Clear, bright yellow, full ivory head, soon slimming.

In the nose: light hops, slightly citric, touch of cereal grain, typical light lager nose, but done well. 

In the mouth: much lemon. Kiss off the hops. Lightness of body, smooth drinkability, utterly pleasant. Wisp of malt. High quality. I get it. It’s what would happen if Hamm’s wasn’t so damned cheaply made and terribly boring. 

Our take on a Classic American Lager, the kind of beer you pound while building a brewery

Half Acre Daisy Cutter Union West Coast IPA

 Half Acre Daisy Cutter Union West Coast IPA. Brewed in collaboration with Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

7% ABV, Half Acre Brewing, Chicago, IL.

In the label illustration, the lion and bear of FW are met with the daisies and the owl of HA, but where is the squid? What happened to squid owl? I’ve got to know! 

Clear, bright golden, lush and lasting snowy head. 

On the nose: blast of citrus and pine, waves of dank. Richly resinous. Heady hoppiness. 

In the mouth: big bitterness from the first sip and continuity into the swallow. Surprisingly smooth and delightfully malty. Bitterness mellows some for complexity and delicious flavors to come in. Citrus notes with a basic brush with tropical tones. 

We're now so proud to announce this collaboration with Firestone Walker, as we brew a clear, bitter, hoppy, West Coast IPA that features a newly developed hop from the Hop Quality Group breeding program – HQG#4 – paired with Krush and Simcoe. We're honored to share the label with Firestone Walker and excited to share this West Coast IPA with you. HOPS: HQG#4, Krush, Simcoe

Ol’ George #37: The Birds

 Ol’ George #37: The Birds

Notes on #37: 

1. My idea list hasn’t dipped under 50, and the reason is that I keep coming up with new ones. I was going to do a different one yesterday. But the brain started working on a new idea after I passed a turkey on the side of the road as I biked to Steel Toe. What would she do at Kelly’s bar? Accuse him of bird bashing, after last week’s strip. Of course, Irma would join in, and, naturally, Tweety. Would any bird step up to defend him? Of course, Big Bird, and Snuffy.

2. I thought I would bring Oscar into the strip before these two.

3. Okay, okay, I will go back to doing some strips “about beer” and not all comic strip and cartoon guest stars. Or maybe not. 

Little Thistle Double Elbow Wagon Lager

 

Little Thistle Double Elbow Wagon Lager Dry-hopped Wheat Lager. Collaboration w/ Live Oak Brewing, Austin, Texas.

Lightly hazed, bright yellow, ivory head atop. 

In the nose: fresh & hoppy, notes of citrus, slight floral.

In the mouth: big hops at the start, with lemony flavor coming through. Crisp and, mostly, clean. Refreshing, with more flavor and body than a typical lager, which this is not. Exceptionally smooth. Quite tasty. 

Sometimes stories take on lives of their own. "Wagon Lager" started as "Lithuanian Wagon Lager" many years ago, a fictional tale about an apocryphal style of heavily-hopped lager brewed primarily with wheat malt by Baltic pioneers in wagons. Where were they coming from or going to? Not sure, but their destination was well-supplied with choice wheat and hops. Being chill folks, they decided to roll with it, and a new tradition was born.

To date, Double Elbow has been a project that attempts to faithfully recreate foundational styles. You can look at Wagon Lager one of two ways - either we've jumped the shark a bit here, or we're productively expanding the definition of "foundational." We're ok with whichever. 

Brewed in collaboration with my good friends and former co-workers at Live Oak Brewing in Austin, TX, Wagon Lager is a crispy clean, smooth-brewed lager hopped intensively with low-alpha Crystal on the hot side, and dry hopped with the best Cascade Cryo and Simcoe I could lay my hands on. I spent months working on a top-secret hoppy lager at Live Oak in 2012, code-named Hop Sodie, and I'm proud to say that Wagon Lager is its true spiritual successor. 

Or maybe it's just a West Coast Pils with a lot of wheat malt. Either way, you should drink it. 

Details 

Barrel Theory Old Money Double West Coast IPA

 

Barrel Theory Old Money Double West Coast IPA w/ Simcoe, Citra T-90, Chinook Cryo & Columbus Cryo.

7.9 % ABV, Barrel Theory Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim ivory head.

In the nose: big time pine and citrus, resiny, dank. Delivering the goods. 

In the mouth: brisk, bright, crisp, delicious. Bitter and dry. All the citrus is popping on the palate, lemon and grapefruit, orange, tangerine. Blazes the tongue with a payload of hoppiness. Lingers long on the palate.

This one is flat-terrific. Thanks, Ed!

Ol’ George #36: Mo’ Kitty Blues

 

Ol’ George #36: Mo’ Kitty Blues

Notes on #36:

1. There have been only two occasions when a fake beer is advertised on the walls of Kelly’s Bar and they have both been bird-themed. Is this Irma’s (the emu bartender/bar manager) way to support her own species? How could I use that for a future strip, I wondered….and I thought about the great scene in Spike Lee’s classic 1988 film “Do The Right Thing “ and it just wrote itself. Well, Spike wrote it…

2. Barn Owl Bitter is fictitious, but there is a Barn Owl brewpub in British Columbia. There is a Kiwi lager in New Zealand, or was. Emu (Export & Bitter) is real. . The Brouwerij’Tij of the Netherlands is completely real. Why is a Dutch brewery using an African bird for its logo? Why not? (And what of Carlsberg Elephant?) 

3. George is playing the part of Buggin’ Out from the film, originally played by Giancarlo Esposito. Irma performs the role of Sal, first played by Danny Aiello. 

4. In panel two, we see Hello Kitty, who truly doesn’t belong, because according to Sanrio lore, she is an 8-year old human girl living in England, who pretends to be a cat? Whatever….

And the image of R. Crumb’s Fritz the Cat is taken from the 1964 story “Fritz Bugs Out”. (Buggin’ Out?)

5. George’s companions in panel three are there to illustrate the different ways that cats can wear hats. The  Cat in the Hat sits his squarely in the middle of his head, leaving his ears alone. Top Cat (the star of a 1961 Hanna Barberra cartoon ) has actual slots in his hat, allowing for his ears to poke through. And George plops his hat on his head, flattening his ears, and doesn’t give a shit. 

6. Is Irma gonna smack George on the head with that baseball bat, as Sal almost did to Buggin’ Out? There’s no John Turturro there to stop her…let’s imagine another panel where, oh, I don’t know, Chester steps in…

7. I don’t know if the Cat in the Hat will appear again, so I’ll use this opportunity to drop this lore bomb. Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel’s grandfather was the co-owner of a brewery in Springfield, Massachusetts.  It was called Kulmbach & Geisel, but the locals called it “Come Back and Guzzle.” You’re welcome!!

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!

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!

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. 

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!