Ol’ George #101: Good Words

 Ol’ George #101: Good Words.

1. Well, here we are, the first post-#100 strip. What has changed? For one, Cuddles the Cockroach is no longer 8-feet tall. Now, he’s merely 6’4”, so he can sit at the bar with the others and be part of the gang. 

Also, sometimes hands are disembodied. Don’t worry about it too much. I won’t. After all, there are numerous cartoonists out there who leave off drawing noses as a stylistic matter, like it’s no big deal. Noselessness is okay for monsters like Gossamer, or aliens like Marvin the Martian, but NOT humans. 

(I fixed one disembodied hand after writing the above. It was really bugging me.)

2. This is based on an old idea, where George was the one offering up the “good words” and someone suggests finding his “off switch.” This new twist allows Irma to be frustrated by the entire gang of regulars. 

Of course, I hadn’t originally conceived of this ending, it just popped into my head. This will be it for meta-fiction for a while. Only George and Irma are aware of their status on the comics stage. 

3. Zymurgy is a word, the science of fermentation. Naturally, “zymurgical” is also a word, but is “zymurgicalogical”? A quick Google search showed one result in a statement by Lagunitas, and if a major American brewery like Lagunitas used it, it must be …wait, Lagunitas? Probably not…but, Balonious is everybody’s fool. 

4. Now that I have established Irma as a bartender who closes the bar early in the morning and sleeps in past noon, as I did for so many years, does that mean she can’t also be a single mom of three, a detail I’ve been meaning to introduce? I’m not sure. 

Humble Forager Driftless Drummer

 Humble Forager Driftless Drummer Wet Hop IPA. 

6.5 %ABV, Humble Forager Brewing, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 

My first Humble Forager in a long time. Why? I don’t care for hazy IPAs, fruited sours or pastry stouts. This is none of those. In fact, I bought without checking the price, only discover later that it exceeds my limit at $19.49 a 4-pack. I’m glad I did

Clear, bright golden hue, long lasting layer of ivory fluff. 

In the nose: citrus and pine, plus a dash of the tropical. Lemony, floral and super fresh.

In the mouth: hoptastic! Big, bold and bitter. Juicy, while dry, fruity while brittle. Enjoyable conundrum. Lip-smackingly delicious. Tastes like a proper West Coast IPA blended with a fresh hop. And I’m digging on it.

This is can 4, but as much as I loved it,  I won’t drop another $20 for more. There’s a few more overpriced fresh hops I need to investigate.

Wet Hop IPA coming in at 6.5% ABV with krush and nelson sauvin cold pressed juice hop.  This WET HOP IPA is a charity beer brewed as part of the Driftless Drummer project in collaboration with the Driftless Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society with profits benefiting conservation efforts in the Driftless Region. 

Surly/ Firestone Walker Lake Bait West Coast-style IPA

 Surly/ Firestone Walker Lake Bait West Coast-style IPA. Brewed with Cryo Krush, Anchovy & Mosaic hops. 

7% ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

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

In the nose: major grapefruit, big time citrus, portions of prickly pine. Bit o’ berries. 

In the mouth: smooth and bitter get it together. Plenty fruity, mucho hoppy, slick and delicious. Ultimately dry, like it oughta be. Medium bodied with a long hoppy finish. Well balanced, well crafted and really, right up my alley. I’ll be back for more. 

Our friends and California legends, Firestone Walker, made the trek to Minnesota to brew this collab beer.

Lake Bait is brewed with Cryo Krush, Anchovy, and Mosaic hops, delivering bright aromas of tangerine, mixed berries, and watermelon hard candy accompanied by tropical notes of guava and fresh mango, finishing with a dry yet balanced, resinous hop character. Expect intense aromas and a smooth bitterness that pairs with any adventure, on or off the lake.

Ol’ George #100 / Fine Art Funnies #5

 Ol’ George #100 / Fine Art Funnies #5

Notes on #100:

1. Ol’ George #1 was begun in the first week of October 2024. The next two were dashed off rather hastily and those first three were released online (this blog, Facebook, instagram) one month later, and I embarked on a weekly schedule. A goal was set of 100 weekly strips by the 2-year anniversary. That was accomplished six days ago when I finished this one in ink. Now that it’s finished in watercolor, time to move on to #101. Or not. I’m releasing myself from the weekly schedule. One every two weeks…or more…Maybe I’ll end up doing four a month anyway. We’ll see. I’ve still got plenty of ideas. 

2. George is Adam,and I his creator, play the role of God. In the original painting,God is surrounded by various angels and cherubs. I am in the company of characters who represent my inspirations.

Cupid Lenny and Carl and Hans Moleman represent The Simpsons, and are the first characters from that show to appear here, although I have swiped some signs from Moe’s Tavern for the walls at Kelly’s. 

Opus D. Penguin shows the importance of Berley Breathed’s Bloom County on my young mind. Go to #15 and Bill the Cat’s appearance to read more. 

Michigan J. Frog (from Chuck Jones’ One Froggy Evening), Daffy Duck, and the Dodo (from Bob Clampett’s Porky in Wackyland) show my love for Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. Previously, only Sylvester, Tweety, and one of Marvin’s Instant Martians have been in the strip. 

Mahna Mahna represents the importance of Jim Henson and the Muppets have had on me. Kermit appeared in #68. 

The Lorax stands in for the inspiration that Dr. Seuss had on me. The Cat in the Hat made a cameo in #37. 

Linus represents the impact of Charles M. Schulz. We saw Snoopy in #4, Charlie Brown in #16, and Lucy in #53. 

Porkypine and Miss Mam’zelle Hepzibah are there for my love of Walt Kelly and Pogo. Pogo had a cameo in #63, Churchy and Albert were in #72. Why do I have my arm around the French female skunk? Look at the original, I’m just imitating God here. 

The Mad Hatter speaks to my love of Lewis Carroll, which has not been made explicit, but flows through whatever I do. 

3. Now that I’ve “recreated “ George, are there going to be any changes to the strip? Probably not. Don’t worry about it. 

And here’s to the next 100! Cheers! 

Drekker Hausterhosen Festbier Märzen Style Lager

 

Drekker Hausterhosen Festbier Märzen Style Lager.

5.5 % ABV, 20 IBU, Drekker Brewing, Fargo, North Dakota. 

It says both Märzen and Festbier on it, so which is it? From the looks, the color is more Festbier gold that caramel-y Märzen. Clear, slim white head. 

In the nose: typical malty/grainy aromatics. 

In the mouth: malty, slightly sweet, easy-drinker. Fairly one-dimensional. I’m not finding too much to recommend about this one. Rather lackluster. 

German Munich and Vienna malts give an almost sweet, malty flavor while a pinch of mesquite-smoked malt brings a subtle, smoky note to this "Fall Pants Party Beer".

Hammerheart The Harpy’s Talon Black IPA or Cascadian Dark Ale

 Hammerheart The Harpy’s Talon Black IPA or Cascadian Dark Ale.

6.4 % ABV, Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, Minnesota. 

Full-on darkness, complete opacity, slim cocoa rim up top. 

In the nose; roasty/toasty malty, with bright grassy hoppiness popping up. Ah, slurping chocolate milk off the forest floor! That’s what I’m talking about! 

In the mouth: full-bodied, rich and delicious. Exactly how I want a black IPA to be. Just about perfect. Pine needles and hoppy blasts mingling with dark malts. Deeelicious. No notes. Once again, I wish I’d bought a second 4-pack. Pretty, pretty good. 

Hammerheart The Harpy’s Talon Black IPA or Cascadian Dark Ale. A dark ale honoring Cascadian black metal legends SKAGOS. A blend of rich dark malts, Alder, Cherry and Beechwood smoked malt, with Warrior and Cascade hops.

Off Color Waddle Oktoberfest Lager (Märzen)

 Off Color Waddle Oktoberfest Lager (Märzen).

6.5 % ABV, Off Color Brewing, Chicago, Illinois. 

Clear, copper colored, slim white head. 

In the nose: malty, herbal, slightly sweet. Lovely stuff. 

In the mouth: rich, malty, clean, tasty. Mild hoppiness, Tasty, smooth, easy drinking’. Not too shabby there. 

I still don’t know what an accordion playing walrus and a märzen adds up to “waddle”. It’s best not to question. 

A fest beer to celebrate the wedding of one of our favorite twenty employees! Brewed in the classic style of an Oktoberfest lager, except if you see it after October, then it is a Marzen.

Ol’ George #99

 Ol’ George #99

Notes:

1. I feel as if I shouldn’t and yet I must explain this one a little. Here we go. 95 had Balonious admit he was 86’d from Wilting Turnip. 96 showed how that happened, while introducing the concept that the world of George and Kelly’s is unique unto itself. 97 had George complain that he wasn’t in 96. In our last, 98, George complains to I, the creator, Irma joins in with her own issues, and somehow, two other characters, Chester and Gavin, know that I am the one to bring their concerns. 

And here was my crossroads. End it there, leave it alone, go no further, or find a way to link it to #100? I knew what I wanted #100 to be, the fifth installment of Fine Art Funnies. (Still a secret.) I found the path. Balonious learned he was a character in a comic strip back in #35..:did he tell the others? It becomes an untenable situation. So, what happens in the penultimate panel? It all goes back into the inkwell. My reality is undone. There is some confusion and perhaps remorse at the end. Not from George, though, who has survived the purge. George is eternal. 

Is this the end? Don’t be silly. Just wait and see. 

2. I don’t use a bottle of ink often. I mainly employ pens and markers. The figures of Balonious, Geni, Riblet and Cuddles are all inked with a brush marker, which sets their look apart. The penultimate panel uses a brush and India ink, for the lines and squiggles. 

3. Last week, I drew myself without glasses, this week with, what gives? That’s just how I am, they’re on, they’re off, etc etc. 

Ol’ George #98

 Ol’ George #98

Notes:

1. I only wanted to give Balonious a new hat. And now we’re on part four, #99 being a bridge taking us to #100, which …won’t be a conclusion or an epilogue. It’ll be something. 

2. This is my third appearance in the strip. First was #35, where I took over the Bugs Bunny role from Chuck Jones’ “Duck Amuck.” Number two was #66 from last January, in which I discussed my preference for chilling a glass of whiskey. 

But I’ve never appeared five times, with my main characters only three times. Something new for everybody. 

3. What happens next? Just wait, you’ll see! Ain’t ya got no patience? 

Firestone Walker Diesel Thunder Double IPA

 Firestone Walker Diesel Thunder Double IPA. 

8% ABV, 43 IBU, Firestone Walker, Paso Robles, CA. 

Clear, bright golden, slim ivory head. 

In the nose: citrus and pine aplenty, with a dot of sweetness. Bright and brimming with hoppiness.

In the mouth: big time bitterness, large and on charge. Plays lovingly on the palate, citrusy sensations loll about the mouth. Lot of grit and grab here, plenty of juice, but mostly dry. Bitter, dry, and strong, just the way I like it. 

I got this in a variety pack, but it’s now released in its own 6-pack, so I’m going back for more. 

Born at the Propagator, this limited-edition beer is a big, bold, and brimming with bright tropical and berry notes with a cannabis diesel hop intensity. A rare taste of our small-batch innovation at full throttle.

Moose Lake Bear Den vanilla porter

 Moose Lake Bear Den vanilla porter.

5.1% ABV, 31 IBU, Moose Lake Brewing, Moose Lake, MN. 

Thoroughly black, absolutely opaque, slim brown layer of foam. 

In the nose: roasted malt, coffee, touch of vanilla coming through.

In the mouth: rich and full, deep roast, coffee and toast. And here comes vanilla, but never too much. Full bodied with a long, malty finish. 

You know what, though? I could use a little more vanilla. 

Arbeiter Schwarzwald Cascadian Dark Ale

 Arbeiter Schwarzwald Cascadian Dark Ale.

6.3 % ABV, 54 IBU, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Dark brown color, nearly black, with a lush, tan head. Almost opaque. 

In the nose: chocolate in the  park, grass stains on cocoa. Just lovely. 

In the mouth: there we go! Nicely hoppy, wonderfully malty. All that described from the nose resides on the tongue. Beautifully bitter, resonantly, deliciously hoppy, riding ona sea of dark, chocolates. Rich, full-bodied, indulgently tasty. Top notch Black IPA, I mean,er, ah…

If you like this review and want to try this beer,I’m afraid it’s long gone from the brewery. I sat on this can too long. Sorry. I keep trying to get better…

Throwback style! We’re hell-bent on helping bring back the Black IPA…erm….Cascadian Dark Ale…whatever it’s called, we call it DELICIOUS. Scharzwald is the German name for the “Black Forest” and we thought it a fitting name. Slightly citrusy, slightly piney, and all the way black it’s a perfect beer to be named Schwarzwald!

Dual Citizen OverstoryWest Coast Double IPA

 Dual Citizen OverstoryWest Coast Double IPA. 

9% ABV, Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Clear, bright golden, slim white head. 

In the nose: citrus and pine galore.plenty of dank on hand. 

In the mouth: oily hop goodness spreads all over the palate, dropping citrus and stone fruit. Intense and increasingly alcoholic Alpha acids all over the place. Nice and dry, with judicious amounts of bitterness. 

Top notch.

West Coast Style with notes of Pine, Tropical Fruit, and Orange Marmalade

Ol’ George #97: Star of the Show

Ol’ George #97: Star of the Show

Notes on 97: 

1. George is an asshole, we all know it. I know it, you know it, he knows it. But you got to love the guy! 

2. I have to cut a lot of stuff out in order to fit the format. Maybe someday I’ll do a long, several page length story on comic book size paper, instead of this Sunday funnies style and shape? Just watch me, I’ll do it! 

Ol’ George 96: He Ain’t Crazy,, He’s Just Drawn That Way

 Ol’ George 96: He Ain’t Crazy,, He’s Just Drawn That Way

Notes: 

1. Last week, I said we weren’t going to do this. And then, I changed my mind. It was too good of an idea to pass up. But it opens a lot of questions. Are the gang at Kelly’s figments of Balonious’ fermented mind? No, they’re real….in their reality. Is Balonious dimension hopping? Does he know that he is? He only discovered that he’s a cartoon 61 episodes ago. How much more can a beer geek take?

2. I was going to have the male beertender call him by his real name (Nevin Coolidge) and shout at him that “cats can’t talk!” but there was no room. I’m happy with how it turned out.

3. I named the TDH TIPA (for those unaware, triple dry hopped triple India pale ale)that BF is drinking the way I assume they all are, by pulling a Sci-Fi novel off my shelf and randomly flipping through. Though it resulted in a very un-Sci-Fi result.

4. The traits that I have so far given to Chester  have included his love of Grain Belt and cartooning. I never mentioned his musicianship, but playing accordion on the streets and bridges of Minneapolis were how the real-life Chester supported his life in an encamped under the 10th St. Bridge. I imagine that accordions are hard to draw. I’ll have to try some time. 

Lupulin Performance Jorts West Coast style IPA

 Lupulin Performance  Jorts West Coast style IPA.

6.7 % ABV, Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, Minnesota.

Clear, bright golden hue, white cap above. 

In the nose: oh, very nice! A little fruity, a touch of sweet, dominated by dank. Tropical notes, with a dry edge. 

In the mouth: crisp and clean. Tropical notes served well in the nose are absent on the palate. It’s all dry and bitter, but never too. Medium bodied, long,bitter finish. Quite delicious. My kind of IPA.

Some athletes train for years. Others just put on their jorts. Performance Jorts proves that greatness comes in many forms, bringing the same fearless confidence and hop-forward attitude wherever the adventure leads. A West Coast-style IPA built to make waves.

Beer Club Brewing Perfect Ten

 Beer Club Brewing Perfect Ten.Belgian Strong Dark Ale. 

10% ABV, 20 IBU, Beer Club Brewing, Mora, Minnesota. 

Dark and murky, thoroughly opaque, slim brown head. 

In the nose: sweetness from the start, caramel malt is key with a judicious use of Belgian Special B. Deeee-lightful. 

In the mouth: effortlessly smooth and tasty. Malt-drive all the way and appropriately delicious. Full bodied, long malty finish. Perfectly balanced for the style. At first I was thinking it was a dubbel, but this is closer to a quad. Strength starts ringing in, but I left this for a nightcap. I am a professional. Do not try this at home without supervision. 

I will slowly savor this into the night as beddy bye time approaches. And dream of the day of my next visit. I’m coming,Mora, don’t know when, but I’m a comin’!

Coronado Bonanza IPA with Mango

 Coronado Bonanza IPA with Mango. 

7.2% ABV, Coronado Brewing, San Diego, California. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: hoppy and juicy in the nose, with a dried fruit, rather than fresh character, not that I mind. Distinctly mango. 

In the mouth: here’s the fresh, with the zesty. Just enough bitterness to qualify it for an IPA. Not too sweet nor juicy, this just works. Lightish bodied, soft and fruity finish. Flush with flavor and quite likable. 

Go big on tropical flavor with Bonanza, an IPA brewed with mango and vibrant hops. This golden, aromatic brew delivers bright citrus notes layered with juicy mango for a smooth, refreshing balance of hop character and fruit forward flavor. Lush, lively, and made for the fresh energy of spring days, Bonanza is an easy ride from the first sip to the last. 

Ol’ George #95: Tragic Dragon

 Ol’ George #95: Tragic Dragon

Notes:

1. When Balonious Funk first appeared in #19, back in March of last year, he was already wearing his Wilting Turnip hat. In #20, he told George about WT and its amazing IPAs. And then his head exploded when George forced him to consider that IPAs may not be the center of everyone’s universe. 75 episodes later, I felt it was time for a second favorite brewery and an expansion in his wardrobe. 

2. The phrase “tragic dragon” came after a long struggle. Once I settled on it,  I had to do my due diligence and found no breweries or beers with that name. Googling revealed nothing but vaqueness. On Spotify, three songs used the phrase, one rock instrumental and two spoofs, playing on the classic folk song “Puff the Magic Dragon.” Get it, magic, tragic, they rhyme. I felt secure that I wasn’t infringing on anyone’s IP.

2. Why does Balonious visit Kelly’s? Does he find enough new beers to satisfy his ticking urges? Or, is it just the comraderie he finds hanging out with George? And what could he have done to get 86’d from Wilting Turnip? A loyal regular such he should deserve some leeway now and then. Must have been particularly egregrious. I have so many questions, and only I can provide the answers. But we may never know, for this is Ol’ George at Kelly’s, not Balonious Funk at Wilting Turnip. 

3. This strip was conceived because I tired of always drawing BF’s Wilting Turnip hat, and came up with a logo that’s incredibly hard to draw so small. Maybe it’ll just say TD next we see him? 

Fair State Sidepull Czech-style Pale Lager

 Fair State Sidepull Czech-style Pale Lager. 

4.1 % ABV, 30 IBU, Fair State Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Clear, pale yellow, bright ivory head. 

In the nose: floral, hoppy, lively. 

In the mouth: fresh & zesty, highly hoppy. Light bodied and easy drinking. I mean, crushable. Once this pint has been crushed, I will strut around and crow “crushed it!”

I’m confused, though. First the label copy says to “pour real slow”, then to “pour it hard.” Which is it, slow or hard? When you’re crushing it, everything is hard. 

We brewed this soft, crispy crowd pleaser to be poured real slow. Brewed with all Czech-grown ingredients, this Czech-style pale lager is perfect for its namesake side pull faucet. Pour it hard in a glass for plenty of jiggly foam.