Victory Merry Monkey

 Victory Merry Monkey. Belgian/style ale with cranberry, orange peel, cinnamon and nutmeg.

10 % ABV, 35 IBU, Victory Brewing, Downington, PA. 

Christmas is long over, the New Year in full swing, what better time to cozy up with a holiday ale?

Clear, with an odd complexion..,dark orange? Ruddy red? Light burgundy? With a brief white head. 

In the nose…sweet, fruity, tart, spicy. Quite a lot going on. Rather delightful.

In the mouth: holiday spices lead the surge. Gingerbread dunked in cranberry juice. Orange peel shows itself, mingled with nutmeg, all on top of a tripel, the most of which remains is the alcohol level. A warming, and charming,

This Belgian-style Holiday Ale combines the beloved flavor profile of Golden Monkey with notes of cranberry, orange peel, cinnamon and nutmeg to deliver a delightfully smooth finish, perfect for merry gatherings with family and friends.

Dangerous Man Rye IPA

 

Dangerous Man Rye IPA.

6.5 % ABV, 55 IBU, Dangerous Man Brewing, Maple Lake, Minnesota. 

Clear and copper-y colored, under a large , lusivory head. 

In the nose: hoppy, malty, spicy, an intriguing mix. Rye dominates, but I dig it. Earthy, slightly sweet.

In the mouth: bright hoppiness, small bitterness, quickly swallowed up by rye malt sweet and spice. Bready, earthy, hearty. Loads of character and flavor in this, a style rarely attempted. Not my favorite style of IPA, but I can appreciate it and I’m glad someone trots one out once in a while. 

Summit Saga Juicy IPA

 Summit Saga Juicy IPA. 

5.2 % ABV, 55 IBU, Summit Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Clear, golden hued, bright ivory head atop.

In the nose: lovely hopping, citrus and spices notes.

In the mouth: nice bit of bitterness up front, sliding off a tad near the end of the swallow. The juicy part rises up on the palate and blends with the bitter. Swims happily in the mouth, goes down nice and easy, but never lets you forget it’s an IPA. Ends dryly. Highly likable. 

Currently only available in the Saga Goddess Series variety pack. 

Ol’ George #10: Time and a Bottle

Notes on #10: 

1. This is the sixth week in a row that I have started a strip on a Sunday, finished it on a Monday, and showed it to the world on Tuesday. It’s a project conceived in September, begun in October and proceeded with in earnest in November. The year ends on a nice round number. Ten down, who knows how many to go. I am happy about that.

2. Father Time ends the streak of George’s hatted drinking buddies. Will Baby New Year begin a new one? 

3. George’s beer of choice tonight is Robinson’s Old Tom, an English Old Ale that I once had the pleasure of putting on tap at the Blue Nile years ago. Unfortunately, it is no longer available in this market, or this country for all I now. It was named for the brewery’s cat, who has appeared on every label. 

Happy New Year, everyone!

Ol’ George #9: He Said Ho, Ho, Ho...

 

Fat Orange Cat Winter Warmer

 Fat Orange Cat Winter Warmer. 

7% ABV, ale with spices. Fat Orange Cat Brew Co., New Haven, CT.

Dark brown color, leaning into black, cocoa toned head above. 

In the nose: nice and roasty toasty. Notes of ginger, malt, vanilla. Comfy-cozy are we. 

In the mouth: flavors of gingerbread, cocoa and marshmallows, spiced Christmas cookies all leap out and play on the palate. Crisp, smooth, delicious. Dark fruits jump into the fray, mixing up with spices. Full bodied and fully flavored. 

One of my favorite new winter warmers of recent memory. I’m going back for more before it’s gone. 

Pryes Drops of Time Whiskey Barrel Aged English Barleywine

 Pryes Drops of Time Whiskey Barrel Aged English Barleywine. 

11.1% ABV, 23 IBU, Pryes Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Cleanish, dark burgundy hue, beneath a slim ivory cap. 

In the nose: rich malt, caramel, dark fruit, cherry, leather…touch of vanilla…everything I like in a Barleywine.

In the mouth: big and boozy, rich and malty, more caramel and vanilla, whiskey cones forward and grabs the reins. It starts as little sparks and culminates in a lovely cacophony, merging into sweet harmony. Magnificent. 

The tradition of brewing English Barleywine has been a part of Pryes Brewing since our very beginning. Drops of Time marks the zero hour of our return to brewing and bottling this historic style, and it is well worth the wait. Rich toffee, sticky caramel, and vanilla barrel characteristics come by way of a long boil, an extended aging time in rye whiskey and bourbon barrel, and blending this concoction at the exact right moment. Time is of the essence, and Drops of Time is the reward for our patience.

Allagash Tripel Belgian-style Ale

 Allagash Tripel Belgian-style Ale. 

9% ABV, 18 IBU, Allagash Brewing, Portland, ME. 

After more than 20 years, Allagash is back in Minnesota. Can those guys hold a grudge! Just because one distributor in a particular state goes out of business and owes you thousands of dollars, it doesn’t mean they all will. 

So, I’m returning to this beer that I first took notes on back in 2003, but forget about those. New notes this time.

Clear, with slight chill haze, bright golden, large ivory froth.

In the nose: citrus and spice, orange and coriander. Slight sweetness.

In the mouth: more spice tingling the palate. High alcohol warms up the insides. Pleasant hopping keeping the mouth happy. Medium bodied, thoroughly enjoyable. 

An altogether excellent take on this Belgian style. Good stateside renditions are rare and I’m overjoyed that we have back. (And in 6-packs!)

This strong golden ale carries herbal notes and passion fruit in the aroma. Suggestions of honey and biscuit are found in the beer's complex, varied palate. Brewed with our 2-row barley blend, hopped with Nugget and Hallertau, then fermented on our house yeast, Tripel offers up a complex, yet dry finish.

Ol’ George#8: He Said No, No, No

 

Ol’ George#8: He Said No, No, No…

Notes on #8: 

1. George does not believe in a higher power. As long as he can reach the barstool, he’s fine.

2. George is not a fool, nor an ignoramus. He’s strictly a smart aleck. Not everyone gets the joke, though, especially when part of the punchline never leaves his brain. 

3. This strip has nothing to do with my disdain for hazy IPAs. I just needed a funny IPA name. Did you know that there isn’t a Golden Fluff beer out there anywhere?Doesn't seem right. 

4. Poor Irma. To have a regular like George can really try your patience. By the way, she is supposed to be an emu, but I don’t think I have nailed that visually just yet, so let’s just say that she’s a sub-tropical flightless avian, with the patience of a saint. 

Castle Danger West Coast IPA

 Castle Danger West Coast IPA.

7% ABV, Castle Danger Brewing, Two Harbors, Minnesota. 

I’m at the last can of the six pack, time for note-taking. Or, my procrastination imp whispers into my ear, just drink it up and buy more tomorrow. Nope, not today, imp!

Clear, bright golden toned, fresh ivory head atop.

In the nose: burst of hop aroma from the start, citrus and pine aplenty. All the things I like. 

In the mouth: brisk, bitter, dank and dry. Perfect West Coast, light bodied, just enough malt, just enough out of balance. Grapefruit, lemon, lime and pine paint the palate. Delicious hop bitterness hangs long on the palate. 

Okay, I will definitely get some more of this, gonna add it to the regular rotation. Need to reward these guys for making it a year-round. 

Meet our West Coast IPA! Immerse yourself in a medley of citrus, pine, and resin, embracing the authentic West Coast hop experience. Picture savoring the bold blend of grapefruit, zesty orange, and a hint of pine resin, creating a taste sensation that’s pure West Coast. With a crisp and bitter finish that hits the mark, our West Coast IPA embodies the classic flavors that make this style iconic. Here’s to bringing the West Coast vibes to the North Shore!

Off Color Beer for Power Plays Baltic Porter

 Off Color Beer for Power Plays Baltic Porter. 

7.5 % ABV, Off Color Brewing, Chicago, Il. 

Dark brown color with ruby highlights, cocoa BBC toned head, utterly opaque. 

In the nose: malty, creamy, nutty. Highly likable.

In the mouth: dark, smooth, rich and surprisingly drinkable. Well, I’m not surprised, but I bet someone is…Slightly sweet, barely bitter, and a joy to quaff. Quite delightful.?

They don’t call this a Baltic Porter anywhere, but they should. “Baltic-style dark lager?” Give me a break! 

At a feisty 7.5% ABV, our Baltic Style Strong Dark Lager hits hard enough to put you in the penalty box for a five minute major.

MALTS: Pils, Munich, Extra Special, Dark Roasted

HOPS: Nugget, Saaz

SECRET INGREDIENTS: Ice Cold Lagering

Dangerous Man New Zealand Pilsner

 Dangerous Man New Zealand Pilsner.

5.4% ABV, 30 IBU, Dangerous Man Brewing, Maple Lake, Minnesota.

Clear, golden hued, large ivory head. 

In the nose: nicely hopped, floral notes, slight fruitiness. 

In the mouth: brief blast of bitterness, then comes the grapes. New Zealand hops always give off a white wine character and this beer has it aplenty. Light bodied, crisp and clean, with unflagging hop flavors. Easy drinking, highly enjoyable. 

This New Zealand Pilsner is a light-medium body and smooth lager brewed featuring unique New Zealand hops.  A crackery malt base provides support for this very drinkable, refreshing and hop-forward pilsner, really letting the New Zealand hops shine with bright notes of citrus, melon, tropical fruits, grass, and white grape.

Ol’ George #7: It’s Tom, Tom, Tom…

 Ol’ George #7: It’s Tom, Tom, Tom…

Notes on #7;

1. I was thinking of another idea for #7, but when I realized that Thomas Alan Waits (born Dec. 7, 1949, Pomona, California) had just celebrated his 75th birthday, I bumped this one up.

2. In this seventh installment, Tom is George’s 5th drinking buddy, the second based on a real human being and the second one drinking root beer and not real beer. I don’t know if Tom actually drinks that beverage, but if his wife Kathleen hadn’t made him quit the sauce all those years ago, he probably wouldn’t have made it to the present anniversary and we’d be without so many great songs. 

3. Tom’s quote is not of his own invention, but he speaks the line to Martin Mull and Fred Willard in a 1977 episode of “Fernwood Tonight” after singing “The Piano Has Been Drinking.” Look it up on YouTube, it’s hilarious. Some say it was first spoken by Tommy Smothers on “The Smothers Brothers” TV show, others say Dorothy Parker originated it, but I can’t nail down the truth. 

4. The punchline is just an excuse for George to make reference to a certain film about a man for his times that I’ve seen probably a hundred times. The cowboy on the label is another clue (hint: it’s not Wilford Brimley.) And if you still don’t get it…obviously, you’re not a golfer. 

5. Tom carries on another tradition of George’s drinking buddies. They all wear hats. (In Snoopy’s case, a flight helmet.) Will they all remain hatted? Who can say? 

Ol’ George #6: He Drinks His Spinach

 Notes on #6:

1. Popeye the Sailor Man entered the scene on January 17, 1929, (almost 96 years ago!)in a episode of Thimble Theater by Elzie Crisler Segar, hired by his future sweetie’s brother, Castor Oyl, to sail a ship carrying he, his stowaway sister, and her then-boyfriend Ham Gravy away from the men trying to capture his African Whiffle hen with lucky powers. That’s why  you come here, for comics trivia, right?

2. I thought “spinach saison” was a good joke, but it surely exists. A brewery in Derbyshire, England called Popeye’s made one called I Eats My Spinach. Although, if you scan the pics on Untappd, it’s an IPA called I Eats Me Spinach. Sometimes the beer appears to be green.

The whole spinach thing was not a part of Segar’s work. It was made up for the animated cartoons. Segar wrote Popeye’s laugh as Arf, Arf, Aff, though the voice actor rendered it as Ack, Ack, Ack! 

Edit: Having just read a 1932 Sunday where Popeye proclaims his love of spinach, I must admit I have it wrong up there. But it definitely exaggerated in the animated films. 

More comics trivia! You’re welcome!

3. The bird, by the way, was a gift to Castor from he and Olive’s uncle, Lubry Kent Oyl. Elzie Segar, cartoon genius!

Schell’s Northland Gold

 Schell’s Northland Gold. 

4.9 % ABV, Schell’s Brewing, Nee Ulm, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, large white head. 

In the nose: fresh, clean, slightly malty, thoroughly noble.

In the mouth: crisp, light-Schell’s Northland Gold bodied, easy drinking. Classic Helles lager. Minor hopping. Exceptionally refreshing. I don’t mind this one at all. 

Introducing Schell's Northland Gold, a delightful Session Lager crafted to perfection for moments of easy enjoyment. This radiant beer pours a deep golden hue, capturing the essence of the Northland's rich landscapes.

Arbeiter Oktoberfest

 Arbeiter Oktoberfest.

5.6% ABV, 24 IBU, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Clear, copper colored, fine white head..

In the nose: clean, malty, semi-sweet.

In the mouth: unmistakable Märzen flavors right off the bat, crisp, clean, easy going, malty, quite tasty. Medium bodied and a good drinker. Goes down oh, so nice. 

This moderately strong, rich, and malty yet highly drinkable lager style was traditionally brewed in Bavaria in the month March (März or Märzen in German) and allowed to rest, or lager, in cool caves all summer long to be enjoyed in the fall. Before modern brewing equipment, much less refrigeration, the summer months were simply too warm to properly brew lager biers, so they had to brew a lot of beer through the winter and spring to get them through to the fall when temperatures cooled to allow brewing to commence again. Since they already had this Märzenbier on hand in the fall, they began serving it at very early occurrences of the annual celebration of the royal wedding that eventually became the Oktoberfest many of us are familiar with.

Lupulin Cookie Monstrosity Imperial Stout

 Lupulin Cookie Monstrosity Imperial Stout With cacao nibs, salted caramel, coconut, honey, graham crackers, graham cracker flavor, and double fold vanilla extract. 

11% ABV, Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, MN.

I very rarely try beers like this, but since it was sold as a $5 single, I thought what the hell. And then there’s my love of Cookie Monster. 

Dark as a November afternoon in Minnesota, deep and impenetrable, large, cocoa toned head. 

In the nose: big sweetness, honey and Graham leading the charge, not too rich and chocolatey, with vanilla coming into the front.

In the mouth: now the coconut is in charge. Very macaroony. Full-bodied, decadent, delicious. Unexpectedly smooth. Remarkably coherent. Just remember, kids: cookie monstrosities are a sometimes beer.

I’m going to finish this slow, before I get googly eyed.

Brace yourself for indulgence with Cookie Monstrosity, an imperial stout that delivers a rich and decadent liquid pastry experience. Brimming with coconut, salted caramel, cacao nibs, graham cracker, honey, and vanilla, each sip offers a symphony of cookie flavors, that will have you yelling, "Me want more!"

Ol’ George #5: Bowl Him Over In The Clover

 

Notes on #5: 

1. I drew this one last night. Now, we’re all caught up. My plan is to do at least one a week. 

2.  Introducing Riblet, beloved pup of my friend Vern, who serves up beers at Arbeiter Brewing. (She does, not he.)He will return, just you wait. 

3. This one refers obliquely to a practice at Back Chanel Brewing (which I have yet to visit) of offering some of their IPAs in bowls. There’s nothing on their website about this unique style of service, I could only glean its origins from an article about this phenomenon in Minnesota Monthly. Therefore, Riblet’s dialogue is my own invention. 

Ol’ George#4: The Poor Blighters

 Notes on #4: 

1. I drew this last Monday, Veteran’s Day, but forgot to post it here. Ooops.

2. Snoopy usually goes to Bill Mauldin’s to quaff root beers on Veteran’s Day, but I liked this idea better. The two Snoopy panels are based on two separate 1967 strips. The first was turned into an Air Force patch in 1969. That makes three wars the beagle has been in. That I know of.

3. Irma’s comment at the end is an inside joke between me, myself and I. My first cartoon was drawn at age seven, second grade, if memory serves. A caveman sees another stumbling around drunk and says something to the effect of “joke’s on him, they haven’t invented beer yet.” Even then, I was destined to write and draw about beer.

Invictus Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll Golden Ale

 Invictus Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll Golden Ale.

5.2 % ABV, Invictus Brewing, Blaine, MN. 

Clear, light amber color, slim white head.

In the nose: sweet and malty, nutty, creamy…vanilla…salty..,caramel.

In the mouth: more sweet malt, but still in balance. Medium bodied, light hops, a malt-driven tasty treat. Vanilla and caramel are big, but never too much. 

There’s been talk from people who liked a previous version as a stout (by now-defunct Tin Whiskers), but this one really does deliver the flavors of the salted nut roll, and I like it. 

We partnered with Pearson’s Candy Company in St. Paul to create a clean and crisp Golden Ale loaded with 200 pounds of Salted Nut Rolls. The Flavors of roasted peanuts, golden caramel and fluffy nougat with a hint of salt. Perfectly paired with a Salted Nut Roll. This brew has the qualities of the quintessential St Paul candy we know and love.