Day 1,763, Quasi-Quarantine: The "12 Days Of IPA" Closes With Recognizable But Smooth Reveals

 

The first, second, and third weeks detailed the roller-coaster ride of the "12 Days of IPA" advent-calendar experience, and the final week kept to that theme, with the following reveals:

Lagunitas Brewing Beast of Both Worlds IPA

Dogfish Head 60-Minute IPA

Cycle Brewing Crank IPA

Beer aficianados will certainly recognize Lagunitas and Dogfish Head, the breweries based in northern California and Delaware, respectively. 

Beast of Both Worlds is a limited-release "bi-coastal IPA" that combines west and east coast hops in an enjoyable 8% ABV banger, while the 60-Minute IPA builds off the classic 90-Minute IPA at a drinkable 6% ABV.

Cycle Brewing is another Florida-based brewery, and the Crank IPA is an ultra-fruity 7-percenter that has a pale, hazy color and a reliance on citra hops. This was a really nice pour.

Overall, I was slightly disappointed at the lack of geographical diversity and the reliance on mainstream-ish breweries, but there were enough newcomers mixed in to make the effort worthwhile.

Here's to 2025, folks ... cheers.

Day 1,739, Quasi-Quarantine: A Slow Decline Into Predictability For The Beer Advent Calendar

 

After a solidly eclectic first week of the "12 Days of IPA," I was pretty hoptimistic (sorry) about how the rest of the advent calendar played out. Then the second week revealed a distinct southeastern bent, challenging those high hopes.

Welp, the third week took it a step further, making it not only predictable geographically be veering hard into mainstream brews:

• Florida Avenue Brewing Company's Luminescence
• Victory Brewing Company's Juicy Monkey Hazy
• Cigar City Brewing's Jai Alai

Two more Florida breweries and a highly recognizable Pennsylvania outfit (Victory). Plus, I mean, Jai Alai is one of the foundational brews available at fucking Disney World.

On a positive note, the Luminescence was tropically hazy and smooth, and granted, there have been only a couple of stinkers thus far.

I guess I was hoping for some deeper cuts in this calendar. But hey, it's beer, right?

Holiday cheers, y'all.

Day 1,735, Quasi-Quarantine: Have Yourself A Very IPA Christmas

 

The first week of "12 Days of IPAs" revealed a nice mix of geography and taste, especially as a respite from the scam "Christmas Vacation" advent calendar.

Unfortunately, the second week did not maintain that diversity, revealing these brews: 

• Funky Buddha Brewery's Hop Gun
• Terrapin Beer's Depth Perception
• Motorworks Brewing's Pulp Friction

Two of these offerings are from Florida, and the other is from Georgia. The two Florida beers also featured grapefruit, which made this week a bit more challenging for me as decidedly not a grapefruit fan.

However, the Hop Gun did not overwhelm with the grapefruit and was highly drinkable, while the Pulp Friction was a bit milder. The Depth Perception was an imperial and hit hard at 9.1%, but tasted a tad flat and tart.

The first two week had a definite eastern flavor, so I'm hopeful that subsequent offerings go west, young can.

Cheers times deux.

Day 1,729, Quasi-Quarantine: "12 Days Of IPAs" To The Rescue

 

So we've discussed the sheer ridiculousness of the fake "Christmas Vacation" advent calendar. Well, a backup plan was well underway.

I also received the "12 Days of IPAs" advent calendar from GiveThemBeer.com. The first week included:

• Sloop Brewing's Juice Bomb
• Fat Head's Brewery's Head Hunter
• Parish Brewing Company's Dr. Juice

The Juice Bomb was subtle and smooth, with a citrus taste that did not overwhelm. The Head Hunter was a little nondescript, but the Dr. Juice was crisp and tasty. With New York, Ohio, and Louisiana represented, respectively, these three beers featured a nice variety of both taste and geography.

Sipping on these while laughing at the latest inanity from the scam Griswold calendar has quickly become a favorite seasonal pastime.

Cheers.

Day 1,602, Quasi-Quarantine: Multitasking At The Marriott

 

A recent travel opportunity landed me in New Bern, where I somehow found myself doing all of the following:

• Creating a social media presence for a local film festival
• Preparing remarks as a member of a board of directors
• Providing notes on a screenplay
• Starting a new book
• Enjoying an oat soda

Two of those things aren't exactly out of the ordinary for me, but all five at once along the banks of the Neuse River represented a bit of a departure.

I've had worse days "off."

Stay on that grind, Scooter!

Day 1,452, Quasi-Quarantine: Celebrating The Comerciales Cerveza Cristal Star Wars

I could not love how Chilean Star Wars approached product placement more. Once that can (or bottle) is opened, the possibilities are endless.

Also, Jar Jar Binks makes a lot more sense if you think of him as being perpetually hammered.

Cheers. May the Coors be with you ...

Day 1,421, Quasi-Quarantine: The Joys Of (Charlie) Day Drinking

I can't vouch for the relative merits of Four Walls Whiskey, but I'll go out on a limb and say they have the funnest ad campaign.

After all, it's always (too) sunny when you're day drinking.

Day 1,221, Quasi-Quarantine: Missing The Guinness And Other Real-Life Problems

 

That day was better than this day.

Limerick Friday #582: Yes, I'll Have Another Draft, Pour Favor-- Day 1,140

 

Another quiet first round

From the 'Fins, not a sound

Cuz of tampering and trades

Every pick fades

At least bust stress is not to be found

What makes him tick?

Why's he act like a prick?

A douche for a boss

But no big loss

I spot frauds quick

No good does this portend

So on drinks I shall spend

While others do foment

Just live in the moment

In this week that won't end

Examine the whole season, lets

Don't place your bets

Slumps take place

And injuries apace

Assume that time'll help the Mets

Find the friends

On whom you can depend

Ignore the rest

Rely on the best

And trust in what karma will send

Last time ...

Limerick Friday #577: A St. Paddy's Day Setback Has Me Searching For Narcos -- Day 1,098

A Series run we were mappin'

With Sugar Diaz's game cappin'

From "Play the trumpets!"

To vodka with crumpets

The very Metsiest thing to happen

"Black gold" cold and tall

And a Black & Tan at last call

"Slainte" to you and yours

Wishing the best of pours

On St. Patrick's Day for one and all

The Pack in the Big Dance

Capitalizing on a chance

Expectations a mile high

Under the Denver sky

Embracing survive and advance

Rebecca will never learn

Nate tried a sick burn

Trust in Ted

He's rent-free in your head

A long-waited "Ted Lasso" return

Let's create new teams ephemeral

And hold a big agile funeral 

Decks that don't end

And spreadsheets you shouldn't send

I'd like to unsubscribe in general

Last time ...

Day 814, Quasi-Quarantine: Next-Leveling Your Run-Of-The-Mill Rum Cocktail

 

I've discovered Kraken Black Spiced Rum. There's no going back now.

Originating in Trinidad & Tobago, this rum contains hints of cinnamon, ginger, and clove. If you're into Scooter levels of sophistication, this pairs ideally with Trader Joe's Jalapeno Limeade.

The current state of the world calls for diversified heavy drinking decisions, and the Kraken perhaps best embodies that in both spirit and spirits.

Day 633, Quasi-Quarantine: Living My Best Season With The Funko Pop "The Office" Advent Calendar

The Funko Pop! "The Office" advent calendar has been a welcome addition to the holiday season ... despite a not-insignificant part of me missing the beer advent calendar from last year.

The first week of pocket Pops from the calendar has featured:

• Day 1: Michael
• Day 2: Jim
• Day 3: Pam
• Day 4: Darryl
• Day 5: Dwight
• Day 6: Oscar
• Day 7: Stanley

The highlight thus far has been "Florida Stanley," complete with straw hat, pink "Miami Vice" shirt, and sunglasses. 

With so many of the main characters already unveiled, I look forward to some of the hilarious side characters -- Creed, Angela, Toby, Phyllis, Kevin, Meredith, etc. -- getting their day in the sun.

Michael: "Christmas is cancelled."

Stanley: "You can't cancel a holiday."

Michael: "Keep it up, Stanley, and you'll lose New Year's."

Day 305, Quasi-Quarantine: Reminiscing About The Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar

 

Another year, another Lego Star Wars advent calendar!

The 2020 version had a number of memorable builds, although it felt like too many of the included pieces were revealed on the back and on the promotional sites this year. Also, some of the oomph of the special minifigures (Darth Vader and Poe Dameron in Christmas sweaters) was taken away by appearances in The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special TV short.

But as has become custom, it was fun to follow along on Jay's Brick Blog, where he details each day's build -- often describing what it is for those not as steeped in Star Wars lore. He pointed out accurately that this year's version seemed to focus on a lot of prequel builds, but there were some stellar, unexpected additions (Rudolph Tauntaun, D-O with Christmas hat, hell, even a porg).

Among my favorites from this year was the cleverly built and highly nostalgic Lars homestead, from Tattooine.

Of course, as rabid Mandalorian fans, a mini version of the Razor Crest was an essential addition.

2020 will long be remembered as the year I checked to see what the kids got in their Lego advent calendars, then ambled over to my beer advent calendar to see what liquid gold awaited me.

... And this is where I begrudgingly admit that maybe 2020 wasn't all bad.

Day 270, Quasi-Quarantine: A Christ-Finally Farewell To Work Holiday Parties

Every last bit of all of this.

Day 268, Quasi-Quarantine: Feliz Navidad From An Advertising Institution

For me, Christmas season doesn't truly start until I see Corona's "O Tannenpalm" commercial for the first time.

Considered the longest-running beer commercial, this spot first aired in 1990. Apparently, it was a difficult shoot that involved alligators, according to an anniversary video that aired a couple of years ago.

To what can we attribute its longevity and how beloved it has become? It could be the idea of getting away from the stress of the holidays. It could be its simplicity, a quiet scene marked only be a few bars of "O Tannenbaum." It could be that we all mostly wish we are drunk 24/7 during the holiday season (especially in 2020).

No matter the reason, it has certainly stuck with me, since apparently I also documented this phenomenon with some deep thoughts in 2012. And maybe no reason is actually needed -- just a cold beer, a few Christmas lights, and some alone time.

Salud.

Day 261, Quasi-Quarantine: Happy Decembeer To Me

No year has ever more deserved -- nay, required -- a beer advent calendar than 2020.

So I say, to one and all, happy Decembeer 1st. Let the <hiccup> countdown begin ... 

Day 129, Quasi-Quarantine: Why Yes, That Is Another Beer Puzzle

The second puzzle we completed at the Outer Banks was this nifty beer puzzle (are you sensing a theme?). Unlike the other beer puzzle from earlier in quasi-quarantine, this one relied solely on labels and not bottle shapes and colors.

There were some phenomenal beer labels highlighted, and I have to begrudgingly tip my cap for the PBR inclusion. This puzzle contained a variety of both common and rare brews, and gave me a few ideas for other beers to track down as the global pandemic shows no sign of relenting in America.

7.5/10, would solve (and drink) during a quasi-quarantine again.

Day 39, Quasi-Quarantine: Piecing Together The Beer

After tackling the Millennium Falcon, we moved on to this beer puzzle. Another 1,000-piece effort, this one was slightly easier. In fact, the most difficult part was wondering why beers like Labatt Ice were included alongside iconic brews from around the world.

7/10, would solve during a quasi-quarantine again.

Limerick Friday #424: Top O’ The Mornin’, Plus Don’t F This Up, Wolfpack

Guinness we looked on with awe

Green was all that we saw

Thoughts headed Ireland’s way

On this St. Patrick’s Day

Blarney and erin go bragh!

Behind the ACC they did lag

Gottfried struck me as a ‘bag

Ending an awful year brought elation

Good riddance says Wolfpack Nation

Now a coaching search we must not gag

“Ole” defense he did prize

To recruits he told many lies

Coeds he chased

Took the money and raced

Can we hire some respectable guys?

NC State got caught with no pants

But after some coaching rants

Time to respect March

As they pursue Keatts and Arch

Here comes the magical Big Dance

In search of a less-brutal move

Can TWD re-find its groove?

A rom-com with Rick and Michonne?

Sight gags that make you groan?

What’s next, a zombie Boov?

Last time …

Deep Thoughts By No-Look McFadden: Episode 72

#1

If you’re planning a visit to the Big Apple, you can score marginal cool points (or, alternately, get punched) by brushing up on your NYC bar lingo.

#2

It’s not fully possible to convey what a tool this narrator is, but the virtual tour of Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment is simply not to be missed. Speaking of not to be missed, the narrator somehow failed to notice the puffy shirt in Jerry’s drawer. Unforgiveable.

#3

How about a slightly creepy, Mafioso-ish store owner trying to sell cups to little kids by discussing “laser swords” and Star Wars? Yes? Here you go.

#4

These ‘Shopped tattoos are utterly brilliant. I have nothing else.

#5

“Nobody’s Son” is a beautifully written reflection on collateral fallout of losing a parent …

#6

So how do you take a picture of arguably the world’s biggest tree, one that has more than 2 billion leaves and is more than 3,000 years old? National Geographic embarked on that challenge (get it?).

#7

Social media just got explained using beer.

#8

This mesmerizing time-lapse marine life photography is nearly overpowering. There’s a whole ‘nuther world out there, folks.

#9

Filed under the category “Incomprehensible Abilities,” this woman is able to say the words “Fart Aerobics” like, a lot, without laughing.

#10

I miss “True Detective.” The people behind “Time is a flat circus” feel my pain and raise it to hilarity.