A little Sumpin Sumpin and an Assassin

Lagunitas- A little Sumpin Sumpin Ale

Petaluma Ca

Lagunitas is a fun little brewery just down the road from me in Petaluma. They make a bunch of great beer but until today I had never had A Little Sumpin Sumpin Ale.

Here are my fantasy character inspired notes:

Blond appearance with a nice thick head that had a fair amount of lacing; reminded me of how Stansa clung to Joffery in A Game of Thrones . The nose had a heavy dose of hops and some good funk mixed with citrus, similar to Burrich from Assassin’s Apprentice. Viscosity and body were both medium; neither overwhelmed me, nor did they let me down. The finish came on strong like Regius after Wizards of the Cost launched 3^rd edition. All in all I would call it a magnificent brew!

So what to pair with this finely crafted Ale? I had just finished a fun book on vacation but I feel it will fold under the pressure of this hoppy delight. However, since I mentioned Burrich I will go with the Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Published in 1995, this book tells the tale of a royal bastard, bonded to a wolf. No, I’m not talking about John Snow, although sometimes I wonder if Fitz Chivary did not plant the seed for Snow. Fitz weaves through an impressive array of court intrigue, love, and a healthy dose of assassinations while trying to find his place in life.  Hobb does a beautiful job of character development and weaves a very satisfying tale. If you haven’t read this book crack a pint and have a look.

Buy the book here: Assassin's Apprentice

Check out Lagunitas web page: Lagunitas

Blue Moon and Dune

Blue Moon

To be sure, I am behind the curve when when it comes to knowing good beer. So you will have to bare with me when I discover what’s already a well known fact. Blue Moon is good beer. If any of you haven’t yet had a chance to try it then you are missing out. I am a fan of blondes both the ladies and the beers. I like brunettes and redheads too, when it comes to women I’m not really picky. As for the beer though I only really like it when it’s light in color and easy on the palate. That’s exactly what Blue Moon is, and lately I have been having a hankering for it. Something about the smooth flavor with a slice of orange squeezed over the top is perfect on a hot summer day. This is a reasonably priced beer and you won’t look like either a snob or a dunce when you order one (something I’m in sore need of). All the varieties are great but the old standard Belgium White is what I usually order.


Dune

What is there to say about this masterpiece, that hasn’t already been said? This is hands down the greatest work of science fiction written in the english language (I don’t read russian or chinese, so who knows if they have better? I doubt it though). If you have seen the movie directed by David Lynch, before reading the book, don’t be put off. Personally I liked the movie, but to most it’s an incomprehensible mess. It only really rings true if you have read the book. Even then Lynch made a strange movie that’s not quite in sync with the book.

The story: young Paul Atreides is the ducal heir. His father and whole household has moved to Arrakis... Dune, desert planet. There Paul encounters the geriatric spice, or melange. The spice is the most prized resource in the universe. Used by powerful factions both to expand their minds and chart safe courses through space. There are many powerful factions fighting for control of Dune and the spice. Soon though they will come to loggerheads with Paul and the mysterious Fremen.  I won’t say more as I have no desire to ruin this book for anyone. I will say this though, If you haven’t yet read Dune you are missing out.

I feel like I should have more to say about Dune. All that really needs to be said is this: READ IT.

The Walking Drum and Barrel Trolley Belgium White

Barrel Trolley & The Walking Drum

I just started a new book tonight which I will probably have a review of by the end of the week. That being the case I thought I’d crack a pint of the good stuff and stroll down memory lane for a review. First the beer then the book.

 

Tonight I popped the top on a Belgium White from Barrel Trolley.

I was a little disappointed by the pour right off the bat. It lacked effervescence . So I poured another just to see if it was me. Better but not great. White head with a very nice unfiltered murkiness, think gold dragon piss! I’m a big fan of unfiltered beer so dragon piss is a plus. The beer had a slight citrus taste to it and a mild hint of spice. I would have liked a heavier dose of spice and hops, but it still tasted better than a lot of beers I’ve had the pleasure of quaffing. The finish dropped off pretty hard and was about as interesting as a political debate… by that I mean not very. Overall I wouldn’t tell people to avoid the beer nor would I send an email chain out telling people that they have to try it and forward this email to three friends or suffer the curse of the hag covey. You certainly could do worse, but it isn’t going to generate a ringing endorsement from me either.

Great, now onto the book review. A slightly above average book review to go with the slightly above average beer? I’ll do better than that for you. My buddy Brondan O’Connar gave me The Walking Drum, by Louis L’Amour for my birthday last year. Brendin gives really good gifts so be sure to friend him on facebook and tell him when your birthday is!

The Walking Drum is 1984’s version of an action flick novel. Kerbouchard (what an amazing name) goes on an epic journey of non stop adventure. There is no need for L’Amour to waste time pontificating on social idiocies, instead he takes you through 12^th century Europe and the Middle east. The journey gives you an insight into the 12^th century as well as an amazing tale. I wish the story of Kerbouchard was finished. Sadly Louis L’Amour died four years after the novel was published. Despite the lack of sequels the novel is fantastic.

Do yourself a favor, grab a pint of the good stuff and crack a copy of The Walking Drum. You’ll be glad you did.

Buy the book here: The Walking Drum

Wiki Site: The Walking Drum Wiki