Beer of the Week: Big Rock McNally's Extra Ale

Beer score: 5.8

Company: Big Rock Brewery

ABV: 7.0
IBU: NA

Coming to us from Calgary, Alberta, this Irish red ale is not bad, coming off pretty heavy with a strong malt sweet/sour taste that works.

From the bottle it pours a nice amber color with caramel highlights when the light hits it just right. Has a nice foamy head for those who like such.

Tastes light but feels heavy, if one can understand the difference. The caramel flavor comes through along with a touch of citrus and spices.

An easy drinking ale.

Beer of the Week: Desperados

Beer score: 5.2

Company: Heineken

ABV: 5.9
IBU: 13

Originally brewed by Brasserie Fischer in France, of more recent years, this beer is brewed by the Heineken folks at the Karlovačko Brewery.

It had been a long while since I'd last tried this one, and I have to admit to being skeptical of it upon picking up the bottle this time. But all in all, this wasn't a bad drinking experience.

Desperados pours a nice, light gold color into the glass, and while doing so it gives off a scent of sweet corn and maybe caramel. It tastes a little like a Corona but with a stronger fruity, spiced sweetness.

One is pretty good, but after a few the fruity flavor gets a little annoying. Made with a tad bit of tequila, and you can just barely taste it. Worth giving a try.

Books read in 2020: No. 10 -- The Book of Leviticus, KJV

published by Zondervan

Started: April 16
Finished: April 20

Notes: Continuing my reading of the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Mini review: Most would probably consider this one of the less interesting books of the Bible as it's mostly rules and laws for the early Israelites and their priesthood. However, I found it to give a nice look into ancient man, specifically ancient Judaism and the environs of the time.

Books read in 2020: No. 9 -- Called Out of Darkness

by Anne Rice

Started: March 30
Finished: April 16

Notes: I've read plenty of Rice's fiction over the years, some of which I've enjoyed and some I have not. Anyway, I'm curious as to her non-fiction writing and her thoughts on religion, though my understanding is her beliefs or thoughts have changed since this book was written more than a decade ago. Still, it should be interesting.

Mini review: Sometimes there's nothing more dull than reading about someone's religious transformation. It's potentially one of the (if not the) most important elements of our lives, but it often makes for boring reading. That's much the case here, but not all the case. For me, Rice's long recollections of her Catholic childhood are quite dull and not overly informative, though a person of a certain age and religious persuasion might find interest here. Rice's religious struggles became more interesting to me once she became an atheist and then gradually worked her way back to Christ. But honestly, interesting or "fun" reading (or whatever one wants to call it) isn't necessarily the point. I myself have found it difficult to discuss religious thoughts and feelings, as if my language (English) and perhaps any language is inadequate to discuss such properly. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be. Okay, this isn't a great book or an eye opening book, but it might provide emotional and spiritual boosting to some who need it. And though I didn't find this book exciting, I am glad I read it. For those who want an autobiography of Anne Rice or a book about her writing, you won't find much of that here, though there is some little information along those lines.

Beer of the Week special: What's the difference between beer and malt liquor?

The term "Malt liquor" began as a legal term in the United States for beers with an alcohol content of 5 percent or more. However, since malt liquor was first introduced in the 1940s, the social and marketing definition of this drink has come to refer to beer made with malted barley and has an alcohol content of 5 percent or higher.

However, different states today have various definitions of what products can be labeled as "malt liquors," though must are close to the definition above.

So, what is the difference between beer and malt liquor? It's really more of a social defining. Malt liquors are generally considered to be of low quality and to have a low price, thus they have a reputation for being common alcoholic beverages of the poor and lower classes in the U.S.

That being said, there are plenty of beers in the U.S. and in other countries which contain more than the 5 percent of alcohol and are made with malted barley, but are not considered malt liquors.

Beers with high alcohol content, especially in Europe, are often the opposite of malt liquor concerning quality and price. For these beers, it really comes down to the brewer and marketing and, though this is subjective, to general expected quality. These specialty beers usually come with a high price tag and are said by brewing experts to have quality taste and texture. Malt liquors, on the other hand, are usually said by beer experts to have lower levels of quality in taste and texture. Also, malt liquors are usually made with what are considered less desirable filler products for beer, such as rice or corn.

The first beverage called a malt liquor was Clix, first brewed by the Grand Valley Brewing Company of Ionia, Michigan, in 1937.

Beer of the Week: Kingfisher Premium Lager

Beer score: 4.5

Company: Kingfisher

ABV: 4.8
IBU: 22

This American beer has apparently been around since 1857.

Pours a nice, pale gold into the bottle with a thick white, foamy head that doesn't hang around too long.

Pretty wet with a little fizz, and that's about the best I can say for this one. It isn't an awful beer, but it's also not a very good one. Drink only if there's nothing else better available.

It's a time for Heroes

Over at Black Gate this week, I talk about the current crazy state of the world, role playing games, and how we need heroes.