Books read in 2021: No. 28 -- Midwinter

by Matthew Sturges

Started: August 9

Finished: August 16

Notes: Here's another fantasy writer I've been meaning to read for some while now, and I've heard good things.

Mini review: This was actually a pretty good read, with some of the best characterizations I've seen in a while. A handful of inmates in a prison in the land of the Fae are sent on something of a suicide mission and along the way pasts are revealed and a multi-faceted war brews. The only quibble I have is I felt the ending wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, but still it was a fine ending. I'd read more from this author.

Beer of the Week: Petty Thieves Dream Spinner

Beer score: 5.6

Company: Petty Thieves Brewing Co.

ABV: 5.4
IBU: NA

I have to admit to being skeptical when I poured this one. It's labeled an "Orange Cream Sour Ale" and it does have something of a cloudy orange juice look to it as it pours from the can into a clear glass.

In the glass it retains some of that orange juice appearance, but mostly it looks like something of a cloudy blonde ale. The scent is not strong, but there are definitely citrus textures there.

Upon drinking, there's no doubt of the orange flavor, but it's not so strong as to be annoying. However, that orange flavor does dominate, so don't expect a lot of beer flavoring here. That can be good or bad, depending upon your expectations and your viewpoint, but this definitely is something different.

Would I drink this again? Sure. Would I go out of my way to purchase it? Hmm, probably not. Would I drink it regularly? Again, probably not. But if you're in the mood to try something out of the ordinary but not too out of the ordinary, this ale should fit the bill. Also, as a pal pointed out to me, this would be a great beer to give those who normally prefer fruity drinks.

A day for the cowboys ... and cowgirls

This week over at Rogue Blades, I chat about the National Day of the Cowboy. Yippee-kai-ayyyy!

Books read in 2021: No. 27 -- Ravenheart

by David Gemmell

Started: July 22

Finished: August 9

Notes: It's been far too long since I've read any Gemmell, so now it's time to get back to him.

Mini review: This might be my favorite Gemmell novel yet. Though it is fantasy, I tell you it read like Scottish history, and I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading fantasy and not historical fiction. There are other Rigante novels and I will have to check them out for sure.

Beer of the Week: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

Beer score: 9.0

Company: Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

ABV: 8.2
IBU: NA

From my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, this one has been a favorite beer of mine for some time now.

Pours a medium gold color with hints of red. Smells a tad bit grassy with some definite hints of bourbon.

You'll get a little of the bourbon flavor in drinking this, but not enough to overpower the drink. Has very little sweetness but a light bitterness and some fine froth. The caramel malts are excellent here, just about perfect. Quite smooth. There might be a little vanilla in the back of the flavors of this one, but it's barely there.

The price is not cheap, but it's worth it.

Gangbusters the RPG

This week over at Blackgate I take a look back at the Gangbusters tabletop RPG from TSR.

GalaxyCon Raleigh 2021

This week at Rogue Blades, I talk a little about my experience as an exhibitor at GalaxyCon Raleigh 2021.