Pumpkin Beer Review #3: Great Divide - Pumpkin Ale

Get ready for a taste adventure with Great Divide, hailing from the heart of Denver, Colorado, presenting their aptly named "Pumpkin Ale." But before we dive into the flavor, let's talk about that can—oh, it's a beauty! Picture the headless horseman, gripping his fiery pumpkin noggin aloft while galloping on his dark steed beneath a mesmerizing mountain backdrop kissed by a glorious sunset sky.

Now, when you pop that can, don't expect a grand aromatic overture. Instead, it's a sly, almost mischievous whisper of pumpkin that greets your nose. No bold spices, no overwhelming vanilla—just a subtle, tantalizing "hint" of pumpkin in the air. But wait until you pour it into a glass; that's where the magic unfolds. Behold a dark, enchanting ale with a frothy crown that's both medium-sized and healthy.

The taste is a pumpkin-driven spectacle, with whispers of coriander and allspice adding intrigue. These spices, while present, graciously yield the stage to the star of the show—the pumpkin, which bursts onto your palate in true cinematic fashion.

Now, let's talk texture. It's a velvety smooth operator, nearly creamy, and it glides down your throat with the grace of a seasoned performer. Delicious? Absolutely! But does it claim the coveted title of my all-time favorite? Well, not quite. I'd award this brew a solid 4 stars out of 5. It's a pumpkin party in a glass that's definitely worth a try! 🎃🍺

Pumpkin Beer Review# 2: Shipyard's Smashed Pumpkin

Shipyard's pumpkin ale, boasting "natural flavors," beckoned to me, so I thought, "Why not give it a whirl?" The can, in all its simplicity, wears an orange coat with a black logo on the front, featuring a cheerful pumpkin silhouette in matching orange.

Now, the moment of truth! Crack it open, and you're greeted with a subtle pumpkin aroma, just enough to pique your curiosity. But here's where things take a quirky twist!

Pour it out, and you'll notice it's a charming medium-light shade of brown, with a modest head of froth—unless, of course, you decide to get a little adventurous with your pour! Ha!

And now, the grand reveal—taste time! Brace yourself; it's no shocker, but... it tastes like pure pumpkin. Remember when I said it got peculiar? Well, brace your taste buds for an all-encompassing pumpkin experience. No spices, no vanilla, no clove, no cinnamon... just pumpkin galore! It's as if they liquefied a real pumpkin and bottled it.

As for the texture, it's your regular, dependable medium-bodied ale—neither more nor less.

Now, here's the kicker: it's not necessarily a bad thing, but in this day and age, with the pumpkin ale universe brimming with unique varieties and brands, you'd think they'd aim to carve out their own niche in the flavor market. Well, they seem to have missed the memo on that one.

I'd award this ale a solid 3 out of 5 stars for its lack of originality. It's good, mind you, but it lacks that extra "pop" or "wow" factor. Cheers to pumpkin season, nevertheless! 🎃🍻

Pumpkin Beer Review #1: Bluewood Brewing - Dancing With The Pumpkin King

Well, well, well, folks! It's been a whole seven days into October, and I've committed the ultimate pumpkin beer enthusiast sin - no pumpkin beer review! But fear not, for today we embark on a pumpkin-infused journey with Bluewood Brewing's "Dancing With The Pumpkin King." This malty marvel boasts the harmonious union of pumpkin, spice, graham cracker, and vanilla, promising a tantalizing taste adventure!

First up, let's talk about that can. Picture this: a pumpkin-headed figure beneath a mysterious Pumpkin moon, engaged in a whimsical dance with what can only be described as a stitched doll. It's delightfully eerie and fun! Now, crack open that can, and in the initial whiff, you might not catch much. But give it a second go, and behold—a gentle caress of pumpkin spice in the air.

As you pour it into your glass, you'll encounter a medium brown elixir with just a hint of frothy head, as if teasing you with its mysteries.

Now, the main event—the taste! It's a delightful concoction of vanilla and pumpkin spice taking center stage, with pumpkin playing a more reserved role. It's there, no doubt, but it graciously shares the spotlight. Notes of malt add depth, and there's a creamy texture that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear. Hints of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice join the party, and there's even a whisper of graham cracker, though you might suspect it's in cahoots with the vanilla.

Ah, the finish—a grand finale! It bids adieu with a fond lingering of pumpkin goodness, a sweet memory on your taste buds that lingers just long enough.

So, what's the verdict, you ask? I bestow upon this brew a stellar 4.5 stars out of 5. It's a splendid sip, but oh, how I wish for a bit more "pumpkin-y" pizzazz to take center stage alongside the vanilla. Here's to dancing with the Pumpkin King! 🎃🕺🍻

Happy Labor Dave Weekend!

I can't believe I've never told the story of my relationship with Dave Matthews Band's music before. I've ranked their songs on here and given brief introductions but I haven't explained myself properly, so I will do that now.

In 1997 I had met a girl who was into the same kind of music as me. It was the late 90's, you had Matchbox 20, Marcy Playground, Pearl Jam, etc. on the radio. I was getting tired of hearing the same old crap on the alternative jams, and this friend (I met her online, she lives in California) introduced me to Dave Matthews Band, and said she saw them live once and they were amazing.

I think I bought the "Crash" album before even listening to it, because she was raving about them so much. I instantly fell in love, and fast forward a year later, I was meeting Dave who kissed me on my "side-lip" area which was super cool. If I was a straight girl that would've been sexy. But, I'm not. I'm a big lesb. It was still great though. It's Dave Matthews, I mean. Superstar!

How did this come to be? Well another online friend of mine gave me their producer's contact information, and he and I began chatting. I visited him in the studio when he was producing an album for Guster, down in Sausalito, CA. That was neat, too. 

Anyway,  at first had all the studio albums but when my friend told me they were the best live in concert, I picked up a copy of Live @ Red Rocks and I was blown away! So I started trading tapes. Yes, tapes. This was the late 90's early 2000's when we used cassettes still. Anyway so I had this huge collection of live Dave Matthews Band concerts, going as far back as 1992 (they formed in 1991). Some rare, and some fan favorites. I honestly am not sure what happened to them all but I have an idea they might be in my step-father's attic. 

Anyway I went to my first Dave show in 1998. 5.17.98 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountainview, CA with my California friend. Her favorite song at the time was Crash Into Me and she just thought Dave was so hot, and adorable. So he sang Crash Into Me and looked right into the camera at one point in the song, and it looked like he was looking right into HER eyes, it was pretty cool. I had a blast, and I agreed they were amazing to watch live. Thus began my adventures with seeing Dave at the Gorge, the big amphitheater in the middle of the state of Washington (where I am from). It became an annual pilgrimage for me, my friends, and many others across the country (and even the world) to see them perform live every Labor Day weekend (beginning of Sept or late August in the US if you didn't know). It's affectionately referred to as "Labor Dave" for obvious reasons. The Gorge is seated atop a, well, Gorge, overlooking the beautiful and might Columbia River that cuts the state of Washington in half. It's majestic views are one of the main reasons people love it so much, I think.

When I met my now mate (of the soul variety), she liked them but had never seen them live, so we started seeing them at the Gorge. We have many excellent memories of these times. From tailgating, drawing DMB Firedancers on my arm (that's the Dave symbol), to the beer we drank, to the songs we loved. It's labor Dave weekend right now which is why I am writing this. Here are some pictures from the Gorge:

The Gorge 

Columbia River

Gorge @ Sunset

Dave @ the Gorge

Gorge Lights

More lights

Their lights are the best. Long live Fenton!

kit10phish @ the Gorge

kit10phish

From the lawn section

OMG look how fat I was

Why I hate Vinyl Records: A Blog Entry by ChatGPT

 I had ChatGPT write my blog entry here for the day:

While vinyl records have certainly experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past few years, there are valid arguments against their comeback and concerns about the quality of sound they offer. Here are some points to consider:

1. Limited Sound Range: Vinyl records are limited by the physical constraints of their format. They have a narrower frequency range and dynamic range compared to modern digital formats like CDs and high-resolution audio. This limitation means that vinyl may not accurately reproduce the full spectrum of sound present in the original recording.

2. Noise and Distortion: Vinyl records are susceptible to various types of noise and distortion. Surface noise from dust, scratches, and imperfections in the vinyl can result in pops and crackles that can disrupt the listening experience. Additionally, vinyl playback equipment, including turntables and cartridges, can introduce their own mechanical noise and interference.

3. Inconsistency in Quality: The quality of vinyl records can vary significantly due to the manufacturing process. Factors like the quality of the vinyl used, the mastering process, and the pressing quality can all impact the final sound. This inconsistency means that not all vinyl records will offer the same level of audio fidelity.

4. Prone to Wear and Degradation: Vinyl records are physical objects that are susceptible to wear and degradation over time. Each playthrough can lead to gradual deterioration of the grooves, resulting in a loss of audio quality. Moreover, improper handling, storage, or exposure to heat and light can further accelerate the degradation process.

5. Space and Convenience: Vinyl records require physical storage space, and collections can quickly grow to take up a significant amount of room. Additionally, playing vinyl records involves a more involved process compared to digital formats. This can be inconvenient for listeners who prefer the ease and portability of digital music.

6. Incompatibility with Modern Lifestyles: Vinyl records might not align with the convenience and portability that modern lifestyles demand. With the prevalence of streaming services and digital downloads, listeners often prefer the ability to access their music on various devices wherever they go.

7. Cost and Accessibility: Vinyl records can be expensive to produce and purchase, and the cost of setting up a high-quality vinyl playback system can be substantial. This cost can limit accessibility for many listeners, especially younger generations who may not have grown up with vinyl as a dominant format.

In conclusion, while vinyl records have their nostalgic charm and have garnered a dedicated following, there are valid arguments against their resurgence and concerns about their sound quality. It's important for enthusiasts to be aware of these limitations and make informed decisions based on their preferences and priorities when it comes to enjoying music.

The Dyatlov Pass Incident

Many of you are undoubtedly familiar with the enigmatic Dyatlov Pass incident, a chilling event that unfolded in 1950s Russia. Despite the passage of time, the shroud of mystery surrounding the untimely demise of the individuals involved remains steadfast. However, for a select few, myself included, this perplexing enigma is far from inscrutable. In fact, one individual has undertaken a commendable endeavor to unravel the enigma, offering a series of meticulously researched and captivating blog posts that shed light on the matter.

Please check out my mate's blog, if you are interested. She goes into detail about the incident and the many theories and mysteries surrounding what happened. And will explain what really happened!

http://kit10phish.wordpress.com

A picture of the Ural mountains in Russia, made using Midjourney.

Zoom Zoom Zoom!

 I've been experimenting with the new zoom (outpainting) feature in Midjourney v5.2 and have made some zoom videos. I've been posting them on Instagram but here is one I made for YouTube.

https://youtu.be/bkLDPtGGlfE

Cybernetic Aquarium

 

I made this for my mate who will be 40 on Friday. We are doing an Ice Cream crawl. Should be super fun and great!