Ever get thinking while you’re drinking? Me too. Some days it seems like it’s all oysters and no pearls. I got thinking that it’s high time I was due for a pearl. But be careful what you wish for.
In Steinbeck’s “The Pearl” Kino finds the pearl of his dreams, but it turns into his worst nightmare. Then I thought about Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”, similar theme, where Santiago catches the marlin of his dreams which becomes his worst nightmare. Although Hemingway didn’t have much good to say about Steinbeck (he didn’t have much good to say about anyone) he must have read “The Pearl” which was published 6 years before “The Old Man and the Sea”. Hemingway wasn’t plagiarizing but was definitely influenced although he would never admit it. He saw the younger Steinbeck as a competitor. *
Then I got thinking about The Flintstones, and then The Jetsons popping up two years later. But both were from Hanna-Barbera so not plagiarism, just a formula cartoon sitcom, although some would say that The Jetsons is based more on the comic strip Bondie then the Flintstones. But what about John Fogerty getting sued for self-plagiarism for copying one of his own CCR songs that Fantasy Records owned. **
A one way walk on the beach for some trusting young oysters.
In Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter” the oysters are invited for a walk on the beach. The old wise oyster takes a pass but the young foolish ones join the Walrus and the Carpenter for lunch. “O Oysters said the Carpenter, we’ve had a pleasant run, shall we be trotting home again, but answer came there none, and this was scarcely odd because they’d eaten every one.”
Then I got thinking that instead of Kame & Kettle maybe this beer should have been brewed by Something in the Water. Then I read on the can “Keep Clam, don’t pull a mussel” and I though maybe the brewery should be named Lame & Kettle. ***
I enjoy a good stout, but I must admit, I’m not an oyster fan myself so I had some concerns. Time to alleviate or substantiate them and hoister this oyster. A deep dark bottom of the sea pour with minimal froth or foam. A great roasted malt with a touch of cocoa aroma. First taste is a strong malt roast with lots of cocoa and a slightly salty finish, interesting. It is nicely balanced with a salt spray splash which I assume is the oysters. A full flavour smooth stout with a slight and subtle sea salt seasoning. As it evolves an espresso finish begins to express itself and the body gets a bit watery?
All in all a solid stout with a touch of the sea to make life interesting. I didn’t need a pearl after all, just a tasty stout to make my day.
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