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shadowofdarkness22 · 6 years ago

Note

prompt;other ways ji-an and dong-hoon could have met?

Dear Anon. I apologize for taking forever, but let me be real and say that I literally take FOREVER. Hopefully you like it!!

Also I posted this fic on Ao3 if anyone prefers to read it there!

Also this DOES have a keep reading if anyone wants to reblog. I promise I’m not trying to kill feeds with long posts. lol

–It was a particularly cold night and Ji An had to make a quick trip to the store before she could head home. She worked all morning straight into the night, doing various odd jobs and scrubbing dishes and floors. She tried applying for a few contract jobs, but her resume didn’t seem to catch anyone’s attention. Not that it bothered her much, contract jobs usually paid more especially at a good company, but it was also harder to work at said jobs. They had higher standards of course.

Ji An was paying for her groceries when she saw she just barely had enough for the tomatoes. She paused and stared at the packaging suddenly remembering the strange dream she had the night before. In her dream she was standing in this exact spot, she left the tomatoes behind and started to leave the store, but before she could leave a voice called out to her, causing her to turn and look at him. It was a man, taller than her wearing a thick coat and scarf, he was holding out her tomatoes, but before she could see his face she would wake up.

“Miss?” she looked up at the cashier and saw that the cashier was waiting and everyone behind her was staring. She took the tomatoes and left.

The water was cold and her rubber gloves did little to help her as she was washing dishes. She scrubbed a bowl a little too hard and felt her fingers scream as she forced them to work despite the fact they were very broken. Ji An bared through the pain, much like any other pain in her life. Kawng Il was in a particularly bad mood today and of course when he’s in a bad mood he likes to come and take it out on her.

Ji An dropped a cup in the sink, shaking her head as flashes of Kawng Il kicking and punching her went through her mind. When he left, she was sitting outside, trying to get the strength to get up. All the while she was staring out into the street.

Her dream went exactly like this, but the change was that the mysterious man suddenly came up and stopped Kawng Il. They fought and eventually Gwang Il left leaving the faceless man to stay behind and help her. He was so gentle with her and his voice was so soothing that despite her cold heart refusing to believe there are good people left in the world, she found that he was someone she could fully trust.

But it was just a dream. Ji An had to get herself up and force herself to be ok. There was no such thing as that mysterious man. He wasn’t ever going to help her and her dreams needed to realize that because Ji An lost hope a long time ago.

–

Ji An walked down the same street every night. She would pass by a few late night drinkers or troublemakers, but they would never walk with her. She was always alone. But there was always that thought in the back of her mind of a dream she had of that same faceless man walking with her every night.

Whenever they walked together it was familiar and safe. Ji An didn’t understand these feelings or why she continued to have dreams that eluded to this man. But unlike those first meetings in her dreams… this one just seemed like they were familiar with each other. Like they had made a system and just enjoyed each other’s company.

How was she supposed to feel about this?

This fake man who somehow broke through her defenses and made her feel safe. A man she didn’t even know and yet through these dreams they were so familiar? Had she finally lost it? Was she going insane?

Not paying attention Ji An found herself bumping into someone head on. She stepped back, but tripped over an uneven part of the street and his hands quickly caught her shoulders before she could fall to the ground. “Are you alright?” a smooth familiar voice spoke sending shivers down her spine. Ji An looked up, wanting to see just who it was, but her eyes opened instead and she was in her room, staring at the ceiling.

Ji An wanted to scream.

–

The sound of the train rolling on the tracks was enough to lull her into a sleep. She kept herself awake so not to miss her stop or fall into the wall, but after pulling double shifts all day Ji An was exhausted. She paid a little more of her debt as well, but it didn’t seem to put even a dent in it no matter how much she paid. It just kept growing and growing and Ji An wondered if she was going to be paying for it even in death. The train stopped suddenly and Ji An felt herself falling sideways, unable to grasp onto the railing in time and before she hit the ground strong arms grabbed her.

Her mind whirled, part of her too tired to focus and the other part of her wondering if her falling was going to be a constant thing. When she was able to catch her bearings she realized that the strong arms have yet to let her go and being caught in them a few times already she knew exactly who it was. She wanted to look up, but she knew as soon as she did she would wake up and everything would be over. Surely this itself was another dream… but maybe it could also be real? Of course she looked up anyway because she wanted to know. She was desperate to understand why he was always there for her and wanted to know who her faceless man was.

Her eyes opened by the sound of the train using its brakes to slow down. The sound screeched a little louder than normal and Ji An’s mind whirled as she tried to pull herself from sleep. The disappointment she felt was expected and she stood from her seat (when did she sit down she wondered) and waited for her stop. The constant struggles between what was real and not real was starting to upset her and at this point she just wanted everything to just stop. The train came to a full stop and the voice above announced their destination. Ji An looked up and froze when she noticed a person standing by the door looking exactly like the man from her dreams. Everything from the coat to the bag matched the description perfectly and Ji An felt frozen on her feet.

The doors opened and Ji An watched as everyone left the train. Was this also a dream? Why was he walking away? Shouldn’t he be looking at her right now? Her feet moved forward; realization coming to her at full force. This was real. The man of her dreams was real and she was letting him walk away. She ran forward, her eyes on his back wanting so bad to catch up to him and finally see his face, but her foot got caught between the small gap of the train and the platform causing her to fall forward. Ji An nearly slammed her face into the ground, her palms screaming in pain for taking most of the fall and her ankle felt like fire. People around her quickly helped her up. One woman asked if she was ok, but Ji An pushed past all of them not saying a word of thanks. She limped up the stairs and looked around the busy street hoping to find where he went, but the man was nowhere to be found.

He was real, she repeated in her head like a mantra.

He was real.

–

It was weeks before she dreamed about the man again. Normally the pattern was that he would help her in some way, and before she saw his face she would wake up and start her day like normal. This time though, it was different. She was following him as he walked, presumably to go home. Snow was falling around them, gentle and slow, but Ji An didn’t notice it nor the cold. Suddenly the man stopped and Ji An stopped with him watching him carefully, not sure whether she should risk moving closer or if he would turn around and see her himself. Instead he seemed to sway like he was drunk and a sound that was so similar to a sob left his lips. The sound echoed into her ear like he was right next to her. Her heart clenched in her chest as she watched with wide eyes as he fell onto his back, staring up at the dark sky.

It got even worse when she realized he had fallen near train tracks. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t breathe. His breathing just echoed in her ears over and over again forcing her to watch, unable to do anything. It consumed her, forcing her vision to burn black like she herself were suffocating with him. His breathing got slower and Ji An wanted to fight, to scream, and punch to get to him. She had to get to him! “Get up!” she managed to scream, using every last ounce of willpower to convey her words.

Then, like breaking through the ocean’s surface Ji An woke up gasping for air. Her grandmother lay sleeping in the only bed and didn’t rouse from the noise Ji An made stumbling to get up and to her door. After a quick glance to make sure her grandma was still warm and sleeping Ji An ran out of the house forging her jacket and shoes. She ran into the night, running faster than she ever did in her life. All she could think was that the man was in trouble, he needed her help. She had to help him. She had grown so used to him being there, even if it all were dreams, that losing him now didn’t seem right. Whoever he was, she knew now that he wasn’t someone she should lose. She inhaled a sharp breath and willed her legs to run faster, determined to get to the destination.

She slowed to a stop when she finally saw sight of him. Her Ahjusshi lying on the ground, but before she could get closer he was already getting himself up. He brushed himself off, let out a large sigh, and shifted his bag higher onto his shoulder. Ji An watched as continued onto the path, as if he didn’t just let himself fall. She kept watching him until his figure disappeared into the distance. She didn’t follow. Her legs gave out on her and Ji An sat there for a long while, catching her breath and wishing she had tears left to cry.

–

The full moon was bright tonight and Ji An’s grandma wanted desperately to see the moon. Ji An’s body ached from head to toe, but who was she to deny her grandmother the simple pleasure? She stole a cart and a few items from the store, running as fast she could, ignoring the cuts that were still healing on her feet and she forced her way back home. Making sure her grandmother was covered in a warm blanket she walked them to a nice spot so her grandma can see the moon for a little while. Ji An took this time to stare at the moon herself, wondering what about it that made her grandma want to see it all the time. She never asked, and even if she did, she’s not sure her grandmother could really explain why.

Ji An looked at it sometimes too, wondering if the moon could hear her thoughts like they seem to hear her grandma’s. She looked down instead, thinking of her Ahjusshi, lying in the cold. The dreams continued normally after that day. They would keep meeting in small strange ways, and once she dreamed of him helping her bring her grandma to this very spot. She always tried hard not to look at him, just so the dream would last and she would stay by his side that much longer, but no matter if she looked or not, she would always wake up and they would never meet. She still didn’t understand the purpose of these dreams or why him in particular, but every day that she misses him is another day she wonders if this is her punishment.

Murderer.

Suddenly it felt like someone was standing next to her. Ji An was afraid to look because after everything she already knew who it was. “You’re a good person.” he said softly and Ji An froze. His words rung in her ears until that was all she heard. She turned rapidly, looking towards her right to find him, but it was no surprise that he wasn’t there. Her mind whirled as shock filled her. The pattern changed again. Just … how much did he know about her? Was it all in her head after all? Was he actually real? But she saw him… so then… are her dreams not him?

The sound of her grandma made her snap out of her thoughts and look at her. Her grandma signed, asking if she was okay. Ji An wasn’t sure if she was, but she nodded, telling her grandma it was time to go home. The words burned her ears as she tucked her grandma in bed and they continued to burn until she fell asleep, feeling something stir in her chest that was unfamiliar but warm.

–

The day was cloudy and Ji An took the train further into the city so she could try her luck again with higher paying companies. One of them was some construction company, but Ji An didn’t really care where she worked, as long as she was getting paid. She passed by a few small food places, her stomach growling loudly for food. She ignored it, standing at the edge of the sidewalk, watching traffic come to a stop at a stoplight. She watched the cars, giving her eyes something to do while she distracted herself from thinking of her hunger. A “Brother’s Cleaning” van stopped near her and she looked at it, noticing the paper attached to it covering up what the previous name was before.

Her gaze shifted to the window and her eyes met that of another. They stared at each other, the world around them seeming to freeze as if extending the long moment for as long as possible. There was something familiar about the man staring at her and he seemed to have this realization on his face as he looked at her too. The light turned green and Ji An watched the van go, standing there for a long moment once her mind suddenly realized what had just happened.

That was him. Her Ahjusshi.

–

She was sitting quietly at a table in a small restaurant. She didn’t order anything and looked to be waiting for someone. Not a minute later did someone come and stand by her table. He removed his scarf and coat, placing it on the chair next to him with his bag before sitting in front of her. Her eyes met his and they stared at each other for a long time. They spoke no words, instead drinking their beer in the strange silence that took over the room. Suddenly he raised his glass up and Ji An looked at him. “Let’s be happy.” he said and Ji An felt a wave of sorrow pass over her as she noticed how sad his eyes looked.

She clinked their glasses together and they both downed their drinks.

Ji An opened her eyes to find herself standing outside the restaurant. She didn’t remember walking here, but peering through the glass from a distance she saw a familiar handsome figure sitting inside, drinking alone with those sad eyes. She stepped forward, wanting to go inside and sit across from him, not giving a damn if he knew her or not, but she didn’t.

One day, she thought and made her way home.

–

She didn’t know where she was, but there was so much laughter in this one little place that it was almost infectious. There were a bunch of ahjusshi’s in one room, each holding a drink and talking loudly about their life. There was a beautiful woman with curly hair talking loudly and treating everyone to food and drinks. This must be her bar then Ji An wondered in awe, wondering how such a small place like this could be filled with so much warmth. It made her feel like she belonged and something inside her wished to stay.

“Dong Hoon! You’re here!” the beautiful woman said and the rest of the room greeted the new person kindly. He seemed to be the one everyone was waiting for. Her eyes stared at the drink the woman handed her instead, and she heard him come towards her at the bar where he stopped and looked at her.

“Who are you?” a familiar deep voices asks causing Ji An to lose her breath. She looks at him and sees her Ahjusshi staring right at her, a strange curiosity in his eyes.

“Lee Ji An.” she answered back, unsure of her own voice. He smiled and her heart pounded against her chest so fast against her chest she thought she might pass out.

Instead the sound of her phone ringing woke her up and Ji An answered it. “Hello Miss Lee Ji An? I just wanted to tell you that your resume has been selected at Saman E&C. Would you be able to start tomorrow?”

She breathed out.

“Yes.”

–

For some reason a ladybug was causing disorder at the office. Ji An ignored it as she typed up the receipts into the computer. She was almost done, and had a lot of other things to take care of before her shift was over. But suddenly the room became silent and she paused, wondering why no one was screaming anymore.

“Don’t move.” a voice spoke in her left ear and Ji An froze, recognizing that voice. She felt his hand on her arm and she glanced over to see that the ladybug that had landed on her arm suddenly take off and fly away. He sighed, looking disappointed and looked at her. She didn’t stop staring and neither did he as the rest of the room took off after the ladybug.

“Miss Lee Ji An.” he said politely and her heart pounded at his closeness, her fingers curling into her palms. This was real right? No more dreams right? “It’s good to have you on the team.” he said with a smile that made her heart skip a beat. He walked off and her gaze followed him and stayed there for the rest of the day. The day ended quickly and Lee Ji An walked out of the building, wondering when she was going to wake up. Manager Park Dong Hoon walked next to her and she followed him on the train, realizing after a while that he had the same stop as her. She could have laughed at that, but kept quiet.

He stepped out into the streets and Ji An spoke before her mind could catch up with her. “Buy me food.” she said and he paused, looking back at her. For a moment she thought he wasn’t going to answer, but finally he nodded and motioned for her to follow. She quickly followed after him, not wanting to lose sight of him incase she did wake up and this all was indeed another dream.

They walked together and after a moment he paused and looked at her. “Have we met before?” he asked suddenly, looking at her like he suddenly just realized something. She stood there for a moment, processing his question before looking at her Ahjusshi with a fond look.

“Not at all.”

His face was unreadable, but he continued ahead anyway, seeming to relax the longer he was with her. They ate and drank and he made sure to take her home. “Get some sleep.” he said and walked off. She watched him as he left and hoped that when she woke up in the morning everything wasn’t a dream.

When she got off work the next day she waited for him and he looked at her. “Buy me food.” she said.

“Again?” he asked.

She smiled.

#my mister #my ajusshi #my ahjusshi #tvn my mister #tvn drama #shadowofdarkness22 writes #prompt fic #sweet lord this took me forever #i'm tired #i'm going to bed now

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capjuby · 7 years ago

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depuis « Cibles molles » || Deborah Landau

Un souffle quitte mon corps, et souhaite peut-être pouvoir y retourner les nouvelles de la gauche et la droite abondent d’échec, de terreur, d’indécision, en charge constate de nous, comme de vapeur la lune est boursouflée –

et cela délimitait notre circonscription, même dans nos appart’ douillets même plus bas en aval dans un état indolore, oh inconscience – sirotant du champagne, pareille à une autre nuit qui apporte encore ses supers plans pour aller danser,

ses dégâts.

J’avais une pensée, mais l’automne est venu, et le froid. J’avais un corps, infatigable, vital, malgré les funérailles en tout – avec beaucoup de corps, couverts dans les cimetières et les jardins, les nids-de-poules et l’eau,

un canal ardent que nous suivions ensemble, un vin et une brise se levant. Plein de problèmes à la main, maintenant que les lys sont fanés. Cet été on s’asseyait dos à la rue, laissant le temps filer –

s’allongeant toute l’après-midi dans l’herbe comme si le vert et les insectes étaient le monde. Je suis, je suis, et tu es, tu es, nous écrivions, jusqu’à ce que le papier semble

à nouveau un arbre Et nous marchions en dessous de lui, plus verdoyant et à nouveau vierge.

Massif pouvoirs qu’être, que seront-ils ? On fume nos pipes à eau pour t’oublier & doucement maintenant on attend le bon moment, notre moment

la violence et les vraies villes assiégées mais aussi remplies ce matin De buveurs de café, de personnel de bureau, de conducteurs de taxi, de garçons à vélo.

Chéris nous l’étions au moment de la conception Et vivants, comme si nous allions l’être toujours.

A breath leaves the body, and wishes it could return maybe, the news to the left and right rich with failure, terror, dither, the bloated moon in constant charge of us like vapor—

and this did frame our constituency, even in our cozy homes even in a painless state on the downriver, oh oblivion— sipping champagne as another night brings forth its big dancing plan

its damage.

I had a thought but it turned autumn, turned cold. I had a body, unwearied, vital, despite the funeral in everything— ample with bodies, covered in graves and gardens, potholes and water,

an ardent river we walked together, a wine and rising breeze. Much trouble at hand, yet the lilies still. That summer we sat with our backs to the street, letting time pass—

lying all afternoon in the grass as if green and insect were the world. I am, I am, and you are, you are, we wrote, until the paper seemed a

tree again and we walked beneath it greener and unsullied afresh.

Massive powers that be, what will be? We smoke our pipes to forget you & mildly now we bide our time

the violence and real cities under siege, but also filled this morning with coffee drinkers, office workers, taxi drivers, boys on bikes.

Golden we were in the moment of conception, and alive, as if we always would be.

“This poem is excerpted from a long lyric sequence, ‘Soft Targets,’ which was written after the recent terror attacks in Paris. The random cruelty of that violence—and the body’s terrible vulnerability in the city—haunted and continues to haunt me.” —Deborah Landau

Deborah Landau is the author of The Uses of the Body (2015) and The Last Usable Hour (2011), both Lannan Literary Selections from Copper Canyon Press, and Orchidelirium (2004), which was selected by Naomi Shihab Nye for the Robert Dana Anhinga Prize for Poetry. Her work has appeared in the Paris Review, Tin House, Poetry, the New Yorker, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times, and has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered. Her poems have been widely anthologized in places such as The Best American Erotic Poems, Please Excuse This Poem: 100 New Poets for the Next Generation, Not for Mothers Only, and Women’s Work: Modern Poets Writing in English. Landau studied at Stanford University, Columbia University, and Brown University, where she was a Jacob K. Javits Fellow and earned a PhD in English and American Literature. For many years she co-directed the KGB Bar Monday Night Poetry Series and co-hosted the video interview program Open Book on Slate.com. In 2016, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship. Landau is Director of the Creative Writing Program at New York University, where she also teaches. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, sons, and daughter. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/deborah-landau

http://www.deborahlandau.net/

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wineanddinosaur · 5 years ago

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The 50 Best Beers of 2019

At last estimate, there were more than 7,500 breweries operating in the U.S. in 2019. As more breweries open — introducing a never-ending stream of new beers to the marketplace — finding the best is near impossible. Luckily, we’ve spent a lot of time over the last year tasting them.

This, evidently, was the year of saison; our 2019 list concludes with an unprecedented number of Belgian-style farmhouse ales, which signals that yeast may be having its moment. Lower-alcohol, “better-for-you” beers are in the limelight, too, as more craft beer drinkers seek beers that fit healthier lifestyles, or simply want more sessionable options — and more breweries are figuring out how to make these delicious.

On the whole, we as a craft beer drinking society may not be pivoting away from IPA to craft lager just yet (at least, not statistically), but rest assured, plenty of both make the list.

This ranking was determined by members of the VinePair team. Hundreds of selections were considered and narrowed down to 50 with the following criteria: All beers must be available for retail in the U.S. in a can or bottle retail, or otherwise be a seasonal release or part of a rotating series we expect to see back in 2020. Placement is limited to one beer per brewery. The 50 best beers of 2019 ranking focuses on labels released within the year, although this is not a requirement. Selections from last year’s 50 best beers of 2018 were not considered.

Availability has an effect on ranking: In other words, if you have to travel, trade, or sacrifice your firstborn for a 4-ounce pour, recommending it in our top 10 is not helpful to a majority of beer drinkers. Now for the fun part!

These are VinePair’s 50 best beers of 2019.

50. Mother Earth 4Seasons Hazy IPA (With Fremont Brewing)

Nampa, ID ABV: 7.5%

Previously dubbed “The Four Seasons of Mother Earth,” this 4Seasons release debuted in summer 2019 in partnership with Seattle’s Fremont Brewing. The duo used “craft” malt from a farmer-owned co-op in Spokane to further share the local love. On the hop front, this beer showcases African Queen, a fruity, herbal, spicy variety from South Africa, along with Galaxy, Mosaic Cryo, and El Dorado hops. The result? Mango, passion fruit, and orange aromas; a grain-forward, almost savory malt flavor reminiscent of sage; and a fruity, herbal finish. Although a limited release, we look forward to tasting more “seasons.”

49. Lakefront Brewery Hazy Rabbit IPA

Milwaukee, WI ABV: 5.2%

Pouring bright gold and cloudy, a Camembert-esque cheesy aroma kicks off the nose on this hazy IPA, followed by orange, tangerine, passionfruit, and a melon cotton candy note. Low on bitterness, but less sweet than “traditional” hazy/juicy IPAs, it’s bright and balanced with soft carbonation and light malt character due to flaked oats.

48. Anchor Brewing Fog Breaker IPA

San Francisco, CA ABV: 6.8%

San Francisco stalwart Anchor Brewing’s relatively new Fog Breaker, released in 2018, earned its fair share of loyal drinkers this year. It was especially a hit among classic IPA lovers, who lament the days of IPAs that tasted like pine, weren’t too bitter, and didn’t look like OJ. This IPA has some West Coast bitterness, a hint of fruitiness and a touch of haze (O.K., fog). It’s piney and crisp, and adds Cryo hops to its dry-hopping regimen, along with whole-cone Denali and Cascade.

47. Shiner Ruby Redbird

Shiner, TX ABV: 4%

Spoetzl Brewery’s Shiner Beer updated its Ruby Redbird lager in 2019 with nutrition facts faux-dive bars will be fawning over: It contains 95 calories, 3.1 grams of carbs, and Texas-grown Ruby Red grapefruit juice. Grapefruit and ginger are present on the nose and palate, making this easy-drinking sipper with a kick perfect for sushi pairing.

46. Cascade Brewing Cuvée du Jongleur

Portland, OR ABV: 9.4%

Toward the tail end of 2018, Cascade re-released this oaky, complex, funky cuvée for the first time since 2008. A decade after its original release, the label did not disappoint: Berry and oak aromas are followed by a creamy mouthfeel and fruity tartness. When nursed in a tulip glass, it opens up nicely as it warms, releasing further fruit aromas such as cherry, plum, and hints of grapefruit and caramel.

45. Goose Island Bourbon County Double Barrel

Chicago, IL ABV: 18%

In this 2019 variant of Goose Island’s infamous barrel-aged stout series, “double barrel” refers to the stout aging one year in 11-year-old Elijah Craig barrels, then afterward aging another year in (different) 12-year-old Elijah Craig barrels. Fruit, leather, chocolate, and yes, intense bourbon flavors swirl on the palate, with a whiskey-beer-hybrid warmth all the way down. Although this variant is very limited in quantity, several other Bourbon County stouts are out there. Forget the drama, they’re still delicious.

44. Hardywood Park Distorted Perception

Richmond, VA ABV: 7%

A cornucopia of tropical fruit explodes on the nose of this NEIPA — tangerine, passionfruit, guava. With our eyes closed, we could swear this was actual juice. Mango-flavored bubble tea and tart, juicy smoothie flavors make this a little sweet, but it is lip-smackingly delicious.

43. Separatist Beer Project Spellbook Imperial Stout

Easton, PA ABV: 13%

Maple syrup and cinnamon additions amplify this imperial stout’s sweet side, while roasted malt’s coffee and dark chocolate notes add bitterness to balance.

42. Wiley Roots Black Bart Monstah

Greeley, CO ABV: 11%

Inspired by the Spanish-descended fried dough sopapilla (or more specifically, the sopapilla served at Mexican Restaurant Casa Bonita, which has a room named “Black Bart’s Cave”), this dark, velvety imperial stout brings chocolatey, roasty flavors rather than fresh fried dough. Cinnamon, burnt sugar, and honey are added for extra decadence, making this a sweet stout to sip on a cold, boozy afternoon.

41. Garage Brewing Peanut Butter Chocolate Milk Stout

Temecula, CA ABV: 7.1%

This liquid Reese’s Pieces is rich, but not sticky; chocolatey, but not cloying; and full-bodied, yet feels lighter on the palate than its peanut-butter-chocolate-flavored 7.1 percent ABV might have you think. Our panel unanimously found this pastry stout daringly easy to drink.

40. WeldWerks PB&J Berliner

Greeley, CO ABV: 4.6%

Considering that it was mostly its juicy IPAs, not wildly flavored kettle sours, that put this Colorado brewery on beercationers’ maps, a peanut butter and jelly-flavored Berliner weiss wasn’t what we expected to love most from WeldWerks this year. Yet, here we are. Berliner weiss and fruit are ancient companions, so perhaps it’s not surprising that strawberry puree would complement grain and tart flavors so well — add peanut powder to the mix, and the combination of flavors is unforgettable.

39. Reuben’s Brews Brettania (Series): Boysenberry and Blackberry

Seattle, WA ABV: 6.3%

Brettanomyces can make or break a beer. In the right hands, as at Reuben’s Brews, it really sings. In this mixed-culture saison aged for six months in oak puncheons, then aged with boysenberries and blackberries for an additional six months, and finally refermented in-bottle, it sings. Brettania: Boysenberry and Blackberry was the first release in Reuben’s Brews’ barrel-aged sour program, and it promptly began winning awards. Brettania: Guava and Brettania: Blackcurrant followed, and we’re anxious to taste what’s next.

38. Bell’s Brewery Official Hazy IPA

Comstock, MI ABV: 6.4%

Released in March 2019, Bell’s Brewery’s “Official” marked the legendary beer pioneer’s entry into the hazy IPA category. Long celebrated for its Two Hearted IPA, a bracingly bitter, grapefruit-flavored exemplar of the more “old-school” IPAs style, this newcomer stands on its own with tropical fruit and citrus aromas, a palate that’s lighter than the style-defining NEIPAs of the Northeast, and an orange juice kick on the finish.

37. Oskar Blues Can-O-Bliss Hazy IPA

Fort Collins, CO ABV: 7.2%

Can-O-Bliss “Hazy,” part of a rotating IPA series (“Tropical” and “Citrus” are others), serves up OJ, pineapple juice, and a hint of cheesy funk on the nose, followed by a fruity, herbal, spicy potpourri of hop-driven flavors on the palate. (Strata, Cashmere, Enigma, Hallertau Blanc, and Eureka hops are all used in this brew.) It’s surprisingly light in color and body, though, with crisp carbonation to balance its pungent hoppiness.

36. Springdale Beer Pearly Wit

Framingham, MA ABV: 4.8%

Springdale Beer, of Jack’s Abby, debuted this wispy witbier last year, but in 2019 we started to see it on a lot more tap lists — and rightfully so. It’s the definition of a sessionable wheat beer: pillowy soft, crisp and coriander-flavored, with a hint of tangy citrus to keep things interesting.

35. Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest (2019)

Chico, CA and Asheville, NC ABV: 6%

Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest got so much love this year, people married it (or at least, got married with it. At Oktoberfest. In Germany.) As for us, we appreciated the 2019 version of this annual classic as a bubbly aperitif. Brewed in collaboration with Germany’s Bitburger Brewery, it combines the smooth flavors of Caramel, Munich, and Pilsner malt with a bitter punch, perhaps from Bitburger’s Siegelhopfen — that’s German for “sealed hops,” or the brewer’s “secret” hop blend.

34. Equilibrium Moon of Vega

Middleton, NY ABV: 8.7%

Brewed in collaboration with Florida’s J. Wakefield Brewing, this double IPA is made with more than copious amounts of Citra, Galaxy, and Mosaic hops, vanilla, and lactose (milk sugar), pouring creamy and sweet, aroma-dosed with mango, and just a hint tart on the finish. It’s the ridiculousness of a milkshake IPA in an obscenely delicious package.

33. Pure Project Rain

San Diego, CA ABV: 5.3%

Unfiltered, yet clear and golden as a summer sky, topped with a fluffy white cloud of foam, Rain is a subtle eruption: pilsner malt’s telltale biscuity aroma is amplified by its single-malt, organic producer; lemongrass follows, from Hallertau Mittelfruh hops’ herbal, citrus nudge. German ingredients and an American craft brewer’s hand make this bitter little pilsner exactly what to look for at the end of — or start of — a long day.

32. Brouwerij West Picnic Lightning

San Pedro, CA ABV: 6.8%

Picnic Lightning proves West Coast breweries can do New England-style IPAs well — and even add their own touch. Lemongrass, grapefruit, and a hint of tropical fruit blend on the nose as well as on the palate, creating a slightly sweet, herbal-citrus mix with a bitter kick. Along with malted barley, this beer uses oats and raw spelt, allowing a soft mouthfeel. Juicy, earthy, and memorable, this one is on tap at the brewery at press time — nab yourself a pour if you happen to be in L.A.

31. West Kill Kaaterskill IPA

West Kill, N.Y. ABV: 6%

Teetering on the edge of dialed-in juicy IPA and new-American pale ale, this farm-brewed New beer from New York’s Catskill Mountain region is modern and rustic at once. Modern, with its dry-hopping regimen of Azaaca, Columbus, Mosaic, and Citra hops. Rustic, in that it’s crafted on a farm in the mountains. Though not as available as other IPAs on this list, this beer is worth the hike. Mountain or specialty beer shop, a word to the wise: a 4-pack is never enough.

30. Avery Bon-Bon Cerise

Boulder, CO ABV: 14.6%

Stout lovers won’t know what’s coming until sipping this bourbon-barrel-aged imperial stout aged with cherries, cacao nibs, and vanilla beans. Sounds like standard fare for a barrel-aged pastry stout, but it’s anything but: Yes, it’s boozy and laced with bourbon-barrel character, but what stood out to our tasters was its powdered chocolate note and cooked fruit flavor, akin to cherry pie. Like the dessert, Bon Bon Cerise has layers to enjoy.

29. Left Hand Raspberry Milk Stout

Longmont, CO ABV: 5.7%

Launched in 2019, this sister to Left Hand’s category-defining milk stout has raspberry on the nose and palate, balanced with roasty notes and a touch of sweetness. Bitter chocolate and cherry on the finish wrap it all up in a smooth, dessert-friendly (or dessert-replacing) package.

28. Monday Night Ante Meridiem Blend No. 1 (2018)

Atlanta, GA ABV: 13.5%

Several Monday Night beers were considered for this list, but its “imperial brown ale” — fair enough, it’s 13.5 percent ABV, aged in locally sourced bourbon barrels, and dosed with locally roasted coffee, Ugandan vanilla beans, and maple syrup — is a testament to the Atlanta brewery’s relentless experimentation. Firstly, it brings the noise for brown ale (even if it’s hyperbolizing the usually subtly roasty style). In a similar conundrum, It smells like vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup, and tastes creamy and sweet. But warm bourbon and coffee bean prevent it from becoming cloying. The body has excellent texture, rich but drinkable, with just enough carbonation to give a crisp edge, lifting it safely out of the barrel-aged-syrup-beer danger zone. No single part overpowers another, making this a rare treat. (It’s available seasonally on draft and in 500-milliliter bottles in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama.)

27. Lamplighter Major Tom

Boston, MA ABV: 6.8%

This space-themed, true New England-Style IPA brewed by Boston’s Lamplighter, a brewery, coffee purveyor and soon-to-be-distillery, is, like its maker, bold. Floating in this tin can* are Australian Galaxy hops, imparting tropical-fruit juicy flavors, but also a bitter bite hiding in the haze. *The can is aluminum.

26. Saint Archer Mexican Lager

San Diego, CA ABV: 4.8%

Saint Archer Brewery debuted its Mexican-style lager in March 2019, and it rose up our ranks for its many juxtapositions: sweet and herbal; cooked corn tortilla and fresh herbs; and, philosophically, a San Diego-brewed, Mexican-style beer owned by the very North American MillerCoors. Maybe it’s not that crazy. You would, however, be crazy to pass this up if you’re a fan of Mexican lagers like we are. Pair with chicken enchiladas, tortilla chips with salsa verde, or a lime wedge.

25. Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild NA IPA

Stratford, CT ABV: < 0.5%

This isn’t the first time we’re praising Athletic Brewing’s flagship IPA, but it is the first time a non-alcoholic beer has made it to the top 50 beers of the year list. This says a lot, not only about the quality of this particular brew — which is made with all-organic grains, and five hop varieties from the Northwest U.S. — but it speaks to the market’s move (if inching, even) toward no- and low-ABV, as well as lower-calorie (this one’s 70), options. This beer is flavorful and balanced, featuring an herbal, citrus kick over a mild malt backbone. It became a regular purchase for some panelists over the course of the year. We’ve bought out in the wild on several semi-sober occasions. For us, this one isn’t about abstaining, it’s about sustaining — through the day and night with friends, can in hand.

24. J. Wakefield 24th Street Brown Ale

Miami, FL ABV: 6.5%

Don’t let this beer’s street-smart exterior dark, murky interior fool you. On the inside, from the first sip, it’s sweet chocolate malt balls, smooth toffee flavor, and roasty, dialed-back bitterness (think cold-brewed coffee compared to burnt iced coffee). 24th Street Brown Ale is named for the brewery’s Miami address, and with the recent remodeling of that taproom, we felt it was owed another look and a new appreciation in 2019.

23. Coronado Set West

Coronado, CA ABV: 7%

This West Coast IPA from California stalwart Coronado Brewing dials back the style’s bitterness with biscuity, freshly baked bread and fresh-squeezed orange juice on the nose. It’s dry on the palate, with a bitterness that lingers just the right amount, allowing the beer to be refreshing, rather than weigh down the palate. A hallmark West Coast IPA.

22. Two Roads Area Two Table Terroir

Stratford, CT ABV: 3.7%

Connecticut-grown malts, hops, and yeast so local it was captured in the brewery’s own hop yard put the “terroir” in Table Terroir, a food-pairing companion and conversation starter that’s as fascinating as it is tasty. Delicate and complex, with fruity and spicy notes, it’s one we wish we could find more often — but, like this beer’s ingredients, you’ll have to go to the brewery for that.

21. Gueuzerie Tilquin Oude Pinot Noir Tilquin à L’Ancienne

Rebecq, Belgium ABV: 8.2%

“Finesse” comes to mind when attempting to describe this spontaneously-fermented lambic, which gets its fruit not from the traditional cherries (kriek) or raspberries (framboise), but from Pinot Noir grapes (260 grams of Pinot Noir grapes per liter of lambic, according to Gueuzerie Tilquin). The first version of this lambic, made to mark the 10th anniversary of legendary Belgian beer bar Moeder Lambic, used hand-harvested grapes from Valentin Zusslin Estate’s biodynamic Bollenberg vineyard. This new version uses organic grapes from a family farm in Steinseltz, France.

20. Cerebral Forbidden Idol: Mai Tai (Tiki Sour IPA Series)

Denver, CO ABV: 7%

Kicking off the year with a tiki sour IPA series is a bold move. For Cerebral Brewing, which we already love for its show-stopping IPAs and interesting forays into categories like wood-aged lager, Forbidden Idol’s pineapple, lime, and passionfruit-flavored tiki cocktail-inspired release was an awakening. Our panel agreed this one actually tasted like a Mai Tai, proving that tiki cocktails can translate into IPA forms — and that sour IPAs, at their best, beautifully emulate cocktails. We were hooked from the start, but Cerebral Brewing has released this beer in Mai Tai, Singapore Sling, Castaway, Zombie and Painkiller versions. (And, by the way, Mai Tais are better than you think.)

19. Finback Rolling in Clouds

Queens, NY ABV: 7.1%

When we think of an ideal juicy, hazy IPA, this is it. It’s not too sweet, not too boozy, and has a smooth mouthfeel. Fruity without being super sweet and gooey, it’s just right.

18. Tired Hands Shambolic

Ardmore, PA ABV: 6.5%

Shambolic, a saison brewed with malted spelt and raw wheat, rested in oak foudres, and dry-hopped with what is likely a lavish amount of Nelson Sauvin and Simcoe hops, is a lot to take in. Tropical fruit, lemony citrus, and floral notes create an intense perfume and palate, while fermentation with Tired Hands’ house saison yeast (and maybe microflora from the foudres) adds a tart, citric kick on the finish.

17. Grimm Artisanal Ales Awoogah IPA

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 6.4%

At this point, seeing an IPA below 7 percent ABV is a godsend. Fruity and floral aromas give way to a soft palate, with spicy hop character and a hint of tangerine tartness coming from a combination of Columbus, Galaxy, Hallertau Blanc, and Simcoe hops. It’s refreshing and balanced, with certain parts pleasantly exaggerated — citrus zest, for example — without going even a molecule too far. Truly hazy and juicy, without being too bitter or sweet, this is a perfect IPA.

16. pFriem Family Brewers Pilsner

Hood River, OR ABV: 4.9%

Available in cans starting in 2019, this crystal-clear, golden pilsner is reminiscent of springtime. A fresh floral aroma, soft carbonation, and suite of unusual herbal hops varietals like Perle and Saphir make this both palate cleanser and a center-stage sipper. Whether thoughtfully or thoughtlessly, enjoy this on a porch, in a backyard, at a barbecue, or basically anywhere, anytime.

15. The Referend Bier Blendery Le Mur (2018)

Pennington/Hopewell Township, N.J. ABV: 6%

“Blackberry spontaneously fermented golden ale” is a mouthful of a beer description, but it only begins to scratch the surface of how this exquisite vintage is made. Released in July 2019, Le Mur is a blend of one- and two-year-old beer, the younger re-fermented with southern New Jersey blackberries in French oak, and the older with northern New Jersey blackberries in stainless steel. It pours a dusty garnet with a fluffy ruby head. Tart cherry, raspberry, and blackberry aromas are pungent from first whiff. Up close, nose to glass, it’s all citrus — fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, acidic orange, and a hint of lemon and lime. A brioche scent wafts in, creating a tart berry-pie aroma. The palate is tart, concentrated fruit, sharp but balanced with jammy berry flavors — it is not puckeringly sour like so many unoaked, kettle-soured beers tend to be. Oak puncheons, and perhaps more so, time, have softened its edges. Depth, complexity, and excitement.

14. Perennial Artisan Ales Prism: Mosaic

St. Louis, MO ABV: 5.5%

Showcasing the multi-faceted, New-World Mosaic hop in a classic saison would be a terrible idea if you were anyone but Perennial. But saisons and farmhouse-style ales are among this small St. Louis brewery’s specialty, and this particular release in its “Prism” series did the best job at convincing us the result can be delicious. Maybe it’s the magic of Mosaic meeting a saison yeast strain, but this saison is better than the sum of its parts.

13. Holy Mountain Witchfinder

Seattle, WA ABV: 6.1% ABV

Golden, frothy, and skunky (in a good way), this pungently-scented saison is all earthy funk on the nose, followed by floral and citrus flavors and a lingering pithy finish. It’s one of many excellent saisons from this Seattle brewery, and solidifies our suspicion that we’ll grab a bottle any time we see one — if the beer budget allows.

12. Threes Brewing The Dictator Is The People

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 6%

Pungent, peppery spice, and tart apricot aromas are a precursor to this oak-aged saison’s delectable journey. Lightly fruity, dry, Champagne-sparkling, it’s a saison worth celebrating with — or celebrating, period. Next in rotation of mixed-culture, oak-aged wheat beers is Bad Faith.

11. Transmitter Brewing S9

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 5.8%

After moving from a very small space in Queens to one of Brooklyn’s biggest commercial centers, Transmitter released S9, a saison that rivals its smaller-scale days, and, dare we say, its Belgian inspirations. This iteration is pale and can be perceived as light on the palate, but it has hidden complexities: earthy, fruity notes derived from yeast and hops complement cereal grain flavors, with lively carbonation and bitterness hitting at the finish.

10. Trillium Crown and Crate

Boston, MA ABV: 8.6%

Massachusetts hives provide the nectar for this double IPA with raw wildflower honey, which, along with lactose, give the beer its ultra-creamy mouthfeel, and supple, smoothie-sweet decadence. Named for the queen bee (the “crown”) and the milk crate her worker bees use to create their hive, its abundance of tropical fruit flavors invoke the plenitudes of spring, royalty, and indulgence.

9. Harpoon Rec League

Boston, MA and Windsor, VT ABV: 3.8%

Is there anything more exciting than a 3.8-percent-ABV hoppy beer? It’d be hard to convince us while sipping Rec League. Harpoon is officially back in the game with this refreshing, light-bodied, lightly bitter and light-everything low-ABV refresher. Hints of pineapple and tropical fruit on the nose, and clementine and tangerine on the palate, yet dry as a bone, it’s a standout of the year.

8. Lagunitas Daytime Ale

Petaluma, CA ABV: 4%

Whether you’re into the low-alcohol, low-calorie phase of your beer-drinking career or not, it’s important to know that brewing a beer that’s light and tastes good is no easy feat. As the can perhaps suggests, Daytime Ale nails it. It’s citrusy and herbal, light and flavorful, and barbecue-friendly in every way. Coors Light chicks and hazebros can unite over this hoppy yet thirst-quenching summer sipper.

7. Sixpoint Citrus Jammer

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 4%

We tasted every Jammer variety time and time again this summer, and while our favoritism fluctuated between the original and tropical fruit flavors, we ultimately landed on Citrus Jammer. It has the salty, spicy gose flavor we’re looking for, but is slightly subdued (compared to American goses that overdo it). Added to that are candied orange aromas, Sprite-like lemon-lime, and a lingering, lemony tang, and we found its bright and bitter finish was more refreshing than the original. Soft coriander on the finish.

6. New Belgium Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza (With Primus Cervecería)

Fort Collins, CO; Asheville, NC; and Mexico City, Mexico ABV: 4%

Mural Agua Fresca got its start via test batches brewed by New Belgium and Primus at the Mexico City cerveceria. In 2019, the agua-fresca-inspired ale is available in all 50 U.S. states (and, coming soon, more flavors). It’s refreshing all around — Mural gets its red-pink color and tart essence from hibiscus, its thirst-quenching flavor from watermelon, zippy refreshment from lime, and a touch of sweetness from agave. Get out there and try this “cerveza” before it’s rebranded as spiked seltzer.

5. Funkwerks Passion Fruit Provincial (Series)

Fort Collins, CO ABV: 4.2%

If sour ales can be sessionable, Funkwerks is one of the few breweries that can accomplish it — and lucky for us, the Colorado farmhouse-style brand added New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Kentucky, Chicagoland, and, finally, Kansas to its distribution network this year. Passion Fruit Provincial is a memorable bottled ecosystem of passionfruit’s interaction with soft malt and saison yeast. Tart, tropical, and refreshing, it’s one that has us looking out for more “Provincial” variants — raspberry, “rhuberry” (strawberry and rhubarb), and pineapple guava are among them.

4. Rodenbach Classic

Rosalare, Belgium ABV: 5.2%

Nationally available as of 2019, Rodenbach Classic in cans — cans! —is what brought this classic brand to the top of our list this year. Rodenbach, a nearly-200-year-old Belgian brewery that defines the Flemish red beer style, launched its Rodenbach Classic label statewide in the U.S. in cans. The sleek, elegant take on a tallboy puts one of the best beers of all time in a pedestrian package, signaling that centuries-old tradition and the mastery of foeder-aging (courtesy living legend Rudi Ghequire), actually can be enjoyed anytime. No longer do we have to hoard our Rodenbach for Christmas dinner… unless it’s a vintage. As for the classic, it’s a blend of young and aged beer, the latter part of the blend aged for two years in giant oak foeders. It’s fruity and tart, pairs perfectly with rich foods, and is surprisingly sessionable on its own, too. Also in 2019, Rodenbach announced its first-ever beer collaboration with American craft beer pioneer Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.

3. SweetWater 420 Chocolope Stout

Atlanta, GA ABV: 6.4%

Chocolate stouts have been brewed many times over, but none have tasted like this. SweetWater’s 420 Strain, a series of cannabis-inspired beers, can be gimmicky, but this one wowed us every time we reached for it. It’s brewed with three types of roasted malt (Pale Chocolate, Chocolate, and Roasted Barley), a pair of herbal hops (Bravo, Willamette), and what the brewery refers to as “strain-specific terpenes and natural hemp-type flavors” — the latter being the “X”-factor. It’s insanely aromatic, like a sticky nug of weed, but roasty, too, and somehow, actual chocolate completes the package (Dutch chocolate, naturally). Insert weed joke here.

2. Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale

Tampa, FL ABV: 5.5%

Guayabera pours frothy, fruity, and intensely aromatic. Using only Citra hops, known for their citrusy profile of grapefruit and tropical fruit, this American pale ale is juicy and refreshing, balancing citrusy bitterness, soft, bready malt character, and endlessly quaffable aroma. It also makes a great shower beer.

1. Allagash River Trip

Portland, ME ABV: 4.8 %

2019 was all about easy-drinking refreshment, and Allagash nails it with River Trip — most importantly, the pioneering brewery does so without sacrificing its style. While craft brewers clamor to diversify with light lagers and hard seltzers, this Belgian-style session ale is easy-drinking with an edge. Spiced with coriander like a traditional Belgian witbier, and fermented with Allagash’s house yeast, it adds bright, bitter, grassy notes to its table beer base. Yes, Allagash excels at beautifully executed mixed-fermentation sour beers, but it was River Trip we kept coming back to this year, again and again.

The article The 50 Best Beers of 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/best-beers-2019/

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isaiahrippinus · 5 years ago

Text

The 50 Best Beers of 2019

On the whole, we as a craft beer drinking society may not be pivoting away from IPA to craft lager just yet (at least, not statistically), but rest assured, plenty of both make the list.

These are VinePair’s 50 best beers of 2019.

50. Mother Earth 4Seasons Hazy IPA (With Fremont Brewing)

Nampa, ID ABV: 7.5%

49. Lakefront Brewery Hazy Rabbit IPA

Milwaukee, WI ABV: 5.2%

48. Anchor Brewing Fog Breaker IPA

San Francisco, CA ABV: 6.8%

47. Shiner Ruby Redbird

Shiner, TX ABV: 4%

46. Cascade Brewing Cuvée du Jongleur

Portland, OR ABV: 9.4%

45. Goose Island Bourbon County Double Barrel

Chicago, IL ABV: 18%

44. Hardywood Park Distorted Perception

Richmond, VA ABV: 7%

43. Separatist Beer Project Spellbook Imperial Stout

Easton, PA ABV: 13%

Maple syrup and cinnamon additions amplify this imperial stout’s sweet side, while roasted malt’s coffee and dark chocolate notes add bitterness to balance.

42. Wiley Roots Black Bart Monstah

Greeley, CO ABV: 11%

41. Garage Brewing Peanut Butter Chocolate Milk Stout

Temecula, CA ABV: 7.1%

40. WeldWerks PB&J Berliner

Greeley, CO ABV: 4.6%

39. Reuben’s Brews Brettania (Series): Boysenberry and Blackberry

Seattle, WA ABV: 6.3%

38. Bell’s Brewery Official Hazy IPA

Comstock, MI ABV: 6.4%

37. Oskar Blues Can-O-Bliss Hazy IPA

Fort Collins, CO ABV: 7.2%

36. Springdale Beer Pearly Wit

Framingham, MA ABV: 4.8%

35. Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest (2019)

Chico, CA and Asheville, NC ABV: 6%

34. Equilibrium Moon of Vega

Middleton, NY ABV: 8.7%

33. Pure Project Rain

San Diego, CA ABV: 5.3%

32. Brouwerij West Picnic Lightning

San Pedro, CA ABV: 6.8%

31. West Kill Kaaterskill IPA

West Kill, N.Y. ABV: 6%

30. Avery Bon-Bon Cerise

Boulder, CO ABV: 14.6%

29. Left Hand Raspberry Milk Stout

Longmont, CO ABV: 5.7%

28. Monday Night Ante Meridiem Blend No. 1 (2018)

Atlanta, GA ABV: 13.5%

27. Lamplighter Major Tom

Boston, MA ABV: 6.8%

26. Saint Archer Mexican Lager

San Diego, CA ABV: 4.8%

25. Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild NA IPA

Stratford, CT ABV: < 0.5%

24. J. Wakefield 24th Street Brown Ale

Miami, FL ABV: 6.5%

23. Coronado Set West

Coronado, CA ABV: 7%

22. Two Roads Area Two Table Terroir

Stratford, CT ABV: 3.7%

21. Gueuzerie Tilquin Oude Pinot Noir Tilquin à L’Ancienne

Rebecq, Belgium ABV: 8.2%

20. Cerebral Forbidden Idol: Mai Tai (Tiki Sour IPA Series)

Denver, CO ABV: 7%

19. Finback Rolling in Clouds

Queens, NY ABV: 7.1%

When we think of an ideal juicy, hazy IPA, this is it. It’s not too sweet, not too boozy, and has a smooth mouthfeel. Fruity without being super sweet and gooey, it’s just right.

18. Tired Hands Shambolic

Ardmore, PA ABV: 6.5%

17. Grimm Artisanal Ales Awoogah IPA

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 6.4%

16. pFriem Family Brewers Pilsner

Hood River, OR ABV: 4.9%

15. The Referend Bier Blendery Le Mur (2018)

Pennington/Hopewell Township, N.J. ABV: 6%

14. Perennial Artisan Ales Prism: Mosaic

St. Louis, MO ABV: 5.5%

13. Holy Mountain Witchfinder

Seattle, WA ABV: 6.1% ABV

12. Threes Brewing The Dictator Is The People

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 6%

11. Transmitter Brewing S9

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 5.8%

10. Trillium Crown and Crate

Boston, MA ABV: 8.6%

9. Harpoon Rec League

Boston, MA and Windsor, VT ABV: 3.8%

8. Lagunitas Daytime Ale

Petaluma, CA ABV: 4%

7. Sixpoint Citrus Jammer

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 4%

6. New Belgium Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza (With Primus Cervecería)

Fort Collins, CO; Asheville, NC; and Mexico City, Mexico ABV: 4%

5. Funkwerks Passion Fruit Provincial (Series)

Fort Collins, CO ABV: 4.2%

4. Rodenbach Classic

Rosalare, Belgium ABV: 5.2%

3. SweetWater 420 Chocolope Stout

Atlanta, GA ABV: 6.4%

2. Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale

Tampa, FL ABV: 5.5%

1. Allagash River Trip

Portland, ME ABV: 4.8 %

The article The 50 Best Beers of 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/best-beers-2019/ source https://vinology1.tumblr.com/post/189627528744

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johnboothus · 5 years ago

Text

The 50 Best Beers of 2019

On the whole, we as a craft beer drinking society may not be pivoting away from IPA to craft lager just yet (at least, not statistically), but rest assured, plenty of both make the list.

These are VinePair’s 50 best beers of 2019.

50. Mother Earth 4Seasons Hazy IPA (With Fremont Brewing)

Nampa, ID ABV: 7.5%

49. Lakefront Brewery Hazy Rabbit IPA

Milwaukee, WI ABV: 5.2%

48. Anchor Brewing Fog Breaker IPA

San Francisco, CA ABV: 6.8%

47. Shiner Ruby Redbird

Shiner, TX ABV: 4%

46. Cascade Brewing Cuvée du Jongleur

Portland, OR ABV: 9.4%

45. Goose Island Bourbon County Double Barrel

Chicago, IL ABV: 18%

44. Hardywood Park Distorted Perception

Richmond, VA ABV: 7%

43. Separatist Beer Project Spellbook Imperial Stout

Easton, PA ABV: 13%

Maple syrup and cinnamon additions amplify this imperial stout’s sweet side, while roasted malt’s coffee and dark chocolate notes add bitterness to balance.

42. Wiley Roots Black Bart Monstah

Greeley, CO ABV: 11%

41. Garage Brewing Peanut Butter Chocolate Milk Stout

Temecula, CA ABV: 7.1%

40. WeldWerks PB&J Berliner

Greeley, CO ABV: 4.6%

39. Reuben’s Brews Brettania (Series): Boysenberry and Blackberry

Seattle, WA ABV: 6.3%

38. Bell’s Brewery Official Hazy IPA

Comstock, MI ABV: 6.4%

37. Oskar Blues Can-O-Bliss Hazy IPA

Fort Collins, CO ABV: 7.2%

36. Springdale Beer Pearly Wit

Framingham, MA ABV: 4.8%

35. Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest (2019)

Chico, CA and Asheville, NC ABV: 6%

34. Equilibrium Moon of Vega

Middleton, NY ABV: 8.7%

33. Pure Project Rain

San Diego, CA ABV: 5.3%

32. Brouwerij West Picnic Lightning

San Pedro, CA ABV: 6.8%

31. West Kill Kaaterskill IPA

West Kill, N.Y. ABV: 6%

30. Avery Bon-Bon Cerise

Boulder, CO ABV: 14.6%

29. Left Hand Raspberry Milk Stout

Longmont, CO ABV: 5.7%

28. Monday Night Ante Meridiem Blend No. 1 (2018)

Atlanta, GA ABV: 13.5%

27. Lamplighter Major Tom

Boston, MA ABV: 6.8%

26. Saint Archer Mexican Lager

San Diego, CA ABV: 4.8%

25. Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild NA IPA

Stratford, CT ABV: < 0.5%

24. J. Wakefield 24th Street Brown Ale

Miami, FL ABV: 6.5%

23. Coronado Set West

Coronado, CA ABV: 7%

22. Two Roads Area Two Table Terroir

Stratford, CT ABV: 3.7%

21. Gueuzerie Tilquin Oude Pinot Noir Tilquin à L’Ancienne

Rebecq, Belgium ABV: 8.2%

20. Cerebral Forbidden Idol: Mai Tai (Tiki Sour IPA Series)

Denver, CO ABV: 7%

19. Finback Rolling in Clouds

Queens, NY ABV: 7.1%

When we think of an ideal juicy, hazy IPA, this is it. It’s not too sweet, not too boozy, and has a smooth mouthfeel. Fruity without being super sweet and gooey, it’s just right.

18. Tired Hands Shambolic

Ardmore, PA ABV: 6.5%

17. Grimm Artisanal Ales Awoogah IPA

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 6.4%

16. pFriem Family Brewers Pilsner

Hood River, OR ABV: 4.9%

15. The Referend Bier Blendery Le Mur (2018)

Pennington/Hopewell Township, N.J. ABV: 6%

14. Perennial Artisan Ales Prism: Mosaic

St. Louis, MO ABV: 5.5%

13. Holy Mountain Witchfinder

Seattle, WA ABV: 6.1% ABV

12. Threes Brewing The Dictator Is The People

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 6%

11. Transmitter Brewing S9

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 5.8%

10. Trillium Crown and Crate

Boston, MA ABV: 8.6%

9. Harpoon Rec League

Boston, MA and Windsor, VT ABV: 3.8%

8. Lagunitas Daytime Ale

Petaluma, CA ABV: 4%

7. Sixpoint Citrus Jammer

Brooklyn, N.Y. ABV: 4%

6. New Belgium Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza (With Primus Cervecería)

Fort Collins, CO; Asheville, NC; and Mexico City, Mexico ABV: 4%

5. Funkwerks Passion Fruit Provincial (Series)

Fort Collins, CO ABV: 4.2%

4. Rodenbach Classic

Rosalare, Belgium ABV: 5.2%

3. SweetWater 420 Chocolope Stout

Atlanta, GA ABV: 6.4%

2. Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale

Tampa, FL ABV: 5.5%

1. Allagash River Trip

Portland, ME ABV: 4.8 %

The article The 50 Best Beers of 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

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starlingsrps · 7 years ago

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bea walker char. dev.

ORIGINS & FAMILY:

Name: beatrice anne walker

Nickname: bea, bee

Birthday: january 31

Age: twenty five

Gender: female

Place of birth: evanston, il

Places lived since: chicago

Parents: jacob walker, 55, provost; hillary walker, 55, fundraiser

Siblings: samantha walker, 29

Relationship with family: bea made her bones as the rebel of the family when she forged a permission note to get her ears pierced at a claire's at the tender age of seven. though she never wound up in juvie or getting expelled, her inability to let anything go meant that she was in the principal's office plenty. she wasn't a bad kid, per se, just willing to push their parents buttons in a way samantha wasn't interested in. she and her mother fought like cats and dogs when she was a teenager but with age calming bea the eff down and her mother accepting that bea is never going to be samantha, they get along much better. she's always been something of a daddy's girl so they're cool but he's the last person she ever wants to disappoint. as for sam...well, they're a work in progress. they've had a lot of ups and downs over the years and they're finally starting to see each other as humans rather than annoying younger sister/bossy older sister.

Children of her own?: sweet god no.

PHYSICAL

Height: 5'8

Build: average/athletic

Complexion: fair

Distinguishing features: The Hair.

Hair color: red

Usual hair style: long - it's her security blanket and only she is allowed to complain about it.

Eye color: brown

Glasses? Contacts?: reading glasses

Style of dress/typical outfit(s): bea's a skirt/dress kind of girl and likes vintage. classic with a modcloth twist, if you please.

Typical style of shoes: whatever she feels like

Health: good!

Grooming: fairly neat and tidy with a magpie attraction to lipstick that she never wears. she's addicted to dry shampoo because she washes her hair once a week because it's a goddamn production.

Jewelry? Tattoos? Piercings?: pierced ears, formerly pierced nose. she took it out for college graduation at her mother's request and never put it back in.

Accent?: nah

Unique mannerisms/physical habits: nah

Athletic?: more or less - gym gives her something to do outside of the apartment.

INTELLECT

Level of education: ba in english from northwestern; half an m.lis.

Level of self esteem: good!

Gifts/talents: bea is a big personality - she's outgoing and charming and a crusader for friends, family, and lost causes. she's smart, a voracious reader and devourer of all things literary from the classics to young adult. she's also a great dancer.

Shortcomings: bea is a stubborn, stubborn piece of work and a mouthy little shit. she never met a fight she doesn't want to get involved in.

Style of speech: feminine and bright.

Artistic?: ish - she painted some in high school and college but it's gone by the wayside.

Mathematical?: enough to function.

Makes decisions based mostly on emotions, or on logic?: emotions

Neuroses: she has to have a hardcopy of a book if she has it on her kindle, just in case.

Religious stance: catholic if she has to put something down on a survey

Cautious or daring?: daring

Most sensitive about/vulnerable to: criticism - she's still young and hasn't gotten used to it.

Optimist or pessimist?: optimist

Extrovert or introvert?: extrovert

Level of comfort with technology: damn good and damn attached - catch bea rolling with a laptop, tablet, cell phone, and kindle. if there's no wifi, she gets a little worried.

RELATIONSHIPS

Current marital/relationship status: single. uncomfortable crush on her sister's fiance. it's fine.

Sexual orientation: heterosexual

Past relationships: a handful here and there but she's been single since starting her master's.

Most comfortable around: kevin, every dog she meets

Oldest friend: sam sometimes, otherwise her best friend from high school

VOCATION

Profession: graduate student, library attendant

Past occupations: student, waitress

Attitude towards current job: well she hopes it's going to get her somewhere, that's for damn sure.

Attitude towards current coworkers, bosses, employees: she makes a concentrated effort to get along with everyone in the chicago public library system because #goals

SECRETS

Dreams: library domination, a grown up life that her parents aren't helping foot the bill for, dog ownership.

Greatest fears: failure, being alone in a bad way.

Hobbies: reading, going out, dogspotting.

Past sexual transgressions: no but she's damn close to committing one HAHAHAH

Crimes committed: nooooope.

What she most wants to change about her current life: she's sosososo close to graduating and being thrust into the real world that she's sick of waiting.

What she most wants to change about her physical appearance: nah. she should probably get a haircut but nah.

DETAILS/QUIRKS

Daily routine: it's a mish mash of class, gym, work, class work, and hanging out. she tries to make time to relax every day because otherwise she'll snap.

Night owl or early bird?: night owl

Light or heavy sleeper?: heavy

Favorite food: brownies

Favorite book: jane eyre

Favorite movie: atonement

Favorite song: "shut up and dance" by walk the moon

Coffee or tea?: coffee

Type of car she drives: nope

Lefty or righty?: righty

Favorite color: green

Cusser?: occasionally

Smoker? Drinker? Drug user?: nope/wine aunt/nope

Pets?: none yet but she falls in love with every single dog.

#c: bea walker

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shining-gem34 · 3 months ago

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@rvinfall replied to your post "FILL IN WITH DETAILS ABOUT YOUR..."

@shining-gem34 high elder of the bunyardha, dan bao

The absolute gobsmacked expression the High Elder of the bunyardha, Dan Bao had made. The audacity??? So shocked he can't even retort??? By bakery, they actually meant his ass???

Obligatory tag: @memovia

#moon drinker (il)#crack tag post #rvinfall #THEBEHEHE #I RUSHED DOODLE DAN FENF GOBSMACKED FACE

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shining-gem34 · 2 months ago

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“you can’t stop the rapture of your arteries, or the shredding of your heart’s chambers.” - from yaoshi :) to yinyue jun

Poetry Sentence Starters || Accepting @grislyintentions

TW: HEAVY Gore, Vomiting, Attempted Suicide

Is there joy in finding salvation? Is there salvation in finding joy?

Since the beginning of his tragedy, Yinyue Jun experienced the agony of his body consumed by the Abundance. The beauty of his Creator [Long] gifts have dulled forcing him to overgo an abnormal molting. A process too painful to the point his horns bled and his hardened scales turn tender and soft. The tightening in his chest, throat itchy enough for him to cough petals covered in crimson.

Once, Yinyue Jun examined the state of his body.

His blood turns cold when he sees the buds rooted inside him. They dig deep into his veins, drinking his ichor for nutrients. He tried to get rid of them only for them to return the next day. When the first sign of their buds break through muscles and tissues, through scales and skins, Yinyue Jun rips them off. Uncaring to the bloody mess he made, for pain is a welcoming price to purge his body of the Abundance taint.

Alas, Yaoshi refuses to leave him alone. The wounds heal in seconds, flawless and free of imperfections. Yet the buds remain on his person, more stubborn to remove than the old ink stains on his desk.

Four seasons passes, the buds bloom into hauntingly beautiful lotus blossoms.

Yinyue Jun claws dig under his skin and tear off the blooming buds off of him. He takes with it a chunk of his flesh. A pool of crimson, bigger than the last time, washes away the comforting blue. It is the only color he sees now.

The welcoming pain has turned numb, unable to decipher the heat of the sun or the smooth surface of jade. His bodily functions, including the magic in his veins, are drained away by the parasites. As a result, he grows lethargic where every step is a strain on his limbs. The block of ice inside him becomes bigger, obstructing the flow of his magic to their proper functions.

Yinyue Jun is numb, cold, and tired.

Yaoshi parasites are vicious, vivacious, and vigorous.

More season passes, Yinyue Jun new resident is in darkness.

Where is he? It doesn't matter anymore.

Whether he's chained underwater or laying under THEIR branches, it doesn't matter anymore. The beauty of his Creator [Long] gift has become twisted under Yaoshi hands.

He coughs more petals covered in blood, the pain in his chest growing every time. Azure scales lost their luster, flaking and falling revealing soft and tender pink flesh. His horns are now stumps after the second forced molting.

In his memories, the mirror is cracked after witnessing the monstrosity he's become. It's broken, he tore off his "crown" once he saw the buds forming.

Another violent cough breaks through his body. He twists his body, claws scratching at his throat as he vomits blood and petals. The pain in his chest unbearable to the point he wants to tear out his heart and end it all.

With the last of his strength, while he's still in control of his own life, Yinyue Jun claws move to his chest. He swallows, throat dry and raw from before determination flashes in his teal eyes.

His claws presses against his flesh before cutting it.

The sickening crack of his sternum breaking echoes in the chamber. He thinks he threw up another mouthful of blood. How strange he cannot feel the pain anymore. His hand digs deeper until his fingers wrap around a beating organ and yanks it out of him.

A gasp escape him, but it sounds more like a gurgle.

Though his eyelids feel heavy, the room is dark, he can make out the shape of his heart in his hand. It glows, not from his magic, but from the lotus flowers blooming. Their roots make home in his heart tissues. The green stems constrict it, reminding Yinyue Jun he is now a prisoner of Yaoshi.

In the form of this "curse" the Plagues Author casted on him.

Another sigh escapes Yinyue Jun.

He feels numb, cold and tired.

Yinyue Jun closes his eyes for the last time. There is no feeling in his limbs. There is no warmth left in his body. There is no life to give anymore to these parasites thriving in this corpse of a body.

Finally, he can rest and release his soul from this cage tainted by Yaoshi.

But alas, Yinyue Jun cannot find peace even in death.

For THEIR gaze is always on him.

A blinding golden-green light forces him to open his eyes to witness THEIR descent. Unable to decipher THEIR expression, there are hands on him; holding the one grasping the weakly beating heart. THEY gently guide the organ back into the void in his chest. A pulse of THEIR gift flows into Yinyue Jun, breathing life into his parasite-infested lungs.

He inhales sharply, eyes going wide in horror at the realization, "No..."

A sweep of THEIR fingers across his chest closes the void, leaving only a beautiful lotus right over his heart. Yinyue Jun shakes his head, denying everything that is happening him to be a nightmare.

"Give me death." Yinyue Jun demands, ignoring the flowers blooming on his now regrown horns. Ignores his tail, now covered in green-tinted blue scales, flickering angrily behind him. "I demand death! This is not what I wanted! I refuse to be under your prisoner, Plagues Author!"

His hands shoot up to wrap around THEIR neck; teal eyes blazing with pure hatred for the abomination before him.

Yinyue Jun doesn't recall THEIR expression, but in the back of his mind he realizes something:

The pain his body endured as it slowly eroded away is gone; like it never existed in the first place.

But there is no joy or salvation in this knowledge.

#jade answers (a ask)#jade writes (drabbles)#grislyintentions #moon drinker (il)#my bones rot/flowers bloom on my horns (Abundance AU-Yinyue Jun)#a shackled prisoner (angst/serious/gore)#sinking my teeth into your divine flesh/you feast on my heart: Imbibitor Lunae x Yaoshi (grislyintentions)#||Holyl shit this ended up a drabble #Dan Feng not having a good time yo #He just wants to be left alone and Yaoshi said no #warning tags pending (if needed)#tw: blood #tw: sui attempt #tw: gore

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shining-gem34 · 6 months ago

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Dan Feng/Dan Heng and the Aeons (1)

Note: This is all HC of what I think their opinions regarding the Aeons of Long, Lan, and Yaoshi until otherwise revealed.

"The Vidydhara, as a whole, do not forget our origins. The hatchlings of the present are not as devout as their seniors, but we cannot forget. Long existence is like a code etched deeply into our souls- A cycle we cannot escape from. Their gift...is both a blessing and a curse." -Dan Feng.

In general, Dan Feng respects Long and understands their importance to the Vidyadhara as a whole. As High Elder, he is required to partake in committees discussing his clan celebrations and give the final word where the planning is directed. In any important rituals, the leading role naturally falls to the High Elder to make sure it goes off without a hitch. Otherwise, in private, Dan Feng very little practices his faith. He holds Long, their Creator close to his heart. But, not so close he considers himself a devout worshipper compared to the other Vidyadhara. However, with the ongoing problem of the Vidyadhara species in slow decline and his personal issues- Dan Feng can't help resent Long just a little bit. After all, their blessing is starting to become more of a curse at this point. But how can he, a mortal, judge an Aeon? Not just any Aeon, but the Aeon of Permanence who given birth to the Vidyadhara. To reject Long, even deceased, is considered blasphemy.

"I do not share the Vidyadhara faith in Long. The reason...Well, I'm sure you understand why by now. Unfortunately, I am that man reincarnation. As long as I hold this power, my encounters with the Vidyadhara will not end here." -Dan Heng

Dan Heng has no love or hate towards Long. He acknowledges their existence, their importance to the Vidyadhara, and their relevance to him. He does not love Long, because he does not worship them- respect them, yes. He does not hate Long, because the ones who hurt him are their children. Besides, what reason does he have to hate an Aeon who ihas long passed away? Despite the Preceptors best efforts to educate him, Dan Heng obviously does not practice their faith in Long. If he must, it will be after the events in Xianzhou Luofu where he's learning more about their culture including the Vidyadhara. Something he never got to do during his imprisonment. Everything he learns and research will go into the databank. But also, it's helping Dan Heng understand more about a place he never saw as a home. Slowly, it may also help him gain a deeper understanding of his past incarnations knowledge and Long.

"The Reignbow Arbiter, unless summoned, has no reason to appear before us. We are their warriors, raising our weapons, and vowed to eliminate every last one of Yaoshi abominations. Yet, what honor can be gained for losing your life in this eternal war?" -Dan Feng

While Dan Feng is closer to Long than Lan, he respects them no less. The Reignbow Arbiter eternal pursuit against Yaoshi inspired the Xianzhou to take arms and follow them. Their beliefs aligned with Lan determination to eliminate the Abominations of Yaoshi and that hasn't changed even in the present.

Dan Feng is the High Elder of the Vidyadhara. Naturally, his first priority are his clan and the Xianzhou natives second. There are times when it is difficult to make a decision: to find a compromise. Because he is not only Vidyadhara, but he is also a soldier who spoke his vows to the Hunt as many others had done. The war he joins and fight is for the sake of his people AND the Xianzhou.

Is it conflicting when he follows Long and Lan? The simple answer is no, because there is no point in trying to understand what the Aeons are thinking (especially since Long has long passed.)

Dan Feng knows his priorities. It's in the present where his people rely on him for safety and guidance. It's where his friends/families, and his lovers (or fiances/spouse) matter the most to him.

He is the High Elder of the Vidyadhara Luofu, a member of the HCQ, a friend to a selected few, and...a lover to the most amazing people (Yingxing and Jing Yuan) in his life.

Dan Feng is never described as a person with feelings. But his heart, his human bleeds, seeing the loss in the endless war against the Abundance.

That's why he can never understand why so many see it as an honor to die fightning for their homeland. Not when they still have people waiting for them to return home.

And a part of him that he kept locked away resents Lan [Aeons] for this.

But again, Aeons are beyond mortal understanding. What does his opinion matter?

"Before I met Himeko, I was a wanderer. I followed the Hunt, because I felt like I was required to in order to redeem myself. Wherever I went, battles follow and I had to fight to survive. If an abomination of Abundance appeared...I felt compelled to fight and eliminate them. " -Dan Heng

Initially, Dan Heng believed if he followed the path of the The Hunt, then it would distance himself further away from Dan Feng. Not only that, but it would enforce his identity as "Dan Heng". The crimes of his past self had committed should've been absolved after he reincarnated. Yet, it didn't matter in the end as Dan Heng is punished for his past incarnation crimes. As for his opinion of Lan, Dan Heng will admit he is biased. He knows the consequences for seeking immortality; a monster. He agrees with Lan end goal- to kill Yaoshi. By extension, he also agrees with the Xianzhou cause as well. Dan Heng respects Lan and their ideals, but he does not walk the same path as their followers do. Because Dan Heng is an exile, marked as a criminal for a sin his past incarnation had done. But that's alright, because Dan Heng found his place in the universe as a Nameless on the Astral Express.

"Do not heed the words of Yaoshi worshippers. The Plague Authors mercy is a curse in disguise of a blessing. Their "love" is sweet on the tongue, but they're vile. A disease festering in your core. A parasite slowly eating away your life and sanity as your body rots." -Dan Feng

Dan Feng absolutely abhors Yaoshi, but more than that he hates himself for resorting to use a flesh of an Emanator of Abundance. But he believed at the time he was doing the right thing for the right cause. In the aftermath, within his prison, he feels only regrets and defeat...

"I do not agree with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. There's a reason why Yaoshi existence does more harm than good. They bring life, but they also sow discord and suffering. Dan Feng knew that, so why did he...?" -Dan Heng

Dan Heng is absolutely confused why his past incarnation committed one of the Unpardonable Sins. He abhors Yaoshi, any of their children are dead on sight.

#jade personal headcanons #moon drinker (il)#the guard of the express (dan heng)#lotus moon blooming from mud (il dan heng)#this took way too long to think about and summarize it #Me trying to break down their thoughts about Lan and Long #Yaoshi- Straight up hates them no hesitation #For Dan Feng he hates himself and and is disgusted with himself for choosing what he had to do #Which is trying to make things right but was it really right #Good intentions he had but it did fucked up big time #why am I so extra about the grahpics #I just did it #might need to edit this later or expand it in a different post

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shining-gem34 · 7 months ago

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@celestial-narwhal: Yingxing will kiss so gently, cupping his cheeks as if they're made from delicate petals- Only for it to fade into Blade, gripping his cheeks with a harsh snarl [kill] "What have you done to me."

Dan Feng Appeared! What do you do?

CW: Stabbings and uhhh murder (in name of self-defense) will be under cut.

The stress of today troubles melts away with his beloved star gentle kiss. Moments like these are fleeting that if Yinyue Jun isn't careful- it'll be gone in a blink of an eye. For Yingxing and his short life, he savors every bit of his love freely given to him. Yet it was never enough for Yinyue Jun.

To think the esteemed High Elder became so greedy. Every second of the day spent with his star is a treasure he zealously guards close to his heart like a possessive dragon.

"Yingxing." Yinyue Jun sighs happily against his lips. He raises his hands to cup Yingxing cheeks, "I wish for this moment to last forever, my burning star."

But "forever" is crueler than death as "love" can become poison.

The dream crumbles like sand and slips between his fingers.

In front of Yinyue Jun is a stranger who wears the same face as his beloved star. Instead of violet eyes filled with love, he meets a pair of crimson eyes twisted by hate. The hands grasping his cheek burns as if this man wants to turn him into ashes.

"You...!" The High Elder snarls, reaching to wrench this man hands away from him.

Then the squelch of a blade sinking into flesh is heard loud and clear.

Azure eyes are wide and horrified to see Cloud Piercer in his hands. The blade cutting flesh and crushing the sternum before it aims straight for the heart. Crimson rivulets drip down the spear, staining his hands red with his blood. His vision blurs, watching the man coughs on his own blood yet his beastly eyes never left him.

Realization dawns on Yinyue Jun and his voice wavers, "I...What have I-"

"I'm not him!" Another voice, younger and panicked, screams in the darkness.

The illusion is gone, Dan Heng shoulders tremble with barely concealed frustration. His eyes are wide with fear, but filled with determination to live and survive another day.

"How many times must I say it until will you accept it? That man crimes has nothing to do with me- He is dead."

Resolved, the youth digs his spear deeper into Blade heart waiting for his life to fade.

"I. Am. Not. Dan Feng!"

When the light is gone from Blade eyes, he retracts back his spear. The body goes limp, falling to the ground with a hole in his chest. Blood gathering into a pole underneath him, cold and unmoving. Dan Heng eyes him warily before he turns his back and leaves without another glance.

Sooner or later, and hopefully much later, the ghost will rise again after a brief respite in Death embrace.

The chase will continue. This dance of sword and spear, of life and death, will never end until one of them truly dies.

#moon drinker (il)#cluster of gems (dash game/bingo)#celestial narwhal #the drinks we shared I will never forget: Imbibitor Lunae x Yingxing (celestialnarwhal)#under the red moon the hunt never ends; Dan Heng & Blade (celestialnarwhal)#fuk you starry (affectionately)#I saw Yingxing and I was ready to be chiken tendy like with Jing Yuan #Then I read the rest of it and my heart got stabbed repeatedly #Dan Heng jumpscare smh #This is gonna fuck Dan Heng up for a WHILE

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shining-gem34 · 3 months ago

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The High Elder, Dan Bao Feng, is growing concern by the conversation of...his bottom of all things. Why is this a popular topic???

#glittering starlight (dash commentary)#moon drinker (il)#HSHRJEBEIDHD #Dan Bao has a cult formed now

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shining-gem34 · 3 months ago

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FILL IN WITH DETAILS ABOUT YOUR MUSE AS IF THEY WERE A CHARACTER IN A DATING SIM.

NAME — Dan Feng

PROFESSION — High Elder of the Vidyadhara Luofu. A member of the High-Cloud Quintet. Lastly, a highly-dangerous criminal after committing the Unpardonable Sins.

WHERE THEY CAN BE FOUND — Due to his busy schedule, Dan Feng is usually in his office in the Alchemy Commission. Otherwise, during his rare breaks, he can be found in the Exalting Sanctum/Central Starskiff Haven/Artisans Commission.

FAVORITE FOOD TYPE — High-grade seafood dishes with hot soup and a vegetable dish. His guilty pleasure? Crispy chip snacks and sweet buns fresh from the steamer.

FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK — Shaojiu!

WHERE THEY WOULD GO ON A DATE — Dan Feng is more than happy to get a chance to leave his office, especially to spend time with you. He wants to make the most of his limited free time with you as much as he can. So as long as the date location isn't anywhere near the Preceptors (or Alchemy Commission in general), he doesn't mind wherever you go.

Personally, Dan Feng likes to have a date somewhere private so do plan accordingly like a reservation at a tea house or restaurant, or make sure if you both are planning a stroll there will be no one to disturb him.

After all, Dan Feng is still the High Elder so people will approach him any chances they can get.

IDEAL GIFT — Dan Feng will accept the jewels/fabrics you give him and thank you politely for it. However, they are items he is used to seeing on a daily basis. Sure, they satisfy his draconic side but what moves his human heart is gifts of sentimental value. Any gifts you give him, especially handmade, with Dan Feng in mind, he will treasure them more than jewels.

HOW MANY DATES UNTIL THEY KISS — A LONG while unless you push his buttons and get him to kiss you on the lips. Outside of that, he'll kiss your cheek or forehead. Chu! <3

Tagged by: @memovia Tagging: YOU! Go do it if you haven't!

#cluster gems together (dash game/bingo)#moon drinker (il)#||Yes I had to add the last part for his profession #||Dan Feng also took some time cause I wanted to be extra with graphics. kek

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shining-gem34 · 4 months ago

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Inspired by Yaoshi Propaganda by @grislyintentions

When news of the fanatics propaganda spread far and wide, it was no surprise it reached the High Elder ears. Unfortunately, one of the many retainers was saddled with the role of reporting it to Yinyue Jun. Every second he reads the flyers, the source of the chaos, the temperature of the room drops to chilling numbers. The air becomes suffocating to the point the retainer swallows reflexively. They knew underneath his still-water appearance, Yinyue Jun is livid.

"I give permission for the Cloud Knights to continue investigating the Alchemy Commission. Inform the Chief Alchemist of my decision as well that they are to cooperate with them." Yinyue Jun said bluntly, his tone commanding with no room for objection. He slams the flyer down on his desk, teal eyes staring coldly, "My orders are simple: If anymore of these filth are found, confiscate them all and burn them. If you find anyone distributing these, inform a Pearl Keeper or a Cloud Knight. They will handle the rest."

"Yes, High Elder." The retainer bows, mentally routing the quickest way to spread their lord order. However, another issue comes to mind, "What about the Preceptors, My Lord...?"

Yinyue Jun waves a his hand, dismissing his retainer concerns, "Repeat my orders I've told you to them. If they still wish to quibble with me, I will be more than happy to remind them who is in charge here."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Dismissed. If anymore issue arises, inform me immediately."

The retainer bows again before they politely excused themselves and left the room to relay their lord orders. Now alone in his office, Yinyue Jun leans back against his chair with a sigh. He pinches his brows to soothe an incoming headache. A warning it will be the first of many to come the longer he stares at the parchment.

Yinyue Jun wishes it was only a prank done by an ignorant brat.

Unfortunately, the flyers are too well-made for a concerning yet simple prank.

Under the banner of the Plague Authors, the Sanctus Medicus took a different approach to their divine mission. The fanatics sought to spread the world of their "true savior" and THEIR mercy. They sought to appeal the masses with false promises of healing their flawed bodies and mind. They sought to win people hearts over and recruit them into their cult.

The printed letterings reek of the abominations of Yaoshi.

But what concerned the High Elder is the so-called recipe for "The Cure". The ingredients matches the components used in the batches of draughts and pellets they confiscated months ago. A lovely tip from an undercover agent leading to a raid on one of their many hideouts and arresting the criminals.

Not only that, but the recipe is mass-produced and distributed throughout the Luofu like trash littering the street. No one would give it a second glance. At the end of the day, they are but nonsense spewed by fanatics.

Yet, Yinyue Jun knew it wasn't so simple.

When it comes to mortals, their greatest flaw will always be curiosity desperation.

People drive to reach greater heights in life, to rid their bodies of sickness and death, to attain perfection in the form of complete immortality. In the eyes of Xianzhou Law, they are beyond salvation. They have fallen from the path of The Hunt and straight into Yaoshi cruel embrace. THEIR loving whispers of promise, honeyed poison injected into their veins, corrupts their body and mind; tainting their soul in THEIR colors.

Someone, anyone, will be tempted to try the recipe; try to join the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.

The High Elder knows the fanatics have accomplished their goal.

At a first glance, the Sanctus Medicus are acting careless by putting themselves out in the open. However, the ends justify the means. As long as someone, even a single person, can be conformed and join their cult- they have won.

That's why these flyers are dangerous with how transparent they are to all eyes.

"The damage has already been done. We can only try to minimize it and stop it from spreading." Yinyue Jun sighs again, glaring at the parchment in his hands.

It stinks of the Plague Author.

Whoever hands it might be, the High Elder can smell THEIR scent on the paper. THEIR blood mixing into the ink of the words. THEIR nectar, sickly sweet and floral perfume, sprayed all over the parchment. THEIR divine power lingers, featherlight like a lover touch.

Curious, Yinyue Jun summons a bit of his magic. The water droplet soaks into the paper and nothing happens for the first minute. Then, a bud sprouts at the center. It grows in multiples and propagates, feeding from a single drop of the High Elder magic.

When the phenomenon stops, the flyer has transformed into a bouquet of white lotuses tainted in a golden-green glow. The crimson center at the ends resembles eyes watching him.

"How nauseating you are. How disgusting you are. How abhorrent you are." Yinyue Jun hisses, fingers trailing against the dot of crimson. His eyes glow a bright blue, "Disappear from my sight, Plague Author."

A silent command of his magic drowns the hideous thing in a ball of water. Scythe-like water blades tears it apart before purifying the tainted flowers. The sphere of water unfurls like blooming lotus flowers and bubbles of golden light disappears into thin air.

With a relaxed sigh, Yinyue Jun flicks his wrist and the water disappears as well. The glow of his teal eyes gone as well.

"Now then, I should hear the old bags of lizard turd storm into my office within the next half an hour." The High Elder picks up his brush and updates his list of things to do today with the sudden trouble of the fanatics.

Indeed, he'll have nothing but headaches for the next few days.

#moon drinker (il)#shackled prisoner (angst/serious/gore)#my bones rot/flowers bloom on my horns (AU- Yinyue Jun)#grislyintentions #jade writes (drabbles)

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