Hey there, Drinkers!
Tonight we’re feeling a little reserved with Firestone Walker’s Reserve Porter and Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 film Reservoir Dogs. Is that pairing a bit of a stretch? Hell to the no! I pair what I want! So let’s dive in, drop a couple of F-bombs and start drinking!
Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs is, for those who don’t know, classically Tarantino. The shots are stylish, the dialogue sharp and the plot can be easily boiled down. That last one is especially true for this film. As we move back and forth through time, from character to character (another classic Tarantino maneuver), we piece together a botched heist and the subsequent mistrust between the surviving robbers. And that’s pretty much it. About 85% of the film is non-essential dialogue. Rather, we are treated to extended conversations about stuff that isn’t particularly important or enlightening. And while the dialogue is easy and natural, it does seem buckle under its own weight after awhile. For example, the opening sequence (shot at the diner down the hill from where I went to college) is an extended discussion of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and the socioeconomic implications of tipping waitresses. While these are interesting conversations, we actually learn very little about our characters. I’m happy to go along with it for a time, since the writing is pretty good, but as the majority of the film continues along this same line, it gets a bit old after awhile.
Yap yap yap yap yap yap
But dialogue and narrative aside, I really enjoy Reservoir Dogs. It has striking visuals, uncomfortably long takes and a 70’s soundtrack that keeps the mood light despite the amount of blood-per-capita the audience is treated to. I do have one lingering question, and its the same question I had when I first saw this film several years ago: who shot Nice Guy Eddie?! Does Mr. White kill both of them? I don’t get it! GAH!
Stuck in the middle with blood
And how about our reservoir of Reserve Porter from the fine brewers over at Firestone Walker? I’m not sure what makes this beer a “reserve” but it’s not too bad. It pours a nice dark red/black and has a substantial caramel-colored head. The smell is pretty much the same as the flavor you get: simple chocolatey malt. Unfortunately that’s really all you get. It has a medium-body for a porter and the flavor seems to dissipate pretty rapidly. All in all, I found this porter to be a bit unimpressive. It’s not bad, it just doesn’t do much for me. I’ve never been one for porters and this one didn’t do much to sway my opinion. If I want a darker, fuller-bodied beer, I think I’ll stick to stouts.
And there you have it folks, a reserved evening of beer and…dogs? Yeah, still unclear as to why it’s titled that way but I know better than to question Mr. Tarantino. Anyway, despite what I’ve said, it wasn’t that bad of a night. The movie was still pretty enjoyable and the beer was fine. Sure, the beer could have been better and Reservoir Dogs could have been a bit tighter but I’m all for a little relaxation.
Thanks for stopping by and, as always, keep drinking my friends!
Tonight’s Tasting Notes:
Firestone Walker’s Reserve Porter:
-Nice, dark color & caramel color
-Classic, dark malty flavor
-Flavor dissipates quickly. Too bad
Reservoir Dogs:
-Strong, deliberate visual style
-Lots of talking with little substance
-Plenty o’ blood n’ cussin’
beer and a movie 