Gearlīc Spell or gearlīcspell is about as close as I can get to the Old English "yearly update." I found the phrase to be somewhat convoluted, and I gave up researching it fairly quickly. Anyhow, it's now January 11, 2026, and long past New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Still, although it's late, the Lonestar Hobby Blog wishes you and yours a very happy 2026. This page will be updated monthly.
Note:
- 🍷This page covers various kinds of alcoholic beverages and should be avoided by those less than 21 years old in the U.S.
- We don't promote the use of these kinds of drinks or encourage their use in any way.
- We do not sell anything from this blog or this page in particular.
- We do not represent any company, save for fictional ones that are the creation of the Lonestar Hobby Blog and used in storytelling.
- You must also be of legal drinking age to peruse this page, wherever you may be located in the world.
- This page is for educational purposes only, including ongoing fictional news related to the blog.
- The reviews herein cite AI-generated descriptions, while the images were taken by Ren Adama.
- Statement of abstinence: The beverages shown on this page were not consumed by yours truly; however, I did have permission to take the pictures, and most of the drinks appear sitting on my makeshift desk.
- Again, we don't support or promote the sale or consumption of any kind of alcoholic beverage(s).
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| Yearly Update |
January 2006
Today, I, the blog author Ren Adama, will break the 4th wall and speak to you in the guise of the fictional Dr. Robert Williamson. I'll speak to you throughout the year, on this very page. Let us begin!
Welcome to the January update, where we begin our examination of Dobbs County and Dobbs City. Today, we begin to examine the DC Brewery and provide a featured short story (or flash fiction story, if the case may be). Herein, we will cover the beverages that are available or made/distributed in the fictional Dobbs County, Texas. When possible, we will review divers kinds of drinks. I hope you enjoy the reviews.
We will also talk about Dobbs City on this page. Perhaps you've heard of this mysterious place? You might see something familiar here, as most of the beverages are loosely based on "real-life" drinks. But hey, what does "real life" really mean? People in Dobbs City know and appreciate all of these beverages. Perhaps "real life" people do as well. (?) Check out the Dobbs Universe tag on this blog to view some stories that take place in that mysterious and sometimes scary realm in Texas. There are other stories, too, so don't overlook them; we cover more than just Dobbs City/County. - Dr. Robert Williamson, Director of Dobbs Institute. Check out the following images and stories related to the Dobbs Universe:
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| The Case of Eleanor Sinclair |
In The Case of Eleanor Sinclair, a policeman contacts the family of the late Eleanor Sinclair.
Steel Reserve. High Gravity Lager. 8.1% ALC./VOL. The steel brewing company. This lager is quite popular, both in Dobbs City and the world at large. It sits in the coolers of many convenience stores. "The '211' logo is a stylized mark inspired by ancient symbols for steel, indicating the brew's 'strength' and 'high gravity' nature."
Steel Reserve. Slow-brewed for exceptionally smooth flavor. 211; this is a slow-pour beer. This is a popular slow-pour brew, but if you pour it too fast, you'll have a large and almost undrinkable head. It is a fairly cheap beer, and it's available in almost every place in Dobbs City that sells alcohol.
"Steel Reserve (specifically the 211 High Gravity Lager) reviews are mixed, generally seen as a budget-friendly, high-alcohol malt liquor known for its strong, sweet, malty flavor, often compared to corn syrup or candy, with critics calling it "syrupy" and "boozy," while fans appreciate its powerful buzz and smooth, drinkable profile for the price, especially when served ice-cold. Its flavor is described as overwhelmingly sweet malt with hints of honey or corn, low hops, and sometimes a slight chemical or solvent aftertaste, with its main appeal being its high alcohol content (8.1% ABV) and low cost."
Key aspects of Steel Reserve reviews:
Flavor & Aroma: Sweet, malty, full-bodied, sometimes described as syrupy, with notes of corn, honey, or even bubblegum; can have a boozy or slightly chemical finish.
Texture: Creamy head, fine bubbles keeping it fresh, but it can feel heavy or syrupy in the mouth.
Strength: High-gravity lager (8.1% ABV), offering a strong alcoholic kick, making it effective for getting buzzed.
Value: Considered a great value due to its low price point for its strength.
Serving Suggestion: Most reviewers agree it must be served ice-cold to improve drinkability and mask some of its strong flavors.
Overall perception:
For some: A solid, effective, cheap beer that delivers on its promise of a strong buzz, with surprisingly smooth drinkability when cold.
For others: An unpleasant, overly sweet, and "bad" tasting experience, best avoided, with strong negative connotations often associated with malt liquors.
Function: Often used as a "get the job done" beer for budget-conscious drinkers seeking potency over complex flavor.
Source of this information: Google AI. Steel Reserve.
What the reviewers say: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 7/10.
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| February Update |
February 2026: Valentine's Celebration Month
Origins & History
Multiple Valentines: The day is named after one or more Christian martyrs named Valentine, with various legends surrounding them, including one who secretly married soldiers.
Roman Roots: Some theories link it to the Roman fertility festival Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February.
Medieval Romance: The link to romantic love grew in the 14th-15th centuries, coinciding with spring's "lovebirds".
Official Holiday: King Henry VII declared February 14th St. Valentine's Day in England in 1537.
Spending: Americans spend billions on this holiday.
Source: Google.
Dobbs Universe
DC Brewery. The Brewery is the preeminent package store and the only Brewery in Dobbs County. In addition to carrying most, if not all, liquors and spirits, it also produces DC Red Wine and DC Ale. The latter two are very popular in town. They're also happy to take custom orders and will order anything you want. The brewery employs a number of Dobbs City residents and has been in the same family for three generations. Currently, sisters Jennifer Leigh Stewart and Riley Rae Chandler own and operate the company.
