A Book & A Beer – Hook’s Tale by John Pielmeier


I will readily admit that I am a Peter Pan freak. It speaks to my duality though that sometimes I am the Boy Who Never Grew U and other times I am much more Hook-ish in nature.

So half of me was ready to believe again in Hook’s Tale by John Pielmeier.

Though not a children’s book by any stretch, it is a quick read. It posits the other side of the story of how one James Cook got to Neverland, what was up with the massive crocodile and how the Hook came about. Replete with daddy issues and time at sea.

The set-up requires Cook before Hook to be able to fly at least until his supply of fairy dust is used up and he is the one that gets Peter to visit the Darling family so plenty of good call backs to the original book/play/panto. I didn’t quite get fully drawn into the explanation of the Neverland chain of islands but it does keep the universe contained.

The beer choices are a bit on the rum side. So let’s get on board the Jolly Roger and drink….

The Bruery – Tell No Tales
“Amongst the shipwreck that washed ashore, rum barrels were found. But the real treasure was the aging ale within. Once lost at sea, Tell No Tales is an imperial ale brewed with a bounty of yams and spices, aged in bourbon and rum barrels to temper the squalls ahead.”

Prairie Artisan – Pirate Bomb
“Pirate bomb is our beer Prairie Bomb! aged in rum casks. The flavor from the casks helps impart more vanilla and coconut flavors to the beer while helping to add more body and smoothness to the already explosive and expressive flavors of Bomb!”

Kona Brewing – Longboard Lager
“Longboard Island Lager is a smooth refreshing lager fermented and aged for five weeks at cold temperatures to yield its exceptionally smooth flavor. A delicate, slightly spicy hop aroma complements the malty body of this beer.”