The Fig File for 02.09.09 by: Mike Figliola

The Fig File for 02.09.09 by: Mike Figliola

The Fig File: A Word About Jim Koch.

Every year the creator of Samuel Adams Beer Jim Koch, a beer that is as Boston as beans and them dang Red Sox are, comes to WOR dressed in khakis, blue button down Samuel Adams shirt and his gregarious laugh to unveil to our audience brand new beer offerings.

Needless to say, this is one of the best days of the year for those of us lucky enough to be working on this segment. I use the term working very loosely here.

This time round, Jim brought us his Sam Adams Imperial Series; Imperial because of it’s big time flavors and put-hair-on-your-chest alcohol level and series, because there were three: Imperial White Ale, Imperial Double Bock and Imperial Stout. I started off as an Imperial White man myself but by the end of our time with Jim, the creamy in your face taste of the Double Bock won me over. Priced at $9.99 a four pack (believe you need not drink more than four, especially if you have anywhere to walk to) the Imperial Series is another triumph for the Sam Adams brewers.

But about Jim Koch, a humble man; family oriented, beer lover and immersed in the daily operations of his product - think Scrooge McDuck swimming in his money and loving every minute of it, now imagine Jim swimming in a vat of Sam Adams. He is the Willy Wonka of Beer! Beyond that, Jim is born out of the blue collar red blooded American home, building his beer empire from the bottom up on a recipe that he found in his attic many moons ago. Sitting with him, you are instantly engaged and chatting with an old friend about everything from beer (of course) to the state of the economy and high-fiving at the end. That is Jim Koch. That is what America lacks these days - true, hard working, dedicated wide eyed and smiling with the bigger picture in mind, not just the welfare of their own hide.

This year, Jim Koch introduced his Imperial series of beers. This from a humble man from Beantown. Hey America, take notice: this is what you are lacking! Kudos Mr. Koch. 

Odds and Ends: George W is Will Ferrell.

Fourteen hours later, I am still laughing. Will Ferrell as Former President George W. Bush was an hour and a half (no intermission) of a maniacal and carnival like take on our former President and his pals - although I am sure the rendition didn’t fall too far from the truth. I will say, Ferrell’s  version of Condi Rice as a fly girl dancing with the President was a much better version than the Rice presented at the 9/11 Commission hearings. Bottom line: go see (if you can still get a ticket, it was sold out when I went)  You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush.  One note, I found that a comedian, Will Ferrell really was no different than the comedian we had in the White House the last 8 years. While Ferrell was very funny, sadly, G.W was not

The Cort Theater
138 West 48th Street
Btwn 6th and 7th venues