Sat Dec 06 14:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Caitlin Lovinger reviews Marshal Herrmann’s Saturday crossword debut in The New York Times, praising its challenging but rewarding difficulty and clever trivia clues. The puzzle is themeless, with a unique free-association vibe in each corner, and features many new entries. Lovinger highlights specific clues and answers, such as SPICED ALES, TECHNO BEAT, SORBETS, and MEAT SWEATS, offering interesting facts and insights into the solutions. She finds the top third of the puzzle the most challenging.

News Article:

Marshal Herrmann Delivers Quizzical Delight in Saturday Crossword Debut

NEW YORK – Crossword enthusiasts were treated to a brain-tickling challenge this weekend with Marshal Herrmann’s debut Saturday crossword in The New York Times. The puzzle, reviewed by Caitlin Lovinger, eschews a traditional theme, opting instead for a clever, free-associative structure in each corner.

“It’s a good Saturday workout,” Lovinger notes, “and many of the trivia clues are outstanding.” She highlighted the unique pairings in each corner and the inclusion of several entries making their Times Crossword debut.

Among the clues drawing particular attention were:

  • 5A: “‘Tis the season for [Winter quaffs]” – The answer, SPICED ALES, proved a new one for many solvers.
  • 16A: “[Source of rhythm in electronic music]” – The solution, TECHNO BEAT, underscored the genre’s defining 120-140 beats per minute.
  • 22A: “[Treats whose name is derived from the Arabic for ‘to drink’]” – SORBETS, with their rich history tracing back to ancient Middle Eastern ice-storing techniques.
  • 58A: “[Side effect after a BBQ meal, informally]” – MEAT SWEATS, a colloquial term for diet-induced thermogenesis.

While Lovinger found the top third of the puzzle particularly tricky, she ultimately lauded Herrmann’s quick-witted creation as a thoroughly enjoyable experience for seasoned crossword solvers. It is Hermann’s third crossword for The Times, following two previous puzzles on Tuesdays.

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