Error Establishing Database Connection■ by Cigar City (Final Review of 2015)

December 31, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 404, cacao nibs, cigar city, Cognac Barrels, English Barleywine, Error Establishing Database Connection, Glitches, orange peel, Sgt. Tamora Calhoun, Vanellope Von Schweetz, Wreck-It-Ralph | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Error Establishing Database Connection■ by Cigar City is a � � %ABV English Barleywine with orange peel and cacao nibs added and aged in Cognac Barrels

Label:
404 Beer Info Cannot Be Found ■

==Introduction==

\\Animebeers.com I/O
BeerReview.XML ()

FINAL12312015: There was an error establishing this beer to the website. Many attempts have been made to obtain the necessary data to obtain the beer from host server CigarCity.com. A proper Beer protocol has responded from URL www.mybeercollectibles.com at a low cache transmission. Please proceed with caution as the available log shows the results of the search in details.

Abort Retry or Cancel?
Retrying in 3, 2, 1……

Aromas:
Chocolate Green Tea, Orange Creamcicle, Chocolate Orange Fruit Cake, orange blossom flowers, honey, mint, chamomile, hibiscus, lavender, anise, cognac, honey, oak, mandarine orange preserves, rye bread, agave nectar, dark fruit boysenberries, plum, cloudberries, currants, dark cherries, hazelnut nectar, marshmallows, vanilla, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie and wne notes.

Flavors:
Orange and Chocolate Fruit cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, fancy coffee, mocha, orange cream cicle, dark fruit boysenberries, plum, cloudberries, currants, dark cherries, blueberry muffins, raisins oatmeal cookies, juniper berries, cognac, oak, marshmallows, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, orange blossom flowers, honey, mint, chamomile, hibiscus, lavender, Oolong Tea, Earl Grey Tea, Jasmine tea, green tea ice cream, anise, molasses, absinthe, licorice, Bergamot Oranges, Sweet Limes (Limas), Agave nectar, port wine, fennel, peat moss, pecan pie, rocky road ice cream, mandarin orange and tangerine preserves on toasted rye bread.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with some rich dark fruit flavors, herbal teas, oranges, citrus, port wine, cognac, earthy notes, chocolate, oak, and vanilla. No alcohol in the aftertaste, Full brown body, muddy, milky, creamy and smooth mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Executing process: Bucket List.
Well, enough of the IT and computer lingo. This beer is on some other level of flavors. It is super damn unique but also doesn’t seem to stay in one place at once. By that I meant the flavors keep evolving into something it is not. Biting into an Apple but getting orange flavors then peach. Crazy unstable by exceptionally delicious stuff. This beer speaks volumes of uniqueness. So much complex flavors but mainly in so many unique tangents of palette experience. For choosing this one as the last beer of the year, I think I did a very good job. Just an epitome to the ever changing craft beer landscape along with people’s palates as well as the fusion of the culinary with the brewing processes. Highly Recommended and See You Next Brew Year! Happy holidays to you and yours.

Anime Corner:
Vanellope Von Schweetz and Sgt. Tamora Calhoun from Disney’s Wreck-It-Ralph were used in this pairing as I always wanted use them in a beer review for the longest time. What a great way to pair them with a Computer based beer that screams glitches and null errors. Just like Vanellope’s Data Anomalous characteristics. Complimentary to this superposition beer. Like Vanellope’s glitching that keeps providing unexpected events in the movie, this beer keeps changing and providing so many expected twists and turns. The unknown strength of this beer is what she is basically capable. Sgt. Tamora Calhoun was added to the beer as well as she is like the Samus bounty Hunter-esque character in the movie. I think she fits right into this one for cyber space and the ever changing video game landscape.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Vanellope.von.Schweetz.full.1381424.jpg
http://orig10.deviantart.net/87cb/f/2013/114/5/8/vanellope_von_schweetz_by_squigi-d62va1u.png
http://static.zerochan.net/Wreck-it.Ralph.full.1723274.jpg

2015 Chocolate Salty BBLS by the Bruery

December 31, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Aeris Gainsborough, Barret Wallace, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Cait Sith, Chef, Chef Aid, Chocolate Salty Balls, Chocolate Salty BBLS, Cid Highwind, Cloud Strife, Fina Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy 7, Imperial Stout, Red XIII, Salt, South Park, The Bruery, Tifa Lockhart, vanilla beans, Vincent Valentine, Yuffie Kasaragi | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2015 Chocolate Salty BBLS by the Bruery is a 16.4% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Beans, Cacao Nibs and Salt Added.

Label:
CHEF’S SURPRISE
A luxurious confection of sweet and savory.

Chocolate Salty BBLs is bold and salty and brown. Chocolate Salty BBLs gives you a savory , sweetmeat experience meant for sharing with friends.

==Introduction==

Two tables spoons of cinnamon…. and 2 or 3 egg whites …..a half a stick of butter…. mmm melted…. Stick it all in a bowl baby… Stir it with a wooden spoon…. mix in a cup of flour….. you’ll be in heaven soon… Say everybody have you seen this beer its big and salty and brown, if you ever need to pick… this one up… just go the Bruery NOW!! Ooohhh go get some Chocolate Salty BBLs… pour them in a glass and suck em!

LMAO!!!
Okay, but seriously though, pretty bold move from the Bruery on this one. It is an awesome feeling to have a South Park beer though. This one was released from the Bruery exclusively to Reserve and Hoarders members so unless you are willing to trade or out right buy, that will be the only way to get this one. This one seems like Chocolate Rain with salt and lower ABV but I guess I will have to see exactly what going down on these BBLs will be like. Wish me luck and cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark and milk chocolate, bourbon, salted caramel, oak, vanilla, Whiskey, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, Kahlua Liqueur, mocha, chocolate mousse, dark fruit raisins, plum, figs, raspberries, roasted cashews, tootsie roll candy, fudge brownies, brown sugar, oreo cookie, chocolate chips, oatmeal, fudge brownies, flan, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, toasted coconut, port wine, cherry chocolate cordials, toffee, cinnamon, Cookie Dough Ice cream, choco flan and smores chocolate.

Flavors:
Salted caramel, Milk Chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Baker’s Chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toffee, Bourbon, Oak, Whiskey, Cookie Dough Ice cream, choco flan, Kahlua Liqueur, chocolate covered funnel cake, milk shake, black currants, roasted cashews, tootsie roll candy, fudge brownies, dark fruit raisins, plum, figs, raspberries, rocky road ice cream, mocha, coffee, brown sugar, oreo cookie, chocolate chips, oatmeal, fudge brownies, flan, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, toasted coconut, hazelnut, pecan pie, leather, tobacco, rye bread, cherry cordials and port wine hints.

Aftertaste:
Mild Salty aftertaste, caramel, chocolate, dark fruit, flan, oak, bourbon, brown sugar, white fudge, chocolate fudge and port wine. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Pitch black with brown lacing full body, smooth, creamy, syrupy and rich mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
No doubt, these Chocolate Salty balls are orgasmic! (No pun intended lol) There is no Brandy in this beer but bourbon is just a good a spirit to use to aged this brew. Essentially, this is a moderately light Chocolate Rain with salt. It may not seem like much but it does add an additional level of complexity and it is different overall as it is a lighter beer than Chocolate Rain. Overall, while the name may seem to make it a gimmicky beer, The Bruery really knows what they are doing and it does seem to be the beer it intends to be. The salty aspect is mild and is mainly in the after taste but it sure does make it a bit different than chocolate rain as there seems to be more of a lighter balance in flavors by only a slight and yet still so damn complex and potent. Highly damn recommended!!

By the way, if you wanna know where the name of the beer originated as well as the song, check this Youtube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIl-6UnlGVs

Anime Corner:
Tifa Lockhart and the Final Fantasy VII cast as well as Chef himself from South Park were used in this pairing for many reasons. Right around the time South Park especially this song became famous, I was still in high school. Back in 1997, Final Fantasy VII was released. I got the game around Christmas and around that time I was heavily invested in wanting to get a Playstation to get this game. My friends Alfredo Gutierrez and Jose Almanza introduced me to the Chef Aid: South Park Album with the Chocolate Salty Balls song on it near the end of 1998. So the fact that these 2 things came out around my High School years, it was a good reason to bring them together with this beer pairing. A tribute to the South Park song and my RPG playing childhood. LOL Anime Chef Rules!!

Sources:
http://orig12.deviantart.net/ee4c/f/2015/101/d/6/d67cb3a90750227a1fdc49ec96f4b3b1-d8pcwho.jpg
http://orig01.deviantart.net/2491/f/2015/203/f/d/vii_by_benlo-d92fve0.jpg
http://t.wallpaperweb.org/wallpaper/games/1024×768/Final_fantasy_vii__tifa__anime_wallpaper_original.jpg
http://southparkstudios.mtvnimages.com/images/shows/south-park/clip-thumbnails/season-8/0801/south-park-s08e01c10-chefs-warning-16×9.jpg?

2015 Dragon’s Milk by New Holland brewing

December 31, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Dragon's Milk, Imperial Milk Stout, Legend of Mana, Milk Stout, New Holland Brewing, Sierra, Sweet Stout | 1 Comment

Rating: 5.5/6

2015 Dragon’s Milk by New Holland brewing is an 11% ABV Imperial Milk/Sweet Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Roasty Malt character intermingled with deep vanilla tones, all dancing in an oak bath. Pairings: red meat, smoked foods, balsamic, rich cheese & dark chocolate.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Dragon’s Milk is a 17th century term used to describe the strong beer usually reserved for royalty. This strong ale was aged in oak for over 120 days. The aging process extracts flavors from the wood, which contribute to its complex character. Hints of bourbon flavor perfectly complement its roasted malts to produce a beer fit for a King.
==Introduction==

Was able to get this beer thanks to my friend Steve from Iowa where typically, in the midwest, is where you find this treasure. It has been a long time since I tried this one and tasting it one again on my trip to Iowa, I was reminded why I loved this beer so much. It is a proxy component of my Sangri-Leche beer and an inspiration recipe for my future homebrew with Dragon fruit, Raspberries, Passion fruit and Red Pickly pear Tuna. New Holland makes some of the greatest beers out there in the midwest and hope one day we see them here in California. The last time I tried the first Dragon’s milk was probably back in 2011-2012 and I still rejoice the day I could try some more. So now that I was able to have it here again, a grand welcome to the treasure which is, Dragon’s Milk! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, oak, dark fruit, cherry, raisin hints, fig hints, currants, blackberries, bourbon, vanilla, espresso notes, brown sugar, pecan truffle hints, Danish cookies, molasses, anise, mocha, marshmallows, smores chocolate, toasted rye bread, tobacco, leather and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Rich oak, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, flan, coconut, toffee, marshmallow, mocha, pecan truffle hints, Danish cookies, anise, molasses, mint, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, Irish cream, steamed milk, espresso notes, brown sugar, dark fruit, cherry, raisin hints, fig hints, currants, blackberries, fudge chocolate cake, toasted rye bread, tobacco, leather, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, chocolate cheese cake, choco flan, milk sugar, pecan pie, cocoa krispies and peanut butter hints.

Aftertaste:
Milk Chocolate, toasty oak, coconut, bourbon, vanilla, dark fruit, rich caramel, earthy notes and marshmallows. No alcohol in the taste, crimson dark full body, smooth, creamy, silky and velvety mouthfeel with a ridiculously easy to drink mouthfeel. A dangerous one especially sold as a 4 pack.

Overall:
Exceptionally phenomenal as always. I do believe the Raspberry version of this beer is a step above it but that is just me. Hence the reason why I am making a home brew off this beer but with more than just raspberries. I want to get to the heart of the dragons! Anyways, this beer is like if you loved everything about those exclusive hard to find bourbon barrel aged stouts, this has a good amount of it and it is made year round. “Plug it into my veins” kind of beer that is really awesome and should sought after.

Anime Corner:
Sierra from the Legend of Mana has returned as she was used in the pairing of the original Dragon’s milk for reasons that she is a Dragoon and well, she has the milk or at least that is what I implied in the original review lol. Seriously though, in the game, she is an important character and one the best in the list of many party members that join in the quest. This complex character in the beer complements the complex character that is Sierra as well.
Sources:
http://cfile6.uf.tistory.com/image/1856F31A4C89A790110937
http://i4.pixiv.net/img06/img/tomoteru/33708327.jpg
http://i4.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2016/03/07/16/39/24/55676023_p0.png

2015 Darkness & Barrel Aged Darkness by Surly brewing (Double Review)

December 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 2015 Surly Barrel Aged Darkness, 2015 Surly Darkness, Black Magic, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, dark chocolate, Evil, harpy, High West Rye Whiskey Barrels, Kill-LA-Kill, Lord of Darkness, milk Chocolate, passion fruit, Russian Imperial Stout, Rye Whiskey Barrels, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuoko Matoi, Surly Brewing, Surly Darkness 2014 | Leave a comment

The time has come for another yearly review of Minnesota’s equivalent of Dark Lord Day (Darkness Day), Surly Darkness! If you were lucky to have the 2014 version of Darkness, there was only one release at the time that was both the original but also aged in Rye Whiskey. This time, they released both the original non-barrel aged and the barrel aged versions. Today I will bring you the review for the original brew for this year and the Whiskey Barrel variant. Both beers, though a pretty penny, I was able to get through online means. If you want to get this one, you can try and find them at www.mybeercollectibles.com or best your chance to trade. Regardless, I want to see if these beers are worth the trade but also want let you know if they are worth it to save you some time. Who am I kidding, ofcourse these are awesome! Then again, let’s see if they have changed over the years too. Cheers!

2015 Darkness*
———————

2015 Darkness by Surly brewing is a 10.3% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout.

Label:
Our 2015 vintage bottling of Darkness features a screeching bat-nightmare by local artist Brandon Holt.

No creature is more adept at navigating in the Darkness than a bat. Emerging from a deep and ancient cave, this year’s twisted nocturnal creature has evolved a set of adaptations well suited to detecting and devouring uncommon nourishment.

Notes of chocolate, coffee, dried tart cherries, and raisins emirate from his lair. If you can evade the talons and teeth, the think body of this Russian imperial stout finishes sweet, with a piney resinous character.
___

Aromas:
Rich sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, crème brulee,tropical fruit like passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, grapefruit, tangerines, citrus, oranges, stone fruit mango, peaches, apricot, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, chocolate mousse, brown sugar, honey, dark candi sugar, fruit cake, pecan pie, almond joy, oak, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, mocha, roasted coffee, brown sugar, molasses, anise, mild rum, leather, tobacco and toasted bread on blackberry jam.

Flavors:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, stone fruit mango, peaches, apricot, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, chocolate mousse, capirotada raisins bread pudding, peaces and cream, tropical fruit like passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, grapefruit, tangerines, citrus, oranges, molasses, anise, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, mocha, roasted coffee, brown sugar, cherry Dr. pepper, rocky road ice cream, maple syrup, raspberries, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, flan, earthy notes, mild rum, leather, tobacco, toasted bread on blackberry jam, rye bread, tres leches cake, lechera sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, plantains, chocolate mango, brown sugar, honey, dark candi sugar, fruit cake, pecan pie, almond joy and bourbon hints.

Aftertaste:
Rich Chocolate mango, coffee, tropical fruit like dragon fruit, passion fruit, earthy notes, oak, rye bread, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, banana, dark fruit raisin, blackberry preserves, coconut, fruit cake, pecan pie and other sweet goodies. No alcohol in the taste, dark abyss body, smooth velvety and silky mouthfeel and a dangerously easy drinkability like before.

Overall:
It has been a long time since I tried the original. The 2014 one was straight up barrel aged and that one was super amazing. So the original is definitely true to when I tried it back in 2013. Damn luscious evil, darkness, black magic, abysmal craziness. If you have never tried this beer, you have to get your hands on this one or any of the previous variants. This is always ridiculous to the core. A true Dark Lord of its own arts!

2015 Barrel Aged Darkness
————————

2015 Barrel Aged Darkness by Surly brewing is a 12% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout aged in High West Rye Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
(Same as The 2015 Darkness)
___

Aromas:
Dark cherries, prunes, plums, currants, raisins, blackberries, vinous Caramel, dulce de leche caramel, rye whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows,oak, vanilla, Danish cream, Khalua coffee, mocha, leather, tobacco, Bubulubu chocolate, capirotada raisins bread pudding, Rich bananas, Flan, tres leches cake, vanilla, crème brulee, grilled plantains, platano burro, brown sugar, pecan pie, Gansito Chocolate berry pastry, honey, graham crackers, waffle cone, stone fruit peaches, chocolate mangos, mature mangos and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, Flan, tres leches cake, vanilla, crème brulee, grilled plantains, platano burro, brown sugar, pecan pie up front, rye whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows, smores chocolate, campfire hints, maple syrup, dark cherries, prunes, plums, currants, blackberries, oreo cookies and cream, rocky road ice cream, Dr. Pepper cherry, stone fruit peaches, chocolate mangos, mature mangos, molasses, anise, fruit cake, almond joy chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark chocolate, leather tobacco, Gansito Chocolate berry pastry, honey, graham crackers, waffle cone, Danish cream, Khalua coffee, mocha, leather, tobacco, Bubulubu chocolate, capirotada raisins bread pudding, candi sugar, milk sugar, hazelnut nectar, tropical fruit like passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, grapefruit, tangerines, citrus, oranges, whipped cream, ice cream cake, chocoflan, chocolate cheese cake, port wine, Vinous Caramel and more.

Aftertaste:
Rich berries, rich coconut, vanilla, dulce de leche, rye whiskey, tropical chocolate mango, dark fruit raisins, figs, leather, dark cherries, fruit cake, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, chocolate smores, tres leches cake, and almond joy lingers. Super Rich. No alcohol in the taste despite this being strong ABV. The drinkability of super easy is quite dangerous. This beer treads the neither regions of dimensions of what truly is, a full dark body, smooth velvety, rich, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Talk about going head to head with some of the greats out there especially Black Tuesday from the Bruery, Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout and others like them. Rye Whiskey barrel aged version is more complex as this addition gives way transforming the original but also makes it more complex with varying temperatures. For only being able to purchase one per person at the Darkness Day Event, I am very grateful to the person who gave up theirs in order for us to have a chance to post it to the website. Such a damn honor and cheers to you good sir or m’am! As for you, the reader, I think it is definitely worth it to find this one. It be a rare whalez!

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill was chosen in the previous versions of this beer. This year, since the barrel aged version is golden labeled, I am pairing also the Ryuko version with Senketsu Kisaragi. For those that do not know this form, it is the one that looks like she turned super saiyan from Dragon Ball Z increasing her power exponentially like the way the original Darkness power was increased by the process of Rye whiskey Barrel Aging. Each beer in its own means is delicious and evil as I show case the version of Ryuko when she was evil using Juunketsu (The White armored version). The original time I used Ryuko in 2013 was the original form with Senketsu so I paid tribute to that by bringing forth the Ryuko plushie in this pairing.

Final Judgment:
Absolutely love them both. The Rye Whiskey version bring out more of the rye and whiskey flavors and mild the hoppy mango flavors although they are still present as the beer warms up. So definitely depending on your taste, you can choose one or the other but they are a damn fine collection worth having.

Sources:
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/734/568/c3d.jpg
http://i1.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2014/03/31/21/12/59/42604840_p0.png
https://im1.ibsearch.xxx/9/43/265ecaa4c0d5f8c785419d982c939.png
http://cs627722.vk.me/v627722304/b5fe/viblojSJFyM.jpg
http://nowere.net/p/src/1440672835871.png
http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2014/34/1408797252-sample-4000c119b28b5aecc2ae23c16a292504.jpg

Rating: 6.25/7* 2015 Darkness
Rating: 7/7* 2015 Barrel Aged Darkness

Guardian Double Stout by New American Brewing of Ankeny, Iowa

December 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, Ankeny, Claire Farron, Double Stout, Final Fantasy XIII, Guardian Double Stout, Iowa, Lightning, New American Brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Guardian Double Stout by New American Brewing of Ankeny, Iowa is a 9% ABV Imperial Stout.

Label:
Guardian Double Stout is made with large amounts of two-row malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley, and flaked oats. Chocolate and roasted characters dominate the flavor, supported by hints of coffee. Despite its intensity, Guardian’s creamy mouthfeel makes it very smooth and surprisingly easy to drink. This beer ages well and can be enjoyed for years to come.

==Introduction==

Another brew obtained while I was at my trip to Iowa. This time, an Imperial Stout from Ankeny in Iowa. Ankeny is the city north of Des Moines and south of where I went to college at Iowa State University. Thanks to my friend Steve, I was able to get the beer over here to the website. I was looking for several beers from Iowa to take to the site and this one caught my eye as I love Imperial stouts and this one seem to be awesome. So let’s see if my choice was an adequate one.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry, roasted coffee notes, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, hazelnut nectar, anise, molasses, tobacco, leather, brown sugar, graham crackers, cinnamon and earthy notes.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry, hazelnut nectar, roasted coffee notes, mocha, flan, crème brulee, espresso, vanilla, caramel, earthy notes, anise, molasses, tobacco, leather, rye bread, brown sugar, graham crackers, peppery notes, cinnamon hints and milk shake.

Aftertaste:
Dark Chocolate, roasted coffee notes, vanilla, earthy notes and dark fruit. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Very delicious stout reminding me of the very delicious double stouts that are primarily dark chocolate flavored with the roasted coffee notes. It may seem like an average Imperial stout but this beer definitely has the flavors I usually enjoy from Imperial stouts. It would be hard to go wrong this one so yeah, give this one a shot!

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron from Final Fantasy XIII to take the place of the guardian in this brew. Using dual Lightnings it complements the aspect of this being a double stout. The colors also complement the colors of the label and the flavors with pink being representative of the dark cherries in this beer as an example. Other flavors can be seen as well.

Sources:
http://img08.deviantart.net/1561/i/2014/239/e/b/the_branded_savior_by_limbonix-d7wyfle.png

Virtuous Endeavor Dubbel Ale Confluence brewing of Des Moines Iowa

December 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Dubbel, Confluence brewing, Dark Sakura, Des Moines, Fate Stay Night, Iowa, Virtuous Endeavor | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Virtuous Endeavor Dubbel Ale Confluence brewing of Des Moines Iowa is an 8.4% ABV Belgian Dubbel.

Label:
For nearly 425 years, brewing beer has been central to the lives of Trappist monks who view it as a way to create revenue to support their community and as part of a higher calling. Confluence Brewing Company’s three beer Virtuous Endeavor Series – feature Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel Ale – was inspired by the care and craftsmanship the Trappists put into the style of beer they still brew today All Virtous Endeavor beers are bottle conditioned and will continue to mature in the cellar, but can be enjoyed today if you choose.

BELGIAN-STYLE DUBBEL ALE

A grain bill of Belgian and German malt combines with dark Belgian candi sugar and rich fruity flavors to create this sweeter version of a Belgian beer. Dubbel has the lowest ABV for the series at 8.4%

==Introduction==

Obtained this one from my friend Steve in Iowa who was able to ship these to me after my visit to Ames and Iowa State University, my Alma Mater. This one caught my eye as it was a Belgian style but brewed in Iowa. So naturally with my love of the Belgian beers, I had to get this one. This one is a Belgian Dubbel and while I could not find the Quad, a Belgian style none the less is delicious I figure. So with this one, let’s take a look and see what this Belgian has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Citrusy Oranges, honey, dark fruit plums raisins, plums, dark cherries, figs, dates, Dulce De leche caramel, vanilla, flan, stone fruit peaches, apricots, tropical guava, raspberry, coriander spice, phenolic notes, peppercorn spices, pecan pie, waffle cone, Belgian Candi Sugar, clove spice, bubble gum, honey and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Oranges, citrus, Dulce De leche caramel, vanilla, flan, stone fruit peaches, apricots, dark fruit plums raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, dates, tropical guava, raspberry, Belgian Candi Sugar, clove spice, bubble gum, banana notes, coriander spice, phenolic notes, peppercorn spices, pecan pie, waffle cone, honey, rye bread, brown sugar, coffee cake hints and chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Residual Belgian Candi sugar, stone fruit, dark fruit, clovey spice and bananas linger. So damn good No alcohol in the taste, Honey colored full body, smooth, creamy and effervescent mouthfeel with a moderate to supping drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious Belgian Dubbel focusing more on its fruitier, citrusy and Belgian Candi side than the dark fruit side. Different Belgian styles would give different flavors but I think I really liked this one as it felt more unique than the average Dubbel. If you are able to find this one or purchase this, definitely give it a try. It is always good to try Iowa beers!

Anime Corner:
Dark Sakura from Fate Stay Night was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the aspect of Double or Dubbel but also the label colors. The flavors of dark fruits like cherries go with her name and as she emerges from the darkness it is synonymous to the way the flavors emerge with each temperature changing sip.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/nXOlpLE.jpg

Wineification III (Mardi Rouge III?) collaboration with The Bruery and Fess Parker winery and vineyard

December 24, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged black berries, Black Tuesday, bourbon barrels, chocolate mousse, Chocolate Rain, creme brulee, Fess Parker, Fess Parker winery, french oak barrels, Grenache Grapes, Grey Monday, Harvest Syrah, Imperial Stout, Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels, Kill-LA-Kill, Mardi Rouge, Mocha Wednesday, Petite Syrah, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuoko Matoi, syrah grapes, The Bruery, White Chocolate, Wineification, Wineification III | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Wineification III (Mardi Rouge III?) collaboration with The Bruery and Fess Parker winery and vineyard is a 19% ABV Black Tuesday Imperial Stout with Grenache Grapes 91% Aged in Bourbon Barrels and 9% aged in French Oak Barrels

Label:
WHO’S COUNTING!
The Rues and the Parkers are back at it again! In this third rendition of Wineification, they continue to vanquish the boundaries between wine and beer, combining their brains and brawn with a blend of juicy Rodney’s Vineyard Grenache grapes with The Bruery’s Black Tuesday Imperial Stout.

===Introduction===
A new version of Wineification has arrived to Reserve and Hoarders members. Last year, we did not get Wineification II but since I wanted to pair Ryuko with her Junketsu form (evil Ryuko) it was okay. I would later have a chance to try it at the Black Tuesday party and may do a review of those beers at a later time. It sure has been a damn busy year for me as I have barely had a chance to finish my reviews and well even add all the beers I have tried and jotted down notes for. I really am behind but it happens especially since I like to dedicate my time to homebrewing. Either way, I said to myself, when it comes to these beers like Black Tuesday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain, Wineification and other variants like Melange 3 or 12, Mocha Wednesday, Grey Monday and other Black Tuesday Cuvees, there is always damn time. As for this release of Wineification using different types of grapes, let’s see how it goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Port wine, red wine, concorde grapes,fancy wine notes sweet condensed milk, flan, crème brulee, dark, milk, Baker’s, Belgian and German chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, Chambord raspberries, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, port wine, red wine, grapes, dark cherries, raisins, figs, dates prunes, blue and black berries, currants, bananas, bourbon, oak, leather, toasted coconut, mocha, pecan pie, hazelnut, rocky road ice cream, candi sugars, agave, rich chocolate mousse and fudge cake in wine.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, plums, blue berries, currants, grapes, dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, Bourbon, oak, toasted coconut, red wine, port wine, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, tootsie roll chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, crème brulee, toffee, butterscotch, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, sweetened condensed milk, rum notes, grilled caramel bananas, plantain, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, Mocha, leather notes, rye bread with black berry jelly spread, pecan pie, agave notes, candi sugars, brown sugar, rock candy, rocky road ice cream, almond joys, chocolate mousse, cherry cola, hazelnut, chocolate fudge cake and blueberry cobbler cheesecake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing only mildly dry unlike the original and lingering lots of delicious flavors. Milk and Dark chocolate, Port wine, fudge cake, dark fruit berries and sweetened condensed milk. There is hardly any sense of harsh alcohol in the taste even for that 19% ABV. They did their homework. Crimson Dark yet medium body, syrupy, velvety and creamy mouthfeel and a sipping beer, there is a smoothness about it that makes it very dangerous and as you will want to keep drinking it. Take your time with it, this beer is meant to be savored, enjoyed and well loved!

Overall:
Exceptionally ridiculous. Is there anything the Bruery can’t do when it comes to making all sorts of Black Tuesday Cuvees or what? This beer is definitely more on the wine side but also balances out with the bourbon imperial stout goodness. Think of this as the connoisseurs’ ambrosia making the ultimate in Wine/Beer/Liquor hybrid. Like the Black Tueday, Chocolate, White Chocolate, Cacaonut, Grey Monday, Mocha Wednesday, Melange 3 and 12 and many of their other blends, I highly highly recommend this one if you can get it!!

Anime Corner:
No doubt, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill makes a return once again to pair with many of the different aspects of the beer. This time, in the third installment, I am using her third and most powerful form, the Golden Hair/Super Saiyan-esque Senketsu Kisaragi form. The different aspects of this year’s beer from the label, the flavors, the ingredients and especially the alcohol (going from the 14%ABV to 19% ABV) all represent this beer very well. Ryuko is one of my favorite characters in Anime right next to my other top 3 (Kos-mos, Yoruichi and Temari). The reason I did not use her second “Junketsu” form was due to the fact that I never got around to putting the beer to the site, although I did have Winefication II at the Bruery’s Black Tuesday party. Like the original installment of Winefication, the colors pair perfect with Ryuko’s hair, the background, her eyes and her outfit as well. If this was a candidate for Mardi Rouge (Red Tuesday) then even more the reason to use her for this pairing. The alcohol content represents her will power and strength and now that she is on the third form, even more! The complexity of the flavors showcases her unpredictable characteristics. She always has a plan up her sleeve. She is deadly and sexy which best describes how smooth the beer goes down but deadly since it has the really high ABV. The beer is dark but it is a blood red dark as you get closer to finishing the glass. Her suit Senketsu (Fresh Blood) describes this as she needs to let senketsu take some of her blood in order to unleash a higher power. Perfect for that red wine aspect and the color as I mentioned earlier. Ryuko is strong and tough minded, but she does have her sweet,warm hearted and loving side which she shows to the people she cares about. The sweet chocolate and berries is what best places this category. Her Kisaragi form is what is really new to this beer and being that it is her ultimate form, there was no doubt why I wouldn’t use that form. Take it easy with her though, you won’t find one like her again, maybe. Either way, it will be a very memorable experience :3

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/eRF7kiu.jpg
http://i3.egv.cc/img/i.egv.cc/i/feti/mji/mji-kaikyaku_675.jpg
http://blog-imgs-65.fc2.com/d/g/d/dgdg875/anime_wallpaper_Kill_la_kill_Matoi_Ryuko_swordwaltz_mk2-13778181.jpg
https://fanart.tv/fanart/tv/272074/showbackground/kill-la-kill-5389cb01bf479.jpg

Twin Pines Mall by Pipeworks with Emporium The Collaboration

December 24, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 88 MPH, Back To The Future, Back To The Future 2, Bleach, citrus honey, Collaboration Beer, DeLorean, Doc Brown, Emporium, Flux Capacitor, Great Scott, honey, Ichigo Kurosaki, Marty McFLy, Pipeworks Brewing, Spruce, Spruce Tips, Twin Pines Mall, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/6

Twin Pines Mall by Pipeworks with Emporium The Collaboration is an 8% ABV Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with Spruce Tips and Honey.

Label:
Get your DeLorean up to 88 MPH because Pipeworks and Emporium are taking you Back To The Brew-ture. For Twin Pines Mall we furled the Flux Capacitor with 1.21 Jigawatts of spruce tips and wild flower honey. The future is now so drink up before you’re OutaTime. Great Scott!

==Introduction==

Right on time for October 21st 2015 which was supposed to be the time Marty, Doc and Jennifer travelled to the future in Back to The Future II the movie. While the time has been long past, I have been fairly busy with life stuff and have not even had a chance to update the website so I can get the reviews on here. Well, now that it is closer to the end of the year and stuff has slowed down, I have more time! This beer from Pipeworks looks very promising as it is not your typical IPA. Using actual Spruce tips seems very intriguing as that come from Christmas Trees. Knowing almost everything I have had form Pipeworks has been ridiculously awesome, I hope this is as much hyped as the movie was. Cheers!

Aromas:
Lots of Spruce Christmas tree fragrance, stone fruit lychee, apricot, peaches, Starburst candy, lemon candy, lemon peel, lemon zest, tropical fruits like kiwi, guava, papaya, dragon fruit, passion fruit, prickly pear tuna, honey dew melon, raspberries, agave nectar, mangos, coconut hints, marshmallow, sweetened condensed milk, orange preserves, Wild flower honey and hibiscus hints.

Flavors:
Rich Christmas tree spruce, pine cones, piney, grape fruit, dank, oniony, floral, grassy and herbal hops, Wild flower honey, hibiscus hints, tropical fruits like kiwi, guava, papaya, dragon fruit, passion fruit, prickly pear tuna, honey dew melon, raspberries, agave nectar, mangos, stone fruit lychee, apricot, peaches, Starburst candy, lemon candy, lemon peel, lemon zest, tangerine gummy bears, tres leches cake, mango flan, caramel hints, blue basil, coconut hints, marshmallow, sweetened condensed milk and orange preserves.

Aftertaste:
Rich Honey, Christmas Trees, rich tropical fruits, fruit juice, dank hops and sweet vanilla lingers. No alcohol in the taste, mildly hazy golden body, crisp, rich and refreshing mouthfeel with a very easy to drink.

Overall:
Woah, this is heavy! And excellently exceptional. This is a unique IPA in so many ways using a lot of what Pipeworks does best to make exceptional beers. However, with the addition of the Spruce Tips to give off the Christmas tree flavors, the beer is taken to another level that I honestly haven’t tried something like this before. Literal Pine Christmas flavors. A great beer that will definitely meet the needs of a Back to Future and IPA fan alike.

Anime Corner:
Several Anime shows and Characters with all referencing to Back to The Future in this one. I tried to find as many that would definitely fit with the label and the cover of the movies. Definitely glad I found some.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/biaB89K.jpg
http://i-7.vcimg.com/58bf373ea663d469c8177a57c184a173296263(600x)/thumb.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/7fd4d44451bdd8d753bef15844adad98/tumblr_mk38c6T6Xj1qkqgkeo1_1280.jpg
http://storge.pic2.me/cm/1680×1050/670/55228a317cab7.jpg

2015 Death By Coconut by Oskar Blues

December 24, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Bankai, Bleach, Chocolate, coconut, coffee, dark chocolate, Dark Rukia, Death By Coconut, Ichigo, Ichigo Kurosaki, Kuchiki Rukia, Oskar Blues, Rukia, Rukia Kuchiki | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/6

2015 Death By Coconut by Oskar Blues brewing is a 6.3% Irish Porter aged on desiccated coconut and dark chocolate.

Label:
Pass. Dash. Hit.
Coconut Chocolate Choconut
Pack It In. Pack it out.

==Introduction==

The previous incarnation of this beer was collaboration with Shamrock brewing. Oskar Blues has always released some really fine beers like the Dale’s Pale Ale, Ten Fidy, Mama Yella Pils and Old Chub. With the release of a coconut beer, people went ballistic. Luckily for the masses, Oskar Blues was able to provide enough for the crazy demand. So you too can enjoy this one as it is most likely sold where they sell Oskar Blues beers. Cheers!

Aromas:
Super Rich, Almond Joy, Coconut, Rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, toasted coconut macaroons, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, Cocada Mexican Coconut candy, vanilla, flan, marshmallows, coconut milk, almond milk, Danish cream, anise, molasses, lactose, Irish cream, tootsie roll candies and chocolate cake.

Flavors:
Ridiculously toasted coconut, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, marshmallows, coconut milk, almond milk, Danish cream, Cocada Mexican Coconut candy, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, rich almond joy chocolate, crème brulee hints, dark fruit cherries, marzipan, hazelnut nectar, coconut bread, rye bread, anise, molasses, lactose and chocolate coconut milk shake.

Aftertaste:
Rich toasted coconut candy remains, rich dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, pecan pie, hazelnut and cherry hints. No alcohol in the taste, deep dark body, creamy, smooth, velvety and chewy mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Quite possibly, the best Coconut porter ever! So much chocolate coconut and coffee goodness that is very apparent all around from the rich aromas to the flavors. They really outshined themselves. It is no wonder why a lot of their beers seem to hit my exceptional meter often. They really do brew with magic. I highly recommend this one and it is a must try!

Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach was used in this pairing as the show relates to death but also how Rukia is like an equivalent to the Soul Reaper White Princess. Colors of the coconut represent her and the dark chocolate is the darkness of death. So swift and luscious! Ichigo Kurosaki is in there too just cuz he’s a bad ass. Essentially, these are some of their ultimate forms and what a better way to pair with the ultimate coconut porter!

Sources:
http://76.72.168.19/images/2013-01-26-554320.jpeg

Something’s Up With Jack by El Borracho Homebrewing

December 24, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged All Spice, Cinnamon, cloves, El Borracho Home Brewing, Halloween, Home brewing, Jack Skellington, nightmare before Christmas, nutmeg, pumpkin ale, Sally, Something's Up With Jack | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Something’s Up With Jack by El Borracho Homebrewing is a 7.4% ABV Pumpkin Ale Brewed with cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg and all spice.

==Introduction==

A new brew by my friend William Carranza. This one was released for the Fall and at the right timing as it is pumpkin beer season. When it comes to pumpkin beers I am really picky as I enjoy the pumpkin beers that are more towards the pumpkin flesh with piloncillo kind or even more sweet potato to pumpkin pie flavors rather than the typical pumpkin spice. Although, when done right, the beers can come out great. My friend Will has handed me a bottle and so I wanted to see what his pumpkin beer was all about. Let’s take a look!

Aromas:
Ginger, cinnamon, sweet potato, pumpkin flesh, biscuit bread, pie crust, waffle cone, vanilla, honey, burnt sugar, clove spice, banana notes, stone fruit peach, apricot, peach cobbler hints, butterscotch, rye bread and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Pumpkin flesh, Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pie crust, waffle cone, vanilla, caramel, ginger spice, ginger bread, clove spice, banana notes, cinnamon, stone fruit peach, apricot, peach cobbler hints, butterscotch, rye bread, biscuit bread, brown sugar, piloncillo sugar cone hints, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweet potato pie, honey and burnt sugar.

Aftertaste:
Pumpkin flesh, stone fruit peach, pie crust, vanilla, piloncillo, clove spice, ginger bread and fruit cake lingers. No alcohol in the taste, full body amber, creamy, smooth and effervescent mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect pumpkin beer showcasing so many of the delicious flavors I look for in pumpkin beers. The rich pumpkin flesh flavors, piloncillo on sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. To me this was a damn winner. Even without the extra nutmeg added at the pour (which really makes it even more awesome) it really holds strong on its own. Definitely something I had to ask my friend for another. A very delicious seasonal.

Anime Corner:
Sally, Jack Skellington and the rest of the Nightmare Before Christmas cast were used in this pairing as it fits with what my friend William was going for. Essentially, a Halloween beer about Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas. To go along with my artistic perspective, I included Jack’s girl Sally as well. A well placed pumpkin also adds the theme and the style of the beer.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/The.Nightmare.before.Christmas.full.175475.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/388620-842×1191-the+nightmare+before+christmas-disney-sally-rafaarsen+%28artist%29-long+hair-single.jpg

Chimera by Birrificio Del Ducato of Italy

December 24, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Birrificio Del Ducato, Bleach, Chimera, Cyan Sung Sun, Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose, Italy, Quimera Parca, Tia Harribel | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Chimera by Birrificio Del Ducato of Italy is an 8% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This is a top fermented beer which undergoes a secondary fermentation in bottle. It draws inspiration from the great Belgian Abbey beers. With the color of a friar’s robe, it has aromas of caramel and alcohol preserved fruit (pear, plum and morel) with light roasts. The mouth is warm and complex with an unexpected dry finish that makes drinking easier.
“To all those who still hold dreams and will never cease to search for the happiness they deserve”.

Perfecting this beer was certainly challenging. Countless variations were jettisoned before arriving at the refined version we are proud to brew today. The current Chimera is most easily compared to a Belgian Dark Strong Ale. I traveled frequently in Belgium as a young man and I always enjoyed very much its beers. Today’s Chimera resembles those beers that awakened a lifelong fascination with the creation of this wonderful drink.
“It is like following an illusion we fell in love with a long time ago leaving us with the realization that when we pursue our dreams the immortality of spirit is found”.
18°

==Introduction==

Obtained this one from my friend Steve in Iowa who was able to send me this and other brews we found while I was in Ames Iowa. This one caught my eye mainly because it was from Italy and I really loved the design. Many of the Italian beers I have tried in the past like Draco and Demon Hunter were some of the best beers I have ever had. So needless to say, this was a rarity as I have never seen it before. The colors of the label also intrigued me. That and the fact that this was Belgian style, it was definitely going to go back with me somehow. Now that I got it, let’s bring it to the site and see what it is about.

Aromas:

Rich dark fruit, raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, black currants, blue berries, dark cherry, candi sugar, beat sugar, rock candy, toffee, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice, leather, tobacco, dulce de leche cramel, vanilla, blue berry cobbler, stone fruit peach, apricot, chocolate notes and rum hints.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruit, raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, black currants, blue berries, dark cherry, candi sugar, leather, tobacco, dulce de leche cramel, vanilla, blue berry cobbler, stone fruit peach, apricot, chocolate notes, beat sugar, rock candy, toffee, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, port wine hints, red wine hints, oak hints, pepper corns, rum hints, citrus notes and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruits, vanilla, caramel, wine notes, floral notes, and stone fruit. No alcohol in the taste, dark chestnut brown body, smooth, creamy and watery mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good Italian beer made in the Belgian Dark arts. There were so much berries and malty flavors to pick out. It was definitely vinous at some points and definitely reminded me of some of the other Italian favorites but mainly unique to this brewery. A small little bottle but definitely worth the try and worth the pick up.

Anime Corner:
Franceska Mila Rose, Cyan Sung Sun, Emilou Apacci and Tia Harribel from Bleach were used in this pairing since they become a Quimera Parca so naturally, the name of the beer and the label just seemed to fit so well with them and the colors just stand out as well. Granted, Tia Harribel was not part of Quimera Parca but she is their leader and one of my favorite anime characters from Bleach so ofcourse I would include her.

Sources:
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/dcdf3-19.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/92/b6/d5/92b6d58a3a82a592a853736f30771d01.jpg

2015 White Chocolate by The Bruery

December 23, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 2015 White chocolate, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Chocolate Rain, dulce de caramel, milk Chocolate, Naruto, orange, TCHO Cacao nibs, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, The Sun, tropical flavor, vanilla, vanilla beans, wheat wine, White Chocolate, White Oak | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/6

2015 White Chocolate by The Bruery is a 16.6% ABV Wheat Wine Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.

Label:
OAKALATE

This sumptuous version of our barrel-aged wheat wine style ale has an addition of fresh vanilla beans and TCHO cacao nibs.

White Chocolate is best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor, but may evolve pleasantly over time if cellared properly.

Notes/Commercial Description: (per beeradvocate)
The primary component of our “White Oak” ale is a 100% barrel aged wheat wine that we affectionately refer to as “White Oak Sap.” Essentially a “summer” barley-wine style ale, but made with a wheat heavy grain base, White Oak Sap is aged in used bourbon barrels for nearly a year and comes out rich in flavors of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla. To compliment the already rich flavors of the beer, we’ve added cacao nibs and vanilla beans to give this beer the delicate flavor of white chocolate…hence the name.
___

Was available to Preservation and Reserve members for December 2015, the almighty white chocolate has returned. Unfortunately, like the 2013, the 2014th version ended up getting sour if not consumed fresh. I will say this much as my version did not sour at all after taking it out of the cellar. Something I had mildly regretted as I would have to wait patiently to replace the empty spot with another White Chocolate. This year, with the separation of facilities (All Sours are made at The Bruery Terreux) we should not see this type of situation happen again. This decadent piece of liquid chocolate white has been on one of my top favorites of all time in terms of rare beers and Now that it back in town, I have to come clean. Just like Black Tuesday, this will be the last time I review this magical brew. Sad, but I think I have made an important point over the years as why I love this beer so much. Heck, even my banner has this beer. So I bring it forth one last time, one of my all time favorites in my quest to seek the truest of the truest, White Chocolate! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich hazelnut, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel,Velvet vanilla, white chocolate, flan, rich bananas, rich Lechera sweetened condensed milk, oak, toasted coconut, marzipan, wine grapes, marshmallows, 3 leches, biscuit bread, dark butterscotch, stone fruit peaches, apricots, plums, white raisins, light butterscotch, biscuit bread with rich lechera, raisin bread pudding, crème brulee, Bavarian yeast phenolic notes, tropical fruits like sweet pineapple, dragon fruit, mango, pears, apples,, coriander spice, clove spice, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate and more complexities!

Flavors:
White chocolate, milk chocolate, rich bananas, rich dulce de leche, Rich Lechera Nestle sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, bourbon, brown sugar, rich hazelnut, marshmallow, flan, mild citrus, marzipan , oak, toasted coconut, biscuit bread with creamy 3 leches spread (Three milks), pecan pie, almond joy, almond cream, tropical fruit like mild dragon fruit, sweet pineapple, mango hints, pears, apples, wine grapes, Stone fruits like peaches, apricots, plums, white raisins, butterscotch, coriander spice, clove spice, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Bavarian yeast phenols, dark butterscotch, piloncillo, crème brulee and more!

Aftertaste:
Lingering sweet condensed milk, white chocolate, vanilla, milk chocolate, bananas, clove spice
No alcohol in the taste despite the 16.6% ABV, sipping yet smooth drinkability, syrupy and velvety mouth feel, medium to full hazy body and supremely dangerous to drink in one sitting.

Overall:
Supreme, Luscious and Exquisite. Even for trying the 2014 version almost a year later and it did not sour on me (lucky?) the 2015 is damn promising. Even stronger in and more delicious than that of the 2014. White Chocolate, despite not being the new Melange 12, it is still a major component that still supreme. Mind blowing as always and a constant reminder of the love I have for it and my patiently waiting for it. Like many before, a bucket list beer along with Black Tuesday, Chocolate Rain the Wineification variants, Grey Monday, Melange 3 and my newest favorite, Melange 12, certainly all a must try.

Anime Corner:
Temari Sabaku from Naruto is no mystery to this beer. She has appeared in all the instances I try this beer and may do so even if someday I decide to review the beer again. Temari is simply and awesome ninja as I stated in previous reviews. She represents the color of the beer blonde to gold as in the color of her hair. She represents a partial tropical aspect in terms of the White oak that is added which I refer to “Raw as The Sun” but subdued by the overall sweet chocolate and vanilla which are pretty intimate to me. Temari’s strength is also in the ABV and just like a ninja, will flow easy if you try to consume her in one sitting. White Chocolate Temari, I Love You Chiquita!!! :3

Sources:
http://www.hdwallpapersdesktop.com/Anime/Naruto/images/Naruto%20Wallpaper%20257.jpg
http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2015/01/12/584231/fd464741294dd813f56956bd2fecde55.jpg
http://img09.deviantart.net/6829/i/2013/234/f/b/temari_happy_birthday__by_rikamello-d6jbbmw.jpg

I’m So Honey Right Now by El Borracho Homebrewing

December 23, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Citra Hops, El Borracho Homebrewing, Home brewing, I'm So Honey Right Now, india pale ale, PA, Wild flower honey | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

I’m So Honey Right Now by El Borracho Homebrewing is a 7.8% ABV India Pale Ale brewed with extra Citra and Wild Flower Honey.

==Introduction==

My friend and Homebrew brother, Will Carranza, created another awesome brew and requested I’d give it a shot. He used some Wild flower honey which was given to him and extra citra to this concoction. The results were this honey based and orangey IPA. With many brews on his profile, I think Will is definitely moving up the ranks of the greatest homebrewers. Let’s take a sip and see what this one has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich citrus, grapefruit, tropical fruit mango, papaya, biscuit hints, honey, biscuit bread, caramel hints, wild flower honey, stone fruit apricot, peach notes, kiwi, strawberry hints, passion fruit, dragon fruits, lemon grass and floral notes.

Flavors:
Lots of tropical fruit, papaya, mango, guava hints, honey dew melon, kiwi, strawberry hints, passion fruit, dragon fruit, floral, grapefruit, grassy, piney and herbal hops, tangerine candy, lemon peel, grapefruit peel, biscuit bread, caramel hints, wild flower honey, stone fruit apricot, peach notes, lychee, peppery notes, lemon verbana, minty hints, toffee hints, and starburst.

Aftertaste:
Lingereing tropical fruit, wild flower honey, citrusy and grapefruit hops, biscuit notes, and toffee hints. No alcohol in the taste, golden honey crimson medium to full body, smooth, crisp, refreshing and frothy mouthfeel and easy to drink

Overall:
A perfect IPA. A great job to my Homebrew brother for pulling this one off. So much candied hops and honey. While the color is a little darker due to the wild flower honey, the color is not offsetting to show that this is an IPA. I think is one of Will’s best IPAs so far. However, with the variety of hops out there and the passion for homebrewing experimentation, there is no limit to creating more brews like this one and maybe more exceptional ones.

Anime Corner:
This original character was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the name of the label. I am so honey right now showcases the seductive nature of what is sweet and temptation. A representation of honey and being covered in it almost to the point of implying that she is sexually active leaves a lot to the imagination.

Sources:
http://img0.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/Няши-в-еде-Anime-Няши-Anime-Anime-Adult-2182333.jpeg

Coffee Smoking Wood by The Bruery

December 23, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Coffee Smoking Wood, Luka, Luka Megurine, Smoked Imperial Rye Porter, Smoking Wood, The Bruery, vanilla beans, vocaloid | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.85/6

Coffee Smoking Wood by The Bruery is a 13.8% Smoked Imperial Rye Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Coffee and Vanilla beans.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Bourbon Smoking Wood aged on coffee and vanilla

==Introduction==

Purchased a growler at the Bruery Tasting Room, this one is on tap only. This beer is based on the original Smoking Wood which was aged in Whiskey barrels. In 2014, this beer was rereleased as a Bourbon barrel variant. Along with this variant, there were sub-variants that had different ingredients added to make the beer even more unique. This sub variant was made with Coffee and was one of several ones they released on tap only to the public. The best one was probably the blueberry one but I would definitely like to see how this one compares. Let’s take a look and see what this one is about.

Aromas:
Rich Coffee notes, smokey campfire notes, oak, whiskey, bourbon, coconut, marshmallow, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, dark cherries, dark fruit, plums, raisins, anise, molasses, bacon hints, butterscotch, rye bread, pecan pie, crème brulee, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, mocha, Irish cream hints, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate and Bakers chocolate.

Flavors:
Smokey campfire notes, Oak, vanilla, rich roasted coffee, mocha, espresso, cold brew, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, rye bread, whiskey, bourbon, coconut, marshmallow, cocoa crispies cereal, BBQ honey glaze, Jericalla (Mexican-Custard), flan, burnt sugar, roasted malt, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, bacon hints, butterscotch, rye bread, pecan pie, crème brulee, cherry wood oak, dark cherries, dark fruit, plums, raisins, anise, molasses, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, Irish cream hints, maple syrup, chocolate smores and dark candi sugar.

Aftertaste:
Smoked oak, coffee, earthy notes, vanilla, whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows, BBQ honey, flan and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, A sipping beer with with a very very smooth, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel, and a pitch black full body.

Overall:
An exceptional brew that definitely adds more complexity to the original bourbon barrel smoking wood. The higher levels of Mocha along with the original flavors makes me thing of being in the forest on a morning or night having a coffee with a nice campfire. I loved the Blueberries one better but I think in comparison, this one is second best for sure and would highly recommend it if you can still get it at the tap room.

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid Megurine Luka was used in this pairing to represent the coffee and the rainforest tying South America to the greatest production of Coffee. I do not know where or what the coffee they used in this beer came from or is but I figure as a tribute to the greater origins of it. I figure since Luka’s colors defines some of the berry like flavors as well the color of the berries where the coffee beans come from, that this would be a good pairing.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/438233-2000×1189-vocaloid-megurine+luka-shon-long+hair-blue+eyes-highres.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/212622-1500×844-vocaloid-megurine+luka-marirero+a-long+hair-single-blue+eyes.png

2015 Black Tuesday by the Bruery

December 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged best beers in the world, Black Tuesday, Black Tuesday 2015, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Chocolate Rain, creme brulee, dark fruits, delicious, dessert, Grey Monday, Imperial Stout, Kos-MOS, kosmos, rich flavors, The Bruery, White Chocolate, Wineification, world class beers, Xenosaga | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/6

2015 Black Tuesday by the Bruery is an 19.9% ~20%ABV World Class Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
NEW DEAL

I cannot help but raise a dissenting voice to statements that we are living in a fool’s paradise, and that prosperity in this country must necessarily diminish and recede in the near future.” – E.H.H. Simmons, President, NYSE, January 1928

Black Tuesday Will age gracefully for many decades of economic fluctuations. Best stored and cellared around 55 °F (13 °C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 55 ° F (13 °C). Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass

==Introduction==

So we reached yet another year of the Bruery’s finest. Such a great year and the strongest Black Tuesday yet at 19.9% ABV. I might as well just call it a 20% ABV beer as there is not point in being accurate. This is going to be my final Black Tuesday review (Or at least the regular Black Tuesday). I have enjoyed this favorite countless times and I think it is finally time to put the continuous review of this beer away regardless if it gets stronger. Maybe I’ll put a small blurb somewhere, Who knows. If you want to get your hands on this limited release, you will have to do 1 of 3 things. First, if it is still the month of November, sign up for the 4th quarter preservation society, sign up for the Reserve society, or win the Bruery’s lottery for Black Tuesday which they do every October, or at least that is what they have been doing. Other than those 3, trading or buying online in the secluded beer stores, you may get lucky to get this one. At this rate, this beer should not be consumed in one sitting unless you know what your are doing lol. Either way, I don’t have to mention what I have already mentioned many times before, this beer is supremely phenomenal. So here’s to the future and more Black Tuesday being available to the masses one day! Cheers!

Aromas:
Oak, Bourbon, dark fruits raisins, figs, prunes, bananas, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Belgian Chocolates, clove spice, Vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, molasses, anise, toffee, Three Milks/Tres Leches cream, port wine hints, brown sugar, leather, mint, tobacco, mint, Irish cream, agave syrup, candi sugar, rock candy, pecan pie, flan, crème brulee, pudding, graham cracker smores, coconut, smokey notes, choco flan, Kahlua, marshmallows, coffee hints and piloncillo.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Oak, Bourbon, Vanilla Dulce De Leche Caramel, Three Milks/Tres Leches cream, Rich Bananas, Grilled Bananas, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, cherries, raspberries, flan, leche nestle/sweetened condenced milk, choco flan, brown sugar, mocha hints, coffee, Khalua Liquer, Irish and Danish cream, Oreo cookies and cream, Toffee, Piloncillo Sugar Cone, Cotton candy, marshmallows, toasted coconut hints, tobacco, leather, cinnamon, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, molasses, anise, mint, maple syrup, almond joy, rocky road icecream, crème brulee, clove spice, port wine notes, graham crackers, waffle cone ice cream, butterscotch, black cherries, chocolate cheese cake, mousse chocolate dessert and pancho pantera chocolate powder.

Aftertaste:
Immense lingering flavors of Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hazelnut hints, marshmallow, dark fruits, dulce de leche, vanilla, oak, bourbon, pecan pie, coconut hints, tres leches cake, chocolate cake, cherry cordial hints and gooey brownies. Strange, despite the highest ABV this beer has been, the boozy aspect has diminished more than it’s previous incarnations. Remains a beyond pitch black deliciousness of a full body. Velvety, silky, syrupy, smooth and rich creamy mouthfeel, and still a sipping drinkability. Very much the balanced and KOS-MOSly/Orderly beer.

Overall:
Oh how I am going to miss dissecting this beer. It has been a long time phenomenal favorite of mine but since I have reviewed it many times again and again, it is time I make this one the last one. I have said many times over and over what this beer is capable and while many states have their versions of that one Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout that always becomes coveted by masses, Black Tuesday will always be a staple of being one of my most favorite beers of all time. It’s variants have even paired with some of my other favorite anime characters. The future of newer beers to come that are also variants I will save.

Anime Corner: tl;dr
As being my final Black Tuesday Review (Like I haven’t done it enough!) This time I bring forth the KOS-MOS Plushy I got back in 2005. Yes it is an old plushie but I keep the favorites stored safely. I think I did such a great job of pairing Kos-mos from the several beer reviews back that I wanted to bring the 2013 Anime corner below. Also, the 20% goes along with the second picture where she is holding the world on her fin. As to who is Kos-mos, see below:

KOS-MOS or (Kosmos Obey Strategical Multiple Operation Systems), from the series Xenosaga is one of my Four most favorite characters in anime. She was chosen for this particular beer in 2012 to go along with some of my most favorite beers of all time. In terms of who she is is representative of how bad ass this beer is. To me, Black Tuesday is representative of a crash (the stock market) which brings about chaos. Polar to chaos is order or cosmos. While there is is a mess among chaos, there is always a glimmer of hope that will restore the balance to the universe, and that is order or KOS-MOS. In other reviews I have reviewed her character when it comes to the divine and holy (The Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Mayan Judgment, Angel Share, Sede Vacante and even Sam Adams Tetravis). In the game, SPOILER ALERT She is Mary Magdalene’s vessel for which Kaos (Another Xenosaga character) is Jesus Christ respectively. Yeah, the spoiler may not make sense but there are many websites ready to explain. Anyways, Black Tuesday label, although hard to see holds some shiny blue but also some shiny brown. The blue part represents KOS-MOS for me and the brown is the sweet chocolate. Once you find out how sweet and understanding this character is, it makes a world of a difference which is why Black Tuesday makes a world of a difference to me. Although the cold harsh reality of her initial computational robotical android form may seem a bit cold when the series first started. Not to mention the fact that she is a definitely over powered character, which may be the alcohol and the fact that this beer should not be consumed in one sitting. She should be enjoyed slowly. The artwork also represents Black Tuesday as the dark matter of space, the upper frontiers of awesomeness and good beer. Tuesday is just another cycle of the stars, y Kos-mos es otra chiquita mia, love ya!!

Sources:
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs49/i/2012/337/8/9/the_firebird_suite_by_melficexd-d23or7w.jpg
http://img01.deviantart.net/8c5b/i/2012/166/4/b/synthetik_kosmos_by_einheit00-d53n9lr.jpg

Imperial Cabinet collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Jester King

December 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Wild Ale, collaboration, Imperial Cabinet, jester king, Kaguya Otsutsuki, Naruto, Oak aged, Spices, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Imperial Cabinet collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Jester King is an 8.3% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with spices and aged in oak barrels

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Many things can happen when collaborating breweries come together. Like us and Jester King. We both share a deep affinity for sour and wild beers. But rather than rest on our laurels, we challenged ourselves to brew a beer reminiscent of a nearly forgotten, early 20th century cocktail, the Ramos gin fizz, employing our wildly traditional methods to do so. We began with some of the cocktail’s signature ingredients – lemon, lime and orange citrus fruits, botanicals and sweeteners (sorry, no egg whites) – and then let our collaborative brewing process run wild. The result is laden with herbal and floral notes, bright lemon and lime zest, orange blossom honey, vanilla, warm oak and comforting spices. The Ramos gin fizz is a hard cocktail to find, and when you do, it takes 10 minutes to make. Our collaboration with Jester King will be similarly elusive; however, it took nearly a year in the making.

==Introduction==

Released for the Bruery’s Reserve and Hoarders Societies, this beer would bring one of Texas best breweries, Jester King, to birth a beer that would probably just as coveted as wen Three Floyds toured last year. My friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com has sent me some very awesome stuff from Jester King and even had his wedding reception at the brewery. It is no joke that Jester King is one of the best when it comes to complex saisons and wild ales just like Jolly Pumpkin up in Michigan. So for this beer, I really want to see how The Bruery and Jester King minds bring forth something awesome. Let’s do this!

Aromas:
Funky notes, farmhouse hay hints, vinegar sour, black tea, lemonade hints, floral notes, hibiscus, roses, poppy, lavender, rich vanilla, oak, stone fruit apricots, mango, lemonade hints, biscuit bread, anise, coriander, gin hints, herbs, mint tea, yerba buena, salt, tejuino maize, peppercorns, Juniper berries, caramel, citrus, lemons, lime, Danish cream, candy sugar hints and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Lots of floral notes, hibiscus, roses, poppy, lavender, rich vanilla, oak, caramel, citrus, lemons, lime, salt, tejuino maize, peppercorns, Juniper berries, tart stone fruit apricots, honey, waffle cone, farmhouse hay hints, vinegar sour, black tea, lemonade hints, biscuit bread, anise, coriander, gin hints, herbs, mint tea, yerba buena, Danish cream, candy sugar hints, brown sugar hints and old mango.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with oak, vanilla, stone fruit, tart lemons and flowers. No alcohol in the taste, clear honey colored body, crisp, effervescent and refreshing mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A Perfect sour. While the overall beer is a sour, some hints of fruity and floral notes do come through but just a touch to cleanse out the sourness. It was a damn fine collaboration and I feel that many people that love sours will find it’s strong herbal, vanilla and oak flavors to really pop with this one. I think some time would do wonders, cheers!

Anime Corner:
Kaguya Otsutsuki from Naruto was used in this pairing to represent what is inside the Imperial Cabinet. Reminiscent of Pandora’s Box, Kaguya was sealed long ago in the series and when the world was set into the infinite illusion of sleep by Madara Uchiha, he did not realize that he opened that very box (basically unsealed her) and thus Kaguya was back. The beer’s name and the complexity it represents goes along with the originator, Kaguya, who was basically the mother of all the Shinobi powers in the series. Sour and evil but the sweetness and complexity of the beer do showcase some of Kaguyas traits.

Sources:
https://hdwallpapers.cat/wallpaper_high_contrast/kaguya_ootsutsuki_fantasy_girl_hornes_art_high_contrast_hd-wallpaper-1823783.jpg
http://pre01.deviantart.net/ad47/th/pre/f/2014/175/9/e/kaguya_ootsutsuki_by_olggah-d7mr064.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/NARUTO.full.1748450.jpg

8 Maids A Milking by The Bruery

December 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 12 Beers of Christmas, 8 Maids A Milking, Ayeka Masaki Jurai, Belgian Stout, Imperial Milk Stout, Mihoshi, Ryo-Ohki, Ryoko Hakubi, sasami, Sweet Stout, Tenchi, Tenchi Muyo, The Bruery, Tokimi, Tsunami, Washu Hakubi | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

8 Maids A Milking by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Belgian Imperial Milk Stout.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

The Eighth Verse of Our Twelve Beers of Christmas saga celebrates with a rich & creamy Belgian-style imperial milk stout. Happy Holidays!

8 Maids-A-Milking is suitable for aging up to 5 years (soon after the release of 12 Drummers Drumming) when cellared properly.

==Introduction==

The Bruery has recently released their latest Christmas beer to the public and should be hitting many distribution areas publicly where they sell The Bruery beers. I was unable to see if there was any special ingredients used in this beer to make it unique from the last aside from being an Imperial Milk Stout but much love Milk Stouts so typically, these beers may fit the Christmas or Holiday times. Overall, this set of Twelve days of Christmas beers have been very good overall but I would definitely like to see what this one is about. So let us take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, plums figs, tres leches cake, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses, Rich Milk Chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, flan, bananas, clove spice, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, roasted coffee notes, marshmallow smores, cookie dough ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, Stone fruit peach hints and cocoa powder.

Flavors:
Rich Milk Chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, Dark fruit raisins, plums figs, flan, bananas, clove spice, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, milk sugar, rock candy, candi sugar, cocoa powder, Yoohoo chocolate drink, peanut butter, cocoa krispies cereal, hazelnut nectar, mocha, roasted coffee notes, marshmallow smores, cookie dough ice cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses, mints, anise, Pistachio Ice cream, oatmeal cookies, Stone fruit peach hints, apricots, mango, lychee fruit and toasted rye bread with peach preserves.

Aftertaste:
Sweet, milk sugar, chocolate, dark fruit, stone fruit, mocha, vanilla, caramel, earthy notes and fancy coffee cake lingers. No alcohol in the taste, dark abysmal full body, super smooth, frothy, very rich and creamy mouthfeel, with a drinkability that does not equate to its ABV.

Overall:
Divinely rich and perfect milk stout. So much Belgian, so delicious I had to buy several of these. This might be their best Christmas beer yet. The milk and chocolatey stout flavors really do stand out big time. Despite this being a bigger ABV beer, it is really hard to tell where the alcohol is. The bruery will be releasing this one for the holiday season so definitely do yourself a favor and get this one, I highly recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Ryoko Hakubi, Ayeka Masaki, Washu Hakubi, Ryo-Ohki, Mihoshi, Sasami, Tsunami and Tokimi of the Tenchi Muyo series were included in this pairing to represent the 8 maids-a-milking. Tenshi Masaki is not one of them as I included Ryo-Ohki who is a girl and is Ryoko’s spaceship but also is in love with Tenchi and well, all of them are Tenchi’s harem so Tenchi is in the picture by default. They are his 8 maids-a-milking. Not literally I hope but they all work the farm in the Tenchi Muyo series while there are no Space havocs about ofcourse.

Sources:
https://hdwallpapers.cat/wallpaper_1600x1200/tenchi_muyo_ayeka_sasami_mihoshi_kain_ryoko_1600x1200_hd-wallpaper-27878.jpg

Humulus Terreux by the Bruery Terreux

December 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Wild Ale, Brettanomyces, Humulus Terreux, Sinon, Sword Art Online II, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Humulus Terreux by the Bruery Terreux is a 6.3% ABV American Wild Ale with Hops and Brettanomyces

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Humulus Terreux is the type of beer that gets our stomachs tied up in knots of excitement. It’s a chance for us to experiment with both hops and yeast, creating unique, juicy & funky flavors with just these seemingly simple, earthen ingredients. Each batch of Humulus Terreux will use a different hop varietal and one of the several strains of Brettanomyces yeasts that we have incubating in our laboratory to create a one of a kind, wildly traditional bière™. The flavor possibilities are endless when combining possible hop notes of citrus, pine, flowers or grass with the barnyard funk, earth and tropics that can come from a 100% Brettanomyces fermentation. While each beer will showcase a different, distinct character, the overall result will always be dry, funky and delightfully hoppy.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one as part of the Bruery Reserve Society and Hoarders Society memberships. This one is the Bruery’s attempts at making a wild ale with lots of hops. The idea seems awesome like the wild ales and saisons that were hoppy like those from Stillwater Artisanal, Jester King and even Prairie Artisanal. My only hope is that it is the case with this one, hoppy, fruit and funky. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich fruity citrus, grapefruit juice, tropical fruit mango, pineapple, honey dew melon, strawberry, kiwi hints, Stone fruit apricot, Peppercorns, rich saison brettanomyces, Citrus, piney, grapefruit, floral, spicy, earthy and herbal hops.

Flavors:
Citrus, piney, grapefruit, floral, spicy, earthy and herbal hops, oranges, Peppercorn, Farmhouse hay, brettanomyces, tropical fruit mango, pineapple, honey dew melon, kiwi, strawberry, funky notes, hibiscus, lavender, honey, tangerine, biscuit bread, banana hints, clove spice, coriander hints, stone fruit apricot hints, peach notes, apples, lemon candy, vanilla notes, oak, waffle cone and musty grape notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes semi dry with funky saison notes, herbal notes, piney, grapefruit, floral hops and some stone fruit. No alcohol in the taste, Clear golden body, crisp,refreshing and smooth mouthfeel and also very easy drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious and funky hopped Saison/Wild Ale. Drinkable by all means and still full of delicious flavor. A session type of Saison/Wild ale. I like this one because it is the kind of beer you could continuously drink many of in a session. Recommended if you love hoppy saisons or hoppy wild ales.

Anime Corner:
Sinon / Shino Asada from Sword Art Online II was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair a character that went well with the colors of the label and hops as well. Since I have not done a review from the Bruery with Sinon before, I figured this would be the best opportunity. How it relates to the beer? Well, she is a sniper so you can say the hoppy flavors are a direct hit!

Sources:
http://upload.shunwang.com/2014/0731/1406749594685.png
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DwiwfFiWaUo/maxresdefault.jpg

Ukelele by The Buery Terreux

December 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, ginger spice, Koriand'r, passion fruit, Raven, sour ale, Star Fire, Teen titans, Thai Chilis, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, tropical fruit, Ukelele | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Ukelele by The Buery Terreux is a 13.5% ABV Tropical Sour Ale brewed with passion fruit, Thai Chilis, and Ginger spice aged in bourbon barrels

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Here’s a beer that will pluck on your heartstrings. Just close your eyes and say aloha to Kauai, where the idea for Ukulele began in the form of a Passion Chili Whiskey Fizz, made with bourbon, passion fruit, Thai chili and ginger ale. Ukulele’s tone and volume intensifies with each sip, dancing on the tongue with massive, tart tropical fruit flavors and ginger spice, crescendoing with the slow-timed release of heat from ghost chili peppers and warmth from bourbon barrel-aging. Ukulele is truly a gift or reward to share with friends.
==Introduction==

Obtained this brew as part of the Reserve Society membership. This brew was released to Reserve and Hoarders members of the Bruery. This brew is the Bruery’s take on a more tropical paradise kind of beer. One aged in bourbon barrels and as many of these beers go then to be pretty awesome. I have no idea how the chili and the tropical fruit will work with this beer but I have a feeling it maybe something like the Mexican chili candies. Let’s see if that is the case. Cheers!

Aromas:
Tamarind, bourbon, honey, piloncillo sugar, oak, bourbon, tropical fruits like pineapple, lychee fruit, honey dew melon, papayas, mangos, dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, plums, blackberries, flan, Chili candy, stone fruit peaches, apricots, farmhouse hay, ginger spice and gummy bears.

Flavors:
Tropical fruit papayas, mangos, dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, rich pineapple, honey dew melon, lychee fruit, caramel, vanilla, bourbon, oak, jalapeño pepper, ancho, marshmallows, coconut, ginger spice, fruit cake, tamarind, tejuino, tajin chili, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, plums, blackberries, Tejuino, oranges, tangerines, stone fruit peaches, apricots, farmhouse hay, Mexican mango or water melon chili candy, flan, cinnamon, ginger bread, rye bread, toffee, gummy bears, grilled bananas, brown sugar, honey, and pilloncillo sugar cone hints.

Aftertaste:
Mild heat lingers (for the chili experienced), lots of tropical goodness, Mexican Mango candy, dark fruits, stone fruits, oak bourbon, and coconut linger. No alcohol in the taste, golden amber full body, sweet, crisp, smooth and refreshing mouthfeel, oh yeah and did I mention how ridiculously easy it is to drink this? It is dangerous!!

Overall:
One of the more exceptional sours I have ever had. It reminded me of Mexican Mango candy. This tropical sour gave me goosebumps because the flavors were tangy tropical but also spicy. There was so much going on and really kept me active and drinking. I can tell this one is spicy but for those that may not have a chili tolerance, get ready. Either way, the sweetness of his beer really plays well with the spicy aspect and the focus of tropical and spicy with the complex bourbon action is what you really get while the alcoholic strength is still small but present overall. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Starfire/Koriand’r from Teen Titans was the perfect pairing for this beer. She is so damn sweet and very innocent always open minded and caring but yet if you make her mad she has the strength and power to demolish cities! Yes, this is exactly how this beer feels. The flavor of sweetness and the heat since Starfire is ridiculous and smokingly hot explains the dominant aspects of the beer while the ABV or her demolishing power and strength take the way side mainly because you just can’t taste the alcohol. I really enjoyed this one wayyy too much. Now I have to some how get more bottles but I missed out as I only got one. If you want to try this one, head to the Bruery before it is gone this month (November 2015) or find a way to trade for it. I highly recommend it!

Sources:
http://orig08.deviantart.net/831a/f/2014/055/d/a/starfire__render__by_dafneyaneth-d77x87d.png
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/d6dfb-shunyayamashitastarfirekotobukiya.jpg
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/757/612/9a5.png