¡Viva La Beaver! By Belching Beaver

July 1, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Annet Futanabi, Annet Futatabi, Annet Myer, ¡Viva La Beaver!, Belching Beaver, cham-cham, chocolate peanut butter, El Viento, It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time, Mexican Chocolate Stout, Milk Stout, peanut butter, Samurai Shodown, sweet milk chocolate, Sweet Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.5/7

¡Viva La Beaver! By Belching Beaver is a 7.5% ABV Sweet/Milk Stout brewed with Peanut Butter, and Mexican Chocolate.

Label:

We made this beer originally for the SD Tap Room in Pacific Beach as their 8^th Anniversary beer. Marc Truex set it all up. It became our highest rated beer (until Pound Town). Thomas kept asking to make it again but we never ad tank space. Now that we opened the new Oceanside facility we can make many more styles. Troy said he wanted to start a Milk Stout series, we decided to start with this one. It’s Mexican Chocolate. It’s peanut butter. The Beaver has a cool mustache. What’s not to like? I wanted to call it “Livin La Beaver Loca”, but I was outvoted.

Cheers!

Tom

==Introduction==

When I first saw this beer, I literally went insane. I love the Peanut butter milk stout they make and overall peanut butter beers. I have had so many delicious Mexican Choco Stouts as well that have definitely blown me away. Now when I saw Belching Beaver decided to mix up the 2 and bottle it, it was a mind blow! I was able to get this one early as I purchased it at CraftShack.com but I know it will be around here locally soon. I just couldn’t wait to bring it to the site which is what made me so excited. So I am happy to present, the review to this awesome new entry from Belching Beaver. Salucita!

Aromas:

Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, German Chocolate, Fudge Chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, Reese’s Peanut butter cups, marshmallows, Peanut Butter, Mazapan, pan dulce, capirotada raisin bread pudding, pecan pie, dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, blackberry notes, hazelnut nectar, almond milk, almond milk, chocolate mousse, Champurrado Maize drink, chocolate bananas, , nutter butter cookies, toffee, roasted coffee notes, mocha and fruit cake.

Flavors:

Lots of rich Peanut Butter, Mazapan, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, German Chocolate, Fudge Chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, cajeta, flan, cinnamon, fruit cake, roasted peanuts with the shells, nutter butter cookies, toffee, roasted coffee notes, mocha, lactose milk sugar, buttered rye toasted bread, Reese’s Peanut butter cups, marshmallows, chocolate peanut butter smores, pan dulce, capirotada raisin bread pudding, pecan pie, dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, blackberry notes, hazelnut nectar, almond milk, chocolate mousse, Champurrado Maize drink, Chocolate Atole and chocolate bananas.

Aftertaste:

Finishing with super rich Reese’s Chocolate Peanut butter cups if they were made with dark chocolate and abuelitas chocolate. Lots of hints of dulce de leche, mazapan, dark fruits, marshmallowss, champurrado and nutter butter cookies. No alcohol in the taste. Deep dark abyss body, rich, velvety, smooth, creamy and syrupy mouth feel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:

Madre de Dios! Supremely exceptional. This is definitely one of the best if not the best Peanut Butter Milk Stout I have ever had. This one definitely reminds me of Ramuri’s Peanut butter stout from Tijuana. Although the Mexican Chocolate definitely brings it to a newer level and really compliments the beer overall. This is something I will definitely get again and stash several bottles of. So much so that I would suggest you do the same if you loved the original peanut butter milk stout. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:

Original Mexican characters by Daniel Heron of Deviantart.com, Cham Cham from Samurai Showdown and Annet Myer from El Viento were all used in reference to the Mexican themed beer that we have here as well as all the colors to fit the label. Also, the anthropomorphic characters from the first picture and Cham Cham fit with the little Mexican beaver. The attire from Annet and the girl fit with old school indigenous and revolutionary gear wore in the pre modern eras.

Sources:
http://dan-heron.deviantart.com/art/Viva-Mexico-Cabron3s-22974143

http://i.imgur.com/uxRjVLa.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dBJJNzH.png

http://ist2-1.filesor.com/pimpandhost.com/7/2/6/9/72699/1/m/O/t/1mOtx/huang-guan.328017.jpg

Raspberry Quadrupel by Mikkeller Brewing

July 1, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Quad, Belgian Quadrupel, Brandy Barrel Aged, Jinx, Lactose, Raspberries, Raspberry Quadrupel, Teen titans | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.25/7

Raspberry Quadrupel by Mikkeller Brewing is a 13% Belgian Quadrupel brewed with Lactose & Raspberries & aged in Brandy Barrels

Label:

None.

==Introduction==

I obtained this brew at craftshack.com. I have previously tried Mikkeller’s Raspberry Tripplebock but when I saw they made a Raspberry Belgian Quadrupel, I had to get it. I do have a crazy sweet tooth for these types of fruit beers especially raspberries. While still in a small bottle like the other one, it is a very strong ABV wise beer. Belgian Quads are my favorite style of beer along with the barrel aged beers. So I think if this is awesome, I might actually consider using fruit in some future Quadrupel homebrews. Let’s see how this beer is.

Aromas:

Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, candied sugar, burnt sugar, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate, marshmallows, tart raspberries, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, currants, prunes, cranberries, dark cherries, blueberries, pomegranates, dark chocolate covered raspberries, raspberry Chambord, milk chocolate, jelly doughnuts, yogurt, brown sugar, toasted rye bread with raspberry and tangerine preserves, molasses, sweetened condensed milk, clove spice and bananas.

Flavors:

Super rich Raspberries, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, currants, prunes, cranberries, dark cherries, blueberries, pomegranates, candied sugar, burnt sugar, raspberry cheese cake, vanilla, oak, brandy, lactose milk, raspberry milkshake, rock candy, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate, marshmallows, tart raspberry skins, kiwi fruit, strawberries, capirotada bread pudding with raspberries, sweetened condensed milk, clove spice, bananas, dark chocolate covered raspberries, raspberry Chambord, milk chocolate, jelly doughnuts, yogurt, brown sugar, toasted rye bread with raspberry and tangerine preserves, molasses, leathery notes, Belgian candi sugar, crème brulee, honey, dark candi sugar, floral hibiscus, dried stone fruit peaches and strawberry shortcake.

Aftertaste:

Finishing with a rich tart and sweet raspberry marmalade, complex dark fruits, stone fruits, dulce de leche caramel, brandy, oak, chocolate, candi sugar, pecan pie, clove hints and bananas. Slight boozyness in the taste not detracting from the flavors of the beer. Dark brown full body, syrupy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:

Reminiscent of one of my favorite raspberry beers, Dogfish Head Forte, this is definitely up there with one of the best raspberry beers I have ever had. From the Ragging Passion Lactus Raspear Dragons I made to even the basic Raspberry brown I have had, the use of Raspberries in a quad and especially made with Mikkeller brewing processes, it makes this beer super ridiculously awesome. Now if this was ever barrel aged, it would have to become a bucket lister as it is already going into that bucket lister category anyways. I definitely will recommend you try this one if you love fruit beers and Belgian Quadrupels.

Anime Corner:

Jinx from Teen Titans was used in this pairing as I wanted to go with the colors of raspberry but also the whole aspect of cloaks as it relates to both monks and witches. Quads are mainly a Belgian Abbey or Trappist monk beers but even since the origins of beer, witches have been the ones making beer since the old days. Anyways, I figure since Jinx kind has that witch look about her, she was perfect to go with this beer pairing in my mind.

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

http://cdn.9cloud.us/images/Zego21/209/lusciousnet_lusciousnet_6c82ac64168fcf7e3f4c8073d8af0_647951920.png

https://66.media.tumblr.com/1d69616164fafc5d0db21a7da7f6a4f0/tumblr_nv1gcn3ghL1qfh7p5o1_1280.jpg

2013 Vintage Oak Barrel Aged Santa’s Little Helper by Port Brewing

July 1, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 2013 Vintage, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Full Metal Daemon, Imperial Stout, Jack and Daxter, Keira Hagai, Muramasa, Oak aged Santa's Little Helper, Port Brewing, Sandaime Muramasa, Santa’s Little Helper | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

2013 Vintage Oak Barrel Aged Santa’s Little Helper by Port Brewing is a 12% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

Everyone knows that Santa delivers toys and gifts to little girls and boys each Christmas Eve. But what does he do with the sleigh the other 364 days a year? Well rumor has it he hitches up the reindeer each July testing driving to ensure it’s still in operating condition. At the North Pole they mark their calendars calling it Christmas in July.

How do we know that? Well, Virginia, each year Santa stops by Port Brewing to load up his sleigh with beer for his return trip to the North Pole. He’s a big fan of Santa’s Little Helper, and for the last nine months our brewers have been extra naughty aging some in bourbon barrels. Hopefully Santa won’t drink it all by himself, but we wouldn’t blame him if he did.

==Introduction==

Aged for 3 years, this beer has been a staple and a favorite of mind since I first started trying different craft beers and one of the ones that really started getting me into trying different barrel aged beers. They stopped making this beer for a while but was recently released once again but in smaller bottles. So to my surprise, I was able to find this still at the local Downey Liquor in Downey California. This beer was first bottled in 22 ounce bottles and was bourbon barrel aged. Now a days, they sell the same beer for the same price ($15-16) but a 350ml bottle. Considering I was able to find more of these, I refuse to pay for the smaller bottles. The decision for Port Brewing to sell in smaller bottles for the same price is quite irritating especially for such an amazing beer. I would understand them lowering the price if they wanted smaller bottles but it is pretty ridiculous now a days. Anyways, it has been 3 years and I definitely want to see how this beer has progressed. Cheers!

Aromas:

Rich oak, vanilla, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, vinous dark fruits like raisins, plums, currants, black berries, dark cherries, figs, fruit cake, almond, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cinnamon, ginger bread cookies, cookie dough ice cream, cookies and cream, oatmeal chocolate cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers chocolate, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut, stone fruit hints, wine grapes, crème brulee and mango.

Flavors:

Rich vinous oak, vanilla, port wine, bourbon, roasted coffee, Kahlua Liqueur, flan hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers chocolate, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut, figgy pudding, dark fruit raisins, plums, currants, black berries, dark cherries, marshmallow smores, fruit cake, almond, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cinnamon, ginger bread cookies, cookie dough ice cream, cookies and cream, oatmeal chocolate cookies, tobacco, leather, dulce de leche caramel, wine grapes, sweetenend condensed milk hints, crème brulee hints, raspberry chambord hints, stone fruit peach notes, dragon fruit and mild mango.

Aftertaste:

Finishing with port wine notes, dark chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits, flan, fruit cake and figgy pudding. No alcohol in the taste, deep dark abyss full body, smooth, silky, rich and chewy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:

A bucket list beer, especially since this one being the original when they used to sell in 22 ounces. Now a days they sell this in 375ml bottles for the same price as this one which I don’t know about. I have tried it a while back on tap and it was as good as I remembered this one. Essentially, it is the same beer as I remember before. However, this 3 year aged one for being the oldest one and the bigger bottle, a definite find is in order for you beer lovers. The beer has turned into a more vinous delight complementing the chocolate complexity along with the development of raisinettes in bourbon and rich fruit cake and figgy pudding servings. A true Christmas beer, you can have in June, July or any time of the year.

Anime Corner:

Keira Hagai from Jack and Daxter and Sansei Muramasa from Full Metal Daemon were used in this for the overall Christmas theme. I have used Keira in the past as she was to represent the colors of Christmas but she also has Daxter on her arm to represent Santa’s Little Helper. This time around, Sansei was brought in to be the Santa’s little helper as she has the reindeer antlers but also represents how the beer has essentially aged well.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/mzFNb8g.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A_AVy60uC3o/Vnu7G89nQoI/AAAAAAAAevk/SeQQpvh-i4E/w680-h950/44bb308344fb77b3e2d48a49b3b316a0.png

http://i.imgbox.com/kWJHE1kJ.jpg

Tropical Platypus by Almanac Brewing

July 1, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Almanac Brewing, American Wild Ale, City Beer Store, dry hopped, Kiwi, lime, mango, Marino, Megaman X, Megaman X Command Mission, passion fruit, sour ale, Tropical Platypus, Wine Barrels | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

Tropical Platypus by Almanac Brewing is 6% ABV American Wild Ale Dry-Hopped Sour Ale Aged in Wine Barrels with Kiwi, Mango, Lime and Passion Fruit.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION

This special tropical ale is brewed in celebration of City Beer Store’s 10th Anniversary. Inspired by their adorable Platypus mascot, this equatorial sour blonde ale is aged in used wine barrels and oak foeders with an array of tropical fruits. We selected barrels with fruit-forward characters, and amplified those notes with the addition of kiwi, mango, lime and passionfruit. We tied the whole blend together with the addition of aromatic Galaxy hops from New Zealand. The finished beer is a tropical explosion, worthy of our duck-billed inspiration. Pair with celebratory anniversaries, pupu platters and white sand beaches.

When Almanac was in its infancy, City Beer Store was already a craft beer institution in San Francisco. They constantly fought for the craft beer industry and provided a home for new breweries looking to make a mark. In fact, they were the first to sell Almanac’s beer. This beer honors 10 years of providing a home for craft beer.

==Introduction==
Obtained this one from Craftshack.com along with other great beers. This one intrigued me because I made a tropical IPA with similar ingredients and trying this may give me an incite as to what to expect. The brew is a small bottle as with many of Almanacs delicious beers but with that being said, I will be taking my time analyze this one as I do with others but more importantly, try to take some flavors that may relate to my homebrew that will be ready in sometime in July 2016. The mix of fruits sounds so damn delicious but as a sour, I will have to see if it can compare to other sours I have had in the past. Let’s take a look. Cheers!

Aromas:

Tropical fruit kiwi, pineapple, mango, guava, dragon fruit, margarita notes, lime peel, lemons, limes, white wine grapes, passion fruit, stone fruit peaches, apricots, banana hints, clove hints, coriander hints, vanilla, oak, floral hop notes, lavender, cane sugar, chardonnay, peppercorn and wine grapes.

Flavors:

Rich Stone fruit peaches, apricots, sour apples, tropical fruit kiwi, pineapple, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, margarita notes, lime peel, lemons, limes, white wine grapes, concorde grapes, chardonay, peppercorns, waffle cone, cranberries, dark cherries, citrus, grapefruit, grassy, mild pine, floral and earthy hops, tangerine gummies, vanilla, oak, caramel, banana hints, clove hints, coriander hints, lavender, hibiscus hints, guavas.

Aftertaste:

Finishes dry with minor hints of tropics, limes, lemons, stone fruit, wine grapes, grapefruit, citrus and dank hops and sour funky notes. No alcohol in the taste. Hazy Pale Straw body, Crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouth feel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:

A very awesome and very exceptional sour showcasing so much tropical goodness. This is one of the best sours up there with the great ones I really love. The beer does shows a lot of flavors which I would definitely wanna see in my beer as it is supposed to be a tropical fruit IPA. However, this being a sour and oak aged is super well balanced and made. The balance of tart and sweet comes together very nicely. I highly recommend it if you love sours and especially dry hopped tropical sours.

Anime Corner:

Marino from Megaman X Command Mission was chosen in this pairing as I could not find a platypus but her colors represent all the tropical flavors of the beer. Even though she is not a platypus, her hair is long like the platypus tail and the holder that holds her sword is almost like a platypus bill. It is a stretch but I think the pairing works well.

Sources:
http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/12/127136/1753558-marino_perspective_cged_by_liline.png

http://img00.deviantart.net/09ea/i/2014/289/8/8/marino_by_wing_maiden-d830zf1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb209/redninja4/Megaman/1234659355039.jpg