2016 Darkness by Surly brewing

October 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 2016 Surly Darkness, Black Magic, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, dark chocolate, Darkness, Evil, harpy, Kill-LA-Kill, Lord of Darkness, milk Chocolate, passion fruit, Russian Imperial Stout, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuoko Matoi, Surly Brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.35/7

2016 Darkness by Surly brewing is a 12% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout.

Label:
The legendary hound of Hades Cerberus was said to guard the gates of the Underworld, preventing the dead from leaving. In this year’s art by Adam Martin, he also protects a massive stash of Surly Darkness. Go ahead and try to grab one. If his three heads don’t get you, his snake-headed tail certainly will.

This massive Russian Imperial Stout contains notes of chocolate, coffee, dried tart cherries, and raisins. It finishes sweet, with a piney resinous hop character.

You can drink this now, or hoard it like Cerberus, it’s up to you if you want to be a bit more generous with it than he is.

==Introduction==

Wow… Stronger this year it seems. 12% ABV is what many sites are giving this one and plainly it is awesome. Surly beers don’t show an ABV and sometimes, some beers won’t have any ABV listed anywhere but for 12% that is really cool. Darkness has been a very important beer. It represents the Dark Lord in the state of Minnesota similar to how California has Black Tuesday and Texas has La Muerta. Of course, as the years go by, the hype for specialty stouts change. Like right now, one of the biggest stouts people are hyped about here in California is the Bottle Logic Fundamental Observation. A stout I will probably not bring to the site until it becomes easier available. Anyways, every year I bring this beer to the site and every year it is always one to the masses. Let’s take a look at it shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, mocha, roasted coffee, brown sugar, molasses, anise, mild rum, leather, tobacco, toasted bread on blackberry jam, 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 and oak.

Flavors:
Deep Dark Abyss of 4th dimensional chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgian and German chocolates, stone fruit mango right off, peaches, apricot dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, raspberries, plums, figs, dark cherries, molasses, anise, tropical guava, dragon fruit, passion fruit grapefruit, tangerine gummies, citrus, oranges marshmallows, lechera sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, whipped cream, plantains, chocolate mango, brown sugar, honey, dark candi sugar, fruit cake, pecan pie, almond joy, bourbon hints, bananas, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, earthy hop notes, stone fruit peaches and cream, mocha, coffee cake, cherry Dr. Pepper hints, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolates, toasted coconut, grahama crackers, double chocolate cake and cherry chocolate mousse.

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, 5th dimensional dark matter body (I can see a black hole forming), smooth velvety, chewy and silky mouthfeel and a dangerously easy drinkability as past iterations.

Overall:
Supremely above Exceptional and definitely something is different with this one. I think with the additional ABV, the more malts that went into it and certainly enhances the flavor to new heights. A rich complex and sweet stout that has reminiscent flavors of tropical fruit hints. Absolutely one of my favorite beers for being hard to get for sure. They released the Barrel aged version of this one but I think my last review of the brew with the bourbon barrel one does it justice so I will leave it be. However, for this beer, if you have not ever had this one before of if you are a fan of this one, I strongly and highly recommend you find a way to get your hands on this piece of gold!!!

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill was chosen in the previous versions of this beer. Every year I try to find as many details as I can as to why she fits with the iterations of the brew. For starts, the red and white of the label pair well with the evil version of her which is the white one with Junketsu as well as the blood. The aspect of Cerberus for her comes with the different versions of (2 Junketsus and the regular Senketsu version which is the one black armor). Maybe a stretch for sure but I definitely love pairing her with each year’s version since the first time I tried it.

Sources:
https://danbooru.donmai.us/data/__junketsu_and_matoi_ryuuko_kill_la_kill_drawn_by_takatsuki_nato__b716e63ddef98837323fdb232372b08e.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pcNT5vs.jpg
https://www.rpnation.com/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsST0chF.jpg&key=3b91f57e98d7828abb73c9cb94fd8f54189127f251490e7c84ed1b9fe8b343bd
http://i.imgur.com/rqACHxM.jpg
http://67.media.tumblr.com/097550c0e49e04ad47080ab498657833/tumblr_nsu1965O2I1u6f6neo1_1280.jpg

Strawberry & Cranberry Three Philosophers by Brewery Ommegang

October 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Quadrupel, cranberries, Dizzy, Guilty Gear, Ommegang, Ommegang brewing, Strawberries, Strawberry & Cranberry Three Philosophers, three philosophers | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Strawberry & Cranberry Three Philosophers by Brewery Ommegang is a 9.7% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with Strawberries and Cranberries.

Label:
WHERE HEAVEN MET EARTH AND STAYED AWHILE
To Ponder Your Thoughts
Once this beer was a dream, not quite finished.
Like a symphony missing a line.
A quadrupel, for nights of deep thinking, and we thought it was perfectly fine.
But we wated much more, so we pondered a while. We brewed on but our minds would not cease. Once we used cherries, and now, other, other lovely berries and Eureka! A dark Masterpiece!
This unique version of Three Philosophers unites caramel and chocolate notes of our malty quadrupel ale with strawberries and cranberries, for new complexities to invite your deepest consideration.

==Introduction==

Since the first time I have tried Three Philosophers, it has been till this day, one of my top favorite “common” beers in the world. Essentially right next to St. Bernardus abt 12 and Trois Pistoles. While I think even after this one, that beer will remain a favorite of mine, there is no doubt in my mind, that a first bottled variant of the original brings me so much joy, it is ridiculous. The original base beer was a quadruple and cherry kriek hybrid. This one, I am not sure what process they went with. Whether they blended a strawberry and cranberry lambic or just made a pure quadruple and brewed it with the fruit, I am not sure. One thing is for sure, Ommegang is one of my favorites when it comes to Belgian style brews. I have yet to go wrong with their beers. So with that said, cheers to a new variant of the Three Philosophers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, dates, plums, prunes, currants, blackberries, Strawberries, cranberries, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, strawberry cake, chocolate pomegranates, chocolate raisinettes, wine grapes, port wine, dark candi sugar, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, mixed berry preserves on rye bread, berry yogurt, bananas and clovey phenolic notes.

Flavors:
Rich strawberries and cranberries, wine grapes, port wine, dark candi sugar, rock candy, Pan dulce Mexican sweet bread, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding with raisins), dark fruit cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, dates, plums, prunes, currants, blackberries, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, strawberry cake, chocolate pomegranates, chocolate raisinettes, pecan pie, cinnamon, flan, piloncillo sugar cone, bananas, clove spice, stone fruit peach, mango, mixed berry yogurt, marshmallows, citrus and mixed berry preserves on toasted rye bread.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of rich dark fruits and mixed fruit flavors, vanilla, bananas, marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, earthy notes and rich dark candi sugar. No alcohol in the taste, bloody crimson body, smooth, cream, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptionally awesome! Definitely up there with some of the best quads I love including the newer fruited quads I have tried like the Fig and raspberry quads from Figueroa Mountain and Mikkeller respectively, as an example. There is so much going on here ranging from the sweet dark fruit, chocolate and caramel flavors to the mild tartness brought by the fruit mix. As I mentioned before, while this one and the original are awesome in their own right, the fact that the original is my favorite, I will keep it that way. Still, this is a high recommendation for those that love Belgians and Quads!

Anime Corner:
Dizzy from Guilty Gear was brought back to represent the Three Philosophers as she did with the last beer. Essentially, she is one philosopher and the wings are the other 2 philosophers. This time however, I wanted to bring her with colors that would represent well with the new fruit additions to the beer. Still an awesome pairing to go with.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/3QtUlXe.jpg
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmdW12oUcAAQMwa.png
http://animega.chu.jp/img/ill/110525ill029a.jpg
https://static.acg12.com/uploads/2016/06/f79b99f907a3d52605dce90763b8f5ab.jpg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/otagach/imgs/2/0/207d7e43.jpg

Double Bastard Bigger Longer Uncut by Stone/Arrogant Brewing

October 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Arrogant brewing, Darkstalkers, Double Bastard, Double Bastard Ale, Double Bastard Bigger Longer Uncut, Islay Scotch Whisky Barrels, Jedah, Jedah Dohma, Lilith Aensland, Morrigan Aensland, scotch whiskey, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Stone Double Bastard, World Class American Strong Ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.25/7

Double Bastard Bigger Longer Uncut by Stone/Arrogant Brewing is an 13% ABV American Strong Ale aged in Islay Scotch Whisky Barrels

Label:
Arrogance. Doubled, Barreled. Served Straight Up.

Weakness Is worn on the sleeves. Boldness Is within the heart. This intensified blend of barrel-aged Double Bastard Ale is all heart baby. The weak will find it to be a telltale heart. It knows of your fallibility. It smells your fear. The heart of this beer disdains you, as it disdains all things homogenized, wimpy and uncultured. You do know the truth of yourself, no? If you hesitated to answer that, if even for a split second, that in and of itself is telling. If you aren’t capable of knowing the reality of yourself, this beer can and will take the responsibility of informing you of what you should already know. (And it you’ve lost your way in this text already and no longer are clear about what I am saying, your reading pace has exceeded your comprehension pace. Go back, slow down and start over, bright eyes.)

Take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. Evenly. Give yourself some positive affirmations. Breathe deep again. There. Feel better? If you followed those instructions, then set this bottle down and back away immediately, you new age poseur. Fight or flight and I’d recommend the latter for you, tiger. Wet paper bags are more your speed.

==Introduction==

My love for double bastard never ceased ever since that fateful day where I had the dream I would try it. Since then have had so many variants and now as I get close to making my own version of the delicious Midnight Brunch Double Bastard, Stone/Arrogant Brewing released a wild one from left field. I didn’t think much of it but when I saw it was made with Islay Scotch Whiskey, I definitely thought, this is a must try for sure. Of all the spirit aged beers that I have tried in the past, the Islay Scotch aged is one that is so rare, I last tried a Brew Dog Stout that had this a long time ago. So for stone to release this, this is a truly special occasion indeed and the name fits it perfectly. Cheers for many more from the true Kings of Beer, the Arrogant Bastards!!

Aromas:
Lots of smokey peat, molasses, bacon, smoked oak, BBQ sauce, Scotch whiskey, bourbon, vanilla dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, cranberries, dates, raisins, roasted cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon, tobacco, toffee, rye bread, orange preserves, campfire and smoked marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Rich Smoked oak, Rich smoked peat, BBQ sauce, bacon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, maple, scotch whiskey, bourbon, marshmallow, campfire burnt chocolate smores, toasted coconut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, toffee, rye bread, orange preserves, grapefruit preserves, honey, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, cranberries, dates, raisins, tobacco, leather, Stone fruit peach, mango, butterscotch, sourdough bread, earthy, floral, and grassy hops, fruit cake, Key lime pie hints, brown sugar and roasted cherries.

Aftertaste:
Finishes very smokey bitter and full of complex flavors of vanilla, Scotch whisky, campfire wood, marshmallows, bacon hints, dark fruits and chocolate hints. No alcohol in the tasted despite the ABV, Crimson clear body, smooth, crisp, refreshing, velvety, creamy and mildy syrupy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A bit above exceptional! This is very damn special. A very unique Bastard indeed. Very different type of smokey goodness that definitely comes from the Islay Scotch. The Double Bastard is there but changed big time by the unique flavors presented in complexity of aging in the special spirit of the Islay Scotch. Definitely not for everyone and as Arrogant Tradition goes, many may or may not like it but if you are a fan, I say you will. Go get this Bastard!

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and the many Darkstalkers characters were used in this pairing as I wanted to go with a movie like theme and keep Lilith as the main character as she has been for the other Double Bastards. She even has somewhat of a director’s uniform. The theme of Doubles with Jedah and Morrigan have been a part of the theme since the original double bastard.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/BXNSB6e.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/e74961f3a62c151cbf93433deb58316b/tumblr_o0gzifAGzV1rs0zxko1_r1_1280.jpg
https://cdnb3.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/000/651/431/large/robert-porter-morrililly.jpg?1443930460
http://blog-imgs-44-origin.fc2.com/y/u/r/yuritrap/yr110191.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rtuY1hq.jpg
http://xxgasm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/darkstalkers_morriga-4830.jpg

Dragon’s Milk Reserve Coconut Rum Barrel Stout by New Holland brewing

October 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged coconut, Dragon's Milk, Dragon's Milk Reserve, Dragons, Freedom Planet, Imperial Stout, New Holland Brewing, Rum barrel aged, Sash Lilac, Toasted Coconut | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Dragon’s Milk Reserve Coconut Rum Barrel Stout by New Holland brewing is an 11% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with coconut and aged in Rum Barrels.

Label:
Coconut complements the roasted chocolate flavor of Dragon ‘s Milk, coaxing flavors that are reminiscent of lazy summer days. Rum barrels add a tropical character and a distinctive twist on tradition.

==Introduction==

The time has come again, with another variant of the awesome Dragon’s Milk. I have tried this one several times and done many reviews as well. Today, I bring you the Coconut and Rum version of the brew. The only other dragon I have tried was the raspberry one and since I loved that one so much, it inspired me to make a raspberry and tropical fruit version of that same beer. So basically, the Dragon’s Milk and I go way back and the love for this beer keeps going. So with that being said, let’s take a look at the white whale of a dragon we have this time around. Cheers!

Aromas:
Mocha, Coffee Cake, Rich Almond Joy Coconut Chocolate, rum, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, capirotada raisin bread pudding with coconut, coconut and pecan pie, Danish cookies, hazelnut nectar, coconut chocolate truffles, fruit cake piña colada notes, dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, choco flan, lactose milk sugar, crème brulee, toffee, dark fruit raisins, cherries, figs, currants, blackberries, fudge chocolate cake, rocky road ice cream and chocolate milk shake.

Flavors:
Liquid almond joy chocolates, toasted coconut, cocada Mexican candy, macaroons, oak, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rum, flan, crème brulee, toffee, dark fruit raisins, cherries, figs, currants, blackberries, fudge chocolate cake, rocky road ice cream, choco flan, lactose milk sugar, capirotada raisin bread pudding with coconut, coconut and pecan pie, marshmallows, peanut butter hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, Irish cream, steamed coconut milk, coffee cake, espresso coffee hints, tobacco, leather, rye bread, anise, molasses, Danish cookies, mocha, hazelnut nectar, coconut chocolate truffles, fruit cake piña colada notes, dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi and lychee.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with super rich with coconut, tropical rum, vanilla, flan, almond joy chocolate, flan, crème brulee, fruit cake, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow, vanilla, caramel, dark fruit, toffee, and smokey notes. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth, syrupy and velvety mouth feel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A definite bucket lister. As much as I love the original or even the raspberry one which I believe are some of the best beers and a staple in my list of favorite bourbon barrel stouts, this coconut rum is simply another level altogether. There has been a trend for me with beer variants and it seems that coconut beers have been definitely out of this world. I definitely loved this one so much, I had to get several and I highly recommend you do the same and try the coconut deliciousness.

Anime Corner:
Sash Lilac from Freedom Planet and original character art by Tofu93 were chosen to be the dragons that go with this beer. As I mentioned before, the beer is a rarity like, like a white whale. Although, this one is a white dragon instead. So the under the sea part in the picture as Sash rises from the water represents that part. The other pics just complement as they are both dragons.

Sources:
http://img12.deviantart.net/6be7/i/2015/006/5/5/freedom_planet___lilac_vs_spade_by_banzatou-d8ctqec.png
http://img12.deviantart.net/018e/i/2016/051/a/d/sash_lilac_by_dansyron-d9shnt6.png
https://i.imgur.com/bRycwv9.png
http://orig05.deviantart.net/7b18/f/2014/219/a/e/fan_art_____sash_lilac_by_articaartes-d7u31gf.png
http://orig04.deviantart.net/1768/f/2014/207/c/8/rouken_ych_by_tofu93-d7se6ee.jpg

À Tout Le Monde collaboration by Unibroue and MegaDeth

October 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged american farmhouse, À Tout Le Monde, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, dry hopped, Izayoi Sakuya, Megadeth, Saison, Spices, Touhou, Touhou Project, Unibroue, Vic Rattlehead | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

À Tout Le Monde collaboration by Unibroue and MegaDeth is a 4.5% ABV Canadian Saison/ Farmhouse ale brewed with spices and Dry hopped.

Commercial Description:
A new beer from Unibroue born of the friendship between its Brewmaster Jerry Vietz and Dave Mustaine, legendary lead vocalist and founder of heavy metal group Megadeth, is officially launching today in the U.S. and Quebec. Named À TOUT LE MONDE as a nod to one of the band’s songs and one of their biggest hits in Quebec, this beer recalls the consonance of Unibroue’s flagship beer, La Fin du Monde.

Dave Mustaine became friends with Jerry Vietz during Megadeth tours in Quebec. During their time together, Dave and Jerry created À TOUT LE MONDE as a symbol of their friendship. “At Unibroue, we appreciate flavour – and we know Megadeth is anything but boring,” explains Jerry Vietz, Brewmaster at Unibroue. “To Megadeth’s delight and that of their fans and connoisseurs, we’re offering an uncompromising beer with rich hoppy aromas, created according to Dave’s personal tastes.”

“Our shared passion for excellence produced a one-of-a-kind saison beer,” added Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s lead vocalist and founder. “I’m thrilled to present this new beer to my fans, and everyone who loves good beers with character.”

À TOUT LE MONDE ale is a flavorful Belgian style dry hopped golden saison with hoppy and spicy notes. Topped by an unctuous head, this beer will give fans a clean, fresh taste and a crisp dry finish inviting to take another sip.

==Introduction==

À Tout Le Monde or “For all the world or everyone” is inspired by the actual song in MegaDeth’s 1994 album, Youthanasia. This is the first time MegaDeth joins the craft beer scene after several awesome bands like AC/DC, Iron Maiden and many others worked to release their own brews. This choice to release something light was chosen as it would appeal to the massed. Basically something you can drink a lot of and still enjoy. It seems like a great choice and now that the beer is here on the site, let’s see what this awesome stuff is about. Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit peaches, apricots, pepper corn, Herbal, Floral, spicy, earthy and tropical hops, coriander hints, lavender, farmhouse hay, biscuit bread and honey.

Flavors:
Herbal, Floral, spicy, earthy and tropical hops, peppercorn spice, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, farmhouse hay, lavender, banana notes, honey, biscuit bread, wheat, vanilla, lemon zest, clove spices, sour apple notes, cane sugar hints, coriander notes and cranberry hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes semi dry rich with notes of Stone fruits, biscuit bread, herbal, floral and earthy hops. No alcohol in the taste, hazy pale yellow medium body, crisp, clean, refreshing and effervescent mouth feel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A very good saison that has many of the awesome flavors you would find from many of the great saisons out there. While I think it does not bring anything new that I haven’t had before, this one is still awesome and delicious. I would definitely say this one is a good gateway representative and definitely something many people will enjoy, especially since it is Megadeth after all. Find this one, especially if you are a fan.

Anime Corner:
Sakuya Izayoi from Touhou Project and Vic Rattlehead from Megadeath were used in this pairing as I was definitely trying to search for Megadeth and anime. Long behold, I found these to be tagged with Megadeth on them. First, since Vic is in the label and second, Sakuya relates to it as she has the guitar and she stands in front of the lyrics “Never Walk Alone” and “Call to Arms”.

Sources:
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/155/816/00b6f66b4302028ff09a6b784c01bdcd.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tjz9tjZ.jpg
http://i2.ruliweb.com/img/16/07/31/1563f74b4f646c91a.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/pq8bV3I.jpg

2016 Hoarders Cuvée by The Bruery

October 14, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, anniversary ale, Beer Hybrid, Black Tuesday, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, cuvee, Hoarders Cuvée, hoarders society, Imperial Stout, Melange, Old Ale, Raspberries, The Bruery, vanilla beans, Yoko, Yoko Littner, Yoko Ritona | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

2016 Hoarders Cuvée by The Bruery is an 18.5% ABV American Strong Ale/Old Ale/Cuvée hybrid aged in bourbon barrels, raspberries, vanilla beans and cacao nibs.

Label:
An invitation to join The Bruery Hoarders Society is the ultimate nod in how far you’ve come in your craft beer journey. Each year as a member, you get access to some of the most elusive and exclusive beers (such as this) and one-of-a-kind experiences, like going toe-to-toe with your peers in blending sessions exclusive to Hoarders.

This Cuvée is the icing on the cake – literally – as it took top honors in the Hoarders Cuvée blending tournament to be produced by The Bruery in 2016. Featuring a nearly equal blend of our most storied bourbon barrel-aged beers – Black Tuesday and our anniversary ale – with additions of raspberries, vanilla beans and cacao nibs, this beer was designed by Hoarders Society member, Paul Moore, and his teammate, Luis Barriga, to embody the ultimate cupcake. It’s the first fruited beer of its kind out of The Bruery, and a fitting release for the first installment in the newly minted Hoarders Cuvée series.

==Introduction==
Exclusively released to Hoarders Society only, unless you can trade for another Hoarders member or there is a special someone that is a huge fan of the site to donate! They basically made a special edition Mélange X (by X I mean some kind of number given to Mélange beers that mix Black Tuesday, Anniversary Ales and other ales or ingredients). I’ll be honest, there would be no way I could get my hands on this unless I buy it in the special online sites or trade. This website has slowly been grabbing a small trend of followers of which I especially admire. They were able to donate this one to me seeing as I love lots of the Bruery beers. As a Reserve member I can only bring so much to the table to help those that look for these beers. So they decided to make some kind of raspberry cupcake beer. It is very interesting as my last home brewing experiments with raspberries lead to a crazy fruity beer about “DRAGONS”. Interesting stuff for sure but this is the first time they release some Hoarders exclusive beer. Seems very special to and one I am happy to have you guys to thank, my readers and fans to provide this one to me. Let’s have a look! Cheers!

Aromas:
Super Rich Raspberry chocolate, cake, oak, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, Banana Split Sundae, pecan pie, fruit cake, hazelnut nectar, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, raspberry cheesecake, flan, crème brulee, dark fruit raisins, blackberries, currants, plums, blueberries, red velvet cake, berries and cream, raspberry indulgence candies, Danish cream, dark chocolate, cherry chocolate cordials and Chambord raspberry liqueur.

Flavors:
Super rich berries and cream, Raspberry indulgence candies, red velvet cake, strawberry short cake, raspberry chocolate cup cake, dark fruit raisins, blackberries, currants, plums, blueberries, dragon fruit, passion fruit, raspberry yogurt, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, Belgian chocolate, rich Chambord raspberry liqueur, cake icing, raspberry cobbler, cherry cobbler, Danish cream cookies, dulce de leche caramel, marzipan, mazapan, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, banana split sundae, cherry cordials, flan, crème brulee, double chocolate raspberry cake, raspberry cheesecake, vanilla, marshmallows, oak, sweetened condensed milk, campfire smores, raspberry preserves on toasted rye bread, and almond joy ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishes in rich raspberry chocolate cake goodness, flan, crème brulee, raspberry sweetened condensed milk, Danish cream cookies, dark fruit, vanilla, cheesecake, raspberry preserves, dark cherry yogurt, fruit cake, bourbon, oak and dulce de leche caramel. Despite the 18.5% ABV, this ends with subtle to no alcohol in the taste. Crazy right? Begins Deep Dark full body but as you sip more of it, it starts to look more like a crimson deep dark body. Smooth, velvety, creamy, syrupy and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A bucket lister in its own damn right. Reminding me in some ways of my own creation, the Raging Passio-Lactus Raspear Dragons but basically missing the chocolate and vanilla and very important, the awesomeness of Black Tuesday and their Anniversary Old Ale. Essentially, my brew is still leagues away in complexity simply due to what I was going for. Nevertheless, the interesting combination of Raspberries, Chocolate and Vanilla are definitely something I plan to focus on. Essentially, this bucket lister gave me more ideas for another home brew. What can I say, when you home brew, you have a bit of knowledge which is power to make similar great beers. Even so, I still help local breweries to share info on them from the site. As far this raspberries chocovanille buttercup goes, I extremely recommend to those who definitely want to seek it. I have tried so many great beers and this is hugely, one of a kind!!!!

Anime Corner:
Yoko Littner from Tengen Toppa Gurren Laggan was previously chosen when I did the review for Cacaonut. She was used in that special Bruery beer but sadly, the beer was short lived due to lactic infections in the beer. Since then I had not used her in another beer pairing. However, seeing as a beer that used raspberry and chocolate as well as vanilla in a Bruery beer, I had to bring her back. Especially since I had done an awesome review with her in my first Raspberry bourbon barrel-aged stout. Although that one did not have chocolate and vanilla and was more about the emphasis on tropical and exotic fruits. As I drank this though, some flavors of the beer did remind me of my home brew, so there was definitely a need to bring her back to the mix. Besides, for a special brew like this, I have to choose some of the best characters.

Aside from the colors of the ingredients like vanilla and raspberry which can be easily seen through her colors, the armored dark dragon knight armor she wears with her holding the fireball represents something important about the name “Hoarders”. Essentially, I think, which may not be true but, if you are a Hoarder (especially Hoarders Society) and feel really awesome about your status, you are represented by unlimited power as shown by Yoko. However, with great power comes great responsibility as Uncle Ben from Spiderman once said to Peter Parker. Essentially, enjoy that society has given you the ability to enjoy something that the few can only understand but do not forget where you came from. Absolute Power can corrupt Absolutely. Love your beer friends, share a beer or whatever you hoard. Let others know you can still be humble. Yoko despite her hardships still knew how to help others and was a selfless character, Hot anime girl appearances aside. Definitely check out Tengen Toppa Gurren Laggan.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/x6kW2EV.jpg
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/fdb44-digitalartbyyuewang23.jpg
http://move.loveisover.me/foolfuuka/boards/e/image/1437/49/1437496106755.png
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zm7UfYc9NsE/VicaGg344cI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Z-xggTktIfQ/w800-h800/maid_ritona_render_by_ichigo_mazapan-d510np7.png
http://i.imgur.com/d5lIIqb.jpg
http://orig10.deviantart.net/650b/f/2012/323/3/a/yoko_littner_sexy_outfit_2_by_mactain-d5lh7wt.jpg

Humulus Rueuze by The Bruery Terreux

October 14, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged FF4, Final Fantasy 4, Gueuze, Huell Melon Hops, Humulus Rueuze, oak barrels, Rydia, Rydia of the Myst, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Humulus Rueuze by The Bruery Terreux is a 5.7% ABV Gueuze brewed with Huell Melon Hops and aged in oak barrels.

Label:
FUNKY-HOPPY-TWIST

Commercial Description:
Humulus Rueuze is a variation on our take on the traditional Belgian-style lambic gueuze with one major exception: massive amounts of dry hops. To begin, we carefully select a number of oak barrels that have been aging our sour blonde ale for anywhere from several months to several years, and then blend the beers together for the ideal flavor. Once that is achieved, we pile heaps of Hallertau Blanc hops on top to achieve an aromatic blend like no other, inundating the senses with citrusy, tropical, funky and grassy goodness. This is one complex beer, and it’s best consumed fresh.

==Introduction==

Released to all societies, this one was one that I wasn’t going to bring to the site. It just so happened that I got it as part of the preservation series I subscribe to. So I figured, I give it the ol’ heave ho! And away we go treatment. Essentially, it is not on the site and I am sure people would want to hear about it. To be frank, as much as I love The Bruery sours, the regular Rueuze was super sour. Which I do find awesome but when it comes to trying to find the intricacies of some of the sours it is hard to find. Nevertheless, this one is dry hopped so this one is bound to be even better than the Rueuze I hope. Let’s find out, cheers!

Aromas:
Herbal, floral, piney and earthy hops, honey dew melon, strawberry hints, citrus, orange peel, grapefruit hints, vanilla, farmhouse hay, berries, guava, brettanomyces notes, biscuit bread, oak and yogurt.

Flavors:
Lemon, salt, lime, vanilla, biscuit bread, tejuino maize drink, herbal, floral, piney and earthy hops
strawberry yogurt, wine grapes, funky farmhouse hay, stone fruit apricots, cheese, crackers, oak, Concorde grapes, cranberries, tart berry skins, sour white grapes, brettanomyces notes, passion fruit, guava, orange peel, grapefruit peel, cantaloupe and honeydew melon.

Aftertaste:
Finishes super dry leaving hints of lemon, wet hay, funk, vanilla, bread, floral and earthy hops. No alcohol in the taste, pale golden light to hazy body. Crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel along with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Very delicious indeed! I was wrong in my take but I do agree the hops made a huge difference in the complexity of this one. It adds the complexity of special fruits which mix very well with this sour type of beer. Essentially, giving certain fruity and complex flavors that are not normally there as ingredients. If you have a friend that is in one of the societies or if you sign up for the Bruery Preservation society you can definitely get this one. It is worth a try but you can definitely get other similar sours.

Anime Corner:
Rydia of The Mist from Final Fantasy 4 was used in this pairing as I have not used her in a Bruery pairing before (as far as I can remember) This one was the perfect opportunity as she fits well with the label colors and the hop and fruit profiles. She is a summoner and sorceress so the funk of this beer is essentially the magic that comes from every sip.

Sources:
https://www.ponychan.net/gala/src/1450141432427.jpg
http://d-mob.com/wp-content/attachments/1/812/10.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Suk0cnL.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.roosterteeth.com/uploads/images/87c01965-7f4a-4134-a3fe-ea67a070d6cc/md/CaButler5179caf1020f0.jpg

2016 White Chocolate By The Bruery

October 14, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 2016 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

2016 White Chocolate – The Bruery’s White Oak Wheat Wine with Cocoa Nibs and Vanilla Beans. I have reviewed this one many times so I figure this year, I leave it to a previous review to take care of the recommendation. Cheers!

https://animebeers.com/…/2015-white-chocolate-by-the-bruery/

2016 Preservation series The Grade A.K.A Squirrel! By The Bruery

October 14, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Baltic Porter, Blazblue, Blaze Blue, Fenugreek, Lager yeast, makoto nanaya, Maple Syrup, natural flavors, Preservation Series, SQUIRREL!, The Bruery, The Grade | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Preservation series The Grade A.K.A Squirrel! By The Bruery is a 7.6% ABV is a Baltic Porter brewed with maple syrup and Fenugreek with natural flavors.

Label:
“SQUIRREL!”

The Grade is in. It’s built on the backbone of a rich, cold-fermented baltic porter made popular in countries bordering the Baltic Sea. We then hammer it home with the bold, sweet flavors of maple syrup and a touch of fenugreek.

==Introduction==

Released to all societies (Preservation, Reserve and Hoarders), this Baltic Porter/Dark Lager was originally named Squirrel. Why thought? There does not seem to be anything relation to squirrels other than the maple syrup and maple trees. Then again, why was it called ‘The Grade’. I do not know that either. Well, regardless, here is the first Baltic Porter I try from the Bruery. The Baltic Porter being a Porter fermented using lager yeast instead of ale yeast makes for one complex beer. The Bruery already being complex as hell with their beers makes me wonder how crazy this would be. Especially the Fenugreek which I have not tried although it is said it tastes like maple as well. Let’s take a closer look at this one, cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee, maple syrup, roasted barley notes, dark fruits figs, currants, cherries, blackberries, raisins and plums, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, peanut butter, walnuts, almond joy, marshmallows, mocha, bananas, clove spice, toasted peanuts, caramel, vanilla, leather notes, anise, mint, Danish cream cookies, brown sugar, cinnamon and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Rich hazelnut, maple syrup, walnuts, pecan pie, praline ice cream, macadamia nuts, toasted coconut, toffee, butterscotch, almond milk, Nutter butter cookies, Bitter Peanut Butter cup, toasted peanuts, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, marshmallow, smores chocolate, fenugreek tea, black tea, mocha coffee, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, coffee, tobacco, leather, molasses, anise, mint chocolate chip cookies, Danish cream cookies, flan, crème brulee, cookie dough ice cream, cinnamon, earthy hop notes, bananas, clove spice, fruit cake, dark fruit cherries, figs, currants, blackberries, raisins and plums.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with complex sweet nuts like peanut butter and hazelnut, maple, fruit cake, dark fruit, cinnamon, coffee, tea, dark chocolate and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, smooth, creamy, syrupy and chewy mouthfeel along with moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Freaking delicious and damn exceptional. This beer is like a liquid trail mix of all sorts of nuts, dark fruits, creamy goodness and chocolate. Of course, the complexity goes a long way especially for Baltic Porters and while they are rare styles of beer, this one made by the Bruery is nothing short of freaking awesome. There isn’t much I can say that is bad about this one unless you don’t like strong brews or sweeter tasting ones. I highly recommend picking this one up if you are a preservation member at least.

Anime Corner:
Makoto Nanaya from BlazBlue was used in this pairing mainly for the old name of the beer, Squirrel. I did not know why it was called Squirrel until I finally took a couple of sips. Since it is very nutty, using Makoto was perfect as she is a squirrel girl. I mainly based it on the flavors and the old name but the colors of the label don’t pair that well for the most part. Either way, I think they should of left it as Squirrel!

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/et15FEh.jpg
http://danbooru.donmai.us/data/sample/__makoto_nanaya_blazblue_drawn_by_todd_l_milhouse__sample-a7d0e788c22a7ba70997f8dd255e4330.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/49MKiyu.jpg
http://i4.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2015/09/17/10/35/05/52568339_p0.png
http://tbib.org/images/2392/b9d44f3c0cd0fd6598075d785a9b692ae6bf6945.png

Home brewing Project#18 La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad by Nubis Sanctum Ales

October 10, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Abbey, Belgian Abbey Quadrupel, Belgian Dark Candi Sugar, Belgian Quad, Belgian Quadrupel, Belgian Quadruple, Belgian Quadrupple Ale, Belgian Trappist Monastery, Belgian Trappists, Bleach, cane sugar, Dark Belgian Candi, dark fruits, dreams do come true, French Oak, Herradura Añejo Tequila, Holy water, Home brewing, Kill-LA-Kill, Kos-MOS, kosmos, La Santequilisima Quadrinidad, Las Quad-tro Monjas, Las quatro monjas, Mexican Cane Sugar, Naruto, Nubis Sanctum Ales, Plums, Ryuko Matoi, Sangria, Temari Sabakuno, Tequila, Tequila Barrel Aged, Tequila Oak Aged, The four Nuns, The SancTequilified Quadrinity, Trappist, turbinado sugar, Xenosaga, Yoruichi Shihouin | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/6

Home brewing Project#18 La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 12% ABV Belgian Trappist Quadrupel brewed with Holy Water and Oak aged in Herradura Añejo Tequila.

Label:
Holy Trappist Belgian Quadruple brewed with Holy Water and Oak aged in Herradura Añejo Tequila.
A prophecy, only once told by the highest of religious leaders, has predicted The Four Nuns or Las
Quatro Monjas will return. Ancient manuscripts indicated that the Abbey Nun, The Buddhist Nun, The Shaolin Nun and the Celestial Space Nun will each bring the nectar of God as given to man once before.

This time, however, the nuns infuse the elements of Wind, Water, Fire and Earth to create a celestial nectar. Meanwhile, various religious leaders forbid that mankind ever lay their lips on the very oracle left by the nuns. Lucky for you, the nuns happen to enjoy visiting Nubis Sanctum Ales.

La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad, or The SancTequilified Quadrinity is stored in this very bottle.

Ingredients: Holy Water, Malts, Hops, Dark Belgian Candi Sugar, Turbinado Cane Sugar, French Oak, Herradura Añejo Tequila & Trappist Yeast.
==Introduction==

Project #18 came from the need to surpass my previous skills of the brewing arts. After successfully creating project #2, I wanted to create a barrel aged version of that special quadrupel that I held very close to my heart. So what did I do? I adjusted the recipe to add a bit more ingredients than before including one of them being a small sample of Holy land water. Yes, some people may think this is blasphemous, but in order to make a brew that was truly worthy of monks in Belgium and praise to the almighty God (depending on your beliefs) I added the vial to the brew at flame out. I am no priest but I did say a prayer for the brew to bring forth good fortune to those that drink it. LOL I just hope the beer doesn’t make my friend Aaron Mediola from BeerMetalDude.com catch fire (Just Kidding brother!). So the liquor I decided to use in this project was a Tequila. Why Tequila? Well, two reasons. First, tequila barrel aged brews rule and are to come by and second, after The Lost Abbey made Agave Maria which was their Tequila Barrel aged brew, I decided it was perfect. The beer was going to be about nuns and their worship to God. It was also a crazy idea I really wanted to do. Why is it Project# 18? Well, I had made this brew back in February 2016 and after a month, I put it on the Tequila oak for 6 months. The Tequila was sitting in oak since January 2016 so 2+6, that’s 8 months! Essentially, the 12% ABV was something unexpected but my working with Turbinado and Candi sugars probably had a lot to do with it. Regardless, I bottled it last month and now October 6, 2016 I bring it forth for a review. Yes, the brew will be published at a later date on my site but for perspective purposes and logging this masterpiece I want to get it right. So, for being a quadrupel aged in tequila, I hope is nothing short of amazing and knowing that I can definitely make an awesome brew, I will be pursuing more projects soon like this. Stay tuned, but for now, let’s take a look at this celestial nectar. Cheers!

Aromas:
Tequila notes, oak, Dark fruits of plums, raisins, figs, cherries, bubble gum notes, clove spice, raspberry Chambord hints, Stone fruits, Bananas, Brown sugar, Belgian Candi sugar, Chocolate, Sangria, rice pudding, tamarind, marshmallows, chocolate smores, lechugilla agave nectar, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, Danish cream, port wine, fruit cake, leathery hints, apples and butterscotch.

Flavors:
Rich Dulce De Leche Caramel, Grilled Bananas, Deep Dark fruits, plums, raisins, figs, dark cherries, dates, clove spice, Belgian Candi sugar, bubble gum notes, capirotada Mexican raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, sweetened condensed milk, tamarind,Vanilla, Oak, Marshmallows, Tequila, Mezcal, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Sangria Wine grapes, Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, port wine, leather notes, rye bread, pecan pie, hazelnut hints, pecan ice cream, brown sugar, dragon fruit notes, raspberry Chambord hints, Stone fruit peaches, golden apples, flan, funnel cake, waffle cone, mango notes and butterscotch.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with a Tequila and vanilla oak flavors with so much complexity lingering of the rich dark fruits, caramel, pecan pie, flan, sweetened condensed milk, sangria, agave, stone fruit, funnel cake and mild Danish cream. Slightly boozy in the aftertaste but diminishes as the beer gets warmer and does not detract from the flavors. Full bodied Honey Crimson Colored, Smooth, velvety, creamy, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability

Overall:
Nothing short of a miracle. I am very proud of these results. The Tequila takes this brew to another level. I do not give this one a 7/7 since it is not a beer you could find, but trust me when I say you could drink some of my brews. To me, it is my own personal bucket lister in the sense that I really feel I have achieved so much just from trying different beers and now trying to make my own different beers. This one is probably the best one I have ever made along with the Sangrileche Stout, Frontier Tropics and Diablita De Leche Banana Weizenbock. This beer screams some godly ambrosia. Some nectar that even I don’t understand. I can definitely feel proud that if those dudes at Westvleteren or St. Bernardus tried my beer, they would definitely find it indistinguishable from some of their greats!

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach, KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, Temari Sabakuno from Naruto and Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill make a return in this brew. Since I used them in my Project# 2, Las Quadtro Monjas, it was only fair to get them in the somewhat right attire for nuns they represent. They represent my passion for the work that I do. Reviewing and Brewing. These girls have been my favorite characters from the different anime series that I love for the longest time going way back to the year 2002. Being a big anime fan and the shows I like, complementing the beers I love with different characters doesn’t have the same effect as the way I complement using my top favorites. AS I mentioned in the last review of the original base beer, the name Las Quad-tro is a play on the Belgian word for Quadrupel and Cuatro which is 4. La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad is a play on the words for La Santisima Trinidad or The Holy Trinity. I had worked for a couple weeks not only finding the right combinations of artwork in photo-shop but the right backgrounds. Of course, all the artwork belongs to the perspective owner as I do not claim any art. As I mentioned before too, the 4 girls are the best and the ones I use as my mascots for my whole passion of anime and the best beers in this whole lost treasures of taste and experience. Cheers!

Renewal by 4th Tap

October 10, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 4th Tap, agua fresca, American Pale Wheat Ale, Mei Terumi, Naruto, Pale Wheat Ale, Renewal, Tamarind, Tamarindo, wheat ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Renewal by 4th Tap is a 5.8% ABV American Pale Wheat Ale brewed with Tamarind

Label:
Tart, energizing, curious, and refreshing.

==Introduction==

I cannot recall the last time I had a beer with Tamarind other than the Jolly Pumpkin Forgotten Tales of the Last Gypsy Blender Series 1 Volume one which had both Mango and Tamarind. Thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola at BeerMetalDude.com, we bring forth the next brew in the line from 4th tap. A rare ingredient in beer but a major ingredient in Mexican drinks, candy and cuisine. I love tamarind and definitely worth a try for a home brew. This is the second brew from 4th tap that I have had while the Sorghum one was interesting, I cannot pass judgment on a brewery unless I try more. With this one however, I think I can very well say that I will be able to tell how good this is in terms of tamarind. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Tamarind, sugar cane, mild dark fruit raisins, stone fruit hints, pecan hints, citrus, lemon, peppercorns and coriander hints.

Flavors:
Rich tamarind, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, plums, toffee, Cane sugar, biscuit bread, rye bread, coriander hints, citrus, lemon peel, lemon grass, stone fruit mango, peach, musty grapes, agave nectar, raspberry hints, cranberry hints, pecan pie hints, cinnamon hints, ginger ale, peppercorn, clove spice hints, tropical fruit papaya hints, passion fruit hints and dragon fruit hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes sweet and slightly tart with hints of tamarind and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, honey colored clear body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
Very delicious brew. Super-duper refreshing and the type you can have several for the summer. This one definitely shined with tamarind. The tamarind wasn’t over powering in terms of being the dominant flavor but the combination with the style of beer its surely gave way to other complex flavors that I could try to find. I highly recommend this one for sure and get several if you can find it. Definitely a gate way for those that love Agua Fresca de Tamarindo.

Anime Corner:
Mei Terumi from Naruto was chosen for this pairing as I wanted not only to pair with the tamarind colors but the color of the label tool. Her laying down next to the waterfall goes well with the label. Some people use waterfalls to meditate or relax as the sounds definitely become a form of therapy for many. So renewal is definitely a them with the art pairing. Her brown hair is for the tamarind.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/332362-4000×2248-naruto-studio+pierrot-mei+terumi+%28mizukage%29-rikamello-single-highres.jpg

2016 Two Tortugas by Karl Strauss

October 9, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 12 Beers of Christmas, Belgian Quad, Belgian Quadrupel, Inside Out, Joy, Karl Strauss, Pixar, Sadness, Twelve Beers of San Diego Christmas, Two Tortugas | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Two Tortugas by Karl Strauss is an 11.1% ABV Belgian Quadrupel ale.

Label:
It was 2011 when we first released Two Tortugas Belgian Quad as our holiday ale. It was supposed to be a one-time release for the holidays, but your feedback demanded otherwise. Six batches and numerous medals later, our Belgian Quad is back in all its original glory. Two Tortugas has aromas of dark fruit and caramel, with a slight hint of bubblegum from the Belgian Abbey yeast. This beer is robust and full-bodied with rich malty flavors of toffee, plums, and dates. Drink it now or lay it down – Two Tortugas’ journey is just getting started.

Original 2011 Label:
San Diego may not top the list for birdwatchers but it certainly tops the list for beer-drinkers. And while you’re more likely to spot a Sea Turtle than a Turtle Dove, tracking down a world class beer is easy. Two Tortugas is the 2nd addition to our less than literal “Twelve Days” series of holiday ales. This Belgian-inspired Quadruple Ale has a delicate union of toffee, dark fruits, and warming spices that will continue to develop with age. Raise a glass to 2011 or save a bottle for 2021, this turtle’s got legs.

==Introduction==

The 2nd release of the 12 Christmas beers of San Diego was re-released this year now available in time for the Holidays. This was the only beer I missed out on since the release of the first brew. I have spent a lot of time looking for this one. I once tried it at Uncle Henry’s Deli in Downey California but this was something I really wanted to bring to the site for years. Thanks to everyone who asked and begged Karl Strauss for a re-release. It is because of you, the awesome fans that I was able to bring this one to the site at last! As for the lore of the holiday theme which is similar to the Bruery, the 12 Christmas beers of San Diego is Karl Strauss take on the song but with gifts in relation to San Diego. Also, for this one being in my favorite style of beer, let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Piloncillo sugar cone, fruit cake, ginger bread, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, clove spice, dark fruit prunes, raisins, dates, raspberries, dark cherry, figs, currants, black berries, clove spice, vanilla, capirotada Mexican raisin bread pudding, Stone fruit peach, apricot, plums, banana cream pie, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rock candy, Sweetened condensed milk, flan, fruit cake, cinnamon, nutmeg and toffee.

Flavors:
Super rich Dulce De Leche caramel covered grilled bananas, clove spice, vanilla, capirotada Mexican raisin bread pudding, Rich dark fruit prunes, raisins, dates, raspberries, dark cherry, figs, currants, black berries, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate cherry cordials, pan dulce, Belgian dark candi sugar, rock candy, marshmallows, waffle cone, Sweetened condensed milk, flan, fruit cake, cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, piloncillo sugar cone, brown sugar, Stone fruit peach, apricot, plums, banana cream pie, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, walnut truffle and chocolate truffle turtles.

Aftertaste:
Finishes rich in dark fruit, dulce de leche and bananas, piloncillo sugar cone, fruit cake, chocolate, pecan pie, marshmallows and sweetened condensed milk. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Amber to Dark Honey colored clear body, smooth, velvety and chewy mouth feel along with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Super Bananas and Dulce de Leche! What an exceptional brew. It has really been a long time coming and now that I carefully analyzed this one, I can say It was worth the wait. For a Quadrupel, the bananas and caramels were the winner in this one followed by dark fruit and complex goodness. The other part is that for some reason it is easier to drink than what the ABV would have you believe. Yes, it is not a chugger at all but still feels good and not harsh at all. I highly recommend you pick this one up especially for those that missed the 2011 version.

Anime Corner:
Joy and Sadness from Inside Out were used in this pairing as I wanted to not only pair with the colors of the label but also the aspect of the number 2. 2 characters for 2 turtles. Seems easy enough. Since the beer showcases a lot of Banana and Dark fruit flavors, them being together in the artwork is a mashup of the flavors. Yes, much more complex but I think you may kind of get the idea.

Sources:
http://img.komicolle.org/2015-08-13/src/14394707028812.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GqPw78lIh_0/VucgVTxcW2I/AAAAAAAAOnU/MlvSAc8ow9M/w512-h512/ipad_sketch___inside_out_joy_and_sadness_by_mbyuri-d98b7sl.jpg
http://orig01.deviantart.net/4f0a/f/2015/236/c/a/lalla2_by_daefny-d96yqqb.png
http://orig09.deviantart.net/ed2b/f/2015/234/b/f/fa___inside_out_by_whitmoon-d96pbv7.png

Sun Eater by 4th Tap brewing

October 9, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 4th Tap brewing, Ancient Herbed Ale, Gruit, Mileena, Mortal Kombat, Scottish Gruit, sorghum, sorghum ale, Sun Eater | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.25/5

Sun Eater by 4th Tap brewing is a 4.8% ABV Scottish Gruit/Ancient Herbed Ale/Sorghum Ale

Label:
Crisp, herbal, curious, and refreshing.

Commercial Description:
A true son of Texas, this gruit is made with all native Texas ingredients. Sitting on a base of sorghum cane juice and dark brown sugar, Sun Eater is bittered with rosemary and infused with dried lemon peel. It is highly-attenuated for a dry and refreshing finish similar to that of a cider or champagne. This gruit was designed to beat back that Tyrant Sun of hot Texas weather, which is practically year-round, so grab a 6-pack and head out into the world

==Introduction==

Here’s a style of beer that does not come by very often. I think in all the times I have reviewed beers; the Scottish Gruit I have only reviewed twice. The New Belgium Gruit and the Fraoch Heather Ale long ago. Thanks to my friend and fellow beer reviewer Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com, he has graced the site this new entry. Granted, I never had a Gruit made with Sorghum nor do I really know what sorghum taste by itself. I know it is a specialty grain and I know some foods have it in the labels. So I think it would probably be something close to special bread. Also it is gluten free beer, so that will make many happy. Let’s have a look and find out, cheers!

Aromas:
Faint Honey, herbs, piloncillo sugar hints and cane sugar.

Flavors:
Herbs, oregano, basil, chamomile, lavender, hibiscus flower, peppercorn, Sour grape hints, piloncillo sugar cone, lemon grass, lemon peel, limes, cane sugar, biscuit bread, tejuino Mexican Maize drink, salt, citrus, agave hints and stone fruit peach hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with some slight herbal hints. No alcohol in the taste. Pale Golden clear body, crisp, very clean and refreshing mouth feel and easy to drink.

Overall:
An average but good beer. This is definitely unique in the sense that it tries to be somewhat complex but in the sense of the taste. It is very herbal and funky like. Not like a sour or a saison but more like bread and flowers. I think this could be a gateway brew for those that would like to step into the sour and funky farmhouse ales. It isn’t overpowering and yet it is light. This one is worth a try if you like herbal and funky brews. Also, a great alternative to regular beer as it is Gluten Free.

Anime Corner:
Mileena from Mortal Kombat was used in this beer pairing as I was looking for something in regards to the name sun eater. For those that know who she is under the mask, she has a big scary mouth. In the picture she is next to what looks like the sun. so take it to the imagination with what I have given you. She can eat the sun!

Sources:
http://img1.reactor.cc/pics/post/full/Mileena-Mortal-Kombat-9-mk9-Игровой-арт-1187775.jpeg

2016 Judgment Day Ale by The Lost Abbey

October 8, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 4 horsemen of the apocalypse, Apocalypse, Armaggedon, Belgian Quadrupel, end of times, Judgement Day Ale, Judgment Day, Judgment Day Ale, Kos-MOS, Lost Abbey, Raisins, The Lost Abbey, Xenosaga | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Judgment Day Ale by The Lost Abbey is a 10.5% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with Raisins.

Label:
Do you believe there would be a Judgment Day? Have you ever thought about what you’ll be doing when the Four Horsemen arrive? Perhaps you’ll be drinking this Belgian Dark Quad Styled Ale when they appear? However, since we have no idea when our time will expire or when we’ll be forced to cash in our tickets, we offer this simple advice. Live an inspired life. Find opportunities in everything to make a difference. Seek out new and spontaneous adventures and when you find them, embrace them as if they were the devil’s song. For an interesting life is one worth living. Challenge yourself to embrace passion, persistence and a motivated way of life. So that when Judgment Day arrives from nowhere, you’ll go out knowing full well that you’ve lived your life on your terms and they can’t take that away from you.

Commercial Description (Lostabbey.com)
A massive beer in every sense of the word. A stronger and more contemplative version of our Lost and Found Ale. Judgment Day is the base beer for our Cuvee de Tomme. Many of the Trappist Breweries produce a version of beer which ages incredibly well for many years to come. And, since none of us knows when the end of the world is coming, we suggest you stock up with lots of Lost Abbey beers so that when the end of the world magically appears from nowhere, you’ll have a beer or two on hand for even the stingiest of angels. Available in 750ml bottles and on draft at select inspired locations. The Judgment Day story

The story has been told and we have been warned about this very moment- Judgment Day and the end of the world as we cease to know it. There will be but one instance where the sunny blue pastoral skies turn sickly black revealing the imminent demise of every soul caught between heaven and hell. From the skies the angels of heaven will race to rescue the virtuous souls before the thundering herd of the 4 Horsemen arrive from the depths of hell to claim more than their fair share. Each of us will ride a wave of terror or relief not knowing from which lot our souls have been cast. It is wholly possible that the Sinners and Saints alike will unite. For sure, each will thrash about in the tumultuous sea of uncertainty not knowing in this abyss whether they bear the mark of the Father or the mark of the Beast himself. There will be a litany of screams from the departing souls riding bareback on the shoulders of the Black Horse. Each of us will be examined and our lives will be scrutinized. It is decreed and so written. Life as we know it will one day cease to exist. Surely you will stand there having all your questions answered.

==Introduction==

The very first Quadrupel I have ever had in my life is essentially one of the beers in the world close to my heart along with the St. Bernardus 12abt that really started everything for me back in 2010. This beer being one of my top 10 while being very common is one that really got craving it ever since I saw it at Bevmo when I visited my friend Adrian in West Covina so many years ago. I had no idea what the hell craft beer was and back then the only thing I really knew in terms of craft beer was New Belgium Fat Tire. The stunning artwork was what really brought me in to the world of craft beer. Coming from an anime background, I really had a strong appreciation for different types of artworks that moved into the label appreciation to eventual taste and art comparison to what you know today as the beer and art pairings and ultimately, my own homebrewing and brewing ideas for recipes. Today I pay tribute to those amazing days and this beer that really lead me to an awesome appreciation for something I consider very mystical, perplexing, awe inspiring and really, the lost treasures of taste and art. TO my favorite style of beer, I salute you. To my fans, I say raise a glass, cheers for many beer years!!

Aromas:
Very rich dark fruit raisins, plums figs, fates, prunes, currants black berries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, marshmallow, anise, molasses, flan, phenolics, stone fruit peach, plums, slight mango, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pan dulce, fruit cake, fruit cake, agave, bananas, clove spice and piloncillo sugar cone.

Flavors:
Super duper rich dark raisins, prunes, black berries, currants, dark cherries, raspberries, figs, dates, Belgian candi sugar, rock candy, chocolate cherry cordials, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pan dulce, fruit cake, capirotada Mexican raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, brown sugar, fruit cake, agave, bananas, clove spice, anise, molasses, flan, phenolics, stone fruit peach, plums, slight mango, dulce de leche caramel, piloncillo sugar cone, toasted rye bread, wine grapes, port wine hints, Chambord raspberry liqueur, marshmallows, chocolate waffle cone, pecan pie , hazelnut nectar, walnut pie, almond joy chocolate and hints of rocky road ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich flavors of dark fruit, bananas, clove spice, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, anise, molasses, flan, raisins bread pudding, fruit cake, brown sugar and cherry cordials. No alcohol in the taste, dark crimson ruby clear to medium body, smooth, creamy, syrupy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptionally delicious!! There is always a reason to go back to one’s roots. Despite having tried better quadrupels and world class beers, there is no denying that the beers that started it all which, for most part, “common beers”, are the ones that will always be the best and hold a special place. For being the first quad I tried in 2010, this one is world class to me. So much dark fruit and dark candi sugar forward. Many quadrupels have different appealing characteristics. St. Bernardus is a Dulce De Leche La Trappe Quad is Banana and caramel driven and Weyebacher Blasphemy is pecan pie driven. These are just examples of great quads I have loved and each one delicious and unique in their own ways. I highly recommend this one to all!

Anime Corner:
KOS-MOS from Xenosaga was brought once again since I had used her to pair with the first time I did an anime beer review pairing of the Judgment Day ale. She is one of my favorite characters so since I chose her the last time I choose her again. The reason I chose her has to do with Xenosaga in general. If the coming for the 4 horseman of the apocalypse also involves the return of Jesus, then it fits perfectly. Xenosaga has many themes of the Christian religion and bible references. Heck, KOS-MOS is essentially supposed to be a vessel for the return of Mary Magdalene, Jesus wife in some scriptures. Although, KOS-MOS ends up being her own individual as we find out near the end of the trilogy that Mary Magdalene is separate from KOS-MOS. Regardless, her ties to Christianity is one of the main reasons I chose her for this pairing.

Sources:
http://orig03.deviantart.net/4364/f/2011/247/1/1/11b1ace5857fa4a466e0fd321bd9eb5c-d48t9r6.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/KOS-MOS.full.34385.jpg
http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad240/moke1200/46/dr035_zps02144e2f.jpg

Stone Enjoy by 10.31.16 (Halloween Edition) Tangerine IPA by Stone Brewing

October 8, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Darkstalkers, Halloween, india pale ale, IPA, Morrigan, Morrigan Aensland, Stone Brewing, Stone Enjoy By, Stone Enjoy By 10.31.2016, Tangerine IPA, Tangerines, Vampire Hunter, Vampire Savior | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.3/6

Stone Enjoy by 10.31.16 (Halloween Edition) Tangerine IPA by Stone Brewing is a 9.4% ABV Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with Tangerines.

Label:
Our all-important, hop-driven quest to deliver the most devastatingly fresh IPA on the planet facilitated a paradigm shift in 2012 with the launch of Stone Enjoy By IPA. Not only did we brew this beer with more than 10 different hops, we brewed it specifically NOT to last. Acclaimed for its groundbreakingly short shelf life, this intense double IPA brought forth a whole new concept of what constitutes “fresh”—guaranteeing fans the ultimate level of hoppiness. For Stone Enjoy By Tangerine IPA, we added the tangy zeal of a mandarin fruit’s juicy nectar. The result…freshness has never tasted as ripe for the picking as this does right now.

==Introduction==
Since I reviewed this beer earlier this year, I will leave the link to that review here (https://animebeers.com/2016/05/20/stone-enjoy-by-05-30-2016-tangerine-ipa-by-stone-brewing/). The reason I brought the beer back is simply due to the Halloween themed label and the date ofcourse. However, it also gave me a chance to use Morrigan in some Halloween Attire. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Morrigan Aensland from Dark Stalkers was used in the original Enjoy By pairings long ago since she stands atop a stone gargoyle representing the Stone brewery. For Halloween and the return of the beer I had this May, I chose her in more of a Halloween theme art pairing. I also wanted to have the Tangerine be represented by Morrigan’s Kimono with the flower like in the original Tangerine release of this brew.

Sources:
http://blog-imgs-47.fc2.com/s/e/i/seiroganmania/20110428115250656502.jpg
http://67.media.tumblr.com/cdac728cbf604e821b9a5541e349bdbd/tumblr_ocnfuqeMLo1rnroato1_1280.jpg
http://pre03.deviantart.net/0691/th/pre/f/2012/241/f/9/morrigan_aensland_by_light_rock-d5cvurc.png

Crackberry by Bishop Cider Company

October 8, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Bishop Cider Company, black berries, Cammy White, Crackberry, cranberries, hard apple cider, Scottish Army, Scottish Independence, Street Fighter, William Wallace | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Crackberry by Bishop Cider Company is a 6% ABV Hard Apple Cider made with Cranberries and Black Berries.

Label:
Just one sip and you’re hooked

Stripped of all other nonsense

Crackberry is a perfect pairing of flavors tart and sweet, joining forces to create a colorful, well-balanced cider. Frankly, we’re over the moon for it.

You probably remember William Wallace as the fearless Knight who bared it all in the name of Scottish Independence. Ultimately, He failed to save his own skin. But he did successfully lead the rebellion against England.

That’s worthy another round no?

==Introduction==

Fuck yeah! A cider from Texas! Special thanks to my friend and fellow beer review brother, Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com for sending this one my way. I think this is the first cider I try from Texas. One with a combination of berry definitely sounds awesome and at 6% ABV, I can only assume it will be very refreshing. Bishop Cider makes ciders with no artificial flavors as shown on the site and the label. Pure apples and fruits. So I definitely can enjoy this one. Let’s see how it goes, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark fruit berries, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, passion fruit hints, dragon fruit hints, stone fruit peach hints, sweet grapes, white grapes, vanilla, apples and sangria.

Flavors:
Rich cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, grapes, lychee fruit, apples, caramel, candied apples, raspberry yogurt, Fruit punch, Kool-aid hints, Concorde grape skins, chardonnay, white wine, white grapes, passion fruit tartness, dragon fruit, sangria, stone fruit peach and apricot.

Aftertaste:
Finishes sweet and semi dry with lingering fruit punch and mixed berries and apple flavors. No alcohol in the taste, ruby red clear body, crisp, refreshing and clean mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
Supremely deliciously perfect cider. No flavor too stronger than the other and yet quite the little complex drink and very balanced. One thing that is dead on is that this major fruit punch to the face. It is crazy how the flavors can be distinct and complex with this one. Some ciders don’t get too complex when it comes to flavors but this one is very well made. There is a lot of love put in this one. I highly recommend it if you can find it.

Anime Corner:
Cammy White from Street Fighter was used in this pairing as I wanted to get a character that was close to the colors of the beer label and William Wallace. Cammy fit the bill well since she is from the United Kingdom and she has all the colors. Also with the Mooning of the Scottish Army she fits even more since she is always displaying her rump. She also has war paint as well so that goes well with the William Wallace war paint.

Sources:
http://orig01.deviantart.net/3027/f/2016/232/5/f/cammy___street_fighter_v_by_scrappy195-daempvr.jpg
http://static1.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_large/14/147508/5213444-cammy+(2).jpg
http://img0.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/Cammy-White-Street-Fighter-Игры-Zakusi-3171368.jpeg
http://i.imgur.com/TyKLFq6.jpg

2015 Black Crack by Southern Star Brewing

October 8, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, Black Crack, Bourbon Barrel Stout, bourbon barrels, Buried Hatchet, Southern Star Brewing, Stout | 2 Comments

Rating: 5.45/6

2015 Black Crack by Southern Star Brewing is an 10% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Bourbon barrel aged Buried Hatchet Stout

==Introduction==

I did not recognize it at first, but as I researched, I realized I had already reviewed this beer in the past (https://animebeers.com/2014/08/16/black-crack-by-southern-star-brewing/). Thanks to my good friend and fellow beer review brother, Aaron Mendiola or BeerMetalDude.com, we present to you, the canned released of the Black Crack. A beer aged for a year and a half in Bourbon Barrels. As I recall, this one was definitely awesome and now that they released it in cans, I almost want to say this is the first I had a bourbon barrel aged beer in a can. Or at least one that I can remember. Surely this is a great opportunity to chime on the differences between the bottled one and the can one. I will do my best, cheers!

Aromas:
Port wine hints, bourbon oak, vanilla, dark fruit raisins, currants, prunes, pecan pie, flan, fruit cake, crème brulee, Oatmeal cookie, chocolate chip cookies roasted coffee, smokey notes, marshmallows, smores, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, crème brulee, coconut hints, dark cherry yogurt and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Dark fruit currants, raisins, prunes, figs, anise, molasses, black berries, dark cherry yogurt, port wine hints, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, tobacco, leather, molasses, marshmallows, smores, rocky road ice cream, coconut hints, bourbon, almond joy chocolate, hazelnut nectar, roasted coffee notes, smokey notes, pecan pie, flan, fruit cake, crème brulee, Oatmeal cookie, chocolate chip cookies and Irish cream hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich dark fruit and slight dark berry yogurt notes, earthy notes, tobacco, chocolate, wine notes, caramel, vanilla, oak and smoked marshmallows. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel with a easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Damn, this one is just as awesome or way better than I remembered it to be. Either the can made a huge difference or the high ABV did. Either way, this beer is phenomenal. The batch seems even more complex than the last time I had it. Comparing to what I wrote in the analysis in comparison to the 2014 version, it sure was a difference. Mainly that somewhat mild smokey and dark fruit increase. Hard to explain but I definitely noticed the difference. This is the type of beer I could definitely buy several of. A couple packs of these and that’s that! For being the first to can in Texas, definitely awesome presentation. Highly recommended!

Anime Corner:
Original characters by artists Yuyu were used in this pairing as I used the first piece in a pairing a long time ago. In the previous pairing I mentioned about how the colors pair well with that of the label and how it mentioned dark hands and the smoke notes. This time however I added the second character by the same artist representing the sweet aspects of the beer but also the evil darkness within. The colors may not match the can but it sure does match with the other things, the flavors and the color of the beer.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/view_post/363141?lang=en
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/view_post/332735?lang=en&by_tag=82778

Homebrewing Project #23 La Manzarcangel Chapter 3: SangriTinieblas De La CazaVampiros by Nubis Sanctum Ales

October 7, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Arizona Wild Flower Honey, Belgian Cider, Belgian Dark Candi Sugar, Bloodstained Ritual of the Night, burnt sugar, Claire Farron, Final Fantasy XIII, Flor De Caña Gran Reserva 7 Rum, Igavania, La Manzarcangel Chapter 3: SangriTinieblas De La CazaVampiros, La ManzArcángel, Miriam, Nubis Sanctum Ales, Oak aged, Rum barrel aged, Rum Barrels, Sangritinieblas De La CazaVampiros, The Vampire Slayer’s BleeDarkness, Trappist Cider, Vampire Slayer, Wild flower honey | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Homebrewing Project #23 B by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 10% ABV Belgian Trappist Apple Cider brewed with Burnt Dark Candy Sugar and Arizona Wild Flower Honey Oak Aged in Flor De Caña Gran Reserva 7 Rum.

Label:
Sangritinieblas De La CazaVampiros
“The Vampire Slayer’s BleeDarkness”

My Name is Miriam and I am a 3rd generation Vampire Slayer from La Legión De Los ManzArcángeles or “The Legion Of The Applarcangels” This… is my story… I come from a holy land of pure sauce, Cideraven; sent on a mission from God to destroy the Malum, or demon apples from Eden.

The Malum spread its evil across this world after the unveiling of the Garden of Eden. Draining purity and morale from the souls of the living like vampires ravenous for blood. Having trained for years under my master Claire Farron, I have taken it upon myself to destroy all Malum since her disappearance fighting Malum Ex Machina, the snake and leader of the Malum.

After many agonizing battles, I was blessed to find my master at last. Unfortunately the Malum still persist. I leave you this liquid made from the cleansed Malum to protect and purify your soul. Til we meet again…

Chapter 3 Ends.

Ingredients: Water, Apples, Burnt Dark Candi Sugar, Wild Flower Honey, French Oak, Flor De Caña RumGran Reserva 7 & Trappist Yeast

==Introduction==

Just in Time for HALLOWEEN!!!! Project #23 comes from an original recipe inspired by Crispin’s 15 Men Rum Aged Cider with Wild Flower honey and dark candi syrup. I reviewed the cider long ago and so loving that cider, I wanted to create my own. Coming up with a recipe which in the end, ended up being a partial mead/melomel and way darker than the one Crispin made got me thinking. If their cider came out clear and mines came out dark, did they really use Dark Candi sugar? It almost seems illogical to as I love Crispin’s ciders and that one was amazing. My recipe was first brewed in April 2016 and bottled in September 2016 after aging for 4 months. Although, the oak was sitting in Rum since February. I came to the conclusion today that what I actually had made was something very special and mines would be even more flavorful than that Crispin version I had tried. This I had to prove to myself so I had finally let it sit for about a month bottle conditioning now ready to present this beast I have created. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich vanilla, oak, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dulce leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, sweet wine grapes, cherries, marshmallows, waffle cone, honey comb, chocolate smores hints, rocky road ice cream hints, molasses, hazelnut nectar, walnuts, almond joy notes, pecan pie, fruit cake, brown sugar, apple pie, rum hints, ginger ale and rich sangria.

Flavors:
Rich Vanilla, flan, crème brulee, oak, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, sweet caramel and candied apples, chocolate, honey, port wine, sangria, sweet wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, black berries, cherries, currants, raspberries, Belgian dark candi sugar, coconut hints, Malibu rum hints, cinnamon, fruit cake, ginger ale, dark chocolate hints, milk chocolate hints, agave hints, peppery hints, coriander spice hints, bananas, clove spice hints, Concorde grape, Danish cream, Turkish delights, ambrosia, apple pie, rocky road ice cream hints, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar, walnuts, almond joy notes and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Finishes somewhat dry with the rich oak, rum, honey, dark fruits, chocolate, rock candy, fruit cake, cinnamon, port wine, flan, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, apple pie and rocky road hints. No alcohol in the taste, but that ABV sneaks up! Dark Crimson, blood red clear body, crisp, soft, smooth, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Literally, the best cider I have ever made and to much of the ciders I have had, the best cider I have tried. I really think things start to kind of blend in with the wine and mead category but it blends so damn well into this dark oblivion and bringing in the rum and Belgian Candi Sugar just takes it to another level. The aging process changed this cider into something I would never have imagined. With a wine like appearance and taste that is so damn complex, especially for a cider, I really feel I made something really wonderful. Something that I think I will definitely try to make again.

Anime Corner:
Miriam, from “Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night” which is the new upcoming Kickstarter series by Koji Igarashi (Godfather of the Castlevania series). Based on the progress, artwork and tribute to the castlevania games, Miriam is literally a bad ass!! I know this game won’t be released until 2018 but I figured I wanted to pair her with this. She is damn perfect!! Just look at this cider. It is Rum aged and her outfit is similar to that of European royalty but also a captain of pirates. It is made with Flor de Caña or Cane Flower Rum. Essentially representing the roses that surround Miriam. The cider is dark crimson blood red so it fits the theme not only for a dark and bloody cider but also the Castlevania series and Koji’s vision of an awesome tribute game.

Sources:
http://40.media.tumblr.com/0b13732a8486fe83ea1e0c17240659cc/tumblr_no751qv3xO1s2ut1zo6_1280.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CE1G2sxWEAABEKc.jpg:large
http://orig10.deviantart.net/b7fe/f/2015/141/3/c/bloodstain12_by_phamoz-d8u6ybd.jpg
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/3493771155782837701.jpg?v=TvlqMZT9g_j78u6zUBvoddAO_Kx-CsMn-2eaeEye8ts%3D

The Mosaic Pineapple by El Borracho brewing

October 7, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged El Borracho brewing, El Borracho Home Brewing, india pale ale, IPA, mosaic hops, pineapple, Simcoe, The Mosaic Pineapple, Whoa Bundy!!! | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

The Mosaic Pineapple by El Borracho brewing is a 5.25% ABV India Pale Ale brewed with Pineapple Simcoe and Mosaic Hops

Label:
None!

==Introduction==

My friend Will Carranza has shared another homebrew with me for the Fall. Using the Whoa Bundy!!! recipe he had previously made, adding the Mosaic hops and pineapple to the mix, we have this new IPA. The previous Whoa Bundy!!! From what I remember was definitely a delicious beer. This time around with the new ingredients, I hope it has more of a tropical fruit flavor to it. There wasn’t a specific reason for the name of the beer but I do remember he told me he always wanted to make his own pineapple IPA after the inspiration of the Sculpin variants such as the Grapefruit Sculpin and Pineapple Sculpin. Let’s take a dive into this one, Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit peach, apricots, mango, pineapples, citrus, herbal, floral, piney and grassy hops, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, papaya, honey dew melon, grapefruit, orange candy, biscuit bread, vanilla, lemon zest, tangerines and guavas.

Flavors:
Rich pineapple, tropical fruit honey dew melon, prickly pear tunas, kumquats, mango, Strawberries, raspberries, guava, Papaya, dragon fruit, passion fruit, citrucy, grapefruit, piney, floral, and dank garlicky hops, lemon candy, tangerines, oranges, lemon grass, cherries, green tea ice cream, stone fruit peach, apricots, lychee fruit, pears, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk hints and biscuit bread.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich pine apple, tropical fruits, stone fruits, grapefruit, citrus, lemon candy, herbal hops and tangerine spread on biscuit bread. No alcohol in the aftertaste, golden colored light body, crisp, refreshing, clean, rich and smooth mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
Damn very delicious tropical IPA! Definitely at that level of Pineapple Sculpin but in many ways better. The types of hop do definitely make a world of a difference when it comes to these beers. So much tropical fruit goodness that it is ridiculous. The pine apple pairs very well with the tropical type hops used that it enhances the experience with every sip. Definitely one of the friend William’s best beers! I hope to see more in time.

Anime Corner:
Original character was used in this pairing for the obvious. Essentially, the pineapple and mosaic hops added to this beer are the pairing of the ingredients, the colors and the flavors represented by the artwork. There weren’t any other specific reasons for the choice in pairing other than I think this works very well.

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrCSC7qVYAAHdNh.jpg

Au Revoir Shoshanna by El Borracho brewing

October 7, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Au Revoir Shoshanna, Chamomile, El Borracho brewing, El Borracho Home Brewing, Farmhouse Ale, lemon grass, orange peel, Saison | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Au Revoir Shoshanna by El Borracho brewing is a 5.25% ABV Saison/Farmhouse Ale brewed with chamomile, lemon grass and orange peels.

Label:
None

==Introduction==

The fall has hit and my friend William has been busy prepping some new line of beers for the colder season. To start, he ended up brewing this saison in reference to a French quote in one of his favorite movies, Inglorious Basterds. For being his first saison, he added several ingredients to the brew. The use of chamomile, lemongrass and orange peel seems very fitting as many breweries use different types of herbs and flowers to make some saisons.

Aromas:
Herbal, Lemongrass, oregano, peppercorn, chamomiles, citrus, farmhouse hay, funky must, green tea, apple hints, stone fruit, grapes and biscuit bread.

Flavors:
Citrus, Orange peel, grapefruit, chamomile, green tea, basil, oregano, biscuit bread, banana, clove spice, peppercorn, sage, tangerine gummies, musty grapes, tejuino hints, floral notes of lavender, hibiscus, black tea, lemons, lemon peel, honey, agave, apple hints, stone fruit peach, apricot notes, vanilla, grassy and earthy hop notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with rich herbal notes of chamomile, orange, grapefruit, vanilla, honey, earthy hop and stone fruit hints. No alcohol in the taste, Clear to medium honey colored hazy body, crisp, refreshing, smooth and effervecent mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious saison with unique herbal flavors. As the beer warms up more of the chamomile is released creating an orange and herbal tea of sweet and funky farmhouse flavors. I do find it an interesting choice as my friend will is not fond of saisons some of the times but what he has here is very definitive of the style and complex like the delicious saisons from Monkish brewing or Jester King too. I hope he makes more of these!

Anime Corner:
Original character by Azuma Syoujuan was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to gather similar colors but also the focus on chamomile in the beer. As you can see, you have the green for lemongrass and the overall orange theme works for the orange peel and the honey colored beer. In reference to the name, it is interesting how in the scene where Landa is about to shoot Shoshanna who is running through a field filled with similar colors and let’s her go uttering the words. The piece of art work I chose denotes the similarities in the scene like the flying of birds or swimming of fish as the action of running and the way sound of awesome music runs through the air mimicking that of the scene of freedom as one slips into bliss. So synonymous of the scene where essentially he had to choose between 2 freedoms. Freedom via Death for Shoshanna or Freedom to let her live. The beer has a meaning of its own where the consumption of the saison frees one of problems. Say Goodbye to your inhibitions!

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/485967-1920×1080-original-eshi+100-nin+ten-azuma+syoujuan-single-blush-short+hair.png

Cherry Bexarliner by Freetail brewing

October 7, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Berliner Weisse, Berlinerweisse, cherries, Cherry Bexarliner, Freetail Brewing, Kaguya Otsutsuki, Montmorency tart cherries, Naruto, sakura Haruno | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Cherry Bexarliner by Freetail brewing is a 5.8 ABV Berlinerweisse brewed with Montmorency tart cherries

Label:
None!

==Introduction==

Freetail from Texas is another awesome brewery that we don’t get beers from here in California. Thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com, I am able to present another beer from them. The last Bexarliner brew that I had from Freetail was the Peach Bexarliner a while back. That one was awesome! This one is the Cherry variant and seeing as I loved the peach one, I can only hope it is just as or more awesome than the Peach version. Freetail brewery is another one of Texas best. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Lots of cherries! dark cherry yogurt, tropical fruit pineapple, honey dew melon, passion fruit, dragon fruit hints, prickly pears, strawberries, cranberrries, pomegranates, grapes, plums, oranges, tangerines, wine grape hints and banana hints.

Flavors:
Rich Deep dark and light, sweet and tart cherries forward, cranberrries, pomegranates, grapes, plums, oranges, tangerines, apples, pears, dark cherry yogurt, coriander spice, lychees, lemon peel, lemon candy, biscuit bread, peppercorn, waffle cone, bananas, wheat bread, tropical fruit pineapple, honey dew melon, passion fruit, dragon fruit hints, prickly pears, strawberries, wine grapes, oak, sangria, concorde grapes and salty tejuino maize drink hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes semi dry with rich vanilla, tart cherries, wafflecone, biscuit bread, lemon peel, peppercorn, banana hints, oak and wine grapes. No alcohol in the taste. Hazy honey and mild rose colored full body, smooth, crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Damn perfect Berlinerweisse. Unlike other Berlinerweisse that borderline the sour funk, this one carefully treads over super tart flavors while embracing the sweet fruity passion of the cherries. I feel I love this one more than the Peach Bexarliner although that one was very delicious in its own way. This one is a definite winner especially if you love cherries and sour ales in general so for that, I’m giving it my high approval.

Anime Corner
Sakura Haruno from Naruto was chosen in this pairing along with an original character as I wanted to showcase the cherry colors of rosey pinks and flavors. Since it is Freetail and its relations to bats and the occult (kind of) I chose to use somewhat of a demonic looking character but also Sakura looking kind of evil. Also, her looking like Kaguya Otsutsuki with the horns/rabbit years also works too. Seduction is somewhat of an evil thing too but when it comes to beer, seduction is delicious! Just like this one is.

Sources:
http://icarus.silversky.moe:666/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/pixiv-46878086.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7e/c7/16/7ec716e0986c9206c7e19aeae1747ccc.jpg
https://cloud.virink.com/15/04/09/e8b80efb1a2bcaeedf46325a2f274883.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eCheLcd.png

2015 F.U.N Series No. 012 Trigavé by Karbach brewing

October 7, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Tripel, Celes Chere, F.U.N Series, F.U.N. Series 012, FF6, FFIII, Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy VI, Karbach Brewing, oak wine barrels, Tequila, Tequila Barrel Aged, Trigavé, Wine Barrels | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2015 F.U.N Series No. 012 Trigavé by Karbach brewing is a 10% ABV Belgian Tripel aged in pre-red wine aged Tequila Barrels.

Label:
What exactly is Trigavé? This elixir is unlike anything else you might have tried before. So unique that that real words simply cannot describe. Trigavé is what happens when the trinity of wine, ale and spirits collide.

This Belgian-style Tripel was aged for 6 months in Extra Añejo barrels which, prior to the spirit, held red wine from Napa Valley. Spicy phenolics from Belgian yeast meld together with a distinct Americna oak profile. Golden in color with aromatics of fruit, tequila and a touch of honey, this ale is a luxurious as it is complex. Enjoy in a tulip or snifter style glass at 45-50°F.”

==Introduction==

A special tequila barrel aged brew straight out of Texas. Thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com for sending me this one. The reason I get to bring you guys great beers from Texas breweries such as Karbach is because of him. I don’t think I have seen any of their stuff outside of Texas and every time I try their stuff, thanks to Aaron, it is always awesome. They really know how to make great beers. Especially their barrel aged ones. This one today is one that is aged using wine and tequila in different phases using a Belgian Tripel as its base. Using a combination of wine, spirits and ale usually brings out a very special summon of an alcohol beverage like none other. Let’s see how this one is. Cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus blossom honey, agave nectar, tequila, oak, chardonay, cherries, wine grapes, bananas, clove spice, tropical fruit guava, pineapple, papaya, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, cane sugar, stone fruit peach, apricot, mango, floral notes of lavender, hibiscus, chamomile, bubblegum, sweetened condensed milk, flan, biscuit bread, rich wafflecone, Belgian waffles, vanilla and caramel.

Flavors:
Rich honey, waffle cone, agave nectar, Sangria, wine grapes, stone fruit peach, apricot, mango, floral notes of lavender, hibiscus, bananas, clove spice, grilled plantains, phenolic notes, tropical fruit guava, pineapple, papaya, lychee fruit , dragon fruit, passion fruit, cane sugar, oak, tequila, mezcal, mazapan, oranges, tangerines, vanilla, bubblegum, sweetened condensed milk, flan, biscuit bread, raw as the sun orange juice, pears, sour apples, chamomile, dulce de leche caramel, rock candy, Belgian clear candi sugar, salty notes, limes, limeade, lemon peel, cherries, champagne, and concorde grapes,

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich notes of agave, honey, waffle cone, tequila, wine, chardonay, stone fruit, honeysuckle, peppercorn, flowers, vanilla, caramel, oranges and tropical fruit. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV strength, Golden light body, smooth, silky, creamy, velvety and refreshing mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
I’m a sucker for Tequila barrel aged beers and this one went into another level with the barrels being previously aged in wine. You really want be careful not to drink the whole bottle on one chug. This one is so damn worthy though. So much honey, agave, sangria like notes, stone fruits, tequila, grapes and much much more. I feel despite its strength in terms of ABV and not its taste, I could drink this all day. Although I would be one very hammered person. Regardless to say, this one is a very huge recommendation from me if you can get it.

Anime Corner:
Celes Chere from Final Fantasy 6 (FF3 in the U.S.) was used in this pairing to get close to the colors of the label but also the colors of the Agave plant and the origin of Tequila. I have not used Celes in a beer for a while so the timing was damn right and I felt that this would be the right choice. Celes was a very important character that helped saved the world after Kefka dropped an entire continent back down onto earth almost killing the population. Celes was there to rise up to the challenge, searched for her friends and together they all defeated evil. It was a great story and this beer just being that awesome complements her in so many ways.

Sources:
http://pds26.egloos.com/pds/201508/27/61/d0052261_55decf644cd2c.jpg
http://www.pixiv.net/member_illust.php?mode=medium&illust_id=14354115
http://fdzeta.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/_data___celes_chere_final_fantasy_and_final_fantasy_vi_drawn_bb59076609d7f7a5080af75a56ee51ab0.jpg

Simple Means by Jester King

October 7, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged AltBier, american farmhouse, Ayla, caveman, Chrono Trigger, jester king, simple means, Smoked Ale, smoked malt | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Simple Means by Jester King is a 5.6% ABV Farmhouse Altbier brewed with smoked malt.

Label:
Batch #1 11.02.2015

We Looked inward and begged for meaning. Perhaps our great ancestors would make themselves known from within to share their wisdoms. Immediately, a guttural call emerged from the primal darkness in answer. It reverberated through our bodies. Embarrassed, we looked instead to history for our answer. Simple as it was, the inspiration we sought had been written in books all along.

Jester King is an authentic farmhouse brewery located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country on the outskirts of Austin. We brew what we like, drink what we want, and offer the rest to those who share our tastes.

INGREDIENTS: ill Country Well Water, Malted Barley, Hops, Farmhouse Yeast, Native Yeast and Souring Bacteria from Texas Hill country

Suitable for Vegetarians & Vegans.

NOTES: The term Altbier. Though classically associated with the copper ales of Dusseldorf, can refer to any older-style beer in the German-speaking world. Both the use of smoked malts and mixed fermentation with native yeast and bacteria predate modern brewing techniques, lending flavors to our farmhouse altbier that are evocative of a simpler, much earlier time. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and 100% bottle-conditioned.

==Introduction==

Brought to you by, wholehearted Texas goodness and my good friend and brother beer reviewer, Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. Aaron graces us once again with a brew from one of the best breweries in Texas, if not, one of the best Farmhouse breweries in the country, Jester King! Many brews from JK I have had the fortune to try thanks to Aaron especially since many are only exclusive to JK. So for as many of the brews I could get, always end up here in the site. This brew I first had it once at a beer tasting sessions with my friends at the BeerBumz. They presented its as one of the offering and I remembered that I really liked it. Now that I have a bottle of it, I can carefully analyze and give you a thorough take. Let’s have a look shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, burnt caramel, vanilla, smokey oak, tobacco notes, leather, brown sugar, banana notes, peppercorns, sea salt, tejuino, wine grapes, citrus, mushrooms, ginger bread, fruit cake hints, beachwood, hibiscus, lavender hints, burnt oak, BBQ, bacon and farmhouse hay.

Flavors:
Smokey notes, graham crackers, dulce de leche caramel, salted caramel, toffee, smokey oak, peppercorns, farmhouse hay, tejuino notes, rye bread, citrus, marshmallow notes, sea salt hints, hibiscus, lavender, bananas, clove spice, brown sugar, butterscotch, mushrooms, beachwood, maple, bacon hints, mild BBQ notes, tobacco notes, leather, sweet potato pie, ginger bread, pecan pie, funky must and wine grape notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes rich smokey oak and bacon forward with bacon, sweet potato notes, rye bread, caramel, marshmallow, banana and chocolate hints. No alcohol in the taste, Brown medium body, smooth, crisp, chewey and syrupy mouthfeel along with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect Farmhouse Altbier. Very rich and nutty, smokey, funky with peppercorn sweets like bananas and other complex flavors. Jester King, while making lots of funky beers, definitely can differentiate itself from each beer made and especially the styles they make. Of the many saisons and wild ales I have had, Jester King is unique just like Stillwater Artisanals has its uniqueness and so does Jolly Pumpkin and other breweries as well. This one to me is a definite hit but then again I don’t know when JK wasn’t. I Highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Ayla from Chrono Trigger was used in this pairing as I wanted to represent the Caveman era and “simple means” of hunter and gatherers. Ayla comes from the prehistoric times so using her in this pairing worked well. She represents a civilization where they had to live essentially like the beer says, simple means. I like these pairings since she also pairs well with the colors of the label and earthiness of the flavors and ingredients. Her holding a bone with meat is like some of the food that was cooked with the invention of fire in those time.

Sources:
http://76.72.168.19/images/2009-02-06-142007.jpeg
http://76.72.168.19/images/2012-09-15-529040.png
http://img.nijizou.com/photo/f770cf9c68adbe7a19f9b5420810a310ea750c5d.2.jpg

Mr. Nibbles by 5 Stones Brewing of Cibolo Texas

October 7, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 5 Stones Brewing, almonfs, Brazil Nuts, Brown ale, Chip, Chip n' Dale, Dale, Disney, filberts, Five Stones, Five Stones brewing of Cibolo Texas, Gadget Hackwrench, Maple Syrup, Monty Jack, Mr. Nibbles, pecans, Rescue Rangers, walnuts, Zipper | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Mr. Nibbles by 5 Stones Brewing of Cibolo Texas is a 5.2% ABV Brown Ale brewed with Walnuts, Almonds, Filberts, Pecans, Brazil Nuts and Maple Syrup.

Label:
Batch 1 Bottled on 1/20/2016
Ale hand crafted with Walnuts, Almonds, Filberts, Pecans, Brazil Nuts and Maple Syrup.

==Introduction==

What great way to start the fall with some brews from my good friend and fellow review brother, Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. This beer comes to us from the good people at 5 Stones brewing in Cibolo, Texas. Thanks to Aaron, I have the great opportunity to bring some of these beers to the website. Many of which have been very delicious and some supremely exceptional and unique. Today, we bring you a review of their Mr. Nibbles beer. A beer that has been made with all sorts of crazy nuts. Sure, I can recall the delicious nutty peanut butter beers and even the hazelnut nectar beers, but this…. this is taking nuts to a whole new level. Let’s take a look at this new brew, cheers!

Aromas:
Maple syrup, marshmallows, bananas, clove spice, cinnamon, fruit cake, ginger bread, almond joy butter, nutter butter, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla, rye bread, nutmeg, brown sugar, bananas, marzipan and praline ice cream hints.

Flavors:
Rich Almond joy butter, nutter butter, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, toasted pumpkin seeds, cashew cream, butterscotch, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, leather hints, rye bread, walnut cake, dark chocolate notes, milk chocolate, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, peanut buttercup notes, maple syrup, molasses, bananas, clove spice, cinnamon, fruit cake, ginger bread, nutmeg, allspice, brown sugar, marzipan, mazapan, capirotada raisin bread pudding, stone fruit peach, mango hints, dark fruit raisins, cherries, dates, Danish cream and vanilla.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich nutty notes, toffee, chocolate notes, cinnamon, marzipan, rye bread, toffee, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel and banana notes. No alcohol in the taste, crimson medium body, smooth, creamy and slightly chewey mouthfeel and with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional brew. It isn’t even barrel aged but the many points go to it for making a brown ale so complex it almost reminded me of a special Belgian Quadruple I had long ago. The mix of nuts and sweets is enough to drive someone nuts. The scary part about this is that I almost finished the whole bottle it was that damn good. Deep within the recesses of Texas and other parts of the country, people like 5 Stones are brewing beers that are damn unheard of helping people reach a special palatable Nirvana of sorts. I highly recommend you try and find this one if you live in Texas and special thanks to Aaron for the awesome hook up, always a pleasure!!

Anime Corner:
Gadget Hackwrench along with Disney’s Rescue Rangers gang were chosen in this review to go with the label furry characters. Yes, I know chipmunks and squirrels are not the same but the fact that it showed mice and a squirrel, I felt it was a great opportunity to bring it the Rescue Ranges into this pairing. This one I think works super well considering the comparisons of the woodland creatures. I also found an awesome picture with the surprised look on their faces just like the squirrel in the label is surprised about the mice. Almost like a king but in this case, Gadget would be the queen.

Sources:
http://kejzfox.deviantart.com/art/Ancient-Slavs-style-of-Gadget-209220195
http://img0.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/full/Чип-и-Дейл-спешат-на-помощь-чип-Дейл-Рокфор-2780352.png
http://mastergodai.deviantart.com/art/CDRR-Group-2-124368701

Feeding The Fanatics by Monkish brewing

October 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged amarillo, attack on titan, Citra, DBZ, Dragon ball, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Multiverse, Dragonball Z, Edward, Fairy Tail, Feeding The Fanatics, Full Metal Alchemist, Goku, india pale ale, IPA, Kill-LA-Kill, Kirito, Luffy, Mikasa Ackerman, monkish brewing, Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki, Natsu, New England IPA, one piece, One Punch Man, Ryuko Matoi, Saitama, Simcoe, Sword Art Online II | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Feeding The Fanatics by Monkish brewing is a 7.1% ABV India Pale Ale brewed with Citra, Simcoe, and Amarillo hops.

Label:
None!

==Introduction==
Released as a taproom exclusive, Monkish has changed its ways for the better good. Since the beginning, they were a brewery exclusive to the Belgian styles of brewing. They even had a sign that used to say NO IPAs! Until recently, they have tested their brewing art and applied to making IPAs. They somehow stumbled upon an east coast secret of hazy New England style IPAs. Essentially, the orange juice and tropical fruit and pulpy hop bombs. I say that because the beers are so hazy and so juicy that they are exactly like if you are drinking juice. Since I tried King JJJuliusss by Tree House a while back, I have an idea of what they are about. Especially since Heady Topper as well. This combined with the fact that Monkish has been releasing IPA cans exclusively at the brewery and creating a very coveted market, their IPAs are extraordinary. Unfortunately, for me, I think I have lost interest in waiting for can releases. You see, it has become very hyped up that people are actually staying overnight on some Fridays before can releases in order to get a chance at a 4 pack of gold. They pretty much sell out really quick. So, when they said they would release one of their IPAs on tap only and growler fill option, I had to see what this “hype” was all about. The name alone describes how big their IPAs have become. They have to feed the masses or “fanatics” like a cult of IPA praise that there really is not enough of these delicious beers to feed the other masses that do not want to camp out for beer releases. Monkish is a gold mine! Essentially, to the degree that they are most likely Pliny and Heady Topper hype killers at this point until other breweries can make such juice bombs just like Tree House or Trillium to name a few. So here I have a pour from a growler fill and I will tell you, what I think of this so called, Gold… cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical fruit guava, mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple juice, kiwi, prickly pears, pomegranates, honey dew melon, papaya, cranberries, cherries, tangerines, lychee, kumquats, Danish cream, sweetened condensed milk, lemon starbursts, orange starburst, lemons, limes, orange juice, lemonade, lime aid, tang, tampico orange juice, raspberries, cane sugar, agave nectar, stone peaches, apricots, dank, garlicky, floral, herbal and grassy hops, basil, lemon grass, vanilla and tangerine gummies.

Flavors:
Rich orange juice, lemonade, lime aid, tang, tampico orange juice, raspberries, cane sugar, agave nectar, stone peaches, apricots, dank, garlicky, floral, herbal and grassy hops, basil, lemon grass, vanilla, tangerine gummies, tropical fruit guava, mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple juice, kiwi, prickly pears, pomegranates, honey dew melon, papaya, cranberries, cherries, tangerines, lychee, kumquats, orange bang, orange juice pulp, grapefruit pulp, orange blossom honey, almond cream, cashew cream, biscuit bread, Danish cream, sweetened condensed milk, lemon starbursts, orange starburst, lemons, limes, grapes and tropical fruit smoothies.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich tropical and citrus fruit flavors that just linger for a very long time with rich hop dankness, honey, sweetened condensed milk hints, honey and more. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy Pale Honey medium body, crisp, clean, smooth, refreshing and velvety mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
Seriously though, what Vatican Deep Vault Scrolls did Monkish unearth to make these grandeur IPAs. Apparently, they somehow brought the magic of the east coast and blended some West Coast mysteries into it because this is damn insane. IF the can releases is making people wait outside on different Friday nights to camp for a Saturday Can release, it must be something that is definitely out there. This must be proof as the fact that this was the first time they released it on tap that soon, there will be enough beer for even distribution to the masses. I will not say this is the best beer in the world, NO, but I will say this type of beer style is definitely up there with my top 10s. Sorry, I love my Belgians to be a hop head but I am a lover of all styles and IPAs are a love of mine as well. Regardless, I honestly think while the beer is supreme and I hope to see more in the future, I would still not camp out to get these beers. Unless you really want to, I say give it some time before this or any other of their IPAs are released to the public or find a way to trade for it. These beers have a low shelf life, even lower than West Coast IPAs so you definitely have to enjoy them fresh. If Monkish still has this beer on tap and you happen to be around the town. GO GET THIS!… This one is a bucket lister… I’m sure their other ones are too.

Anime Corner:
Anime Justice League by artists Wizyakyza (link in the sources) which includes anime characters Kirito from Sword Art Online 2, Naruto from Naruto, Natsu from Fairy Tail, Ryuko Matoi (maiwaifu LOL) from Kill La Kill, Saitama from One Punch Man, Mikasa Ackerman from Attack On Titan, Goku from Dragon Ball/Z/GT/Super, Edward from Full Metal Alchemist and Luffy from One Piece were all used as a statement. The masses seem to be moving forward toward some kind of IPA hop juice Utopia and the name signifies that people will stop at nothing to this brew. Maybe the secret isn’t so secret at all as some home brewers have attempted to mimic some of these beers. However, for being a beer that I damn enjoyed so much (maybe not the way I enjoy my favorite best beers in the world like my Quads and Belgian Dark Strongs or Barrel Aged gold) I still wanted to create a parallel between what people in the craftbeer world are wanting versus what people in the anime world are wanting. A true collision of Beer and Anime awesomeness!!

Sources:
http://wizyakuza.deviantart.com/art/hmmmmmmm-587323705

Aurora Hoppyalis IPA by Karl Strauss brewing

October 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged amarillo, Aurora Hoppyalis, Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Citra Hops, india pale ale, IPA, Karl Strauss, Kill-LA-Kill, Ragyo Kyurin, Ragyō Kiryūin, San Diego, Simcoe | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Aurora Hoppyalis IPA by Karl Strauss brewing is a 7% ABV San Diego Style India Pale Ale.

Label:
Okay fine, we admit it, you can’t see the Northern Lights this far south. But San Diego has its own version of Aurora Borealis, and ours has cast a hoppy spell over this city. What the rest of the world calls an IPA, San Diego locals consider pale in comparison. Aurora Hoppyalis is our San Diego-style IPA brewed with Simcoe, Mosaic, Amarillo, and Citra hops. Robust flavors and aromas of tropical fruit, pine, and tangerine linger through a dry, crisp finish. Tonight’s forecast: clear hoppy skies.

==Introduction==

Released year-round, this is the first time Karl Strauss takes a shot at an east coast style beer with a west coast blend. Or at least it seems like it as this one is a hazy IPA. It has also been a while since I brought a Karl Strauss brew to the website as well. Karl Strauss has been in the business for craft beer since 1989 and as the times have changed, so have they to adjust for certain beer trends. While the West Coast hoppy beers have been the craze for years, it seems the arrival of the East Coast style is definitely having an effect on masses. So as a response they brought this. I have heard great things about this one so when my local shop started to carry it, I was damned if I didn’t bring this one to the site. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical fruit, mango, pineapple, guava, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee, strawberry, biscuit bread, green tea ice cream, pears, sweetened condensed milk hints, stone fruit peach, honey, Citrus blossom honey, orange peel, grapefruit, piney, garlicky, oniony, herbal, dank and grassy hops, lemon starbursts, basil, Eucalyptus honey, lemon grass and agave hints.

Flavors:
Honey, Citrus blossom honey, orange peel, grapefruit, piney, garlicky, oniony, herbal, dank and grassy hops, lemon starbursts, basil, Eucalyptus honey, lemon grass, tropical fruit pine apple, dragon fruit, passion fruit, guava, lychee, strawberry, mango hints, tangerine gummies, biscuit bread vanilla hints, agave hints, mint, green tea ice cream, pears, sweetened condensed milk hints, stone fruit peach and apricot.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with honey, green tea, grassy, citrus and tropical hops. No alcohol in the taste, pale golden clear to hazy body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel along with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect IPA resembling an east coast style with the massive tropics but still giving it the old heave-ho garlicky dankness found in the west coast style. They somehow got all the flavors to meld well and then this honey and citrus taste that’s very unique. It does seem a lot like an East Coast in some aspects especially with the haze. While I haven’t had some good Karl Strauss beers in a while, this one was super damn impressive. Definitely another pickup from me and I recommend you pick this one up online or local.

Anime Corner:
Ragyō Kiryūin from Kill LA Kill is the antagonist of the series. I won’t spoil who she really is if you have not seen the show but the reason I chose her for this beer pairing is because I wanted to pair the play on the name of the bear. Aurora Hoppyalis is a play on Aurora Borealis or the Northern lights. The lights they are created by sun’s particles that collide with the Earth’s atmosphere in the north creating these very beautiful and colorful lights. Since Ragyō’s hair is a rainbow of colors and she is always surrounded by immense light, it makes sense to use her in a beer that centers around the colorful variety and complex flavors that come from the hops which mimic the different fruits, citrus, sweets and herbs. She maybe evil in term of who she is but her light is as casting as that of a god!

Sources:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GKVD8sSuCD0/maxresdefault.jpg
http://img1.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/Anime-Kill-la-Kill-Kiryuuin-Ragyou-yand-1181849.jpeg

Ten Fidy by Oskar Blues

October 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, Ayeka Masaki Jurai, Ayeka Misaki Jurai, Oskar Blues, Russian Imperial Stout, Ten Fidy, Tenchi, Tenchi Muyo | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Ten Fidy by Oskar Blues is a 10.5% ABV Russian Imperial Stout.

Label:
Half-Baked Fully Toasted
This Dog’ll Hunt
==Introduction==

Ten Fidy gets its name, I believe, by the 10.5% ABV it carries. It has been several years since I last brought this beer for a review. As originally recommended to me by a dude at Total Wine, this had become a definite standard for Imperial Stouts. Especially, Russian Imperial Stouts. Stouts likes Old Rasputin were just as standard as well. This brew for being so awesome, it was hard to find back then. Now it seems like it is everywhere. That being said, I am giving you a reason as to why you should pick up a pack of these whenever you see it or have it on tap. Oskar Blues makes amazing beers. Even for some of the common styles, they really know how to make great beers and even in cans. I have yet to try an Oskar Blues beer that has not been under a very good to perfect or above rating. So yeah, take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, currants, black berries, prunes, Danish cream, Cherry Chocolate cordials, Double chocolate cherry cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Yoohoo chocolate drink, Roasted Coffee, Mocha, Khalua Liqueur hints, roasted barley, jerkey hints, bananas, clove spice, molasses, anise, chocolate mint, marshmallows and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Yoohoo chocolate drink, Roasted Coffee, Mocha, Khalua Liqueur hints, roasted barley, jerkey hints, bananas, clove spice, molasses, anise, chocolate mint, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, Dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, currants, black berries, prunes, Danish cream, Cherry Chocolate cordials, Double chocolate cherry cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar and marshmallows.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mocha, coffee, vanilla, caramel, dark fruits, earthy hops, rye bread, roasted barley, pecans, almonds and cherry chocolate cordials. No alcohol in the aftertaste. Pitch black delicious full body, smooth, creamy, silky and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
One of the best and perfect imperial stouts out there. Even after years of not trying it, this should be a standard go to and one that can be easily recommended to many people that love stouts. So much roasted barley, chocolate, coffee, dark fruits and more. Simply put, you can never ever go wrong with this one. Yes, there are better ones out there and possibly due to the barrel aging process but this one, definitely a common go to. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Ayeka Misaki Jurai from the Tenchi Muyo! Series was used in the original review I did for Ten Fidy so naturally I brought her back to pair once again. This time, I was able to find a picture where she has a crown denoting the queen of the Russians stouts (Kate The Great was it?) Essentially the can has picture of a crown and so it fits just right with the pairing.

Sources:
http://www.animegalleries.net/img/11955
http://hypnohub.net/data/image/4d73e8c549e7d1847dbbf635d8a5f610.jpg
https://simg1.uberbooru.com/t4/cd/8d768817fc61ea04611796b0fdd1a.png

N10 Anniversary by Ninkasi brewing

October 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Imperial Stout, American Strong Ale, Ami Mizuno, Amy Mizuno, Barleywine, Critical Hit, cuvee, Imperial Maiden the Shade, Imperial Stout, Imperial Total Domination, india pale ale, IPA, Lita Makoto Kito, makoto, Mina Aino, Minako Aino, N10 Anniversary, Ninkasi, Ninkasi Brewing, Raye Hino, Rei Hino, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor moon, Sailor Venus, Serena, Serina Usagi Tsukino | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.25/7

N10 Anniversary by Ninkasi brewing is a 10% ABV American Strong Barrel Aged Hybrid Cuvee / Blend Ale.

Label:
Please See Image Below

==Introduction==

It has been quite some time since I tried a Ninkasi brew. When I first heard that they wanted to release a beer that was essentially a Cuvee of other beers in their profile, I was all for it. I figure this would be a great opportunity to see how it compares to other great Cuvees like Firestone Walker’s Anniversary ales. Essentially, they do the same process, blending different beers to create a special hybrid of a brew that can exceed expectations. This one uses 2 IPAs 2 Stouts and a Barleywine. Almost reminds me of some of the Bruery Melange beers too. So for me, that is awesome enough to bring it to the website. Let’s take a look at this monstrosity of a beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit currants, raisins, prunes, blackberries, raspberries, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, bourbon, oak, vanilla, caramel, smokey campfire, marshmallow smores, chocolate mousse, bananas, clove spice, almonds, rocky road ice cream honey, rye bread, leather, tobacco, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, strawberries, kiwis, papaya hints, guava, anise and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, bourbon, oak, vanilla, caramel, smokey campfire, marshmallow smores, chocolate mousse, cookies and cream, oatmeal cookies, citrus, grapefruit, herbal, super dank piney, grassy and earthy hops, dark fruit currants, raisins, prunes, blackberries, raspberries, mild toasted coconut, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, strawberries, kiwis, papaya hints, guava, anise, molasses, rock candy, candy sugar, Stone fruit apricot, peaches, plums, red velvet cake, chocolate oranges, coffee cake, Irish cream, port wine, bananas, clove spice, almonds, rocky road ice cream honey, rye bread, leather and tobacco.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of hoppy and malt forward flavors such as chocolate, caramel, earthy, citrus, dank grassy hops, dark fruit, tropical fruit, stone fruit, bourbon, marshmallows. Grapefruits, caramel and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Dark full body, creamy, silky crisp, refreshing and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Above exceptional! Granted, I do love certain versions of the FW beers, this one deserves to be up there as well. There was so much complexity in this one where you know it has stout and IPA characters blend so well. Some aspects remind me of the Jewbelation brews from Schmaltz brewing which uses several different types of malts and hops. It seems some American Strong beers do use that method but the blending of different beers is altogether very different and if you love American Strong ales, you will find the difference in this one. It’s awesome! I highly recommend it.

Anime Corner:
The 5 Sailor Scouts, Serena/Usagi Tsukino, Amy/Ami Mizuno, Raye/Rei Hino, Lita/Makoto Kito, Mina/Minako Aino from Sailor Moon were used in this pairing to go with the different colors of the ingredients, flavors holographic labels and the 5 beers that were used to blend this brew. Rei is the Stout, Mina is the Barrel Aged stout, Lita the Total Domination IPA, Amy the Maiden the Shade and Serena the Critical Hit. All the colors and complexity were what I was going for when I decided to go with team Sailor Moon.

Sources:
http://i.imgbox.com/FKN2Dzst.jpg
http://i99.beon.ru/static.zerochan.net/Bishoujo.Senshi.Sailor.Moon.full.1746357.jpg

SPACE Bloody Orange Craft Cider By ACE California Cider Company

October 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged ACE California Cider Company, Ace Cider, Blood Orange, Blood Oranges, hard apple cider, Lalaco GodSpeed, SPACE Bloody Orange Craft Cider, Space Patrol Luluco, Space Pirate | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5 *Cider Rating

SPACE Bloody Orange Craft Cider By ACE California Cider Company is a 6.9% ABV Hard Apple Cider brewed with Blood Oranges

Label:
At a cantina on a star in a planetary system far far away, the surviving beautiful sister, takes a hit on a hookah pipe and listens for incider information… Who makes the best cider in the Universe?

SPACE it is out of this World!
“Brea”
==Introduction==

I first tried this cider back when I went to the Great Society Cidery in Long Beach, California. In remember that was one of the best ciders I have ever in a while. So I went to visit the CraftBeerKings.com in El Monte, California and there it was. The SPACE CIDER! No questions asked, I jumped to the occasion and brought this one home since I felt it was a cider duty to share this one with the world.

Aromas:
Oranges, citrus, blood oranges, grapefruit, vanilla, Wild flower honey, honey blossom flowers, stone fruit apricots, sour apples, pineapple, passion and dragon fruit.

Flavors:
Blood Oranges, Honey blossom flowers, Wild flower honey, grapefruits, tangerine gummies, pineapple hints, dragon fruit hints, passion fruit hints, orange peels, grapefruit peel, coriander spice, sour green apples, cane sugar, kumquats and mild tart apricots.

Aftertaste:
Finishes tart and dry with flavors apples, honey, blood oranges, tart grapefruit, waffle cone, and cane sugar. No alcohol in the taste, unfiltered hazy pink grapefruit colored body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A perfect cider. There was no doubt in my mind since that first time I tried this cider that I would have to bring it to the site. Ace makes great ciders and I have worked to try to make my ciders just as great but one using actual blood orange pulp gives me ideas to try out with future ciders for sure. Regardless, getting this one more commonly would be something I would love to see. If you love ciders, this would be great to pick up. I highly recommend this one!

Anime Corner:
Lalaco GodSpeed from Space Patrol Luluco was used in this pairing as she pairs well with being a Space Pirate, red and orange to fit with the color, ingredients and flavors of the beer. While is somewhat evil (orange bitterness), she cares for her family and would do anything for them as shown later on in the series (the sweetness of the apples and orange pulp). She is definitely one hot Milf that definitely fits with the cider and the story.

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cg_PHs4UYAAy7Fc.jpg:large
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/109/415/de5.jpg

2016 Salted Gose by Angel City brewing

October 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Angel City, Angel City brewing, Batman, Caramel, DC, German Gose, Gose, Harley Quinn, Joker, Salted Gose, seas salt, Suicide Squad, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

2016 Salted Gose by Angel City brewing is a 4.3% ABV German Gose.

Commercial Description:
Gose (Goes-uh) is a very, very old German beer style that has been gaining popularity stateside over the past few years. A traditional gose is a low alcohol, sour wheat beer brewed with coriander and salt. Our version is soured in the traditional way using Lactobacillus, but instead of coriander, we complement the salt with caramel and vanilla for a deliciously refreshing treat

==Introduction==

Found this one at my local market. While I don’t often review Angel City brews since the most common ones are average to subpar at times, I have reviewed the intriguing and unique ones. It is difficult to tell the quality of Angel City’s stuff as I know they contract brew through Samuel Adams so the beers you get in bottles are not always the same as the stuff you get at the brewery. Although the beers in the bottles have been very good recently. I can’t really speak for their local stuff as I have only been there twice. Needless to say, this Salted Caramel Gose was a unique one and I wanted to bring it to the site. Let’s have try shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, salty caramel popcorn, vanilla, honey, passion fruit, Guava hints, lemon merengue pie, funky notes, earthy hops, sea salt, lemon juice, floral notes, biscuit bread, bananas, clove spice, peppercorn, mild butterscotch, salted maize tejuino, sour apples and tart strawberries.

Flavors:
Vanilla, honey, almond, cereal notes, Dulce de leche caramel, Tart Guava, Lemon merengue pie, tart lemon juice, floral notes, biscuit bread, bananas, clove spice, peppercorn, salty caramel popcorn, candy corn, ginger notes, ginger bread, grapes, wine grape hints, funky notes, earthy hops, sea salt, mushrooms hints, maple syrup, mild butterscotch, salted maize tejuino, sour apples, tart strawberries, kiwi, mild passion fruit and toffee hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with cereal and honey hints, almond, caramel, vanilla guava and salted caramel popcorn.
No alcohol in the taste, honey colored clear body, crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
Very delicious gose. It is amazing how they were able to get the sweet caramels, toffee, vanilla and other flavors to meld with the salty and dry flavors of from the Gose. Simply put, a light fluffy dessert beer. I must admit, I really hope this taste just as good locally than in the bottle because bottle wise they really have a winner here. I will definitely get this again and would recommend you give this one a shot too.

Anime Corner:
Harley Quinn from DC’s Batman and Suicide Squad was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair her with attitude. The name of the beer is Salted Caramel Gose. Essentially, sweet but salty. Harley is an awesome sweet and hot looking character but she is too unpredictable and psychotic like her partner, the Joker. Well, Joker is technically leagues above her in that department but the funny part is that she can take you on a pleasure cruise before it is all over and you’ll be swimming with the fishes in the salty sea.

Sources:
http://www.artworkz.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cdnb3.artstation.compassetsimagesimages002931003largemichelle-hoefener-harley-quinn-2-e4eca2583be7ca22aab8078a68dc45fc148fb58b.jpg
http://oboitut.com/uploads/posts/oboitut.com_9070.jpg
http://66.media.tumblr.com/2412ac08a972e100930f6d2bdd6307a9/tumblr_obdsfpwJFG1rin8ioo1_1280.jpg

Mélange 15 by The Bruery

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, Barleywine, Black Tuesday, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Claire Farron, cuvee, FFXIII, Final Fantasy XIII, Imperial Stout, Lactose, Lightning, MASH, Mélange 15, Melange, pecan pie, The Bruery, vanilla beans, walnuts | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Mélange 15 by The Bruery is is a 14.8% ABV American Strong Ale Cuvee blend of an Imperial Stout (Black Tuesday) Barleywine (Mash) and old ale (Anniversary Ale) brewed with lactose, vanilla beans, cacao nibs, walnuts and aged in Bourbon barrels.

Label:
Nuts & BBLS

We play with nuts and BBLs in this winning blend of barrel-aged beers. Designed to mimic the flavors of rocky road, this mélange took top place in our 2016 staff blending competition.

Our Mélange series is a playground for exploring flavors that cannot be achieved outside of the art of the blend or by any one beer. We had a particularly good time playing with nuts and BBLs in this winning blend of barrel-aged beers from our 2016 staff blending competition. Fueled by cheeseburgers and inspired by rocky road, we folded walnuts, cacao nibs from TCHO and vanilla into rich, bourbon barrel-aged barleywine and old ale to mimic the flavors of the rich, nutty dessert. Lactose was added to impart a marshmallow character and an extra creamy mouthfeel. We’re pretty nuts about it, and we think you will be too.

==Introduction==

Released to the public and all societies, this the first time since Mélange 3, that a Mélange series beer is released outside of the societies. What an awesome release at that. Knowing the Mélange series pretty well, they are some of the best beers the Bruery has ever released. With this one being liquid Rocky Road Ice Cream in a bottle, I can only say that this is going to be gold. How can I say that without trying it? Well, my track record for reviewing these Mélange beers has shown that they keep pushing the bar with every release and I can only push so far up the bucket list. Yes, indeed, even before I review this one, I can safely say, it is going to be a bucket lister. The best part, now the public can get their hands on as many bottles as they can. Let’s delve into this shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Chocolate Milk Shake, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, rich rocky road ice cream, rich walnuts, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, nutter butter cookies, rich nutella spread on toasted rye bread, prailine ice cream, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, currants, blackberries, figs, plums, mocha, coffee, Khalua liqueur, almond liquer, Chambord raspberry liqueur, bananas, clove spice, cookie dough ice cream, Tres Leches/3 Milks cream, sweetened condensed milk, Danish cream, flan, and crème brulee

Flavors:
Super rich rocky road ice cream, rich walnuts, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, nutter butter cookies, rich nutella spread on toasted rye bread, prailine ice cream, mocha, coffee, Khalua liqueur, almond liquer, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Chocolate Milk Shake, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, cotton candy, almond joy ice cream, salted caramel, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, currants, blackberries, figs, plums, Tres Leches/3 Milks cream, sweetened condensed milk, Danish cream, flan, crème brulee, molasses, anise, grilled bananas, clove spice, cookie dough ice cream, rocky road cheesecake and Chambord raspberry liqueur.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Rich chococaramellow nuts and Nutella remain, walnuts, dark chocolate, marshmallows, dark fruits, Danish cream, flan, bananas, clove spice, smores and sweetened condensed milk over rocky road ice cream. No alcohol in the taste despite the high ABV. Dark Crimson medium to full body, smooth, creamy, chewy, syrupy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Definitely without question, this is a major bucket lister. Since Mélange 12, I have not seen any other one top it and I honestly thing this one definitely tops that one even though the 12th was my favorite followed by the 3rd. This one just speak volumes and volumes. Like pieces of the best Black Tuesday variants like Chocolate Rain and Grey Monday are here. If you have a self-indulgence, guilty pleasure or a problem when it comes to something like Nutella or Rocky Road Ice Cream, this beer may be your devil’s water. But you know, you really have to take it all in sometimes and enjoy yourself once and awhile. Go get this bottle barrel aged and dessert beer lovers. Do it before it is gone!! You will not regret it!!!

Anime Corner:
Claire “Lightning” Farron from Final Fantasy XIII was used in this pairing to mainly go with the rich flavors of the beer although some of her colors do match with the colors of the beer. It has been a long time coming and I wanted to use Lightning in a Bruery beer but deciding which one was definitely the challenge. I wanted to choose a special occasion for a worthy beer pairing and now that I have seen what this is capable of, I set my eyes on her for this beer. A bad ass beer definitely deserves a bad ass character and art pairing.

Sources:
https://cdn.luscious.net/images/slywalker_96/457/lusciousnet_lusciousnet_1437152598845_1294766462.jpg
http://i99.beon.ru/s017.radikal.ru/i437/1507/fe/5fb4ecd4d9d3.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJ3_R8dUsAARpT1.jpg:large

2016 Mash & Vanilla by The Bruery

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Alia, Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Capcom, MASH, Mash & Vanilla, Megaman X, The Bruery, vanilla, vanilla beans, VANILLOAK | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Mash & Vanilla by The Bruery is a 13.3% ABV Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Beans.

Label:
VANILLOAK

We took our classic release, already oaky, sticky and sweet from extensive bourbon barrel-aging, and amplified that barrel character with the addition of vanilla.

This is our classic bourbon barrel-aged barleywine – kicked up a notch. We took Mash, already oaky, sticky and sweet, and amplified its barrel character with the addition of fresh vanilla beans. This vanilla prominence is complemented by the woody bourbon flavors and coconut notes that are imparted to the beer as part of its extensive maturation in oak bourbon barrels.

==Introduction==

Released to the public, this beer uses their base Barleywine in bourbon barrels which I have tried different variants of. So far, the best one of the variants was the Mash and Coconut. The other one, Mash and Coffee was awesome too. This time around, we have the vanilla version. Vanilla beers in general are awesome! In fact, when making strong vanilla beers, they typically have flavors of all sorts of sweets like sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee or flan. Essentially, when I think of the Bruery making beers with vanilla, like the White Chocolate, you know it’s gonna be awesome. Let’s see how this is.

Aromas:
Dark fruit figs, prunes, raisins, marshmallows smores, bourbon, oak, fruit cake, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, vanilla, flan, sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, Jericalla Mexican custard, banana cream pie, grilled bananas, clove spice, toffee, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rye bread, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, plantains, almond joy notes, oatmeal cookies, stone fruit plums, peach hints, brownies and cookie dough ice cream.

Flavors:
Rich Vanilla, Flan, sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, Jericalla Mexican custard, banana cream pie, grilled bananas, clove spice, toffee, dark fruit figs, prunes, raisins, marshmallows smores, bourbon, oak, fruit cake, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, macadamia nuts, hazelnut nectar, maple notes, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rye bread, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, plantains, almond joy notes, oatmeal cookies, stone fruit plums, peach hints, brownies, cookie dough ice cream, Danish cream, cheese cake, chocolate cherry cordials and chocoflan.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with smooth vanilla, Cheesecake hints, bourbon, toffee, caramel, dark fruit, oak, flan, Jericalla custard and crème brulee. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full deep brown crimson body, syrupy, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional! While I agree that I lean more towards the Mash & Coconut, this is definitely at the league or above the Mash & Coffee. So much dark fruit and flan flavors it ridiculous. This is the kind of beer that, especially since it was released to the public, you want to get several bottles of. Some to enjoy whenever and some to just cellar to see how it will do in 5, 10 or even 15 years from now. A high recommendation on this one.

Anime Corner:
Alia and Megaman X by Capcom was used in this pairing because I wanted to use her and X in a Bruery pairing and I think the colors of them fit well with beer’s label, ingredients and flavors. X would be like the original Mash and Alia by his side is the vanilla. I definitely like to go all out with the different possible pictures to pair well with the characters I choose.

Sources:
http://keichan411.deviantart.com/art/Aya-Commission-290959370
http://orig01.deviantart.net/0996/f/2007/282/b/f/bfa4cbe2d9101c4c.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d4/a3/c3/d4a3c3c667c665333f92bd364be6a530.jpg
http://img10.deviantart.net/a37a/i/2008/256/7/7/maverick_hunter_alia_by_louisblack78.jpg

Beer Geek Breakfast Stout by Mikkeller Brewing San Diego

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Beer Geek Breakfast Stout, Beer Geek Dessert, beer geeks, Dark Horse Coffee, Mikkeller, MLP, Nintendo, Oatmeal Stou, Queen Chrysalis, San Diego, Wii Fit Trainer | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Beer Geek Breakfast Stout by Mikkeller Brewing San Diego is a 7.5% ABV Oatmeal Stout brewed with Dark Horse Coffee.

Label:
None!

==Introduction==

Mikkeller has finally opened up closer to the states. Their new division’s home is San Diego. With the establishment of a new brewery, comes a new set of beers exclusive to San Diego and well, those who can purchase them online. The first beer I wanted to bring from them is this one. The Beer Geek Breakfast Stout. Mikkeller beers have always been sold in 12 ounce bottles with occasional 750ml releases. This is the first time I ever see a 22-ounce bottle from them. Knowing how expensive but world class the beers from the original brewery can be, I am here to see how the quality of the new beers are in comparison to their other beers of a similar style. The last time I had a had a Beer Geek Breakfast beer from them was Kopi Luwak Coffee brew. That one was aged in Cognac so the comparison is not fair. This one uses Dark Horse Coffee which sounds interesting. So let’s take a look and see how this one is.

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, roasted coffee, brown sugar, Irish cream coffee, marshmallows, smores, smoked oak hints, hazelnut nectar, peanut butter cup hints, Nutella chocolate hints, lactose milk sugar, caramel, vanilla, toffee, tobacco, leather, molasses and rye bread.

Flavors:
Roasted coffee, Khalua notes, espresso, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, lactose milk sugar, caramel, vanilla, toffee, tobacco, leather, molasses, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, prunes, dark cherries, currants, molasses, toasted coconut flavors, marshmallows, smores, smoked oak hints, hazelnut nectar, peanut butter cup hints, Nutella chocolate hints, nutter butter hints, Danish cream, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, oreo cookies and cream, brown sugar, Irish cream coffee and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich roasty coffee, mocha, vanilla, earthy notes, marshmallows and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, dark medium to full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect coffee stout giving delicious flavors of coffee and chocolate. While it is not like the other beer geek breakfast beers (mainly since the others are barrel aged of the ones I tried), this one is amazing in its own right. The coffee flavors are pretty fancy and really bring about the best of what this beer can be. This one is definitely worth a pick up especially the base of the beer is in the essence of the “Beer Geek” series. Give this one a shot!

Anime Corner:
Wii Fit Trainer from Nintendo and Queen Chrysalis from MLP were used in this pairing to go with the aspects of breakfast. As in, you have a well-balanced breakfast and you work out, you will go far. Drinking beer is not necessarily healthy but it can be when done in moderation and a single small serving. Anything above that and you have work cut out for you. Also, since the beer gives off complex flavors, it would be like a punch to the face. Queen Chrysalis was used to pair with the Dark Horse Coffee used in the beer. Yes, she is from MLP but I think she fits with that aspect.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/GuyA1GY.jpg
http://img1.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/full/Женские-мускулы-разное-Wii-Fit-Trainer-под-катом-еще-одна-1982567.jpeg
http://orig09.deviantart.net/bd68/f/2015/070/b/2/queen_chrysalis_by_ispincharles-d8lcna0.png

4 Fourth Anniversary by Figueroa Mountain

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 4 Fourth Anniversary, Belgian Abbey Quadrupel, Belgian Quadrupel, Bra, Dragon Ball Multiverse, Dragonball Z, Figs, figueroa mountain, fourth anniversary, Goku, Oak aged, oak barrels, Son Bra, Super Saiyan, Vegeta, Vegito | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

4 Fourth Anniversary by Figueroa Mountain is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with figs and aged in oak barrels.

Label:
The number 4 is powerful and prevalent. For our fourth anniversary, it was apropos to brew a Belgian-style Abbey Quadrupel for the special occasion Crafted in the traditional style of Trappist monastery breweries. This massive dark ale was aged in oak barrels with figs an ancient and sacred fruit. We look forward to the infinite possibilities for Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company as the sensors pass and the phases of the moon come full circle.
==Introduction==

It has been a while I tried a Figueroa Mountain brewing beer. I do believe the last one I tried from them was their 2nd Anniversary Grand cru. That beer was very delicious but when I saw this one, I was very excited. They took a quadruple and aged it with figs in oak barrels. I was unable to find information to see if this one had oak sitting in a particular spirit. Anyway, quadrupels are some of my favorite types of beers. There is a special place in my heart for the style so anytime I see one, I have to try it at least and if I can, bring it to the website. I usually compare it to St. Bernardus 12abt, best quad ever! (To me). Fortunately, I was able to bring this one here but let’s see how this one does. Cheers!

Aromas:
Massive dark fruits figs, dates, plums, prunes, currants blackberries, pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, bananas, clove spice, grilled plantains, port wine, sherry, rich fruit cake, stone fruit peach, apricots, mango, brown sugar, dark candi sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon hints, piloncillo sugar cone, flan, cinnamon, ginger bread, sweetened condensed milk with mixed berries and milk chocolate.

Flavors:
Super Rich Dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, plums, prunes, currants blackberries, pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, dark candi sugar, rock candy, toasted bread with mixed berry preserves, Capirotada Mexican bread pudding, figgy pudding, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate raisinettes, cherry cordials, tangerine preserves, orange notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon hints, piloncillo sugar cone, flan, cinnamon, ginger bread, coriander spice, sweetened condensed milk with mixed berries, Mixed Berry yogurt, rich mixed berry cheese cake, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, clove spice, grilled plantains, port wine, sherry, rich fruit cake, pecan pie, stone fruit peach, apricots and mango.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with super massive barrage of rich dark fruit and mixed fruit flavors, oak, bourbon vanilla, marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, earthy notes and rich dark candi sugar. No alcohol in the taste, bloody crimson body, smooth, cream, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
I have no fucking idea what makes this quad so damn exceptional ridiculous. This quad is probably the highest grade I have given a quadrupel if not for the St. Bernardus 12 ABT Apple Brandy oak aged. Essentially this Quadrupel is a super damn dark fruit in your face quad with so much variants of fruit and delicious caramels and vanilla I have not seen in a while since Mikkeller’s raspberry quad. I am sure enjoying the hell out of this brew for damn sure and definitely recommend you highly get this one.

Anime Corner:
Super Saiyan Son Bra from Dragon Ball Multiverse is the daughter of Vegito (Fusion of Goku and Vegeta) from the universe where Vegito never unfused. She was used in this pairing to go with colors of the label but also the dark fruits and supreme complexity that this beer provides. A quadruple to be reckon with only pairs some of the best characters and Son Bra was the best one to use in this instance.

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

2016 Quingenti Millimitre series Batch No. 1 OAKMEAL Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels by Stone brewing

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 12th anniversary, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stou, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chocolate, Darkstalkers, Hsien-ko, Kentucky Bourbon, lei-lei, OAKMEAL, Oatmeal Stout, Quingenti Millilitre Series, Stone Brewing, Vampire Hunter, Vampire Savior | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Quingenti Millimitre series Batch No. 1 OAKMEAL Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels by Stone brewing is an 11.4% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Stout aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Brewed December 5, 2015
Originally inspired by recipes of two Team Stone members, Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout became an instant classic. The onyx-hued beer also proved to be an ideal barrel-aging specimen, thanks to its rich, thick mouthfeel and chocolate-heavy flavors and aromatics.

INTHEMASH: Pale, Caramel, Dextrine, Black and Chocolate Malts, Roasted Barley & Flaked Oats
IN THE BOIL Summit Williamette, Galena and Ahtanum Hops & Chocolate-heavy

UNFILTERED AND AGED
7 Months in American Oak Kentucky Bourbon Barrels

IBU: 43 ALC/VOL 11.4% Bottled July 2016

CELLAR NOTES
An already magnificent beer’s mouthwatering recipe of unsweetened chocolate, flaked oats and dark-roasted malts is made even more deliciously complex care of oak barrels that previously nurtured bourbon. These amazing vessels impart oak and coconut-like flavors upfront while accentuating the silky smooth midpalate with oak vanillin notes. The finish is long and intense, with layers of chocolate and oak vanillin. You might be tempted to lick the glass for every last drop of this delectable adult confection.

==Introduction==

It has been a while since I had some of the beers from Stone’s Quingenti Millimitre series and this one I could not pass up. Especially, since it was available in local and online stores. Essentially, they take their 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, which I tried several months back at my friend Richard’s house, and then they age it. The original beer was delicious but the fact that they barrel aged it was something I just thought is amazing. I think almost every beer that I have tried barrel aged is definitely leagues above the original beer. Not always, but it is common for it to happen. Let’s see what this one has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Marshmallows, chocolate smores, oak, whiskey, bourbon, toasted coconut, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, oreo cookies, Danish cream, cookie dough ice cream, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, flan, pecan pie, piloncillo sugar cone, grilled bananas, capirotada raisin bread pudding, hazelnut nectar, ferrero rocher Chocolate, roasted coffee, mocha, molasses, tobacco, leather, anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates and Mexican Chocolate.

Flavors:
Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, Mexican Chocolate, marshmallows, chocolate smores, oak, whiskey, bourbon, toasted coconut, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, oreo cookies, Danish cream, cookie dough ice cream, earthy hop hints, dark fruit raisins, prunes, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, flan, pecan pie, piloncillo sugar cone, grilled bananas, capirotada raisin bread pudding, hazelnut nectar, molasses, tobacco, leather, anise, ferrero rocher Chocolate, roasted coffee and mocha.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich oak Bourbon soaked dark fruit chocolate chip raisins oatmeal cookies on whipped cream and earthy and vanilla ice cream. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV or the oak bourbon notes, pitch black dark full body, smooth, creamy, chewy, and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional and supremely delicious liquid chocolate cookie in a bottle. This beer so much cookie goodness that it reminded me of the Velvet Merkin from Firestone Walker. So much smoothness and chocolate, it’ll blow your mind. I almost wish they sold this one on tap and growler fill as 500ml is not enough for this one. Definitely need to try this again but for the price I think it is worth having once. I highly recommend this brew to those that love barrel aged beers and chocolatey goodness.

Anime Corner:
Lei Lei Hsien-Ko from Darkstalkers was used in this pairing because I wanted to use her in a beer. It has been a very long time and I think she fits with this beer as well as a spirit lies in the oak that used to contain a bigger amount of a spirit. By spirit I mean bourbon. There really isn’t much to say other than how the colors can compare to the complex flavors or how sweet and innocent she looks like the sweetness contained in this bottle.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/rLjZhPB.jpg
http://k34.kn3.net/taringa/4/F/B/F/B/8/JoCYoG/AB8.jpg

The Dark Ages Barrel Series Imperial Stout by Tahoe Mountain Brewing Co.

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barrel Series, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cognac, Cognac Barrels, Dark Saber, Fate Stay Night, Imperial Stout, Kentucky Bourbon, Saber, Saber Alter/Dark, Tahoe Mountain Brewing, The Dark Ages | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/6

The Dark Ages Barrel Series Imperial Stout by Tahoe Mountain Brewing Co. is a 10% ABV Imperial stout aged in Kentucky Bourbon and Cognac Barrels.

Label:
Aging Imperial Stout in both Kentucky Bourbon and Cognac Barrels brings complex flavors and a rich oak character to this big beer made with a variety of roasted malts.

==Introduction==

This is first brew that I try brew from Tahoe Mountain brewing. I always feel that some time digging into the stronger beers from a brewery can say a lot about how complex and awesome a brewery can be. It may not say much about how great the brewery is, just how well they can make the type of beers that I like. This one was a very intriguing beer as it was aged in both Bourbon and Cognac. Essentially, a double barrel aged brew. Sometimes, double, triple or even quadruple barrel aging takes beers to whole new levels to where a beer has never been to before. This is a definite must for the site, let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
German chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, tobacco, leather, dark candi sugar, dark fruit currants, prunes, raisins, dark cherries, currant yogurt, pomegranates, almond joy chocolate, anise, licorice, wine grapes, juniper berries, pecan pie, piloncillo sugar cone, marshmallows, chocolate smores, molasses, smokey oak, hazelnut nectar, sherry, raspberries, port wine notes, grilled plantains, bananas, clove spice, roasted coffee notes and mocha.

Flavors:
Rich Barrel Oak, bourbon, whiskey, cognac, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, dark fruit currants, prunes, raisins, dark cherries, grilled plantains, bananas, clove spice, roasted coffee notes, mocha, burnt marshmallows, chocolate smores, molasses, smokey oak, hazelnut nectar, sherry, raspberries, port wine notes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, tobacco, leather, dark candi sugar, currant yogurt, pomegranates, almond joy chocolate, anise, licorice, wine grapes, juniper berries, pecan pie and piloncillo sugar cone.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with nice notes of oak, bourbon, oak dark chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, roasted coffee, port wine and tobacco hints. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark full body, smooth, creamy and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional brew almost taking it to the level of exceptional perfection. The lower score has to do with a slight unbalance in the flavors but overall, the complexity is way above perfect. There is so much going on here and it is super solid. These dark age beers are definitely something to try out and definitely highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Dark Saber from Fate Stay Night was used in this beer to go with the dark ages aspect as well as dark knight armor and helmet as shown in the label. The colors she represents are just some of the complex color and flavor pairings of the beer.

Sources:
http://niji-moe.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/fate-saber-01-16.jpg

Blackwater Series Choklat Oranj by Sourthern Tier

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, blackwater series, Bleach, Chocolate, choklat, Choklat Oranj, Imperial Stout, natural flavors, orange peel, Southern Tier, Yoruichi, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Blackwater Series Choklat Oranj by Southern Tier is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate, Orange Peel and Natural Flavor.

Label:
Color: BLACK Body: HEAVY. Bitterness: MODERATE. Pair: roasted or smoked foods, chocolate desserts. Store: Dark upright, <48°F | Serve: Snifter

The Blackwater Series first made waves when we introduced Choklat in 2007. Through experimentation and willingness to venture into the unknown, our quest to brew the perfect stout has continued ever since.

Our love for dessert-like beers has led us down interesting paths – from the classic fusion of coffee and chocolate in Mokah to the rich vanilla and lactose sugar Creme Brulee – and now here to Choklat Oranj.

ORANGE YOU GLAD?

The flavors of oranges and chocolate have been a sweet treat for millenia, it’s fitting that these kindred spirits should meet in this way.

Enjoy Choklat Oranj in a snifter on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a float. Cheers!

25° plato; 2-row malt; caramel malt; debittered blackmalt; chocolate malt; orange peels; bittersweet Belgian Chocolate; columbus hops; natural flavor.
42° F

==Introduction==

Just when I finished with a Southern Tier Blackwater series beer, Salted Caramel, I was graced with this one. Chokolat Oranj? Like Chocolate and Orange beer? There have been plenty of chocolate orange sweets I have tried before but an actual chocolate orange beer, I think I have not. This is a great idea for a beer and as always, the Blackwater series being more desserts than beer, it surely is great. Let’s take a look and see if this one can hold its own, Cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, Tangerine preserves, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, orange chocolate shake, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coriander spice, peppercorn spice, mocha, coffee cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, Fruity Pebbles note, creamsikle, Rocky road ice cream, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, Baileys Chocolate and Orange Irish Cream.

Flavors:
Super Rich Chocolate covered orange dessert, Fruity Pebbles, creamsikle, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, Citrus, Tangerine preserves, rye bread, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, orange chocolate shake, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coriander spice, peppercorn spice, mocha, coffee cake, Danish cream, orange tang, chocolate mango, marshmallows, chocolate smores, graham crackers, earthy hops, Rocky road ice cream, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, Baileys Chocolate and Orange Irish Cream, Danish cream pastries, hazelnuts, peach cobbler and Tres Leches/3 Milks cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots or orange citrus, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, marshmallow smores, hazelnut nectar and earthy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, super dark pitch black body, smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Another awesome exceptional and supremely delicious beer. Like those Chocolate Orange balls, this is that special dessert but in liquid form. Sometimes I wish Southern Tier had released some stuff out here in the West Coast. Although I have seen a few of their beers like Crème Brulee and Mokah in one specialty store, I would like to see more in many stores. These beers are like what Belching Beaver and Brew Rebellion is to us here in the west. There is a world of flavor fusions that they can come up with. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was chosen in this pairing because she is one of my favorite anime characters but I also chose her mainly to pair with the label and ingredient colors of the beer. In which case, the orange and black it well with her attire and the chocolate dark fruit aspects as well. Her unleashing using her God of Thunder II version is how I felt that this beer experience was. This beer unleashed so much awesome stuff. I also like how in one of the pics, the God of Thunder lightning is orange like the oranges used in the beer as well.

Sources:
http://img01.deviantart.net/0a39/i/2015/059/6/3/bleach_fan_art____yoruichi_shihoin_by_djinay-d8jw01y.jpg
http://rocky-ace.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-Shihouin-615735590?q=gallery%3ARocky-Ace%2F26324613&qo=7
http://img12.deviantart.net/7e0a/i/2016/043/2/4/shihoin_yoruichi_by_guilhermessj-d9rhb4u.png
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-429536105
http://charaero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/shihouin_yoruichi-bleach-004.jpg
http://img08.deviantart.net/1daa/i/2016/055/1/3/bleach_663___shunryuu_kokubyou_senki_yoruichi_by_arteemis-d9sz5cp.png

Seasonal Sneak by Cigar City brewing

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate, cigar city, Cigar City Brewing, Guilty Gear, Guilty Gear Xrd, Jack-O' Valentine, pumpkin ale, Seasonal Sneak, Spices | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Seasonal Sneak by Cigar City brewing is a 7% ABV Chocolate Pumpkin Ale with Spices added

Label:
An insidious beast that Seasonal Sneak. A few days here. A week there. Before you know it you are hanging a Christmas stocking on your Jack o’ Lantern and hiding painted eggs in the pumpkin pie. But there is no use fighting. Be still and let the cold claw of Seasonal Sneak seize your palate with a tumult of chocolate, pumpkin, and spice flavors. Label designed by Foursixsix

==Introduction==

Talk about an evil Bugs Bunny! So it is finally the fall and out comes the pumpkin spiced beers. I have become to like some and other seem just the same. This on the other hand, intrigued me. Aside from the awesome artwork with a crazy Halloween on Christmas Bugs Bunny on the label. It makes me wonder if the purpose of this beer is to combine the fall flavors with holiday ale flavors. I might be looking too much into it but let’s have a look at this one. Cheers!

Aromas:
Bumpkin flesh, butterscotch, cinnamon, toasted pumpkin seed, coriander, clove spice, peppercorn, dark Chocolate, Cocoa Nibs, Chocolate Abuelita, Ginger bread, cummin, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dates, piloncillo sugar cone, green tea, mint, chai spice, Mexican Ponche caliente “Hot Holiday Punch”, cane sugar, grapes, fruit cake, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, citrus, lemons, hazelnut nectar, tobacco, apple pie and apple cider.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Nibs, Chocolate Abuelita, Ginger bread, cummin, nutmeg, pumpkin flesh, butterscotch, cinnamon, toasted pumpkin seed, coriander, clove spice, peppercorn, sangria, tequila notes, oak, wine grapes, cucumber, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, citrus, lemons, hazelnut nectar, tobacco, apple pie, apple cider wassail, Mexican Ponche caliente “Hot Holiday Punch”, cane sugar, grapes, fruit cake, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dates, piloncillo sugar cone, green tea, mint and chai spice.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with herbal and spicy notes of mint, chai, Mexican Hot Punch, piloncillo sugar cone, dark chocolate, pumpkin flesh, wine grapes, nutmeg, ginger bread, cinnamon and hot apple cider. No alcohol in the taste, crimson dark light to medium body, smooth, creamy, velvety and silky mouthfeel,

Overall:
Perfect and complex and yet so damn unique. It is definitely like something you would have closer to the end of the fall, like in Thanksgiving more than Halloween although the complexity is scary enough to give it the something worth being scared about. With a lot of unique chocolate flavors and spices, it is definitely also a unique pumpkin beer which is not the same as any other pumpkin beer I have tried in the past. Cigar City really surprises with their beers often. I would highly recommend you find this one for the season, especially for the evil Bugs Bunny.

Anime Corner:
Jack-O’ Valentine from Guilty Gear Xrd was used in this pairing to go with the theme of Halloween and the Jack O’ Lantern look from Jack-O. The colors of her also complement the evil Bugs Bunny and the overall label colors as well as the flavors of the beer. The name of sneaking works well too as her appearance with the pumpkin head, as she is trying to scare on screen, is almost like she sneaked up and it was unexpected.

Sources:
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OGnaA8cMy2k/maxresdefault.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/7916dcf9032cbb6ac70b684ea0a3f7fc/tumblr_o1oq3qnJ5R1rctu9po1_1280.png
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pJ8HOchf_eE/Vnwg5V5sYPI/AAAAAAAAARM/Zfs80B0MVvA/w426-h435/15%2B-%2B1

Blackwater series Salted Caramel by Southern Tier

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged blackwater series, Caramelized Sugar, Ghost Sweeper, GS Mikami, Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Imperial Stout, Mikami, natural flavors, Reiko Mikami, Salted Caramel, Souther Tier | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Blackwater series Salted Caramel by Southern Tier is a10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Caramelized Sugar & Natural flavor.

Label:
Color: BLACK Body: MEDIUM. Bitterness: MEDIUM. Pair: roasted or smoked foods, chocolate desserts. Store: Dark upright, <48°F | Serve: Snifter

Salt has long been an important part of civilization. Although it is now a ubiquitous household mineral, it has not always been easy to find. Salt was once so valuable that Roman legions were sometimes paid with it.

WORTH OUR SALT

Rich, dark malts are combined with caramelized sugar and Himalayan pink sea salt to make Salted Caramel a perfect combination of sweet and salty. It’s a delicious dessert beer and 10% ABV put it squarely into Blackwater Imperial Stout Series. How does all of this measure up? Definitely worth its salt.

25° plato; 2-row malt; caramel malt; barley flakes; chocolate malt; Himalayan pink sea salt; caramelized sugar; natural flavor.
42° F
==Introduction==

It has been a long time since I tried the Blackwater series of beers from Southern Tier. I have tried the majority of them including the Chocklat, Pumpking as well Mokah, Crème Brulee and Warlock. Thanks to my friend Aaron from BeerMetalDude.com for some of those that I got to try. This beer should be no different other than awesome, or at least that is what I can assume. The choice to go with Salted Caramel is quite unique. There a few brews that have taken this approach and those were very good. The fact that Southern Tier took it upon themselves to create this style, they will surely be better than what I have had before. Let’s see if this is true, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Toffee, Butterscotch, pecan pie, Rich vanilla, crème brulee, Tres Leches/3 Milks cake, coffee cake, toasted cashews, peanut butter, piloncillo sugar cone, Danish cream pastries, Chocolate caramelized Turtle Truffles, Baileys Irish cream, Dulce de leche caramel, Rich flan, salt, earthy hop notes, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, walnuts, hazelnuts, rocky road ice cream, maple syrup, marshmallows, Irish cream, mocha, chocolate pudding and Jericalla Mexican Custard.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, Rich flan, salt, earthy hop notes, Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Toffee, Butterscotch, pecan pie, Rich vanilla, crème brulee, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, walnuts, hazelnuts, rocky road ice cream, maple syrup, marshmallows, Irish cream, mocha, chocolate pudding, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, bourbon hints, rum hints, Chocolate milk shake, chocolate mousse, Burnt Caramel, Tres Leches/3 Milks cake, coffee cake, toasted cashews, peanut butter, piloncillo sugar cone, Chocolate caramelized Turtle Truffles, Baileys Irish cream and Danish cream pastries.

Aftertaste:
Rich vanilla, flan, dulce de leche caramel, salted after taste, dark chocolate, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, burnt sugars and earthy hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black sludgy full body even light barely penetrates, syrupy chewey and creamy mouth feel, and moderate drinkability despite the ABV.

Overall:
An exceptional brew! Just like the other Blackwater brews in the series. They seem to be able to bring flavors forward for the type of idea they are going for. Due to this, I have yet to have a brew that was not very delicious or exceptional. This is one definitely had the caramel salted ice cream flavors forward along with lots of other chocolate dark fruit complexities making it closer to a nutty pie. The point is, pure dessert in a bottle and if you have tried any of the previous beers in the series, you will love this one. Highly recommended!

Anime Corner:
Reiko Mikami from Ghost Sweeper (GS) Mikami was chosen in this pairing to go with the amber color of caramel. Her colors resonate with that of caramel and dark fruits just like the beer. Her love for money is not synonymous with duty but that and her attitude toward Yokoshima, her partner, is one that is salty. Especially since Yokoshima is a pervert. The thing that works for her with this beer is slightly umami. The sweet, salty and bitter combination of the beer is the key here. The combination of those taste experiences creates something out of nothing. Like the ghosts that she destroys. Definitely a pleasurable experience that she makes much better in this pairing.

Sources:
http://lohas.nicoseiga.jp/thumb/756281i?
http://76.72.168.19/images/2013-11-28-620117.jpeg
http://cdn.9cloud.us/images/30/look_back___1_1952703634.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/P0orrx3.jpg

Decadence 2016 Anniversary Ale by Alesmith

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Alesmith, anniversary ale, Bleach, California Common, Decadence, Decadence 2016, Imperial California Common, Inoue Orihime | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Decadence 2016 Anniversary Ale by Alesmith is a 9.5% ABV Imperial California Common Ale.

Label:
AleSmith Decadence Anniversary Ale was originally brewed in 2005 to celebrate our first decade in business. Eleven years into this series, we proudly present our latest anniversary ale, an imperial California Common inspired by the historic “steam beers” originating from the northern-coastal expanses of our home state. This high-gravity take on a Golden State classic is fermented using lager yeast kept at temperatures typically utilized in ale-brewing, resulting in a crisp yet substantial ale-lager hybrid packed with wood-like accents reminiscent of NorCal pine trees thanks to the addition of Northern Brewer hops. Savor it now or age and enjoy later, on its own or along with other vintages of Decadence Anniversary Ale.

==Introduction==

Another year for Alesmith has come. Since the beginning, starting with the Horny Devil Belgian Pale Ale, I have loved their many releases. Even until the day I finally got a chance to visit the brewery itself, I have been a major fan. Alesmith seems to take common beers and take them to another level of delicious. Some being full flavored and high ABV while other brews even more complex. I have yet to have a bad Alesmith brew and now that they have reached their 21st year in business, I hope they keep going and make more great beers. Let’s take a look at this one, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, blueberry hints, cherries, vanilla, oak, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, banana hints, clove spice sweetened condensed milk, stone fruit peach, mild apricot, pears, toasted barley, rye bread, citrus, old mango, dragon fruit, hazelnut, peanut brittle, brown sugar, fruit cake, waffle cone, Danish cream, toasted bread with blueberry preserves, orange preserves, butterscotch and tangerine notes.

Flavors:
Super rich toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, English figgy pudding, dark fruit raisins, blueberry hints, cherries, trail mix, honey, Danish cream, toasted bread with blueberry preserves, orange preserves, butterscotch, tangerine notes, Stone fruit peach, mild apricot, pears, toasted barley, rye bread, citrus, old mango, dragon fruit, hazelnut, peanut brittle, brown sugar, fruit cake, waffle cone, macadamia nuts, flan notes, pecan pie, banana hints, clove spice sweetened condensed milk and grape notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with flavors of caramel, dark fruit, port wine hint, earthy notes, waffle cone, honey, vanilla and fig pudding. No alcohol in the taste, copper and crimson light body, creamy, smooth, crisp and refreshing mouth feel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect California Common and one that I think is the best. This brew definitely borderlines a barleywine as the richness and alcohol content give it the similar flavors with the difference being this is brewed with a lager yeast. I have not had an imperial California Common but just like the other beers in the Decadence series, each one is unique and very delicious in its own way. If you love barleywines and California commons, I would highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Inoue Orihime from Bleach was used in this pairing to go with the amber color of the California Common but also the West Coast. This is represented by her being in a bikini in the different pictures and in the water on the beach. The different aspects of what people think when it comes to California.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/189471-2800×2006-bleach-studio+pierrot-inoue+orihime-persona92+%28orichie%29-single-highres.jpg
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Inoue-s-day-135597383
http://orichie.deviantart.com/art/Orihime-470623586?q=gallery%3Aorichie%2F50441087&qo=2

Dark Age by Wicked Weed

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Dark Age, Four Roses Bourbon, Four Roses Bourbon Barrels, Four Roses Casks, Imperial Stout, Kill-LA-Kill, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuuko Matoi, Wicked Weed | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.25/7

Dark Age by Wicked Weed is a 12% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Four Roses Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Humanity’s path out of the Dark Age is one without end. This path carries us away from the mystical to the measurable, from the magical to the mathematical, and is a meticulous tale of progress from madness to method. Yet, we still find wonder in the magic, and extraordinary potential in the mystery. Out of this yearning for the old ways, Dark Age imperial stout emerges from the whisky barrel, its dark malt complexity and bold, ye balanced, sweetness softened by it’s mystical evolution in oak. There are few things pair together better than bourbon and beer. Brewed with local honey and brown sugar this imperial stout spent upwards of 9 months soaking up rich flavors of bourbon while aging in oak barrels. With huge chocolate flavors playing together with the complexity of bourbon and a warming finish, this beer is a great night capper.

==Introduction==

This is not the first time I tried a Wicked Weed beer. The first time was a sour my friend Auggie’s invitation to the BeerBumz beer session. I have heard many great things about this brewery and I absolutely love their artwork. They are mainly an East Coast brewery so we typically don’t see any of their beers on the west coast. What I have seen though is a way to get them online. https://bruisin-ales.lightspeedwebstore.com/ has them. So I was able to get this one on the website. This one being a bourbon barrel aged is a great way to introduce them to the website. Those complex beers are always welcome here. Let’s take a splash into the abyss… Cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla, bourbon whisky, dark fruit currants, raisins, plums, figs, raspberries, pomegranates, boysenberries, flowers of lavender, rose petal hints, port wine, wine grapes, funky hints, black berry yogurt, blueberry yogurt, leather, tobacco, anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, bakers chocolate, bananas, clove spice, raisin bread pudding, maple, roasted coffee, fruit cake, toasted coconut, licorice and abuelita chocolate.

Flavors:
Dark fruit currants, raisins, plums, figs, raspberries, pomegranates, boysenberries, dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla, bourbon whisky, flowers of lavender, rose petal hints, port wine, wine grapes, funky hints, black berry yogurt, blueberry yogurt, Marshmallows, molasses, leather, tobacco, anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, bakers chocolate, bananas, clove spice, raisin bread pudding, maple, roasted coffee, cookie dough, Danish cream, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, toasted coconut hints, licorice hints, oreo cookies and cream, rock candi, piloncillo sugar cone, hazelnut, flan, 3 leches/3 milks cake and beet sugars.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits like cherries, prunes, figs, coffee hints, dark chocolate abuelita, tobacco, bourbon, caramel, Blackberry yogurt, wine hints, floral hints oak and marshmallows. Slight influence of booze but like rosey petal kiss. It does not detract from the flavors but it is hard to explain and yet awesomely delicious. Dark Abysmal body, Sipping drinkability, smooth, creamy, rich and syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Above Exceptional! While this bottle is only 500ml, there is a whole world of massive complexity reminding me of some of the best sour stouts I have ever had. In fact, this is the best sour stout in the world for me. Reminding me of a like a Cuvee of Madrugada Obscura, Tart of Darkness, Hellshire II and many other great blends. With the deep oak and complex flavors, I highly recommend you find this one!

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill was chosen for this pairing because the label and the name represent dark ages and dark knights. While Ryuko’s dress kind of looks like evil dark armor, she is not evil at all. While the dark ages mainly happened in Europe, I wanted to show the contrast as what the dark ages would have been in Feudal Japan. Ryuko with the samurai contrasts that of Japan and in her other attires represents the European times as well as the Dark Knight outfit. Definitely creative.

Sources:
https://65.media.tumblr.com/55f3c83ba48748bb104f4cbffd77bec1/tumblr_n7y3glGBfZ1qhttpto3_1280.jpg
http://blog-imgs-65.fc2.com/d/g/d/dgdg875/anime_wallpaper_Kill_la_kill_Matoi_Ryuko_Matoi-Ryuuko-999368.jpeg
http://img1.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/full/Kill-la-Kill-Anime-Matoi-Ryuuko-Senketsu-1487257.jpeg
http://i99.beon.ru/static.zerochan.net/Matoi.Ryuuko.full.1988188.jpg

20th Anniversary Ale by Weyerbacher

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 20th Anniversary Ale, Azure Revolution, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Coriander, Selvaria Bles, star anise, Valkyria Chronicles, weyerbacher | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

20th Anniversary Ale by Weyerbacher is an 11% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale Brewed with Coriander and Star Anise.

Description:
Weyerbacher is turning 20 this year! How do we celebrate 20 years of bold and innovative beers? With the release of our 20th Anniversary ale!

Our 20th Anniversary brew is a Belgian-Style Dark Ale weighing in at 11% ABV. It’s malty with notes of caramel, raisins and berries, as well as subtle hints of coriander and star anise.

==Introduction==

Weyerbacher is a brewery I wish I had more beers to try from. We do not get these beers in the west coast but for the brews I have been able to get from them have all been phenomenal. My favorite of the brews is the Blasphemy. One of the best Quadrupel ales that I would consider as one of my top beers. This brew was like a Dark Fruit and pecan pie in a bottle. So since I had the opportunity to bring more Weyerbacher beers, I decided to bring their 20th anniversary ale. In the theme of Belgian beers which I see they like to take, it would be a great honor and addition to review it. Let’s have a look.

Aromas:
Dark fruits like black cherries, currants, raisins, plums, figs, dates, raspberries, butter pecan ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, flan, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, chocolate, pecan pie, buttery Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, bananas, clove spice, port wine, raspberry chambord, apples, rye bread, cinnamon and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like black cherries, currants, raisins, plums, figs, dates, raspberries, leather hints, cinnamon hints, coriander spice hints, bananas, clove spice, stone fruit peaches, pears, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, chocolate, pecan pie, buttery Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, Belgian candi sugar, port wine, raspberry chambord, apples, rye bread, anise, molasses, blackberry preserves, dragon fruit hints, brown sugar and butter pecan ice cream, sweetened condensed milk and flan.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits and dulce de leche caramel linger with a slight sweet port wine and earthyness. No alcohol in the taste. Dark crimson body, moderate to sipping drinkability, velvety, syrupy and bold mouthfeel with a very rich and smoothness.

Overall:
A perfect Belgian Dark strong. So much of what I love from Belgian beers. Bananas, dark fruit, candi sugars and more! They even managed to have some of those pecan pie flavors that I loved from the Blasphemy. I can only assume it is the special yeast strain that they are using. Either way, this is the stuff of great beers and I highly recommend you to look for this one!

Anime Corner:
Selvaria Bles from Valkyria: Azure Revolution was used in this pairing mainly for the colors of label but also fits with the somewhat dark theme of beers presented by Weyerbacher. The colors just caught my eye and seems it would work overall.

Sources:
http://cdn3.dualshockers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Valkyria-4-2.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUPVDTIUwAEdWYo.jpg:large
http://www.51modo.cc/upload/kindeditor/image/20151120/20151120165055_66986.jpg

White Chocolate Grand Cru by Six Rivers Brewery

October 2, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Strong Ale, German Hellertau Hops, Humboldt Chocolate White Chocolate Nibs, Maris Otter 2 Row Malt, Naruto, Six Rivers Brewery, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, Valencia Orange Peel, White Chocolate, White Chocolate Grand Cru, White Chocolate Nibs | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

White Chocolate Grand Cru by Six Rivers Brewery is a 10.2% ABV Belgian Strong ale brewed with Humboldt Chocolate White Chocolate Nibs, Valencia Orange Peel, Maris Otter 2 Row Malt, and German Hellertau Hops.

Label:
Brew #4000

Description:
A Belgian Tripel brewed with all imported malts, Domestic hops light Belgian candi sugar, Valencia orange peel & white chocolate

==Introduction==

A Tripel with white chocolate? YES! For as little as we get to see white chocolate beers, I always like to bring them to the site as I love white chocolate. This time, a beer that uses white chocolate nibs. I do not know how White Chocolate nibs are made as white chocolate in essence is not really chocolate. It does not contain chocolate but cocoa butter, milk sugar and in some instance vanilla. White chocolate nibs on the other hand, unless they are using white chocolate pieces, there is a rare set of white chocolate nibs according to article here (http://www.mediaite.com/food/eric-ripert-rare-white-cocoa-nibs/) that states: white cacao beans “are mutations that happen when trees are left undisturbed for hundreds of years,” resulting in a “more mellow-tasting, less acidic chocolate” that happens to be “extremely expensive.” So, if Six Rivers is actually White Cacao nibs, which I don’t have enough research to prove, then it would make for one of the rarest beers in the world! That being said, I lean toward this being white chocolate chunks really. Either way, for the love of white chocolate, let’s have a look at this beer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruits, peaches, plums, apricots, oranges, white chocolate, peppercorn, tropical fruit mango, pine apple, honey dew melon, kiwi, tangerines, lyche fruit, papaya hints, cane sugar, phenolic notes of bananas, honey, tres leches/ 3 milks, milk sugar, pears, apples, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, flan and marshmallow.

Flavors:
Orange peel, Belgian Candy sugar, coriander, White chocolate notes, peppercorn, Stone fruit peaches, plums, apricots, biscuit bread, vanilla, white grapes, grapefruit hop notes, tropical fruit mango, pine apple, honey dew melon, kiwi, phenolic notes of bananas, Danish cream, wheat bread, tangerines, lyche fruit, papaya hints, cane sugar, sweetened condensed milk, flan, marshmallow, honey, tres leches/ 3 milks, milk sugar, pears, apples and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of stone fruit, earthy and citrucy hops, orange and tangerines, white chocolate notes and Danish cream. No alcohol in the taste, golden light body, crisp, refreshing, smooth and velvety mouth feel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect and very delicious Tripel. The compliments of orange and white chocolate fits very well. Reminding me similar to the White Chocolate Ale which was an American Wheat Ale by Sonoran Brewing, this one is more into the phenolic and Belgian candi sugar kind of brew and ofcourse, the style is Belgian. It fits very well almost reminding me of the Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell beer I made but without the coffee and replace it with orange peel. I really enjoyed this one and suggest you get this one if you love Belgian styles.

Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto was used in this pairing since I love white chocolate like I love Temari. She is one of my favorite characters, but mainly since I love using her in White Chocolate beers ever since The Bruery’s version, I like to bring her to these reviews. Also, the fact that in some of her attire, she looks like a Japanese Buddhist monk, she fits well with the aspect of Monks and Belgian Tripels. Not to mention the fact that the colors overall of the beer and the label fit so damn well.

Sources:
http://t07.deviantart.net/Ringte-dv1dUrqS7E6Qv0nQ-6aE=/fit-in/700×350/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre06/5822/th/pre/i/2014/352/a/6/temari___sunagakure_by_dicenete-d8ackud.jpg
http://jonin-temari.ru/uploads/posts/2013-01/1359541928_temari_by_juniorbunny-d51lhsj.jpg
http://img13.deviantart.net/ae78/i/2016/001/2/7/temari_by_abremson-d9mai57.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/–yapFBGgEug/VQyp5zLgnJI/AAAAAAAABAA/9VMwtTm3Tzo/w600-h846/IMG_6260.JPG

Ale to the Chief! By Avery brewing

October 2, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Ale to the Chief!, American Strong Ale, Avery Brewing, Kill-LA-Kill, Presidential Pale Ale, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuuko Matoi | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

Ale to the Chief! By Avery brewing is an 8.1 ABV American Strong Ale.

Label:
A Presidential Pale Ale to celebrate Inauguration Day, January 20, 2017

We the Brewers of Avery Brewing Company, in order to form a more perfect ale, require a new leadership that can liberate us from our quagmires in foreign lands; embrace environmentally sound energy alternatives to imported oil; heal our ailing health care system; free us from tyrannical debt and resurrect the collapsing dollar. We hereby pledge to provide him or her with an ample amount of our Presidential Pale Ale to support in the struggle for the aforementioned goals! Hail to the New Chief!

Not an “Imperial” pale ale, this is a democracy. It’s Presidential! Take the all-American pale ale, a bipartisan blend of malt and hops, increase to both Avery Brewing standards, and then, of course, dry hop the result with that most quintessential of American hops, Cascades, and you get this… Ale to the Chief. A brew worthy of the Oval Office! Brewed with Rocky Mountain water, malted barley, hops and yeast.

==Introduction==

Released every 4 years, this is the first time I try this beer and one I have not heard of before. The fact that it comes out every 4 years to go with the elections is quite the tribute. While I don’t like to express my political views, this beer is nice to see who will be the next president of the United States. An interesting reason to make a beer but I think different things in life should be celebrated in the name of beer. Now, let’s take a look and see if this beer is worth the 4 year wait. Cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, papaya, guava, pickley pears, raspberry, citrus, grassy, grape fruit and earthy hops, Danish cream, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, leather, berry, starburst, oak, leather, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dark cherries, currants and bananas.

Flavors:
Caramel, vanilla, Biscuit bread, citrus, grassy, grape fruit and earthy hops, orange peel, toasted grains, Bananas, plantains, clove spice, dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dark cherries, currants, strawberry short cake, Tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, papaya, guava, membrillo guava cake, pickley pears, raspberry, coffee cake, Danish cream, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, leather, oak, rye bread, tangerine gummies and berry starburst.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich banana and orange flavor, grapefruit, biscuit bread, vanilla, and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, crimson clear body, clean, crisp, refreshing and smooth mouthfeel and moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptionally delicious. A blend of pale ale, Barleywine and American dark strong brew is the only I can describe this one. You have a great mix of hops, an array for light to dark fruits, caramels and other dessert sweets. In some cases, like Barleywines and old ales, the malt over takes the hops but this one has a strong enough hop forward presence that makes it balanced. Once that I will need to find again and one I highly recommend you find too!

Anime Corner:
Ryuuko Matoi from Kill La Kill was chosen in this pairing since I wanted to go with a character who is one major bad ass and a leader of her own series. Ryuuko For President! Essentially. She gets things done and doesn’t look back for such a bold and strong and yet balanced character to pair with a beer like this was something I had to choose. Besides, she’s a favorite of mine so no questions there. She looks like a queen on her throne.

Sources:
http://img1.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/full/Anime-Kill-la-Kill-Matoi-Ryuuko-ecchi-1662545.jpeg
http://67.media.tumblr.com/5f2a7f7cd4d6a85d31d73051695ff197/tumblr_nh8y68NmZB1raxgepo1_1280.jpg

Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA by Stone brewing

October 2, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 20th Anniversary, Avocado Flower Honey, Avocado Honey, Citra Hops, Citracado IPA, DIPA, Double India Pale Ale, IPA, Stone 20th Anniversary, Stone Brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA by Stone brewing is a 9% ABV Double India Pale Ale brewed with Citra hops and Avocado Flower Honey.

Label:
Fortune Favors The Bold

For 20 years our passion for brewing and our obsession with hops have challenged traditional styles and expectations for beer. So it’s only fitting we commemorate this momentous occasion by crafting a liquid ode to bold brewing that satisfies your hop thirst and pays homage to our flagship San Diego brewery, located on Citracado Parkway (which itself pays homage to the citrus and avocado agricultural history of the region).

“Citracado” also teases the two key ingredients of this beer. “Citra” refers both to the juicy gem of a hop and its citrusy (and tropical) aromas and flavors. “Cado” inspired us to utilize wonderful, native avocado flower honey. Combine the two and the result pours like silk and abounds with enough hops to match our excitement for reaching this 20-year milestone. We thank you sincerely for the years of support and pledge that we will, as always, strive to live up to the reasons for your loyalty!

It seems like we started just yesterday, and at the same time, our early days feel like some distant, surreal parallel universe. Still fresh in our memories are the countless hours of intense work to get things started in a near vacuum of popular acceptance. Plus the camaraderie of early supporters and fellow craft brewers in those nascent days. While being told countless times in the late ’90s and early 2000s that our beer was too bitter, too strange, and that “this microbrew thing was just a fad, kid, and sorry to be the one to tell you, but it’s over now” has largely faded from memory.

While we’re remembering all the good times and accomplishments along the way and celebrating those who stood with us, we welcome the past skeptics to join us as well. After all, the detractors often gave us as much energy as our die-hard supporters, although it’s gratitude. THANYOU from the bottom of our hearts for believing along with us in this thing we call Stone Brewing. It is with true joy, humilty and appreciation that we present to you this special celebratory beer.

Greg Koch
CEO & co-founder

Steve Wagner
President & co-founder
==Introduction==

It is finally here, stone turns 20. Since the year 2010 and the introduction of Arrogant Bastard, stone has been one of my favorite breweries aside from The Bruery, Lost Abbey and many others when I first started tasting many beers. Arrogant Bastard was the first time I tried a beer that was so damn bitter, that I eventually fell for it. As the many years went by, many more awesome beers came and they have really been showcasing some great beers. Today, Stone is known worldwide and even has beers in Europe thanks to the new Brewery in Germany. With the release of this IPA, they mark what will a representation of what they have worked to be and what they will become in the future. Here’s to 20 more, Cheers!

Aromas:
Herbal, citrus, grapefruit, floral, piney, grassy, garlicky, oniony and earthy hops, tropical fruit mango, prickly pear, guava, lychee, papaya notes, dragon fruit, passion fruit, honey, oregano, basil, citrus blossom honey, stone fruit peach, tangerine gummies, sweetened condensed milk hints, lemon starburst and vanilla.

Flavors:
Italian Basil, Oregano, Avocado, honey, wild flower honey, biscuit bread, citrus, grapefruit, floral, piney, grassy, garlicky, oniony and earthy hops, caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, peppercorn, cherries, tropical fruit mango, prickly pear, guava, lychee, papaya notes, dragon fruit, passion fruit, cane sugar, lemon starburst, rye bread hints, stone fruit peach, tangerine gummies, sweetened condensed milk hints and citrus blossom honey.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with rich citrus, grassy and herbal hops, oregano, avocado, honey, tropical fruit hints and starburst. No alcohol in the taste, Amber Honey clear body, crisp, smooth, refreshing and slightly creamy mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Perfect IPA showcasing many great flavors of tropical fruit with honey which the herbal notes taste somewhat like avocado. There are still the dank resinous flavors of a great IPA as always from the palate ruining hops that made many people’s dreams come true. As I sip the beer it still crazy that in only a few years since Arrogant Bastard, that Stone is still coming out with great recipes. Definitely worth a try and highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Flootier and Cyda from Summon Night were used in this pairing to go along with the gargoyle mascot that has been around since the beginning of Stone brewing. Flootier from the picture is synonymous with the story of stone. In the beginning, the gargoyle was summoned and graced the people (Cyda) with such magical liquid arrogance that soon the masses fell head over heels for the brewery which has redefined what the true king of beers really means. After that, people could not get over the great beers and for many years, may the gargoyle keep giving more and more to the people. Stone (Flootier) works really hard to make people happy :).

Sources:
http://img.moeimg.net/wp-content/uploads/archives6/6283/30_1bjyzewe76.jpg
https://lolibooru.moe/image/fc4691c7ea3301f9f26349fbea97772f/lolibooru%2043469%20amachi_(ageha0214)%20black_sclera%20cyda_afrarn%20demon_horns%20detached_sleeves%20multiple_girls%20purple_hair%20summon_night%20summon_night_5%20very_long_hair.png
http://kurge1m.web.fc2.com/illust/samon2.jpg
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGlaHAVUAAEJMzZ.jpg