The Devil is People by Stillwater Artisanal

September 12, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Battleship-Symbiotic Hime, Bonnie Stillwater, Gose, Kancolle/Kantai Collection, Smoked Ale, Sour Wheat, Stillwater Artisanal, The Devil is People, wheat beer | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

The Devil is People by Stillwater Artisanal is a 6.66% ABV Sour Smoked Wheat Ale/ Smoked Gose.

Label:
“Bonnie Stillwater is a conceptual collaboration of artistry & friendship. Indie folk-punk legend, Will Oldham (aka Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy), experimental music ensemble, Watter, and post modern beer designers, Stillwater Artisanal, assembled in Louisville

The collective then set out to create a unique sensory experience built on existential philosophy and the love of craftsmanship.”

12” single available at: temporaryresidence.com
==Introduction==

Finally got around to bringing another Stillwater Artisanal beer to the site. It surely has been a minute and my reviews have been lacking but dying to bring some Stillwater goodness to the site. This time I bring an interesting beer. Aside from the whole occult aspect which really intrigues me, this is a smoked wheat beer. I want to say that my first experience with sour wheat ales has really been from Texas. Thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of beermetaldude.com, I have tried the style in the past a couple of times. So to have it from Stillwater, this is going to be an experience for sure. Let us take a dip into the darkness that is, this light looking beer! Cheers!

Aromas:
Lemon peel, straw hay, crackers, farmhouse hay, smoked jerky, peppercorns, wheat, coriander spice, Oranges, White grapes, Sage spice, Sour grapes, funky must, mushrooms, earthy notes, Tejuino, sea salt, lavender, hibiscus, rose hips, juniper berries, lemon drop and smokey campfire notes.

Flavors:
Oranges, Lemon peel, White grapes, Sage spice, Sour grapes, funky must, mushrooms, earthy notes, oak, vanilla hints, smokey campfire notes, Tejuino, sea salt, lavender, hibiscus, rose hips, juniper berries, lemon drops, crackers, farmhouse hay, smoked jerky, peppercorns, wheat, coriander spice, beachwood, stone fruit tart apricots, tart green apple hints, mango and pears.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with some sour notes, sea salt, smokey notes, tart fruits and flowers. No alcohol in the taste, light golden body, crisp, refreshing and moderate mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
If you love smokey and sour beers, damn this is a damn delicious blend! Stuff is very pleasant sour and smokey with hints of sweet and sour and salty goodness. For the Gypsy brewer who focuses on the saisons and wild ales, this is definitely a winner in my book. Aside from the captivation and great art work, Stillwater has yet to let me down and the beers are always some of the best out there. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Battleship Symbiotic Hime from Kantai Collection/ KanColle was used in this pairing to pair with the woman in the label but also the skeleton/devil figure of the label. It is kind of ironic how this piece actually contributes to both the Metal Pairings my friend Aaron does and the Anime Pairings I do. It is almost like the beer was made for both Anime and Metal!? Yes, this does exist!!

Here is a link to the song this beer references: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLYK1AfRBmY

Sources:
http://mmbiz.qpic.cn/mmbiz/eaPknNTibGM0sSDeZvJACoLm11C6Vc1iaKA4yoZGHt13V1rQSACLUHy5IWVJUhpRjO4rbKlYV9G9TuNDB68piagCw/0

Mangö by Clown Shoes

September 12, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Kölsch, clown shoes, Clown Shoes Brewing, Crunkle Sam, German Kölsch, Kölsch, mango, passion fruit, Starry Orange | Leave a comment

Rating: 4/5

Mangö by Clown Shoes is a 6.5% ABV American Kölsch brewed with Mango.

Label:
Crunkle Sam, tired of being a mere anomaly as a most refreshing summertime Barleywine ale, targeted a German beer style and bastardized it. He had us brew a traditional Kolsch, but made us dry hop it and add all natural mango flavor. Warning: This beer is NOT Reinheitsgebot!

==Introduction==

Passing this beer up a couple of times, I decided I finally give it a shot and bring it here for a review. Mainly because it is close to 100°F weather and its is super hot this summer. El Godzilla Niño strikes with no remorse and the heat is unbearable. Leave it to Clown Shoes to make an awesome summertime beer. This is the second time I try a Kölsh and to be honest, it is the next best thing next to the pilsner. So since this one is made with mango, lets take a dive and see what tropics this one awaits! Cheers!

Aromas:
Mango notes, cereal grains, strawberry notes, mango candy, stone fruit apricot, peaches, citrus, oranges, lemon peel, pilsner malt, cereal grain, strawberry notes, herbal and grassy hop hints, banana notes, coriander spice Banana hints, pineapple hints, honey dew melon, prickly pear, passion fruit hints, and dragon fruit hints.

Flavors:
Mango, Banana hints, pineapple hints, honey dew melon, prickly pear, passion fruit hints, dragon fruit hints, mint, citrus, oranges, lemon peel, pilsner malt, cereal grain, strawberry notes, herbal and grassy hop hints, mango candy, vanilla hints, biscuit bread, apple notes, stone fruit peaches, apricots, coriander spice and Danish cream notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with some mango and other tropical fruit notes and citrus with hints of herbal hops
No alcohol in the taste, Lemon colored light to medium body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouth feel and easy to drink.

Overall:
Very delicious and refreshing beer. While I understand that they use natural mango flavoring for this one, it still does not hide that the beer overall is a delicious beer. I made my Mango Double IPA with real mango which was above this one but we really compare apples to oranges. This is the best one for the summer. Not too boozy, ridiculous drinkability, not too sweet even thought he rich fruit flavors are there but not cloying at all. Definitely hit this one up before the summer is gone. It made this hot day way more tolerable. Thanks Crunkle Sam!

Anime Corner:
Original character by Pyon Kichi for the Album “Starry Orange” which was composed by Artist DJ Genki was used in this pairing to show case how American the girl is as she almost looks like the Statue of Liberty with her crown. That complements Crunkle Sam as he is surrounded by tropical fruits like the mangos. This beer overall and the art scream summertime no doubt about it and ‘Murrica!

Sources:
http://blog-imgs-65.fc2.com/o/t/a/otakunanikki3/yande_re2029442620sample.jpg

Sunrise Prayer Saison by Avila Ales

September 10, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Avila Ales, Farmhouse Ale, Fate Stay Night, Home brewing, Saber, Saison, Sunrise Prayer Saison | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.65/5

Sunrise Prayer Saison by Avila Ales is a 6% ABV American Farmhouse Ale/Saison.

==Introduction==
Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. For the second batch, my friend Richard Avila brewed a saison. Thanks to his donation, now we can take a look at a different perspective of a different style using the same Monkish wort but made as a saison. Cheers.

Aromas:
Bubblegum, Bananas, waffle cone, honey comb Biscuit bread, vanilla, Belgian Candy sugar, oranges, citrus, lemon peel, tangerine gummy hints, clove spice, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, honey dew melon, cantaloupe, mango hints and Danish cream hints.

Flavors:
Bananas, Clove spice, Belgian bread, lemon peel, farmhouse hay, bubble gum, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, honey dew melon, cantaloupe, mango hints, white grapes, peppercorn, wafflecone, honeycomb, coriander spice, Belgian Candy sugar, oranges, citrus, lemon peel, tangerine gummy hints, vanilla and Danish cream hints.

Aftertaste:
Stone fruits, banana, coriander, clove spice, tropical hints and Belgian candy in the aftertaste.
No alcohol in the taste, clear gold straw body, smooth, crisp, refreshing and sweet mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Very awesome saison definitely close to the awesomeness of the French speaking Belgian inspired farm house ale. This beer was better than the pale ale. I am not sure if it is the original wort or the fact that part was made in a Belgian inspired brewery but the style is very delicious and reminiscent of the Saison. Great job to my friend even if the wort seemed a little off due to the way it may have been made but he managed to make it a very delicious Belgian saison. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Saber from Fate Stay Night was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair a character that has similar attire to a nun to pair with the Abbey style but also the name of the beer. In this setting, Saber prays as the sunrises in the background. The golden color of the beer pairs with the sun rays and her hair but also the flavors and the style pair with the great effort of Belgian Monasteries that brew beer in the name of the lord. Lots of work and dedication to the craft.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/390216-3342×2970-fate+%28series%29-fatestay+night-type-moon-saber-takeuchi+takashi-long+hair.jpg

Tropical Day Dream Pale Ale by Avila Ales

September 10, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Pale Ale, APA, Avila Ales, Citra Hops, Home brewing, Pale Ale, Tropical Day Dream Pale Ale, tropical flavors | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Tropical Day Dream Pale Ale by Avila Ales is a 5% ABV American Pale Ale brewed with Citra Hops

==Introduction==
Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. My friend Richard Avila and I went to Monkish on that day to buy 10 gallons of wort each. This is the first custom batch he made using citra hops. Thanks to my friend Richard for sharing this one with me and as a tribute, I was able to bring this beer over to the website.

Aromas:
Grapefruit, lemon juice, lemon peel, passion fruit, tart apples, Stone fruit hints like peach, tropical fruit like mango, peppercorn and green tea.

Flavors:
Lots of grapefruit, citrus, lemon peel, rich passion fruit, guava, prickly pear, grassy hops, floral hops, mango, peppercorn, honey dew melon, tart apples, stone fruit peach hints, green tea, herbal notes, grape hints, papaya, pineapple and biscuit bread.

Aftertaste:
Leaving a dry finish in the taste with some residual tropical fruit notes. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy yellow medium body, crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good pale ale. While there maybe some off flavoring due to the original wort being from Monkish, I think the control in the brewing and addition of my friend’s own ingredients to the beer made it a great style. Definitely rich in the tropical aspects including the rich grapefruit and tropical fruit. The only off flavors maybe the bit of lemony tartness or the green tea or tart apple hints but overall making it a pretty wonderful experience overall for being a pale ale. It definitely surpasses the first Pale Ale I made. I think my friend definitely has a great amount of experience to get next batch the way he likes as he will have more control of the wort.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by Yuuza of DeviantArt was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair the flavors of the beer with the name. The colors representing the vast majority of tropical fruit goodness but alse the aspect of day dreaming which the mind uses to create figments of the imagination. This beer is like a dream in the sense that it tastes so rich and juicy like tropical fruits even for such a low ABV. Even in the artwork, you can see how the day dreams come to life as they are created upon the stroke of the pain brush the mind wields.

Sources:
http://orig12.deviantart.net/be4b/f/2014/023/e/1/painting_the_world_by_yuuza-d64n3cv.jpg

Delicious IPA by Stone Brewing

September 3, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Delicious IPA, El Dorado hops, india pale ale, IPA, King of Fighters, KOF, lemon candy, Lemondrop hops, Leona, Leona Heidern, Stone Brewing, tropical fruit | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Delicious IPA by Stone Brewing is a 7.7% ABV India Pale Ale brewed with Lemondrop and El Dorado hops.

Label: (Not from this picture but from the actual bottle)
From the beginning, Stone has been obsessed with the mission of providing people access to high-quality craft beer. After all, great beer is for everyone and anyone with the good taste to recognize it, not just a niche group like us uber beer geeks. So, when we developed this pleasantly bitter, deliciously citrusy, hop-driven IPA, we took it as an opportunity to go a step further and do something we’d spent over a year researching and perfecting: creating a beer that makes it possible for nearly everyone to experience our aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to craft brewing. It’s a flavorful, cutting-edge, modern-day IPA for everyone. Lemondrop and El Dorado hops provide plenty of fruit citrus character and a burst of hop zing that sings on the palate. We’re proud to present it to those who already know us for our IPA prowess and to those who, so far, have only heard legends.

==Introduction==

So this is one of those Stone beers that has been out for a while and while I have neglected to bring this one for a review as I overlooked it (it happens when you are busy homebrewing) I decided to get a growler of this beer and give a shot. The first time I tried this beer as at the Bruery Cooperversary and I can say it was a tasty brew. Now that I have a whole growler, I will take my time to analyze it and see what it has to offer. Come join me and see. This beer is readily available at many of the stores that sell Stone beers. Cheers!

Aromas:
Lemon drop candies, grapefruit, citrus, lemon peel, peppercorn, minty hints, Stone fruit peaches, mango hints, tangerines, lychee fruit hints, floral lavender hints, lemon verbana, Citrus, lemon, grapefruit, herbal, piney, grassy, floral and tropical hops, Oranges, tangerine, Tropical fruits like guava, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, prickly pear tuna, peppery notes and strawberries.

Flavors:
Citrus, lemon, grapefruit, herbal, piney, grassy, floral and tropical hops. There are many tropical but special herbally aspects to this one. Lots of lemon candy, Oranges, tangerine, guava, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, prickly pear tuna, peppery notes, strawberries, raspberries, toffee, caramel, vanilla hints, mint notes, sweetened condensed milk, Stone fruit peaches, mango hints, tangerines, lychee fruit hints, floral lavender hints, lemon verbana and blackberries.

Aftertaste:
Leaving some dank resonance of the herbal and tropical fruit notes while some other fruits like the strawberry, raspberry, lemon candy, starburst, sweetened condensed milk and dank hop dryness remains. No alcohol in the taste, clear golden body, rich, refreshing and crisp mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability

Overall:
Well, what can be said about this beer that isn’t already on the label. It is very good and delicious. Not to the extreme complexity of their Enjoy By but these new flavors you don’t find typically in some of their other IPAs makes this very good. I consider this one a more moderate palate IPA. Especially for those that may not typically like hoppy grassy IPAs, this one is more on the tropical side so it helps out for sure. A definite try for IPA lovers and Hop Heads alike.

Anime Corner:
Leona Heidern from the King of Fighters Series was used in this pairing mainly since I have not used Leona in a long time, I haven’t paired her with a Stone beer and yet, she belongs for many different reasons. The colors she wears complement the colors of the normal green label but the camo she wears represents the hidden alcohol and the rich tropical flavors are that of the tropical scenes and jungles she can fit in. Her Blue Ocean teal surge of hair represents the berries and extravagant other sweet flavors that come from this beer. A sweet yet still strong beer for sure.

Sources:
http://orig09.deviantart.net/6b91/f/2011/162/c/f/hb_to_my_cousin_by_gh18-d3incrz.jpg

The Arbre Series: Light Toast, Medium Toast and Alligator Char by The Bruery (Triple Review)

September 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Alligator Char, Arbre, Arbre series, Beachwood, Chocolate, dark chocolate, Imperial Stout, Light Toast, Medium Toast, milk Chocolate, Oak, Oak aged, oak barrel, oak barrels, Raven, smoke, smokey, Teen titans, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Introduction:
The Arbre series as described by Patrick Rue, is a series of Imperial Stouts that have been aged in different types of oak barrels ranging from 45 second toast of the barrel all the way to completely charred. This series was released in August 2015 for the Reserve and Hoarders society. Today, I bring these forth to explain the story of each individual beer taking a whole lot of time and concentration trying to come up with what flavor experience hides within each one. This is the first time I do a triple review and well, I realize this will take me several hours to do. The thing is, this type of review took me a couple of days of trying a couple of sips at a time trying to recall each beer and how it was the same and what intricate parts were different. Essentially, this introduction is technically the last touches as the body of the review holds all my notes. It is not an easy task just to look at the most apparent flavors and try to find the complexity beneath each sip of these three beers but it was a task well endeavored. So let’s see what all these beers are all about, Cheers!

Arbre Light Toast
============
Arbre Light Toast by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Stout aged in light toasted oak barrels.

Label:
RAISE A TOAST!
The Arbre Series explores the flavors contributed by various levels of oak toast in barrels from out friends at Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, KY.

The Arbre Series is an exploration of barrel toast. This lightest variation reveals young nutty notes of oak as well as raisins and a slight smoke.

Aromas:
Light smoke, BBQ hints, leather hints, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, light oak notes, leather, tobacco, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherry, blue berries, wood plant, bourbon hints, coconut, almond joy chocolate and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, light oak notes, leather, tobacco, rye, light beachwood, light marshmallow notes, graham crackers, molasses, anise, bacon hints, BBQ, mild smoked wood, bourbon hints, coconut, brown sugar, almond joy chocolate dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherry, blueberries, wood plant, caramel, vanilla, minor hints of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate milk shake.

Aftertaste:
Dry oak, earthy notes, light toasted oak, rye bread, milk chocolate, BBQ hints, and wood plant like finish. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A very good toasty Imperial stout. The Wood is definitely young as it imparts a light plant like flavor with a dry oaky finish. A pretty good beer especially for this that do not like a lot of oak in their beer. Also, the alcohol level is well hidden and does not detract anything from the beer. Definitely worth the try for light smoke and oak lovers.

Arbre Medium Toast
================
Arbre Medium Toast by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Stout aged in medium toasted oak barrels.

Label:
RAISE A TOAST!
The Arbre Series explores the flavors contributed by various levels of oak toast in barrels from out friends at Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, KY.

The Arbre Series is an exploration of barrel toast. This medium variation show cases a strong smokey depth and caramelization.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, cherry hints, currants, anise, molasses, soy sauce, oak barrel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, leather, rye bread, smokey hints, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, beachwood, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon hints, coconut, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, chocolate brownie and plum sauce.

Flavors:
More caramel forward, soy sauce, and roasted marshmallow flavor than the original flavors, still some dark fruit cherry, raisins, molasses, anise, Milk chocolate, richer dark chocolate, oak notes, leather, tobacco, rye, beachwood, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon hints, coconut, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, vanilla, marshmallow smores, whiskey notes, sweet potato pie, back wrapped dark chocolate and chocolate burnt brownie.

Aftertaste:
Semi dry finish with the BBQ, smoked notes, caramel, dark fruit, soy sauce, earthy notes, oak, rye bread and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious beer that is better than the light one as the medium toast introduces some newer sweeter flavors of soy sauce, molasses and caramel but also enhances the original flavors of the light version of the beer. An enhanced smokey experience a slightly higher level of sweet and smokey levels make this one the next greater beer. The level of oak if a bit higher than before so if you do not like smoke or oaked beers, maybe this may not be for you.

Arbre Alligator Char
============
Arbre Alligator Char by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Stout aged in charred oak barrels.

Label:
RAISE A TOAST!
The Arbre Series explores the flavors contributed by various levels of oak toast in barrels from out friends at Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, KY.

The Arbre Series is an exploration of barrel toast. This heaviest char variation reveals a heavy dose of smoke, vanilla and molasses.

Aromas:
Roasted coffee, smoke,leather, tobacco, rye, beachwood, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon hints, toasted coconut, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, Abuelita chocolate brick, molasses, soy sauce, dark fruit cherry, raisin, blueberries, currants, port wine hints, hazelnut nectar, sweetened condensed milk, flan, clove spices, bananas, campfire wood, dark fruit cherry, raisins, blueberries, currants, raspberry, port wine hints, hazelnut nectar, almond joy chocolate and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Smoked wood, campfire wood, rich dark chocolate, leather, tobacco, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, Abuelita chocolate brick, vanilla, caramel, molasses anise, soy sauce, dark fruit cherry, raisins, blueberries, currants, raspberry, port wine hints, hazelnut nectar, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream, leather, tobacco, rye, beachwood, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon hints, toasted coconut, smoking wood, brownie batter, butterscotch, sweetened condensed milk, flan, clove spices and bananas.

Aftertaste:
Syrupy burnt chocolate notes, smokey burnt oak, BBQ sauce hints, vanilla, dark fruits, earthy notes, hazelnut nectar, molasses and toffee lingers. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
The exceptional charred oaked one releases even more complexity. I think of the 3, overall I really like this one. Trying each is almost like a build up beer. Something I don’t think I have ever done before nor have a taken a careful analysis of each to be able to do 3 at a time, side by side comparisons. While this one is the one I like the most, the more charred and oaked flavors may not be for everyone so if you love charred, oaked and smoked beers, this is a king type of beer. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Raven from Teen Titans graces these three Bruery pairings with dark and hell delights. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos! Are the words that grace each of the three beers, all unique and delicious. Since she was born half human, half demon it fits the beers in terms of her powers ranging from light being the more gentle human and sweet side as we can see in the beer pairing and the flavors but then you can see as she slowly goes higher in power, so does the fire. Burning with rage until reaching the third beer which is where she is in control of her full powers, we can see that at the Alligator charred stage, lots more burning more than oak flavors appear signifying that of a demon burning in hell or in this case, the beer. The aspect Arbre being that of trees fits with the night appearance of the beer as the Ravens linger in the night and so does Raven herself.

Rating: 4.5/5 Light Toast
Rating: 4.85/5 Medium Toast
Rating: 5.25/6 Alligator Char

Sources:
http://www.hdwallpapers.in/walls/raven-HD.jpg
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141201001048/ssb/images/thumb/5/59/Teen_Titans_Raven_.jpg/1280px-Teen_Titans_Raven_.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/1055635#full
http://images-cdn.moviepilot.com/images/c_fill,h_995,w_640/t_mp_quality/u0jjzwntnjn2nkdomdu5/4-og-s-who-could-kill-mkx-shinnok-in-mortal-kombat-506228.jpg

Gypsy Tart by The Bruery Terreux

September 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Blackberry Cobbler, concord grapes, dessert, dulce de leche caramel, England, English Pastry, Flemish Brown ale, Flemish Red Brown Ale, Gypsy Tart, leche flan, pecan pie, pie beer, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, Zone, Zone Tan | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

Gypsy Tart by The Bruery Terreux is an 8.4% ABV Flemish Brown Ale.

Commercial Description:
Gypsy Tart is a Flanders-style brown ale with a California touch. A beer that can trace it’s origins to Great Britain, but more famously perfected in western Belgium, has been updated through our own modern techniques, delivering the sweet body and mildly tart finish that has won over numerous generations of beer drinkers in Europe. Our rendition of this wonderful beer style is perfect for both sour beer amateurs and advocates alike.

==Introduction==

Gypsy Tart, named after the evaporated milk pastry from England, is what this beer is based off. A dessert beer/sour. The last time I had something like this could be the Window Sill or “Rhubarb Pie” beer. This beer was released to Reserve Society members and you may have to try and trade for this one as I am not sure if the Bruery will release it to the public. Either way, a dessert pie like beer? Damn right, sign me up! Cheers!

Aromas:
Wine grapes, funky must, dark fruit raisins, cherries, cherry skins, Currant, figs, sweet purple yams, Chocolate, Blackberry cobbler, cherry cobbler, blackberry marzipan, lemons, port wine, weetened condensed milk, blackberry yogurt, coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, grape sugar, muscavado sugar, candy sugar, concord grapes, flan hints, hazelnut nectar and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Dark Fruit Currant, figs, sweet purple yams, Blackberry cobbler, cherry cobbler, blackberry marzipan, grapes, gypsy tart pie, sweetened condensed milk, blackberry yogurt, coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, grape sugar, muscavado sugar, candy sugar, concord grapes, flan hints, rock candy, coconut, toffee, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, marzipan, almond fudge, rye bread, Danish cookies, lemon peel, tart citrus, oranges, lychee fruit, port wine, chocolate notes, piloncillo sugar cone, raisin bread pudding and Danish cream.

Aftertaste:
Grapes, hazelnut, blackberry yogurt, pecan pie, Blackberry cobbler, caramel, rye bread, raisn bread pudding and wine grapes. No alcohol in the taste, Blood Red and Brown Medium to Full Body, silky, smooth, creamy and syrupy mouth feel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Possibly the best Flesmish Brown Ale I have ever had. Another exceptional balanced sweet and sour beer. This time, the interesting malty sweetness along with the tart sourness balances out making this a more sweeter beer. Somehow, their special recipe of a beer is hard to mimic. How can they make a dessert beer from a sour? Well, Belgian beers will show that it has been done and it can be done. The Bruery, being a Belgian inspired experimental brewery has shown this to the case many times. So for them to come up with a recipe that fits that aspect of sour and dessert at the same time, it nothing short of amazing. Unfortunately, when I got this, I had no idea what a Gypsy Tart was. Now that I know, I will have to wait some time as I cannot get anymore bottles of this. It was so damn good!

Anime Corner:
Zone-Tan from the Zone Archive Series was used in this pairing mainly for the color of the labels but also all the dark fruit and dessert flavors I was able to get from this beer. The whole dark fruit, purple yammy, yogurt, pie beer was definitely hitting so much of my taste buds, it was like how Zone tan looks in this picture. So damn attractive and Sexy lil’ pinup woman in a purple sweater. Yes, this was a real dessert.

Sources:
http://img0.reactor.cc/pics/comment/full/Zone-tan-Tarakanovich-Anime-Art-Anime-1714070.jpeg

Rexx by Clown Shoes brewing

September 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barrel Aged Red, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, clown shoes, Clown Shoes Brewing, Four Roses Bourbon, Four Roses Bourbon Barrels, Heaven Hill, Imperial Amber Ale, Imperial Red Ale, passion fruit, Ranma, Ranma 1/2, Rexx | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.65/6

Rexx by Clown Shoes brewing is a 12% ABV Imperial Amber/Red Ale aged in Heaven Hill and Four Roses Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
We like dinosaurs. We especially like Rexx, our prehistoric pal who wears clown shoes, drinks bourbon, and spends his doomed days in exile from the other Tyrannosauruses, choosing to romp with friendlier beasts. Rexx, we dedicate this Imperial Red Ale aged in Heaven Hill and Four Roses bourbon barrels to you buddy.

==Introduction==

Clown Shoes releases another awesome Barrel aged beer. This time, Bourbon Barrel aged red. Granted, the last time a Barrel Aged Red was from Anderson Valley which was pretty good for the low ABV. Now we are dealing with a heavy hitter at 12% ABV. A style that is aged in any type of spirit is always welcome to the site. Especially Clown Shoes stuff which has been for the majority of the time, exceptionally great, just like the Blaecorn Unidragon series and its Beast Variants and more! Now let’s take a trip to the ancient past, to the time of the dinosaurs and study this, Amber Nectar. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich bananas, caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, whiskey, toasted coconut, marshmallows, dark fruit raisins, cherry notes, Rye bread, flowery rose hints, lavender, hibiscus, earthy, citrusy and grapefruit hints, toffee, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate, milk chocolate, rocky road ice cream notes, hazelnut, very mild tropical fruit like prickly pear, passion fruit, papaya and mango notes.

Flavors:
Rich Rye, whiskey, bourbon, floral notes of hibiscus, lavender, rose petals, toffee, rich caramel, plantains, rich bananas, marshmallows, toasted coconut, earthy, citrucy, piney hops, rich grapefuits, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate, milk chocolate, rocky road ice cream notes, caramel, vanilla, oak, tropical fruit like prickly pear, passion fruit, mango notes, dragon fruit, sweetened condensed milk, flan, dark fruit raisins, cherries, cinnamon spice, brown sugar and hazelnut nectar.

Aftertaste:
Rye, earthy notes, grapefruit hops, lots of whiskey, vanilla, toasted coconut, caramel, marshmallows and banana notes are left in the taste. Slight booziness in the taste, crimson full body, smooth, creamy, velvety, mouthfeel, sipping drinkability

Overall:
An exceptionally bourbony, whiskey rye flavored Amber ale. The last time I tried a bourbon barrel amber ale was long ago. Come to think about it, this reminded me of the Bourbon Barrel aged Bock but this is a red so the flavorful hops do come out to play as well. It almost borderlines a certain Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels. The only thing to pick at is the boozeyness. I think with time this one will mature into something incredible. I still highly recommend it as is. Clown Shoes barrel aged beers have been extremely awesome!

Anime Corner:
Ranma Saotome from Ranma ½ was used in this paring to pair with the style of the beer (A Red Ale) but also to pair with the beers sweet flavors and rich complexity which are complemented by Ranma’s sweet and sexy appearance. She is pretty sweet in general but she is also a dangerous martial artists. You see, being the protagonist of the show, Ranma has shown immense strength and power which goes well with the ABV of the beer. Although Ranma can be hot headed at times, she means well which goes with the booziness of the beer. Give her sometime, she will age just right and be good to you. As for th T-Rex in the label, her colors complement it too but like I said before, this T-Rex can be hot headed just like Ranma. Give the T-Rex a beer, calms right down, just like Ranma!

Sources:
http://static.skynetblogs.be/media/37519/ranma5.jpg

Tonnellerie Rue by The Bruery Terreux

September 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged american farmhouse, American Wild Ale, Farmhouse Ale, Ghost in the Shell, Imperial Farmhouse Ale, Motoko Kusinagi, Oak, Oak aged, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, Tonnellerie Rue | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Tonnellerie Rue by The Bruery Terreux is an 8.5% ABV American Wild Farmhouse Ale/ Saison aged in oak barrels.

Commercial Description:
Our tonnellerie series is the perfect showcase of what we mean when we say that we make “wildly traditional bière”. Here we have taken our classic Saison Rue recipe, rich with rye malt, and allowed it to ferment spontaneously within extra large oak barrels that previously contained similarly wild beers. After enough time and plenty of wishful thinking, this brand new, earthy, complex, farmhouse ale developed into what was bottled up to enjoy. We find the rustic charm of fermenting a beer in this traditional method is mimicked in the flavor.

==Introduction==

Tonnellerie Rue or The Rue Cooper/Barrel-maker is what the beer name stands for. This beer brew was made for the Reserve and Hoarders society alike to be released August 2015. They released a warning stating that the beer should be in the fridge over 24 hours and poured over a sink as the pressure the yeast has built up is massive. So to prevent beer splatter all over your place or amongst friends, open this one with care over sink. So this one is a saison on oak and I want to see how different this is in comparison to their Saison Tonnellerie. Essentially, I think it is the same saison but with oak barrels and possibly brettanomyces. Let’s find out for sure. Cheers!

Aromas:
citrus, oranges, orange peel, grapefruit, tangerines, brettanomyces, wine grapes, farmhouse hay, Rich stone fruit, peaches, apricot, apples, pears, lemon, peppercorn, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, mango hints, waffle cone, biscuit bread, butterscotch, floral notes like lavender, oak, banana notes, clove spice, and musty grape notes.

Flavors:
Rich stone fruit, peaches, apricot, apples, pears, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, mango hints, brettanomyces, wine grapes, farmhouse hay, citrus, oranges, orange peel, grapefruit, tangerines, lemon, peel, lemon candy, rich oak, pineapple, bubble gum, banana notes, clove spice, vanilla, caramel, musty grape notes, good cheese, waffle cone, biscuit bread, butterscotch, floral notes like lavender, honey, coriander spice and candi sugar.

Aftertaste:
Stone fruits, brettanomyces, wine grapes, farmhouse hay, citrus, oranges, lemon, earthy notes, tropical fruit notes and rich oak. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy Golden full body, creamy, smooth, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Wow, a perfect farmhouse ale. It is so damn juicy and bretty. I lost partial amount of it due to the carbonation but it is expected with these bretty oak farmhouse ales. Lots of the sweet delicious flavors of the farmhouse hay, citrus, stone fruits vanilla, oak and much much more. It is one that is one of the best examples of the style and a must try if you can trade for it or if the Bruery sells it to the public.

Anime Corner:
Motoko Kusinagi from Ghost in the Shell was used for this pairing as to pair with the colors of the label but also to represent the fruity flavors and mainly represent a beer that has finished aging and maturing in the barrel. This is represented by her stepping up and getting disconnected from the machine she is on. Like this beer, she is ready to face the world.

Sources:
https://media.8ch.net/w/src/1411870192640-0.jpg

Beer Geek Dessert by Mikkeller brewing

September 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Beer Geek Dessert, beer geeks, breakfastbeer, chocolate dessert, cocoa, cotton candy, dessert, Dessert in a botle, league of legends, Mikkeller, Oatmeal Stout, Shon, vanilla, VI | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Beer Geek Dessert by Mikkeller brewing is an 11% ABV Oatmeal Stout brewed with Cocoa and Vanilla.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
From the beer geek breakfast series – the beer that really put Mikkeller on the map – we added cocoa and vanilla to the french press coffee trick, creating a whole new dimension to the beer that are loved by freaks and geeks worldwide. It’s dark, dangerous, sweet and incredibly tasty as you would expect, but most of all; it’s ready to conquer your breakfast table routines.

==Introduction==

Mikkeller released a Beer Geek breakfast beer once again. While I have avoided them due to the fact that unless you live by the brewery in Europe, this stuff can get insane and expensive (talking 10$+ for a 12oz bottle) then avoid it altogether especially those on a budget like me. However, I could not get away from this one. The Mikkeller beer called kept calling me back to try this beer. To try it over and over again until I said fuck it! I am going to get this beer Now that I finally have it, I need to see if all the fuss in my mind was definitely worth it and please the beer gods for sure. Let us check it out, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy Ice cream, Rich vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, milk shake chocolate, Coffee, mocha, rocky road ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, maple, candi sugar, roasted coffee grounds, earthy hop notes, rich doughnuts, flan, Danish cream, Irish cream, oreo cookies, sweetened condensed milk, Chocolate Cherry cordials, candi sugar, rock candy, marzipan dark fruit cherries, currants, blackberries, oatmeal cookies, lactose milk sugar, pecan pie and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy Ice cream, Rich vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, milk shake chocolate, Coffee, mocha, roasted coffee grounds, earthy hop notes, rich doughnuts, flan, dark fruit cherries, currants, blackberries, oatmeal cookies, lactose milk sugar, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rocky road ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, maple, candi sugar, Turkish Delights (the way I imagined them in my head), Danish cream, Irish cream, oreo cookies, sweetened condensed milk, Chocolate Cherry cordials, candi sugar, rock candy, marzipan and chocolate mousse.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee grounds, rich marshmallow, cotton candy ice cream, doughnuts, sprinkles
No alcohol in the taste despite the high ABV, Sipping drinkability, pitch black dark full body, and finally smooth, syrupy, creamy, luscious and velvety mouth feel.

Overall:
Holy Cotton Candy Batman! This is a different type of dessert altogether. I have no idea what kind of cocoa or vanilla they are using in this beer but damn, It truly is a major major dessert pointing in the Cotton candy and chocolate direction. As hard as it was to describe what type of sweetness it was at first, this beer for being so small packs so much variety of flavor that is hard to mimic. I have not tried anything like this even if they use cocoa and vanilla there has got to be some deeper magic and sorcery among this! Don’t believe me? Get a damn bottle and try it yourself. Makes me want to try the other beer geek series aside from the cognac kopi luwak I had years ago. If I could have this for breakfast every day, well, that is wishful thinking. Now to the drawing board in trying to make something like this is going to be difficult but fun.

Anime Corner:
VI from League of Legends and original desserts character by Shon was used in this beer heavily due to the colors and the variety of sweets and dessert and flavors this beer brings to the table. You can tell a lot of the items pair and while I may not know much about either of these characters, I felt visually it was a damn perfect fit.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/98/77/57/987757f3f62a3461d9f4ee0b7a2edd8e.jpg
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/418139-1406×1938-original-shon-single-tall+image-blush-blue+eyes.jpg

Collaboration Series: Souren, a collaboration with The Bruery Terreux and 8 Wired brewing

September 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 8 Wired, American Wild Ale, belgian golden ale, Collaboration Beer, Kill-LA-Kill, Nani Sore, New Zealand beer, Nonon Jakuzure, Pinot Noir, Pinot noir Grapes, Søren, sour, Souren, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Collaboration Series: Souren, a collaboration with The Bruery Terreux and 8 Wired brewing is a 9.9% ABV Sour Belgian Golden with Pinot Noir Grapes.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Souren is named for our pal Søren who runs the show down in the far-off land of New Zealand at 8 Wired Brewery. Taking the long way home after a trip to the States, Søren and his team stopped off in Placentia for a day of brewing, and we created a very California-style sour beer together. Starting with a Belgian-style golden ale base, Pinot Noir grapes were added and the beer was sent to rest in barrels at Bruery Terreux. Over the year, the complexities grew and this grapey, funky, spicy beer was born. Half Kiwi, half American, this one has a rather handsome accent.

==Introduction==

Released by the Bruery Terreux for the Reserve Society members in August 2015 after they opened their new Sour Facility. This beer is in collaboration with 8 wired which I have not tried their stuff yet but I might give them a shot now that I know of them. So this sour is supposed to cross into the realm of the wine level or so the pinot noir grapes indicate this. Sour have a special place when it comes to the wine world as some of the flavors might complimentary. It is just a thought but if not, lets just continue and give this one a shot, Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich wine grapes, funky musty grapes, Stone fruit, apricots, peaches, apples, mango hints, strawberries, dark fruit cherries, plums, prune hints, tart berries, black berry, dragon fruit, passion fruit, Tart pineapple, oak, hibiscus flowers, lavender, peppercorns and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich Concorde grapes, pinot grapes, wine grapes, white grapes, champagne, Stone fruit, apricots, apples, mango hints, strawberries, vanilla, toffee, lemon peel, orange peels, prickly pears, grapefruit peel, peppercorn, funky notes, farmhouse hay, dark fruit cherries, plums, prune hints, tart berries, black berry yogurt hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, Tart pineapple, oak, hibiscus flowers, lavender and white sage spice.

Aftertaste:
Tart grapes, Tart Apricots, Tart Strawberries, yogurt notes, lemon, citrus, earthy funk notes, hay hints and mild tropical fruit hints. No alcohol in the taste, Honey Golden clear light body, moderate mouthfeel, crisp, moderate drinkability,

Overall:
A very good sour! Seems like the Bruery has really been working to step up their sour expertise. I found this pleasantly wonderful with a great balance of tart fruits and sour funkiness. I am not sure how much the 9.9% ABV helps to keep stuff in check but it seems to be working because everything is pretty balanced. For those that do not like sour, this maybe a gate way into them as you will take a liking to its sweetness and then pulled in to the sour Nirvana. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Nonon Jakuzure from Kill La Kill has made her way into her first appearance in a Bruery review. I chose her for this beer mainly due to her infamous Japanese phrase “Nani Sore!” Which you maybe able to tell it is close to the name of the beer. That and the fact that this beers balance is on the tart fruity and the sour funk. Nonon is the type of character that is sweet looking and hot on the outside like the sweet fruit flavors of the beer but damn, she can be rude, obnoxious and in some for rotten to the core which coincide with the sour funkiness. However, it is not to say she is a bad girl by any means as she is a supporting character to the protagonist’s sister (Ryuko’s sister Satsuki). So because the beer so delicious and balanced, she works out for this beer. Not to mention, her pink colors contrast that of the rich berries and grapes.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/gbCVK8O.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/30/10/0a/30100aa481834244b50227e9188bd5a2.jpg

CebadAgua NocturnFresca by Nubis Sanctum Ales

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Barleywine, Belgian Dark Ale, Belgian Dark Barleywine, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Bleach, CebadAgua NocturnFresca, dragon fruit, Fresh Barley Drink of The Night, Home brewing, Jarrylo Hops, lychee fruit, monkish, Neliel, Neliel Tu Oderschvank, Nubis Sanctum Ales, passion fruit, tropical fruit notes | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

CebadAgua NocturnFresca by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 8% ABV Belgian Dark Barleywine dry hopped with Jarrylo Hops.

==Introduction==

Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. I purchased 10 gallons and for the second of my home brew concoction I decided to go with a heavier beer adding extra LME and some new especial hops that would give some interesting flavors. Since the idea behind this beer was something dark like the night, the name “CebadAgua NocturnFresca” is a play at the words Agua de Cebada (Barley Drink) and Nocturna Fresca (Of The Fresh Night). Essentially, It is supposed to mean “Fresh Barley Drink of The Night”. A summer’s night type of beer. A fresh, “Barleywine” with a lighter gravity to be enjoyable and full of flavors. So this is what came out of it. Let’s take a look at my final creation of the summer, cheers!

Aromas:
Cola hints, Stone fruit peaches, mango hints, apricot, apple notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla , tamarind, hibiscus, floral notes, dark fruit cherry, plums, rich prunes, raisins, figs, dates, candi sugar, currants, raspberries, blue berries, tart black berries, tropical fruit notes, prickly pear, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, spicy notes, licorice hints, anise, rock candy molasses, and anise.

Flavors:
Hibiscus flower drink, Cola hints, molasses, dark fruit cherry, plums, rich prunes, raisins, figs, dates, candi sugar, currants, raspberries, blue berries, tart black berries, Stone fruit peaches, mango hints, apricot, apple notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla , tamarind, hibiscus, floral notes, peppercorn hints, mint, chocolate hints, spicy notes, clove spice, bananas, pears, tangerine, tropical fruit notes, prickly pear, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, spicy notes, licorice hints, anise, rock candy and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruit, molasses, tamarind, spicy fruit cake, cola notes, earthy notes, pears, vanilla and other tropical fruit notes. No alcohol in the taste, crimson/bloody moon dark brown full body, creamy, smooth, refreshing, crisp and moderate mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Such a crazy beer border lining a Belgian dark strong with some character of a light Barleywine that I was able to get thanks to special hop notes I added. It is crazy to think that when I brewed this beer, it was meant as a joke and pun to the name Jarrylo as being the Mexican Soda Jarritos. Who knew this beer would turn out to be like an agua fresca/ Fruit-ade type of beer with some flavors of soda but spicy fruit galore. Writing everything I do every step of the way, trying to replicate this beer will be a challenge as it was made using large brewing equipment and grains. So I will see how it goes. For now, this is a high recommend.

Anime Corner:
Neliel Tu Oderschvank from Bleach was chosen in this beer pairing as she is the second in the whole monster brew theme. The pairing includes darkness but the colors represent the strong hop (yet not hoppy but very fruity and spicy) presence of the Jarrylo hops. These hops are not really for IPA or Pale Ale use but can be as thy give a spice characteristic. Nel, while semi-clothed but looking like a bad ass indicates the flavors of “spiciness” and the “sweetness” that the beer brings respectively. As she is an Arrancar, just like Harribel, both monster brews were definitely very enticing in their own way and I hope I can come up with the recipe again to brew them again.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/1j9znin.jpg

Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell by Nubis Sanctum Ales

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged belgian golden ale, Bleach, Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell, Candi Sugar, cocoa nibs, Ghost, Golden Stout, Home brewing, Imperial Golden Stout, Lactose, monkish, Nubis Sanctum Ales, Tia Halibel, Tia Harribel, Unicorn Blood Coffee, vanilla beans, White Chocolate, White Chocolate Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 7% ABV Imperial Belgian Golden Stout brewed with cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, lactose, candi sugar and Unicorn Blood Coffee.

==Introduction==

Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. I purchased 10 gallons and for the first 5 decided to go with a style that is super rare but super delicious and that was the Gold Stout. However, adding my own spin to things and creating a Belgian Golden Milk stout was definitely the key. With all the sweetness in play and complex ingredients, I was sure to maybe get something like a Golden Stout or Ghost Stout as I like to call it because looks can be very deceiving to the taste. So here is my take at the first White Chocolate Stout beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee notes, caramel, peanut butter hints, Milk chocolate,white chocolate notes, vanilla, flan hints, honey, honey dew melon, pecan pie notes, white grape notes, banana notes, clove spice, maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch hints, candy sugar, agave syrup hints, marshmallow, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apple notes, herbal tea hints, milk sugar and slight coconut.

Flavors:
Vanilla, Irish Cream, Coffee notes, caramel, peanut butter hints, Milk chocolate,white chocolate notes, flan hints, honey, coconut hints, marshmallow, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apple notes, herbal tea hints, milk sugar, honey dew melon, pecan pie notes, white grape notes, banana notes, clove spice, maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch hints, candy sugar, agave syrup hints, biscuit bread and raspberry notes.

Aftertaste:
Belgian bready notes, vanilla, stone fruit hints, chocolate, caramel, milk sugar, earthy notes and slight berry notes. No alcohol in the taste, Clear Golden body, creamy, smooth, silky, velvety and mellow mouthfeel with a easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious first attempt at a clear Golden Stout seems to be a great success. It is clear, it is easy to drink, not too overwhelming or strong and a variety of delicious flavors. My only complaint would be that the carbonation was not where I wanted it to be, the flavors are more toward a Golden ale and minorly a Golden Stout. Either way, that is most likely nit picky but a great learning experience.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel from Bleach was used in this pairing to be the firs in the Monster Brew Theme. The monster I went with is a Ghost and in a Shell at that. She is not Motoko Kusanagi but let me explain. You see, under here beautiful exterior of golden locks and soft dark skin which represents the color of the beer and flavors, underneath, she is all bones. Meaning her skin is like a shell of chocolate. The name Bubulubu derives from the Mexican candy with the same name. A marshmallow chocolate and raspberry treat but it also means Ghost. Like Boo!! Boo!! Lubu! Essentially. So Tia was the closest I can come up with. Why use the name of gold like the locks of her hair? Easy, as I explained earlier about Golden Stouts defying perception because the true identity is in the flavor, it is easy to see why her outer exterior is as deceiving as the true flavor which is the ghost or skeleton in side her white chocolate exterior is what truly hides the purpose. That and the fact that I used Unicorns Blood Coffee so that just adds to the whole creepy aspect of Ghosts and beers!

Sources:
http://img.manga-sanctuary.com/big/bleach-serietv-coffret-54-limitee-78620.jpg
http://orig08.deviantart.net/9faa/f/2009/317/3/3/halibel_by_sketchtastrophe.jpg

Proprietor’s Vintage No.001 HellDorado by Firestone Walker

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged barley wine, Barleywine, Blonde Barley Wine, Firestone Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, HellDorado, Hera, proprietor's Vintage, Puzzle & Dragons, Puzzles and Dragons, rocky road ice cream, wheat wine | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Proprietor’s Vintage No.001 HellDorado by Firestone Walker is a 13.2% ABV Imperial Blonde Barleywine/Wheat Wine Ale

Label:
Since founding our brewery in 1996, we have specialized in the rare art of fermenting beer in oak barrels. In the fall of 2006, we embarked on a program to barrel age a series of vintage strong ales that would later be used as components of a blended beer. That blend would become our first Anniversary Ale, “10”.

After the release of “10”, we released limited amounts of the component beers on draft only. Many of these beers gained a cult following that craft beer fans raved about and begged for us to put in bottle. Helldorado was one of these beers.

We present the 2015 vintage of Helldorado, an Imperial Blonde Ale or Blonde Barley Wine. Helldorado has the lightest color of any of the beers in our barrel program but carries a great deal of interesting barrel character: vanilla, light char and amazing lavender-honey notes.

Rich boozy honey liqueur character and loads of smooth sweet toasted malt to finish. The El Dorado hops dance in the background without playing a dominant role in the flavor profile. This Blonde Barley Wine is a one-of-a-kind sipping beer built to last and will reward careful aging for years to come.

==Introduction==

One of the many components that have been used in many of the Firestone Walker Anniversary ales, they finally released this one out to the public. While it is limited, you should definitely try to get one as who knows now a days when they will release this one again. It goes without saying that such brews stay around for much longer unless they have a cult following. Even so, who really knows because now that Firestone is under the wing of Duvel, we will probably see even more and more beers come to fruition and more readily available than before. Quantity does not really seem to affect the quality of the beers especially when well handled. Take Ommegang for example, world class in Belgians for example, owned by Duvel. So yeah, this maybe a positive thing. Beers like PNC however, are harder to get as they were brewery exclusive. Anyways, let’s take a look at this one, shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Caramel, Vanilla, Banana, wheat, Banana sundae, white chocolate notes, stone fruit apricot hints, peaches, white raisins , lemon peel, coriander spice, cinnamon, Danish cream, flan, sweetened condensed milk, honey comb, dark fruit cherries, plums, raisins, bubble gum hints, coconut, bourbon, butter pecan ice cream, marshmallow, graham crackers, waffle cone, passion fruit, dragon fruit, piney and floral hop hints, honey dew melon, citrus, raw orange like the sun, rocky road ice cream, citrus flower honey, almond joy, pralines, apples, raw oranges, rocky road ice cream and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Rich Rich Banana sundae, caramel, rich vanilla, white chocolate, dark fruit cherries, plums, raisins, bubble gum hints, coconut, bourbon, butter pecan ice cream, marshmallow, graham crackers, waffle cone, passion fruit, dragon fruit, piney and floral hop hints, honey dew melon, citrus, raw orange like the sun, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, stone fruit apricot hints, peaches, white raisins , lemon peel, coriander spice, cinnamon, Danish cream, flan, sweetened condensed milk, honey comb, tangerine candy, citrus flower honey, almond joy, pralines, apples and cookie dough.

Aftertaste:
Rich coconut, Flan, Leche Nestle/Sweetened Condensed milk notes, oak, white chocolate, milk chocolate, almonds, bananas, flowers, citrus and oak. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor. Gold Crimson light to medium body, silky, smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouth feel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
One of the best Wheat Wines/ Blonde Barley wines ever! Along White Chocolate of course. Damn over the top as always with these Firestone Reserve beers. Why does every bottle of a reserve or proprietor’s series taste so exceptional? You really have to pick any of them out to really understand it. For this, yes!! Damn right it is worth the pick up. So much luscious flavors and the scary thing is that the color of it is so misleading with it’s light body. It boggles my mind how this bottle can be the way it is. The devil really is in the details, or in this case, the liquid.

Anime Corner:
Awoken Hera from Puzzle & Dragons was used in this paring as I wanted to pick a character with a class like I chose for the other reserve and proprietor’s series. The pairing was easy, just find a golden shiny devil character as HellDorado pretty much translate to Golden Hell. Easier said than done as many of the characters I looked for did not fit the bill until I found the “Awoken” version of Hera. With her Golden shine and Red Devilish looks, how could I go wrong with this pairing. She looks like a major bad ass which represents the alcohol and complexity of the beer but the sweet flavors and golden body are clearly on how “Hot” she appears in this pairing.

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLZgtnBUsAAH-Fo.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/5FIHXDU.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Wv87exg.jpg

Tailgater by Flat Tail

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Asuka, Asuka Langley, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, Evangelion, Flat Tail, German Kölsch, German style, Kölsch, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Pilsner malt, Tailgater, Tailgating | Leave a comment

Rating: 4/5

Tailgater by Flat Tail is a 5% ABV German Kölsch.

Label:
A sophisticated slammer, for the progressive redneck in us all…

Tailgating doesn’t have to mean crap beer, and the good stuff shouldn’t have to come with directions. Rich German Pilsner malt, a hint Noble hops, and the kind of brilliant yet unfiltered clarity that only comes with time . So, lock those hubs, drop that tailgate, and pop that top with your pinky up. After all, this isn’t your Grandpa’s fizzy yellow beer.

==Introduction==

Got this one as a freebie from CraftsShack.com for ordering some good beers. Looks like being a good customer pays off after a while. Thanks for the freebie guys! Also, instead of just drinking this off, I decided, what the hey, we don’t get this one locally, Review time! Technically, this would be my second Flat Tail Brewing beer, where the Cyanide and Hoppiness was the first. I don’t think I have tried the actual Kölsch style before in a review or ever really. I heard it is really light and easy to drink and from I can tell so far in appearance, it surely is looking that way. So let’s give this one a shot shall we?

Aromas:
Citrus, honey, cane sugar notes, phenolic bready hints, hints of clove spice, lemon, green apples, Stone fruit peach hints, pilsner malt, lyche fruit, piney hop hints, biscuit bread and cereal grains.

Flavors:
Citrus, Stone fruit peaches, light apricots, pilsnery malt, biscuit bread, cereal grain hints, orange notes, lychee, piney hints, honey, cane sugar notes, phenolic bready hints, hints of clove spice, lemon, green apples and honey dew melon.

Aftertaste:
Finishin dry with minor notes of the stone fruit and citrus. No alcohol in the taste, clear straw colored light body, crisp, clean and refreshing and easy to drink.

Overall:
Amazing, such a light body and great summer beer. I did not know what to think of this one coming into it but the more I drank it the more I like it. Like the very definition of summer with nothing too over powering and yet so refreshing and delicious. Makes me want to take a look at the Kölsch style more and more to see what great things it has.

Anime Corner:
Asuka Langley Shikinami/Sohryu from Neon Genesis Evangelion was used in this pairing to go with the whole Tailgating theme but the actual Tailgating done by Germans. In this case, Germans would typically go tailgating for a Football/Soccer game and not American Football. Regardless of what sport is being tailgated, this beer fits right in. But because it is a German Kölsch, Asuka, being half German and representing the German National team, was definitely the Goal!

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

Stone 19th Anniversary Thunderstruck IPA by Stone Brewing

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged AC/DC, AC/DC Beer, anniversary ale, Australian Hops, Double India Pale Ale, Double IPA, india pale ale, IPA, Naruto, passion fruit, Stone 19th Anniversary, Stone Brewing, stone fruit, Tayuya, Thunderstruck IPA | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Stone 19th Anniversary Thunderstruck IPA by Stone Brewing is an 8.7% ABV Double India Pale Ale brewed with 100% Australian Hops.

Label:
Ella, Galaxy, Topaz, Vic Secret-no, these aren’t the names of the performers at your local “gentleman club” (at least as far as we know). Rather, these exotic, and admittedly rather sexy, Australian hop varietals that have been dancing on the minds and pallets of the craft brewing intelligentsia around the world of late. We’ve been openly flirting with them via test batches, and they become popular around or brewhouse thanks to their sensual flavors and aromas. So in developing our celebratory anniversary beer, we decided it was time to seal the deal and take these down under wonder beauties to the main stage at Stone. And what better way than allowing them to strut their stuff in the spotlight as the sole focus for the luscious tropical, peachy, citrus like flavors and slightly residence, aromatically dank earthiness of the special, all Aussie consummation! Also invited to the stage as a special guest performer is Fairview malt which we had shipped in from Australia especially for this brew.

As you’ll discover, this beer brings the boom, delivering it to the pallet in a volume is thunderclap back by the power of our 19 years of brewing and passion and intensity. All told, a great kick off to the veritable beer storm that will be our 20th year of brewing. We have many special beers plan for release to celebrate, so let this serve as the first course to what will be in undoubtedly epic feast for craft beer enthusiasts, with particular thanks to those who’ve been with us from the long haul and helped us obtain such longevity. Consider this the first of many thank you’s for years to come!

==Introduction==

The AC/DC tribute beer, maybe not the actual endorsed one but tribute none the less. This is awesome as many bands are endorsing their own beer like Iron Maiden. As stone celebrates their 19th Anniversary, it is an honor to bring their anniversary ale to the site and see how this Australian hopped IPA really “strikes” the flavor palate. This one you can pick up at any retail that sells stone beers or atleast the majority retails that sell stone beers. Cheers to Stone and many more years to come as they release many good beers.

Aromas:
Rich tropics like dragon fruit, passion fruit, papaya, pineapple, tangerine, strawberry, raspberry, Citrus, Grapefruit, herbal, garlicky, oniony, flowery, earthy, piney, grassy and dank hops, sweetened condensed milk hints, prickly pears, honey dew melon, peppercorn notes, biscuit bread, banana notes and Stone fruit apricots hints.

Flavors:
Rich Citrus, Grapefruit, herbal, garlicky, oniony, flowery, earthy, piney, grassy and dank hops, stone fruit apricots, peaches, lychee fruit, cherries, raspberries, lemons, dragon fruit, passion fruit, papaya, pineapple, tangerine, strawberry, raspberry, sweetened condensed milk, prickly pears, honey dew melon, peppercorn notes, biscuit bread, banana notes and honey hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishing semi dry with nice tropical fruit, stone fruit notes and distinct garlicky and dank bitterness. No alcohol in the taste, Clear Golden Orange body, Crisp, refreshing, Easy to drink despite the ABV.

Overall:
Well, for making a delicious Tropical IPA they deserve the merit. It is not like some of my favorite tropical beers out there but it has some nice character especially since these are all Aussie ingredients. Especially with a name like thunderstruck, it strikes the palate as I thought with tropical notes but also very much so some dank dank bitterness. A hop heads love for sure and a recommend. Why not, its Stone’s Anniversary after all, cheers!

Anime Corner:
Tayuya from the Naruto series was used in this pairing as I wanted to show case the gargoyle using a demon girl. While Tayuya is not a demon normally but turns into a demon using a level 2 curse technique, she mesmerizes like the way this mesmerizes with the sweet flavors. The way she jumps backward is almost like the sense of the name. She is getting out of the way of the thunder strike as it crashes onto the glass and then splashes into the palate to really electrify the senses with hoppy greatness! Oh and the colors definitely complement the beer and its closer to berry flavors too!

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Tayuya.full.1836222.jpg

Not Your Father’s Root Beer by Small Town brewery

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Alcoholic Rootbeer, Kurisu Makise, Not Your Father's Root Beer, Root Beer, Small Town, Small Town brewery, Spices, Steins Gate | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Not Your Father’s Root Beer by Small Town brewery is a 5.9% ABV Alcoholic Root Beer brewed with spices.

Label:
Unique Ingredients with an unmistakeable taste of nostalgia

==Introduction==

Introduced to me by my friend Jorge Silva, I have only heard slightly about this beer but I heard a lot of talk about this one. A beer that is is actually an alcoholic root beer. As amazing as it sounds, I did not know what to think of it of course. Especially since it passes off as brewery even though it is owned by Pabst brewing. Either way, I want to see what exactly this was so when I first tried it at my friends house, it was, very good actually. You really could not tell it was anything other than root beer really. Now that I bought my own 6 pack, I will try and figure this one out. Let’s have a go at it. Cheers!

Aromas:
Molasses, vanilla, licorice, sassafras, cinnamon, butterscotch, anise, vanilla, whiskey, dark fruit prunes and raisins. Pretty much like root beer with some noticeable fragrance.

Flavors:
Rich root beer taste, Rich vanilla, rich molasses, whiskey notes, hints of oak, anise, mint, rich black licorice, sassafras, cinnamon, butterscotch, dark fruit raisins and prune notes, cane sugar and whipped cream.

Aftertaste:
Vanilla, Rootbeer flavors, licorice, dark fruit notes, whiskey notes and molasses linger. No alcohol in the taste, crimson dark brown clear body, smooth, silky, velvety and creamy mouthfeel with an impossibly easy to drink as it does not taste like beer but root beer.

Overall:
A perfect alcoholic root beer. It is really indistinguishable from just a regular Root beer soda. While I could not get very complex with this one since what they were aiming with this ale, they nailed it very head on. It is impossible to find the alcohol but this is also dangerous as you will get drunk off a six pack of this. Good Game ol chaps at Small Town, Good Game! Highly recommended if you love root beer, you will love this ale.

Anime Corner:
Kurisu Makise from the Steins Gate series was used in this pairing simply as the way the beer was introduced to me. Synonymous with the famous Dr. Pepper, this is way better, but since I wanted to find an art piece that shows someone giving you a root beer, I did this pairing which I actually liked how this turned out. She’s giving you some real rootbeer alright yum yum! (Not the Dr. Pepper ofcourse)

Sources:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BiLmUltzmm4/UtbUJoUCfDI/AAAAAAAAeEM/kku2MNxYO64/w1448-h2048/28910406.jpg

Srirachelada by Angel City Brewery

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Agave, agave syrup, Angel City, Angel City Brewery, Angel City brewing, banana peppers, Chile beer, Clamato, Lime juice, Los Angeles, Michelada, Ranma, Ranma 1/2, Sriracha, Sriracha Beer, Sriracha sauce, Srirachelada, Worcestershire sauce | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Srirachelada by Angel City Brewery is a 4% ABV Chile beer brewed with Sriracha, Clamato, lime juice, agave syrup, juice pickled banana peppers and Worcestershire sauce.

Label:
Serve over Ice—Brewed To Share
Not you Abuelita’s breakfast beer.

Angel City Brewery is committed to the continued grows and revitalization of our urban neighborhoods by being a supportive partner of the arts and business communities, as well as the burgeon craft beer movement in Los Angeles.

==Introduction==

This is the first time I tried a bottled beer from Angel City here in Los Angeles. I have tried a lot of their other stuff on tap but to be honest, even for being part of my home town, I feel that they are still in the early stages of being as delicious as some of the other beers out there I have tried. I usually try pretty unique stuff or even great things I have heard about but when I first saw this beer, I think it finally hit me. I have to do a review on this one and see how true to it’s flavors is this. Essentially, they have done other beers like an Avocado IPA which I have yet to try but also it has not been bottled so I guess until I see something more unique from Angel City, I will bring it forth. This is great start as beer geek aside, I really like some delicious Micheladas, yes the Mexican side of me speaking. Cheers!

Aromas:
Clamato, lime, lemon, salt, Sriracha, pickled yellow peppers, peppercorn, avocado hints, soy sauce hints, Worcestershire sauce, Michelada flavors, pickled eggs, pickles, spicy tomato juice, oysters, clams, dank hop hints, celery, bloody Mary and agave hints.

Flavors:
Rich Sriracha, pickled yellow peppers, agave syrup, avocado hints, soy sauce hints, Worcestershire sauce, peppercorn, lemon, salt, Michelada, pickles, jalapeño, spicy tomato juice, oysters, clams, biscuit bread, avave hints, bloody Mary, celery, pickled egg hints, cayanne pepper, lemon zest, citrus, garlic, oniony and some dank hop notes.

Aftertaste:
Heat from the peppers and Sriracha linger but the flavors of the salt, lemon, Worcestershire and Clamato tomato juice linger for a bit. No alcohol in the taste, spicy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, Redish Gold medium body and a easy to moderate drinkability depending on your heat tolerance

Overall:
Hot damn! This is spicy stuff. The main reason I give this one a good grade is not for being complex but really for putting the true flavors of the ingredients forward. If you don’t like spicy chile beers, Sriracha or Micheladas, don’t get it, but if you are one who loves his Sriracha and lots of spicy beers, this is a must try! Yes, I will admit, this is way more different than what I have had from the tap stuff. I think I will reexamine Angel city to see how their bottling line is in comparison to their tap, that is, if there is something really amazing or sounds like wise.

Anime Corner:
Ranma-Saotome from Ranma ½ was used in this pairing mainly since she has an awesome tomato hair color but also the colors she wears compliments the flavors of the beer like the lime, peppers, and agave syrup. Micheladas are mainly red as the Clamato tomato juice actually has a higher consistency than the rest of the ingredients, even if this beer is only slightly red.

Sources:
http://orig12.deviantart.net/c3e7/f/2013/088/e/9/ranma_saotome_by_alyson676-d5zq2sh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YPWjEdg.jpg

Sasquatch by 903 Brewers

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 903 Brewers, Aisha Clan-Clan, Chocolate Milk Stout, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, Lactose, milk Chocolate, Milk Sugar, Outlaw Star, Sasquatch, Sherman Texas, Texas | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Sasquatch by 903 Brewers is a 10.8% ABV Imperial Chocolate Milk Stout

Label:
Brewed with Chocolate malt and a heavy dose of roasted cocoa nibs our stout has a rich aroma. The addition of milk sugar lends a creamy body. One taste and you’ll see why Sasquatch is such a beast

==Introduction==

We make one more stop in the latest shipment from my good friend Aaron of beermetaldude.com who sent me this beer made by 903 brewers of Sherman Texas. Maybe the best for last but definitely not the least. Fine and awesome brews come in small batches made by local brewers who believe and love their community. A lot of passion and work goes into what they create so I believe even for trying beers from a new brewer such as is always an honor. I can already tell I am going to enjoy this one as milk stouts are always amazing! Cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee, dark chocolate, mocha hints, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, caramel, vanilla, milk sugar, dark fruit cherries, raisins, raspberries, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, cookie dough, oreo cookie hints, Danish cream and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, earthy notes, dark fruit raisins, cherries, raspberry notes, brown sugar, milk sugar, vanilla hints, caramel, toffee, mocha hints, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, cookie dough, oreo cookie hints, Danish cream and coffee cake hints.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, roasted malt, earthy notes, dark fruits, vanilla and caramel hints. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, creamy rich, silky and velvety mouthfeel, dark full body and moderate drinkability

Overall:
A very good and Very Rich chocolatey beer indeed! Lots of great flavors in this one that really remind me a lot of another certain Yeti beer lol. Either way, I really love the smoothness of this one and really can find myself just picking this up as an extra if I can’t find any other good beer. A recommend for sure and special thanks to my friend Aaron once again for sharing some more awesome Texas brews.

Anime Corner:
Aisha Clan-Clan from Outlaw Star was chosen in this beer pairing as I wanted to pair with an anime girl that sort of had some colors of the forest and the yeti. Yes, I may have looked to outer space for some answers but the fact that I chose Aisha also explains why I think she is the yeti in this one. She has supernatural powers that enhances all her senses and strength so she can devastate anything like a true beast! But yet she seems so damn cute and cuddly like she wouldn’t hurt a fly and that is where the easy going flavors of the beer come in.

Sources:
http://orig14.deviantart.net/de2d/f/2012/001/e/3/aisha_clan_clan_by_rtil-d4kx8ya.png

Citron Noir by Urban Family

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Black Lemons, Citron Noir, Dark Saison, Farmhouse Ale, Hellsing, Seras Victoria, Urban Family | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Citron Noir by Urban Family is a 6.8% ABV Dark Farmhouse Ale brewed with Black Lemons.

Label:
Ingredients: Hallertau hops, malted barley, Seattle water, farmhouse yeast blend.

Notes: Toasted bread and chocolate married with tart black lemons, finishing with an expressive yeast.

Drink: Drink Fresh.

Store: Cool & Upright.
==Introduction==

The second time I try an Urban Family beer and one I could not get if it was not thanks to the almighty and good friend Aaron who rules the beer underworld of Texas with a might of pen and ink in with every Metal post via beermetaldude.com. You should probably stop reading this and go check out his site first then come back for a while. We will still be here. Today Aaron brings me a unique beer, of which is from Seattle Washington but still something we do not get here in California. This beer is made with Black Lemons, a souring spice of the middle east composing of dried up limes. Yes, very unique indeed! The best part about our hobby, we try many awesome brews that are very uncommon sometimes, like the time we tried a beer with 99 Scorpions! Yes, that actually happened! Anyways, Special thanks to Aaron and Urban family for making another beer. Loved the Death to Cereal/Count Chocula. Cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, oranges, Dark fruit, figs, plum, raisins, cherry, dulce de leche caramel, rock candy, lemon candy, banana, clove spice, bubble gum, leather, tobacco, licorice, stone fruit apricots, peaches, apples, Tart lemons, tangerine, lemon zest, lemon peel, lemon merengue pie, marshmallows, molasses, star anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, rye bread, peppercorn and farmhouse hay.

Flavors:
Citrus, oranges, Black Lemons (dried up dark lemon spice), Tart lemons, tangerine, lemon zest, lemon peel, lemon merengue pie, marshmallows, molasses, star anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, rye bread, peppercorn, farmhouse hay, smokey notes, Dark fruit, figs, plum, raisins, cherry, dulce de leche caramel, rock candy, lemon candy, banana, clove spice, bubble gum, leather, tobacco, licorice, stone fruit apricots, peaches, apples, brown sugar, cane sugar and cinnamon.

Aftertaste:
Lemon, chocolate, dark fruits, sharp earthy, piney, circuitry and herbal hops, caramel, vanilla, anise, banana and clove spice finish. No alcohol in the taste, Crimson dark full body, smooth, creamy and foamy mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Almost like a Black IPA meets a Belgian Dark Strong. This delicious beers was something very different. A lemony and citrusy dark candy dessert essentially. Since I have never hear of Black Lemons, I can only assume what I tasted with the sweet, spicy and mild tartness may have been from the addition of this type of spice. Either way, a very delicious brew I would definitely love to try again and a special thanks to Aaron for providing this one to me. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Seras Victoria from Hellsing was used in this pairing for two reasons. Darkness and the color of lemons. Essentially, Seras fits both of those criteria. Her outfit also matches with the complex flavors of the beers but also its drinkability. Her appearance while looking evil as many people would find dark beers to be as perception states maybe too strong, you will find she is kind and warm to you but evil on that thirst that bug ya. Cheers for Seras!

Sources:
http://static.skynetblogs.be/media/37519/b7de2af2fb47cf78c5c4d99f0ce36a19-thumb.jpg

Gotlandricka by Jester King

August 27, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Farmhouse Ale, Gotlandricka, Gotlandsdricke, jester king, Juniper Berries, Koduõlu, Queen's Blade, Risty, Sahti, Sweet Myrica Gale, Texas, Texas Hill Country, Viking beer, Vikings | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Gotlandricka by Jester King is a 6.9% ABV Smoked Sahti/Gotlandsdricke/Koduõlu brewed with Juniper and Sweet Myrica Gale.

Label:
Batch#2 – 12/08/2014
Farmhouse Ale brewed with smoked malt, juniper, and sweet gale.

Trespasser! You come to steal from the bounty of this land? My conjured flame beckoned this earth from the depths of the sea and sparked a blazing oath to let none defile it. I shall bring a burning ruin upon you. When at last I have robbed you even of speech, as your eyes beg for mercy and lungs gasp for your last of breath, you will again be denied as you draw in only the choking smoke of your own smoldering flesh.

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.

Gotlandricka
ALC/VOL 6.9% FG 1.03 IBU 18

Ingredients: Hill Country Well Water, Beechwood Smoked Malted Barley, Birchwood Smoked Malted Barley, Rye, Oak Smoked Wheat, Hops, Juniper Berries, Sweet Gale, Farmhouse Yeast, Wild yeast from the Texas Hill Country. Native Souring Bacteria.

Contains: Wheat
Suitable for Vegetarian and Vegans
Notes: Gotlandsdricka, meaning “Drink of the Good Land”, is believed to have been the beer of the Vikings. Our rendition of this ancient style is inspired by the traditional farmhouse ales once brewed on the island of Gotland, off the coast of Sweden. Naturally occurring wild yeasts and bacteria impart a sense of place to this unfiltered, unpasteurized, and 100% bottle-conditioned beer.
==Introduction==

Ah good ol’ Jester King, one of Texas best hidden in the countryside. The place where my friend and fellow craft beer guru, Aaron Mendiola from beermetaldude.com had his wedding. Thanks to Aaron, I can get some good Jester King beers that normally I don’t think I will ever see, or at least not anytime soon. This time around, he graces the site with a really interesting one of the times of the Vikings, or at least inspired by them. These beers are always a pleasure and I have loved every one so far. Let’s see what this mighty bottle serves, Skál!!!

Aromas:
Rich floral notes like lavender, hibiscus, chamomile, funky must, smokey oak, beachwood, lemon, stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, mushroom, Tejuino, coriander spice, sage spice, sea salt, oyster hints, earthy notes, notes of gin, wine grapes, lemons, juniper berries, peppercorn, wheat and citrus.

Flavors:
Rich smokey oak, lemon zest, mushroom, BBQ, farmhouse hay, brettanomyces, bacon notes, Tejuino (Mexican Maize drink with salt and lemon), peppercorns, wheat, coriander spice, citrus, floral notes, lavander, lemons, wine grapes, juniper berries, gin hints, sea salt, oysters, earthy notes, beachwood, complex oak character, hibiscus, chamomile hints, stone fruit peaches, apricots, mild mango notes and sage spice.

Aftertaste:
Rich oak, Tejuino, flowers, stone fruits, lemon, sea salt, peppercorn, sage, coriander, smoked bacon, mushrooms, earthy notes and farmhouse hay notes linger. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy golden full body, crisp, refreshing, moderate and effervescent mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
So much going on here. Jester King is always on top of their game. When it comes to farmhouse ales and sours, they really do focus on really bringing people out of the common perception of sours and into a realm where your taste buds escape to. Similarly to entering another dimension in perception. In this case, the world of sours and farmhouse from another dimension or even for the beer here, flavors believed to be long lost in the great past only to be brought back like a time machines. Only one way ticket to Valhalla, and Gotlandricka will take you there. A must try and I am fortunate to have a great friend like Aaron to bring me some beer from the lost lands of Texas. Thanks brother, Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Risty from Queen’s Blade was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to pair her with with the Viking on the label and what the beer represents. Essentially, she wears gear like a Viking but you can also tell she is really enjoying a feast! A feast of the land. What goes great with the feast of the land? This beer! The drink of the good land! Well, now, I believe we have the perfect pairing right here!

Sources:
http://41.media.tumblr.com/57fb18446522e970775f08ac01c9ce8d/tumblr_n4ounkhUzW1rei6xdo1_r1_1280.jpg
https://figyura.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/figyura_megahouse_risty_02.jpg

Death To Cereal by Urban Family brewing

August 27, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged almond milk, brown sugar, Cafe Con Leche, Coffee Beans, dark chocolate, Death To Cereal, Houtengeki, Lactose, milk Chocolate, Milk Stout, Sweet Stout, Urban Family brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

Death To Cereal by Urban Family brewing is a 6.64% ABV Milk Stout brewed with coffee beans and lactose.

Label:
Ingredients: Chocolate Malt, brown malt, Crystal Malt, Sterling hops, lactose, coffee and our house cultures.

Notes: Dark and roasted malts married with hand roasted cold steeped coffee dominates the breakfast palate.

Drink: Drink Fresh.

Store: Cool & Upright.

==Introduction==

Aaron Mendiola, the man behind the fusion of Dark Metal Ensemble and Fermented Barley with a touch of raging hops, aka, beermetaldude.com has brought us some more awesome donations to the site. This time a beer that is not readily available here in California. This beer comes from Urban Family brewing of Seattle Washington and my friend Aaron was able to donate this great beer in exchange for some very nice California brews and some Whalez of the Craft Beer Oceans. Yes, we fish for the best of the catch. This beer, just by the name seems like a great catch in it self. Death to Cereal is like saying Fuck your Cereal, have a Beer for breakfast. I’m already loving this beer and I haven’t even tried it. Well, let’s get this show on the road avid beer geeks, cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted malt, deep dark dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, mocha, rich coffee notes, coffee, dulce de leche caramel hints, molasses, nutella chocolate, chocolate brownies, brown sugar, tres leches/three milks cake, dark fruit raisins, cherry, currants, Rich Cocoa Krispies cereal, honey bunches of oats, Irish cream, Danish cream cookies, oreo cookies, cookies and cream, roasted malts, hazelnut nectar and almond milk.

Flavors:
Rich Cocoa Krispies cereal, honey bunches of oats, Milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, mocha, rich coffee notes, peanut butter, milk sugar, flan, vanilla, cinnamon hints, roasted malts, hazelnut nectar, almond milk, toffee, dulce de leche caramel hints, molasses, nutella chocolate, chocolate brownies, brown sugar, tres leches/three milks cake, dark fruit raisins, cherry, currants, Irish cream, Danish cream cookies, oreo cookies, cookies and cream, oatmeal and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Milk chocolate, milk shake, roasted coffee grounds, roasted malts, caramel, vanilla, cocoa krispies cereal, Danish cream, dark fruit hints and hazelnut nectar. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, creamy, velvety, silky and rich mouthfeel, Dark crimson full body and almost easy to drink despite being so flavor forward.

Overall:
Santo Cafe Con Leche! Amazing how they keep this beer so rich and full of flavor for only a low ABV. This is damn worthy of recognition! Something like this should be distributed everywhere and all the cereal aisles along with cocoa crispies the likes of Count Chocula cereal. The coffee and milk and the recipe of the beer over all brings about some rich delicious breakfast stout flavors that are definitely worth the trouble to get this beer. I highly recommend this one and thanks to my friend Aaron for hooking me up with this delicious beer. Cheers sir!

Anime Corner:
Original Ant/Bee girl by Houtengeki was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair something that reminded me of cereal like the little bee from honey nut cheerios. Although, the difference between that bee and this bee is she is more of a killer beer which pairs perfectly with the beer since her outfit matches the label, she has a little skull on her chest and she is sticking her tongue out like she saying, you drink this beer, you dead! Well, not really, but certainly I would want to keep drinking several of these and in that sense, probably dangerous. Remember, these trix are not for kids and certainly require more responsibility to have balanced breakfast.

Sources:
http://www.theanimegallery.com/data/thumbs/790px/0127/tAG_127649.jpg

Heavens To Murgatroid (a.k.a Snagglepuss beer) by Five Stones brewing of Cibolo Texas

August 27, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Five Stones, Five Stones brewing of Cibolo Texas, Hana Barbera, Heavens To Murgatroid, Heavens To Murgatroyd, Native Texas Prickly Pear Tuna, Nia, Nia Teppelin, prickly pear, Prickly Pear Tunas, prickly pears, SnagglePuss, Snagglepuss beer, Strawberry, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Texas, Tunas, Witbier | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Heavens To Murgatroid (a.k.a Snagglepuss beer) by Five Stones brewing of Cibolo Texcas is a 6.2% ABV Witbier brewed with Native Texas Prickly Pear Tuna.

Label:
Wheat Ale handcrafted with native Texas prickly pear tuna.

==Introduction==

My brother in pairing Arts, Aaron Mediola of beermetaldude.com graces our humble little site with another epic glory of a beer from the awesome guys at 5 Stones brewing. This time a beer made with Prickly Pear Tunas. These are a delight especially from Mexico and to have a beer made with them is something I don’t think I have ever tried. So it is definitely a priviledge. Yes, there have been good beers like IPAs that have some hints of prickly pear Tunas but to actually see them do some awesome magic to a beer, it keeps reminding me of that meme where the dude is like “What Kind of Sorcery is this?!?” Haha, anyways, cheers to you the awesome readers, my buddy Aaron Mendiola of beermetaldude.com and the good folks at 5 Stones brewing!

Aromas:
Strawberries, granola bar, Prickly pears (Tunas), biscuit bread, coriander spice, strawberry cream, stone fruit, apricots, peaches, apples, pears, mango, mild earthy notes, rye bread, trail mix notes, toffee, vanilla, pecan pie, clove spice, banana hints, honey, oranges, vanilla and caramel.

Flavors:
Raspberries, Prickly pears (Tunas), rich strawberries, rye bread, vanilla, caramel, tangerines, oranges, orange gummies, cranberries, honey, cherries, chamomile, hibiscus, grapes, dark fruit raisins, plums, stone fruit apricots, peaches, apples, pears, mango, mild earthy notes, rich trail mix, granola berry bars, pecan pie, toffee, biscuit bread, coriander, flan notes, strawberry cheese cake, banana notes, clove spice, and some funky hay hints.

Aftertaste:
Rich berries, rich toffee, caramel, vanilla, prickly pears, stone fruits, trail mix, granola, honey and citrus in the aftertaste. So good, so rich! No alcohol in the taste, Pinkish Gold full body, crisp, syrupy, velvety and refreshing mouthfeel with a easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Suffering Succotash! I believe we have a perfect witbier. It is pretty crazy how the prickly pear tuna combination and the wit base of the beer and honey flavors really unleash all these variety of berry and all sort of complex flavors. It’s not a joke but enjoyable like the old school cartoons of yesteryear. A grand thanks to Aaron for hooking me up with another awesome brew from the good people at 5 Stones. A highly recommended one!

Anime Corner:
SnagglePuss (Not Anime but Cool) from Hana Barbera and Nia Teppelin from Tengen Toppa Gurren Laggan were used in this pairing for many reasons. SnagglePuss as a tribute to a beer named after his quote “Heavens to Murgatroyd”, the lion in the label and Nia’s hair representing the lion’s mane as well as the color and flavors of prickly pear Tunas which are represented in the reds she wears with the greens, yellows and teals.

Sources:
https://animebeers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2c8c3-nia.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Nia.Teppelin.full.480552.jpg
http://liveitoutloud.com/image.axd?picture=2011%2F12%2Fsnagglepuss.jpg

Reserva Piña by Five Stones of Cibolo Texas

August 27, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Five Stones, Five Stones of Cibolo Texas, Golden Ale, jalapeño, Kill-LA-Kill, Mezcal, Nonon Jakuzure, oak chips, pineapple, Reserva Piña, stone fruit, Tequila, Tequila Barrel Aged, Tequila Oak Aged, Tequila Oak chips, Texas | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.65/6

Reserva Piña by Five Stones of Cibolo Texas is a 6.7% ABV Golden Ale hand crafted with fresh Pineapple and Roasted Jalapeño then aged in Tequila Oak chips.

Label:
An American Golden Ale handcrafted with fresh pineapple and hint of roasted jalapeño, then conditioned 45 days with tequila soaked oak chips.

==Introduction==

It has been a long time since my awesome friend Aaron and I traded for some good. We both were in very interesting points in our lives. Me busy learning home brewing and him getting experience at Busted Sandal and now working for Mad Pecker brewing of Texas. We have definitely come along way especially with the growth of our websites. Check my Aaron’s kick ass beer and metal pairings at www.beermetaldude.com. Some of the best inspirations in pairings that will definitely make you beer experience ever more awesome! I also want to thank his friends at Five Stones brewery out in Texas. Mahalo! guys once again as I was able to obtain the follow up beer to the Aloha Piña. I loved that beer and now this one with Tequila oak chips, MAN….. Well, enough imagining, let’s see how this one breaks into dimensions of taste. Cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, Papaya, Pineapple, Agave, oak hints, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, grapefruit hints, peppercorn, honey, lavender, hibiscus, mezcal, lemon, caramel, vanilla, jalapeño hints, cherries, strawberries and biscuit bread.

Flavors:
Lots or Rich pineapple, toasted oak, Tequila notes, mezcal, jalapeño at mild heat, agave notes, cane sugar, sangria hints, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, dragon fruit, oranges, mango, papaya, kiwi, lemon grass, honey, rye bread, vanilla, caramel hints, biscuit bread, herbs, spices, flower notes like hibiscus, chamomile hints and lavender, peppercorn, Stone fruit apricots, apples, agave lechugilla hints (Mexican Agave juice), white grape notes, coriander spices, banana notes, clove hints, honey comb and mild sweetened condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
The Jalapeño heat lingers mildly but the pineapple, cherries, strawberries and other tropical flavors soothe and then lots herbs, oak, stone fruit, tequila notes, mezcal, coriander and banana hints linger. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy peach color medium body, Crisp, refreshing and slightly smooth mouthfeel, as well as an easy to medium drinkability.

Overall:
All I have to say is, make sure you order a pizza to go with this beer. Especially a Hawaiian with Jalapeños and cherries if they have it. You would come close to the awesomeness of this beer. Reminding me so much of the Aloha as it is the base for this but the Tequila unleashes other flavors that make this beer much more complex and takes it another step further than it originally could. Thanks to my good friend Aaron for hooking me up with this delicious treat which I could definitely have way more of it. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Nonon Jakuzure from Kill La Kill was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair mainly the skeleton of the label but also some of the tropical colors and the red colors that would come from sangria and the berry flavors which I think came about thanks to the special aging of the beer. Nonon is pretty much a rebel without a cause, jams to her own beat and compliments this beer as the breweries experiments are a masterpiece and music to the tastes buds.

Sources:
http://img.4plebs.org/boards/tg/image/1387/66/1387669796830.jpg
http://img0.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/Anime-Anime-Art-Kill-la-Kill-1931263.png

Esa Negra Linda by El Borracho Homebrewing

August 27, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Black India Pale Ale, black ipa, Bleach, Caifanes, Chinook Hops, collaboration, El Borracho Home Brewing, El Borracho Homebrewing, Esa Negra Linda, Home brewing, Hops, india pale ale, IPA, Jaguares, Magnum Hops, That Black Beauty, Yoruichi, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Esa Negra Linda by El Borracho Homebrewing is a 6.7% ABV Black IPA brewed with extra Magnum Cenntenial and Chinook hops.

==Introduction==

Esa Negra Linda or “That Black Beauty” was the name given by my friend Will Carranza to his first ever, Black IPA. This one was made with extra Magnum for bittering and the centennial and Chinook hops were for aroma.. I gladly assisted will on brewing day as brother help each other out when it comes to the home brew stuff like my other brother and homebrewer Richard of Avila Ales. While the original recipe and ideas were all Will’s you can almost say this was a collaboration in terms of me helping him out. So I bring forth, another awesome home brew and possibly the last for summer 2015 (what can we say, it’s too damn hot to make beer on a budget!) Hell, I still gotta review my 2 other homebrews I barely finished before the temperatures skyrocketed and we could no longer brew. Anyways, it is always a pleasure when Will donates to the site his awesome creations and always loving each as it comes by. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Rich citrus, pineapple, lychee, honey dew melon, grapefruit, floral, piney, grassy, herbal and earthy hops, minty notes, anise, coffee hints possibly from the roasted malt, licorice hints, anise and caramel.

Flavors:
Citrus, piney, grassy, herbal, grapefruit, earthy, and floral hops, pine apple hints, honey dew melon, lychee, Caramel, dark chocolate hints, anise, licorice, roasted malts, molasses, dark fruit prune hints, mango hints, brown sugar, clove spice, kumquat hints, coffee notes, lemon and mint.

Aftertaste:
Earthy hop notes, coffee, anise, tropical notes, citrus, dark chocolate hints and lots of nice bitter hops linger for a little bit. No alcohol in the taste, dark as the ether of space full body, smooth, creamy and crisp mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A deliciously good Black IPA. This IPA is on that level where the hops shine through to let you know you really are drinking an IPA, it just a dark IPA at that and the maltiness adds enough character to make it interesting. The balance is decent and for hop heads this means that the best flavors from Black IPA are delivered here. I hope my friend makes this one again or a variant using different hops as it was very delicious and would love to get some more. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was used in this pairing to represent the name and the feel of the beer. Esa Negra Linda represented by the beautiful Yoruichi who is a ninja fits this beer perfectly. Like the night she strikes without warning. She is the fastest being in the world of Bleach and like this beer, it goes down very smooth and quick. It flows right through like the way a ninja attacks swift and firm for the kill and no ones the wiser. Her strength is in the complex flavors the extra hops provide but combine with the dark beer to make it shine like a light in a dark room. An elegant lady, a beauty, but deadly… If looks could kill well, fortunately, this will be the only time you see her before she strikes!

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Shihouin.Yoruichi.full.1878848.jpg

2015 Quingenti Millimitre Series Batch No. 2 Xocoveza Mocha Stout Extra Añejo Collaboration by Chris Banker, Stone Brewing and Cerveceria Insurgente de Mexico

August 22, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Añejo Tequila, Adelita, Backstreet Billiards, bittersweet chocolate flavors, Cerveceria Insurgente, Cervezeria Insurgente, chocolate abuelita, Chris Banker, Cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, Collaboration Beer, Dulce de leche, May, mexican beer, Mexican Revolution, Milk Stout, Mocha Stout, nutmeg, Red Wine, Red Wine Barrels, Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Stone Brewing, Sweet Stout, Tequila, Tequila Barrel Aged, vanilla, Viva Mexico, wine barrel, World class, world class beers, Xocoveza, Xocoveza Mocha Stout Extra Añejo | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

2015 Quingenti Millimitre Series Batch No. 2 Xocoveza Mocha Stout Extra Añejo Collaboration by Chris Banker, Stone Brewing and Cerveceria Insurgente de Mexico is an 11.3% ABV World Class Milk/Sweet Stout brewed with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg then aged in Red Wine & Tequila Barrels.

Label:
Pronuced (SHO-CO-VAY-ZA)

Brewed July 19 & November 11, 2014
The base beer is the recipe of 2014 Stone Homebrew Competition winner Chris Banker, an intensely flavorful milk stout brewed with coffee and spices to mimic the rich flavors of Mexican hot chocolate.

In The Mash
U.S. Pale, Maris Otter Pale, Crystal, Black Patent, Coffee Malt & Chocolate Malt

In The Boil
Challenger & East Kent Golding Hops.

Special Ingredients
Lactose, Flaked Oats, Coffee, Vanilla, Pasilla Peppers, Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Cocoa

AGED in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels that previously held Bordeaux Wine

CELLAR NOTES: We were so smitten with the initial batch aged in extra añejo tequila barrels that we brought in more barrels and brewed more beer specifically to fill them. The barrels smelled amazing, with aromas of vanilla crème brulée, dulce de leche and tequila. The result is both satisfyingly expected and surprising at the same time: Sweet caramel-like flavors, black pepper, vanilla and tequila notes meld seamlessly with the spice, roasted coffee and chocolate flavors of the base beer for a richly intense experience.
==Introduction==

Standing in line for 3 hours sucks and getting a chance to get only 1 bottle since the beer sold out within the hour sucks even more. I will tell you this thought, even if I did not know it was going to sell out so damn quickly, I am fortunate to be able to bring this beer to the website as the beer was way more coveted than it should have been. That and the fact that if you wanna get more of this, you will need to trade or look for it online. It is sad that they only made so few of this and the fact that the Bourbon Barrel version sold out quicker than the Tequila version (Although I personally wanted this one way more than the other one) so now I will have to look for the bourbon/charred version. Either way, let’s take a look and see if this beer is really all that is cracked up to be. I can only say the original blew mountains away so I’m kinda scared but excited to see what this one does. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich oak, Port wine, Agave syrup, Tequila notes, lechugilla agave juice hints, pan dulce, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, marshmallow smores, butterscotch, magey plant, mocha, roasted coffee notes, cafe con leche, Mexican vanilla, Wined Goat milk Caramel/Dulce De Leche de cabra Envinado, coconut hints, cocada mexican coconut candy hints, wine grapes, sangria vampiro, honey comb, Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Dulce De leche cajeta/caramel, Kahlua Liqueur, Ancho chile, pasilla chile, Molé, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, dark cherry, Milk sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, Champurrado, earthy notes, molasses, clove spice, grilled platanitos/bananas and Churros

Flavors:
Tequila, oak, Wine grapes, port wine, sangria vampiro, honey comb, Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Dulce De leche cajeta/caramel, Kahlua Liqueur, Ancho chile, pasilla chile spices but no heat, Molé, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, dark cherry, Milk sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, Champurrado, earthy notes, molasses, clove spice, grilled platanitos/bananas, Churros, agave necar, lechugilla agave juice hints, pan dulce, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, marshmallow smores, butterscotch, magey plant, mocha, roasted coffee notes, cafe con leche, Mexican vanilla, Wined Goat milk Caramel/Dulce De Leche de cabra Envinado, coconut hints and cocada mexican coconut candy hints.

Aftertaste:
Cinnamon, pumpkin notes, nutmeg, dark chocolate, chocolate abuelita, mezcal, tequila, oak, port wine hints, spicy chile notes, agave notes and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste despite the richer ABV, ridiculously smooth drinkability, very creamy, velvety and smooth mouthfeel, and pitch black body just like the original.

Overall:
It’s hard to get more Mexican than this beer unless you pair it with some actual Mexican cuisine. Holy shit, one of the Best Tequila beers I have ever had considering the original was one of the best chocolate abuelita beers. It is so damn complex that I really wonder if the charred one is even necessary. Bourbon really isn’t a “Mexican” Spirit, but maybe good though. I still think this one would win over the bourbon one. Either way, I am thankful I was able to at least snag a bottle while it was painful for me to see the line behind miss out so much would have given them the bottle. However, I feel the fact that I present my findings here on the site maybe more beneficial as it could make you wanna find it online/ trade for yourself. Well, I damn sure recommend it as a bucket list beer for sure y que Viva Mexico y Las Cervezas Artesanales de mi patria…. AHUEVO!!

Anime Corner:
An original Adelita character by Genzoman and May from Backstreet Billiards for the PS1 were chosen in this beer to really bring out what made Xocoveza so damn special. Specifically, with the addition of Tequila along with the Mexican Hot chocolate flavors and Insurgente which were one of the 3 collaborators of this beer, I really wanted to show case an actual Mexican pairing with pride. Adelitas being women soldiers during Mexican revolution of 1910, along with the barrels behind her are like the Tequila barrels that were infused with the already awesome Xocoveza which I had brought May for that to show case the indigenous roots of the recipe as well. Solo lo mejor!

Sources:
http://genzoman.deviantart.com/art/Adelita-162831459
http://s27.postimg.org/ht9xex4cj/bsb_copy.jpg

Cyanide & Hoppiness by Flat Tail brewing

August 22, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American IPA, Apricots, Cyanide & Hoppiness, Cyanide and Happiness, dragon fruit, Flat Tail brewing, Hinanawi Tenshi, Hops, india pale ale, IPA, lychee fruit, passion fruit, Touhou, Touhou Project | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Cyanide & Hoppiness by Flat Tail brewing is a 7.5% ABV American IPA brewed with Apricots.

Label:
*Does Not Include Actual Cyanide
You hold in your hands the perfect fusion between a beer and an internet cartoon. One half hops, barley, and a stainless steel, the other half digital comedy transmitted across the world via electric cables. As you take your first sip, you’ll be transported to a world of offensive stick figures and puns, hop cones, and golden waves of grain. Tasty beer meets tasteless comics, Hops meet Cyanide, Cyanide & Hoppiness.

Get it?

==Introduction==

Originally brewed for the San Diego Comic, this beer was a collaboration with Cyanide and Happiness Comics and Flat Tail Brewing. I was introduced to the comics when I first started my new job about a year ago. My fellow coworkers Anthony and Luna showed me these hilarious stick figure comics that reminded me so much of the Oatmeal. Who knew they would ever come out with an IPA? Which is really awesome because as different genres of entertainment and hobbies start to mix with the craftbeer, we get to see more and more pairings. I for one take stand at introducing the genre of anime and beers with my reviews, pairings and even my home brews. Hopefully one day I can bring about the genre close to those that really love both! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich stone fruit apricot and peach aromas, pears, mango, pears, kiwi, apples, exotic dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee fruit, grapefruit, citrus, tangerine, sweetened condensed milk hints, guava, tropical papaya, pineapple, tres leches/3 milks cream hints, vanilla, coconut hints, strawberry, raspberries, prickly pears, gummy bears, toffee, vanilla, biscuit bread, grassy, herbal, dank, floral and piney hops

Flavors:
Rich citrus, stone fruit peaches, apricots, pears, apple hints, mango, kiwi, guava, tropical papaya, pineapple, exotic dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee fruit, grapefruit, citrus, tangerine, sweetened condensed milk hints, vanilla, biscuit bread, grassy, herbal, dank, floral and piney hops, strawberry notes, tres leches/3 milks cream hints, vanilla, coconut hints, raspberries, prickly pears, gummy bears, toffee and wild flowers.

Aftertaste:
Rich apricot, tropical notes, mango, grapefruit, grassy, piney and floral hops, gummy bears and oranges. No alcohol in the taste, hazy tang colored light to medium body, silky, syrupy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Hot Diggity damn, such a damn great IPA! So much of the tropical fruits that I love from an IPA are pushed more forward into the flavors than absolute hop bitterness but actually balances out. For a 7.5% ABV, it is not overpowering in some aspects. I feel even the most novice of craft beer enthusiast will have a special place for this one. You should definitely look for this one if you can find it.

Anime Corner:
Tenshi Hinanawi Touhou project was used in this beer pairing as I wanted to pair with the colors of the label but just the crazy amount of fruit flavors and freshness that are in this one. The summer is almost over but this one has been one of the top for the summer for sure. As a bonus, I wanted to through in a little tribute and do a pairing with Cyanide and Happiness and their anime comic they did. Perfect pairings!

Sources:
http://orig06.deviantart.net/9e25/f/2014/189/4/e/tensi______________by_peonymochi-d7pqrsg.jpg
http://explosm.net/comics/1355/

Proprietor’s Reserve 2013 No. 001 PNC (Publican National Committee) by Firestone Walker

August 20, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Agave, Agave Nectar, aged in Bourbon Barrels, buck wheat, Buckwheat Stout, Firestone Barrels, Firestone Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, FW, Imperial Buckwheat Stout, Imperial Stout, PNC, proprietor's reserve, Publican National Committee, Ryoko, Ryoko Hakubi, Tenchi, Tenchi Muyo, Tequila, Tequila Barrel, Tequila Barrel Aged, World class | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.35/7

Proprietor’s Reserve 2013 No. 001 PNC (Publican National Committee) by Firestone Walker is a 13.7% ABV World Class Imperial Buckwheat Stout brewed with Agave Nectar aged in Tequila Barrels, Bourbon Barrels and retired Firestone Barrels.

Label:
This bold and deliciously complex beer is an Imperial Buckwheat Stout aged in Tequila barrels for 13 months. Only a collection of pioneering, well seasoned, extensively traveled and passionate pub owners could come up with such a notion. A massive grain bill consisting of Pale, Munich and toasted Canadian Buckwheat was blended with pearled drum-kilned barley from Chile, a generous amount of Wisconsin roasted wheat and a slug of British Crystal malts. A couple of lumps of Mexican Turbinado sugar were added for good measure while we loaded the kettle with Styrian Golding hops. This carefully calculated collision of flavors, concocted over copious amounts of Orval well into the night, was laid down in fresh Tequila barrels wrangled over our southern border by the beautiful Meg Gill. W simply call this beer “PNC” in honor of its collaborative creators – The gothic symphony of flavors speak for themselves.

The week that the PNC rolled info Paso was one to remember , but more importantly, the PNC’s role in the Craft Beer Revolution should never be forgotten.

Cheers to the PNC!
Matt and the FW Crew

Ideal Aging Temperature: 45F

==Introduction==
It has been 2 years since the release of this beer and only at the actual brewery or through trading could this one become available. An elusive beer, yet the one that I really wanted to get my hands on. Thanks to some online sites like www.mybeercollectibles.com, this is a possibility. The one beer of their Proprietor’s Reserver series that was aged in Tequila and a component of the Firestone XVI Anniversary ale (considered on of the supreme best). Who knows if this beers was such a component that took that beer to the awesomeness it became but only here and now will I find that out. That and the fact that it has been sitting in condition for more than 2 years, well, that is just damn amazing. Cheers! To this beauty of a beer!

Aromas:
Tequila, oak, rich agave, sangria vampiro, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, mezcal, pancho pantera milk chocolate shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, roasted coffee,bourbon, toasted coconut, honey comb, sweetened condensed milk, capirotada raisin bread pudding, vanilla, mazapan, pecan pie, soy sauce, anise, port wine, dark fruit raisins, black cherries, currants, blackberries, tamarind, smokey marshmallows smores, graham crackers, lechugilla agave juice, sugar cone, cane sugar, rock candy, candi sugar, grilled banana hints, almond joy chocolate, buckwheat roasted, coffee notes, earthy notes, molasses, anise and licorice.

Flavors:
Deep Dark chocolate, mezcal, pancho pantera milk chocolate shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, roasted coffee,bourbon, oak, tequila, rich agave, sangria vampiro, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, buckwheat roasted, coffee notes, earthy notes, molasses, anise, licorice, dark fruit raisins, black cherries, currants, blackberries, tamarind, smokey marshmallows smores, graham crackers, lechugilla agave juice, brown sugar, aloe, floral hints, fruit cake, toasted coconut, honey comb, sweetened condensed milk, capirotada raisin bread pudding, vanilla, mazapan, pecan pie, soy sauce, anise, port wine, piloncillo sugar cone, cane sugar, rock candy, candi sugar, grilled banana hints and clove hints.

Aftertaste:
Smokey notes, cane sugar, agave, Sangria Vampiro, marshmallow smotes, rocky road ice cream, rich dark chocolate, roasted coffee, dark buckwheat roast, super dark fruits and rich dark rock candy. No alcohol in the taste despite the ridiculous ABV, Dark eternal full body, rich, smooth creamy, syrupy, velvety, mild bite to the mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Two years into the aging and I never thought how crazy good this beer could be. It is very rich in dark fruit, oak, mezcal, mild tequila, agave sweetness, licorice and a whole bunch of complex goodies. Distinguishing how much actually went into the Firestone XVI Anniversary is definitely hard but some of the individual flavors of this one are a major component of that one but also the flavors you see in Parabola and Velvet Merkin such as the Rock Road Ice cream flavors. I have no idea how you can get this beer as I don’t see this much anywhere which makes me hope they re-release this great beer again. For now, just hope you can trade for it or buy it if possible.

Anime Corner:
Ryoko Hakubi from the Tenchi Muyo series was used in this pairing as she is one of my favorite anime characters from when I was growing up during High School. A Bad ass girl with monstrous beauty and strength. Her hair resembles the Agave plants that are harvested for its creation in the world of Tequila. Her space pirate outfit works in conjunction with the dark colors of the stout while the other colors represent the other flavors and complexity such as the Sangria and Mezcal with her yes as gold as the rich honey and hazelnut sweetness. With the other beers from Firestone in terms of their reserve beers, I have always paired them with something that best represent the beers in terms of job class, like a fantasy game. Parabola= Knight, Stickee Monkee=Monk, Velvet Merkin=Sorceress, etc. Ryuko the Space Pirate represents somewhat of an organization acronym. In this case, an organization or Pirates!

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/58/b8/91/58b891d1e2d2d1652ef2a8f6aa8d0ad3.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/d5f890c2a627a250e1ab60bff82aad7f/tumblr_nrgy7tOSn01s1mohso1_1280.png
http://img01.deviantart.net/13fe/i/2014/020/c/2/ryoko_with_lighthawk_wings_by_tr3s_sss-d730i4o.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/468286
http://i.imgur.com/5R2AP8M.jpg

Victoria by Inland Empire brewing

August 20, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Strong Ale, Blood Oranges, Ghost Sweeper, GS Mikami, Hops, Inland Empire, Inland Empire brewing, Orange blossom honey, Orange Honey Blossom Honey, orange zest, Reiko Mikami, sourdough bread, Victoria | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.35/6

Victoria by Inland Empire brewing is an 11% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Orange zest and Orange Blossom Honey.

Label:
Named after Victoria Avenue in Riverside where we get oranges to hand zest. The orange zest lends a slight bitterness, which together with the hops, creates a unique citrus flavor and aroma. Orange blossom honey is also added to augment the already apparent malt flavors. Enjoy!

==Introduction==

Inland Empire is making some great brews as I heard but this is actually the first time I get a shot at one of these brews. I got this one at craftshack.com since I have yet to even see one in my side of the neighborhood. At 11% ABV, American Strong this seems like a winner as there aren’t many American Strong beers out there that are purely Strong and do not belong to a specific style but are very rich in flavor. If that is the case, then this one must awesome! Let’s take a look a this one. Cheers!

Aromas:
Great amount of malty deliciousness like caramel, orange honey blossom flowers, honey, maple, Oranges, Blood Oranges, Citrus, Tangerines, Grapefruit hops, caramel, vanilla, rye bread, mango, butterscotch, sourdough bread, flower notes, oak, earthy hop notes, toasted barley, butterscotch, sourdough bread, flower notes, oak, earthy hop notes, toasted barley and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Oranges, Blood Oranges, Citrus, Tangerines, Grapefruit hops, rich honey, rich toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rye bread, mango hints, butterscotch, sourdough bread, flower notes, oak, earthy hop notes, toasted barley, toasted coconut hints, dark fruit raisins, dates, figs, dark cherries, stone fruit apricots, honey dew melon, dragon fruit hints, passion fruit, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, flan hints, brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk hints.

Aftertaste:
Grapefruit hops, rich honey, toffee, vanilla, stone fruit, dark fruit, earthy hints and toasted coconut hints. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full deep amber and honey body, creamy, syrupy and velvety mouthfeel and way too easy to drink despite the ABV and should be take in carefully.

Overall:
Reminding me of Double Bastard but with more citrus and honey flavors, this beer is pretty damn exceptional! For being named after a Mexican Lager, this is not that light lager beer and is a completely different Victoria! The dangerous part about this beer is its drinkability. I almost finished the bottle just by trying to figure out all the goodies this posses. Citrus, Honey, Malty goodness and all around awesome. A definite winner and one I will need to seek again if I can find it. If you can find it, it is a must win win!

Anime Corner:
Reiko Mikami from Ghost Sweeper Mikami was used in this pairing as I wanted to contrast the rich flavors of the beer such as the orange, honey, complex fruits and malts as well as complement the label. Mikami shows her flavors like orange and honey of her hair, green hops in her eyes and her dress of complex dark fruits. She is strong in the show as represented by the ABV and it is her sexiness that makes this beer attractive and smooth.

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

Chronology:12 by The Bruery

August 20, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Belgian Waffles, bourbon barrels, chocolate truffle, Chronology:12, Dulce de leche, English Old Ale, Izayoi Sakuya, milk Chocolate, The Bruery, Touhou, Touhou Project | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.85/6

Chronology:12 by The Bruery is a 16.7% ABV English Old Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels for 12 months.

Label:
TICK TOCK
12 months Oak Aged Ale
This English-Style Old Ale is the second in a chronologically aged series that will be released at 6 month intervals for a fascinating view of evolution.

Our Chronology series is an experiment with time. A single beer will aged in bourbon barrels and be released 6, 12, 18 and 24 month periods. Delicious while fresh, but existing to taste side by side upon each subsequent released as time moves forward.

==Introduction==

It has been another 6 months since the release of the original Chronology. Sold to members of the Reserve and Hoarders Societies of the Bruery. A this point, you can actually visit the Bruery and may get a taste if it is still available. So as stated before in my last review, the challenge of this beer is to figure out what has changed either for the better or for the worse. An interesting challenge they present. Lets take a look at the 12 month version shall we?

Aromas:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, coconut, marshmallows, milk chocolate, almond joy chocolate, chocolate truffle ice cream, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, piloncillo sugar cone, waffle cone, Belgian Waffles, peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, raspberry syrup, Danish cookies, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, black currants, plums, figs, raisins, honey, bananas, clove spice, waffle cone, port wine and almond joy chocolate.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, port wine hints, rich coconut, vanilla, coconut macaroons, oak, bourbon hints, marshmallow smores, flan, crème brulee, brown sugar, pecan pie, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apples, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, black currants, plums, figs, raisins, honey, bananas, clove spice, Danish cookies, cookie dough ice cream, maple syrup, capirotada bread pudding, sweet potato, milk chocolate, almond joy chocolate, chocolate truffle ice cream, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, piloncillo sugar cone, waffle cone, Belgian Waffles, peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk hints and raspberry syrup along and coriander hints.

Aftertaste:
Dark and Stone fruit forward, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, piloncilo sugar cone, coconut hints, spicy notes, oak, and earthy notes. Mild alcohol in the taste, dark crimson full body, sipping drinkability, creamy, smooth and syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Time has done this one well. It is definitely getting smoother and the flavors while still complex as ever, seem a little more complex but much of the same. Nothing too crazy has changed except the richness of them. Like some flavors are a little sweeter and overall, still a very rich and delicious little beer. You can’t go wrong with this one but maybe the best one will be in 18 months. We will see, until next time and cheers!

Anime Corner:
Sakuya Izayoi from the Touhou project was used in this pairing similar to Rosette but since I wanted to do a different character but similar to the theme of time and pairing with the beer, Sakuya was the good choice as the colors and the theme of time best pair with the beer. You can almost say she also represents aging too.

Sources:
http://konachan.com/image/db0f7c5190ed9968f5c198284ca025a4/Konachan.com%20-%20185051%20izayoi_sakuya%20touhou%20youyi.jpg
http://i2.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2014/02/07/04/04/57/41444965_p0.jpg

Marshmallow Milk Stout by Garage Brewing Company

August 20, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged campfire marshmallows, Garage Brewing Company, Marshmallow Milk Stout, marshmallows, Meiya Mitsurugi, Milk Stout, Muv-Luv Alternative, Sweet Stout, total eclipse | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

Marshmallow Milk Stout by Garage Brewing Company is a 7.1% ABV Sweet/Milk Stout brewed with Marshmallows.

Label:
We believe in making out fresh craft beer from only the finest ingredients. And gues what? It’s really good. Pure decadence with none of the gooey mess… and if you close your eyes, you’ll picture yourself nestled around a campfire.

==Introduction==

Obtained online at craftshack.com along with some other fine beers. This is the second time I try a Garage brewing beer. While I really wish the mango heffeweizen was really good but for some reason, I guess mango and heffs just don’t mix. I will give it the benefit of a doubt because it could have been a bad bottle but also, there hasn’t been another mango heffeweizen I have tasted before so I am sure I will have to try it again. As far as this one goes, I definitely wanted to try it especially since I never tried a marshmallow stout before. Garage brewing definitely has the heart to experiment on some good brews and I really love their ideas which is the reason I got this Marshmallow Stout. Let’s take a look and see what it has to offer.

Aromas:
Milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, chocolate milk shake, Yoohoo chocolate, mocha chocolate, Cocoa Puffs Cereal, Count Chocula Cereal, vanilla, marshmallow cream, crème brulee, Rich Chocolate Marshmallow Smores, graham crackers, waffle cone, milk sugar, dark fruit cherries, currants anise, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, almond joy chocolate, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream and cookie dough.

Flavors:
Cocoa Puffs Cereal, Count Chocula Cereal, vanilla, marshmallow cream, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, chocolate milk shake, Yoohoo chocolate, mocha chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, brown sugar, crème brulee, Rich Chocolate Marshmallow Smores, graham crackers, waffle cone, milk sugar, dark fruit cherries, currants anise, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream, cookie dough, Irish cream hints, peanut butter hints, maple syrup, flan, sweetened condensed milk and tres leches cake.

Aftertaste:
Great amount of chocolate, crème brulee, marshmallow, vanilla and caramel sweetness lingers. No alcohol in the taste, deep dark full body, smooth, creamy, syrupy and silky mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Holy shit! Major awesomeness with this one. Like it literally is very direct with the marshmallow flavors which is what carries the beer. A real smores chocolate marshmallow and coffee mocha beer. This beer is pretty damn insane and surely surpasses the mango beer I tried a while back. A true and awesome sweet milk stout that is highly recommended. Now I just have to find another one.

Anime Corner:
Mitsurugi Meiya from Muv-Luv Alternative was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair the colors of marshmallow and chocolate as they are over a fire like chocolate smores. The fiery background represents that. Meiya’s hair also represents the the other flavors of the dark fruits, cherries and other sweet complexities. Sexy and sweet just like the rich dessert that flows easy as this beer does. Of course, for such a beer, looking bad ass is definitely a plus and just adds that much more to it.

Sources:
https://animebeers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/b093d-muvluvanimewallpaper5starsphistarsworthywallpaper.jpg

The Patsy by Barley Forge Brewing

August 20, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Stout, Barley Forge Brewing, coconut, Cowboy Bebop, creme brulee, dark chocolate, Julia, Maple Syrup, milk Chocolate, Rye, rye bread, Spike, The Patsy, Vicious | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

The Patsy by Barley Forge Brewing is a 6.6% ABV American Stout brewed with Coconut and Rye.

Label:
No Horsing around – your quest for the holy grail of ryes has ended, brave traveler. Set down that heavy load and clap hands for the dense tropical flavor of this unusual stout, brewed with flaked rye, chocolate rye, several specialty malts, and a hefty amount of coconut. This medium-bodied beer offers rye spiciness balanced by sweet coconut with hints of dark chocolate and espresso. The perfect pair for a hearty winter meal, or to reward you after a journey through the Kingdom of Mercia.

==Introduction==

I first had this beer at the Bruery Copperversary and since then I was blown away. My friend Oscar originally told me about how good this beer was and I was like damn! Forward several months later and here we are. Total Wine, with the selection on deck, was enough for me to get this beer and bring it for a review. I wish they sold it in bigger bottles but this is great as I think I will need to go ahead and find more if there are still some at the store. This beer is pretty mind blowing. Let me break it down to let you know how it is, cheers!

Aromas:
Buttery caramel, vanilla, Rich toasted coconut notes, fancy coffee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hazelnut nectar, coffee cake, espresso, Java, Kahlua liqueur, caramel, toffee, maple syrup, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberry hints, steamed milk, rye bread, molasses, anise, almond joy chocolate and Danish, crème brulee hints and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Espresso, Java, Kahlua liqueur, rich roasted coconut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hazelnut nectar, coffee cake, vanilla, caramel, toffee, maple syrup, steamed milk, rye bread, molasses, anise, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberry hints, butterscotch, flan notes, cinnamon, Irish cream, Danish, crème brulee hints, marshmallow smores, earthy notes and almond joy chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Rich coffee, marshmallow, rich coconut, caramel, earthy notes and maple syrup. No alcohol in the taste, Deep dark full body, silky, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Such a damn perfect stout! One of the best coconut beers out there. I definitely think on par or above with the Belching Beaver Coconut Milk stout. This beer reminds me of a morning fancy coffee at a really fancy coffee house. It is pretty crazy how delicious this little bottle is. I need to find more and I highly recommend it once you are able to find this one. For being Barley Forges first beer I review, this is an ultimate winner!

Anime Corner:
Julia, Vicious and Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair the meaning of the name which is the Patsy or the person that is taken advantage of. I’ll be honest, while it sounds like you are taken advantage for really wanting this beer so much, there is nothing wrong this one. If you the audience are the person at the bar, then meeting up the wrong crowd could be a bad thing. Lucky for you, this is the safest crowd and one of the most bad ass ones at that to hang out for sure. They make sure you don’t become an actual patsy.

Sources:
http://static.minitokyo.net/downloads/37/15/595787.jpg?1244386258

The Dread by Elysian brewing

August 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Annet Futanabi, El Viento, Elysian Brewing, Final Fantasy 4, Final Fantasy IV, Imperial Stout, Leviathan, Oak Staves, Rydia, Rydia of the Myst, The Dread | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/6

The Dread by Elysian brewing is a 9.2% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Oak Staves.

Label:
As Dark as your darkest fears, The Dread is a constant, lurking companion, encircling you with dark malts, a touch of rye, and the engulfing complexity of oak aging.

==Introduction==
Essentially, their awesome Dragonstooth aged in oak Staves. So if Dragonstooth is a dragon then aging it it in oak for the briny deep ocean of dark flavor goodness, sounds a lot to me like sea dragon of some sorts. Either way, getting what little I could find hidden behind the shelf at the local Total wine where I barely noticed it dude to being all the way in the back made me realize how coveted this beer was. It truly was extremely coveted as I can only assume many craft beer fishers had fished this out many times out of the sea that is the craft beer shelves at the store. Damn, lucky to find a sea monster like this. Let’s see what is up with this one.

Aromas:
Rich oak, coffee, toasted coconut, marshmallow smores, dark fruit raisins, plum, figs, currants, Deep dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, marzipan, mocha, vanilla, caramel, leather, smokey notes, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, oats, cookie dough, caramel cake, roasted barley, brown sugar, port wine hints musty grapes and molasses.

Flavors:
Deep dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, marzipan, roasted coffee, mocha, vanilla, caramel, toasted coconut, oak, marshmallow smores, dark fruit raisins, plum, figs, currants, rye bread, molasses, anise, leather, smokey notes, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, oats, cookie dough, caramel cake, roasted barley, brown sugar, port wine hints and musty grape notes.

Aftertaste:
Coffee notes, Rich oak, rich chocolate notes, smokey hints, Earthy notes and rye. No alcohol in the taste, silky, creamy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A bit above exceptional this monster is! Reminding me of the Chocolate Oak Yeti, with its rich oak and chocolate infused flavors surely getting heavier as the beer warms up to room temperature. I think I really fell for this one reminding me of the great Dragonstooth I tried oh so damn long ago but also taking it to the next level. I don’t think this special sea monster will last long, even if Elysian’s distribution has gotten greater. Highly recommended though.

Anime Corner:
Annet Futanabi from El Viento and Rydia of the Myst with Leviathan from Final Fantasy IV were used in this pairing as I wanted to show case the dread, as seen by Annet’s face in the pairing, that is felt when being chased by a huge deep oak sea monster. Opening this bottle is a damn struggle when you realize the crazy flavors and aromas this has. However, even at the deepest darkest parts of the ocean, by having the magic to tame a monster like Rydia of the mist has, you can really take on the beer and make it your own sipping and enjoying everything the sea beast onslaughts on you palate.

Sources:
http://orig08.deviantart.net/95ad/f/2007/313/9/e/annet_vs_glumper_by_jaredjlee.jpg
http://images.forwallpaper.com/files/images/9/94be/94bea18b/908061/final-fantasy.jpg

Grandpa Brians Caramel Apple Pie by Brew Rebellion

August 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged apple pie crust, Asada Shino, Brew Rebellion, caramel apple, Caramel Apple Pie, Grandpa Brians Caramel Apple Pie, Old Ale, pecan pie, rye bread, Sword Art Online II | 4 Comments

Rating: 6/5

Grandpa Brians Caramel Apple Pie by Brew Rebellion is a 9.4% ABV Old Ale brewed with Caramel Apple Pie Flavors.

==Introduction==
Got this one at Craftshack.com. After trying many of the Brew Rebellion beers such as white chocolate raspberry and Peanut Butter Jelly for example, this one seemed to strike some flavor chords in my mind. The whole Caramel Apple Pie idea was just damn scrumptious and way too delicious to pass up. So I definitely wanted to get it along with the other goodies I got from the site. Since Brew Rebellion has had a great track record with me, let’s see how true their experiment shines here, cheers!

Aromas:
dark fruit boysenberries, raisins, blueberries, black berries, dates, figs, figgy pudding, strawberry preserves, rye bread, strawberry short cake, rich Butterscotch, Red Apples, Green Apples, Pecan Pie, brown sugar, Rich dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, coconut hints, toffee, walnuts, hazelnut nectar, cotton candy, marshmallow, smores chocolate, cinnamon, Pistachio ice cream, burnt caramel, grilled bananas, clove spice, funnel cake, Stone fruit peaches and Irish cream.

Flavors:
Rich Butterscotch, Red Apples, Green Apples, Pecan Pie, brown sugar, Rich dulce de leche caramel, vanila, coconut hints, toffee, walnuts, hazelnut nectar, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, dark fruit boysenberries, raisins, blueberries, black berries, dates, figs, figgy pudding, strawberry preserves, rye bread, strawberry short cake, cotton candy, marshmallow, smores chocolate, cinnamon, Pistachio ice cream, burnt caramel, grilled bananas, clove spice, funnel cake, waffle cones, buttery caramel popcorn and toasted rye bread.

Aftertaste:
Sweet caramel, caramel, apple pie, cinnamon, earthy notes, dark fruit soaked rye bread and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, Dark brown crimson medium body, creamy, velvety, syrupy and silky mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Holy Malty Bombs Batman!! Is it me, or is it everything I keep trying from Brew Rebellion so far has been damn mind blowing. I don’t get it, but somehow they have mastered some crazy beer flavors of the likes I have not seen other than the Bruery and possibly Belching Beaver and the great extent, Terrapin. I am not sure how they do it but it taste way too close to what they were going for. I love this beer!

Anime Corner:
Shinon/Sinon Asada from Sword Art Online 2 was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair a girl with the color of green apples as green apples are what usually define caramel candied apples. Also, as Shinon’s colors look very similar to camouflage, it goes with the whole grandpa thing as many grandpa’s have stories of war and such but the cool part is they be making some very delicious apple caramel apple pies. Shinon in this pairing contrasts and complements just that. Cheers!

Sources:
http://orig04.deviantart.net/45aa/f/2014/344/9/d/sword_art_online_2___sinon_by_januaroreo-d89c10w.jpg
http://pic.prepics-cdn.com/akuchoo/36199260.jpeg

Calm Before The Storm by Ballast Point

August 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Ballast Point, Bodacious Space Pirates, Calm Before The Storm, Coffee Beans, cream ale, Marika Kato, vanilla beans, Victory at Sea Imperial Porter | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Calm Before The Storm by Ballast Point is a 5.5% ABV Cream Ale brewed with coffee and vanilla beans.

Description:
Calm Before the Storm came from a quest for a warm weather alternative to our Victory at Sea Imperial Porter. Like its more robust cousin, we infuse a punch of flavor using cold brewed Caffé Calabria coffee and a hint of vanilla. But this time, we added it to a lighter-bodied golden cream ale. The end result is a surprisingly bright, coffee-forward beer that’s perfectly refreshing.

==Introduction==

A beer inspired by the original Victory at Seas. I sure as hell had to try this and see what all the fuss about this one was about especially for being a cream ale I figured it would be just another awesome dessert like the original Victory at Seas. While I did brew a similar beer that I will be reviewing in the up coming days, I wanted to see what flavors of this I can contrast with the Belgian Golden Stout I made with Milk, Coffee, Chocolate and Vanilla. Either way, I think the fact that this is light, maybe it will be so drinkable too and would be the best for those who like to drink several on a summer day. Let’s check this one out and set sail!

Aromas:
Coffee notes, milk chocolate, vanilla, toffee, smokey hints, grains, caramel, coffee cake, brown sugar, pecan pie hints, toffee, oatmeal hints, Irish cream hints, cookie dough and coconut hints.

Flavors:
Coffee, vanilla, chocolate milk shake, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, peanut butter hints, light grains, coconut hints, cookie dough, vanilla flan hints, caramel, coffee cake, brown sugar, pecan pie hints, mild smokey notes, earthy hop notes, toffee, oatmeal hints, Irish cream hints and milk sugar.

Aftertaste:
Milk shake notes, earthy hop notes, marshmallows, caramel, flan hints, smokey notes and white chocolate hints. No alcohol in the taste, Golden amber clear light body, creamy, milky, crisp and mildy silky mouthfeel with a easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good ale if you want something sweet and flavorful but also light. Some of the flavors were not super bold and rich like the Victory at seas, but the fact that it is light and drinkable, the fact that there is so much flavors and characteristics going on this beer that you forget that you are drinking a light beer and can definitely keep drinking another bottle or 2. Nice job Ballast Point. It really is hard to compare my beer to this as it is not the same style but the flavors I get in this is only a small amount of the flavors I get in my beer for sure. Mine has cool skeleton too 😛 . Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Marika Kato from Bodacious Space Pirates was used in this pairing as I wanted to go with the whole pirate thing and a calm one at that. The whole scenario in space where there is nothing going on and Marika being calm and collective represents the gentleness of flowing through the sea of starts in a ship similar to the skeleton in the label. Just a great pairing overall.

Sources:
http://img2.3lian.com/2014/f5/16/d/85.jpg

Mango Hefeweizen by Garage Brewing

August 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Garage Brewing, Guilty Crown, Hefeweizen, Inori Yuzuriha, mango, Mango Hefeweizen | Leave a comment

Rating: 2.5/5

Mango Hefeweizen by Garage Brewing is a 5.5% ABV Hefeweizen brewed with mango.

Label:
We believe in making our fresh craft beer from only the finest ingredients. And guess what? It’s really good. Winning a gold medal at the LA international Beer Competition in 2014 proved it. It’s so delicious, you’ll have to resist drinking it too fast.
==Introduction==

Obtained this beer at craftshack.com. By the looks of it, I was really intrigued as I thought how cool the flavors of citrus, banana, clove spice and coriander would play with mango. I definitely had to try this beer and so I got it. In fact this is my first beer from Garage brewing and I really think it will definitely be awesome. It may give me some home brew ideas and see what to expect with this beer. So let’s take a look and see what it offers. Cheers!

Aromas:
Good mango aromas, wheat, coriander spice, mild grains, orange, citrus, banana notes, clove spice, pineapple and cane sugar.

Flavors:
Coriander spice, wheat, citrus, mango notes, grains, mild yeastness, cheese hints, orange notes, pineapple, cane sugar, lemon peel and funky notes.

Aftertaste:
Coriander, citrus, funky notes earthy notes and mild mango. No alcohol in the taste, cloudy and hazy gold body, easy to moderate drinkability and a moderate mouthfeel.

Overall:
A less average beer. I don’t know why but this one just didn’t sit right with me. The mango aromas were awesome but the flavors were something else. It wasn’t bad, but maybe mango just doesn’t play well with heffeweizens. Typically, I love heffs and I love mango so it surprised me. I might have to try it again to make sure it wasn’t the bottle but like I said, maybe mango and heffs just don’t work. I’d recommend a try if you are willing. Maybe your palette may like this one.

Anime Corner:
Inori Yuzuriha from Guilty Crown was used in this pairing as I wanted to show case some of the colors of the beer but also the use of tropical mango to show case the awesomeness of this German style heff. I think the colors really complemented the beers well even if the beer itself wasn’t what I thought it would be. Great pairing, okay beer.

Sources:
http://blog-imgs-54.fc2.com/g/a/z/gazouyakata/20121209010408b8e.jpg

Blood Orange Tangerine by Common Cider Company

August 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Blood Orange, Blood Orange Tangerine, Blood Oranges, Common Cider Company, Hard Cider, Tangerine, Tangerines | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5 *Cider Rating

Blood Orange Tangerine by Common Cider Company is a 6.5% ABV Hard Cider made with Blood Oranges and Tangerines.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one from the local Bevmo shop but also saw this one at Total Wine. Trying things that are not beer sometimes can be pretty damn amazing. Craft ciders are really stepping their game up and going into the craft beer realm with different ingredients and flavors. So When I saw this cider made with Blood Orange and Tangerine, I really couldn’t help but be really tempted to try it. So here is my review for the first Cider I try from Common Cider Company. Cheers!

Aromas:
Apples, hints of oranges, orange peel, vanilla, mimosa hints, orange zest, coriander hints, lemon candy, cane sugar, lychee notes, sour green apples and some floral notes.

Flavors:
Rich Blood Oranges, Citrus, Tangerines, Orange peel, apricot hints, lemon zest, orange zest, coriander, lemon candy, cane sugar, lychee fruit, sour apples, red apples, chardonay, mimosa cocktail, wine hints, grapes and hints of granola.

Aftertaste:
Orange peel, tangerine candy, lemon peel, Apples, cane sugar and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, golden light body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good cider that really focuses more on the citrus side of things. It works really well with the whole aspect of being a cider. Meaning, even though this is an apple cider, the Orange and Tangerine goodness take over to showcase their flavors as being more a cider made with the oranges and tangerines more than they are of the apples. Very good cider and I would recommend it to those that love ciders.

Anime Corner:
This original character was used to complement the color of oranges, tangerines and blood oranges. Blood oranges in the sense that when I think of blood I think of evil or devious. So it works with the character looking like a little devil but the cuteness is the sweetness. The strength in the sword represents the bolder citrus flavor that really carries this cider through and through.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/432089-700×1200-original-ss0l+%28skghek%29-single-tall+image-looking+at+viewer-light+erotic.jpg

Hop Squeezed Tropic Hunter by Nubis Sanctum Ales

July 17, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged amarillo, Arizona Wild Flower Honey, banana mango, citra and mosaic hops, Citra Hops, Double India Pale Ale, Double IPA, Home brewing, Hop Squeezed Tropic Hunter, mango, mango puree, Nubis Sanctum Ales, Samus, Samus Aran, Simcoe, Triple India Pale Ale, Triple IPA, tropical flavors, tropical IPA, Wild flower honey | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.95/5

Hop Squeezed Tropic Hunter by Nubis Sanctum Ales is an 11% ABV Double (Triple) India Pale Ale brewed with Mango Puree, Arizona Wild Flower Honey, Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo and Simcoe.

Label:
The Last Mango is in Captivity. The Galaxy Hops, are at peace… as they were not harmed in the making of this beer…

Tropic Hunter S.A.M.U.S (Savor Analyze Monitor Unite & Save)
Log OG:1.100 FG:1.020…
Login METROIPA…Accepted…
Transmitting Data—->
“My name is SAMUS. I first encountered the Mango-troid colony on their home Planet Citra Zest. It was there that I was introduced to the rich delicious Nectar these creatures produced. These creatures though harmless had offered me something I’ve never seen in all my visits through the Galaxy of Barley way. The Mango-troids, after pollination which would involve squeezing sugars from fruits and hops, would then leave behind a secret bitter sweet liquid that was gold in color and aromatic like the tropical fruits of the Planet 4U2EAT. My mission… To collect a sample of this ambrosia and present it to the lab for analysis. Here is what this liquid is composed of:

Ingredients: Water, Malts, Amarillo, Simcoe, Mosaic & Citra Hops, Freshly made Mango Puree, Arizona Wild Flower Honey, Candi Sugar and San Diego Super Yeast.

As I completed my mission, a Mango-troid followed me back to my ship. I think it is a baby. So it seems I was able to produce enough of the ambrosia with the help of the Mango-ling that I am providing some for your research as well!

SAMUS Over And Out… Cheers and see you next mission!”
End Transmission…

==Introduction==

Project#9 is my attempt at brewing a tropical double IPA and an inspiration from El Segundo’s Power Plant as well as the Sure Bet Double IPA from Pipeworks is this beer right here. While studying a good recipe for a couple months and buying ingredients bit by bit, I finally was able to create my first ever IPA in the similar recipe to tribute to some of my favorite tropical/leche nestle Triple IPAs out there. I have no idea if my beer can even top the Pliny the Younger but I hope it can beat the elder atleast. Either way, it was a lot of work, a great learning experience and one damn great beer I was very proud to make. Cheers!

Aromas:
Mango hints, Wild flower hints, rich citrus, rich pine needle, herbal, floral, grassy and grapefruit hops, tropical fruits like guava, prickly pears, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, lychee, pineapples, apricots, stawberrries, raspberries, cherries, tangerines, tuna fruit, stone fruit peaches, creamy vanilla, caramel, agave notes, sweetened condensed milk, tangerine gummy bears, citrus peels, grapefruit peels, coconut hints, marshmallow and tres leches/3 milks cream hints.

Flavors:
Rich Mango, Wild flower honey, agave notes, tropical fruit like dragon fruit, papaya, kiwi, honey dew melon, strawberries, passion fruit, prickly pear, papaya, guava, piney, grassy, grapefruit hops, citrus, tangerine oranges, orange peel, grapefruit peel, sweetened condensed milk, caramel, toffee, vanilla, stone fruit apricots, banana hints, raspberries and cream hints, orange gummy bears, mild coconut hints, tres leches/3 milks cream hints, almonds and macadamia nut hints.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Orange peel, Grapefruit peel, Mango hints, Wild Flower honey hints, caramel, gummy bears, tangerines, tropical fruit hints, and stone fruit hint with left over piney hop goodness that pops for a bit. Slight alcohol in the taste, Golden Amber Honey full body, silky, syrupy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability

Overall:
While I give it 5 stars for the rich flavors I still was disappointed slightly that my carbonation was definitely not on par. There is a slight amount of head but not a lot of carbonation. Call it beginners foil but also a great learning lesson. Don’t get me wrong, I really love this beer it is damn scrumptious but with the carbonation it would have been way better. Either way, I know for next time and surely, next time I make an IPA and do secondary, definitely pitching some extra yeast to compensate for the high ABV but also the yeast viability after those several weeks after fermentation finished. A perfect yet “semi flat” yet super tropically delicious masterpiece.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Metroid was used in this pairing as I wanted to give representation of the whole tropical colors and flavors as shown in the label by the metroids being the mangos and Samus squeezing them extracting this very IPA. The idea was solid and I lived it. I give more details in the label description but the shine of the beer in its strength, love, passion and dedication to making one of the best tropical IPAs I could. The lil’ metroid baby sure loves to help out Samus(Squeeze)! But I digress. Maybe the condensed milk like hints were… nah it couldn’t be 😉 …

Sources:
http://genzoman.deviantart.com/art/Metroid-259341497
http://planetgameboy.de/images/db/58621.jpg
http://orig09.deviantart.net/4d4e/f/2015/045/d/1/metroid___samus_be_my_valentine_by_genzoman-d8i0z23.jpg

(Double Review) 2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout and Stone W00tstout 2.0 (1year aged)

July 17, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 2015 W00tStout, abuelita chocolate, Aisha Tyler, arrogant bastard, Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, beer collaboration, beer geeks, Beer Hybrid, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Stout, bourbon barrels, caramel pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, Collaboration beers, dark chocolate, Drew Curtis, Evangelion, Fark.com, flan, Geek Beer, Greg Koch, Hop Heads, Imperial Stout, Mari, Mari Illustrious Makinami, mocha coffee, Neon Genesis Evangelion, pecan pie, quadruple, Rei, Rei Ayanami, rye bread, rye toast, sci fi, star trek the next generation, Stone, Stone Beers, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout, Stone Ground Chocolate, Toasted Coconut, toasted pecans, toasted rye bread, w00tstout 2.0, wheat, Wil Wheaton | Leave a comment

It has been ages since I have done a double review. However, this type of review is no exception. This is actually a pretty damn special type of double review that gains the notoriety every year. Meaning, people and all beer geeks love W00tStout. It is just plain and simple. This year, I bring for the W00tstout 2.0 that was aged for 1 year and the 2015 W00stout which, to my surprise, was a blend of the W00tstout 2.0 with the original recipe. Talk about supreme epicness right there. So I decided to dissect both of these individually and come to terms as to which one I love the most. The newer one that is a blend of the old one or the older one. So let’s check these babies out, cheers!

2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout Review
2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (3rd year release) collaboration is a 13% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with rye, pecans, wheat, hops, awesome (beer + sci-fi)*geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in bourbon barrels then blended with W00tstout 2.0 and all aged in bourbon barrels once again. W00t!

Label:
Wil Wheaton first called us in 2004 ask if it’d be OK for him to put the Arrogant Bastard logo on his blog’s website (back when people still asked permission to do such things), and I just so happened to answer the phone (back when I still answered the main line sometimes). Since he was so damn enthusiastic about our beers, I said ‘Sure, no problem,’ all the while thinking ‘Hmmm…this guy’s name sounds familiar.’

Months later, in a serendipitous turn of fate, I reached out to our 10,000th email newsletter subscriber…drumroll…Wil Wheaton. Since his gigs in the iconic Stand By Me and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wil has become quite the renaissance man, adding author, w00tstock innovator, and homebrewer to his resume. His enthusiasm for the fermentable arts and our beer was such that after many occasions of sharing grog over the years, we decided it was time to brew in collaboration.

It was a no-brainer for us to choose Drew Curtis—who many know as the twisted mind behind Fark.com—as our third cohort. Drew was an old friend of Wil’s that I had serendipitously met (when he saw me and told me, ‘Dude, I love your beer) and enjoyed many beers with at the famous TED conference three years in a row. The beer you hold before you is an imperial stout made with wheat (Wil pretty much insisted), and we also paid tribute to Drew’s Kentucky roots by adding rye and pecans to the mix and partially aging the beer in bourbon barrels. The result? Nothing short of serendipitous.”

In celebration of the third brewing of this annual offering, we added to the mix a version of last year’s vintage that we aged in bourbon barrels for a year. Consider it a superhero version of this sudsy staple of Hop-Con, our imaginary titled annual July W00tstout release event!

Brought in to put a personalized stamp on this year’s edition of w00tstout was famed comic-book cover artist Dave “The Reverend” Johnson. The Elsner Award winner, known for his work for DC Comics and Vertigo series “100 Bullets.” created the fine art for this bottle in exchange for out donation to The Hero Initiative (heroinitiative.org), a charity organization that provides retirement funds for golden-age comic book artists.
—–

Aromas:
Rich chocolate, rich banana split, rich Dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, sangria, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, flan, macaroons, toasted coconut, mocha coffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, banana notes, hazelnut, rye bread, butterscotch, toffee, licorice, brown sugar, molasses, pear, dark cherry and port wine.

Flavors:
Danish cream, hazelnut nectar, sweetened condensed milk, Rich Banana Split, Kahlua, dark and milk chocolate, molasses, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dates, mocha coffee, port wine, rye pie crust, bourbon, butterscotch, buttered praline ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, bananas, clove spice, fig pudding, raisin bread pudding, coriander spice, earthy notes, hints of mint, wheat toast, oatmeal cookies, flan cinnamon and whipped cream..

Aftertaste:
Rich Banana split, rocky road and milk chocolate, Dark fruit raisins, cherries, plums, prunes, hints of bourbon, port wine, oak, caramel and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, Syrup mouthfeel with a sipping drinkablity and pitch black appearance with not much head retention.

Overall:
I have no idea how crazy this year’s version would get. Somehow, with the Cuvee blend of the W00tStout 2, the beer became more of a chocolate banana split and pecan pie forward beer. This is actually a great thing. Save several bottles of this one as who knows what this will be like when comparing it to the Super W00t when they release it from Berlin. For now, just know this year takes the best of both the original and W00tstout 2.0 and takes it to another level! W000000tttt!!

W00tstout 2.0 (1year aged) Review
Stone W00stout 2.0 (1 year aged) collaboration by Drew Curtis, Aisha Tyler and Wil Wheaton brewed at Stone brewing is a 13.5% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with flaked rye, wheat, pecans, hops, Stone-Ground Chocolate, awesome (beer + sci-fi)*geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels.

Label:
In 2013, our CEO and Co-founder, Greg Koch, invited two respected fans of craft beer, brewing and all things Stone to develop an intense, inventive beer capable of not only delivering immense ﬂavor, but also serving as a ﬁtting, singular celebration of über-level enthusiasm. Self-proclaimed geeks in a number of arenas, the duo of thespian and renaissance man Wil Wheaton and Fark.com online news guru Drew Curtis proved up to the challenge, calling on their personal backgrounds to devise an imperial stout brewed with ﬂaked rye, wheat and pecans that was partially aged in Kentucky Bourbon barrels. Shortly after being released, this creation—dubbed “w00tstout” in honor of w00tstock, Wil’s annual tribute festival to cross-genre geekdom—became an instant cult classic.

Despite the fact that Greg spent the ﬁrst half of 2014 on an international walkabout-style sabbatical, Wil and Drew were invited back to Stone to put a new spin on this threesome-borne beauty. All they needed was a third conspirator, and for that, they called on friend and fellow geek, Aisha Tyler. An actress, talk show host, comedian and author with a ﬂair for individuality, she brought an entire new dimension to the brew day, just as the stone-ground chocolate the trio added to the original w00tstout recipe added delicious depth to the beer.

A personalized stamp was put on this year’s edition of w00tstout by comic artist Dave Gibbons. The co-creator of the Watchmen series worked up the fine art for this bottle in exchange for a donation to The Hero Initiative (www.heroinitiative.org), a charity organization providing retirement funds for golden-age comic book artists.

He thought his super power to point out the obvious was the most useless “power” ever, until he realized many people don;t see that which is plain as day.
Drew Curtis is…Captain Obvious!

Limbs unwieldy and lank are her lithe tools of destruction. Years of Bradbury (and corrective lenses) gave her laser vision. Where once she stumbled into peril, now she springs toward it, headlong.
Aisha Tyler is…Lady Temerarious!

Flashes of his destiny occurred in his youth, but it wasn’t until he uploaded his consciousness to the digital realm, that his powers were revealed. Now, he brings hops and hope to a thirsty world.
Wil Wheaton is…The Mercene-ary!
___

Aromas:
Very dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, dates, Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Kahlua, Rich Bananas, toasted coconut, pecan pie, mocha coffee, molasses, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, port wine hints, rye bread, vanilla, oak, bourbon, butterscotch, hazelnut nectar, clove spice, earthy hop notes, mint, wheat toast, raisin bread pudding, rich chocolate banana split sundae, flan, sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, pecan pie, coconut, flan, sweetened condensed milk, dark, bakers, milk, Abuelita and Belgian Chocolates, Very Rich dark fruits like prunes, raisins, figs, dark cherries, black currants, grapes, almond joy chocolate, raisin bread pudding, Danish cream, Chocolate eclair, chocolate moose, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal, hot fudge sundae, mocha coffee, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, licorice, port wine hints, rye pie crust, bourbon, oak, hazelnut nectar, butterscotch, clove spice, vanilla, hazelnut nectar, whipped cream, crème brulee, brown sugar, wheat toast with nutella, mint and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits, Banana split sunday, flan, dark cherries, milk and dark chocolates, pecan pie, whipped cream, bourbon, oak, caramel, earthy hops and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer, syrupy mouthfeel and pitch black appearance with hardly any head retention such as the previous.

Overall:
I can honestly say, time has done miracles for this version of the beer. Along with the rich dark chocolates that come about, the rich dark fruits are more forward along with an even bigger and richer banana split and nutty flavor. The richer combination of the dark fruits and chocolates reaches some of the Belgian Quad notes and Belgian Stout notes stronger than it did last year. I highly recommended bringing this one out of the cellar if you have it as trying them both side by side, I could tell I love this one even more for its chocolate and dark fruit forward goodness but yet, I love the other one for its Banana split goodness. W00t!!!

Anime Corner:
Mari Illustrious, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sohryu Langley/Shikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion were used in this years pairing of W00tstout and W00tstout 2.0. Just like last year, I wanted to represent the 3 collaborators Wil Wheaton, Drew Curtis and the addition of Aisha Tyler which to Greg’s Place last year. Now that Greg’s back, we can use them interchangeably as you can see Greg being Asuka from the original and Mari being Asisha cheering on their hard work. Don’t worry, Drew is and Wil are there as well, kinda lol. Great Job and Cheers to all Sci-Fi, Anime and Beer fans out there!

Sources:
http://www.bankoboev.ru/…/Bankoboev.Ru_evangelion_3_devushk…
http://www.zerochan.net/full/661580
http://konachan.com/…/Konachan.com%20-%20154543%20sample.jpg

Rating: 6/6 2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (3rd Edition)
Rating: 6.2/7 W00tstout 2.0 (1 year aged)

La Roja Du Kriek by Jolly Pumpkin

July 15, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Kriek, cherry juice, Flanders, Flanders Red Ale, jolly pumpkin, Kriek, La Roja Du Krie, oak barrels, Polly Ester, Polly Esther, Pururun, Puss N' Boots, Samurai Pizza Cats, Sour Amber Ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

La Roja Du Kriek by Jolly Pumpkin is a 7.5% ABV Sour Amber Ale brewed with Cherry Juice and aged and oak barrels.

Label:
3,100 gallons of 2013 La Roja meets 50 gallons of Michigan tart cherry juice to combine in a melliflous melody of sour and tart Joie De Vivre! Sip, Savor, Enjoy!

==Introduction==

The Tale of Puss N’ Boots returns! From the original La Roja and La Roja reserve which I tried oh so many years ago. The Puss has come back to bestow some honor to the original showing what it truly means to be the bearer of the cherry goodness. It is hard to explain exactly how this works but I am here to bring this forth and see how the cherry juice and aging the beer again can really change it into something more of a true honorable warrior. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich pungent and funky cherries, lavender, hibiscus, rose petals, Sakura cake, cherry ice cream, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, rye bread, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee fruit, Oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, Black Cherry yogurt, Cherry cobbler, Tart Raspberries, chocolate hints, Cherry cordials, wine grapes, Strawberry Danish, Rye bread with cherry preserves, biscuit bread, and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Tart Cherries, Cherry ice cream, Lemon peel, lemon juice, Oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, Black Cherry yogurt, Cherry cobbler, Tart Raspberries, chocolate hints, Cherry cordials, wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, rye bread, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee fruit, coriander spice, lavender, hibiscus flowers, rose petals, Sakura cake, oatmeal cookies, Irish cream, Strawberry Danish, Rye bread with cherry preserves, biscuit bread, raspberry Chambord liqueur and Belgian Candi Sugar.

Aftertaste:
Tart cherry yogurt, wine grapes, dark fruits, stone fruits, oak, cherry and strawberry cream, vanilla, caramel, lemon peel and hazelnut. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, creamy, Crimson Amber medium body and a moderate drinkability. It is meant to be enjoyed.

Overall:
Wow, the whole Kriek aspect with La Roja elevates the original so much. A sweet fruit and wine tart combines and explores into realms that I have not seen with this one before. Realms that the Flanders beers of Belgium and even Kriek fusions into that cherry balance that some do better than others. I love the sweeter aspects but some of the sour aspects too of those Belgian beers. This one has learned to gracefully land on it’s feet of balance and carry both the sweet and tart while still showcasing so much. A must try for sour beer, flanders and kriek lovers alike!

Anime Corner:
Pururun/Polly Esther from Samurai Pizza Cats was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair with the noble return of the great Red Cat Puss N’ Boots. Polly being Red and an awesome and powerful character at that was the best to show case this beer and pair. The best part was the awesome Japanese art that so closely fits with the style of the Jolly Pumpkin art that I was blown away and had to take a step back at such a melding masterpiece. You would think that there was nothing Japanese about the label as the Cat has a general coat in like a French setting and yet you look at the pink leaves floating around. Pink Leaves? More like Sakura leaves… Puss N Boots is an honorable french knight, musketeer and samurai. An honorable beer for an honorable cat just like Polly!

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/71/35/9b/71359bf3498a09dc5124e4f972f8672d.jpg
http://livedoor.4.blogimg.jp/jin115/imgs/1/6/161f18e2.jpg

Side Project #25 Liquid Lunch by Terrapin

July 15, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged black raspberry jam, cocoa nibs, Hell Knight Ingrid, Imperial Porter, Liquid Lunch, peanut butter, Raspberries, Raspberry Jelly, Side Project #25, Taimanin Asagi, Terrapin | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Side Project #25 Liquid Lunch by Terrapin is a 7.7% ABV American Imperial Peanut Butter and Jelly Porter brewed with Cocoa Nibs, Peanut Butter and Raspberries.

Label:
Side Project #25. Cut off the crust and unwrap the flavor of this fruit centric beer. Hand crafted using real raspberries, “Liquid Lunch” Peanut Butter Jelly Porter combines all the elements of a familiar lunch time snack.
==Introduction==

Peanut butter Jelly Time Remix! Baseball bats is where its at and break it down!

This is the second time I get to try a peanut butter and jelly beer. The firs one I tried was the John Paul Jones Peanut Butter & Raspberry Jelly Imperial Stout by Brew Rebellion which was awesome. Funny thing though, is that I was actually looking for this one way before that one came out. So now that I have a bit of taste experiences in the PBJ Sandwich beer department, I want to see how this one compares to the other one. This one being a porter should indeed be different from the stout but let us see just how different. I am glad I was able to find this beer along with Maggie’s Blackberry Cobbler. Wish we could get more Terrapin beers in the west coast. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich peanut butter, butterscotch, Reese’s peanut butter cup cereal, nutter butter cookies, roasted peanuts, candi sugar, brown sugar, mocha, lactose milk, molasses, anise, hazelnut, butter pecan ice cream, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, black berries, blue berries, black cherries, currants, plums, cherry cheesecake, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, banana notes, rocky road ice cream, rock candy and rye toast.

Flavors:
Tart raspberries, rich smooth peanut butter, butter pecan ice cream, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, black berries, blue berries, black cherries, currants, plums, cherry cheesecake, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, banana notes, wine grape hints, choco flan, cocoa crispies, oatmeal cookies, coffee cake, Reese’s peanut butter cup cereal, nutter butter cookies, roasted peanuts, candi sugar, brown sugar, mocha, lactose milk, molasses, anise, hazelnut, toasted rye bread, marshmallows, vanilla and raspberry ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with good hints of peanut butter, dark fruit and tart raspberries, dark chocolate, marshmallows, vanilla, caramel and cookies. No alcohol in the tasted, smooth, creamy, silky and velvet mouthfeel, easy to drink and a pitch black full body with crimson head.

Overall:
Just as exquisitely exceptional as the Joseph James Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Stout but with this one focusing more on the dark fruits and tart raspberries where as the other one is more chocolate goodness but both still head forth with that rich peanut butter and raspberry jelly flavors forward. I really don’t mind the so called natural flavors and such and for many who don’t try craft beer, this would be pure gold. Pick it up, this is a very rich magic potion. Where You at? It’s peanut butter Jelly time!

Anime Corner:
Hell Knight Ingrid from Taimanin Asagi was used in this pairing as she represents so much of the colors in the peanut butter and jelly as well as the complex flavors and sweetness of strength delivered in the beer as mentioned in my description. The pinks for the raspberries, the dark skin of chocolate and peanut butter, the purples and blues for the complex dark fruits and essentially since it is a dessert beer like liquid bliss, her sexiness empowers the beers just that much more!

Sources:
https://archive.loveisover.me/foolfuuka/boards/e/image/1405/71/1405711452465.png
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/81/84/c2/8184c27449c8cc9473efce178655fb18.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eqfHlTr.jpg

2015 Reserve Series Maggie’s Blackberry Cobbler by Terrapin

July 15, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged american farmhouse, Blackberry, Blackberry Cobbler, Farmhouse Ale, graham crackers, Imperial Farmhouse Ale, Maggie's Blackberry Cobbler, Pokemon, Reserve Series, Roxie, Saison, Terrapin | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2015 Reserve Series Maggie’s Blackberry Cobbler by Terrapin is a 8.55% ABV Imperial farmhouse Ale/Saison brewed with Graham crackers and Blackberry.

Label:
Maggie’s Blackberry Cobbler Imperial Farmhouse Ale is made with fresh blackberries and graham crackers for a taste you won’t soon forget. Reminiscent of the smell in Granny’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, this beer is liquid dessert for any home-cooked meal.

Cheers!
Spike & John

==Introduction==

While picking up the Liquid Lunch beer, I saw this one and I got nostalgic about Terrapin’s White Chocolate Moohoo. I remember how it blew my mind away similar to White Chocolate from the Bruery. The other thing too is that Terrapin makes some damn extraordinary beers that we don’t see here except for maybe Ramirez Liquor like the Moohoo milk. I want to see the Liquid bliss here which was my very first peanut butter stout. Sure, many make peanut butter stouts now a days but that one was my first. So yes, lot’s of love for Terrapin. The fact that they managed to make a beer so damn special it was like a Blackberry Cobbler, this I had to see for myself. Let’s slice up this pie and see what each spoonful of good dessert this is like. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit Rasins, plums, figs, Rich blackberries, cherries, currants, brown sugar, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rich bananas, clove spice, pecan pie, graham crackers, marshmallow smores, Blackberry Ice cream on banana pecan pie, orange gummy bear hints, Irish cream, cookie dough ice cream, hints of hazelnut nectar, blackberry bread pudding and blackberry cheesecake, stone fruit apricot hints, sweet peaches, cinnamon apples, cherry cobbler hints, coriander spice, citrus and lavender.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, clove spice, dark fruits like cherries, Rich blackberries, currants, black cherries, plums, figs, graham crackers, marshmallow smores, Blackberry Ice cream on banana pecan pie, prailines, dulce de leche hints, peppercorns, hay hints, concorde grape tart skin hints, flan, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin hints, molasses, stone fruit apricot hints, sweet peaches, cinnamon apples, cherry cobbler hints, coriander spice, citrus, rich floral lavender, orange gummy bear hints, Irish cream, cookie dough ice cream, hints of hazelnut nectar, blackberry bread pudding and blackberry cheesecake.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Blackberries notes, tart cherry skins, rich banana covered caramel, coriander and clove spice, cinnamon notes, stone fruit and dark fruit,earthy notes and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, crimson amber medium body, creamy, silky, smooth mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Love me some dessert beers! This one was quite the exceptional one tasting damn close to a banana cream and rich blackberry pie. It was very reminiscent of a German Dunkel, a Doppelbock or a Belgian dubbel but with the rich notes of the graham crackers and the blackberries this one skyrockets a lot of what I believed these great beers possessed to that sweet berry tooth level. Using graham crackers huh? Makes me think about some fall brew ideas lol. Either way, get this one right away before it is long gone. I really loved this one.

Anime Corner:
Roxie from the Pokemon was used in this pairing as I wanted to get the complex colors of Blackberries and the aspect granny with the whole white hair although she is young. The Black aspect is the Heavy Metal and the guitar. The colors she pushes forward is the passion and complexity that exist with this beer as well as the flavors of the complexity. Lot’s or love for this beer and lots of dessert flavors abound.

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2012-04-19-493109.jpeg

Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout by Nantahala Brewing

July 15, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Stout, Asagi Igawa, cherries, Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout, cocoa nibs, Nantahala Brewing, Oboro, Taimanin Asagi | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout by Nantahala Brewing is an 8% ABV American Stout brewed with cherries and cocoa nibs.

Label:
DAM RELEASE SEASONAL

Hide your Chocolate… Hide your Cherries…
Jack Frost’s out to get them in out annual brewed sweet, tart liquid version of a holiday classic. A complex stout brewed with a wintery mix of roasted and chocolate malts and Willamette Valley cherries, then aged to salivating perfection with cocoa nibs. Our Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout will knock your woolly socks off…and possibly melt away the doldrums of winter.

==Introduction==
Obtained this one while tying to purchase some good beer. I loved the label and the style as well as what it had to offer. You can’t go wrong with Cherries and Chocolate right? Well, as I have tried many beers in the past with cherries and chocolate, it is only fitting that I bring another one here to the site and see how it goes with this one. This is my first time trying Nantahala Brewing I thank you folks for making this one. Cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted coffee hints, tart dark cherries, dark fruit raisins, chocolate cherry cake, Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, caramel, vanilla, toffee, molasses, anise, rye bread, Irish cream hints, brown sugar, lactose milk sugar and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark fruits like cherries, raisins, tart cherry skins, caramel, vanilla, roasted coffee notes, chocolate cherry cake, Irish cream hints, almond joy hints, rye bread, molasses, anise, toffee, chocolate cherry cake, brown sugar, hazelnuts, tootsie roll candies and lactose sugar.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with roasty chocolate, cherry notes, vanilla, caramel, toffee earthy hop bitterness and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, smooth. Creamy and velvety mouthfeel, dark full body, with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious and almost perfect chocolate cherry stout. I really love this one and would recommend it if you are not into overwhelming chocolate and chocolate beers but enjoy and semi sweet chocolate and tart cherry experience. If you are looking for a full force cherry and chocolate onslaught, then Life is Like… is beer that will do that for you. I can honestly say I have had better choco cherry stouts before but this one is still very close to a perfect Cherry chocolate stout and definitely worth the find if you can find it ofcourse. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Asagi Igawa (purple) and Oboro (Pink) from Taimanin Asagi were used in this pairing to show case the struggle of Cherries and Chocolate. I would like to think that Asagi is the Cherries trying to fight off the onslaught of Oboro or in this case, the chocolates. If you know much about this series, you could see where I was going with this pairing in terms of a whole bunch of chocolates trying to pop the cherries if you know what I mean. Also, the whole thing with Asagi and Oboro laying on each other is the whole aspect of chocolate covered cherries if you know what I mean. Yes this one is a bit dirty but who didn’t say chocolate and cherries could be orgasmic foods.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/bPlV3IY.jpg
http://lump.co/lilith-asagi/pic?http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.animevice.com%2Fuploads%2F0%2F697%2F221266-ups15.jpg

Passion Fruit Prussia by 4 Hands brewing

July 15, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 4 hands brewing, Berliner Weisse, Luka, Luka Megurine, passion fruit, Passion Fruit Prussia, Sour Wheat | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.5/5

Passion Fruit Prussia by 4 Hands brewing is a 4% ABV Berliner Weisse brewed with Passion fruit

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
The name Prussia originates from Frederick the Great. Frederick was trained to brew this very delicate style of beer and later became the King of Prussia. Our interpretation of the Berliner Weisse style is very traditional. *New Release with Passion Fruit

The Passion Fruit Prussia is our non-traditional look at the classic Berliner Weisse style. Brewed with a generous amount of passion fruit, this beer pours golden in color with a nice tart finish. A perfect compliment to the summer heat.

==Introduction==

I got this one as an extra along with some of the other beers I ordered. You don’t often see passion fruit beers and I have never tried 4 Hands brewing beers before. Love the art work but I am definitely exited to try this passion fruit sour. Passion fruit fresh is an awesome and exotic fruit. Hope this comes out great, cheers!

Aromas:
Passion fruit, sour peppercorns, lemon peel, lime, strawberry, dragon fruit hints, tart pineapple, papaya, citrus, coriander spice, tomatoes, citrus honey blossom, sourdough bread, whet bread, floral notes and lemon candy and honey comb.

Flavors:
Lemon peel, Passion fruit, pineapple, sour peppercorns, dragon fruit, strawberries, Tuna, Tomato, lemon, wheat bread, white grapes, banana hints, oranges, honey, old mango hints, crackers, wet hay, floral notes, cereal grains, stone fruit apricots, lemon candy, sourdough bread, oak hints, lavender, hibiscus, coriander spices, cereal grain, honey comb and citrus honey blossoms.

Aftertaste:
Finishes tart and dry with minor hints of passion fruit and honey. No alcohol in the taste, clear gold light body, crisp, smooth, watery but refreshing mouthfeel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A decent Berliner Weisse pairing great with seafood as stated on the can. I can see that already especially since the hints of spices with the tropical fruit and vegetable notes will complement those seafood dishes. I would only recommend this if you love sour beers and would appreciate a nice passion fruit sour beer.

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid Megurine Luka with her Octopus/Squidy self were used in this paring since I wanted to portray the colors of the passion fruit in this beer as well as the fact that the squidy version of her reminded me a lot of those Venus fly traps with their vines being like the tentacles. I have used Luka in a previous Berliner Weisse before so I figured she is fitting to represent that tart fruit color and tropical complexity of this beer.

Sources:
https://hdwallpapers.cat/wallpaper/megurine_luka_taco_girl_anime_hd-wallpaper-987635.jpg

Philly Taco collaboration by Perennial Artisan Ales and Cigar City

July 15, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Brown Ale, Brettanomyces, C.C., cigar city, Cigar City Brewing, Code Geass, Kallen Stadtfeldt, Perennial Artisan Ales, philly cheesesteak, Philly Taco, pizza beer, taco beer, Tenchi, Tenchi Muyo, Washu, Washu Hakubi, Washuu | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.85/5

Philly Taco collaboration by Perennial Artisan Ales and Cigar City is a 7% ABV Belgian Brown Ale conditioned Brettanomyces.

Label:
The idea for Philly Taco arose from some ravenous late night hunger after our breweries teamed up for an event during Philly Beer Week in 2014. There is only one suggested food pairing for this beer. Go to Lorenzo’s, get a slice, and walk down to Jim’s on South St. Order a cheesesteak, preferably whiz wit, and roll that baby up.
Enjoy.

==Introduction==

One of the most prestigious and sought after breweries create a collaboration that is well, a midnight munchy liquid fest. I have no words for this but my wallet and mind acted on their own and now we have here is a beer that was brewed in the style of some crazy munchy inspiration. An party party late night beer whose recipe came to be during an after hour, graveyard shift hunger inspired session of brainstorming. Lots of Tacos, Pizza and Philly cheese steaks were consumed that night I’m sure!

Aromas:
Strong brett notes, peppercorn, funky cheese notes, earthy and herbal hops, basil, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar, Italian herbs, chocolate, rich biscuit bread, rye bread, caramel, cola hints, black IPA dark roast, coffee hints, tropical fruits of old mango, apricots, dark fruit figs, raisins, prune hints, rich clove spice, smoked oak notes, black IPA dark roast and coffee hints.

Flavors:
Italian herbs, chocolate, rich biscuit bread, rye bread, caramel, funky cheese notes, earthy and herbal hops, basil, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar, cola hints, black IPA dark roast, coffee hints, tropical fruits of old mango, citrus, dark fruit figs, raisins, prune hints, rich clove spice, smoked oak notes, rich rye bread, rich clove spice, peppercorn spice and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with a funky, herbal, earthy and malty dryness. Super thick dark brown full body, thick, creamy, smooth and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A very decent beer on the really weird side. The oddest thing about this beer is wanting to pair with some pizza, Philly cheese steak and other junk foods. Just like the overall theme of this beer represents, I couldn’t stop thinking about how the crazy flavors and ingredients used to make this beer seem to scream Philly cheese and pizza and to some degree, tacos in general. One of the oddest beers I have tried and one that I would recommend a try at least once to understand its weirdness. Not bad, but you better have something to pair with this fast!

Anime Corner:
Washu from Tenchi Muyo, Callen and C.C. from Code Geasse were used in this pairing to pair with the whole range of foody aspects starting with Washu and what looks to be tacos although it could be some other delicious dish. Callen and C.C. eating pizza combining themselves together is similar to the way the philly cheesesteak and the pizza are rolled into a taco. Taco Glory and pink tacos… I will leave that to the imagination. CC and the pizza and the taco… ummm..ok… that is enough!! Also, the liquid is from a juicebox, well, Don’t get any taco saucy ideas now. Carl’s Jr. used to have a quote saying: If it doesn’t get all over the place, it doesn’t belong in your face. We were young when that commercial aired, thanks Carl’s Jr for ruining our childhood! LMAO!!

Sources:
http://www.angelfire.com/wa/twizzlestix/images/washu9.jpg
http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/951/794/c26.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/hbodx0O.jpg
http://cfs11.blog.daum.net/image/1/blog/2008/10/02/00/42/48e39a553ffb9&filename=1001(43).jpg

Forgotten Tales of the Last Gypsy Blender Series 1 Volume 1 collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin and Celina Tio

July 15, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged american farmhouse, Celina Tio, collaboration, Farmhouse Ale, Forgotten Tales of the Last Gypsy Blender, jolly pumpkin, Julian and the Belfry, mango, Oak, oak barrels, Ruby, Rwby, rye bread, Saison, Tamarind, Tamarindo | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Forgotten Tales of the Last Gypsy Blender Series 1 Volume 1 collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin and Celina Tio is a 5.7% ABV American Farmhouse Ale/ Saison brewed with mango and tamarind and a touch of rye aged in oak barrels.

Label:
A JP collaboration with Celina Tio, Chef/Owner of Julian and the Belfry in Kansas City, MO.

Chef Tio and I designed this beer together through a running series of texts while planning a beer dinner . We would hold at her place in Kansas city.

Wandering Conversations detailing layers of flavors flew fast and jumbled through the ethersphere

I think we will become great friends – I wrote. And We did. She came to Dexter ad we brewed this beer together.

Laurie Jokes and now insists Celina and I must be long lost brother and sister.

Enjoy This Beer!
Ron Jeffries
Founder and Chief Squeegee operator.

==Introduction==

A new beer from Jolly Pumpkin! Their sours are the best and what really got me into trying sours back when I first started trying different beers. Since JP focuses on sours and saisons, they have perfected their craft better than other breweries have at least from what I can tell. Now a days, there are other awesome dedicated sour/saison breweries but back then, this was and I still think is king. This beer I bring here is made with mangoes and tamarind. First time I had tried a beer with tamarind and I can already see how delicious this could potentially be with the even Tajin seasoning. Let’s check it out, cheers!

Aromas:
wild flower petals, lavender, citrus, mandarins, honey dew melon, Rich Mango, Tamarind hints, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, peppercorn spice, sage, farmhouse hay, white wine grape hints, tart cherry notes, lemon peel, tart lemon zest, lemon, wild flower petals, lavender, citrus, mandarins, honey dew melon, honey, waffle cone and honeysuckle flowers.

Flavors:
Rich Mango, Tamarind hints, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, peppercorn spice, sage, farmhouse hay, white wine grape hints, tart cherry notes, hints of cherry cobbler, lemon peel, tart lemon zest, honey, waffle cone, honeysuckle, wild flower petals, lavender, citrus, mandarins, honey dew melon, oak, biscuit bread, vanilla, wheat bread, lemon dipped tangerine and rye bread.

Aftertaste:
Stone fruit with mango, biscuit bread, oak, tart cherry notes, and white grapes finishing dry. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy Golden Body, Crisp, refreshing smooth and bubbly mouthfeel with a easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
I loved this one! A very good sour with lots of fruity notes especially those from the mango and tamarind which I have not seen in a sour before. They really managed to pull it off very well with this beer and is very enjoyable sour that is not only in the sour presence but also in the rich fruit presence. Definitely worth a try!

Anime Corner:
Ruby from RWBY was used in this pairing to be the cloaked girl in the pic under the moonlight. The colors, flavors and presentation overall is awesome! I figured it was the great pic to represent the tamarind and fruit presence of the sour. Ruby is just the girl to bring some of that fruity tartness here.

Sources:
http://wallpapershacker.com/wallpaper/boots_snow_cross_scythe_redheads_moon_hd-wallpaper-3031955.jpg

Beret by The Bruery Terreux

July 14, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged american oak barrels, American Wild Ale, Beret, Cammy White, oak barrels, Raspberries, Sour Hefeweizen, Sour Wheat, Sour Wit, Street Fighter, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.35/6

Beret by The Bruery Terreux is a 9% ABV Imperial Sour Wit Ale brewed with spices and aged in oak barrels with raspberries.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Beret is as artistic as those who wear its namesake cap. Our brewers developed a silky, full-bodied wheat ale which we began fermenting with our house yeast strain. To finish the fermentation, we added our collection of barnyard bacteria, intended to slowly sour the ale, bringing out a slight funk and refreshing piquancy. Finally, a small dose of pureed raspberries were added for just a hint of fruity tannins, putting the berry in Beret.

==Introduction==

This is the first time I bring forth a beer from the Bruery Terreux and it is a pleasure as well as this beer is new to their line of sours. In the past, few of the Bruery’s beers have had issues with souring where there should have been none. Due to this issue, the Bruery has decided to keep their brewing processes in two facilities. It’s bound to happen as they love to experiment and some of those experiments create beers that the world has probably never seen and are indeed world class. One facility for their regular non sour stuff and the other dedicated to sours. So here is the first brew I was able to get from the souring line. Let’s see how this one goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Raspberries, Strawberries, cranberries, currants, Concorde grapes, Stone fruit peaches, tart apricots, white tart grape skins, orange peel, Floral notes like roses, coriander, peppercorn, banana hints, wheat bread, honey, toffee, vanilla, caramel, chardonnay, oak, marshmallows, waffle cone, brettanomyces, funky fruit, old mango, tart mandarins, lemon peel, lemon zest, biscuit bread and musty grapes.

Flavors:
Raspberries, Strawberries, cranberries, currants, Concorde grapes, Floral notes like roses, coriander, peppercorn, banana hints, Stone fruit peaches, tart apricots, white tart grape skins, orange peel, sweetened condensed milk, wheat bread, honey, toffee, vanilla, caramel, chardonnay, oak, marshmallows, waffle cone, brettanomyces, funky fruit, old mango, tart mandarins, lemon peel, lemon zest, biscuit bread, farmhouse hay hints, mushroom hints, rich sour apples, musty grapes and clove spice.

Aftertaste:
Wheat bread, stone fruits, raspberries, tart sour fruits, coriander spice leading into an oaky wine dryness. No alcohol in the taste, hazy gold clear to medium body, crisp, refreshing, mild creamy and smooth mouthfeel along with moderate drinkability.

Overall:
The abundance of tart, sour yet sweet with the really nice imperial wheat notes was a perfect combination going over that perfection mark as the beer is amplified into that full body sweetness with left over notes and not really dry. Love the strawberries in this and I really think doing more beers like this would allow people that typically don’t enjoy sours find them more appealing. This one is not overwhelmingly sour like others I have tried in the past. I would highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Cammy White from the Street Fighter series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the name of the beer and the label colors. Basically her wearing a Beret but also with the style beer closer to being in the European (Belgian Sour) style and her originally from Britain. It is kind of a stretch yes but it was a good excuse to use Cammy for the first time on a Bruery pairing.

Sources:
http://orig05.deviantart.net/75d8/f/2013/074/a/7/cammy_dcwj_new_by_dcwj-d5y3cgl.jpg
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Cammy-White-Lineart-by-Lchrno-342690411

Pierre Ferrand Billionare by Clown Shoes

July 14, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged clown shoes, cognac, Cognac Barrels, creme brulee, dragon fruit, English Barley Wine, Figgy Pudding, Matt Smith, passion fruit, Pierre Ferrand, Pierre Ferrand Cognac, stone fruit, World class, world class beers | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Pierre Ferrand Billionare by Clown Shoes is a 12% ABV World Class English Style Barleywine aged in Cognac Barrels.

Label:
What could be more distinguished than our Director of Operations, Matt Smith, gracing a billion dollar bill with a smirk and a neck beard? You! With this rich beer in your belly. The Billionaire is an English Style Barleywine Ale aged for sic months in 30 year old Cognac barrels we got from friends at Pierre Ferrand. Here’s to rare beer wishes and caviar dreams!

==Introduction==

I have never tried the original Billionaire beer but when I heard it would be available around my area and with Cognac barrel aging, I said, Sign me up!! Clown Shoes has made some pretty damn epic and phenomenal beers creating lots of various barrel aged gold and available in many areas. So without further a do, let’s check this one out shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, currants, stone fruit apricots, peaches, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple hints, Bananas, clove spice, Cognac, Wine grapes, Sangria, crème brulee, plantain, macadamia nuts, cookie dough ice cream, hazelnut nectar, leather, tobacco, rye bread, figgy pudding , butterscotch, marshmallows, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream hints, toffee, caramelized sugars, brown sugars, flan, sweetened condensed milk and stone fruits.

Flavors:
Bananas, clove spice, Cognac, Wine grapes, Sangria, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, currants, leather, tobacco, rye bread, figgy pudding, butterscotch, marshmallows, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream hints, toffee, caramelized sugars, brown sugars, flan, sweetened condensed milk, earthy hop hints, almond marzipan, pecan pie, molasses, anise, stone fruit apricots, peaches, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple hints, crème brulee, plantain, macadamia nuts, cookie dough ice cream, hazelnut nectar and coconut hints.

Aftertaste:
Lots of caramel, cognac, dark fruit, figgy pudding, hazelnut nectar, vanilla, port wine and leather. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor. Syrupy, silky, creamy and slightly smooth mouthfeel, Orange Caramel medium body and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Hot Diggity! Drinking this is really rich. Not monetary but flavor wise super duper rich. A whole lot of complex worlds are abound with this one. So much complex sweet and alcohol goodies everywhere. Cognac as well as many other barrel aged beers does wonders to barleywines and other high gravity beers. I would definitely get this one again! I highly recommend it as it will make you feel like a billionaire, at least flavor wise.

Anime Corner:
This original character was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair something that represents the many things money can buy in terms of the briefcase and the unlimited amount of goodies that flow from it. This character is green haired which represents the money and being a billionaire. The is very attractive and like many people would quote, “like a million bucks” or in this case, “a billion”. Her seduction and beauty yet complexity shines in this beer as the money represented by power and the ABV strength shines but it gets you lots of good feels and gets you pretty buzzed if not careful. Surely, she is worth the try.

Sources:
http://img0.reactor.cc/pics/post/full/Anime-rockman-South-Park-butters-stotch-2118647.jpeg

Espiritu Obscuro by Mill Valley Beerworks

July 14, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Belgian Chocolate, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Black Cherry, Bourbon Barrel Aged, chocolate abuelita, Dark Spirit, Espiritu Obscuro, Four Roses Bourbon, Four Roses Casks, Kill-LA-Kill, Mill Valley, Mill Valley Beerworks, Satsuki Kyurin | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Espiritu Obscuro by Mill Valley Beerworks is a 9.2% Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with spices and aged in Four Roses Casks.

Label:
Dark Belgian-style ale brewed with spices aged in Four Roses bourbon casks.

==Introduction==

Espiritu Oscuro or Dark Spirit is definitely what this was the carbonation started to have a mind of its own and really come alive. The beer was literally going insane even after I carefully poured it from the glass as you can see from the picture, it started to rise out of the glass making me think the foam was literally going to overflow. Ice cream Float Dark Belgian almost. The aroma was super complex which I will explain in more detail. I have never tried anything from Mill Valley but looking visually as to what I have experienced so far, I am pretty damn impressed. Now lets take a Dive into the dark soul of the beer shall we?

Aromas:
Supreme Dark fruit super chocolate explosion!! Dark fruit raisins, black cherry, figs, plums, prunes, dark cherries, boysenberries, blackberries, pomegranate, dark chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, rocky road ice cream hints, cinnamon dulce de leche caramel, flan and 3 leches/ 3 milks cake, Coffee, Mocha, black cherry yogurt, tobacco, leather, rye bread, molasses, rock candi, dark Belgian candi sugar, beet sugar, flan, pecan pie, clove spice, bananas, plantains, bourbon, marshmallows, vanilla and molasses.

Flavors:
Rich dark chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, Dark fruit raisins, black cherry, figs, plums, prunes, dark cherries, boysenberries, blackberries, pomegranate, Coffee, Mocha, black cherry yogurt, tobacco, leather, rye bread, molasses, rock candi, dark Belgian candi sugar, beet sugar, flan, pecan pie, clove spice, bananas, plantains, bourbon, marshmallows, chocolate smores, rose petals, oak wood, whiskey, rock candy, Belgian sweet bread, pilloncillo, vanilla, rocky road ice cream hints, cinnamon dulce de leche caramel, flan and 3 leches/ 3 milks cake.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits like cherries, prunes, figs, rich coffee and mocha notes, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, tobacco, bourbon, caramel, dark chocolate, cherry yogurt and marshmallows. No alcohol in the taste, dark like the antimatter of a black hole in space full body, sweet, creamy, silky, syrupy, velvety and very smooth mouthfeel and damn easy to drink for some unholy reason.

Overall:
WOW, this beer reminded me so much of Black Damnation III Black Mes it wasn’t even funny. For a pint bottle, I really want to get several of these now. For being my first beer from Mill Valley Beerworks, this is so damn amazing. They really have created a really unique beer that I am really not sure I could recreate but damn as well I will try. With super rich complexities at such the low 9.2% ABV, I have to figure it out. For the mean time you better make DAMN SURE that you get this beer as it is a killer and damn loveable and tremendous.

Anime Corner:
Kiryūin Satsuki from Kill La Kill was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to show something that looked like the fizz I got from the beer along with the dark fruit colors. The funny part about Satsuki which is Ryuko Matoi’s sister is that she has everyone kneeling before her might! An aura of light always shines upon her and is cast over the on lookers who dare defy her. Yet, if you were to take the opposite and stab the darkness of this beer with the light, you will still find Satsuki there as shown in this artwork, She shines supreme among the darkness to uncover the complexities of this beer and bring them to your unworthy tastebuds!

Sources:
http://img11.deviantart.net/57c3/i/2014/313/9/e/clear_cut__kill_la_kill___by_hatsoff_designs-d84ibb3.jpg

Great Lei by Belching Beaver

July 14, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Beaver, Belching Beaver, Great Lei, Hatsune Miku, india pale ale, IPA, passion fruit, piña colada, pineapple, Pineapple Colada, Rich Pineapple, tropical IPA, vocaloid | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.95/5

Great Lei by Belching Beaver is a 6.6% ABV Pineapple Colada India Pale Ale

Label:

Ivan made a cask called Pineapple Colada IPA. I could not believe how great it was. So Troy came up with a commercial recipe and brewed it . I thought, “Wow!” Lets call this the “Aloha Beaver” and we came up with this cool Hawaiian label. Well Thomas didn’t like that name so I had to change it. (Brewers can be a real pain) Mark had put a really cool lei on the beaver and I thought, “That’s a Great Lei!”. We’re not that imaginative so “Great Lei IPA!” it is. Thomas wanted “Good Lei” but he is not allowed to name beer anymore.

Cheers,
Tom

Ingredients: Water, Malt Natural Flavors Hops and Yeast

==Introduction==

I first had this one when visiting Belching Beaver while visiting San Diego. Having first enjoyed the peanut butter milk stout, I was sold on them to try much much more. They had the Horchata on tap as well as the Coconut Milk stout and the awesome Me So Honey beer. When trying the Great Lei, it seemed pretty good on tap but I did not really analyze it as I was most likely drunk and sold from the other beers there. Now that they released it to the market, all bets are off and it is time to review this and see just how this beer stands when I take my time with it. An honor to bring their beers to the table here at animebeers.com Cheers!

Aromas:
Good amount of tropics like Pineapple, toasted coconut, rum hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee, citrus, mango, guava, papaya, honey dew melon, mandarin oranges, vanilla, grapefruit, piney, grassy and citrus hops, tangerine gummi bears, prickly pears, Sweetened condensed milk, toffee, flan, Cocada Mexican Coconut candy, Strawberries, cherries, raspberries and biscuit bread.

Flavors:
Rich Pineapple, Malibu rum hints, toasted coconut, Sweetened condensed milk, toffee, flan, Cocada Mexican Coconut candy, Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, exotic dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee, citrus, mango, guava, papaya, honey dew melon, mandarin oranges, tangerine gummi bears, prickly pears, vanilla, grapefruit, piney, grassy and citrus hops, biscuit bread, sangria and blue curacao hints.

Aftertaste:
Pineapple, grapefruit, grassy hops, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, exotic fruits and toffee. No alcohol in the taste, Gold light to medium body, creamy, crisp, refreshing and chewy mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
The best beer of the summer! Or at least way better than I have ever had if from the tap. That begs the question, is it better because I took my time to analyze it or was I just too buzzed at the brewery to realize its greatness? Either way, a second time or even third times a charm. This beer is definitely worth having many many times and is an extremely well made IPA. I need to find this again!

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid Hatsune Miku was used in this pairing as I liked her tropical design in this with the whole pineapple and being at the beach. The colors paired nice and the fruit cocktail on a summer vacation getaway was definitely what triggered the feels in this pairing. Such a great pairing for such a refreshing and tropical IPA.

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2010-09-16-324704.jpeg