Enjoy by 12.05.14 by Stone brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10552402_10102186517972420_1301145406148242496_n 1526430_10102186518641080_3394603809825142377_nRating: 5.2/5

Enjoy by 12.05.14 by Stone brewing is a 9.4% ABV World Class Imperial India Pale Ale.

Label:
Devastatingly fresh
You have in your hands a devastatingly fresh double IPA. Freshness is a key component of many beers- especially big, hoppy IPAs – but we’ve taken it further, a lot further, within this one. We brewed this IPA specifically NOT to last. We’ve not only gone to extensive lengths to ensure that you get your hands on this beer within an extraordinarily short window, and we’ve sent a very clear message in the name of the beer itself that there is no better time than right NOW to enjoy this IPA!
____

Haven’t tried this beer in ages. Mainly since it was coming out so frequently I always tried to pass it up for other beers. I guess I decided screw it, I am doing another review of this one. Each release is the same I would think but the idea is to drink this one as fresh as possible without sacrificing the hop head theology of as fresh as possible. While me personally, I could care less about what hop heads think of freshness, but even a moderately fresh one, I will give it a round to see what flavors I can get from this. I think even at 9.4% ABV, freshness would get thrown out the window, but that is none of my business. Now let’s drink some of this tea. Cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, grapefruit, floral, herbal, piney and grassy hops, Rich tropical fruits like mango, dragon fruit, papaya, guava, passion fruit, lychee, honey dew melon,blue basil, oregano, lemon peel, garlicky, oniony, dankness, stone fruit peaches, apricots, plums, honey dew melon, tangerines, oranges, hints of sweetened condensed milk and milk coconut.

Flavors:
Rich hop flavors or citrus, grapefruit, floral, herbal, piney and grassy hops, biscuit bread, lemon peel, tangerine, oranges, caramel hints, super dank oniony and garlicky notes, oregano, basil, Italian herbs, Rich tropical fruits like papaya, mango, honey dew melon, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee, coconut hints, stone fruit apricots, peaches, plums, sweetened condensed milk and honey.

Aftertaste:
Sweet tropical notes, honey, herbs, citrus and grapefruit hops, dank oniony and garlic notes linger
No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink despite the ABV, clear body, silky mouthfeel, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
In comparison to when I had this over 2 years ago, they really perfected the freshness in this beer. This is super well balanced giving those tropical fruits I really love along with the hoppy, herbal and dank notes. So as to coming close to what I would think would be some of the best IPAs in the world like Pliny the Elder, Heady Topper and the new Power Plant, I would like to say, YES!! Ofcourse it is a player in the best IPAs. It is closer to Pliny in the herbal hoppy department but since it is balanced with tropical notes, It comes close to Power Plant too. Either way, maybe there is a reason they tell you to drink it fresh. Either way, great beer and a must have. Don’t worry, if you miss this one, they release it almost year round.

Anime Corner:
Morrigan Aensland from Dark Stalkers was used in this pairing long ago since she stands atop a stone gargoyle representing the Stone brewery. Her hair colors pair well with the label and those melons, I mean…. umm colors of the artwork represent the herbal and tropical complexities of of the beer flavors. Yes this beer is damn sexy and taste great!

Sources:
http://img1.ak.crunchyroll.com/i/spire4/1f1100e5ab84c8a3e2e8d7acb1bba84a1396195257_full.jpg
https://animebeers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/4bc03-jmorriganaensland.jpg

Horchata Imperial Stout by Belching Beaver

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

983819_10102186516689990_4052395402836735020_nRating: 6/5

Horchata Imperial Stout by Belching Beaver is a 9% ABV Imperial Milk Stout brewed with Horchata flavors.

Label:
Hecho En Vista , CA.

Made for our 2nd anniversary beer. Our Horchata Imperial Milk Stout is a salute to our over the border brothers who are making some fine craft beer. One of our brewers “Ivan the Terrible” lives in TJ and commutes to start his shift here at 2:00AM. He is also in charge of making our casks. When he made this Horchata with our own Milk Stout, we thought it was fantastic. Troy brewed it as an Imperial Stout and we just love it. Thought you might too. Notes of Coffee, Chocolate and Cinnamon.

-Tom
___

Belching Beaver has been making some crazy and delicious beers starting with the Peanut Butter Milk Stout. That beer is possibly one of the best Peanut butter beers ever. This time, they released an Horchata one and and to be honest, this just sounds way too good to be true. Even far fewer are there any Horchata beers out there and all the ones I have tried are very delicious. So let us see how this version does. Salud!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, mocha, churros, milk sugar, rice pudding, dark fruit raisins, cherries, brown sugar, molasses, dulce de lecher caramel, toffee, ginger bread cookies, flan, pecan pie, almond milk, earthy notes, Kahlua, hazelnut, molasses, mint, anise and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate abuelita, Rich Horchata notes, chocolate churros, Dark fruit raisins, cherries, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, mocha, chocolate mousse, chocolate truffles, roasted coffee, flan, sweetened condensed milk lechera, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, tapioca, Khalua, anise, molasses, chocolate cherries, toffee, milk sugar, ginger bread, almond milk, pecan pie, burnt sugar, hazelnut, brown sugar and rock candy.

Aftertaste:
Horchata, milk sugar, cinnamon, rice pudding, chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, mocha, roasty notes and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, should be a sipper but drinks way too easy, full black body.

Overall:
Damn… just simply damn… So much Horchata and chocolate flavors here and the crazy part is that it drinks very smooth too since it is still a milk stout. The crazy thing is that it is crafted as an imperial so you really cannot tell the alcohol even though it is heavy. Definitely exceeding my expectations and being one of the best close to Horchata beers just like the other great Horchata beers I have tried before.

Anime Corner:
Sai Hinoki from Betterman was used in this pairing since hair colors pair with the colors of the label and the Mexican flag. Also, there is a version out there of Horchata that is made in Oaxaca called Horchata con Tuna y Nuez and the colors make the Horchata have a pink layer and the nuez is the walnuts. Adding fruit makes it like an Horchata cocktail. So that fits the flavors of the beer somewhat and the hair color as well. The fact that she is next to some kind of ancient ruin holding some kind of gem represents the indigenous roots of the beverage in terms of the ancient civilization, the label’s animal on the flag and the fact that this dessert is a rich treasure just like that gem she holds.

Sources:
https://sites.google.com/site/aquahds/1182929665276.jpg

The Kaiser from the Dictator Series by Avery brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

560196_10102186515532310_4103063470338008700_nRating: 5/5

The Kaiser from the Dictator Series by Avery brewing is a 9.5% ABV World Class Imperial Märzen / Oktoberfest Lager.

Label:
MALT LIQUOR
The Kaiser once said, “Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.” If the Kaiser and his significant other had tipped this bottle, we’d all be “sprechenden Deutsch!” We took all that is good in a traditional Oktoberfest – gorgeous, deep copper sheen, massive malty backbone and spicy, floral, pungent noble hops – then intensified each into this, an Imperial Oktoberfest.
___

Yes, so unfortunately I missed Oktoberfest this beer to attend the Black Tuesday release party. However, any time is a great time to enjoy a Märzen / Oktoberfest and this one has been an eluding one simply because I have not had a chance to find it. When I saw it this year, I knew I had to pick it up. This is an imperial Märzen / Oktoberfest so I do not know what to expect but since I have love this style I am sure this is gonna be pretty intense at 9.5% ABV. Let’s get on with this beer now, Prost!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, biscuit bread, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, pumpkin flesh, maple syrup, pilloncillo sugar cone, Danish Cookies, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger spice, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, bananas, graham crackers, trail mix and bananas.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, citrus, blueberry, black berry, grape and raspberry preserves, rye bread, coriander spice, bananas, Danish cookies, brown sugar, pumpkin spices, cinnamon, ginger, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, pilloncillo sugar cone, graham crackers, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, toffee, bananas, trail mix, leathery notes and butterscotch.

Aftertaste:
Rye bread, cinnamon, pumpkin flesh, citrus, dark fruit, berry preserves in rye bread, Danish cookies and earthy notes. Slight booziness but not detracting from the flavors, medium to full amber body, syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn, possibly the best Oktoberfest beer I have ever had! I think the fact that Avery uses specialty ingredients or special yeast that is like a sweet maple like flavor that I have tried in some of their other amazing beers. Well, that in combination with the style is simply rich and delicious. If this was the main Oktoberfest beer everywhere, damn, not sure how long I would be able to be like Zicke, zacke, zicke, zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi, before I pass out. Yeah this one is rich and definitely highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles was used in this pairing since I wanted to get something that would pair with the Kaizer. Selvarias clothing and pose compliments that of the Kaizer in the label. The caramel sunset and color of her hair and overall artwork represents many of the flavors of the beer. The strength of a leader and general is the strength of the complexity and the ABV this beer offers.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/247253

Provenance (Orange & Grapefruit) by Jester King

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10624722_10102186515008360_8801398814381866151_nRating: 5/5

Provenance (Orange & Grapefruit) by Jester King is a 5.6% ABV Saison/Farmhouse Ale brewed and fermented with Oranges and Grapefruit.

Label:
In The Beginning there were only four but Someone bade them “Be fruitful and multiply”, so fruitfully, they multiplied. Maxima and Reticulata Begat Sinensi. Maxima and Sinensis Begat Paradisi. Sinensis and Reticula begat Nobilis, all on Someone’s command. Then Someone decide to squeeze them, crush them, and pulverize their skins, and to allow all of their sweetness to be consumed by invisible, microscopic, creatures so that they could be transformed into a delicious beverage for Someone to drink. Someone is a bit of jerk.

Jester King is an authentic farmhouse brewery 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.

ALC/VOL 5.6% FG 1,000 pH 3.5

Ingredients Hill County Well Water, Malted Barley, Malted Wheat Orange, Grapefruit, Hops, Farmhouse Yeast, Wild Yeast from the Texas Hill Country, Native Souring Bacteria.

Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans

Notes: Our first batch of Provenance takes the vibrant flavors and aromas from the est and juice of Texas oranges and grapefruits presents them in the unique way that only wild fermentation with native yeast and bacteria can do Unfiltered, unpasteurized and 100% bottle conditioned.
___

The poor bastards… and I do say this because my breakfast juicing does contain grapefruit and oranges so I know I do all that brutal stuff to Oranges and Grapefruit as I peel their skins and crush them in the blender. Thanks to from good friend Aaron Mendiola from www.beermetaldude.com who got me this awesome beer. You should definitely check out his Rockin’ reviews. The right Metal song for the right beer and epicness. So this beer is all about the saison/wild ale base along with the oranges and grapefruit. I can only imagine that this is gonna be rich, sweet, bitter and funky for sure. Let’s take a stroll down the Provenance.

Aromas:
Orange and grapefruit covered oak, funky notes, flowers, lemon peel, champagne, farmhouse hay, tejuino, tamarind hints, biscuit bread,stone fruit apricots, peaches, peppercorns, lychee, honey, plant notes, herbs and coriander spice.

Flavors:
Oranges, Grapefruit, farmhouse hay, lemon peel vanilla, biscuit bread, peppercorn, flowers, funky oak, honey, stone fruit peaches, apricots, strawberries, white grapes, celery, grassy hops, basil, clove spice, tejuino, red apples, sour green apples, coriander spice, champagne, tamarind, ginger, lychee and honey notes.

Aftertaste:
Bitter lemon peel, Grapefruit juice and peel, Orange peels, white grapes, coriander spice, grassy hops, flowers and peppercorn. No alcohol in the taste, crisp and refreshing, easy to drink, hazy pale milky body and smooth mouth feel.

Overall:
Well well, the lore of a great saison has many stories to tell about the journey of the Orange and the Grapefruit. In this instance, the addition of them makes this very perfect. Way too perfect. All in conjunction with the base saison/farmhouse ale this one became more of a tart orange sweet beer. There is a lot of sweet, bitter and sour flavors in this one so if you love saisons or wild ales, take this one for a spin.

Anime Corner:
Shura Kirigakure from Ao no Exorcist was used in this beer to pair with the orange and grapefruit. As you can see her hair is both red and orange like the color of grapefruit and oranges. The fact that she is an exorcist kind of goes with the mystical aspect of the label. It looks like a special seal or glyph to do some kind of magic. That what this beer really is though, a rich and delicious magic potion.

Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Ao-no-Exorcist-Shura-350489476

Burnt Caramel by Clown Shoes brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1619079_10102186514015350_5029490148566371923_n 10644854_10102186514289800_4417078126481386180_nRating: 5.25/5

Burnt Caramel by Clown Shoes brewing is a 7% ABV American Brown Ale brewed with Caramel.

Label:
Hello, my name is Caramel God. This American Brown Ale has five hundred pounds of burnt caramel in it, provided by Toscanini’s Ice Cream in Cambridge, MA. Pray to whoever you will or worship me as I hover over an endless ocean of ice cream cones. Either way, may you find enlightenment.
___

An American Brown with caramel. Just the thought of how this beer was made let me know I really wanted to get it. I like some brown ales but it is not my up most favorite of styles but the ones I have reviewed here on the site are definitely worth it. This one seems very tasty from what I saw that I definitely had to bring this one to the site. So let’s get it started here and dig into rich caramel bliss.

Aromas:
Pecan pie, hazelnut, earthy notes, biscuit bread, dulce de leche, vanilla, toffee, brown sugar, cinnamon, milk chocolate hints, dark fruit raisins, figs, cherries, plum hints, oak hints, butterscotch, coconut hints, marshmallow hints, flan and molasses.

Flavors:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel, Rich Toffee, pecan pie, brown sugar, flan, biscuit bread, buttered toasted bread, dark fruit raisins, figs, cherries, plums, Burnt Caramel from a wooden box, oak hints, butterscotch, honey, hazelnut nectar, molasses, milk chocolate notes, crème brulee, toasted coconut, mild hints of rocky road, marshmallow and mild cinnamon.

Aftertaste:
Earthy notes, rye bread, buttered toast, earthy notes, dulce de leche caramel, toffee and brown sugar. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full brown body, silky and slightly buttery mouthfeel, medium drinkability.

Overall:
DAMN, now that’s rich! It goes down really good. If you like caramel especially burn caramel, this small bit of cloying caramel sweetness bit may or may not be your thing, but I love it. Possibly the best brown ale I have ever had and truly defines some of the unique characteristics that I love from brown ales. The caramel is the one that stands out the most and it is the parts that makes me love this beer. I highly recommend this one for sure.

Anime Corner:
Korra from the Legend of Korra, art work by Genzoman, was used in this pairing to showcase the caramel God. While the caramel God does look indigenous in a way and was a wielder of the elements, it fit well with Korra as she has like an indigenous looking style as well and wields the elements. Ech of the elements representing different things like burnt caramel, earthy notes, silky mouthfeel and whiff of rich aromas.

Sources:
http://genzoman.deviantart.com/art/Korra-400880808

Señor Viejo by Twisted X brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10734133_10102186513221940_1242498781892462480_nRating: 4.85/5

Señor Viejo by Twisted X brewing is an 8.8% ABV Schwarzbier/Imperial Black Lager Aged in Tequila Oak Barrels

Description:
This Schwarzbier has been “imperialized” (alcohol content increased) and then left to age in tequila barrels (used Jack Daniels barrels which are then used by Republic Tequila to age there tequila to Repasado or Anejo styles). Aging this unique beer in tequila barrels adds subtle flavors of vanilla and oak while the tequila adds a mild citrus/agave sweetness. At 8.2% alcohol by volume Senor Viejo is our strongest, most seasoned beer. About the name: Senor Viejo meaning “very old man” or “the old one”. Schwarzbier, or “black beer”, is a German dark lager beer. It has an opaque, black color and a full, chocolaty or coffee flavor. Although they share some similar flavors they are milder tasting and less bitter than British stouts or porters, owing to the use of lager rather than ale yeast and no roasted barley.

About the name:
Señor Viejo meaning “very old man” or “the old one” or “Veteran”. Schwarzbier, or “black beer”, is a German dark lager beer. It has an opaque, black color and a full, chocolaty or coffee flavor. Although they share some similar flavors they are milder tasting and less bitter than British stouts or porters, owing to the use of Mexican lager rather than ale yeast and no roasted barley.
___

Now this is very interesting… A Tequila Oak aged Black Lager. First of all, Tequila barrel aged beers are far few in between and to be able to have a lager one, that is is amazing. Thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com for hooking me up with this little bit of Texas gold. Now we can have one here on the site to share with the world. Many of the Tequila barrel aged beers have been, well, exceeding my expectations or just great. With this, I will see how it stands in comparison, but then again, this one seem more of the kind I would like to drink several of. We shall see, for now, Salud!

Aromas:
Roasted notes, mild earthy notes, dark chocolate, anise, molasses, oak hints, tequila, agave, dark fruit hints like raisins, figs and cherries, caramel, vanilla, smokey hints, brown sugar, rye bread, oatmeal cookies and mild tobacco.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, spiced chocolate, milk chocolate, oak, tequila, mezcal, agave, vanilla, caramel, roasted notes, smokey notes, earthy notes, citrus, oatmeal cookies, leather, tobacco, molasses, rye bread, anise, walnuts, pecan pie, herbs, earthy hops, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins, figs and cherries.

Aftertaste:
Leaving some pecan pie, roasted notes, earthy dark chocolate, oak, tequila hints, agave and dark fruit hints. No alcohol in the taste. Brown full body, creamy and smooth mouthfeel, medium to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Very delicious. This beer is pretty close to a Baltic Porter in the use of lager yeast. The complexities are there from Baltic Porters but the addition of Tequila aging adds some very special flavors to it and also the slight smokey flavors keeps this one interesting as well reminding you of the oak. There aren’t many lagers that make it high in the ratings since they are lagers and mainly low in alcohol but this beer is special just like some of the awesome lagers I have had in the past. The much stronger ABV ones ofcourse. Seek this one out!

Anime Corner:
Skeleton Angel original character was used in this pairing to signify mortality, Mexican tradition of dia de los muertos and to pair with the label. It goes to show, like Señor Viejo, everyone grows old and will eventually meet their own demise but not before enjoying your life and living for what it is worth. The golden hair represents the oak and tequila as well as the label. Great stuff.

Sources:
http://hqwallbase.com/images/big/skeleton_angel-1509823.jpg

Lips of Faith series Gruit by New Belgium

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1982016_10102186512693000_2330903094663739918_nRating: 3.85/5

Lips of Faith series Gruit by New Belgium is a 6.66% ABV Scottish Gruit/Ancient Herbed Ale brewed with Bog Myrtle, Horehound, Yarrow, wormwood and Elderflowers added.

Label:
Experimentation doesn’t mean new. With our Gruit, the latest Lips of Faith release, it’s all about revisiting the ancient craft of bittering with herb mixtures, not hops. In here horehound, bog myrtle, yarrow, wormwood and elderflowers get together with rich malts to create a bitter, dry, velvet-like sweetness worth revering.
___

The one Lips of Faith series I had missed this year, now we have it here for the review. Lips of faith series ranges from delicious to very good. There hasn’t been one from this series I truly hated except maybe Pluot, but I can’t really as maybe it was a bad bottle or my taste buds were not feeling it. This style is something I have never tried and it is interesting to see this as they use ancient bittering techniques of using flowers and herbs instead of hops. Really intriguing I should say. Let’s get this one going and see how it plays out.

Aromas:
Lots of herbs, honey, biscuit bread, vanilla, green tea, yerbabuena/peppermint, peppercorns, berries, apples, clove spice, banana hints, lemon peel, citrus, grassy and grapefuit hops, chamomile, hibiscus, lavender and barnyard hay.

Flavors:
Flowers, coriander spice, yerbabuena/peppermint, peppercorns, biscuit bread, chamomile, hibiscus, lavender, bananas, clove spice, phenolic notes, herbal tea, green tea, vanilla, honey, citrus, grassy and grapefruit hops, barnyard hay, lemon peel, oak hints, Golden ale notes, apples and mild berry notes.

Aftertaste:
Peppercorn, flowers, spices, honey, peppermint, herbs, green tea and grassy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, crisp and refreshing, easy to moderate drinkability, watery yet smooth mouthfeel and clear yellow body.

Overall:
While this beer was very good, I couldn’t help but notice how close this beer is to a Belgian Golden Ale but more herbed. I think the herbs really worked to bitter out some of the beer flavors but maybe it was a little too herbed for my taste. A very good beer but for some reason the herbs were a bit much but it was great to try this one for sure. I’d say give it a try even if once.

Anime Corner:
Yasaka Kanako from the Touhou Project series was used in this pairing to show the power of herbs. In ancient times, they were used as magic to heal the sick and even to this day, natural remedies are used to do miracles. Something about the plants have the power to bring life and make people better. As seen in this art pairing I really wanted to make a point to state that about the herbal sweetness of this beer.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1371952

Snörkel by Jester King brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1618645_10102186511989410_2875484322922401855_nRating: 5/5

Snörkel by Jester King brewing is a 4.8% ABV Saison/Farmhouse Ale brewed with Oyster Mushrooms and Sea Salt.

Label:
Just beneath the surface , the under currants begin to pull and guide an exploration, a pulsing kinesis into hidden depths. Its pathways are ghostly filaments laid out side by side and stretched endlessly across the universe. Serenely, they resonate, their soft hum producing the harmony of existence. Gilled bodies curiously emerge from the obscurity and generate a returned interest. They are vessels for a future passage.

Jester King is an authentic farmhouse brewery 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.

ALC/VOL 4.8% FG 1,000 pH3.4

Ingredients Hill County Well Water, Malted Barley, Malted Wheat, Oyster Mushrooms, Sea Salt, Hops, Farmhouse Yeast, Wild Yeast from the Texas Hill Country, Native Souring Bacteria.

CONTAINS WHEAT
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans

Notes:
Snörkel is brewed with oyster mushrooms from Logro Farms in Austin, Texas and alderwood smoked sea salt. It takes inspiration from traditional German Gose, but sets out to explore the curiosities of umami. Unfiltered, unpasturized, 100% bottle conditioned.
___

From the brimy deep, comes this Umami Flavored (Salty, sweet, sour, bitter) beer which was fished out of the great depths of Jester King’s great oak barrels by my friend Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com. This beer to me was like, I have to have it especially since it was not only a deep sea kind of beer but the use of the oyster mushrooms and salt with a saison, it really appealed to me. So here we have it, the great donation of Snörkel. Cheers!

Aromas:
Funky oak, pepper corn, flowers, mushroom, mild smokey notes, apple hints, lime peel, stone fruit, vegetable hints, ginger spice hints, berries, farmhouse hay, tamarind hints, tejuino, biscuit bread and champagne.

Flavors:
Funky oak, Sea Salt, Oyster notes, mushroom plant notes, mild tomato hints, flowers, floral notes, biscuit bread, honey, farmhouse hay, agave hints, lime peel, seaweed hints, ginger hints, green apples, red apples, champagne, white grapes, peppercorn, stone fruit, smokey notes, oak, smoked mushrooms, coriander spice, tejuino, tamarind hints, biscuit bread, elderberries, strawberries, stone fruit peach, apricot, basil, grassy hops, white grapes and celery.

Aftertaste:
Bitter lemon, mushrooms, celery, citrus, salty, smokey, mild hop hints and coriander spice. No alcohol in the taste, crisp and refreshing, easy to drink, hazy pale milky body and smooth mouth feel.

Overall:
Damn good saison. I can already see this fitting as one of the best sea food pairings. If you are not into salty or sour beers, this one may not be for you. I have to admit that Salty and sour or bitter (even extreme sweetness) is something I enjoy so a palate that really enjoys these will like this one. Despite the ABV, a lot of salty, sour, sweet, smokey and bitter things are going on here. I will recommend it if you have a palate for the salty, sour, bitter and sweet type of beers.

Anime Corner:
Original Mermaid character was used in this pairing since it matches with the salty deep blue sea of the label and ingredients. She emerges and sits around the coral like the oyster mushrooms seem to sit like corral themselves on the ocean floor. Salty like the seawater, sweet like the beauty of the corral, sour like that wild yeast which is alive in the liquid beer and bitter like the plants of the sea floor as well.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/318866-1439×900-original-kimyamya+%28artist%29-wide+image-light+erotic-red+eyes-breasts.jpg

Blackwater Series Mokah by Southern Tier

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1485083_10102186511590210_2901748405822857891_nRating: 6/5

Blackwater Series Mokah by Southern Tier is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate & Coffee.

Label:
Color: black. Body: full. Bitterness: medium. Pair: roasted or smoked foods, chocolate desserts.

Imagine the life of a coffee bean. From its humble beginnings high up on a mountainside to a transformation through roasting, and yet another in grinding then add hot water for a most bitter perfection. Think of cocoa and its similar transformations. A pod matures to bear seeds, the seeds are roasted and refined. How could these things be any better?

Best of Both Worlds

As scientists, our brewers use exacting standards. As artists, they couldn’t resist the inimitable expression of two of the world’s most sought after flavors. Enjoy Mokah stout with – or as – your favorite dessert. Cheers!
southerntierbrewing.com.

25° plato; 2-row malt; caramel malt; chocolate malt; black malt; roasted coffee beans; natural chocolate flavor; columbus hops.
42° F
___

An awesome shout out to Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com who hooked me up with this rich goodie. Southern Tier is a rarity among these parts and I know I have seen this one or some of the other beers at Ramirez but this one peaked my curiosity especially since this was a chocolate and coffee beer. Some of the other beers I have had from them are very rich and delicious especially Choklat and Creme Brulee. So this one is the next in line to grace the presence here at the site. Thanks one again to Aaron for hooking me up with this sweet dessert, thanks brother! Now…. on to the review.

Aromas:
Rich Mocha coffee, Khalua, Milk chocolate shake, dark chocolate, Starbucks coffee, toasted coconut, dulce de leche caramel, whipped cream, vanilla beans, almond joy, hazelnut ice cream, rocky road ice cream, oreo cookies, chocolate chip cookies, dark fruits like raisins, currants, figs, dark cherries, tres leches/three milks cake, anise, molasses, tobacco, brown sugar, rich maple syrup, Reese’s peanut butter cups, specialty coffee, Bailey’s coffee liqueur, pecan pie, raspberries, choco flan and crème brulee.

Flavors:
Rich Mocha, choco flan, crème brulee, maple syrup, Khalua, Coffee, coffee cake, Reese’s peanut buttercups, brown sugar, specialty fancy coffee, molasses, dark fruit raisins, currants, figs, dark cherry yogurt hints, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, pistachio icecream, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, toasted coconut, vanilla, vanilla cream, tres leches/three milks cake, dulce de leche caramel, chocolate chip cookies, oreos, Leche Nestle sweetened condensed milk, espresso, roasted coffee beans, java, latte, whipped cream frappucino, Bailey’s Irish cream coffee liqueur, marshmallow smores, chambord raspberry liqueur, See’s coffee candy, butterscotch, German chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate shake, dark chocolate, Belgian chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, fudge chocolate, vanilla beans, anise, tobacco, mocha syrup and toasted cashews.

Aftertaste:
Chocolate, Coffee, Mocha, vanilla, maple syrup, Reese’s peanut butter, pecan pie, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, mild earthy notes, coconut, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, dark fruit and bitter dark chocolate lingers for a long time. No alcohol in the taste, velvety and creamy mouthfeel, easy and smooth to drink despite the ABV, Full dark coffee black body.

Overall:
The best Chocolate coffee beer if not Mocha Wednesday, then ever! This beer is supreme in the chocolate and coffee mix of beers. It is so rich that I feel like pouring it like a syrup over ice cream just like some of those super Bruery beers. Some how, these beers don’t need barrel aging to stand stronger and really take that leap above the expectations of taste and beer experience. Highly recommend checking this delicious bottle out. Now I have to find it here. Hope they will have it nearby soon.

Anime Corner:
Mikasa Ackerman from Attack On Titan was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair the colors of great coffee, chocolate, caramel and red cherries. Each article of clothing and her hair represent these and as she flies through the air it represents the smoothness and the quick strike like a bad ass ninja is what really hits that sweet spot that not many beers can. Everything about this pairing seems to fit nicely.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/306050-1073×700-shingeki+no+kyojin-production+i.g-mikasa+ackerman-alicexz-single-short+hair.jpg

Black Hole Sun by Black Market brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10553379_10102129216899230_3609132558989098219_n 1620450_10102129217258510_7775483719447051913_nRating: 6/5

Black Hole Sun by Black Market brewing is a 15% ABV Russian Imperial Stout.

Label:
Because of the gravitational pull of Black Hole Sun, no light can escape. This super high gravity Russian Imperial Stout is brewed with 100% barley and zero added sugar. Black Hole Sun will make a fine evening companion. Let it warm a bit to enjoy its entire magnitude of flavor complexities.
___

Black Hole Sun, just like the Sound Garden song. This beer is something I have been meaning to try for a very very long time and never had a chance to get it. I have to give a special thanks to my friend Julio for hooking me up with this special beer. Many of the Black Market beers I have tried have been pretty epic but just the 15% ABV is enough to realize, this ain’t a muddaF’ing game. This is serious business. Funny part, I did not even check the ABV until I started this review which I realized was very intense from the aromas. This was certainly starting to remind me of a “Dark” beer I had long ago that was also a Russian Imperial Stout… So let us check this one out and see what it is about. 

Aromas:
Rich Dark fruit, dark cherries, cherry cordial, soy sauce, plum sauce, yogurt like notes, oak, Kahlua, apples, molasses, chocolate cake, currants, raspberry notes, rye bread, brown sugar, pecan pie, flan hints, maple syrup, salted caramel, dulce de leche caramel, walnuts, hazelnut nectar, dark chocolate cake, pecan pie, spicy roasted coffee, smokey notes, graham cracker and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
An intense explosion of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cherry cordial, dark fruit plums, raspberries, currants, blackberries, molasses, pilloncillo sugar cone, maple syrup, molasses, plum sauce, soy sauce, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, salted caramel, hazelnut nectar, Kahlua hints, pecan pie, rye caramel, spicy roasted coffee, vanilla, oak, flan, cinnamon, graham cracker and marshmallow smores, bourbon notes, anise, tobacco, leather notes and Danish cream.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruit raisins, dark cherry, earthy notes, tobacco, dark cherries, molasses, dark and milk chocolate. The alcohol is very subtle despite the ABV, Pitch Black Body to a darkness that does not even exist, sipping drinkability and a thick and syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Extremely Epic and definitely up close next to the Dark Lord Imperial Stout but not as sugary or fancy coffee epicness from the Unicorn’s Blood Coffee. It is almost like the base Dark Lord with no coffee and not as sugary but still very complex it is crazy. This beer plays off like if it was barrel aged with like flavor intensity but it is still just a Russian Imperial Stout. I think in mind and after reviewing this intense and awesome beer, I realized how close it was to Dark Lord RIS. Ofcourse, Dark Lord RIS is on another level, but this can still compete on the playing field as this is California’s own Black Market Brewing bringing this. I highly recommend getting this one or two. You definitely want to age this massive intensity.

Anime Corner:
Krystal Fox from Star Fox was the perfect cadet for this interplanetary mission to the Black Hole Sun. She has survived the suns of Immelmann (Hangar 24 reference) so even something like this should be a piece of cake. She pairs extremely well with the label colors, complex dark fruit flavors and space travel. The sweetness is represented in her cuteness but the fact that Krystal is a warrior of land and space just speaks of strength. Star Fox has seen some Black Hole travels in the past so exploring a beer like this and trying to figure out its complexity is just the beginning of that dark space in a glass.

Sources:
http://luigiix.deviantart.com/art/StarFox-BH-Team-Krystal-468606829?q=gallery%3Aluigiix%2F34891205&qo=23

Peanut Butter Milk Stout by Belching Beaver Brewery

by tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

73290_10101585481000330_149402791_n 1512329_10101586037639820_1377013530_n 1486705_10101586045558950_666633767_nRating: 6/5

Peanut Butter Milk Stout by Belching Beaver Brewery is a 5.3% ABV Milk/Sweet Stout brewed with peanut butter flavors

Label:
It’s All about the Beaver 

Belching Beaver Brewery’s Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Feel Free to use it for Ice Cream floats. We made this beer for fun, and it has become a local favorite. So we thought, may as well bottle some. This beer says, even hard working Beavers can play around once in a while. We hope you love it too. If you do, let us know on Facebook if you don’t, call Troy directly and tell him. His head is getting just a little too big around the brew pad anyway.

This beer is refreshingly smooth. Tastes if roasted coffee, chocolate and peanut butter. Brewed with rolled pats and lactose, this beer has a silky smooth mouth feel finish. Don’t let the color fool you; this dark beer is easy drinking

Cheers,

Tom

Ingredients: Water, Malt, Oats, Lactose Hops, Yeast, Ethyl Alcohol and Natural Flavors
___

As requested by my friend Oscar, I had to bring this one forth to the site. There have been very few peanut butter beers except for the awesome cocoa crispies tasting peanut butter cup porter from Karl Strauss or the the liquid bliss from Terrapin that I conciser awesome. I figure that getting this one is a good opportunity to bring forth another rare piece of craft brew recipe forward. Thanks for the beers Oscar 😀

Aromas:
Damn good peanut butter Reese’s butter cup aromas, dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, vanilla, peanut brittle, rye bread, mocha coffee, nutter butter peanut butter cookies, milk sugar, caramel, toffee and mild earthy notes

Flavors:
Lots of roasted peanuts with shells, peanut butter, nutter butter cookies, toffee, roasted coffee, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, earthy hops, Reese’s peanut butter puffs cereal, buttered rye toast notes, lactose milk sugar, and molasses

Aftertaste:
Peanut butter, rye hints, earthy hops and coffee notes linger. Nice a smooth, easy drinking and no alcohol in the taste.

Overall:
Great beer! Even if only 5.3% ABV, it set to what is supposed to do, taste like peanut butter and coffee bitterness for balance. Despite the fact that it says natural flavors or Ethyl alcohol (which created upon fermentation), do not believe the the artificiality. There is nothing artificial about this beer. It is craft brewed to perfection, set out to what it was intended, and that is rich dark roasty peanut butter and chocolate coffee flavors. Highly recommended. This one really is closer to peanut butter than the other other beers I have tried.

Anime Corner:
Makoto Nanaya from Blazblue was paired perfectly with this beer because not only did I want to show the label colors, but she is a nutty girl. She may not be a beaver, but she is a squirrel and squirrels love nuts. You can see how she tears up pine cones like she tears up nuts. Either way, with the rich flavors of peanut butter that are given from this beer, I couldn’t think of any other awesome characters to pair this beer with.

2014 Darkness by Surly brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1509689_10102186509978440_6829349576157779259_n 10306075_10102186510342710_2982500445631121598_nRating: 6.2/5

2014 Darkness by Surly brewing is a 10.4% ABV Russian Imperial Stout aged in High West Rye Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
Covet the Darkness
The legendary Harpy tortured unwary travelers by stealing their precious food and drink. This year’s cruel creature defends her cauldron of Darkness with razor claws and a dead stare of malevolence. Don’t mess with her Darkness.

She’s hoarding this massively opaque barrel aged Stout screaming with notes of chocolate, coffee, dried tart cherries, vanilla, rye whisky and raisins. The thick body of this Russian Imperial Stout finishes sweet, with a piney resinous hop character.

Dare if you will to open the bottle and steal from the imagination of our 2014 Darkness artist, Erica Williams.

See more at: http://mnbeer.com/2014/07/29/darkness-2014-artwork-from-erica-williams/#sthash.HpMuBrV3.dpuf

Omar Ansari
Todd Haug
___

As Rick James would say: Darkness… darkness is spreading, black, midnight, evil, black magic, raw darkness and cold as ice. This beer is all that and more and especially since this year’s version is barrel aged. The 2013 was insane too but to try this one, well let’s just say this one may only be better than the original but we will definitely have to see how dark this beer goes and if we can even come out of this evil beer alive. Either way, maybe you should still consider getting this one even if don’t read further. The Devil’s water is pretty sweet!

Aromas:
Rich bananas, old matured bananas, rich mango, rich matured bananas, plantains, oranges citrus, grapefruit, papaya, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, dulce de leche caramel, molasses, whiskey, oak , vanilla, rye bread on black berry toast, leather, tobacco, anise, mint, stone fruit, peaches, apricots, flan, sweetened condensed milk lechera, dragon fruit, passion fruit, guava, honey, brown sugar, pecan pie, marshmallow smores, toasted coconut and molasses.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, plantains, whipped cream, pecan pie, rich matured bananas, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, chocolate covered mango, vanilla, oak, bourbon, whiskey, leather, tobacco, toasted bread on blackberry jam , dulce de leche caramel, oak, rye bread , dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, mocha, roasted coffee, brown sugar, cherry Dr. pepper, rocky road ice cream, maple syrup, stone fruit peaches and cream, molasses, grapefruit, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, citrus, oranges, flan, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, anise, raspberries, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, flan, earthy notes, mild rum, brandy, almond joy, pecan pie, herbs, fruit cake, sweetened condensed milk lechera, brown sugar and honey.

Aftertaste:
Very rich banana, dark chocolate, mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, Earthy notes, dulce de leche, vanilla, oak, bourbon, whiskey rye bread, dark fruits like raisins, blackberry preserves, leather, coconut, dark cherries, fruit cake, pecan pie and more! No alcohol In the taste despite it’s ambiguity, smooth and silky yet syrupy mouthfeel, dangerously easy to drink but should be sipping, pitch black body beyond the chaos and unseen realms of dimensional dark existence.

Overall:
If the original wasn’t as awesome, how about aging it in some really nice High West Rye Whiskey Barrels to amplify this one into further realms of taste, smell and overall, beer experience. This one just kept pushing and pushing and pushing deeper and deeper into the abyss of flavors to the point where I was not sure if I got everything I tasted. All I knew was just how damn great this was. I am sure the 2014 Dark Lord Barrel Aged would do just the same but that Barrel aging surely brought it to the new level that mainly says to really search this one out. It is no joke. It is damn good.

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill LA Kill was used once again in this special pairing. One of my favorite anime girls makes her return in her evil form. In the show, when she is brainwashed, she is forced to wear Junketsu which is that white uniform she has making her way stronger than her original form and pure evil. There is a lot of blood spilled when they try to fight her and her spilling of blood and tearing up a wedding dress is like that of the harpy in the label. She is sweet but she is not so forgiving in this form. While this is not her ultimate form, which she becomes more of an angel, this fits the evil in her heart when she really lost her way and even in the darkness, there is still hope and that is why this beer is very rich and sweet.

Sources:
https://33.media.tumblr.com/0a86c14eface4524e9646bd1a90dd8e2/tumblr_n88xbb0JFw1qfb777o5_500.jpg
http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2014/34/1408797252-sample-4000c119b28b5aecc2ae23c16a292504.jpg

Das Überkind by Jester King brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

553252_10102186508890620_148719141884687311_nRating: 5/5

Das Überkind by Jester King brewing is a 6% ABV Organic Vieille Saison/Farmhouse ale aged in oak barrels with wild yeast.

Label:
There are moments in our lives that we simply cannot explain; times when we transcend our natural limitations and stand face to face with the boundlessness of the universe, where we see a first glimpse of out own unbounded potential, and suddenly know how to defeat a race of evil intergalactic, time-traveling cyborgs with a single roll of duct tape.

Jester King is an authentic farmhouse brewery 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.

ALC/VOL 6.0% FG 1,000 pH3.3

Ingredients Hill County Well Water, Malted Barley, Malted Wheat, Hops, Farmhouse Yeast, Wild Yeast from the Texas Hill Country, Native Souring Bacteria.

CONTAINS WHEAT
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans

Notes: Das Überkind, out “old” Saison, is created by blending some of our favorite oak barrels of mature beer fermented with naturally occurring wild yeast and bacteria harvested from the Texas Hill Country. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and 100% bottle conditioned.
___

Das Überkind or “The Ultimate/Super Kid” has finally come to the site thanks to my good friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com. Jester King is on of Texas best when it comes to Saisons and Wild Ales. Some of their stuff is typically hard to obtain especially around here in California. I am thankful for having a great connection to these special beers so I can present them to you in hopes that you try to seek these magic beers for yourself. The Super Kid is a variant of the Wonder Kid but it is much stronger. So let’s explore this one shall we?

Aromas:
Funky oak, farmhouse hay, vanilla, green apples, caramel, pecan pie hints, peach cobbler, musty oak notes, brettanomyces funk, hints of mango, hints of papaya, strawberry hints, pineapple hints, peppercorn, sourdough and biscuit bread.

Flavors:
Rich funky oak, green apples, strawberries, stone fruit peaches, plums, apricots, honey, caramel, biscuit bread, white grapes, white wine hints, oranges, lemon peel, pecan pie hints, vanilla, farmhouse hay, mango, papaya, brettanomyces funk, sourdough bread, flowers, coriander spice, peppercorn, grapefruit, toffee hints, leather, and champagne.

Aftertaste:
Funky oak, stone fruit, floral spices, sour dough bread, lemon peel, caramel, vanilla and dry apple hints remain. No alcohol in the flavor, smooth drinkability, easy to drink, hazy medium body, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
What a perfect Saison. So much flora and bready notes on this one. The sour notes are there but what I think is really ramped up from the original is the complex fruit flavors. It definitely is more richer than the original. Maybe one day they will become more available here in California but for now I would highly request you seek this one especially if you like sours and floral saisons. Thanks Aaron for getting me this one as I really wanted to try and was well worth the wait.

Anime Corner:
Jessica Drew/Spider-woman from Marvel Mangaverse was used in this pairing for the many obvious reason going from the goggles and special helmet of the Super Kid which resembles that of Spider-woman. She also fits well with the colors of the label, the beer and even some of the flavors like the citrus and strawberries. The aspect of Spider-woman being a Super Hero complements the Super Kid.

Sources:
http://jamiefayx.deviantart.com/art/m-m-s-w-colored-by-bakanekonei-42711202

Stone Smoked Porter with Chocolate & Orange Peel by Stone brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10616149_10102186506151110_1605397597642790529_nRating: 4.25/5

Stone Smoked Porter with Chocolate & Orange Peel by Stone brewing is a 5.9% ABV American Porter brewed with Chocolate & Orange peel.

Label:
We decided early on that we wouldn’t do seasonal beers for the sake of doing seasonal beers. Summer ales and winter lagers certainly have a ring to them. Big-beer focus groups prove consumers get a kick out of them, and macrobrew marketing analysis suggest they sell well. But for us, beer comes first, much as Stone Smoked Porter came first. Actually, it came second—oddly enough, in the form of a seasonal. Our co-founder and original brewmaster, Steve Wagner, thought it would be an innovative, warming creation suited for winter…and it was. Legend has it Greg’s mom agreed. But rather than relegating fans to nine peat-smoked-porterless months and building revenue-generating fervor for the cold season, we made it a year-round release. Nowadays, we brew a trio of tasty takes on this smoky, sultry vanguard. But the closest they come to being “seasonals” is that they are enhanced with seasonally driven ingredients such as vanilla bean and chipotle peppers. This version, released in the literally gray area separating sunshine and snowfall, incorporates dark chocolate and dried orange peel, making for a semisweet, citrus-nuanced porter that comes across like a break-apart chocolate orange enjoyed by a campfire. It’s not a seasonal—it’s just a phenomenal beer, regardless of the time of year. Throw out the calendar and enjoy.
___

Stone has been coming out with some interesting beers lately. The Stone Smoked porter variants have been some that taste pretty good and really go down well. Nothing too overwhelming but nice notes and flavors. Now this one being their 2014 Fall release, it is interesting as I do not see how chocolate and oranges can work together especially since this one is light to moderate on ABV. Then again I have been surprised many times. Let us take a look and see. You can get this one where ever they sell stone beers now.

Aromas:
Campfire, smoked peat, dark chocolate, orange peel, orange zest, coffee, molasses, caramel, toffee, brown sugar and earthy notes.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, oranges, citrus, orange peel, orange creamsicle hints, vanilla hints, caramel, earthy bitterness, smokey notes, molasses, campfire hints, smoked peat, roasted coffee hints, brown sugar, coriander spice, soy sauce and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Smokey, chocolate, citrus, earthy and vanilla dry notes. No alcohol in the taste, easy to moderate drinkability, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and dark body but can see crimson light pass through.

Overall:
A very good solid beer. It maintains itself as a porter with smoked notes but the chocolate and citrus orange flavors lend some sweetness too it. I really does seem to work well after all. Smokey and sweet work together to give this chocolate orange creamsicle flavor through and through. It drinks rather easy and smooth making this almost a gateway beer unless the extra bitter smokey notes make it hard but they are rather tame in comparison to other smokey beers I have had. This is actually pretty welcoming really. Some people may really like this.

Anime Corner:
Psylocke from Marvel’s X-men was used in this pairing to pair with some of the colors of the label but mainly since this is the first time I use her in a pairing. She has been long over due wanted to present her bad assness with a new beer here. The characteristics of her hotness translate to the smoothness of this beer while still maintaining sweet flavors. The smokey aspects of the beer would represent the dangerous side of her. She works with the mind so the taste actually is good despite the fact that you really do taste the oranges and chocolate smokey notes. They seem to work really well here.

Sources:
http://i2.pixiv.net/img44/img/jinbei-nit/31663215.jpg

Itasca Loonidragon by Clown Shoes brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

10347533_10102186505133150_109685107465738282_nRating: 5.5/5

Itasca Loonidragon by Clown Shoes brewing is a 14.5% Russian Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Itasca Loonidragon the beer is Blaecorn Unidragon aged in bourbon barrels. Itasca Loonidragon the label depicts a new creature, a gentle monster, the get of a unidragon mated with a giant norther loon, drinking peacefully from the headwater of the Mississippi River.
___

Released only in Minnesota, very few online places will carry this beer and unless you know someone who is willing to trade something for this one is most likely the only way to get this one. Since the previous beers, the Unidragon itself has not been released bourbon barrel aged so the fact that Minnesota gets this one is pretty awesome. I have yet to try Ohio Unidragon which is the regular Unidragon with special ingredients. The awesome Texas one was made with special Texas ingredients. I can only assume that this one uses Minnesota bourbon or something. I tried finding more info about this unfortunately I could not in terms of what it is made with. If you know, please leave me a comment below. So let us see what this fine creature has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich bourbon, oak, smokey notes, earthy notes, rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate hints, dark fruits like currants, blackberries, raisin and cherries, coconut hints, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, mocha, brown sugar, mint, anise, molasses, pipe tobacco and mocha.

Flavors:
Bourbon Rocky road ice cream up front, lots of oak, dark chocolate, semi sweet Bakers chocolate, coconut, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, marshmallow smores, dark fruits like raisins, cherries, currants and blackberries, pipe tobacco, flan hints, burnt sugar, brown sugar, banana notes, pecan pie, earthy notes, mocha, molasses, anise, licorice and mint chocolate chip.

Aftertaste:
Finishing slightly dry with some Oak, dark chocolate, marshmallow smores, smokey notes, earthy notes, and mild dark fruit. Slight boozyness that is mainly hidden by the complex flavors, silky smooth mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black night body with very little head retention.

Overall:
Surely exceeding expectations by several notches. The predominant aspect of the beer is the oak followed by the rich and sweet complexities but there is a good amount of earthy and roasted bitterness here to make stuff alittle more balanced. This goes down really well only hinting at the fact that it is 14.5% ABV afterall. Surely ofcourse, would I recommend it. If you cannot find it, that is okay but if you do, this one is awesome!

Anime Corner:
Asada Shino/Sinon from Sword Art Online II was used in this pairing to basically play at Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck but a more innocent version of her. I used Nelliel as the original Unidragon and she stuck around for the longest time so I figured I wanted to do something different but pay tribute to her green hair or a character that kind of resembles her. Sinon is an up and coming character that many fans of the show Sword Art Online like so I figure, new beer, new character. The fact that she is a bad ass in the show but also all the colors pair super super well with the colors in the label of the Itasca Loonidragon. It works very awesomely!

Sources:
http://mythicxgamer.deviantart.com/art/Sinon-Wallpaper-460056006

Lips of Faith Series Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout collaboration by New Belgium and Perennial Artisan Ales

by tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

13236_10102170754153240_3832030654306923420_nRating: 5/5

Lips of Faith Series Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout collaboration by New Belgium and Perennial Artisan Ales is a 9% ABV Belgian Imperial Stout.

Label:
Dessert is best poured. And the brewers at Perennial agree. So for our next Lips of Faith release we dreamt up a beer that would bring together chocolate sweetness, Belgian yeast, deeply roasted malts and just the right shake of salt to pour a creamy stout worthy of a cherry on top.
___

It surely has been a while since I have done a Lips of Faith series beer. That and the fact that I have not seen many out and I recently just Gruit so you will most likely see a review of that one soon as well. This time New Belgium does a collaboration with Perennial which is something we do not often get here in the west coast so seeing them with NB making a Belgian Stout is simply amazing. I can only hope that what comes out of this is pure epicness. The Belgian Stout is a rare feat that I have only seen few do and do it great. The fact that we have Perennial involved, I can only hope for the best. The Lips of Faith series has been awesome for so many years hitting some great craft hits. I just hope this one is a hit too. Well, let us see, cheers!

 

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherries, clove spice, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian chocolate, biscuit bread, vanilla, caramel, banana hints, smokey notes, soy sauce, oak notes, earthy notes, anise, molasses, soy sauce and coriander.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Oatmeal cookies Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherries, currants, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, mint chocolate chip, anise, licorice, molasses, bananas, clove spice, coriander spice, rye, oak notes, smokey notes, soy sauce hints, rye bread, BBQ hints, earthy notes, salt notes and leather hints.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with an anise, chocolate, raisins, earthy notes, salted plum sauce, caramel and hints of oak. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black body, creamy and smooth mouthfeel, moderate drinkability.

Overall:
This beer reminded me of the Ommegang Art of Darkness, Shiva’s Tears or a Smokey Dubbel. This was perfect mainly since I love Belgian Chocolate Stouts and the chocolate and mild smokey notes works wonders here. I have yet to try Perennial Artisan Ales but what they and New Belgium have brought forth is very amazing. If chocolate was truly made to have small bit of salt, it seems to work as it is more balanced the way it is. I would highly reach this one out if you like smokey hinted chocolate beers.

Anime Corner:
Original demon character was used in this pairing to pair with the aspect of sweet Belgian chocolate and monk beers which are typically holy that drive away evil. The fact that a devil/demon girl is eating the chocolate is like tainting or in this case salting the Belgian chocolate. It necessarily is not a bad thing as you can see she does look innocent and she does have some Angelic traits, it is just that salting or tainting a Belgian chocolate introduces some awesome pleasures to the palette that enjoys just a little more than the average sweet chocolate. Some people don’t like pure sweet and this goes to balance flavors out. So it seems to work. That and the fact that some of the colors she has do match with some of the colors from the the label.

Sources:
http://oi59.tinypic.com/2w556xy.jpg

Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard by Stone Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

16782_10102169108585970_7607183278861601064_nRating: 5.25/5

Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard by Stone Brewing is a 7.8% ABV American Strong Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Quite Refined, Unlike you.

I did not give you permission to pick me up, let alone drink me. Nor do I intend to. Being groped as you mutter to yourself taxes my patience. Pardon? You think you’re the only one who can hear that scattered cacophony of “thought” racing through your head? Ah, ’twere that true. While I am a master of social complexities and articulate thought, clearly you are not. I am the embodiment of unparalleled intellectual and artistic heights. You, on the other hand, bring the baggage of preconceived notions that serve only to distract.

Yet, I’ll give you one chance: Aspire to free your mind. Use a crowbar if you must. Approach me with openness, unsullied by your irrelevant “life experience.” Alternately, set me down and leave me the hell alone.

Yes, yes, I know. You don’t have to put up with this. You’re a tiger. Grrr. You go get ’em. Go tweet or otherwise enlighten the starved-for-your-opinion world of your precious insights about me. Thrill yourself imagining your three, 300 or 30,000 followers hanging on your every word. I’m sure they must. OMG, they’re waiting for you to tell them the thought you had just now.

Now close your mouth and either set me down or do your worst. What’s that? You’re going to drink a fizzy yellow beer out of spite? You got it. Self-flagellate all you like. Proclaim your unworthiness to whoever will listen, scamp.
___

Behold!! You are in the presence of the return of the true King/Queen of Beers. It’s long return from slumber after a long time of not being reviewed now graces the unworthy with a might of Bourbon and Oak. While There have been other variants taking advantage of the Double Bastard and Lukcy Bastard Barrel Aged, this is the truest return of the Arrogant Bastard since my first review of the regular beer oh so long ago (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/arrogant-bastard-ale-by-stone/). This beer comes in a special Stone 4 pack including the other 3 Bastards, Arrogant, Double and Lukcy. You may as well get the quad of arrogance now before they sell out or just keep going without ever knowing what could have been… cheers!!

Aromas:
Bourbon, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, burnt sugar, toasted coconut, citrus, piney, grapefruit, earthy and grassy hops, vanilla, marshmallows, pine nuts, almonds, roasted peanuts, wooden oak, campfire, graham cracker smores, tobacco, leather, apples, stone fruit apricot hints, some tropics like dragon fruit and passion fruit hints.

Flavors:
Rich Toffee, Bourbon notes, earthy, piney, grassy, grapefruit hops, dulce de leche caramel,honey, dragon fruit, vanilla, hop soaked marshmallows, oak, rye bread, apples, stone fruit apricot, passion fruit hints, citrus, lemon peel, butterscotch, leather, tobacco, roasted burnt peanut butter hints, brown sugar, campfire oak, smores and sour raspberries.

Aftertaste:
Rye bread, toffee, caramel, earthy hops, grassy, citrus and grapefruit peel, oak and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, deep crimson Amber in body, medium drinkability and smooth yet bitter mouthfeel.

Overall:
A tad more perfect than the already perfect Arrogant Bastard. While this is Bourbon Barrel Aged, the Bourbon helps compliment the awesome sweeter flavors but the beer is still pretty damn aggressive and delicious. They should really consider selling this one individually but the fact that it comes with the other ones including the Lukcy which is the Cuvee (Grand Bastard Cru) at a reasonable price may actually make this one worth getting. You be the judge. LOL like the Arrogant Bastard says “It’s Not Expensive, You’re just Too Cheap!”

Anime Corner:
Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail was used in this pairing because I wanted to find another Bad Ass Red Head like I did with Baiken from Guilty Gear. Erza brings everything that has to do with this beer. The label, the colors, the flavors, the bitterness, the attitude, the arrogance and the dominance. Let us start with how she puts her arm to the side and looks straight into your soul like a bad ass giving off that look of pure bitter arrogance. Her hair spikes up like the wings and horns of the gargoyle. The dark surrounding with the crimson represents the flow of beer as I spends it’s time aging in the Bourbon to someday be released as such which was the Return of the King of Beers. Today is a Good Day!

Sources:
http://wallpapersinhq.com/images/big/fairy_tail_erza-1475314.jpg

2014 Rum Barrel Aged Black Tuesday by The Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

13020_10102167531900660_5570626799443996580_nRating: 6.25/5

2014 Rum Barrel Aged Black Tuesday by The Bruery is an 18.9% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Rum Barrels.

Label:
NEW DEAL

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

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

The rare allocation of this year’s Reserve Society release from the Bruery. Unfortunately, if you would like to try this variant you will need to try it at the Bruery directly before they run out as is very kimited or you may have to trade for this one. I have no idea when this version will read the public hands and the Bruery has released many many variations of their base beers through experimentation. I really would like to see variants be released, or even then, more allocations to the public and out-of-state too. Only few people get a chance to try Black Tuesday and only a few will get to try this one. I assure you, upon my many tastings, this goes beyond what is considered, a regular BEER! Now then, let us dive into the Alchemic arts which is this variant, Rum Barrel Aged Black Tuesday.

Aromas:
Lots of Rum oak, vanilla, tropical hints of pineapple, mango, toasted coconut, dragon fruit, melon sharpness, banana cream pie, Danish cookies, almond joy, mint chocolate chip hints, Chocolate Truffles, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, cherries, currants, blackberries, port wine, Oreo cookies and cream, dark candi sugars, rock candy, burnt sugar, anise, molasses, cotton candy, sugar cane, pumpkin spice hints, tres leches came, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate cake, brownies, wine grapes, mocha and more complex aromas.

Flavors:
Rich Banana, Rum, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugars, rock candy, brown sugars, agave hints, toasted coconut, dark, milk German, Belgian, Bakers and Truffle chocolate, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, wine grapes, pine apple hints, candi sugars, oreo cookies and cream, almond joy, crème brulee, Irish cream, mocha coffee, java, Kahlua, molasses, anise, mint chocolate chip, flan, piña colada, tres leches cake, flan, subtle old mango, cantaloupe hints, dragon fruit hints, sugar cane hints, cotton candy, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, chocolate cake, flan, sweetened condensed milk, rocky road ice cream, graham cracker smores, marshmallow, subtle tobacco, leather hints, clove spice, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, toffee and port wine.

Aftertaste:
Banana, Rum, Oak, Bubblegum, coconut, pineapple hints, dulce de leche caramel, milk chocolate, hazelnut, dark cherries, marshmallow, almond joy, cantaloupe melon, mild Piña Colada, pecan pie, chocolate cake and tres leches flan. Boozy but super subtle with nothing detracting from the rich flavors. Mouthfeel is much smoother than the regular Black Tuesday but still silky smooth. Drinkability is still sipping but to a degree with a Pitch Black Hole body of upper dimensions. This one is way more drinkable than the original or at least it goes down smoother so much more danger here.

Overall:
Definitely a notch above the The Regular Black Tuesday. Even at the highest of expectations, it keeps pushing and pushing! This beer is much much more sweeter and a tad tropical. The original base beer takes over with its complexity already in tact but it generates another normally not provided by the Bourbon. This beer is just as dangerous if not a little more as the drinkability of pure sugar syrup is still insane here. Quite literally lingering in the tongue for a while which makes it more enjoyable so you don’t have to rush. I absolutely recommend this version if you are lucky enough to find this. However, even if you can get the regular Black Tuesday, do get it as if you will realize that this beer is the definitive that goes beyond the boundaries of what is considered beer and yet still is. A God amongst the Craft Beer world.

Anime Corner: tl;dr
KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, as shown in previous versions of Black Tuesday, was used this time in a more Tropical setting to go with the aspect of the rum barrels used in this pairing. The sweet tropical flavors provided from the Rum add a nice twist to the already insane Black Tuesday. More info on KOS-MOS below:

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

Sources:
http://i4.pixiv.net/img02/img/syunzone/13171923.jpg

2014 Black Tuesday by the Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

1958135_10102161076053230_5819848891302873036_n 10686713_10102161075943450_2403020242654933076_nRating: 6/5

2014 Black Tuesday by the Bruery is an 19.7% ~20%ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
NEW DEAL

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

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

What do I even say about this beer that I have not said over the many years I have reviewed this all time favorite. I think with my past review about the Black Tuesday Release Party should have been enough to disclose the greatness of this one or even the reviews of the past should have been enough. Yet, here I am again bringing another awesome review about a wonderful and favorite beer. Also, did I mention, that this year’s version is an even closer to a…20% ABV!!!!! Not to mention on a 750ml bottle that if you drink in one sitting you will surely coming a great mistake?! Well, here it is. The beer that is the strongest of the strong, the best of the best and just… well.. yeah… On to the review!!

Aromas:
Rich bourbon, oak, bananas, dark, milk German, Belgian and bakers chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, hazelnut nectar, smokey notes, dark raisins, dark cherries, plums, marshmallow, mocha coffee, Kahlua, Irish cream, agave syrup, candi sugar, rock candy, pecan pie, flan, crème brulee, pudding, graham cracker smores, coconut, choco flan, maple syrup, molasses, anise, port wine hints, brown sugar, leather, tobacco and mint patties.

Flavors:
Bananas, dark, milk German, Belgian and bakers chocolate, oak, leather, tobacco, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, rich dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, blueberries, raspberries, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, cinnamon, coconut, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, agave syrup, molasses, maple syrup, anise, mint chocolate chip ice cream hints, rocky road ice cream, candi sugars, clove spice, port wine, mocha coffee, Kahlua, Irish cream, double chocolate cake, flan, leche nestle/sweetened condenced milk, choco flan, brown sugar, crème brulee, toffee, sugar cane and cotton candy.

Aftertaste:
Bananas, bourbon, flan, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, milk chocolate, hazelnut, cherries, marshmallow, pecan pie, coconut, chocolate cake just lingers and lingers and lingers! Boozy but ridiculously subtle and nothing detracting from the rich complex flavor, smooth and sipping drinkability, silky and syrupy mouth feel, beyond pitch black body which the sight leads to another dimension. Highly and extremely dangerous so careful with her. Balanced to the true name of KOS-MOS/ORDER.

Overall:
Yes Yes Yes, there is nothing more to say other than if you want this beer, join the Preserve Society or simply trade. We are getting closer and closer to the day where the Bruery will make so much of this that it will be sold more widely to the public. Well, maybe, but at least the public can joint the Preservation society to get this. I don’t want to sound like an advocate for the Bruery but then again, tasting different beers and this crew who experiments so much to the point of creating super unique beers is pretty much unheard of. So yeah, get this while you still can!

Anime Corner: tl;dr
I think I did such a great job of pairing Kos-mos from the several beer reviews back that I wanted to bring the 2013 Anime corner below and elaborate on why I chose the new one picture. It obvious how Kos-mos simply just emerges from the depths of Black Void of Tuesday as she rises up stronger to show that 20%ABV (Order/KOSMOS Rising from the Chaos). As to who is Kos-mos, see below:

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

Sources:
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs49/i/2012/337/8/9/the_firebird_suite_by_melficexd-d23or7w.jpg
http://images.forwallpaper.com/files/thumbs/preview/42/420445__xenosaga_p.jpg

1000th Breweanimelogs Post / 2014 Black Tuesday Release Party

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10301044_10102161059646110_5735493077728725348_nHappy Black Tuesday!!

To honor the 1000th post on Brewerianimelogs as well as the Bruery’s 2014 annual release of the Black Tuesday, I decided to go in depth about my experience at the Bruery on that day. This was my first time at one of the Bruery’s Black Tuesday special release parties. According to the information that was provided, this event was to have 7 2oz. Tasters (18~20% ABV a piece) with catered food made with a variety of Black Tuesday variants.

So basically food made with the Black Tuesday beer. Unfortunately, I could not invite any of my good friends to this event as it was for members only but the reason I am doing this special post is because I want to talk about the special variants that they had there and hopefully they are some that may be released in bottles someday for you to try. That or if you want to join the Bruery Reserve or Hoarders Society, maybe this may give you an incite on what it is all about besides getting special coveted beers.
10700340_10102161059556290_6110659034636256694_o


By the way, while I may be a reserve society member, the Hoarders Society got to choose from 11 different beers vs. our 8 beers. Unfortunately I did not get any details on those nor tastings so I can only elaborate on what beers and food and experience I had there.

1237193_10102161059576250_6906424592537498685_o

So let’s start with the first review of that night and the list of food they had. Also, I did not get a chance to take a lot of pictures and my tasting reviews are mainly best of my knowledge and what my tasting notes could provide in terms of what new flavors are provided to the base Black Tuesday. That and the fact that 2 ounces is difficult to make a good review especially since I cannot taste the beer at different temperatures. I am not a food expert but the ingredients used to make the food are provided as well as they all revolve around Black Tuesday. Also, Black Tuesday on Nitro was replaced by “Orange Is The New Black Tuesday” as the kegs were not ready.
10593117_10102161059471460_2219052129043195764_n 10547816_10102161059456490_7872289918594440187_o

For more information on the Base beer I recommend you read my upcoming 2014 Black Tuesday review (which I will post a link here) for further information on the base beer itself aside from what the variants had to offer. I do not post information on the other beers here such as the Rum Barrel Aged Black Tuesday, Grey Monday or Chocolate rain as I already did some great reviews you can find on my site by clicking on the tags above. Cheers and Thank you for reading this far.

===Sundae Black Tuesday===
10533310_10102161059306790_8273026832552612425_o

Sundae Black Tuesday by The Bruery is a 19.7% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Bananas, Cherries and Vanilla beans.

Aromas:
Chocolate Sponge cake, vanilla ice cream, toffee, banana cream pie, banana split with dark cherries, dark cherry yogurt, cookies and cream, chocolate brownies hazelnut and Danish cream +Black Tuesday notes.

Flavors:
Rich Banana split notes, dark cherries, bourbon vanilla, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, flan, coconut cream, oak, dark cherry yogurt, cookies and cream, chocolate brownies, hazelnut nectar Danish cream, and pecan pie +Black Tuesday flavors.

Aftertaste:
Same as Black Tuesday but leaving some more residual sweetness.

Overall:
I think this is way better than the base beer bringing a lot richer flavors from the dessert of the cherries, bananas, cream pie, hazelnut and chocolate. This beer was the Winner of the Blending competition and definitely the winner of the variants I think so far that night. They really need to bottle this one.

Anime Corner:
Kos-mos and Mary II were used in this pairing to pair with the flavors of the original Black Tuesday (Kos-Mos) as well as the cherries and bananas (Mary II) which are represented by the colors shown.

 

===Pistachio Vanilla Black Tuesday===
10359041_10102161059346710_5383211427755717810_o

Pistachio Vanilla Black Tuesday by The Bruery is an 18% ABV Imperial Stout Aged In Bourbon Barrels with Pistachio Nuts and Vanilla beans.

Aromas:
Pistachio notes, rich bananas, vanilla, oak, chocolate, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Pistachio ice cream, cookies and cream, whiskey and rye +Black Tuesday Aromas.

Flavors:
Pistachio ice cream hints, vanilla cream, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cookies and cream, pistachio hints, hazelnut, pecan pie, almond milk,whiskey, rye, milk chocolate and dark chocolate +Black Tuesday Flavors

Aftertaste:
Same as Black Tuesday but leaving some slightly dry but nutty sweet flavors.

Overall:
Reminding me of some of the nutty pistachio and vanilla Seme De La Vita flavors but since we are talking about Black Tuesday, its own already awesome flavors dominate and the pistachio isn’t as pronounced as Seme De La Vita but subtle. Still a great beer and would love to some day have a bottle to break it down better.

Anime Corner:
Kos-Mos and Elhaym Van Houten were used to represent Pistachio and Vanilla. While Kos-mos is already the Black Tuesday, her green colors on the head piece and blue represent the Pistachio and Elly with the cream colors and amber hair represent the vanilla and the vanilla beans.

===Double Barrel Black Tuesday===
10481441_10102161059172060_3740529848401583901_n

Double Barrel Black Tuesday by The Bruery is a 19.7% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in old Bourbon Barrels and reaged in Young Whiskey Barrels.
Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, rich oak, bourbon, whiskey, mild pumpkin hints, plantain, dark chocolate, smokey notes, cinnamon, pumpkin hints, rye bread, almonds, coconut and rocky road ice cream +Black Tuesday Aromas.

Flavors:
Capirotada, Rich Dulce De leche caramel, whiskey, bourbon, oak, mild smokey notes, rich coconut, rocky road ice cream, burnt caramel, leather, tobacco, milk chocolate, almond milk plantain, rye bread, cinnamon and pumpkin spice hints +Black Tuesday Flavors

Aftertaste:
Same as Black Tuesday but leaving some more oak and caramel to the aftertaste

Overall:
This was definitely screaming more flavors of complex caramel and molasses than the previous versions I tried really accentuating a more barrel character giving those richer coconut, toffee and caramel flavors. Probably the second best of that night.

Anime Corner:
Kos-mos was used in this pairing and her dual Gatling guns of awesomeness represent the “Double Barrel” aspect of the Double Barrel Black Tuesday.

===Orange Is The New Black Tuesday===
1912028_10102161059177050_449248766878340203_o

Orange Is The New Black Tuesday by The Bruery is a 19.7% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels through a Randall with Oranges.
Aromas:
Mild notes of Oranges, chocolate, orange creamsicle, earthy bitterness, maple, tangerines, rye bread, malt balls and brown sugar +Black Tuesday Aromas.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, oranges, vanilla, orange creamsicle, earthy bittermess, maple, orange candy, tangerines, brown sugar and rye bread +Black Tuesday Flavors

Aftertaste:
Same as Black Tuesday but leaving some more citrus and earthy bitterness that I have not seen before.

Overall:
Probably the most different but still delicious of the pairings to the point that the introduction of orange changed the dynamic to a chocolate orange beers. Richly sweeet but bitter and mild sour oranges. Truly unique twist to the Black Tuesday already super sweet category.

Anime Corner:
Kos-mos staring into space reminded me of how in Orange Is The New Black show, prisoners look out their cells in hope of a release. That is what was represented here. The bitter oranges added to the Black Tuesday bring it to a new twist that must be contained. Very delicious for sure!

===Conclusion===
10614113_10102161059681040_8227506952508097700_n

This was my very first Black Tuesday Release Party attendance and I really hope to go again next year. It was also a good opportunity to post the 1000th entry into brewerianimelogs and hope to someday make that 2000th post. Looking back at all the beers I received and tried from the Bruery and the way they treat their member, it was sure worth the pennies I scraped to get into this which at the same time has helped my site but also has helped my friend Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com.We are just a humble bunch of dudes trying to bring creative work to the already awesome phenomena of the craft beer world. Thank you once again for reading this and thank you for following me. It means a lot to me that many people can enjoy the work that I do and appreciate the beer side, the anime side or both! Cheers to you!

Rating: 6.45/5 *Sundae Black Tuesday
Rating: 6.15/5* Pistachio Vanilla Black Tuesday
Rating: 6.25/5* Double Barrel Black Tuesday
Rating: 6/5* Orange Is The New Black Tuesday

Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/KOS-MOS-and-Mary-II-181601755
http://imagis.jp/pic/photo/raw/img_3204.jpg?h=198d505ab4244a5696252ff129386b58
http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs37/i/2008/265/d/7/KOS_MOS_ver_4_by_NetDead.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/e735KR9.jpg

7 Swans A Swimming by The Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10650009_10102156730576600_749337020517018057_nRating: 5.35/5

7 Swans A Swimming by The Bruery is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadruple.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

The Seventh Verse of Out Twelve Days of Christmas series of beers showcases the rich, malty character of a Belgian-style quadrupel. Happy Holidays.

7 Swans-A-Swimming is suitable for aging up to 5 years (soon after the release of 12 Drummers Drumming) when cellared properly.
___

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

Aromas:
Pure dark fruit ll over the place with raisins, plums, figs, currants, raspberries, dark cherries, blueberries, prunes, dulce de leche caramel, anise, molasses, licorice, oats, blueberry muffins, port wine hints, pecan pie, dark candi sugars, rock candy, dark chocolate, flan, spicy nutmeg, toffee, banana and clove spice.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruit like raisins, plums, figs, currants, blueberries raspberries, dark cherry yogurt, grapes, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugars, rock candy, licorice, anise, molasses, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cherry cordial, spicy nutmeg, toffee, butterscotch, brown sugar, clove spice, bananas, flan, cinnamon, all spice, vanilla, oatmeal, blueberry muffins, maple, bananas, clove spice, rye, port wine, pecan pie and Rhubarb ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Deep dark fruits like cherries, raspberries, grapes, nutmeg, cinnamon, dulce de leche, and pecan pie hints left over. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full body, smooth to silky mouthfeel yet a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect Quad with deep complexity and rich flavors. This one definitely reminded me of the Apophatic or at least one like the one Monkish brewing had a while back. Rich with a bigger dose of dark fruit that the previous beers have not shown. More of a dark fruit complexity forward character for sure while still reminding you that his is a quadrupel after all. Some of the Christmas spices are there as a means of support to remind you of what great Holiday ales are all about. It is not the biggest beer in the series but it definitely is up there with the best. Definitely get 2 to savor one now and another for the 12th release!

Anime Corner:
Hatsune Miku and the Vocaloid Team was used in this pairing as I wanted to do 7 characters but also in the sense of swimming, they definitely are swimming in a sea of chaos as they seem to be on the hunt for something important but also trying to survive and keep their heads afloat. Some dangers present themselves near by. May not be Christmas like but the purpose of this beer for Christmas is to bring people together and it seems like 7 characters together is just the trick to do it. Together they will survive another day. The flavor complexities of the beer, the colors of the labels and the aspect of staying together like a flock of swans are surely displayed in this pairing.

Sources:
http://images2.alphacoders.com/112/112140.jpg

2014 Roble Blanco by The Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10289852_10102156473970840_7562898689316988159_nRating: 6/5

2014 Roble Blanco by The Bruery is a 15% ABV Wheat Wine/Sour Ale Aged in Tequila Barrels with Lime Juice, Lime Zest and Salt.

Label:
¡Que Delicioso!

This tangy, Mexican inspired ale has an agave-like sweetness, balanced with zesty limes and just a hint of salt.

Living in Southern California, we’re huge fans of both Mexican cuisine and, of course, Mexican cocktails. This is a tribute to our favorite blended fiesta beverage
___

Obtained as part of the Reserve Society membership, this beer was released as one of the mystery beers that was on the list for October. This beer is essentially a sour wheat ale that was aged in tequila to try and mimic the flavors of a margarita. I don’t know what to expect from this one. My only hope is that it is not too sweet or too sour but just right. I tend to gear more toward a balance when it comes to sours.

Aromas:
Lime candy, Bananas, plantains, Honey comb, sangria, mezal, tequila, oak, dulce de leche caramel, agave syrup, white raisins, honey dew melon, margarita, salt, grapefruit, coriander, orange, cinnamon hints, white wine, musty notes, leather and pecans.

Flavors:
Plantain, tequila, salt, agave syrup, white raisins, plums, apricot, margarita, lime candy, lime peel, rye, orange, grapefruit, blonde roasted barley, wheat grains, biscuit bread, sangria, mezcal, tejuino, bananas, oak, vanilla, dulde de leche caramel, honey, white wine, musty notes, raspberry skins, currants skints, dragon fruit peels, honey dew melon, cucumbers, mild coconut hints, leather notes, Danish pastry hints, capirotada raisin bread pudding, pecans, almonds, leche nestle condensed sweetened milk hints and apples.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, Lemon, Salt, Margarita, oak, honey comb, agave, tejuino and tequila finish. No alcohol in the taste, medium gold body, syrupy mouthfeel yet smooth and very drinkable for some damn reason making this one very dangerous drinking in one sitting.

Overall:
Such a damn resemblance to the salty lime tequila margarita it ain’t even funny. You really have to like that drink in order to understand how this one works. However, the only thing is that it is not overly sweet and the salt and lime clash for the balance to salty, sweet and sour. This cause the beer to be more balanced than a true sour. I had to stop drinking this for a while because it was way to damn drinkable for my own good and it was so delicious. Also that part of me that loves lemon and salt kicked into high gear so I may sound bias in my review but this one one hit certain sectors of flavors that were really awesome. I highly recommend it if you can find this one and you really like tequila, lime, salt and a ton of complexity.

Anime Corner:
Annet Myer/Futatabi from El Viento series was used in this pairing to go with the colors of the label but also the name as the work Roble means strong but also the act of aging which coincide with oak and tequila barrels. The rustling of lime trees to the wind or El Viento also link to the beer but also Annet herself since she has the colors of a margarita, she is the Roble Blanco or strong White and she is from Peru meaning Latina. She may not be Mexican, but she is bad ass and her magic abilities (Complex flavors) and strength (ABV) as well as the fact that she is fast as El Viento/TheWind (Smoothness) is enough to mess you up if you dare take her on!

Sources:
http://nidavellirstudios.deviantart.com/art/El-Viento-Annet-Myer-376359191

2014 Contemplating Waterloo by Adelbert’s Brewery

by tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10686843_10102153540913710_8053570126183697869_nRating: 5.65/5

2014 Contemplating Waterloo by Adelbert’s Brewery is 9.1% ABV Belgian Saison aged in Gin Barrels

Label:
While enjoying a beer with our good friends at Treaty Oak Distilling Co., we contemplated the possibilities of aging our beers in their barrels. Soon we were filling their Waterloo Antique Gin barrels with Philosophizer, our spicy and citrusy saison.

A complex array of lavender, juniper and oak from the barrel balanced with the Philosophizer to create a smooth, warming ale.

Pair this ale with dishes like chicken alfredo, veal scallopini and strawberry cheesecake.
___

Aldebert’s brewery is mostly exclusive to Texas but distribution is starting to come through in many places. This unique beer was provided to me by my good friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com. Gin is sometimes not really barrel-aged and this is probably the reason why we don’t see a lot of Gin-Barrel Aged beers as the composition of Gin includes a lot of botanicals and Juniper Berries. However, after looking at the Waterloo Antique Gin, these are put in a barrel so the extra complexity just rolls right off and the fact that the special saison which is already a flowery botanical like beer added, well, if there is a flowery Nirvana out there, let’s just hope this beer takes us there.

Aromas:
Lots of Lavender, Gin, Vanilla, grapes, flowers, peppercorn, hibiscus, citrus, honey dew melon, basil, orange citrus, sage spice, banana, rich plantains, rich oak, sugar cane, flan hints, brown sugar, stone fruit apricot, apples, juniper berries, green tea, chamomile, biscuit bread, clove spice, white wine, chardonay, coriander spice and rye.

Flavors:
Apples, raspberries, white wine grapes, citrus, stone fruit apricots, peaches, plum notes, Gin, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, honey dew melons, lavender, hibiscus, chamomile hints, green tea, plantains, banana, biscuit bread, sugar cane, flan, brown sugar, peppercorn, orange blossom honey, coriander, clove spice, rye bread, blue basil, ginger spice, chardonay, fancy wine and cheese party, juniper berries, blue berry muffins, cherries and blackberries.

Aftertaste:
Finishing up dry with only some gin, sugar cane sweetness, farmhouse hay, vanilla, oak and white wine grapes. Slight booziness but that is mainly from the Gin but it really doesn’t take way from the awesome flavor but inspires the beer. A sipping drinkability with a almost syrupy mouthfeel and clear to medium golden body.

Overall:
Exceeding a lot of expectations here. This is the first Gin Barrel-Aged Beer I have ever had and it sure flew past that perfect radar for me. There was a lot going on here and as I remember back in the day when I tried Gin I remember it had a unique taste which that and the flowery saison creates a complex berry and flowery type of beer. I highly recommend this one was it is rare to see Gin Barrel-aged beers but also the fact that this one works so damn well with a saison.

Anime Corner:
Original Character Tia Won by Plopinou was used in this pairing for different reasons. The label has shotguns being the first but overall it has to do with the color red and the red coats that the British wear in reference to the Battle of Waterloo which was the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815. Sure, the character does not have a British army vest but red was a primary color. Anyways, that is what I thought of when I heard the name Waterloo although we already know it has to do with the Waterloo Antique Gin. Either way, I thought it was an interesting connection and I figure I would elaborate my choice in pairing.

Sources:
http://yytru.deviantart.com/art/Commission-Tia-461682273

Cherry Funk by Prairie Artisan Ales

by tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10711121_10102153539756030_2476320978691111091_nRating: 5/5

Cherry Funk by Prairie Artisan Ales is a 7.5% ABV American Wild Ale aged with cherries.

Label:
Made By People Who Truly Care From Oklahoma With Love.
___

Another awesome one from Prairie Artisan Ales which I hardly get a chance to see around here in California. Thanks to Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com who lives closer to this brewery than I do to be able to get me this one. Some very special beers coming from Texas and the surrounding Southern States for sure. This one being a Cherry Sour Ale. I have tried other Cherry sours and many are more sour or tart than sweet. Let us see what this one is about.

Aromas:
Lots of Tart Cherry skins, Concorde grapes, dark cherry yogurt, stone fruit apricot, farmhouse hay, wine frapes, funky oak, vanilla, phenolic notes, biscuit bread, lemon peel, sour apple, grapefruit, earthy notes and brown sugar hints.

Flavors:
Dark Cherry Yogurt, vanilla, oak, cherry marzipan, phenolic notes, clove spice hints, wine grapes, funky notes, almonds, caramel, strawberry cheesecake, lemons, citrus, peaches, pecans, sour apples, biscuit bread, grapefruit hints, farmhouse hay, earthy notes, rhubarb pie, pineapple and brown sugar hints.

Aftertaste:
Phenolic and dark cherry yogurt linger along with some funk farmhouse hay and almond notes. No alcohol in the taste, Amber to pink full hazy body, moderate drinkability, medium mouth feel.

Overall:
A perfect sour. Not to overwhelmingly tart nor sour but yet at a farmhouse ale level with some lingering tartness but also cherry sweetness. It smells more sour than the taste leads to believe. I really enjoyed this one and it was quite the unique experience. If you can find this one, definitely try it, I highly recommended. Thanks to Aaron once again for hooking this one up.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork from gagraphic was used in this pairing to go with the color of cherry and the label where it shows the cherry stretching ad exercising. Since this beer is all about reds and cherries, I figure it would work perfectly.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/59307-1024×768-gagraphic-hiyohiyo-light+erotic-red+eyes-red+hair-animal+ears.jpg

No. 19 Barrel Aged Series Rufus Corvus by Avery brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10433107_10102152760827010_5207325096843776489_nRating: 5.45/5

No. 19 Barrel Aged Series Rufus Corvus by Avery brewing is a 6.83% ABV World Class American Wild Ale with 65% aged in Cabernet Savignon barrels, 9% Ale aged in chardonnay barrels and 6% Zinfandel barrels.

Label:
The Sour Trinity
Pediococcus
Brettanomyces
Lactobasillicus

No. 19 An artful and massively acidic blend of two major projects and further enhanced with several orphan barrels from the corners of our barrel aging cellar. All Ale involved was barrel aged for a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 24 months.

Pucker up, buttercup!

Bottled: April 7 2014
Production: 858 Cases
___

Avery Barrel Aged series definitely sells out quick here in California to the point that sometimes I miss out on such great beers. Aaron from www.beermetaldude.com introduced me to this beer. A sour using the vast variety of souring bacteria used in sour beers but then taken to another level using a variety of oak wine barrels. This was truly an honor just like that of the 5 monks. I cannot wait to try this monster and see how it goes…. wish me luck!

Aromas:
Wine grapes, port wine, funky oak, earthy notes, vinegar notes, wine and cheese party, dark fruits like plum, raisins, currants, berry skins, caramel, vanilla, lemon peel, lime, salt, dark cherry, plum sauce, port wine, chardonay, raspberries, rye bread, brown sugar hints, pecan hints and hazelnut.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plum, wine grapes, salt, lemon, lime peel, dark cherries, plum sauce, Concorde grapes, vanilla, port wine, chardonay, wine grapes, caramel, rye bread, stone fruit peach, pear, apples, funky, earthy notes, good cheese and wine, raspberry vinaigrette, hazelnut, smoked wood, leather, tobacco, berry yogurt, raw berry seeds, mild cheesecake notes in the back, brown sugar, pecan pie dryness, and very mild flan.

Aftertaste:
Ridiculously dry leaving only some sour notes, caramel, dark fruit skins and earthy funk. No alcohol in the taste, a puckeringly mouth feel, sipping beer, pitch brown bordering the black and purple abyss of a body.

Overall:
Very Rich and complex sour. Possibly the ultimate complex and balanced sour. Only the truest sours can be appreciated by palates with an achieved open level of taste. This is sour but it is rich beyond comprehension. Sours are only a handful of my favorites but this takes it a certain level I have not experienced before. It is like the Cardinal Poles of tasting. You have your extreme Smokey, Extreme Sweet, Extreme Bitter and Extreme sour but at the same times, the poles blend and while one pole is the most dominant, in this case the Sour pole, the other sides are so balanced that that they make the sourness be very complex. I would highly recommend this one if you love sours, especially puckering and sweet complex ones.

Anime Corner:
Battleship-Symbiotic Hime and Wo-class from Kantai Collection were used in this pairing to represent the dark void of the sours and the creatures you typically don’t see. The 2 characters and the monster in the background represent the 3 bacteria: Lactobasiliccus,Pediococcus and Brettanomyces. The colors also represent some aspects of the dark fruit and complex flavors as well. While Doing this review, I could only think of Caius Ballad’s theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8vXYBEvSow) from Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns. As the characters stumble deeper and deeper into the chaos and mainly this character being the embodiment of Chaos, it is synonymous with exploring deeper and deeper into the sour world of super complex sour beers like this one presents.

Sources:
http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2013/12/02/182227/d837c3da88727616dae561894aed45ee.jpg

Small Batch Series No. 9 Blackberry Sour by Ranger Creek

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10649635_10102152759499670_1029941060262848680_nRating: 4.9/5

Small Batch Series No. 9 Blackberry Sour by Ranger Creek is a 6.7% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Blackberries.

Label:
Our Small Batch Series is a line of seasonal single batch brews designed to be unique, interesting, and often experimental. Each one is made in small quantities and with a completely different recipe. The unique color, number, and QR code on each label identifies each batch, the details of which can be referenced on our website or by scanning the QR code with a smart phone. Small Batch Series releases are meant to age well over time, so drink a bottle now and save others to enjoy later. They will cellar best in a dark place around 50 degrees. Each batch is brewed and bottled by hand and undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Pour carefully so as not to rouse the yeast.

Description:
The 9th edition of our rare, experimental small batch releases is a Blackberry Sour. It’s a light bodied ale with juicy blackberry characteristics throughout and a distinct but pleasant tartness attributed to the lactobacillus yeast. Small Batch Series No. 9 matured in oak barrels for a year before the addition of fresh blackberries from our friends at Oak Hill Farms in Poteet, Texas. Enjoy one now and save a few to cellar for years to come as this beer will continue to mature in the bottle. Pour with care, as this beer contains live yeast from refermentation in the bottle. Cheers!
___

Special Thanks to Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com for providing me this beer. Ranger Creek beers have been pretty good so far and this one is definitely tempting. The last reserve one I had was a sweet potato stout. Now this one being a Blackberry Sour ale, I hope it will be just as good as the stout or better. I like sours so I am definitely open to searching what beers like this one are all about. The best part is that it is all Texas ingredients so having a beer from another state that uses local ingredients is always a bonus.

Aromas:
Funky earthy must, dark fruits like blueberries, currants, blackberries, plums, dark cherries, caramel, vanilla, oak, tart wine grapes, berry yogurt hints, rye bread, strawberry cheesecake, hints, earthy notes,, flowers, lavender, Concorde grapes and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Lots of oak, lavender, flowers, dark cherries, caramel, tart wine grapes, lemon peels, dark fruit currants, plums, black berries, blueberry skins, Concorde grapes, blackberry yogurt, caramel, rye bread, vanilla cream, strawberry cheesecake hints, port wine hints, earthy and musty sour notes, brown sugar, blueberry muffins, underlying flan hints and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, Flan like hints, oak, earthy notes, tart lemon peel, multiple type of berry skins, banana bread. No alcohol in the taste, Very smooth mouthfeel and easy to drink despite being a sour. Hazy Hazel full body.

Overall:
Very good sour that is very smooth. You can really take your time with this without feeling the overpuckeringly sourness of other wild ales. There is great balance of sweet and sour as well which made me realize how kick ass this was. I really enjoy the sweet aspects of it but the sourness here is definitely keeping everything in line. I have had many sours which some were too sour and others just right. This falls into the just right category for me and should definitely be tried.

Anime Corner:
Konpaku Youmu from Touhou Series was used to represent the colors of the label and colors of the flavors such as the dark fruits, the lavender, the spices and sweetness. Her running represents how smooth the beer is and how well is drinks. Such a great pairing for this one.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1599665

Fifty Niner by Odell Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10360769_10102152758426820_265313859018849441_nRating: 4.85/5

Fifty Niner by Odell Brewing is a 10% ABV Belgian Golden Ale brewed with Brettanomyces.

Label:
Brett or Bust! 1859 was the peak of the Colorado Gold Rush. Prospectors and dreamers, later dubbed 59ers, journeyed across the land with the hopes of striking it rich. In that spirit of adventure, Fifty Niner is a Golden Ale aged on oak staves and bottle conditioned with Brettanomyces, a yeast as wild as the new frontier. The lustrous golden brew shines with hints of lemon zest and pear accentuated by a rich vanilla and almond oak character and a subtle earthy spiced pineapple Brett finish.
___

Odell brewing is something we hardly get to see here in California, especially this beer. Thanks to Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com I was able to bring this to the website for a review. So far, all the beers I have had from Odell have been really good and guessing by the way this is made, I can only assume an awesome experience. So let us dig into this review and see what flavors we can unearth.

Aromas:
Honey, caramel, vanilla, pecans, almonds, oak, funky notes, tropical mango, pineapple, stone fruit apricots, peach cobbler, vanilla, floral notes, peppercorns, sage spice, wine grapes, brettanomyces funk, guava notes and sugar cane.

Flavors:
Peach cobbler, caramel, dark fruit dates, stone fruit apricot, plums, pineapple, mild funk, farmhouse hay, peppercorns, oak honey, vanilla, almonds, pecan pie, citrus, flowers, sugar cane, sage spice, tropical fruit like papaya, kiwi, earthy and musty notes, biscuit bread, rye bread, wine grapes, brettanomyces funk, and guava.

Aftertaste:
Leaving rich citrus, honey, peppercorn, funky notes and tropical sweetness. A small amount of booziness in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Light to medium body, sipping drinkability as well as mildly syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good and sweet brettanomyces ale and the fact that it is a Golden ale too clashes with the rich tropical goodness of what both have to offer. It is almost like a funky tropical old and exotic fruit dessert. Alot going on here that makes this one very delicious. I would definitely recommend this one if you like Belgian styles like Golden Ales and to some degree, Saisons or just both styles.

Anime Corner:
Nami from One Piece was used in this pairing to pair with the colors of the label but also the aspect of being in a cave digging up gold or at least finding gold. The main difference between the treasure seeking pirates and a Gold miner is the fact that you may or may not keep your findings. In this case, you can make this Golden liquid yours!

Sources:
http://cs.sankakucomplex.com/data/47/c4/47c448853afbbd261a1715fd43ee7b80.jpg?3771852

Big Experimental Brew Batch No. 1 by Texas Big Beer Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10710847_10102150694522900_6397128181054165273_nRating: 5.75/5

Big Experimental Brew Batch No. 1 by Texas Big Beer Brewing is an 11.4% ABV Belgian Quad/Belgian Golden Strong Tripel hybrid.

Commercial Description/Lab Notes:
This is our first big experiment to make it on the shelves. This beer is a Big Belgian style beer with all the traditional flavors you expect from fermenting a beer with Belgian style yeast. It is basically a cross between a “Belgian Triple” and a “Belgian Golden Strong.” If you had to force it into a single style it would most resemble a “Belgian Quad” or even bigger! This beer pours a rich golden color and has a rich, sweet malt flavor and a full body mouthfeel. This beer is brewed with a crazy amount of amber Belgian candi syrup which gives it the golden color and really influences the flavor.

With an ABV North of 11% this beer should be respected!

Statictics:
ABV – 11.2%
IBU – 44
SRM – 7.4
___

At an even more special time, this special experimental beer came from my friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com who advised this was very great beer. I was not sure what to expect and felt pretty honored to try an ‘experimental beer’ especially one that was made in Texas. This is my first beer from Texas Big Beer Brewing company and already I can see that they like to brew some Big Beers as this Big Experiment has a Big ABV at 11%. The fact that this one is a Quad!? Say no more and let us get on with the review.

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bananas, clove spice, rock candy, dark candi sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, brown sugar, pecan pie, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, pecan pie, hazelnut, maple, peppercorn, leather, peach cobbler, toasted rye bread with butterscotch, apples and stone fruit like apricots and mango.

Flavors:
Rich piloncillo sugar cone, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, stone fruits like mango, peaches, apricots, apples, dragon fruit, raisin bread pudding, vanilla, pecan pie, honey dew melon, peppercorn, bananas, clove spice, biscuit bread, brown sugar, peach cobbler, rock candy, dark candi sugar, toasted rye bread with butterscotch spread, Danish cream, honey, dulce de leche caramel, maple, leathery hints and chocolate hints.

Aftertaste:
Banana notes, dark fruit, stone fruit, caramel, vanilla, maple, piloncillo sugar and peppercorn. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer with an almost silky mouthfeel and an amber gold clear to medium body.

Overall:
Damn!! For being my first Texas Big Beer brew, and an experimental recipe at that, this one was mind blowing. Quads and Belgians are some of my favorite beers and this one knocked out my critique out of the park. It is freaking delicious as the blend of the Tripel and the Golden Ale style somehow drinks like if it was a quadrupel. It is insane how the alchemy turns this into a special magic potion.

Anime Corner:
Original art work by imp (sksalfl132) was used to present the hybrid monster that was unleashed by the experimentation of a Tripel and a Golden Ale. While the scientist was not prepared to show how delicious this monster was gonna be, she could only cry at the awesomeness of it. This is one powerful beer.

Sources:
http://pic46.nipic.com/20140821/15189307_120309280834_2.jpg

Les Fleurs Du Mal by New Braunfels brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10670257_10102150692966020_884461022825229363_nRating: 4.8/5

Les Fleurs Du Mal by New Braunfels brewing of Texas is a 5.7% ABV Sour Hefeweizen aged on lemon grass and bottle conditioned with Texas Wildflower Honey.

Label:
The Flowers of Evil
Sans Cesse a mes cotes s’agite le demon

Good cannot exist without a little evil to define it. Right lives astride wrong destruction. Destruction creates rebirth. This beer started life as a sweet, refreshing hefeweizen last winter. After a hot open fermentation and cold winter’s breath of evil, this beautiful saur creature has bloomed to life.
___

A special gem comes our way straight out of Texas from the special dark chapters of beer lore as provided by Aaron of www.beermetaldude.com. A sweet donation especially since there was only 11 cases of this beer released out to the public. New Braunfels brewing focuses on a variety of German inspired styles from what I have seen so far and the Shiva’s Tears I tried was very awesome. Now with this one, I really wanna see what this is about especially since it is a Heffeweizen that is aged as a sour, something that I have not experienced before. So let us try out and see what we can find.

Aromas:
Funky notes, lemon grass, sage spice, wine grapes, old mango, peppercorns, farmhouse hay, biscuit bread, vanilla, oak, honey, earthy notes, phenolic notes and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Lemon grass, flowers, lemon peel, biscuit bread, wine grapes, vanilla, citrus, oranges, peppercorns, funky farmhouse hay, earthy notes, old mango, pineapple, honey, oak, stone fruit tart apricots, hibiscus, toasted wheat bread, lavender, phenolic notes, mild bubble gum hints and clove spice.

Aftertaste:
Funky lemon grass, tart pineapple, earthy notes, wet hay, wheat and stone fruit apricots. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer despite the low ABV, medium to full honey colored body and medium mouthfeel.

Overall:
This beer is very good if you enjoy sours and farmhouse ales as it borderlines that tart and biscuity area that hovers over the likes of the nice French Saisons. This beer reminds me of the Carnivale Ale from The Lost Abbey as it has some notes of that but this one takes it a different direction of flavor as it is technically still a hefeweizen. I have never tried anything like it but just the ability to move a heffeweizen into other territories of style is just and amazing feat. Highly recommending this one and thanks to New Braunfels Brewing Company for making this one.

Anime Corner:
Remilia Scarlet from the Touhou Project series was used in this pairing to pair with the skulls and the flowers and how the representation of evil flowers can be seen in the form that they look pretty but when you taste them like this beer can be really deadly. Dare to take a sip?

Sources:
http://www.imgbase.info/images/safe-wallpapers/anime/touhou/7468_touhou.jpg

The Good, The Bad & The Unidragon by Clown Shoes

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

10698426_10102150674817390_88086393993892274_nRating: 5.45/5

The Good, The Bad & The Unidragon by Clown Shoes is a 14% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Texas Dark Malts.

Label:
We brewed this special version of Blaecorn Unidragon using dark malts sourced from Texas, attitude sourced from the burning pit of a bad tempered spirit, and righteous fury from the hand cannons of The Good. As you sit down to a glass, remember, there are two types of people: those who drink unidragons and those whose ashes drift in the breeze.
___

Clown Shoes has been on the move brewing beers specifically for certain states to have taking advantage of the awesome Russian Imperial Stout known as the Blaecorn Unidragon and creating super variants. This is the Texas Only version and there would have been no way I could of obtain this beer if it wasn’t for my friend Aaron and his wife from www.beermetaldude.com. California will get their version soon, but since I am a fan of the Unidragons, I was very exited to bring this one over to the site for a review. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark roasted coffee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, burnt caramel, rocky road ice cream, vanilla, mild smokey notes, smokey notes, tobacco, marshmallow smore hints, pecan pie flan, brown sugar, fudge cake and milk sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, rich roasted coffee grounds, bakers chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, mocha, Khalua, milk sugar, java, flan, rocky road icecream, mocha, brown sugar, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, oak hints, molasses, anise, marshmallow smores, coconut hints, smokey notes and tobacco.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, earthy notes, tobacco, caramel, vanilla and caramel hints. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. It is hidden so damn well. Creamy, silky and smooth mouthfeel, for some reason this has an easy to medium drinkability which really does not make sense despite the ABV. What can be said about the body other than pitch black as the darkest soul of the night and yet an extremely dangerous beer due to the ABV and the drinkability.

Overall:
This beer is insane and way too drinkable for its own ‘good’, which makes it ‘bad’ since it will get you drunk but its a ‘unidragon’ so drink drink drink! The other thing about this beer is that it is very balanced. I was very surprised about how well I could drink this one to the point where I had to stop myself from drinking the whole bottle in one sitting. Yeah it was that good. If you live in any other state, find a way to trade for this but if you live in Texas, you have to get this one for sure!!

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin, Tia Harribel & Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck from Bleach represent the good, the bad and the unidragon. Yoruichi is made to look like the bad guy in the label or the wolf man, although she can turn into a cat at will but it fits. She is good and kind hearted though. Harribel is the Bad in the sense that she was bad in the beginning of the series but now is good and she was the vampire slayer beer so for the purposes of the cowboy in the middle, she is good but in the name of the label is the bad. Neliele was always good and neutral and the unidragon of the original pairings so yeah she is awesome. I made this custom screen to fit the need of the scenery and story telling yet you can find the sources below. Can you find any other way of how this beer pairs?

Sources:
http://kriscynical.deviantart.com/art/BLEACH-Yoruichi-by-Washu-M-107334912
http://bleach.ucoz.net/_ph/2/255749857.jpg
http://tremblax.deviantart.com/art/Neliel-Tu-Oderschvank-327882456

Sprung by Five Stones brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10690250_10102150673729570_1840408458128523482_nRating: 4.45/5

Sprung by Five Stones brewing of Cibolo Texas is a 6.2% ABV India Pale Ale Hancrafted with heather tips, dried Elderflowers and Wild Flower honey.

Label:
Spring has “Sprung” in South Central Texas many years before the official change on the calendar. Often times it is a very short season but welcomed nonetheless. Some of the most beautiful landscape in our great nation is during Spring in Texas when all the wild flowers are in bloom. In honor if this time of year, we brewed Sprung with heather tips, dried elderflowers and wildflower honey keeping a balance of natural floral flavors in mind. We hope you enjoy it while the season is here…Cheers!
___

Another Five Stones has made it to the site thanks to the donation of Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com. This beer is an IPA brewed with Elderflowers and Wildflower honey so I really think it is a best representative for the season. Well, while we are no longer in Spring and IPAs usually tend to give more of a malty flavor with age, I think the bitterness of the flowers may help here. We will have to see for sure, but so far, everything I have tried from Five Stones of Cibolo Texas has been, Amazing!

Aromas:
Very floral, citrus, grapefruit, piney and grassy hops, pineapple, stone fruit apricot hints, caramel, biscuit bread, toffee hints, hibiscus, flowery spices, herbs, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, rye, hazelnut hints and dragon fruit.

Flavors:
Citrus, floral, piney and grassy hops, caramel, toffee, biscuit bread, coriander, pineapple, peppercorns, sage, basil, honey, hazelnut hints, mild rye, honeydew melon, mild guava, kiwi, dragon fruit hints, herbs, hibiscus flowers, lavender and cantaloupe.

Aftertaste:
Citrus, honey, flowers, biscuit bread and piney hops linger. No alcohol in the taste, medium honey body, easy to medium drinkability, creamy mouthfeel, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
Very good IPA focusing more on the floral and mild stone fruit component than the super hoppy aspects of the beer. While the taste is more malty, it was just as I thought, some of the flowers, spices and tropical hints were more pronounced than hops of other beers. While I cannot say how this beer would have been while it was fresh, at this point in time, it still taste very good and has maintained itself. So if you had tried this one when it was fresh, you won’t be disappointed now. Unless you are a true hop only hop head then I cannot speak for you as I have not tried this fresher. Either way, awesome beer from Five Stones.

Anime Corner:
This original artwork of a bunny girl rocking out was something that seemed to stand out and pair with the label. While I had tried this beer later in the year, the night time rock is what comes to mind when trying a beer that is in the fall vs. the spring. I really think this is the darker side of the bunny and when Spring passes and is Sprung loose it Falls into the night.

Sources:
http://37.media.tumblr.com/38f9e7852c129fb1c9679486958b85df/tumblr_n7desrkGU81qlodbjo1_500.jpg

Funky Gold Mosaic by Prairie Artisan Ales

by tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1012623_10102148430230560_888258388784361221_nRating: 5/5

Funky Gold Mosaic by Prairie Artisan Ales is a 6.5% ABV American Wild Ale dry hopped in Mosaic hops.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
A dry hopped sour ale. Funky Gold Mosaic is a dry-hopped sour ale. We took Prairie Gold and dry-hopped it with a huge amount of Mosaic hops. The end results are tropical, sour, and an all around new beer drinking experience! This beer is great fresh, but will continue to develop as the wild yeast continues to work in the beer.
___

Prairie Artisan Ales are far and few from what we get a chance to see here in California. Lucky for me, it pays to have good friends closer to the source of some of the best craft beers in the country. Aaron from www.beermetaldude.com sent me this my way and now we have this nice beer to present to the site. The closest thing I can think of a hopped sour or hopped farmhouse ale is a beer I had before from The Bruery and Smog City called Kangarue. I would wish I had that one to compare to this but let us see what I can gather from this one.

Aromas:
Rich Lemon, Grapefruit, lemon candy, floral and piney hops, farmhouse hay, musty oak, vanilla, white grapes, peppercorn, leather notes, tangerines, oranges, brettanomyces, hibiscus flowers, tropical notes like pineapple, dragon fruit, hibiscus flowers, lavender and honey.

Flavors:
Grapefruit, fresh garden lemons, lemon peel, lemon candy, white grapes, lemonade hints, piney, grassy and floral hops, vanilla, biscuit bread, Farmhouse hay, musty oak, orange, tangerines, tart apricot, sour apple, flowers, pineapple, dragon fruit peel, sage spice and peppercorns.

Aftertaste:
Lingering farmhouse hay, flowers, rich citrus grapefruit, lemon and sage spice. No alcohol in the taste, moderate drinkability, medium mouthfeel, hazy yellow body, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
This is damn perfect beer. It is a sour that is more of a tart fruit beer with very rich citrus hitting different spectrums of lemon to grapefruit to orange and more. Definitely similar to the Kangarue but plays off more on that lemon peel candy than the citrus orange sweetness. For that reason, it does differentiate to the palate. This was just as great and just as perfect as the Kangarue and I would highly recommend it if you can find this one. Prarie Artisan keeps making some awesome beers.

Anime Corner:
Several characters from the Touhou Project series were used in this pairing to pair similarly to the label where they are pretty much rummaging and browsing through items much like the people in the label are browsing through the internet. The point I think they were trying to make with the is even though sour beers maybe ignored by some people but hop heads enjoy their IPAs, this beer will make both sides, definitely want to explore and explore more the curiosity of how the flavors give to your taste experience especially since you get the best of both worlds here, the sour and the hoppy and how they are in perfect harmony.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/Hcld67b.jpg

Shiva’s Tears Weizenbock of the Destroyer by New Braunfels Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1904274_10102148427995040_4064759338445037717_nRating: 4.5/5

Shiva’s Tears Weizenbock of the Destroyer by New Braunfels Brewing is a 9% ABV Weizenbock.

Label:
According to Hindu faith, Shiva, the god of destruction and rebirth, was called upon to rid the world of an evil demon named Tripura. After meditating for 1,000 years on how to kill Tripura and contemplating the evil he wrought on Earth, Shiva winked his eyes and tears fell. From those tears grew a tree who’s fruit satisfies thirst. It’s seeds are used for meditation and prayer.

Our Weizenbock is a study in power and grace. Surprising smooth for a high abv powerhouse, Shiva’s Tears is our pathway to beer truth. Meditate on a few of them and you may just cry of few tears of your own.

Here’s to life.
___

The great beers of Texas have hit brewerianimelogs once again and it is thanks to the one and only, Aaron, the founder of www.beermetaldude.com. I will be reviewing some more great beers in the coming weeks but I decided to start with the first Texas brew in line he donated to the site for this shipment. I have never tried anything from New Braunfels and this is my opportunity to see what they are about. I have seen that they make a variety of wheat based beers. Wheat ales are some of my favorite styles of beers especially the ones from Germany and Europe. The Weizenbock being a favorite of mine next to the Dunkelweisse makes me wonder how good this be. Let us check it out shall we?

Aromas:
Smokey notes, dark fruit raisins, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, rye bread, maple, licorice, mild soy sauce, oatmeal cookies, wheat bread, anise, brown sugar, tart dark cherry hints and rye bread.

Flavors:
Dark fruit like raisins, plum, grape, clove spice, tart dark cherry notes, lots of smokey oak, banana bread, dark chocolate hints, licorice, pilloncillo sugar cone, graham crackers, waffle cone, oatmeal coookies, anise, soy sauce, rye bread and vanilla.

Aftertaste:
Piloncillo, dark fruit, dark chocolate, earthy notes, tart cherry and nice smokey notes. No alcohol in the taste, really pitch black and brown body, moderate to sipping drinkability and medium yet smooth mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good smokey weizenbock. I don’t think I have ever had anything quite like this. Maybe a Berliner Weisse may come close but take that to the dark level and make it heavy and rich. Quite the unique one as many Weizenbocks tend to be on the sweeter side. This one is smokey and tart but still sweet. So there is some balance here. Definitely worth a try especially if you like smokey yet mild and sweet German styles. Gotta give special thanks to Aaron for hooking me up with this beer and New Braunfels for making it, cheers!

Anime Corner:
Shiva from Square’s Final Fantasy X was the easiest pairing I could think of. Shiva being the god of destruction and rebirth can be a bit cold some times. Especially this Shiva as she is ice based. The darker and smokey aspects of this beer as well as the dark fruit flavors are representative of the colors and Ice cold that Shiva brings in this pairing.

Sources:
http://cloudiroth.bloxode.com/images/114657973384.jpg

Happy 2nd Anniversary Brewerianimelogs! + No. 22 Barrel Aged Series 5 Monks by Avery brewing Review

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

10580230_10102027159822430_3593632871374419105_nRating: 7/5

No. 22 Barrel Aged Series 5 Monks by Avery brewing is a 19.39% ABV World Class Belgian Quintuple/Sextuple Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
So yeah, it’s MUCH bigger and bolder than a quad. But the term “sextupel” seems inappropriate alongside a congregation of monks, so quintupel it is.

Bottled July 17 2014
Production 874 Cases
___

Today marks the 2nd Anniversary of Brewerianimelogs and I am very happy for all my readers and fans. Thank you all for the liking the site and reading my reviews. I did a special on my 1st Anniversary long ago that is definitely worth the read if you want to know about my story and the site: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/10/17/happy-1st-brewerinanimelogs-anniversary/

As for being the the 2nd Anniversary of my website, I had to go with a special beer. Now this beer was given to me by my friend Aaron Mediola at www.beermetaldude.com in Texas and it was something that he was able to get for me at the last minute as I was unable to get it since it ran out in my local places here in California. So definitely a special thanks to Aaron, Cheers Brother!

Right next to Chocolate Rain but not including beers past 20% ABV, this is the strongest Belgian Strong Dark Ale I have ever come across or even the strongest beer for that matter. I expected nothing less from Avery. The Quintuple and Sextuple is an extremely rare style to come by. The only thing that I have tried that comes close to this style is possible Barrel Aged Quadruples (Straffe Hendrix 2011 Bourbon Barrel Aged Quad II) or even the Judgment Day Quad Aged in Oak with Cherries (Cuvee De Tomme). So for one to come out and say, this beer is a brand new style, I’ll be damned if we don’t see it here on Brewerianimelogs, the lost treasures of taste and experience. So for the special occasion, I really had to dig hard for the art work and what I really like and well, I really had to see if this beer was going to be up to expectations. I will be skeptical at first but at the same time it doesn’t help that the Belgian Quadruple is my favorite beer style ever or the fact that the Quintuple is like a 4th dimension to my 3rd dimension perspective on taste. I don’t know what to expect but wish me luck. Thought this tiny bottle of potion you may be, another existence and possibility will my senses thus see… Cheers!!

Aromas:
High dose of Rock Candy, Dark Candi Sugars, Brown Sugars, Oak, Agave like nectar, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, cherries, Belgian chocolate dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate notes, banana cream pie, cherry pie, pecan pie, hazelnut, almond joys, honey, highly spirited liquor notes like brandy, rum, bubble gum, plantain, tres leches flan, leather, ginger bread, all spice, molasses, rocky road ice cream, flan, crème brulee, all spice, clove spice, rich banana splits, cookie dough, fruity preserves, toasted coconut, mocha, currants, port wine, grapes, agave nectar, graham cracker smores, marshmallows, chocolate truffles and boozy sugars enough to give one a sugar coma with just a whiff.

Flavors:
Extreme dose of dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, raspberries, bourbon, dulce de leche rich caramel, vanilla, oak, tres leches, banana cream pie, plantain, clove spice, grilled bananas, rock candy, candi sugars, pecan pie, flan, crème brulee, toffee, leather, tobacco, toasted coconut, bubble gum, brown sugar, agave nectar, molasses, ginger bread, all spice, nutmeg, hazelnut nectar, almond joy chocolate, Belgian chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, rocky road ice cream, cookie dough, mocha, Kahlua hints, Chocolate truffles, marshmallow chocolate graham cracker smores, honey, fudge cake, cheese cake, velvet mousse, French vanilla ice cream, rye bread, biscuit bread, kiwi preserves, concord grapes, cherry pie, currants, port wine, chocolate chips, hints of brandy, hints of rum, hints of bubble gum, yum yum yum!!

Aftertaste:
Pecan pie, caramel, vanilla, bananas, dark fruits, leather notes, oak, port wine, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and rich sugary syrup lingers. Despite level of ABV, there is nothing about the alcohol that detracts from any of the flavors. This is a syrupy thick beer. Sipping drinkability, Full mouthfeel, pitch black body, hardly any head retention.

Overall:
Quite possibly, the Best Belgian Quad/Quint/Sext in existence I have ever tried. Westvleteren and St. Bernardus 12 ABT, this is certainly taking the lead guys. The saddest part about this beer is the fact that it is going to be so rare, limited and at only 12oz. It really makes me wish I had way more of this to the point where I did not want to let the last drops leave. They are a part of my soul now. I spent an entire 2 hours trying to figure out this beer as best I could and I am sure I missed some notes. I think that is how complex this beer was as the temperature kept changing. Even for 12 ozs, this was definitely a Vatican lost scroll of a relic or the holy grail of beers. This comes so far into the Bruery’s territory it ain’t even funny. If this was a 750ml, I would be dangerously in trouble. Extremely Highly recommend you get a bottle of this saintly beer. Not for those who cannot drink a highly potent beer! And Finally, to my friend Aaron, Thank you brother, this really hit on many levels. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Sora, Cloud Strife, Aya Brea, Lightning Claire Farron and Noctis Lucis Caelum from Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy VII, Parasite Eve, Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XV respectively were the 5 chosen monks in this beer pairing. These characters have been some of the highest most popular characters in JRPG history and thus an anime pi cure with all 5 of them was something I could not deny was the perfect pairing. If you remember correctly, I have used some of these characters in some of the best beers, like Claire in Dark Lord and Aya in Hellfighter from Texas. They relate to the beer in bad assery but also in the strength and complexity that even I cannot fathom. I guess being a big fanboy, it was just the right road to take with this one. The colors, and location pair with the flavors, the label, and more. So much to describe here, you figure it out, that is your homework!!

This beer also reminds me of the hardest battle in Final Fantasy history, the 5 Judges in Final Fantasy XII. This battle was just as hard as me trying to figure out everything this magic potion/elixir had to offer…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6jPS7cFr5o

Sources:
http://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com/de697965d76e0231109b6fadac1048e7/http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad32/dekimbae/sora-vs-cloud-strife-vs-lightning-vs-aya-brea-vs-noctis-lucis-caelum-5612-1.jpg

 

Valar Morghulis by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1780673_10102129212428190_4303954624754454680_n 10151340_10102129212043960_9160010245517754727_n 10301435_10102129211105840_7997889876574959697_nRating: 4.65/5

Valar Morghulis by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is an 8% ABV Belgian Dubbel.

Label:
WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE MOST FEARED SAYING IN HIGH VALYRIAN, TAKE A SIP AND CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY. FOR ALL MEN MUST DIE, AND ALL MEN MUST SERVE. ENJOY RICH AROMAS OF CARAMEL AND RIPE FRUIT WITH DEEP FLAVORS OF MALTY SWETTNESS AND FRUITY ESTERS. POUR SLOWLY, TO NOT DISTURB YEAST SEDIMENT, BUT WITH VIGOR TO MAKE A LUXURIOUS HEAD AND FREE BOUQUET.
___

The 4th installment of the Game of Thrones beer is here, Valar Morghulis or “All Men Must Die”. You can buy it at many craft beer markets where they sell Ommegang beer. I have yet to see the show but I love Ommegang beers. The previous entries have been very good. Since they brewed a Belgian Dubbel (Double Fermented Ale), I had to try it and bring it here to the site. If you have not tried a Dubbel before, you know it is going to be a heavy one and not your typical light beer. If you enjoy Belgians, well, let’s see what this one as in store.

Aromas:
Dark fruits like raisins, plums, dark cherries, light stone fruit like peaches and apricots, pears, apples, pineapple hints, brown sugar, bubble gum, clove spice, banana hints, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, vanilla, peppercorns, earthy notes, biscuit bread and chocolate hints.

Flavors:
Dark fruits like raisins, plums, dark cherries, clove spice, banana hints, peppercorns, dulce de leche caramel hints, brown sugar, biscuit bread, chocolate hints, bubble gum hints, vanilla, apricots, peaches, candi sugar, cinnamon, pears, coriander hints, pineapple hints, earthy hop hints and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Biscuit bread, phenolic notes, clove spice, caramel, dark fruit, peppery spices and earthy notes linger. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full crimson body, moderate drinkability and smooth and almost watery mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good Dubbel and possibly the best one so far in the series. Belgian Dubbels are incredible beers just like the Singles, Tripels and Quadruples. Although Quads are my favorites. Dubbels do generally fall into that category of dark fruit and malty but not overwhelmingly intense. So for fans of the show who typically don’t drink craft beer, this may definitely be a sipping beer but it won’t be like super overwhelming, just moderate. Still, Ommegang kicking ass again with another awesome beer.

Anime Corner:
Saber from Fate Stay Night/Zero was chosen once again to represent the world of fantasy in Game of Thrones. I was typically looking for something that would pair well with the name of the beer, the show, the color and to some extent the flavors of the beer as well. As you can see, All Men Must Die is in reference to bloody war as show cased in the sword battle. The devastation of medieval war is nothing but rot and chaos as the bloody color of the beer and its medium to full body is the consistency of that blood. Conquering others is what it is all about but like the phrase says, “No Victory without suffering, No freedom without Sacrifice” goes hand in hand with the saying of “All Men must Serve, All Men must Die” and how a war between the conflicting quotes arises due to those who do not see eye to eye. Even like the coin in the label, the good and the bad.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/208475-1500×1777-fate+%28series%29-fatestay+night-fatezero-studio+deen-saber-misako12003.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/1393132#full

Four Seasons of Mother Earth Series – Zingaro Autumn Ale by Mother Earth Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10371488_10102129194838440_8531359042055083546_n 1524406_10102129195257600_716354571762073793_oRating: 6/5

Four Seasons of Mother Earth Series – Zingaro Autumn Ale by Mother Earth Brewing is an 11.7% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels.

Label:
We have many names. Nomad, roamer, stray, deviant. Ostracized for free thinking. Asked to conform to conventions. Well, defiance breeds change. That’s why we stuck this imperial stout in oak barrels… Not because it should happen…because it shouldn’t.

Intense flavors of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and brown sugar meld beautifully with toffee and vanilla notes from wet oak bourbon barrels.

We have been told beer shouldn’t taste this… rEvolutionary. But we embrace a change in the seasons of life. They call us Bohemians. Then this must be the rhapsody, because not all who wander are lost. We are Zingaro.
___

Obtained this sucker from Craftshack.com as I was intrigued by the fact that Mother Earth brewing has a Bourbon Barrel aged Imperial Stout. I have only have had some of their beers which have been good to amazing but this time, I take on their version of the bourbon barrel imperial stout.

Aromas:
Rich toasted coconut, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, banana notes, dark fruit raisins, figs, licorice, coffee hints, Irish cream earthy notes oak, vanilla, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple and pumpkin spice hints.

Flavors:
Rich milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, oak, flan, rich toasted coconut, hazelnut nectar, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, anise, molasses, pumpkin spice hints, maple, cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg, dulce de leche caramel, licorice, molasses, dark fruit raisins, figs, currants, earthy notes, Irish cream, coffee notes, almond joy, Kahlua coffee, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, dark cherry chocolate cake and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with a complex of goods of toasted coconut, oak, bourbon, caramel, vanilla, milk and dark chocolate, pecan pie and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, velvety and creamy mouthfeel, sipping yet smooth and somewhat easy to drink and a full pitch black body.

Overall:
Surprisingly, I was ridiculously impressed by this one. The rich complex coconut, chocolate, bourbon and dark fruit take the lead here adding some subtle hints of spicy notes like that of the pumpkin but very subtle. I highly recommend this one if you can find it for sure, you won’t be let down especially if you love bourbon barrel aged Imperial stouts.

Anime Corner:
Inoue Orihime from Bleach was used in this pairing mainly when I saw the label as the character of autumn, is pretty much Orihime right down to the pendant on her hair and the colors. Orihime herself has been added to some damn epic beers like Uinta Oaked Jacked which pairs with the fall colors and she has many abilities bringing me back to some of those epic beers. In fact, her mainly ability of healing is to bring back a living organism back to a state of time when they were not hurt before. Just like the seasons, dying trees come back to life in spring time bloom synonymous with that Orihime power. So the pairing just seem way to perfect in my mind and mother earth had the right idea. Orihime is mother earthy nurturing the world back to a state where it was healed. Inoue Orihime is rather, heavenly as much to say as mother earth or heaven hills bourbon have to say.

Sources:
http://orichie.deviantart.com/art/Orihime-470623586
http://static.zerochan.net/Inoue.Orihime.full.40536.jpg

2013 Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer by Brouwerij Het Anker

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1016899_10102129193496130_1899845987482862341_nRating: 5.6/5

2013 Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer by Brouwerij Het Anker is an 11% ABV World Class Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Label:
Every year on the 24th of February, we celebrate the birth of Charles Quint. Therefore we brew a special beer in limited edition called ‘Grand Cru of the Emperor’. This exceptional beer is a special version of the Golden Carolus Classic, with an enriched taste palate and mysterious aromas added. The caramelized malts and its 11% Alc. Vol. give the Cuvée of the Emperor the warm roundness of wine together with the refreshing taste of beer. It is imperially crowned with a special cork so it can be preserved for a long period of time with a constant cellar temperature of 12° C. An imperial beer to cherish and enjoy in moderation.
Was 8% abv in 2000-2002, 10% in 2003 and 11% in 2004.
___

Aging for a year now, this beer seems just right for the review. I had over looked this one for a long time and I do remember my friend Richard telling me about how great this beer was. I finally decided to give it a try as I have passed this one up for a long time so I did not want to pass it up again. According to what I saw about this beer, it seem ridiculous and just like the great quads and Belgian Dark Ales, this was one of the many awesome ones. I definitely had to bring this one forward for a review.

Aromas:
Rich Dark fruit aromas like raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, currants, blueberries, boysenberries, pecan pie, dark candi sugars, rock candy, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, grapes, peaches, apples, hazelnut, licorice, anise, cinnamon, bananas, clove spice, molasses, chocolate and flan hints.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, currants, boysenberries, blueberries, plums, rich dark cherries, dulce de leche caramel, banana cream pie, clove spice, pecan pie, hazelnut, vanilla, flan hints, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, almonds, rock candy, dark candi sugars, licorice, anise, molasses, chocolate, brown sugar, peach, grapes and strawberry jam on buttered toast.

Aftertaste:
Leaving traces of dark fruit, caramel, pecan pie, banana notes, buttery toast and chocolate hints. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, a sipping beer, smooth velvety mouthfeel, medium to full deep crimson body.

Overall:
Why did I not get this one sooner? This beers is ridiculously flavorful. It really is complex and somewhat of a Christmasy beer as it does have some notes of a Belgian Holiday Ale. Like St. Bernardus Christmas, this one screams warmth for the coming holidays. Yes it is still fall, but might as well let the cold start to come in. Regardless, this is damn great and it is one I would definitely pick up again. I highly recommend this one for sure.

Anime Corner:
Queen Wadritte Belkstein Hordaine from Fantasy Earth Zero was used in this pairing as it was the most perfect one I could find to pair with the label as well as some of the might and flavors this beer has to offer. For this one, you can tell it obviously pairs with Emperor Charles Quint and his horse but as you look at the different shades and colors you can already tell that this goes well with all the different flavors offered in the beer.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/208071#full

Orval Trappist Ale by Brasserie d’Orval S.A.

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1383346_10102129191874380_8618643622402853108_nRating: 4.75/5

Orval Trappist Ale by Brasserie d’Orval S.A. is a (6.2% ABV EU & 6.9% ABV USA) World Class Belgian Pale Ale.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
In contrast to all the others, the Orval Trappist brewery makes only one beer for the general public. It has an intensely aromatic and dry character. Between the first and second fermentations there is also an additional dry-hopping process. Through this the beer acquires its pronounced hoppy aroma and extra dry taste.
Bottled at 5.2% abv – can go up as high as 7.2%
___

Of the many Trappist beers that I have tried, this one I have overlooked may times until I just decided one day, screw it, I’m reviewing it! This along with the other 9 Trappist breweries are some of the best Belgium and other countries have to offer. Centuries of brewing and perfecting the arts have brought these beers out and they still stand strong and delicious among the growing list of craft beers. So here it is, the Orval Trappist review.

Aromas:
Tart dark cherry, dark fruit raisin hints, wine grapes, earthy hop notes, floral hop hints, peppercorns, smokey oak, leather notes, citrus, biscuit bread, brown sugar, farmhouse hay, mushroom hints and brettanomyces.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisin hints, dark cherry, grapes, mushroom hints, floral and earthy hops, Musty Oak, peppercorn hints, brettanomyces funk, citrus, vanilla, lemon hints, apples, hints of peach, leather notes, smokey notes, biscuit bread and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Definitely ending dry with dark fruit, caramel and oaky funk dissipating. No alcohol in the taste, medium to sipping drinkability, medium mouthfeel with a cloudy full golden brown body.

Overall:
A very good beer if you are into the funky wild yeast type of Belgian Pale Ales. Definitely a representative of the evil tart and funky beers of Belgian. While this is not sour it leans more toward a farmhouse ale. This is very reminiscent of the Fantome series but unique in the sense that it seems like they use open air fermentation but still get a beer that is a Belgian Pale but treading into oaky and dark fruit territory. Hard to explain how this is but it works and is most likely why this one is very unique. Definitely recommend it once if you love farmhouse or saisons that lean toward a nice tart and funky zone.

Anime Corner:
Suigintou from Rozen Maiden was used in this pairing to represent the colors, flavors and the evil tart aspect that this beer brings but yet under control of the Holy. Basically, as you can see the Trappist Monastery is here and everything looks sweet but once you taste the beer, you see there is a much stronger and darker side to this (as seen by the dragon). Almost like the beer has been tainted but the fact that it is not sour and balanced, it seems to work fine. It represents light and dark twilight which is well controlled.

Sources:
http://konachan.com/post/show/154755

Citrus Blossom Honey Blonde by Avila Ales

by tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10485948_10102129191036060_803557335149010758_oRating: 4.8/5

Citrus Blossom Honey Blonde by Avila Ales is a 5% ABV Blonde Ale brewed with Citrus Blossom Honey and Fresh Garden Lemons.

Another awesome creation from my friends, Mr. Richard and Mrs. Megan Avila of Lawndale California. This is the 3rd home brew and so far one of the most enjoyable. I had the opportunity to try it and was given a growler fill to be able to bring back home for the review. This beer really hit home for the summer especially since it still hot out even though it is the fall. California, go figure right? Anyway, I was really take a step back as to how drinkable this was very flavorful that I had to take some time to analyze this one and share it with the world. So here it is, the Citrus Blossom Honey Blonde Ale, Cheers!

Aromas:
Oranges, Rich honey, vanilla, floral and pine hops, caramel, grape hints, lemon candy, lemon peel, biscuit bread, hints of caramel and chamomile.

Flavors:
Citrus, honey, flowers, lemon peel, floral and piney hops, lemon candy, honey drops, vanilla hints, caramel, grapes, dulce de leche caramel hints, chamomile hints, biscuit bread, guava hints and hints of butterscotch.

Aftertaste:
Some floral hops, citrus, lemon peel, biscuit bread and honey lingers. No alcohol in the taste, very easy to drink, smooth and velvety mouthfeel, full hazy body, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
Very damn good. Like a rich honey dessert made with oranges. The best part of this flavorful beer is that it is very smooth. Way smooth like drinking honey and lemonade on a very hot summer day. I think it is my friends’ best beer yet and I hope they definitely brew it again.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by Ozon was chosen in this pairing since I wanted to pair the color and the flavors of the beer showcasing the flowers as orange blossoms and honey. The look of summer and the refreshing aspect of the beer can be seen in the bright colors of this one.

Sources:
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/wakusoku/imgs/e/9/e927d5a8.jpg

Chronic Ale by Pizza Port

by tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

10712920_10102104452866550_5517690017085847289_nRating: 3.35/5

Chronic Ale by Pizza Port is a 4.9% ABV Amber Ale.

Label:
The ChronicAle
Canned Beer is Now here!
___

During my trip to San Diego with my friends, I decided to pick up a 6 pack directly from Pizza Port (Not in Direct relation to Port Brewing/The Lost Abbey). Considered to be San Diego’s number one brewery for many reasons. Their Pizza was very delicious and it felt like being in an adult Chuck E’ Cheese’s with the arcades and games. A small joint with some awesome beers like the Coco What? Porter, the E.S.Beetlejuice and the also the Pulp Fiction’s Jules Winnfield Stout. Some pretty creative beers for sure. So since I have never really had a chance to review some of their beers, I said might as well. So this is my first review for Pizza Port.

Aromas:
Biscuit bread, grains, caramel, toffee, apples, toffee, butterscotch, lemon, citrus, grassy, floral and mild piney hops.

Flavors:
Grainy malt caramel, biscuit bread, caramel, butterscotch hints, grassy, piney, citrus and mild floral hops, apples, apples, toffee and hazelnut hints.

Aftertaste:
Leaves dry with mild hop bitterness and caramel malt sweetness. No alcohol in the taste, light watery mouthfeel, easy to drink, light amber body, crisp and freshing.

Overall:
An averagely good beer. Nothing too complex or overwhelming and generally light. Made to have several of these. I can only recommend it on tap or if you would like to bring some at a party where the generic consensus is lagers. Great gateway beer for sure and for those that generally enjoy lighter beers for sure.

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid Hatsune Miku was used in this pairing to pair with the whole aspect the name, the beach, the label and summer. The dude on the label is riding his bike wearing sunglasses like a pot smoking hippy and Chronic was a slang name of some high quality weed. Weed is green and this beer is a summer beer. Like the kind you drink when your at the beach. So Miku with her green hair at the beach and shades looking all cool and bad ass definitely fit the bill in this pairing. What do you guys think?

Sources:
http://konachan.com/post/show?md5=e3bc65059cf76d5a69aeed9d0ba75c98

The Hobbit Bolg Belgian Style Tripel by Fish Tale brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10629675_10102104306824220_5967814510611460339_n 10665664_10102104308505850_1274839814586051125_nRating: 5/5

The Hobbit Bolg Belgian Style Tripel by Fish Tale brewing is a 9.5% ABV Belgian Tripel.

Label:
The Orc Bolg
The spawn of Azog the Defiler, Bolg, like his sire, is a giant, pale Orc. Keeper of the dungeons of Dol Guldor, Bolg takes pleasure in torture – his armor is embellished with the bones and blood of his victims. Powerfully built, this Orc is afraid of nothing and no one – that is, until he comes up against a surprising foe.
___

The last beer in the Lord of the Rings The Hobbit beer series. So far, the other 2 have been very good and I wanted to save this one for last as it is a Belgian Tripel. Belgian and Belgian styles are typically some of my favorite beers in the world. Some tripels are better than others, so the fact that the last one is a Belgian, this I had to try. Let us see how awesome this one is, cheers!!

Aromas:
Bananas, floral notes, stone fruit peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, peppercorns, tropical fruit pineapple, papaya, clove spice, brown sugar, caramel, flan hints, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, rock candy and oranges.

Flavors:
Bananas, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, plum, cherries, honey, vanilla, caramel, biscuit bread, peppercorn spices, clove spices, coriander hints, tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya, sweetened condensed milk hints, flan hints, oranges, tangerine preserves, floral notes, candi sugars and rock candy.

Aftertaste:
Citrus, banana, biscuit bread, clove spice, banana, mild earthy hop bitterness and stone fruit. No alcohol in the taste, slightly syrupy mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and hazy medium to full body.

Overall:
Damn, I think this one was the best of the 3. This beer is freaking awesome and super delicious. It is very fruity and the Belgian candi sugars with the clove spice is brilliant and delicious. I would definitely get this one but also get the other ones especially if you wanna try the whole collection. Nevertheless, of the 3, this one is my favorite.

Anime Corner:
Sylvanas windrunner and dark elf from World of Warcraft were used in this pairing to pair with the Fantasy aspect of the Hobbit Series which pairs with the World of Warcraft. Also, the grey windrunner’s evil stare is like the evil star of Bolg and just to add everything to even make more of a better pairing, the armies behind are like the dark armies in the Lord of the Rings. Win-Win!

Sources:
http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131012180347/fairytailfanon/images/9/9a/World_of_warcraft_wow_sylvanas_windrunner_wallpaper_background_blizzard_online_mmo.jpg
http://i1.minus.com/ibdbXUGp5gbJ1X.jpg

The Hobbit Smaug Stout by Fish Tale Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10622771_10102104288710520_2100029935662696190_n 10665749_10102104298570760_4318619764586361594_n 10517684_10102104299883130_164065188592312707_nRating: 4.5/5

The Hobbit Smaug Stout by Fish Tale Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chili peppers.

Label:
The Dragon Smaug
After escaping capture by the dangerous Woodland Elves, the Dwarves journey to Lake Town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all- a creature more terrifying than any before, which will test not only the limits of their friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself – the Dragon Smaug
___

The second beer in the Hobbit series, comes Smaug, the mighty dragon. The dragon and the dark beer style with the chili peppers does certainly seem to meet what many would suggest as being a true epic compliment. Now, let us see how this beer fares. Whether you think this is a hype or not for the Lord of the Ring movies, either way, I will show you what this beer is all about. For me, I think this is great! Love the Lord of the Rings. So let’s dive into the deep dark liquid recesses of Smaug the Dragon Stout.

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, Roasted mild chili spices, earthy hop notes, smokey notes, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, molasses anise, caramel, vanilla and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberry notes, earthy notes, minor hints of chili, roasted coffee, smokey notes, caramel, molasses, anise, vanilla, brown sugar, milk sugar and butterscotch.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, mild spiciness, earthy notes and mild dark fruit linger. No alcohol in the taste, creamy and smooth mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black body.

Overall:
For a stout, it is very good. You won’t get much chilies, more in the aromas. There is just a slight hint of them to give it like a hint of nice spice. Still, very delicious as a stout though. I would recommend it if you can find it and try it once or collect it. I think this type will age but if you have tried a delicious imperial stout, you probably have tried this one or better. Great job though with this one.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by tachikawa mushimaro as well as the other original artwork were used in pairing with Smaug which had to do primarily with the label, Smaug and the dark appearance and spicy chile flavors. Although not so spicy as I thought but it still warms ya up very good. That and overall, the artwork is just bad ass with the beer pairing.

Sources:
http://wallpoper.com/images/00/24/15/16/dragons-anime_00241516.jpg
http://shares.worldanimeclub.com/king-include/uploads/658242-1550866249.jpg

The Hobbit Gollum Precious Pils by Fish Tale Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10380908_10102104270277460_5279162533115716335_n 1486903_10102104271205600_4800146069565667502_nRating: 4.25/5

The Hobbit Gollum Precious Pils by Fish Tale Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Imperial Pilsner brewed with North West Hops.

Label:
The Tale of Gollum
Once a hobbit-like creature named Smeagol, Gollum’s body and soul have been poisoned by the power of a small, plain, gold ring that he has kept hidden deep in a dark cavern within the Misty Mountain Unaware of the true nature of this Ring, Gollum knows only that it is more “precious” to him that life itself.
___

Do I even have to ask about this series? Hype? possibly Nerdgasm? Maybe, regardless, it does not matter. The Lord of The Rings has been an awesome series of books and movies created from the written work of JR Tolkien. The fact that they release a set of beers in honor of the series is pretty damn awesome. The Game of Thrones series has its own beers brewed by Ommegang and while those are very good, I really wanted to see what these are all about. In this first one, we see Gollum with the precious pils. When I think of pilsner I think a borderline to a lager, but when I saw the ABV, I really thought twice. The last couple of Imperial Pilsners I had were nothing more than AMAZING… I hope this precious beer is just as awesome, so let’s go through this one and see what Gollum has been hiding…

Aromas:
Honey, tangerine, citrus and piney hopes, caramel, pilsner malt, caramel, tropical fruits, brown sugar, floral notes, coriander spice, stone fruit peaches and apricots, vanilla, rock candy and tropical hints.

Flavors:
Citrus, piney hopes, pilsner malt, honey, caramel, biscuit bread, butterscotch, apples, rock candy, floral notes, stone fruit peach hints, apricot, coriander spice, brown sugar hints, vanilla, tangerine candy, peppercorns, Danish sugar cookies, tropical fruits like pineapple, dragon fruit and bits of papaya.

Aftertaste:
Leaving traces of tangerine, hops, honey, floral notes and peppercorns. No alcohol intervening in the taste but slightly boozy, a sipping beer with a slightly syrupy mouth feel, light body, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
Drinks like a champ! A really good pilsner boderlining the tripel and golden ale styles but still taking you back to what a pilser is all about. A precious, pilsner as gold as the ring Gollum adored so much which really fits the name. This is worth a try as there may not be many imperial pilsners out there and this one goes to show just what pilsners are capable of and that is just awesome!

Anime Corner:
Minda from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was used in this pairing because I wanted to pair Gollum as a small creature that became small from a Hobbit form. Midna can turn into a Human so it kind of works. Also in the pictures, Midna tries to reach out to the audience with that “My precious” look on her face. The fact that her expressions and somewhat evil like appearance compliments that of Gollum, the tropical and stone fruit flavors of the beer and some colors of the label as well as the fact that they both come from a Medieval Fantasy story, she fits right in complimenting Gollum all the way!

Sources:
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs43/f/2009/076/1/c/Midna_pinup_by_oh8.jpg
http://38.media.tumblr.com/5e30f63296ddaad0c9e329a96843ae98/tumblr_mq7cdmHqEN1r7ngm2o6_500.jpg

Festina Pêche by Dogfish Head

by tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

10362819_10102104310332190_3895381727780947490_oRating: 3.75/5

Festina Pêche by Dogfish Head is a 4.5% ABV Berliner Weissbier brewed with peach juice.

Label:
Festina Pêche is a neo-Berliner style Weisse. Unique, tart and refreshing, this brew is so down with the dog days of summer.
___

Loving the new label for the Dogfish Head beers, I decided to pick this up at Total Wine in Redondo Beach as they sell singles of beer. I have never tried this beer from Dogfish head, so the moment felt right and I said, screw it, why not. This is a seasonal only so it won’t be around for long but luckily it does come out every year. I have mixed feelings about Berliner Weisse beers as some strike very good to average for me. So, bias aside, let us see how this one goes.

Aromas:
Honey, peppercorn, lemon, stone fruit peach, apricot, apples, banana hints, wine funk, sour grape notes, tart notes, citrus oranges, guava notes, pears, coriander spice, wheat bread, vanilla and mild oak.

Flavors:
Stone fruit Peach, tart apricot, sour green apples, wheat bread, guava notes, coriander spice, wheat bread, banana hints, honey, vanilla hints, oak hints, wine grape hints, sour grapes, caramel hints, biscuit bread, tangerines, citrus, lemon peel, pears and guava hints.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with tart peach notes and honey but they quickly ends up very dry. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink, light to medium mouthfeel, light to medium body as well as crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
This one is pretty good especially if you like tart and mildly sour beers. The tart apricot and peach is prominent along side the wheat and coriander like spices. It is worth a try, but while it is pretty good, I still enjoy Dogfish Heads other great offerings. If you are able to snag a bottle from somewhere, give it a shot, you may actually like it more than me.

Anime Corner:
Hinanawi Tenshi from Touhou series was used in this pairing to go with the colors of the label as well as the peaches as you can see she has a peach in her hair. The Evil glaring of the racoon match with her eyes and the sour like and tart flavors of the beers come from the sword and well, pretty much them saying, hands off that peach! Can you see anything else in this pairing that seems to work?

Sources:
http://www.pixiv.net/member_illust.php?mode=big&illust_id=46132430

(Double Review: Battle of The IPAs) 2014 Heady Topper by Alchemist Brewing VS. 2014 Power Plant Triple IPA by El Segundo Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

10632614_10102104099779140_7752673200776729490_nThe battle of the best India Pale Ales in the world can only be foreseen by the biggest hop heads and many will always come to disagreements. Others will just drink as fresh as possible while others won’t drink nothing else BUT IPAs and those with an open palate to be a little more considerate will take a step back and try to figure out, which is the best as objective as possible. While not many will come to an agreement, we all have to remember, hops aren’t everything. They are vital to a beers bitterness but as the origination of the IPA would say, it was mainly used as a natural preservative for long voyages in the old days. Today’s hop variety has made it possible to make them super complex and this is why I think a lot of people really love hops. I can’t really hate as a part of me really likes IPAs but I refuse to pour any “unfresh” ones (Barleywine anyone?) nor do I accept that the best beer in the world happens to be an IPA. I agree with my friend Richard on this one since as he put it, “how can an IPA beat centuries of brewing especially from monks in Belgium who have perfected these brewing arts”. That and the fact stands I lean toward heavier beers but enjoy all beer styles. Either way, I bring you forth a challenge review today. The up and coming champion or “Pliny Younger Killer”, El Segundo’s Power Plant Triple IPA and “East Coast’s Response to Pliny a.k.a beer advocates Best Beer in the World”, Alchemy’s Heady Topper. Why did I decide to do it like this? Well, for those that wonder, both beers are very fresh, one bottle released 9/27/2014 and the can 9/22/2014. I really wanted to see what the hype was all about. Don’t get me wrong, both are freaking epic beers and I have reviewed both in the past but a chance like this, you don’t ever really get. That and the fact that I really believe Power Plant can destroy the Younger. That and I would like to see, if this new up and coming favorite can really stand up to the monster that is Heady Topper. So here we go, cheers and hope you enjoy my double review…

Alchemist Heady Topper Review*
———————
10509554_10102104101161370_5153420559304412663_n
2014 Heady Topper by Alchemist brewing is a an 8% ABV World Class Double India Pale Ale. Now considered the Best Beer In the World By Beer Advocate.

Label:
From the CAN: “DRINK FROM THE CAN! [x3 for added emphasis]“; “Heady Topper is an Ameri[CAN] Double India Pale Ale. This beer is not intended to be the biggest or most bitter. It is meant to give you wave after wave of hoppy goodness on your palate. Tremendous amounts of Ameri[CAN] hops will creep up on you and leave you with a dense hoppy finish in your mouth. So drinkable, it’s scary. Sometimes I wish I could crawl right into the [CAN]. Freshness and control have always been my main concern[s] when it comes to our beer. We are committed to providing you with an unfiltered and unpasteurized hop experience. Why do I recommend that you drink it from the [CAN]? Quite simply, to ensure a delightful, [sic] hop experience. The act of pouring it in a glass smells nice, but it releases the essential hop aromas that we have worked so hard to retain. If you MUST pour it into a glass, you may find that some of the hop resins have settled to the bottom – leave them in the CAN when pouring. This beer is perishable, and at its best when it is young, fresh and hazy. Keep it cold, but not ice cold. Drink this beer immediately, we are always making more. [Undersigned] John Kimmich, The Alchemist, Waterbury, Vermont”; “Don’t be a D-Bag, recycle this [CAN]!”.
___

Aromas:
Honey dew melon, biscuit bread, oranges, grassy, piney, citrus, flowers, guava, citrus, oranges, tangerine candy, mango, prickly pear, hazelnut hints, sweet grapes, stone fruit peaches, apricot, guava, dragon fruit, passion fruit, dank hints, vanilla and caramel.

Flavors:
Honey Dew Melon, Cantaloupe, Grassy, piney, citrus, biscuit bread, vanilla, mango, oranges, prickly pear, hazelnut hints, sweet grape, stone fruit peach, apricot, guava, dragon fruit, passion fruit hints, flowers, kiwi, pine apple, sugar cane, biscuit bread, Mandarin candy, apples, herbs, dank garlicky onion hints but subdued by more oranges and honey.

Aftertaste:
Lots of orange, biscuit bread, tangerine, caramel, vanilla, grapefruit hops, piney, grassy and herbal hops. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink despite the ABV, medium mouthfeel, hazy body, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
Supremely Perfect IPA. You pretty much get everything in terms of every range of IPA but mainly on the orangey side. A perfect balanced blend of all the IPA ranges in one. Complex range of tropical, hoppy notes and rich oranges go all over the place. The difference in the can and the glass is mainly with the balance. It is way better in the can as the less air does not allow the flavors to dissipate but when poured into a glass, the orangey side tends to be more pronounced for sure. Either way you have it is fine. The best IPA in the world, why wouldn’t I recommend this? Find it and Find it fresh or just find it either way, you can’t go wrong.

Anime Corner:
Shiryuu Chou-un from Ikkitousen/Battle Vixens makes a return from the last time I reviewed Heady Topper. The original premise of using her for heady topper had to do with the silver label, the color and flavors of the beer pairing with Shiryuu’s hair, outfit as well as the bad assery with a sword. For being considered the World Class beer that Heady is, I really had to choose a true bad ass samurai girl from the series I watched long ago. Shiryuy usually keeps her eyes closed but in the sight of an epic bottle, her true beauty is shown and that is what represents the the rarity and awesomeness of the beer.

El Segundo Power Plant Review*
————————
10641032_10102104103217250_4028812065206472597_n
2014 Power Plant by El Segundo Brewing is an 11.3% ABV Triple India Pale Ale.

Label:
This behemoth of a “Triple” India Pale Ale gets a dose of Mosaic, Citra, Simcoe, and Amarillo in the kettle and in the dry hop. Up front on the nose is straight fruit cocktail with such a complexity it is impossible to distinguish just one note. Monstrous, yet deceptive in the same breath. Don’t let this one sneak up on you, lest you’ll be #PowerPlanted.
___

Aromas:
Tropical fruits off the charts, grapefruit, honey dew melon, kiwi, guava, oranges, dragon fruit, passion fruit, papaya, mango, raspberries, cherries, pineapple, pears, lychee, biscuit bread, lemons, tangerine, apples, stone fruit peaches, apricots, piney, citrus, grapefruit, herbal and floral hops, sweetened condensed milk and flan hints.

Flavors:
Rich tropical fruits, grapefruit, pineapple, kiwi, oranges, mango, guava, honey dew melon, passion fruit, strawberry, papaya, apples, pears peaches, lychee fruit, sweetened condensed milk hints, biscuit bread, vanilla, caramel, lemon, orange gummy bears, tangerines, raspberries, cherries, honey, herbal notes and minor honey oniony dankness.

Aftertaste:
Rich Tropical fruits aftertaste with very nice grapefruit hop resin, biscuit and caramel. No alcohol in the taste. Very smooth, easy to drink, crisp and refreshing despite the high ABV.

Overall:
Just as extraordinary as the first one I brought home with me. The bottle bottle make version seems more awesome. This beer is really out there and really ridiculous. Balance is insane but tropics are supremely pronounced and super complex. This beer was released for a limited time during the LA craft beer week and they had plenty of bottles. I am unsure if they will have enough for distribution but for a beer that truly took everything I believed about IPAs and took me to another dimension of sweet tropical proportions, there is not damn reason why I would not recommend this to my highest of standards.

Anime Corner:
Ryuoko Matoi from Kill La Kill was the right pairing for this beer because I wanted to show that the height of power plant smokestacks (in this case a tower) represents the height of evil corporations (hype in the craft beer community) as well as how power plants pollute the earth and cause acid rain to fall (Beer Snobery). Ryuoko is there to represent this Triple IPA and to show that even at the height of all the IPA hype out there (Pliny the Younger, I am looking at you), one will stand up to it to bring it down. Like in Final Fantasy VII where Cloud Strife helped to take down the Mako power plants, Ryuoko would do the same and bring the level of “IPA Hype” away from the overly hyped brews and back into the roots of the local community microbreweries. YES! And this is why I chose this one.

Final Judgment:
It would basically be a tie if it wasn’t for the fact that it is almost like comparing apples and oranges. Speaking of apples and oranges, it really is easy to determine why one would prefer one over the other. I once described IPAs falling into 3 categories. Those that are tropical, those that are herbal and grassy and those that are caramel or more orangey like those that can harness all 3 into a perfect balance. Heady topper is a hybrid of all 3 when drinking from the can but more orangey and citrus from the glass while Power Plant is at the extreme end of awesome tropic Nirvana and yet still maintaining the balance of the 3. In this sense, It would only be fair to say that the winner of this battle is Power Plant!!!

This because of my personal preference and opinion on tropical IPAs, I love tropical IPAs. Nevertheless, to those that truly like IPAs to take them for a crazy ride, Heady Topper is no joke and reigns supreme. I can respect and love both beers. While Power Plant caresses the ultimate IPA sweet tooth, Heady Topper is there to remind you of an ultimate form of IPA. I have never tried Pliny the Younger, some day I will. Only then can I truly say if that can really topple these 2 beers. Until then, Both of these beers take the cake easily. Pliny the Younger, you met your match!! HELL YEAH!!

Sources:
http://en.tsundora.com/image/2014/09/ikkitousen_109.jpg
http://digwall.com/wallpaper/2014/09/629402-ryuko-matoi-kill-la-kill.jpg
http://konachan.com/post/show?md5=07600bde13b34835846d710088019553
http://waaaghork.deviantart.com/art/Ryuko-Matoi-408238193

Rating: 5.25/5* El Segundo Power Plant
Rating: 5/5* Alchemist Heady Topper

Peanut Butter Cup Porter by Karl Strauss brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

10006433_10102104096226260_7623200834244381683_nRating: 5.25/5

Peanut Butter Cup Porter by Karl Strauss brewing is a 5.6% ABV English Porter brewed with Peanut butter, cocoa nibs and vanilla beans.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Brewed for San Diego Beer Week 2012 An English-style Brown Porter brewed with organic peanut powder, cocoa nibs, and vanilla beans. The resulting brew is a beer’s answer to the peanut butter cup – a medium-bodied porter with smooth layers of peanut butter and milk chocolate. Stats: 5.6% ABV – 56 SRM – 30 IBU
___

On my trip to San Diego last weekend, my friends and I also stopped by Karl Strauss and tried several of their beers. While I liked a good majority of them and have tried many before, including this one, I was greatly pleased that they allowed this one to be growler filled. Since the first time I tried it long ago, I never really got a chance to do a review and at the time I did not think of doing reviews on the go like I am doing now. So with the opportunity to bring this one home and take my time to review it, here it is! Now, I had a couple of peanut butter cup beers before like the Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout, the Terrapin Liquid Bless and even Mother Earth Sin Tax. This one on the other hand, though English and light, takes advantage of the cocoa nibs and vanilla beans. A combo that fares greatly with many beers. So without further a do, here is the Peanut Butter Cup Porter, Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Peanut butter, Nutter Butter Cookies, oatmeal, banana hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hint of dark fruit raisins, cocoa crispies, milk sugars, mild cherries, vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, dark cherries, cinnamon, mocha, vanilla, toffee, coconut and butterscotch.

Flavors:
Cocoa Crispies cereal, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, hazelnut, pecan pie hints, peanut butter chocolate Reece’s pieces, milk sugar, vanilla, caramel, oatmeal, Nutter Butter cookies, cinnamon hints, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins and mild cherries, roasted coffee notes, peanut shell bitterness, rye bread,mocha, toffee, toasted coconut, earthy notes and butterscotch hints.

Aftertaste:
chocolate peanut butter, dark chocolate, mocha hints, roasted coffee, vanilla, caramel, toasted coconut, ending with earthy notes dryness. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink, creamy and buttery mouthfeel and medium to light body.

Overall:
Definitely exceeding my expectations a bit. Is this the better Peanut Butter Cup beer? Well, the addition of the cocoa nibs and vanilla beans can be sensed in the flavors and definitely does take the beer to the next level. I really can say I enjoyed this one a lot for what it is. There aren’t many peanut butter beers out there and this is a damn well represented one. All I hope is that one day they put this in bottle. Otherwise, if you are lucky, you can get this at the brewery.

Anime Corner:
Yui Takamura from Muv Luv Alternative/Total Eclipse was used for this pairing since her colors pair with the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter I have paired her with Liquid Bliss once so I wanted to bring her back to show a more chocolate perspective. While the strength is not on the beer per se, it surely is in the flavor. Surely that is explosive!

Sources:
http://gallery.minitokyo.net/view/590148

(Brewerianimelogs On The Road) Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Speedway Stout by Alesmith

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10354173_10102087956205990_1177775516096804499_nRating: 5.9/5

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Speedway Stout by Alesmith is a 12% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Beans.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
AleSmith Brewing Company and Mostra Coffee are excited to announce our collaboration for AleSmith’s next single varietal Speedway Stout. Local coffee roaster, Mostra Coffee, has carefully roasted and cold brewed Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans to complement our award winning Speedway Stout. Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans are grown in the fertile soil of some of the highest Caribbean peaks, making it one of the most prized gourmet coffees in the world. This rare coffee uses lightly roasted Arabica beans to create a subtle acidity and well-balanced chocolaty finish. Thanks to Mosta’s diligent work, these 100% Blue Mountain beans were sourced from the renowned Mavis Bank Coffee Factory in Jamaica.
___

On my trip down to San Diego with my good friends, we dropped by Alesmith Brewery and long behold they had a this crazy beer on tap. I could not bring this home in a growler, so I had to try a couple of taster of and realized, this is is going up on the site. Next to the Kopi Luwak Barrel Aged, this Coffee Stout was even more fancy than the last. It was not barrel aged but the difference in use of specialized coffee beans changed the whole beer all together. So as best as my notes allow, here is another entry in to the segment of, Brewerianimelogs On The Road! Cheers!

Aromas:
Extremely fancy coffee, mocha, java, Kahlua, peanut butter, hazelnut, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, brownies, French vanilla, Irish Coffee cream, Danish cookies, dark fruits like black currants, raisins, cherries, oak, latte, espresso, chocolate cake, pecan pie, almond joy,rocky road ice cream, floral notes, marshmallows, maple syrup, molasses, clove spice, plantain, rye bread, cinnamon, milk sugar, banana hints and tropical notes.

Flavors:
Lots of rich mocha, coffee, tropical hints, plantain bananas, pecan pie, dark, bakers and milk chocolate, almonds, hazelnut, floral notes, dark fruit currants, blackberries, raisins, rye bread, Irish Coffee, Danish cookies, cookies and cream, chocolate cake, oak, espresso, latte, mocha, roasted coffee, Kahlua, peanut butter hints, vanilla, caramel, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, maple syrup, clove spice, cinnamon hints, milk sugar, cantaloupe melon and honey.

Aftertaste:
Fancy roasted coffee, caramel, floral hints, vanilla, dark fruit, chocolate and earthy notes linger. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and silky mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black body.

Overall:
It sure was damn up there with some of the best coffee beers ever! Speedway on its own was different, but this was even more different. Somehow, a lot of these special coffee collaborations are creating some of the best beers in the world just like when Dark Matter was included with Dark Lord Imperial Stout. I would highly recommend getting this one. It comes in bottles if you can find it too. Damn delicious. I always said, you can never go wrong with Alesmith goodies!

Anime Corner:
Aqua from Kingdom Hearts was chosen in this pairing since it goes with my last Speedway Stout review. I used Leona Heidern, the blue haired fighter from SNK and to go with the whole aspect of blue hair, Jamaica Blue Coffee and overall bad assery, I brought Aqua in this pairing. Her agility and magic pair with the smoothness and culturally diverse blend of ingredients found in this beer. Her strength is defined in the ABV as well. In the original bottle, the colors are white black and blue which also go with her as well. Can you find any other art characteristics that make this pairing work?

Sources:
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/35600000/Aqua-3-kingdom-hearts-aqua-35640217-600-800.jpg

(Brewerianimelogs On The Road) Dr Strange Matter collaboration by Bottle Logic and Iron Fist brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

947246_10102087955168070_2905402736460972123_nRating: 4.8/5

Dr Strange Matter collaboration by Bottle Logic and Iron Fist brewing is a 9.6% ABV Farmhouse Ale Aged in Chardonnay Barrels.

Commercial Description:
Brewed using authentic farmhouse yeast and pink peppercorns with Wakatu and Waimea hops and a dash of locally sourced caramelized honey. Dr. Strange Matter has been aged in Chardonnay barrels and is a perfect beer for a hot summer day.
___

This past weekend I visited many places in San Diego and many breweries since I had always wanted to visit the Craft Beer Capital and essentially it was like a dream come true. Of the many places I visited, Plan 9 Alehouse, which was on my list as a brewery didn’t necessarily make their own beer but had many great selections. Of the ones I tried on Friday, this one stuck out like a sore thumb as awesome. So because I really liked it, I took a pairing picture to go with it and from my notes, I bring you forth a review of Brewerianimelogs on the Road.

Aromas:
Biscuit, peppercorns, honey, musty oak, citrus, apples, chardonnay, wine grapes, farmhouse hay, white grapes, sage spice, piney, grassy, floral and some grapefruit hoppy hints, green apples, banana notes and stone fruit peaches.

Flavors:
Farmhouse hay, peppercorns, wine grapes, sage spice, honey, bananas, musty oak, chardonnay, funky wine notes, lemon zest, citrus, grapefruit, grassy and piney hops, stone fruit peaches, apricots, hints of plum, herbs, hibiscus flowers, pecan pie notes, vanilla and caramel.

Aftertaste:
Biscuit, wine grapes, stone fruit, peppercorns, funky notes, citrus and earthy hop bitterness. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer yet smooth mouth feel with a hazy full body.

Overall:
This one was very good. I see this one was actually bottled so I may try to look for a bottle of this one. The fact that it is aged in a chardonnay barrel imparts some very interesting flavors into the already delicious saison. It was quite the awesome beer and would try to seek this one out again if I had the chance.

Anime Corner:
Nurse Washu Hakubi from Tenchi Muyo was chosen in this pairing since I wanted something to do with the whole Doctor and the Nurse. Essentially, Washuu is seriously strange but a genius and pairs perfect with the doctor to perform some serious flavor surgery on those taste buds

Sources:
http://www.oocities.org/ryoko_masaki_16/wash2.jpg

(Double Review) Good Gourd & Good Gourd Almighty by Cigar City Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10653695_10102076646660410_4058892050325129670_n 10702075_10102076648042640_6782403729961338047_n 10386835_10102076649200320_8500370107269952928_n 10670106_10102076649759200_2382520294939542327_nSummer is officially over as the reaper walks out of the hallways of the NubisSanctum cellar and sets its course to take the lives… I mean, leaves from the trees and plants to ready the environment for the winter. This time, the reaper brought a friend… As I do this double review, I would like to point out that these beers have been waiting an entire year in my cellar waiting for the next fall and now I have brought them forth together to unleash double review for the fall. I have previously had the good gourd before and it was an awesome beer. When I heard of the release of the Good Gourd Almighty, I had to grab it before it was gone. This beer was released for what Cigar City calls its “El Catador” club back in late 2013. So those that joined had the Almighty to obtain. Unfortunately for me, I had to go out of my way to trade for this one. Even some of the online sites do not have it and it would be hard to get it. So if you can find the almighty version, awesome! Fortunately for many, Cigar City released the regular Good Gourd for the masses. So if you can get this in your state, Florida mainly or have it shipped to you via the online stores, I vouch for this beer for sure. Let us now see how the reaper tolls… Cheers!

Original Good Gourd Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/good-gourd-by-cigar-city/

Good Gourd 1 year aged Review:

Good Gourd by Cigar City brewing is an 8.5% ABV World Class Imperial Pumpkin Ale brewed with spices. This one has been sitting in the dark for a year.

Label:
Legend has it that when a pumpkin comes into the world it is possessed by either a good or an evil spirit. Ours got all the good baby! Bursting with real pumpkin flavor and yummy pumpkin spices including Ceylon cinnamon, Jamaican all-spice, Zanzibar cloves and nutmeg, Good Gourd is a celebration of Fall and that spookiest of holidays, Halloween. Pair Good Gourd with pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie and costume parties.

This high Gravity gob of Gourd-y goodness incorporates pumpkin in the mashing process and then gets wicked with the spices including Ceylon Cinnamon, Jamaican All Spice, Zanzibar Cloves and nutmeg.
___

Aromas:
Pumpkin pie, brown sugar, pumpkin flesh, coffee cake, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove spice, dark fruit prunes, raisins, sweet potato, yams, piloncillo, ginger bread, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel hints, maple, marshmallows, graham crackers, banana bread, hazelnut, pecan pie, maple syrup, hazelnut nectar, dark candi sugar and flan hints.

Flavors:
Rich Dark fruits like raisins, prunes, figs, plums, dates, pumpkin flesh, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sweet potato rich, yams, maple, piloncillo, milk pumpkin latte, flan, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger bread, rock candy, dark candi sugar, dulce de leche caramel, hazelnut nectar, vanilla, coffee cake, marshmallow, whipped cream, Danish cookies, milk sugar, ginger snaps, candy corn, clove spice, rum hints, banana hints and pumpkin seeds.

Aftertaste:
Pecan pie, hazelnut, pumpkin flesh, dark fruits, vanilla, caramel, gingerbread, earthy notes and spicy notes linger for a bit. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel, slight sipping drinkability and medium to full body.

Overall:
Damn! Age does make quite the difference. This one went several notches over perfect. I have not had a pumpkin beer like this in, well, ever. It seems that 1 year aging took it to a whole new level I did not expect. It really is not the same beer anymore, it became a Pumpkin God. If that is the case, The Good Gourd Almighty will probably be in some new dimension of pumpkin reality, some kind of (nth) dimension of pumpkin. We will will only know until we see it. So if you stuck around to read this, I would highly recommend this one without a doubt and make sure to get 2. One for now and one for a year or later.

Good Gourd Almighty 1 year aged Review

Good Gourd Almighty by Cigar City is a ??% ABV World Class Imperial Pumpkin Ale brewed with spices and aged in Rum Barrels. This one, just like Good Gourd has been sitting in the dark for a year.

Label:
(SAME AS THE REGULAR)
Legend has it that when a pumpkin comes into the world it is possessed by either a good or an evil spirit. Ours got all the good baby! Bursting with real pumpkin flavor and yummy pumpkin spices including Ceylon cinnamon, Jamaican all-spice, Zanzibar cloves and nutmeg, Good Gourd is a celebration of Fall and that spookiest of holidays, Halloween. Pair Good Gourd with pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie and costume parties.

This high Gravity gob of Gourd-y goodness incorporates pumpkin in the mashing process and then gets wicked with the spices including Ceylon Cinnamon, Jamaican All Spice, Zanzibar Cloves and nutmeg.
___

Aromas:
Rum soaked pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, dark fruits, pineapple hints, leche nestle sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, candi sugar, rock candy sugars, crème brulee, candi sugars, toasted coconut, piña colada, capirotada raisin bread pudding, sweet cola, pumpkin flan, pumpkin cheesecake, clove spice, gingerbread, molasses, oak and chocolate marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Banana and Coconut Rum soaked Pumpkin Flesh in piloncillo and cinnamon sticks, yams, Japanese purple sweet potatoes, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, milk and dark chocolate notes, vanilla, tropical notes like hints of pineapple, stone fruit peaches, apricot hints, pumpkin seeds, marshmallow, hazelnut nectar, Leche nestle sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, sweet Cola, flan, crème brulee, oak, graham cracker smores, almond joy chocolate, capirotada raisin bread pudding, pumpkin cheesecake, clove spice, ginger bread, molasses, piña colada, milk sugar, Danish cookies, candy corn and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Pumpkin pie, cinnamon, coffee cake, clove spice, bananas, tropical rum piña colada hints and earthy notes. Partial alcohol in the taste imparts flavors of nice sugary milk cream. This is a syrupy mouthfeel beer, with a sipping drinkability and full pitch dark brown body.

Overall:
Frankly, the best Pumpkin Beer, EVER!! This beer took what was awesome about the original and made it way better. Even after a year later, in comparison it shows how it moved along which is different from the original Good Gourd. This reminds me of Rumpkin from Avery but take to a new pumpkin extreme. The complexity and beer consistency is crazy up to the level of some of the greats like Chocolate Rain, Black Tuesday, Wineification and White Chocolate, some of the greats on the West Coast that are my favs This pumpkin beer is pretty ridiculous and I understand why it was so damn exclusive. I highly recommend it if you can trade or find this one online.

Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki (Dark version) and Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach were used in the overall pairings you see hear. They are both Soul Reapers from Soul Society. I wanted to pair Evil Rukia in these pairing since I had used Rukia for the original review. The addition of overall heightened power and Ichigo were for Good Gourd Almighty which basically all the colors they represent are of the death of plants, coming of the fall, the pumpkin like Ichigo’s hair, the dark fruits and the purple yams of Rukia’s hair and over all strength and complexity from both the characters but mainly from Rukia. Evil Rukia is a bad ass, plain and simple even if her Bankai form is supreme, but that is a “Grey Monday” story all together.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Kuchiki.Rukia.full.663934.jpg
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/34500000/Dark-Rukia-hichigo-and-darukia-34581200-245-400.png
http://hdw.datawallpaper.com/anime/dark-rukia-318386.jpg
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Fade-to-Black-213542097

Rating: 5.5/5 *Good Gourd 1 year aged
Rating: 6/5 * Good Gourd Almighty 1 year aged

(Brewerianimelogs On The Road) So Happens It’s Tuesday Cacao & Raisin by The Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10704167_10102074964511450_997688897368481832_nRating: 5.35/5

So Happens It’s Tuesday Cacao & Raisin by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV American Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cacao Nibs and Raisins

The “Sessioned” version of the almighty ~20% ABV Black Tuesday will be released soon. Essentially, this is a lower alcohol content of their already awesome beer. This is the second variant to the So Happens It’s Tuesday with Cacao Nibs and Raisins. Not sure how long they will have this up so it is best to give it a try before it is gone. So this Sunday, I had a chance to stop by with my friends Richard and Megan to try these beers out. While I tried the Cherry and Vanilla one, I wanted to review this one too. So here we go with the next, Brewerianimelogs On The Road review, Cheers!

Aromas:
Milk and Dark Chocolate covered raisins, vanilla, Dulce de leche caramel, flan hints, brown sugar, dark fruit plums, raisins, rock sugar, raspberry hints, coconut hints, earthy notes, crème brulee hints and bourbon hints.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, Dark Chocolate, cherry hints, oak, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, marshmallow, flan, rock candy, coconut hints, pecan pie, brown sugar, raisin bread pudding, hints of banana, hazelnut hints, lots earthy notes, graham crackers, molasses and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, Dark fruits, caramel, dark fruit hints, cherry and slight bourbon. No alcohol in the taste, a smooth mouthfeel beer, sipping drinkability and pitch black body.

Overall:
Similarly as awesome to the Cherry and Vanilla one. Just like the other one, smoother than less syrupy in your face Black Tuesday. Much sweeter than the other one was well in terms of the dark fruit and earthy. This beer being a sessioned Black Tuesday is kind of amazing to say the least. When I think of session I think light but what if taking something that is extreme, making it light and it is still in the heavy are, that is what I call unique! While these variants were sold to the public at the tasting room, hopefully the regular bottles of these will be sold publicly too!

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach which was the original girl I used for Chocolate Rain was chosen in this simply because I wanted to pair with the colors and flavors of the raisins, chocolate, bananas, dark fruit, hazelnut and bread pudding. While using her in the Chocolate Rain I feel shows her true potential, I couldn’t think of anyone else who I liked so much to use at the time of the review.