Dark O’ The Moon by Elysian

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged pumpkin ale, pumpkin seeds | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.65/5

Dark O’ The Moon by Elysian is a 6.5% ABV Pumpkin Stout made with pumpkin, pumpkin seeds and cinnamon. This is the next Elysian Pumpkin beer in line. The night owl pumpkin was more of a licorice pumpkin ale. This one is more of a coffee chocolate pumpkin beer.

Label:

Dark o’ the Moon Pumpkin Stout is spookily smooth and chocolatey with a touch of cinnamon. It won a 2010 GABF Silver Medal in the Field Beer Category. Brewed annually for Elysian’s Great Pumpkin Beer Festival.
—

Incredibly smooth to drink and sweet at that. Reminds me of eating sweet yams with champurrado (Mexican atole drink made with hominy flour and spices) There are stronger notes of chocolate, cinnamon and coffee. The pumpkin adds is flavors and uniqueness as you keep trying it. It lingers with sweet potato, yams, Mexican sugar block (piloncillo), milk chocolate, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon cookies, brown sugar, nutmeg and coffee cake. This is more different that the Midnight Sun TREAT. As this focuses more on spicy notes and the other was more about chocolate sweetness. Not the pumpkin specific beer you would expect but he hybrid awesomeness at work is what makes this beer delicious. Stouts and pumpkin ale lovers get this one

Sexual Chocolate by Foothills

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged black strap molasses, Bleach, bourbon barrels, bourbon vanilla, chocolate aroma, Foothills, Halibel, Harribel, Russian Imperial Stout, Sexual Chocolate, Tia Halibel, Tia Harribel, Yoruichi, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/5

Sexual Chocolate by Foothills is a 9.75% ABV Russian Imperial stout aged in Bourbon barrels. If a beer was like having sex, maybe the flavor and aroma would be so good it would make some orgasm….maybe..lol. This is a beer you take your time with. Too fast would make you pass out. LOL!!

Label:

A smooth, dark, cocoa infused Imperial Stout barrel aged for 4 months. Perfect for sipping and cellaring. A rich chocolate aroma twines seamlessly with delicious overtones of bourbon, vanilla, and oak. Notes of espresso, black strap molasses and caramel accentuate a dark chocolate backbone and complex layers of toffee and dark fruit.This beer is reminiscent of the Nectar Ales Black Xantus (which pairs awesome with chocolate cheese cake) with its delicious dark fruit flavors like cherry and raisins. Rich Milk chocolate, coffee, mocha, vanilla, caramel, bourbon, butterscotch, toffee, coconut, cherries, raisins, figs, oatmeal, french toast with chocolate and maple syrup. Maybe not as strong in terms of alcohol as Chocolate Rain or White chocolate, but it sure as hell gets way up there in the upper rank breaking beers for me :P. What can I say, I love chocolate, I love chocolate beers and these just happen to be that good and unfortunately hard to find. Consider yourself lucky to find this…Foothills was kind to release this once more this year but unfortunately at a limited supply.

Cuvee de Tomme (2009 ed.) by The Lost Abbey

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged de tomme, oak wine barrels | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Cuvee de Tomme (2009 ed.) by The Lost Abbey is an 11%ABV Wild Quint. This beer is something something special. If 2012 is the end of the world, then best end the best of your days with a fine ale. They take the Judgment day ale quad (4 times fermented) add it to Bourbon and French Oak Wine barrels. Add some Brettanomyces (Wild Yeast) and sour cherries creating the Quintuple Fermentation. They wait a year and then bottle it. Seeing as this is the 2009 version, this beer is way over 11%ABV. Quite possibly in the 14 or 15% ABV. It has been aging and it is now 2012. So give it 3 or 4 years including original aging before bottle conditioning. Before I begin this review, please look at my previous review of Judgment Ale: ( https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/judgement-day-ale-by-the-lost-abbey/)

Label:
You are holding in your hands one of the most elusive and sought after small batch beers known simply as Cuvee. Our Cuvee de Tomme is a blend of Old World Brewing Traditions and New World Brewing Processes. It is made from Judgment Day Dark Ale which then aged in American Bourbon and French Oak Wine barrels. We add some fantastic wild yeasts and Sour Cherries to the barrels creating a secondary fermentation. After one year, our brewers then get together to work out the final blend, This means that each batch of Cuvee will vary slightly between bottling. Yet, the result will always be a memorable drinking experience. Pour into a wide glass and let the beer breathe. Notes of juicy cherries. Luscious Vanilla and Supple Tannins integrate in a smooth finish. We think like most, you will find our most creative energies on display in this unique and style shattering beer worthy of the title Cuvee

This is the second time I try this beer. The first one was the 2011 edition. So this time I get to try an even more vintage ale. This beer comes up nothing short of Epic. Although I do have to say. While the sweet flavors of the quad (Judgment Ale) have transformed into something completely different (Please see the picture), some of the original flavors are still there like the bread, dulce de leche, raisins, figs and plums. Yet even so, over the last 3 to 4 years, it has given rise to stronger flavors of cherry, raisin, sour grape, wine, vanilla bourbon, minor chocolate, earthy must, and bitter dark chocolate. Like a fine wine, it has reached it’s prime. If you do not like sours, try a more recent version of this beer. Other wise, embrace the connoisseuring glory!!!…. Glad to have this beer once more before it is all over…although I will probably be drinking the original during the end of times…What say you friends?? 😛 What will you be drinking during the end??

2011 Review (2011 ed.):
Cuvee de Tomme is a brew that is taken to a crazy level in complexity. I didn’t know dividing by zero to make a beer was even possible but here it is. They start off by taking their Judgment Day Ale which is a Belgian style quad and age it in bourbon and French wine oak barrels. Adding cherries and wild yeast and creating a 5th fermentation from the blend and aging it for another year creates this
super complex oddity of flavor. You have sourness of cherries, the complexities of the yeast the strength and after taste if wine and bourbon as well as vanilla and oak. Also let us not forget the raisins from the Judgement day ale. Since the beginning of my run with beer tasting and label collecting I have not tried the Judgement day ale in a while, and being re brought to the table, in this form, is like knighting those 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse as paladins for the great glory that is beer. I have had a long run in this game and it is almost about a year now since the first time I tried that brew and I reflect how far I have come with this hobby and I am glad that even in moderation, craft brewery and drinking beer should be seen as an awesome thing, an art. Not a lot of respect out there for beer, but things change and someday a lot of people will see…There is more to life than what is presented them….They just have to go out there and find it 🙂

Folklore, The Tale of Van Winkle by Stillwater Artisanal

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged bourbon barrels, myth and legends, myths and legends, pappy van winkle | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

And so it was written, a return of Folklore. I have previously stated much about the original beer, the beer of myth and legends (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/folklore-mythic-tradition-ale-by-stillwater-artisanal/)

The Folklore Mythic Tradition ale by Gypsy Brewer Stillwater Artisanal now brings forth a chapter in brewing arts…Folklore, The Tale of Van Winkle. The original Folklore aged in freshly emptied 20year old Pappy Van Winkle Oak Bourbon Barrels coming in at 8.4%ABV.

A recent chapter in the tribute to human history which the myths and legends shape the cultures all over the world. Rituals, gatherings, celebrations or just being social and sharing stories. The original Folklore had elements of good and evil which is important in cultures and decision making. This barrel aged version bring a tale as well….similar to the show of life….Doth Fate Raise the Curtains and let the show commence…..

-=The Show of Life=-
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg4I_ZjiUMs)
by Billy Shakesbad, begins….OLD NICK: Woe be woman, whose fate it is to serve.MEPHISTA: May thy tongue shrivel, that it spews such falsehoods.

OLD NICK: Ah, but does not a man pull thy strings?

MEPHISTA: We are all but puppets of greater powers.

OLD NICK: Puppets? As in the Show of Life? Truly, birth doth draw wide the curtains. And woman, are thy lines scripted? In that I can be no one but myself, I can say only my lines. So sad, to be so constrained.

MEPHISTA: It is I who feel for thee. Thine own role and fate has ever been written, while mine own changes with each breath. Yea, tho puppet I be, it is hope, faith, and love that pulls my strings.

OLD NICK: Woman, mine ears do sting from thy tongue. I shall away in search of easier folly!
===============================================
Original Story by Squaresoft Inc. from the Secret of Evermore SNES Game
—-

So what is brought forth in terms of smell and flavor…the original was like a Belgian Stout full of flavors or chocolate, coffee, bread and dark fruits. The fragrance of this is similar with the chocolate, coffee, but there is a rush of caramel and vanilla bourbon. The flavors are similar of oak, cherry, raisins, rye bread, dark chocolate, coffee cake, vanilla, dulce de leche, vanilla, whiskey, molasses, and licorice. The aftertaste is like a dipped peach in chocolate and whiskey. I recommend this one simply because Stillwater has yet to provide a disappointing beer. I love the art work and I love the beer it comes with. Some day I am sure California will have this more often >:)…..

Thus the curtains close on this fine tale/brew and many a brew be brought forth for many morrows…….

White Chocolate by The Bruery

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged bourbon barrels, Bruery, cacao nibs, dessert, Naruto, rich flavors, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, White Chocolate | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/5

White Chocolate by The Bruery is a 14.25%ABV WheatWine Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans. The Polar opposite of the Chocolate Rain. Can be aged up to 5 years.

Label:

The primary component of our “White Oak” ale is a 100% barrel aged wheat wine that we affectionately refer to as “White Oak Sap.” Essentially a “summer” barley-wine style ale, but made with a wheat heavy grain base, White Oak Sap is aged in used bourbon barrels for nearly a year and comes out rich in flavors of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla. To compliment the already rich flavors of the beer, we’ve added cacao nibs and vanilla beans to give this beer the delicate flavor of white chocolate…hence the name. This is where the ultimate in brewing alchemy comes together to combine flavors to create something so ridiculously sweet and awesome. Now in the past I mentioned about how chocolate rain had become one the best and sweetest beers out there for me, well right in part to that comes this one. The White Chocolate. This totally smells and taste like ripe and strong white chocolate. It is strange because they use wheat so you also get these very faint heffeweizen orange and banana bread in the back. Quite the dessert beer here. There is a lot of flavors of caramel, vanilla, honey orange, sweet bread, maple, strong white chocolate, bourbon, cocoa, hazel nut, pecans, chocolate chip and cinnamon . While this is a strong alcoholic beer which should be taken lightly and a sip at a time, it is also super sweet. LOL like another Diabetes in a bottle. I have never tried a white chocolate beer. This one really takes the cake in terms of different types of beers ever. It is the best “rarest” beer in the world for me along with chocolate rain. That being said, I still consider Trois Pistoles and St. Bernardus the best in the world simply because they are easier to find. White Chocolate and Chocolate Rain are just a chocolate lovers dream. Those and Southern Tier choklat which is lighter. Would I recommend this?? You are damn right I would. Sweet tooth and Chocolate lovers will die with this one. Should be on the bucket list lol. Now I can scratch this off my list ;P

Scaldis Prestige De Nuits (Cuvee Speciale 2009) by Brasserie Dubuisson Frères sprl

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 | 1 Comment

Rating: 5/5

Scaldis Prestige De Nuits (Cuvee Speciale 2009) by Brasserie Dubuisson Frères sprl is a 13%ABV Dark Belgian Strong Ale aged in wine oak barrels. I would consider this beer a hybrid between a Belgian quad, a Bourbon oak aged and a Wine Barrel aged ale. Hence the word Cuvee which is a mix of ales. Although, the way this is made is somewhat similar but in may ways different. Never the less, this was super hard to find.

Label:
Like the Brasserie Dubuisson’s renowned Scaldis Prestige, Scaldis Prestige de Nuits is aged in oak barrels for six months. But Prestige de Nuits is made of Scaldis Noel aged in Bourgogne barrels from the world famous “Nuits St. Georges” vineyard. The result is an ale of extraordinary complexity and depth.

Bush de Noël, ripened for 7 months on wine casks from Burgundy (Nuits-St.-Georges).
—

How flavor complex is this mother of an ale? Well I won’t even begin there. I’m gonna talk about the way this smells. It smells like a pecan pie with caramel, boysenberries or blueberries and cream on top and a cherry on top. This is simply a dessert beer and a very complex and strong one. Best drunk in several sittings. This is no joke. It is good but it will get you really mest up…LOL maybe not as mest up as Chocolate Rain and it’s 19%ABV insanity but pretty damn close. Now for the flavor. MMMM damn…. well I can sense the quad, bourbon and wine in here. Simply put, it ranges in complex flavors similar to the smell but more on depth. Pecan pie, hazelnut, Toffee, dulce de leche, caramel, brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, plums, raisins, figs, wine grapes but not too sour, cherries, apples, peach, bourbon, oak and buttered toast. This is pretty much like an Bourbon and wine oak aged Weyebacher Blasphemy Quad which is probably cheaper and somewhat easy to find online. Regardless, I highly recommend to those Belgian Beer Lovers. The only thing though is not just good luck finding it but also….well….technically speaking, it was kinda pricey :S…..but damn worth it!!

Stone Fifteenth Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black India Pale Aged in Highland Scotch Barrels

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged black ipa, Stone Brewing, vanilla flavors, world class beers | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

BEHOLD!!… Stone Fifteenth Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black India Pale Aged in Highland Scotch Barrels…..phew!! took a while to say. The 15th anniversary was a beer I had last year which I would highly recommend if you can find it in some pubs. This one however, is a special treasure. Coming in at 11.5%ABV is white the epic little find. Stone now had a store in Pasadena so you may be able to find this there. If not, find a local contact at San Diego to hook you up.

Label:
The Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA was something quite special. Special enough that we squirreled some away for later when supplies ran low (or as provisions during a zombie apocalypse). And what better place for the squirreling of world-class beers than barrels originally used to age world-class Scotch whisky? This stellar jet-black highly-hopped ale is plenty amazing on its own with its healthy dose of darkly roasted malts and an even healthier dose of four hop varieties. But left to rest for 40 weeks in the cozy, dark confines of whisky-infused oak barrels, this beer metamorphosed into a brew of nearly indescribable complexity—a perfect harmony of deep roastiness, bright and bitter hop notes, and the smooth caramel flavors of Scotland’s most celebrated export. Come to think of it, you may not want to wait for that zombie apocalypse…
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LMAO!!..whether you wait for the end of the world or the zombie apocalypse on 12-21-2012 or whenever, there are only certain beers to take with you. If you happen to find this little treasure buy 2. One for now, and one for then. I unfortunately only got one 😦 …..well….life is meant to be enjoyed. We do not know what tomorrow can bring so I choose now :P.

The fragrance is very delightful. Like a sweet bourbon, chocolate, oak, coffee, honey whiskey, caramel and vanilla. Flavors are just like the hoppy, Italian herbs, minor citrusy, roasted chocolate, coffee, mocha, caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, raisins, molasses, . It is only semi-bitter as the other notes from the rich malts and the sweet scotch give it only a mild bitter yet super herbal hoppy flavor . The scotch is present but doesn’t overwhelm and adds to the flavor combination that makes the after taste seem like a good herbal and spiced cheese. In fact, this ale goes down real smooth :P. I stated in my previous review that the 15th is spicy and herbal like an Italian bread. This just compliments it to a newer level of sweet and delicious. I am sure this would pair nicely with some really good food like a steak or lobster dinner. Do I recommend this? Your damn right I do :P… Stone makes some of the finest beers out there :P.

Sugar Plum by Cigar City

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.25/5

Sugar Plum by Cigar City is 5.5%ABV Spiced Brown Ale made with fruits and spices. One thing to note about this beer is that it has a rush of fizz. Therefore it is best poured near a sink. LOL early Christmas.

Label:

Cigar City Brewing’s official celebration of Christmas. A rich-bodied brown ale forms the stage for holiday flavors which dance a festive ballet highlighted by pirouetting leaps of Christmas inspired spices. Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, rose hips and chamomile compliment the subtle chocolate and light coffee notes of the malt and the addition of roasted carob and chicory complete the performance. Brewed once a year to celebrate the Christmas season. Pair with fresh cracked nuts, fruit cake and share with friends and family. Merry Christmas from the CCB family!
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When I first tried this beer, I noticed it wasn’t overall sweet. The smell sure of a brown ale with caramel, spices and plums. The flavors is a mix of flavors but with the herbs and spices dominating over the sweet aftertaste. What I can gather from this is some caramel, coffee, plum, raisin, lots of cinnamon, ginger, peanut butter, nutmeg, minor hints french toast dipped in maple, oak, bitter chocolate, and earthy hops . Sort of reminds me of the Gift of the Magi but less sweet. While it is a decent beer, it is probably worthy of a try as the flavors do get better as you go on. But overall just try it just to try it and share it.

La Parcela no.1 by Jolly Pumpkin

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.8/5

La Parcela no.1 by Jolly Pumpkin is a 5.9% ABV Pumpkin ale. Truly the signature beer of the JP series. As we approach the Fall, we will surely find Halloween around the corner, and what a better way than to enjoy it with a special beer such as La Parcela. This is the second time I try this beer and it was my true true first pumpkin ale that was closer to pumpkin than anything I had

tried in the past. So tradition had it that I would try it once more :).

Label:
Ok, so the joke was that Jolly Pumpkin doesn’t brew a pumpkin beer. Well, now we do. Just this one. Packed with real pumpkins, hints of spice, and a gentle kiss of cocoa to liven the soul. An everyday easy way to fill your squashy quotient. Guess now folks will have to find something else to joke about…
—

SO… as I had stated earlier about pumpkin beers is that each is unique and has different things to offer. We had a nice round of several reviews from the shipyard smashed pumpkin (sweet yam,pumpkin, potato, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg all spice awesome), Southern Tier Pumpkin (Candy Corn, pumpkin, caramel epic), Elysian Night owl pumpkin(Licorice and pumpkin spice), Sam Adams Fat Jack(Brown English and pumpkin pie) and the Cigar city Good Gourd(5th best in the world, pure pumpkin sweetness, spices, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, crème, pumpkin bread pie you name it).

La Parcela is even more different in it’s own way :). You see, La parcela is made as a sweet/sour pumpkin beer. The reason being is that they want you to not only experience the sweet pumpkin awesomeness but also the awesomeness essence of pumpkin itself. While this may still not be the best pumpkin beer in the world, it brings forth what real pumpkin is before it is enticed with the awesome sweetness. Needless to say, you get some major pumpkin pie, sweet potato/yam/Squash, whipped cream, nutmeg, all spice, apples, citrus, cinnamon and vanilla with pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pulp, grape wine and spices. The finish is dry, but I would assume that this is normal for beers or a vegetable decent ;). Pumpkins have their own sweetness about them that cannot be covered in sweet cinnamon, sugars and spices but natural sweetness. I think this is what this beer is emphasizing. Regardless, love the JP beers, some of the best sours of the world.

2011 Review:
Jolly Pumpkins prime ale. The Calabaza or pumpkin ale. This magnificent beer is filled with a lot of wonders. It seems to be more of a fall time, Halloween going into thanksgiving kind of desert beer. Of all the JP ales I have had I would say this is their main mascot….lol besides BAM their dog mascot for beers 😛 of course. Anyways, this ale is brewed in the JP sourness or funk as others call it as usual. Malts,Cinnamon, nutmeg, Pumpkin and or squash is present. There is also a citrus and Saison style this beer from the wild yeast as well the spices. Sweetness provided by the malts is also present in here. The beer has a nice bitterness to start followed by the JP funk and mix blend of flavors and finishes off with the cinnamon pumpkin/squash after taste. I would not kid when I say this but this is one for the records. It’s like drinking a pumpkin pie, very very good :D!!!

The Wanderer collaboration by City Beer Store and The Bruery

November 5, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.8/5

The Wanderer collaboration by City Beer Store and The Bruery is 8% ABV Dark Sour/Wild Ale brewed with Blackberries and Cherries and aged in Barrels.

Label:

Wandering into a serendipitous meeting in Boonville led to the forging of a relationship between City Beer Store and The Bruery and a beer collaboration worth celebrating. Cheers to five years! Suitable for aging up to five years if cellared around 55F (13C). Ideal serving temperature is 50F (10C). Please pour carefully, leaving the sediment behind in the bottle. Best served in a tuilp or wine glass.
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Sip, Sip, SIP!! is what is written here in these walls. This is a funky, tart and minor sour beer with lots of fruity notes. More sweet than sour. Sourness is just a fruit sour really. Flavors of cherries, blackberries, grapes, apples, cinnamon, melon, oak, caramel, almonds, hazel, herbs and other spices. The sourness lingers very little. Mainly leaving a sweet dry finish. Quite the beer here. While La Roja by Jolly Pumpkin is similar yet emphasizes more on the wine sourness, this one is more on sweetness. So choose wisely as to what you like more, sweet vs. sour or the combination of both, just like the Platypus in that pic (Duck Beaver Hybrid) 😛

Good Gourd by Cigar City

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged cigar city, Good Gourd, pumpkin ale, pumpkin flavor | 1 Comment

Rating: 4.8/5

Good Gourd by Cigar City brewing is an 8.5%ABV Imperial Pumpkin Ale. Another Pumpkin beer Review :P. Each different from the rest and yet always delicious.

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.

So here we have Good Gourd and well Good God this pumpkin beer is pretty good. Pumpkin sweetness like that of the Smashed Pumpkin with is sweet potato/yam/pumpkin sweetness but this one really works to add that and more!! It really is a pumpkin beer trying to become an actual pumpkin pie or bread. There are some major flavors of pumpkin, caramel bread, whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, spices, vanilla, ginger bread, danish cookies, brown sugar and raisins . Pumpkin dessert in a bottle and quite the epic one. This one takes over so far from all the pumpkin beers I have tried so far except maybe Parcela. I will have to compare it since last time I tried Parcela was last year and that one was quite unique. This is one so good and delicious but because it is hard to find

Transatlantique Kriek by New Belgium

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Transatlantique Kriek | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.45/5

Transatlantique Kriek by New Belgium is 8%ABV Lambic Fruit beer made from 45% Ale with Cherries and and 55% Ale. Lambics range in flavors styles and names. Kriek being made with Cherries, Framboise being made with Raspberries, Peche made with Peaches and so forth. When fermentation of a beer has been created, they add fruits into the batch and it creates a beer of that specific fruit. With low malts and hops being added, the fruit really drives here. Quite nice really :). Framboise de Amorosa was similar but added Brettanomyces into the yeast to make it sour and complex. Ofcourse that is that beer and this is Transatlantique :P.

Label:
In a never-ending quest to create new beers and defy category, New Belgium Brewing and Brewerij Boon of Belgium have partnered together again to create Transatlantique Kriek – a spontaneously fermented lambic ale made with Polish cherries.

This authentic kriek beer began life in the oaken vessels at Frank Boon’s brewery in the Lembeek region of Belgium. After more than two years aging, Boon’s offering shipped across the Atlantic and found its way to the intuitive palate of New Belgium’s Brewmaster Peter Bouckaert. After much sampling and internal consultation, Peter and his brew staff created a full-bodied golden lager to round out the light-bodied kriek.

The cherry nose gives way to a pleasingly sour flash across the palate that rolls gently into a slightly sweet finish. Crisp, effervescent carbonation keeps the mouth feel bright and delightfully tingly.
—

Sometimes Fruit beers, specifically with stronger fruit beers, they fall into their own category all together as they are not beer with fruit added to it. It is a fruit that is added to fermentation of a premature beer. The flavors of tart, funky and somewhat sour cherries, vanilla, caramel, orange peel, little bit of raspberry, apples and grapes. Some minor sweet bread notes are hinted but not too abundant. Almost like cherry candy in a light beer, cept the cherry candy takes over. The good thing about this beer is that it hides the alcohol well. Almost too well, to the point that you may not even notice it and the thing about it is that it is highly drinkable. Those who like sweet beers but wont mind some tart and very minor sour notes will like this one.

Krampus by Southern Tier Brewing

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged legend of santa claus | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.5/5

Krampus by Southern Tier Brewing is a 9%ABV Imperial Helles Lager. BeerAdv describes as an imperial pilsner. I know it is not Christmas yet but it is close to the end of the year we have just approached the last quarter and I figured I talk about this beer as it may fall in a Halloween sense yet this is more for a Christmas time. So for the many that don’t know about Austrian Chrism

as tradition, the label states below a bit about Santa’s side kick who makes sure that the little boys and girls who misbehaved through out the year don’t simply just get coal….but an ass whoopin’. In some extreme stories of the legend of Santa Claus helper, it is said that he takes those bad kids and eats that ….Wow, now that is reinforced parenting right there. You misbehave, and Krampus will eat you…LMAO!!
More info on Krampus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus

Label:
ARE YOU NAUGHTY OR NICE?
St. Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, is a magical figure, the bringer of gifts and an icon of holiday spirit. Forgotten by most is his evil side kick and enforcer of ‘the list’. European tradition says while St. Nick is busy delivering presents to good little boys and girls, Krampus hands out punishments to the bad. A fanged, goat-horned bully, the Christmas Devil uses sticks and chains to beat the naughty children. Dark malts and aromatic hops create the diabolical spirit of this brew. It is finished with lager yeast and aged cold for no less than 30 days. This Imperial Helles Lager will warm even the darkest hearts. This season, replace the cookies with a bottle of Krampus. If he happens to pay a visit, toast to him with this devilish brew. Merry Kramp-mas to all, and to all a good pint!

Alcohol 9.0% by Vol.
20º plato.
2-row pale, debittered black malt, munich malt, and caramel malt.
Kettle hops: Chinook dry hops, and Willamette
—————-

So who would of thought of a German Helles be spicy and malty like a Christmas beer yet light bodied and hide the alcohol. Flavors of strong toffee, caramel, earthy hop grass, minor citrus and wheat, not really sensing pilsner but that may just be covered up too. There is some cinnamon, nutmeg, buttered up biscuit, oranges and minor grapefruit. This beer is decent and reminds me of the Samichlaus Helles. It is hard to explain this beer as it is a different style. Seems so similar to a German Bock with extra hops. Maybe a German style amber… not sure. Regardless it is still a good sweet Christmasy beer and should be tried atleast once or twice 🙂

choklat by Southern Tier Brewing

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Chocolate, Black Water Series, cacao nibs, Chocolate, choklat, dark chocolate, Imperial Stout, milk Chocolate, Southern Tier | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

choklat by Southern Tier Brewing is an 11%ABV Imperial Stout brewed with chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, chile chocolate oh yes and CHOCOLATE PRIME!!! Imagine Chocolate rain toned down enough by alcohol but also with adding some bitter-sweet chocolate into the concoction. You get this beer. One of the most Chocolatey beers I have ever

had D:….aside from chocolate rain ofcourse.Label:
“the ancients called it ‘food for the gods’“ The Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, unfolds a complex web of mystery around a beverage known as xocoatl (ch-co-atle). At Southern Tier, we’re not surprised that hieroglyphs of the ancient Maya depict chocolate being poured for rulers and gods. Even through the many voyages of Columbus, the mystical bean remained nothing more than a strange currency of the native peoples. Moving through centuries, the circular journey of cacao has been realized in our brewing house, encompassing the complexity of the darkest, bitter-sweet candy together with the original frothy cold beverage of the ancient Maya to bring to you our Blackwater Series Choklat Stout. We have combined the finest ingredients to tempt your senses & renew the power & interrelation of history in every bottle.

Alc. 11.0% by vol.
27o plato
195o L
2-Row barley
Caramel 60 malt
barley flakes
chocolate malt
bittersweet Belgian chocolate
kettle hops: chinook & williamette

This is one of the ultimate tributes in chocolate history right next to chocolate rain!! While Chocolate Rain reaches flavors in the 10th dimension, this reaches somewhere near there…maybe the 5th dimension of flavor. So what is this stout like? If chocolate milkshake with cinnamon, cocoa powder, and that sweet sweet chocolate soda I had in Iowa along with chocolate syrup and dark bitter chocolate and chocolate with a little bit of chili spicy but so faint it only contributes to the bitter-sweet then this is the flavors you have. Some Espresso coffee mocha lingers with caramel and vanilla too. Damn… This is another Diabetes bottle :X….but it is so good!!!! IF you ever had a beer where you had to dig to find the flavor or something that wasn’t easily defined in terms of flavor….well look no further….this beer will help. You don’t even have to taste it to know it has strong chocolate odor. If you do taste it though….you’re done!!…this is a massive dessert here…you may not stop drinking it…careful though :P… You probably have not lived a “Chocolate Lover’ life if you have not tried this beer…

Oxymoron The Midnight Project Brew III 2010 collaboration by LeftHand and Terrapin

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.75/5

Oxymoron The Midnight Project Brew III 2010 is a collaboration between LeftHand and Terrapin Brewing companies. It is a 7.2%ABV Teutonic India Pale Lager or a Strong Double Pilsner as explained by BeerAdv. Second time I try this beer and quite frankly, what attracted me to this beer was the awesome artwork. The second time was simply the interesting taste.

Label:

“Sometime around midnight in a city nobody can agree on, the idea for Left Hand and Terrapin to brew a collaboration beer was born. Oxymoron is the third in the series of one-time releases between out two breweries. A combination of contradictions embodied in liquid form. Oxymoron is an American-style IPA brewed with three German malts, six German hops varieties, and a lager yeast strain. Obnoxious yet reserved elevated yet modest, it’s the embodiment of blending two brewing philosophies together in order to achieve singularity. Consider it an expression of cruel kindness”.

So this doesn’t drink like a IPA…don’t even go there… but it is much better than a usual pilsner for sure. So it is delicious. It is quite heavy for a so called lager but I guess it is called a lager because of its pilsner flavor but mainly because it is kind of light flavored even though it is full bodied. It flows like a German bock with these sweet toffee caramel reminiscent of the Rogue Dead guy but lighter.. Some light grassy pine and citrusy but sort of dry as more brown sugar and caramel take over. Some bread is there as well. LOL What can I say, IPA or IPLs are not meant to be aged. The fresher the more the grassy, grapefruit and pineapple would flow through. It surely taste more different than last year. It is not bad. Quite enjoyable really. Sorry, beer is more like a bock with faint grass and pilsner in the back. It just means you get more of a sweet tasting beer with some bitterness. So if you do decide to pick this up, hope you are reading my review to get a decent idea :)…could be worse…you could have a really bad beer… and this is not a bad beer at all. At least it is not skunky Coronas >.<

2011 Review:
sweet and hoppy beer. Low bitterness even for ipa. The flavor is really unique with a complex amount of malts, hops and caramel like flavors. A pretty unique beer collaboration between left hand and terrapin.

Framboise de Amorosa by The Lost Abbey

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Framboise de Amorosa, The Lost Abbey | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Framboise de Amorosa by The Lost Abbey is a 7% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with raspberries and aged in oak barrels. This is not your typical Framboise. What we have here is something delightfully different. A sweet and sour complexity. This is the second time I try this beer and well, sometimes certain beers are better the second time around ;)…She’s a keeper

Label:

The 10 Commandments and its “Thou Shalt Nots” do not apply to Amorosa. A courtesan, she has no need for the morality of denial. A stunning beauty with depth of spirit and sensuality. Amorosa is ruled by the fruits of her loins and mother earth. Sweet and sour, Amorosa is equal part lover, liberated soul and the object of every suitor’s affection. She is desire incarnate and sensuality embodied. In choosing to open this bottle, you are now courting this magnificent woman. For some she will arrive like the Siren’s call breathing upon your lips and dancing across your taste buds. Others will be denied. For you see, a wanton woman. Amorosa beckons all and chooses few. Will your prayers be answered?

So really it depends on whether you are willing to look past the sourness of her (Am I right guys :P?) to find the true sweet flavor inside. It takes time but aside from the wine and sour grape like funky acidity (like some of the Jolly Pumpkin beers although not too sour..) then you will find a rich raspberry tart and cherry pie. Some oak, caramel, vanilla, apples, cranberries, buttered toast and honey. I would recommend this only if your truly looking to look past the bit of sourness really. Otherwise you may not be worthy of this mistress. Oh yeah and by the way, good luck finding it, Ramirez Liquor in Boyle Heights has it sometimes.

2011:
Framboise de Amorosa is a wild ale that can only be tamed by those worthy of her taste…LOL. Sweetness from raspberries and sourness from the wild yeast strains. Tart and dry finish. The aromas are awesome with notes primarily of raspberries and fruity fragrances. LOL I like how the label talks about “Courting” the beer….Respect the lady like you would a fine brew 😛

Stingo Collaboration No. 3 by Boulevard and Pretty Things Brewing

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Stingo Collaboration No. 3 is a Collaboration by Boulevard and Pretty Things Brewing Companies. It is an 8.5%ABV English Strong Ale. Although this beer taste more like a Dubbel or a Quad. That’s just me though :P. Actually more of a English and Belgian Hybrid

Description:

Collaboration #3 Stingo was brewed using traditional English ingredients. A variety of ale and specialty malts from Yorkshire are at the forefront; their pronounced roasty aroma and flavor contain hints of toffee, cocoa and bread crust. English hop varieties contribute subtle herbal, peppery qualities. The beer was brewed in batches; some was fermented on oak, some was fermented normally, and some was allowed to sour in the mash tun before being transferred to a fermenter. Boulevard’s brewers, along with Dann and Martha Paquette of Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project, then blended the batches until desired levels of wood and tartness were achieved for the final product. Aroma Roasted and caramelized malts, toffee, wood, cocoa, banana, almond, mocha, brown sugar, bread crust Malt Roast, burnt, toasty, bready, rich, toasted sweet caramel Hops Subtle herbal and peppery Balance Malt Body Medium; malty body offset by acidity

Smells like a Definite Dubbel and English Brown Hybrid. The Flavors are quite a treat. I figured this beer was gonna be good especially since Pretty Things and Boulevard make some pretty awesome beers. Flavors Include Chocolate Chip Banana, Vanilla, Espresso, sweet caramel bread, raisins, plums, apples, cherries, toffee, oak, brown sugar, smoked Toast with butter, Hazelnut and Pecan Pie. Yeah this one is pretty rich for an English Style. If this was the best or one of the best, it would be the best in the English style of ales…Although it is a “Style” it may not categorize the best out there for England as it was not brewed there. Even so, this is one of the best English Belgian Hybrids out there. Go look for this if you can 😀

Belgian Style Yeti by Great Divide

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.9/5

Belgian Style Yeti by Great Divide is a 9.5%ABV Russo Belgo (Russian and Belgian) Imperial Stout. Belgian Stouts are some of my favorites. Whats not to like about Belgian Chocolate and Caramel?

Label:

Belgian Style Yeti is a delicious new blend of brewing techniques – all the malt-driven roastiness of our Yeti Imperial Stout with characteristic spice and fruit notes imparted by our special Belgian yeast strain. Belgian Style Yeti is a one-of-a-kind beer as mysterious as the mythical creature himself. Impossible? See for yourself, you’ll be a believer, too.

There have been some beers that have been able to fit that fabled style that I love so much so well. Sam Adams Thirteenth Hour Stout, Ommegang Art of Darkness, Buffalo Belgian Stout and Allagash Black. This one takes its attempt but implies some bitterness from the roasted malts which is quite delicious. While we still get some dark fruits like raisins, currants, dulce de leche bread, banana and chocolate in the backbone. There is some espresso with Irish vanilla cream or marshmallows, butterscotch vanilla and toffee mixed in there. Some bitter earthy hops join the crusade. Sweet and Bitter….this is damn good. While the balance is pretty decent, it still allows you to know that there is some other flavors. Therefore you can taste most of the flavors separately as you go on. LMAO!!..if Monks can see visions of God and Saints…They might as well see glimpses of Yetis and Sasquatches too :P. Belgian and Stout fans…definite pick up here :D…Delicious dessert beer here. Perfect pair with something sweet.

Quilter’s Irish Death by Iron Horse

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.8/5

Quilter’s Irish Death by Iron Horse is a 7.8%ABV Dark Strong Ale. Ummm…yeah that’s the best I can describe this beer as. Hell, even the Brewer is like…don’t even bother categorizing as a style. So there!!

I used my phone to scan the QR-Code on the bottle and it took me to this:

Description:
Created by the brewery’s founder, Quilter’s Irish Death is what we call a dark, smooth, ale. Any attempt at classifying it just ends up sending beer geeks into a style guidelines diatribe. So forget style guidelines. Is your pursuit of micro beer about tasting copies of a style that fit guidelines anyways? (Neither is ours) We lovingly refer to it as beer candy. While tempting to session this beer, the name is a necessary reminder that despite the surprising approachability, this beer weighs in at a hefty 7.8% ABV

Well Now :P… Beer Candy they say? Well this is damn close to something that would be described as such. LMAO!!
The smell is similar to a Wee Heavy composing of Mint chocolate and coffee fragrance. The Flavor? Well… it goes along those lines…chocolate and coffee but really smooth, go ahead and add some caramel, bananas, raisins and figs. There is hardly no carbonation, hidden alcohol and any sense in bitterness gets tossed out the window. I’m not sure how other people will react to this one. That is why it is hard to grade it. I personally enjoyed it but then again I like certain sweet beers so I don’t mind this. Give it a try, it is yet another different beer…and well…doesn’t really fit any style..

Monkfish by Fish Brewing

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged barley wine, spicy esters | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.9/5

Monkfish by Fish Brewing is a 9%ABV Belgian Style Tripel Ale. It is not the usual sweeter of the Tripels. This one has some bitter kick to it.

Description:

A cracking fine example of the classic style, Monkfish Belgian Style Tripel Ale is the color of nectar, with a sweet malty flavor and subtle hop aroma. Mingling in its character, fruity and spicy esters impart a heavenly complexity to this medium-bodied delight. Brewed using Pale malt, Honey malt, aromatic malt, Belgian candy sugar, Styrian Golding hops and, of course, Belgian Abbey yeast, Monkfish stands firmly in the Belgian triple tradition. And remember: Whereas triple ale is the soul of the Belgian favorite, Carbonnade a la Flamande, this classic stew is made all the better by two bottles of Monkfish—one for the pot, the other for your glass.
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So tripel is stronger in terms of bitterness and is more like a heavy barley wine hybrid. The alcohol is only somewhat masked in this beer. It is not a bad beer at all it is pretty interesting really. There is some caramel dulce de leche bread notes with dark raisins in there but also some pine and grass with some sweet pinnaple. It reminds me of a harsher La Trappe Quad made into a Barley wine. Some lemon zest and graham cracker. Some apple cinnamon, wood/oak notes, maple pancakes and jelly, and crème. It is a different beer at that. Just a blend of Belgian and Barley make an interesting combination. This is certainly worth trying 🙂

Night Owl by Elysian Brewing

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Night Owl by Elysian Brewing is a 6.7%ABV Pumpkin Ale. The over all batch is using 150 lbs. of pumpkin. They use some Pale, Munich and Crystal malts as well as green and roasted pumpkin seeds. They add the pumpkin in the mash, boil and ferment with the other ingredients and they bitter it with Horizon hops.

Label:

Ale brewed with pumpkin & pumpkin seeds & fermented with spices. Our original pumpkin ale is brewed with over 7 lbs. of pumpkin per barrel and spiced in conditioning with nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, ginger and allspice.
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Another round at pumpkin beers. Each tasting different than the others. Some focusing one straight pumpkin while others on sugary candies or sugar boiled pumpkin like mom used to make :P. This one adds some new stuff. Aside from pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and the usual spices, there is also some licorice mint, earthy and grassy hops and caramel . The aftertaste of this beer is the winner for me. The sweet brown sugar brick with yam, sweet potato, cinnamon and pumpkin lingers on :P. I think the other ingredients that makes this beer stand in its own category, like the mint and hoppy flavor is what puts it in its own unique category. The sad part about pumpkin beers is that you only get to try them seasonally :(….But when you do, and if you find one like this or any of the other ones I reviewed, then you will surely love them 🙂

Elysian Maelstrom

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

This is a series from Elysian, The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse. “The End is Beer”
Beer#8 (August) Maelstrom is a 7.25% ABV Blood Orange Pale Ale.

Maelstrom, or very powerful whirlpool, is mainly in reference to Black Holes. The possibility of a Black Hole’s Maelstrom encompassing the earth would give creed to the apocalyptic event of the earth and all it’s inhabitants being sucked into nothingness on 12-21-2012. Technically, no one has control as to how the heavenly stars guide their way through the sky. Nor do they have control over Sagittarius A* which is the Black Hole in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. Nevertheless, the possibility of such an event could be possible… But this beer brings forth…what would you do if you even knew it was coming? LOL probably not much, it would be over and none would be the wiser.

So this beer is pretty tropical. I would almost say it was like in par with a Double India Pale Ale. Flavors of Orange and Orange peels, with grassy, piney and grapefruit hops but not too bitter but enough to let you know it was similar to an IPA or DIPA. Some other flowing flavors or pineapple, mango, caramel biscuit and lemon. This is pretty delicious. Second time I try a blood orange beer and I have to say, they are pretty in line with IPAs. IPA or APA people will like this one 😛

Grieskirchner Weisse by Brauerei Grieskirchen

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Brauerei Grieskirchen, Grieskirchner Weisse, wheat bread | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.5/5

Grieskirchner Weisse by Brauerei Grieskirchen is a 5.1% ABV Hefeweizen. This Heff is like a Franziskaner light. Heffs are another of my favorite styles along with Quads, IPAs and Stouts. Smells and taste like the German Heff but more light and leans more toward a flavorful lager. With Banana cloves, light vanilla, wheat bread, sugar brick or Piloncillo like they sell in Mexico, lem

on, apple cider, orange, coriander spice, pilsner malt and grassy notes. I have tried some better heffs, but this one sure beats all the common heffs or so called heffs out there. It is also refreshing for this hot weather were having and it is a definitely refreshing, crisp and over all cooling. If you see this one give it a taste run. At 5.1%ABV, that’s .1% higher than a bud and I would say 100x better too.

Avatar Jasmine by Elysian Brewing

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Avatar Jasmine, Elysian, india pale ale, jasmine flowers | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.8/5

Avatar Jasmine by Elysian Brewing is a 6.3%ABV India Pale Ale made with Jasmine Flowers.

Label:

East meets West Coast with a unique floral aroma and smooth dose of hops. Avatar is an excellent beer for pairing with food.
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Low on bitterness, higher on floral sweetness is what mainly composes this IPA. The flavors of overwhelming honey, (The way flowers smell), green grapes and grassy hop notes. Not sure what Jasmine taste like but that is similar to what I can get from this beer . There is some citrus and toast and biscuit flavor in the aftertaste. This beer Reminds me of that DogFish Head Noble Rot which was sort of like a wine beer hybrid. There is nothing too bitter about this beer but it taste pretty good regardless. However IPA fans, if you are strict to the HOP, this is not for you. If you are open minded for sweeter yet hoppy beers, then give this a try 🙂

Avant Garde by The Lost Abbey

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged abbey beers, Avant Garde, garde style, The Lost Abbey | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.8/5

Avant Garde by The Lost Abbey is a 7.0%ABV Bière de Garde style ale. I have had many Lost Abbey beers in the past but I have never tried this one. This one is a pretty good beer. Not the best beer in their selection but a very good one.

Wikipedia shows something awesome about the word: Avant-garde represents a pushing of the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm or the status quo, primarily in the cultural realm.

So yeah it is pretty cool. If something mean something important, go for it regardless of what others think.

Label:
From the French word “Garde” meaning something worth keeping, this Farmhouse Styled Ale is a most delicious companion to a loaf of freshly baked bread from the oven. Grab a seat on the porch, some soft cheese and a tree ripened apple from your grandmother’s old orchard. Relax and watch the evening arrive as the afternoon sun is consumed by the illuminating moon over the gardens. We brewed Avant Garde for you, our friends and families. Here’s to things worth guarding over.http://www.lostabbey.com/

So this beer is tries to be in the Farmhouse categories but it is not quite like a Saison. It smells like honey, pilsner, sweet bread and apples.Flavors are of caramel, honey, buttered up toast, apples, apricots, pears, some minor banana clove and spices. Like I said not a bad beer. Since the the flavors are not overwhelming and, well it hides the alcohol, I would recommend to even the people the drink the yellow fizzys. You may like this one 😛

Elysian Torrent

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Elysian Torrent, The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse, The end is Beer | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.5/5

This is a series from Elysian, The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse. “The End is Beer”
Beer#7 (July) Torrent is a 7% ABV Pale Beet Bock

Torrent is in reference to Apocalyptic event where all land on earth will flood inundating all cities and life on earth. Earth as a big ocean. If it is true that land only composes 1/3 of the earth, then it would probably be possible to cover the earth in pure water (Assuming the depth of water can actually flood the land completely) by 12-21-2012 if, however, this is one of the outcomes of doomsday.

Never had a beer made with Beets..lol although the color of this beer is crimson red. You can definitely smell the caramel as well as the vegetable side of the beets. The flavors are of beets, earthy notes, rye bread, caramel, vanilla, pine, grapefruit, lemon and cherries. This beer isn’t for everyone. IF you hate beets…lol this may certainly not be for you. I try to keep an open mind about beers and flavors. It is a good thing that it is not dominated by beets, well, not too much. So if you do find it…well.. you decide if you wanna pick it up 😛

Anubis by Laughing Dog Brewing

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Anubis, coffee flavors, dark chocolate, fresh coffee, Laughing Dog | Leave a comment

Rating: 4/5

Anubis by Laughing Dog Brewing is a 9.2%ABV Imperial Coffee Porter. Delicious yet bitter little beer. Smells like a usual porter. Not as bitter as a stout though. Smells like a cup of fresh coffee Flavors or roasted coffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, toffee, citrus and earthy and smokey notes. What makes this beer pretty good is that it is well balanced….not too bitter, not too sweet, just right…Did I mention it hides the alcohol oh too well? This is surely a creamy dessert beer. May go good as a beer float. A Porter fit for Kings or Gods :P… Porter and Stout people will like this one.

Elysian Wasteland

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged black berries, Elysian, Elysian Wasteland, jasmine tea, red berries, The end is Beer, W | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

This is a series from Elysian, The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse. “The End is Beer”
Beer#6 (June) Wasteland is a 6.8% ABV Saison/Farmhouse ale made with dried Elderflowers and French Saison yeast

Wasteland, in reference to the apocalyptic event, is what will the result of a nuclear winter during the end of the world if caused by wars. The sun will not shin through killing everything on earth making it well..a wasteland…will there be survivors after 12-21-2012? If so, will there be anyone that will help each other out or will it just be survival of the fittest. Such would be the cruelty of fate for man’s true corruption bloom…ElderFlower Saison speaks…

This is pretty damn good sweet saison. Saisons have been some very good mystical, herbal, bread and sweet beers made with all sorts of botanicals at times. This one made with Elderflowers. The stuff that makes blue, black, and red berries. Hence forth, a brew that taste like flowers, bitter blue or black berries, apples, pineapple, raw peppers, coriander, lots of farmhouse herbal sweet bread, jasmine tea, biscuit, bubble gum, brown sugar and the way roses smell this tastes. Quite the floral little beer and a damn good saison. People that enjoy saisons will like this one..

Hoppy Bitch IPA by Northwest brewing

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 2.75/5

Hoppy Bitch IPA by Northwest brewing in Pacific Washington is a 6.3%ABV IPA brewed with Columbus Hops. This IPA is well, not really so much an IPA. Maybe it is better on tap. It is not the fact that is bad, it is just that the style and color seems more like an amber ale. Something even the worst IPA haters may actually enjoy…well….maybe….

Label:

This northwest IPA is bold and balanced, with a rich malty flavor and a strong hop presence. We use premium 2-Row, Crystal, Munich and Victory malts to create the perfect base for showcasing Yakima-grown Columbus hops. After one sip you’ll agree, this is one hoppy bitch of a beer. 6.3% ABV 80 IBU

As stated before. There is some good amount of hops but it is mainly covered by a stronger malt presence. This means you do not get as much as the piney, tropical, bitter grapefruit and grassy flavors as you would with a normal IPA. You only get them but they are cover up by the caramel, biscuit, vanilla, butterscotch like flavors of the malts. There are some citrus, lemon and orange peel flavor here. There are some rubbery aftertaste to it that is kinda weird :/. It is really really more of an amber ale trying to be an IPA but just doesn’t make it far. While it doesn’t fit the style of an IPA I would only recommend to those that like amber lagers. This is kinda bitter sweet. Then again I would recommend Fat Tire better to those who like ambers. This is good but kinda iffy to find some one in the amber/IPA midpoint really

Fat Jack By Samuel Adams

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged classic pumpkin pie, Fat Jack, Sam Adams, sweet flavors | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.45/5

Fat Jack By Samuel Adams is an 8.5% ABV Double Pumpkin Ale brewed with Pumpkins and spices. Another nice pumpkin beer to rake in the season. Probably as easy to get as Smashed Pumpkins by Shipyard.

Label:

This rich and luscious brew indulges in flavor with over 28Ibs of pumpkin per barrel, for a full bodied sweetness and deep russet color. Classic pumpkin pie spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice ignite a warmth and spark that’s deepened by an undercurrent of roasty smoked malts. The result is a delectable brew full of enveloping layers of flavor and spice. At Samuel Adams we love experimenting. This series of limited edition brews represents some of our favorite small batch creations. Style: Pumpkin Beer Hops: East Kent Goldings, Fuggle Malts: Samuel Adams Two-Row Pale Malt Blend, Caramel 60, Special B, Smoked Malt Extras: Real Pumpkin, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice

Initially released on tap as “Double Pumpkin” in 2011, it was bottled as “Fat Jack Double Pumpkin” in 2012.
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So this is the next pumpkin beer I have tried in the line of pumpkin beers this year. Last were some really good ones. So far each one I have tried has something special about them. The Smashed pumpkins by shipyard tasted like real squash, pumpkins and sweet potatoes while Southern Tier was awesome because it tasted like pumpkin spices with candy corn or caramelized popcorn. This one has its own things to offer. Aside from delicious pumpkin and sweet potato, there is some bready caramel flavor. That bready flavor almost reminds me of the yeast used when they made 13th hour stout. This is pretty good in it’s own way for sure. There are some flavors of the nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice that reminds me of their Oktoberfest beer. So while it is sweet, it is also bitter and in a way, pilsnery reminiscence of their Boston Lager. Some other sweet flavors of nuts, almonds and raisins. While the pumpkin and sweet squash isn’t as dominant, the other flavors do shine through pretty well. Almost like a pumpkin brown English ale with its many caramelized malts and well brewed with pumpkins :P. I have yet to try a really bad or subpar pumpkin ale. This is pretty good and is definitely up there with good pumpkin beers. I will see what happens when Shocktop comes out with it’s pumpkin beer. Never had it and well some people say it is not that great… I guess we will see 😛

Elysian Peste

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged chocolate chile, chocolate flavors, Elysian, pasilla peppers, Peste | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

This is a series from Elysian, The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse. “The End is Beer”
Beer#4 (April) Peste is a 7.5% ABV Chocolate Chile Ale brewed with cocoa, cinnamon and a blend of chipotle cayenne, ancho, guajillo and pasilla peppers.

Peste/Pestilence a.k.a La Peste or the Plague is in reference to the theory that the world will end through an epidemic of diseases that will wipe out the human race. Either that or an infection that will turn people into zombies…lol…regardless, this has been a debated theorized event that may happen in 12-21-2012 or whenever the world ends. The plague can come from anything either biological warfare, a mass amounts of insects, poisoned food or water, you name it.What a fitting name to a beer that not many people will like. A poison to unworthy palettes, but an ambrosia to the Heros of Heat. This beer reminds me a lot of the Cocoa Mole Ale of New Belgium. The dark chocolate flavors, with the cinnamon, coffee, vanilla, and the variety of chiles makes this taste like a really hot champurrado (Mexican Atole made with Flour) and I don’t mean the temperature. The spicy heat provided by this beer is sort of immense to a mild to medium heat. Let me honest, if you DO NOT LIKE SPICY FOOD STAY AWAY. My level of mild to medium could be your medium to hot or even very hot!!! It is hotter than some of the other chile beers I have tried but because it embraces the cinnamon and the dark chocolate coffee, it balances out all the heat. It is a nice beer but I’ll be honest, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the water. Now the day they brew a beer that is very hot like habanero, LOL I would probably drink it in shots or cook with it for sure :P. A good beer if you can find it though and …only if you like really spicy beers… 😛

Swordfish by Fish Brewing

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged black ipa, fish brewing company | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.6/5

Swordfish by Fish Brewing company is a 7.5%ABV Double Cascadian Dark Ale or Black DIPA. This style is similar to that of the Self-Righteous Ale and the Escondidian Black IPA from Stone. This beer has a nice fragrance of hops and malts giving it aromas of black coffee and earthy grassy smell. The The flavors of this one range from minor coffee and chocolate with alittle bit of herbs and spices. Some caramel, vanilla, grapefruit, coconut, raisins, . However, the grassy hops do not dominate in this beer nor are the malts too intense. It’s almost like drinking a pepsi :/…with less sugar and more bitterness. Not to say it is a bad beer, it is actually quite refreshing and smooth for this style. More balance here but it is still not in the same balance of flavors that would make an amber ale. Drinks more like a stout but with enough hops to make it semi sweet and semi bitter. Overall it was a different beer. Strange enough to make me like it bit. Although it could have had more hoppy bitterness but then again it wouldn’t be a BDIPA now would it? Although, Escondidian BIPA from Stone got damn right…I would recommend it just so you can try it out. You may get something different.

Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Triple by Brasserie d’Achouffe

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Brasserie d’Achouffe, Hatsune Miku, hop flowers, Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Triple, sweet biscuit | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.95/5

Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Triple by Brasserie d’Achouffe is a 9% ABV Belgian IPA.

Label:

On its journey across the globe the little Chouffe wandered through beautiful hopfields. The overwhelming aroma of these little hop flowers such as Tomahawk, Amarillo and Saaz mesmerized him.

Back at home in the Ardennes he crafted a new recipe combining this dizzying array of hops with the depth and body of his favorite style “Tripel”. Thus, our little Chouffe’s new inspiration Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel was born.
Houblon Chouffe:
A unique marriage between the English tradition of IPAs, the new American revolution of Imperial IPAs and the classic Belgian way of brewing.

Houblon Chouffe, although very much hopped as it is, showcases the unique balance between a very strong IPA and a very special Belgian Tripel exclusively created for this ale (Big malty body, distinct dryness, expressive estery fruitiness).
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Upon opening this ale, it reminded me right away, of the As Follows Eschatological Ale, but more bitter. This beer as stated is more of a Double/Imperial IPA Tripel Hybrid. You definitely get the marriage of a range of flavors from the Tripel and a DPA. Sweet biscuit bread, banana cloves, vanilla, grapefruit and pineapple are more dominant. There is also flavors if pine, grass, minor mango notes, orange peels, lemon, apricots, coriander, honey, pepper, earth hops and herbal tea. Overall it is an interesting hybrid of a beer. Both Belgian lovers and IPA lovers will lake. This great beer was recommended by my friend Rich…thanks bro

Pumpking by Southern Tier

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged all hallows eve, caramel corn, Hellsing, natural flavors, pagan spirit, Pumking, Seras Victoria, Southern Tier | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Pumpking by Southern Tier is an 8.6% ABV Pumpkin Ale. It is made with the following ingredients as stated on the label:
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19 Degrees Plato

8.8 Degrees L
2-row Pale Malt
Caramel Malt
Pureed Pumpkin Kettle Hops: Magnum
Aroma Hops: Sterling

Bewitched and Brewed with Pagan Spirit Pumking is an ode to Púca, a creature of Celtic folklore, who is both feared and respected by those who believe in it. Púca is said to waylay travelers throughout the night, tossing them on its back, and providing them the ride of their lives, from which they return forever changed. Brewed in the spirit of All Hallows Eve, a time of the year when spirits can make contact with the physical world and when magic is most potent. Pour Pumking into a goblet and allow it’s alluring spirit to overflow. As spicy aromas present themselves, let it’s deep copper color entrance you as your journey into this mystical brew has just begun. As the first drops touch your tongue a magical spell will bewitch your taste buds making it difficult to escape the Pumking.
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Fall is coming and so it means it time to get ready for Halloween and all lol. Now this is the second time I try a pumpkin beer this year (over all a 4th pumpkin beer this year) since last years La Parcela which was wickedly awesome as well as the Kick which was a mix of pumpkin and cherries. Now, before I continue on with this review, so far I notice out the the 3 beers, each has something to offer. While la parcela is more of a real bitter pumpkin with spices and smashed pumpkin ale is actually real sweet yams, pumpkin and sweet potato natural flavors, this is different to. The smell is like candy sweet pumpkin with buttery caramel corn or candy corn smell.
The Flavors is actually much of the same. While pumpkin, caramel, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar and pumpkin pie is in this awesome beer, there are these flavors of buttered candy corn or buttered sweet caramel corn as well as graham crackers. It is definitely a very delicious pumpkin beer at that. Although they sell it more in the east coast, it is still does not quite beat the Shipyard Smashed pumpkins one. It is easier to find here in the west coast during the fall and it reminds me more of the delicious camotes/sweet potatoes or yams with milk my mom used to make. So to each his own, I recommend this beer if you can find it because it is hard to find, but I personally would recommend the Smashed Pumpkin one. La Parcela I would recommend too but it is hard to find 😛 and Kick is no longer brewed

Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti by Great Divide

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti, cocoa nibs, Great Divide | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.9/5

Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti by Great Divide is a 9.5% ABV Decadent Imperial Stout brewed with oak chips, cocoa nibs and spices like cayenne and aged in oak barrels. But not a lot, just a dash cayenne. This beer is made with lowered amount of hops in order to let the dark chocolate add its own bitterness. It is supposed to be like having a gourmet chocolate bar. You can definitely smell a lot of the chocolate and the spices from just the smell. Flavors are really what they say they are. A lot of vanilla, burnt oak wood, dark milk chocolate, alittle bit of coffee but the chocolate takes over, pepper spiciness just to make things interesting but not to deter away from the bitter chocolate. There is some minor dark fruits like raisins but not alot. While this is is a somewhat heavy beer, it really doesn’t stop you from drinking more of it. It has to do with the fact that it is very smooth going down. It is quite good. Leaves some earthy bitter grass in the aftertaste but goes away. The more I try it the more I want to keep drinking this one. Stout lovers will love this beer for sure :P. Pick this up if you can find it D:..

The Sixth Glass by Boulevard Brewing

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged boulevard brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

The Sixth Glass by Boulevard Brewing, part of their smokestack series is a 10.5%ABV Quadrupple Ale. Considered a world class beer, brewed year round.

Label:

“Do you know what dwells in a glass?” asks Ole, in Hans Christian Andersen’s The Watchman of the Tower. Better known for stories such as The Little Mermaid, Andersen wrote this short, cautionary tale for a somewhat older audience. Our quadrupel ale, also meant for the mature connoisseur, is a deep and mysterious libation, dark auburn and full-bodied, its sweetness deceptive. As Ole describes the glasses in turn, their contents become more ominous until, in the sixth glass…

Ah yes….an awesome Belgium quad. What can I say I am a sucker for this beer style. Bread, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs….wtf? Coffee notes? Oh :O….this is new…and pleasant I should add. Maybe there is something more ominous about this beer and why it is considered connoisseur world class :P. Some orange, cocoa, vanilla, candied sugars, cherries, bananas, roasted marshmallow, and graham crackers wow. LOL Belgian Smores anyone??

Overall it is a damn fine Belgian quad. Seems like it is definitely hyped for a beer coming from the Midwest. Saw this one when I was in Iowa visiting my friend Steve earlier in the Summer. Worth the try if you can find it 😛

Fuego del Otoño (Autumn Fire) by Jolly Pumpkin

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Fuego del Otoño, jolly pumpkin, Samus | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Fuego del Otoño (Autumn Fire) by Jolly Pumpkin is 6.10%ABV Bière de Garde brewed with Chestnuts and spices. This is the second time I try this beer. The fall is coming in and setting fast. First of all, for many who do not like sour beers, this may not be for you. For those that like somewhat sour and like to explore, this is one delicious.

Label:

Ale brewed with chestnut and spices To catch a bit of soft radiance in each special bottle, we wait for fall colors to begin their bright and fleeting glow before brewing this wonderful ale under their autumn fire. Gentle amber malts lead smooth caramel notes, gently lapping against a shore of distant forgotten spice. A beer to contemplate and enjoy! Fragrance of tangy grape, campfire, trees in the fall and orange. Flavors of caramel, roasted chestnuts, pecans, smokey glazed ham notes, oak wood (like campfire wood), herbs, orange but not to the level of Maracaibo sweet, cherries, lemon, cinnamon, apples, wine grapes, grapefruit, tea leaves and llerba buena. Definitely grasps what fall would be like as it would taste. As you go deeper into the beer, the less the sourness is there and you begin to appreciate what this beer is truly all about. Fan of sours or somewhat sours would definitely get a major kick of this.

2011 Review:
If camping in the fall and doing a campfire had a taste, this would probably be it. The beer has a nice sour and tangy taste to it (Jolly Pumpkin Style). A beer brewed in chestnuts and all sorts of spices. A smooth caramel flavor exist from the malts and has a nice oak finish to it. 6.1% ABV but this one is sure meant to be enjoyed slowly

Black Butte XXIV by Deschutes

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged black butte porter, Black Butte XXIV, chocolate nibs, Deschutes, Midna | 1 Comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Black Butte XXIV by Deschutes of Bend Oregon is their 24th Birthday, 11%ABV, Reserve Imperial Porter. This beer is quite a good beer

Label: XXIV. 24 years after Black Butte Porter’s debut, our potent, layered, imperial tribute returns. As usual, it’s a jazz riff, guided by the brewer’s muse and the lure of exotic ingredients. Artisanal dark chocolate nibs. Daglet dates. Mission figs. It may, possibly, hopefully, be the best edition yet. But, as it should be, you’ll be the judge of that.

Upon opening it had a sweet chocolate and coffee cake like smell as well as some nutty hoppy smell like an amber but not quite as fragrant. Taste is pretty delicious. Taste of dark chocolate expresso, coffee cake with brown sugar (Like the one the School used to make :P), caramel mocha, vanilla, bourbon, cherries, slight rapberry, biscuit bread, dark fruits like figs and plums like with some earthy hop bitterness. The aftertaste is like almonds, hazelnut or peanuts but bitter chocolate and coffee in the background. I give this beer a lot of credit. It does good to hide the alcohol all too well but also has a great balance with bitter and sweets. Overall a damn good beer if you can find it. A recommended for Porters or Stout lovers 😛

Elysian Rapture

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

This is a series from Elysian, The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse. “The End is Beer”
Beer#2 (February) Rapture is a 7% ABV Heather Ale or Scottish Gruit / Ancient Herbed Ale.

The Rapture or “being caught up/taken away” is in reference to the Christian belief that the end of times will start when those in Christ (living or dead) will raise into the clouds to meet with Christ and those who are not worthy of Salvation will remain on earth to be damned forever when the Devil takes over. Pretty interesting stuff and a good theory for a what if 2012 scenario.

Does this explanation tells us about the beer? Well, Scottish Gruit or Ancient Herbed beer goes way back to continental Europe in the middle ages where beer was made with gale, yarrow, and wild rosemary as well as spices and berries. I guess the fact that this style is as ancient as the biblical times coincides with the theory of something from the past brought forth into the future.

Beer Fragrance is is like that of flowers, blueberries and honey. A light Rogue Dead Guy Ale in a way without bitterness. Caramel, biscuit bread, orange, light berry, rose petals or lavender, honey, green tea, dry grassy hops and sugar. I want to say maybe like a sweetened and less alcoholic Barley wine. The crazy part about this beer is that it is quite drinkable. If you find this then raise that cup…it may be your last…:P

Elysian Nibiru

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.75/5

This is a series from Elysian, The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse. “The End is Beer”
Beer#1 (January) Nibiru is a 7.6% ABV Yerba Mate Tripel.

Nibiru a.k.a “Planet X” is in reference to the theory of a cataclysmic event where there is an encounter with this large planetary body that will either collide or nearly miss the Earth. Many believers in the 1990’s believed that it would take place some time in 2003. It never did so many who still believe in the theory do so believing it could happen as an apocalyptic theory for what could happen on 12-21-2012

This beer reminds me of the Sahti by DFH. It is bready sweet with banana cloves, herbs and spices, floral notes, yerba mate tea bitterness, oranges, pears, candy fruits, lemon some grains. The beer is a decent tripel. Not as full flavored as Belgians go but this one is different for sure. Sahti has more flavor intense but this one still had a lot to over. Give this a try, you may like it 🙂

10² Highly-Hopped Barley Wine Ale by Fish Brewing

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4/5

10² Highly-Hopped Barley Wine Ale by Fish Brewing Company is their 10th anniversary 10ABV% Barley wine. It is made with 10 types of hops and brewed at 100IBU’s.

Label:

The Mighty Fish Brewers first produced 10² Barley Wine Ale to celebrate Fish Brewing Company’s tenth anniversary. The ale was so good and the response to it so overwhelmingly positive that it has become the crown jewel of our new RELEASES line. Ten different hops – Horizon, Chinook, Columbus, Willamette, Tradition, Northern Brewer, Santiam, Tettmanger, Cascade and Golding, in the order of their use – give Ten Squared a unique hop character which has to be tasted to be believed.

Even with 100 IBUs, this brew sports a strong malt backbone. Two-row Pale, Caramel 40, Caramel 75, Special B and Aromatic malts impart remarkable balance for such a hop monster. This is smooth ale with surprising similarities to ten year old malt whiskey. Produced for the Holidays 10² Highly-Hopped Barley Wine Ale is usually available into late spring.

Major hop and malty beer. Bitter but not too bitter. The mix of hops and malts are well balanced where you can tell that there is some other flavors like earthy grass with strong pine, grapefruit, caramel, lemon, maple oak, brown sugar notes, and orange peels. Reminds me of being in the woods camping :). Barley wine people will enjoy this. Those that enjoy super bitter and malty beers like arrogant bastard will like this, although Arrogant bastard is king.

Fantôme Chocolat by Brasserie Fantôme of Belgium

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.75/5

Fantôme Chocolat by Brasserie Fantôme of Belgium is an 8% ABV Saison/Farmhouse Ale brewed with Belgium Chocolate from chocolate Factory Defroimont as well as bitter cacao.

Label:

A Belgian ’saison-style’ ale brewed with cocoa powder and chili pepper? Ay, Caramba! Score another first for the unpredictable brewery that was the first — and so far the only – brewery to make ales out of dandelions and mushrooms, among other things.

Chocolate and chile spice is not the only thing this beer has to offer. There is a lot of saison tartness to it that over powers it which is not bad, but the chocolate is hard to find. The chocolate and chile seems to be more in the after taste than in front and is more bitter than sweet. The beer tastes of lemon, pepper, herbs, earthy must like that of the mushrooms, green tea, cherry, biscuit bread and orange peels. Saison people will love this one. If you are expecting chocolate, lol good luck, it is in there but it is faint. So go for this beer if you really want the nice saison experience.

St. Bernardus Tokyo by Brouwerij St. Bernardus in Watou Belgium

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged citrusy aroma, orange zest, St. Bernardus Tokyo, sweet biscuit, yeast strain | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

St. Bernardus Tokyo by Brouwerij St. Bernardus in Watou Belgium is a 6% ABV Witbier. It was made in honor of their new pub in Tokyo. Spreading the awesomeness all over the world 🙂

Label:

This beer has been created for the opening of the St Bernardus Tokyo pub in Kanda, Tokyo Japan, that will be run in partnership with out good friend Ryohei Sugawara-San.
It is a unique , single batch brewed on February 3rd and 4th 2012
Intensely cloudy, unspiced wheat ale brewed with the use of malted wheat . The specific yeast strain of St. Bernardus and the Golding and Magnum Hops from our own hop field next to the brewery give the St. Bernardus Tokyo a citrusy aroma, a solid mouth feel , a touch of acidity with very smooth and clean finish.

The beer is somewhat lighter than most of the St. Bernardus Beers I am used to in terms of flavor and alcohol. With flavors of sweet biscuit bread with orange zest, banana cloves, peaches, apricots, apples and apple cider is noticeable. It also has some floral grassy hops in the back end but taste more lemony that bitter grapefruit and pine. This is more of session Belgium. Could be drunk with ease as it is not too over powering but still holds its own pretty good 😛

2012 Barrel Aged Dark Lord De Muerte Russian Imperial Stout aged in Cognac Barrels with Ancho-Guajillo Chiles by Three Floyds

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged chipotle chile, Dark Lord, Dark Lord de Muerte, guajillo chiles, guajillos, mexican vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

2012 Barrel Aged Dark Lord De Muerte by Three Floyds is a 15%ABV Russian Imperial Stout aged in Cognac Barrels with Ancho-Guajillo Chiles. The same potent bad ass of the acclaimed Dark Lord Imperial Stout but aged and with a massive kick!! This used to be a big hit on eBay until they banned beer sales about a month ago. Good luck finding this demon. Not only do you have to watch out for the alcohol, but the delicious chiles as well. Definitely not for the alcohol or the chile spice faint of hearts. For those that can handle this hijo de puta, then you may find some deeper flavors. The original ketchup like syrupy dark chocolate, Kahlua liquor, coffee, Mexican vanilla beans, caramel, raisins, cherries, currants and port wine flavors are there like the previous Dark Lord, but with flavors the cognac alcohol in the background with full force of what seems like clamato con chile peppers. You definitely get the vegetable peppers and spices in the beer. It is not too hot for me as I usually eat hot peppers, but this is no Theobroma or Chipotle chile or Anaheim Chile beers. Ancho Guajillos are somewhat hot (at least to me) but to others, it may be too much. The balance of chiles and sweetness is what keeps everything in balance. In a way, I like this a little better than the regular Dark Lord because it is not diabetes in a bottle sweet and the other flavors just keep it where it should be. VERY CAREFUL with this one…..it is a sipper….If you ever do find it, and you love hot stuff, find this one. It probably goes good with some Chicharonnes 😛

St. Bernardus Tripel by Brouwerij St. Bernardus of Watou Belgium

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged abbey ales, delicious beers, St. Bernardus, Tripel | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

St. Bernardus Tripel by Brouwerij St. Bernardus of Watou Belgium is a 8.0% Belgium Triple fermented Ale. Makers of the abt 12 quadrupple, this is the step down fermentation of the great ale. A world class Belgium beer

LABEL:

Tripel Abbey Ale
Brewery St. Bernardus was founded in 1946 in Watou, Province of West Flanders in Belgium. These exceptional quality ales are brewed by using only the finest malts, local grown hops, yeast and artesian water pumped from a depth of 500 feet. After the brewing process these traditional ales are matured in tanks for three months, before being bottle conditioned. The result is a naturally carbonated ‘living ale,’ which can be aged for up to 5 years and will satisfy the taste of even the most discriminating connoisseurs.
“Bringing heavenly nectar within reach”
Tripel – abbey ale brewed in the classic “triple” style of belgium’s best abbey ales.

This tripel stands at 3rd best tripel in the world right next to Westmalle Trappist Tripel and La Fin Du Monde Tripel. Delicious beers with fragrances of orange, honey, sweet bread, lemon, The flavors are so delicious of the classic Belgium style with flavors of bread, honey, biscuit, vanilla, herbs, candy sugar, bananas, oranges, apples, lemon zest, bubble gum, black pepper, dried apricot and pineapple fruit juice. Easy to find and one of the Worlds best. Go find this Tripel 🙂

Smashed Pumpkin by Shipyard Brewing

October 31, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged ard, fall flavors, Pummpkin Ale, Pumpkin, Pumpkin beer, Shipyard, Smashed Pumpkin | 1 Comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Smashed Pumpkin by Shipyard Brewing is a 9% ABV Pumpkin Ale. Just came out in time for the Fall season :P. It is a beer made with natural ingredients and lots of pumpkins.

Label:

Smashed Pumpkin is a big-bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. The OG and final Alc./Vol. provide the structure and body. Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit. To fully enjoy all the flavors, this ale is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Smashed Pumpkin pairs well with sharp cheeses, nuts, lamb, hearty stews and desserts like flan or pumpkin pie. Chefs find this an excellent beer to cook with in dishes such as braised short ribs. The beer is quite delicious. A lot of Fall flavors of nutmeg, pumpkin, camotes or sweet potatoes and yams. There are flavors or caramel, burnt sugar, pilsner, wheat, orange, coriander, clove, cinnamon, maple, creamy vanilla, ginger bread and honey. Reminds me of when my mom used to make camotes or calabaza con leche….so good :P…She would boil the calabaza with piloncillo (Brown Mexican Sugar Cone). God this is very good. I guess the only difference from JP La Parcela which I had last year is that that one is more of a pumpkin pie or fresh bitter pumpkin. This is more of a naturally sweetened served pumpkin. If you ever find this during the fall, get it…it will put many things like Sam Adams October fest or most pumpkin beers to shame…Alcohol on this??? No way…its hard to tell….way too much awesomeness going on…maybe not la parcela..but then again this is easier to find….go find this now!!

Source:

Fruet by The Bruery

October 31, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged anniversary ale, Asuka, Asuka Langley, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Bruery, chocolate pecan pie, Evangelion, Fruet, Neon Genesis Evangelion, The Bruery | 1 Comment

Rating: 5/5

Fruet by The Bruery is their 4th Anniversary Ale. It is a 15.5% ABV 100% Old Ale style aged in Bourbon Barrels. This is one amazing beer and Falls just in line with the other great Bruery beers I have tried like Black Tuesday, Tart of Darkness and Chocolate Rain. Diabetes in a bottle…LMAO!!. The old ale or stock ale style is a style made centuries ago that is full of dextrins creating a full malt beer. It is aged for in barrels for several years and reaged once more. So initially when they started, they had old beers and re added new batch to it. It truly is a 4th Anniversary ale…no joke!!!

Label:
Fruet is our fourth anniversary ale. It is the same recipe as Papier and our other anniversary ales, and again was created using the Solera method. Each year we will continue to blend old barrels of anniversary ale with a new batch of the same beer, adding an additional layer of complexity that will grow over time as we continue to age and blend with each anniversary, creating an older average age to the ale. This year, for the first time, we are ONLY offering the 100% bourbon barrel aged version of our anniversary ale. It has taken us four years to work up our capacity enough to do this and we are extremely happy about this offering.
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The smell of the beer reminds me of how good Chocolate Rain and Black Tuesday smelled. Roasted Coconut, Chocolate, pecan pie, dulce de leche and dark fruits, Flan, vanilla, sweet condenced milk (Lechera). That is just the smell. The taste is simply phenomenal!!!! Just like the smell, chocolate, pecan pie, dulce de leche, flan, condensed milk, bourbon sweetness without the alcohol. Coconut, caramel, raisins, figs, red grapes like wine, oak, burnt toasty sourdough bread, toffee with almonds…. OH WOW!!…Just WOW!!!!!!!Be careful drinking this one, it will get you in trouble, maybe not in the level of chocolate rain but surely close. This beer hides alcohol very well….not recommended for the lighter beer drinkers…There is a reason why this one in particular was pricey. Some of the beers I get are decent price that I could afford, but this one?? No…..they took care of this one. It isn’t pricey like a wine but it runs you about the same price as a bottle Patron Tequila. Price aside, this is a true collection beer. Only God knows how long this can be aged for. It is amazing that these types of beers exist out there and they are on a level of their own. The fact is that there is beer that can be considered like a collection is crazy. I think it honestly depends on what you are looking for that may make or break what you would consider the best beer in the world. In my Journey I have found the St. Bernardus abt 12 and Trois Pistoles to be the best in my opinion. But this is just my journey, what about yours? I mean for most people they would settle upon any beer they would find delicious, make it a favorite and say it is the best. That is awesome really. As for me…. I have done a lot of tasting and research on this category and this type of beer makes me realize that maybe at some point I should just settle with what I got :)…. Gold is out there…some people believe it is what they want and they will stick to it. Even people out there that say bud light or corona is the best, then so be it. I applaud you because at least you stand for what you like. As for me, I will keep searching and presenting you here with the many beers you may potentially run into and try. It may make you see beer and art alittle differently. If I have done at least that favor to you that that is all I ask. Oh yeah…. by the way… as the dude from beer geek nation would say…Life is too short…drink amazing beers!!!…. and additional to that quote, if you go down knowing that you lived your life by your terms and means, then no one can take ever take that away from you…..Cheers!!!

Saison du Buff Aged in Red Wine Barrels by Stone, Dogfish Head and Victory

October 31, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Saison du Buff Aged in Red Wine Barrels is the aged collaborative brew of the Beer Epics, Stone, Dogfish Head and Victory Brewing. It is a 7.9% ABV Saison/Farmhouse ale. This one though, Stone decided to be evil and age it in Red Wine Barrels by Stone. Stone…you sure come up with some awesome ideas 😀

Label:

BUFF: Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor. A clandestine organization commided to liberating collective taste buds, citing the dastardly and/or oppresive reign of so called ‘fizzy yellow beer’.
It’s a saison of sorts; hellaciously herbaceous and hopefully contagious. This was not a ready made ale. Buff is how we think, how we act, and who we are… Brewers united for freedom of flavor! Herbs in our brew? Impossible where I trained in Germany! But America has granted our breweries the amazing opportunity with gusto in making this collaborative ale. Other than the times we’ve seen each other at conferences and fests since we formed BUFF in 2003, this is the first chance we’ve had to get together over a brew (as in making it) and later, a brew (as in drinking it.) I hope you’re able to enjoy this collaborative effort with your old friends! – Sam, Bill, Greg

This beer has the same flavors of the saison du buff which I reviewed this and last year but with added aged in red wine. WTF does this do to the taste you may ask?…welll..It gives it a nice wine, oak, rosemary, sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, apples, apricots, toast bread, and Gouda cheese in the after taste. This complexity of herbs, spices and wine is like no other. I almost want to say, it is a wine, cheese and crackers in a bottle. I’m getting some toast bread or cracker spread with Velveeta, seasoning, spices and drinking a lump of wine. Quite PURO PINCHE FANCY as my friend Sal would say and BOUGIE as my Alex would say. The flavors are quite complex…they are messing with my mind. Like all that that I explained but in drink format. This is crazy!!!!!!..WOW..Eschatological Ale+ Judgement Day Ale = It’s over!!!….SAISON LOVERS….THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!!…and by that I mean… if you find this….this could be the best Saison ever O.O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luciérnaga or The Firefly by Jolly Pumpkin

October 31, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged grains of paradise, jolly pumpkin, Luciernaga | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Luciérnaga or The Firefly by Jolly Pumpkin is a 6.5% ABV Belgian Pale Ale brewed with Spices. This time of year, it is available. The summer sour ale. But honestly, it is not as sour as some of the other JP beers 😛

Label: The Firefly, an artisan pale ale brewed in the Grand Cru tradition. Enjoy its golden effervescence and gentle hop aroma. Coriander and Grains of Paradise round out the spicy palate, melting o so softly into a silken finish of hoppiness and bliss! Make any season a celebration!

It smells of the usual JP funky wine sourness with somewhat citrus and banana fragrance. The taste of this beers is pretty good. The last time I time I tried this beer was last year. Decided to pick it up again to give a chance. Flavors of the JP grape wine vinegar are very low. What happens then on is that it gives way to some sweet delicious oranges, coriander, peaches, green apples, lemon, biscuit bread with honey, very minor earthy hop notes, caramel, minor peppery and cinnamon flavors. In general, though ye may be of sour origination, each beer brought forth is something different that may not be the same. JP, although a mainly sour brewery, has created some of the best sour ales out there like no other brewery. Cheers guys :)!!

2011 Review:
The Jolly Pumpkin fire fly is a very sweet pale ale. Sweet in the form that there is a range of flavors going from fruits, spices like corriander, some slight maltiness to the palette as well as that jolly pumpkin sourness. The funny part about this beer is that the sour notes are noticed at first but the finish is very sweet, almost peach like. This is definitely a summer ale like no other, especially for being jolly pumpkin and their sour style ales :P. Lol the funny thing about it as well is that its quite fizzy so be careful when opening this one. Enjoy :3….

Enjoy By 9.21.12 by Stone

October 31, 2012 by cloudx30 | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.6/5 http://www.stonebrewing.com/enjoyby/

Enjoy By 9.21.12 by Stone is a 9.40 Double IPA. This is an experiment at stone they are conducting and a very limited edition beer. Go here to find it near you in Southern California, Chicago or New Jersey. The thing about this beer is to see if they can get the freshest IPA possible out there and see how well people enjoy a very fresh IPA. This won’t last long and on 9/21/2012, it will be pulled off the shelves. So if you get to find it, DO IT NOW!

Label:
You have in your hands a devastatingly fresh double IPA. While freshness is a key component of many beers- especially big, citrusy, floral IPAs- we’ve taken it further, a lot further, in this IPA. You see, we specifically brewed it NOT to last. We’ve not only gone to extensive lengths to ensure that you’re getting this beer in your hands within an extraordinarily short window, we made sure that the Enjoy By date isn’t randomly etched in tiny text somewhere on the bottle, to be overlooked by all but the most attentive of retailers and beer fans. Instead, we’ve sent a clear message with the name of the beer itself that there is no better time than right now to enjoy this IPA.
First Batch: Enjoy By 09-21-12.

So how fresh is this beer? Well I was skeptic. Being a fan of super strong bitter, sweet and tropical IPAs I had to try this. The smell of this beers is very hoppy and plant like. They were not kidding. Smells of oregano or MJ with onions dipped in orange and lemon. The flavors?? Well the flavors are of Apricot, peaches, strong honey dew, melon, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, orange, pine, oregano, basil and minor note of sweet garlic. Seems like the hops just glue themselves in the aftertaste. Getting a lot of sweet hoppy goodness here. My GOD…this would be perfect for a Carne Azada…Oh well… I already opened it ._. …Anyways, the flavors are actually not as bitter. The hop grass and pine flow way more. The sweetness of this beer is higher. Also, I noticed that it is unfiltered too so it is not as complex. I would honestly say, this is and maybe Heady Topper, would be the best IPA ever for people that usually hate bitter IPAs. You will love this one. It is also as refreshing as some nice summer lagers. The crazy part, oh yeah, I almost forgot…THE ALCOHOL is still a 9.4%!!! Meaning you will not find it and drinking this beers is very smooth and crisp. Quite the different little beer here and I guess if this is what a newly born fresh IPA is supposed to taste like then, my applause. Go get this before time runs out

#EnjoyBy #SoCal