2017 Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS) by Founders [End Of 2017 Review]

Rating: 7/7* Final 2017 Review

2017 Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS) by Founders is an 11.7% ABV World Class Canadian Imperial Stout brewed with chocolate, coffee and aged in Maple Syrup Bourbon Barrels.

Description

Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS) is the epitome of why we launched the Backstage Series: to bring some of our most sought-after beers, which have been available primarily at the taproom or at a few select events, to a much larger audience.

Canadian Breakfast Stout is an Imperial Stout brewed with a blend of coffees and imported chocolates, then aged in spent bourbon barrels that have most recently been aging pure Michigan maple syrup.

==Introduction==
It has been a long time since I have done a proper review as I have been busy with other life tasks. Nevertheless, while I still posts beer reviews here on the site even if small. The lack of tl;dr has really been due to my other projects. Even so, I wanted to finish the year with a proper review of a beer that many have been considering a whale of a whale. A whale so rare, it is definitely still in the top 20 (13th as of 12/31/2017). The Founders CBS has been a beer that goes way back before I even started trying all sorts of craft beers. A beer that had not been brewed for years until recently. With the return of that beer, it was actually available in a bigger quantity this time around so many could try this rarity of whales. So much so, that I made it the beer I finish the year with. A tradition I typically have been doing for a long time. So even while I do still post my reviews even in short, there will still be times I get a little more involved for the sake of the audience that still loves my wordy reviews. So that that said, cheers to a new year of beers! Happy 2018 and many more years to come!!

Aromas:

Maple syrup for days, rich complex chocolates, dark fruits, bourbon, molasses, mint chocolate chip, anise, tobacco, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toasted coconut,mocha, doughnuts, mocha, tiramsu, chocolate cake, fruit cake, flan, sweetened condensed milk, esspresso, oak, and slight bacony.

Flavors:

Punch in the face super chocolates, dark, milk, bakers, milk shake, German, Mexican Hot, Belgian, Mousse, tootsie roll, dark fruit cordials, raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, marrionberries, cranberries, Khalua Liqueur, mocha, mild bacon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, Danish, Irish cream, roasted coffee, jamoca ice cream, marzipan, rocky road ice cream, almond joys, marshmallows, chocolate smores, toasted coconut, maple syrup, pancakes, waffle cone, tiramasu, capirotada raisin bread pudding, figgy pudding, dulce de leche, borrachitos Mexican candy, Rum, oak, bourbon, molasses, tobacco, leather, cream filled doughnuts, sweetened condensed milk, flan, crème brulee, triple chocolate cake, chocolate trufles, toffee and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:

Aftertaste is maple and chocolate for days, mocha, Tiramasu, waffle cones, oak, bourbon, Marshmallow, variety chocolate box, leather, tobacco, borrachitos candy, dark fruits, rich dulce de leche, mint, rich mocha for days and rocky road ice cream. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black abyss full body, smooth, creamy, syrupy, chewy and velvety and sludgy mouthfeel. Sipping drinkability for sure. This is a huge whale!

Overall:

Wow!!!!! This beer means business. No joke, no down play, this beer is truly on the level of greats as Dark Lord, Black Tuesday, that recent MXYZPTLK beer I had from bottle logic and so many other great stouts. Heck, while I did make a homebrew similar to this, this one is on its own level. While I loved so many of the maple syrup stouts I have had before, this one takes leaps and leaps and just keeps going. Definitely the right beer to end the year with and if you can find or trade for it, make sure you get it. A true bucket lister!

Anime Corner:

Etna from the Disgaea series was used in his pairing since the days of the Midnight Brunch Arrogant Bastard, a Maple and Coffee bourbon barrel Strong Ale. That beer had left such an impact that I wanted to bring her for this one. Her colors compliment the red of Canada as it comes in the form of the flag, the mounties and the very maple syrup itself. Sweet, Dark, and intriguing is what makes all the qualities fit with this rarity of a whale.

Marzipandemonium by The Bruery

Rating: 6/6

Marzipandemonium by The Bruery is a 16% ABV Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels with vanilla and flavored with Almonds and Natural Almond Extract.

#LETSPARTY
Some people sculpt marzipan into flowers and animal shapes. We went nuts and recreated it as a beer. This limited release brings the party to your palate, showcasing the flavors of marzipan while kneading it into our favorite day of the week. We took our Tuesday-inspired imperial stouts, already roaring with flavors of vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate and bourbon barrel-aged bliss, and folded in almond character and extra vanilla to mimic the sweet, nutty notes found in marzipan. It’s unbridled enthusiasm in a bottle, just waiting to be unleashed amongst friends.

Such an amazing Marzipan liquid brew. There is so much nutty and chocolate complexities that just keep going endlessly!

Chronology:18 Imperial Porter by The Bruery

Rating: 6/6

Chronology:18 Imperial Porter by The Bruery is a 13.4% Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels for 18 months

We’ve replaced the wheels of time with barrel heads. They don’t turn, yet they embrace the evolution of beer and time on a level that can’t be rivaled. For this Chronology Series™, we brewed an imperial porter and set it to age in bourbon barrels. Every six months, we’ll take a quarter of the barrels, blend them and bottle them. This second bottling represents the nuances imparted to the base beer after 18 months of barrel-aging.

Sweet chocolate ice cream… Getting better with age for sure

Love & Maple Syrup by State Brewing Company

Rating: 6/6

Love & Maple Syrup by State Brewing Company is a 9.1% Imperial Stout Bourbon aged Coffee Beans and Michigan Maple Syrup.

Imperial Stout w/ 2nd Craft Bourbon Aged Coffee Beans & Michigan Maple Syrup, 9.1 % Our latest Breakfast themed Stout starts with a delicious Imperial base that is taken to the next level 
with 80 lbs of 2nd Craft’s finest Bourbon aged and conditioned Colombian Coffee Beans. We then add
a healthy amount of Pure Michigan Maple Syrup from BLiS, Oaky bourbon, dark chocolate and espresso
hit big in the nose and on and the palate finishing into sweet, sappy maple heaven. Rich and up front yet
walking the fine line of balance. Enjoy and love one another.

Maple maple everywhere…. So much breakfast goodness to drink!

Breakfast Beast by Clown Shoes

Rating: 6/6

Breakfast Beast by Clown Shoes is a 10% ABV American Imperial Stout aged with Barrington Coffee Roasting and aged in bourbon barrels.

The beer is Breakfast Beast, a blend of Blaecorn Unidragon Russian imperial stout (12.5 percent ABV), Undead Party Crasher imperial stout (10 percent ABV) and an “experimental new stout” that was aged in bourbon barrels. In addition, cold brewed coffee sourced from Barrington Coffee Roasting Co. in Lee, Mass. was added to the beer before being bottled.

That type of beer you gotta wake up in the morning to. So damn good!! But the beast has always been awesome

Cherry Top Belgian Stout by Garage Brewing

Rating: 6.5/7

Cherry Top Belgian Stout by Garage Brewing is a 9.2% ABV Belgian Stout brewed with Cherry and Vanilla and aged in Bourbon Barrel Aged.

Label:

==Introduction==

I once saw they were making this one a while back yeah, as soon as I saw it and got my hands on it, it was going to be put on the website. My love for Belgian stouts has been a long time coming and with Garage Brewing coming up with some barrel aged magic and some nice adjuncts to the styles, it is something that I really want to share here on the site. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:

Chocolate Milkshake, cherry chocolate, banana sundae, butterscotch, brown sugar, banana, hazelnut nectar, oak, marshmallow smores, banana, cherry yogurt, dark fruit raisins, fruit cake, prunes, plums, cherry cola, dark cherries and pecan pie.

Flavors:

Rich cherry chocolate cordials, dark candy sugar, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian chocolate, cherry cola, bourbon, oak, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, rye bread, molasses, anise, banana sundae, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Dark Cherries, Cherry Yogurt, chocolate milk shake, sweetened condensed milk, butter scotch, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, fruit cake, brown sugar, Pancho Pantera cherry choco milk shake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate flan, rocky road ice cream and tootsie roll chocolate.

Aftertaste:

Finishes with rich cherry chocolate cordials, banana sundae, milk shake, bourbon, oak, flan, vanilla, marshmallow, rocky road ice cream, and dulce de leche caramel. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Dark crimson full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:

Freaking amazing! I swear, I had to stop myself from finishing the whole bottle in a sitting. It is very damn smooth and super easy to drink. I think aside from their first release of the Cherry Milk stout, this is the next big winner for me. It is amazing and I definitely recommend this highly to those that love Belgian stouts!

Anime Corner:

Amy Rose from the Sonic series was used in this pairing as a return to the original cherry stout pairing I did with the Dark Amy rose. Now the difference is with showing a different side of her with the barrel aged an vanilla aspects being complemented by her different cosplays.

(AnimeBeers On The Road) 2017 Dragon’s Milk by New Holland brewing

 

Rating: 6/6

2017 Dragon’s Milk by New Holland brewing is an 11% ABV Imperial Milk/Sweet Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Original Review: https://animebeers.com/2015/12/31/2015-dragons-milk-by-new-holland-brewing/

 

Coffee Bourbon Barrel Oil of Aphrodite by Jackie O’s brewing

Rating: 7/7

Coffee Bourbon Barrel Oil of Aphrodite by Jackie O’s brewing is a 12.1% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Black Walnuts, Belgian Candied Sugar syrup, Coffee and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

==Introduction==

The elusive ambrosia of gods! This is the first time I try this beer but also anything Jackie O. Back in the day, I would always see this beer and others from Jackie O to not be able to find them anywhere I would look. It was only recently that I got a chance to snag a bottle from one of the local shops who had it only limiting one. I guess it really must be a gift from the gods. The bottle shows that it is made with Belgian Candi sugar and walnuts, DAMN! Sounded amazing. Especially since I have brewed beer and ciders with all kinds of Candi sugar so it is a very special ingredient indeed. I’m surprised it is not in the Belgian category but hey, it’s Greek themed so I would call it a Greek stout. Anyways let’s see what the goddess of beauty has left us mere mortals, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich pecan pie, walnuts, maple, peanut butter, hazelnut nectar, pralines,trail mix, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, dark fruits, dark chocolate, dark fruit, banana, piloncillo sugar cone, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, smores, oak, bourbon, leather, tobacco, mocha, Irish cream, toasted coconut candy, tiramasu and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Pecan pie, walnuts, pralines, macadamia nuts, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, almond joy chocolate, peanut butter, marzipan, mazapan, maple syrup, port wine, rocky road ice cream, jamoca ice cream, toasted coconut, Belgian dark candi sugar, molasses, star anise, rock candy, bananas, grilled plantains, Irish cream, fancy coffee, mocha, Khalua coffee Liquor, dark fruit raisins, raisins, figs, plums, cherry cordials, rye bread, tobacco, leather,. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, double chocolate, cherry chocolate cake, cookie dough ice cream, bourbon, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, whipped cream, flan, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallow smores, tiramasu, coffee cake, fruit cake and earthy notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing flavors of dark fruit, banana, lots of mixed nuts, almond joy chocolates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, cashews, dark chocolate, oak hints, bourbon notes, earthy notes, tiramasu, Belgian dark candi sugar, banana notes and port wine notes, No alcohol in the taste despite the 10% ABV, pitch black darkness supreme body, smooth, silky, creamy, velvity, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Nothing short of amazing! If this is what gods are drinking up in the celestial cosmos, this is damn insane! Truly like a love potion. Lots of rich nutty, chocolate, coffee, dark fruit, banana, bourbon and other special complex flavors. Describing this one would be to describe none other than a Bourbon Barrel Belgian Stout. Heck, One of my special brews “Sangrileche” edition 1 has elements found in this beer and even some aspects of edition 2. Simply glorifying!! If you love bourbon barrel imperial stouts, this one is definitely a must try if you can find or trade for it.

Anime Corner:
Ryoko Hakubi from Tenchi Muyou! Was used in this pairing to represent Aphrodite. A very beautiful woman. While some may disagree, beauty is skin deep. As you can see, Ryoko relaxing is like that of Aphrodite relaxing while her minions bring the oil. Heck in one of these pictures, Ryoko is literally covered in what appears to be oil so yeah, I think this overall pairing works well.

Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery

Rating: 7/7

Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery is a 12.2% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Dutche cocoa, Saigon cinnamon, and cayenne. 50% aged in Bourbon and Rum barrels.

Label:
In celebration of our 29th anniversary this year’s Imperial Porter delivers notes of dark chocolate and cinnamon spice with hints of coconut, vanilla, and dried fruit finished by a warm dash of cayenne.

==Introduction==

Essentially a Double Barrel Porter aging in both Rum and Bourbon. Every year, I try to pick up this annual release of their anniversary beer. Each year is a different blend entirely and while I feel some blends I really liked for the ingredients used, overall, I think each installment is more and more delicious with time. This year they decided to go with a chocolate, cinnamon and cayenne take with Rum and bourbon. That is crazy using a double barrel half take with what seems to be like a Mexican inspiration. Let’s see how the flavors of this one are, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich piloncillo sugar cone, cinnamon, nutmeg, yams, sweet potato pie, vanilla, caramel, bananas, dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, rum, bourbon, oak, mint, sweetened condensed milk, coconut and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Sweet potato pie, capirotada/Mexican yams, piloncillo sugar cone, maple srup, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake Mexican Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, cocoa powder, rum, bourbon, oak, Dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, currants, cherries
Pancho Pantera chocolate milk shake, banana sundae. Sweetened condensed milk, flan, crème brulee, tres leches cake, pecan pie, bourbon, marshmallows, almond joy, toasted coconut, molasses, mint, clove spice, bananas, grilled plantains, Danish cream, rye bread, piña colada, oatmeal cookies, raisins bread and more!

Aftertaste:
Finishing with dark fruits, cinnamon, ginger bread, fruit cake, earthy notes, dark chocolate, pecan pie, tobacco, oak, marshmallows, floral tartness, caramel, vanilla and tobacco hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black Midnight Full body, silky, velvety and smooth mouthfeel and a super easy drinkability which is dangerous. Just like each year, its smoothness will make you want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting.

Overall:
Seems like every year, a different beer and a different way of preceiving the greatness which is the Black Butte anniversary. This year it seems more of a Mexican style of taste. While although spicy, the overall consensus, it was not super hot but definitely zlong the lines a Mexican desert flowing. Indeed this scream sweetness but the peppery heat is not present. Along with the many versions out there, this one should definitely be picked up!

Anime Corner:
Twili Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was chosen once again this year for the Black Butte release as well as the other releases. Just like previous tears, I had chosen her in the previous releases since I wanted to represent the mixing of 2 of the same ale together but one specially blended. Since I did not use the chibi version of Midna for this iteration, I figure I let the adult version of her do all the talking. In this year, the Chocolate, Cinnamon and cayenne represent somewhat of a Mexican Dark Mole feel to the beer. It is actually more towards a Mexican sweet potato pie if it was mixed in with Mexican Hot Chocolate. So since Midna has a cloak like the tilma of the virgin of guadalupe it sorta ties in that Mexican culture aspect of this beer. Who’d of thought Midna would complement this iteration even more!

20th Anniversary Ale by Ommegang

Rating: 7/7

20th Anniversary Ale by Ommegang is an 11.5% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

==Introduction==

This one totally came from left field. I wasn’t until I found it at QualityLiquorStore.com that I stumbled upon this one. The last time I tried and reviewed an Anniversary ale from Ommegang was the XV edition. Ommegang is one of my favorite breweries. Back when I first started beer reviews in 2010, The Three Philosophers which was introduced by my friend Chino was a beer I loved so much, that I wanted to try more of Ommegang’s beer. Fast Forward to this day and they have become one of my favorite Belgian inspired breweries out there. Their brews are just like Belgian ales its crazy. Granted, they are owned by Duvel, but just the better. The beers from them have been some of my all time favorites and to this day, of the common 3 best beers in the world, Three Philosophers is one of my favorites! So let’s take a look at their bourbon barrel aged Dark ale. This is such a great opportunity as I don’t think I have ever had a bourbon barrel aged beer from them. Let’s see, cheers!!

Aromas:
Rich bananas, clove spice, phenolics, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian chocolate, dark fruits, fruit cake, dark candi sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, marshmallow smores, ginger bread, flan, waffle cone, hone, bourbon, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, apples, peppercorn, dark candi sugars and raisin bread pudding

Flavors:
Super rich dark fruit, raisins, plums, figs, cherries, blueberries, currants, burnt sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, Dark candi sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, marshmallow smores, ginger bread, 
cola, molasses, anise, mint, rock candy, tiramasu coffee, dark chocolate, Belgian chocolate, milk chocolate, bananas, clove spice, phenolics, stone fruit peach, apricot, mango, port wine, raisins bread pudding, grapes, cane sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, butterscotch, rye bread honey, coriander hints, bourbon, oak, almond joy chocolate, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, peppercorn spice hints, candied apples, maple syrup hints, waffle cone, raspberry and dark cherry chocolate cake. 

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich dark fruits, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, oak, stone fruit, vanilla, bananas, anise, rocky road ice cream, chocolate and port wine hints. No alcohol in the taste despite the high ABV. Dark Amber brown full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Alot of the rating for this beer comes from the love I have for this brewery. The makers of some of the best Belgian inspired brews that even one of their commons, the Three Philosophers, is among one of my top common 3 beers in the world. This one almost feels like a throw back to Art of Darkness, a Belgian Dark Strong ale that I had so long ago and one that I still have aging hoping to one day open once again. Essentially, if they took that beer and aged it in Bourbon, it would be this. Heck if Unibroue took Trois Pistoles and aged it in bourbon, it be close to this too. It is definitely an exceptional brew that is very rich in dark phenolics I love in Belgians along with what I love from the bourbon barrel aged brews. If you love Belgians and BBA brews, you can’t go wrong with this amazing masterpiece!

Anime Corner:
Freya Crescent from Final Fantasy IX/9 was used in this pairing as I was mainly going for a somewhat medieval feel like many of the brews from Ommegang give the feel of. Since this was a special occasion, I wanted to use her just like I did one of my favorite dragon beers, the Italian Monteggioco Draco. There isn’t much in terms of colors to tribute but an awesome character to an awesome beer!

2017 Stronger Than Fiction by Bottle Logic

Rating: 7/7

2017 Stronger Than Fiction by Bottle Logic is a 13% ABV American Strong Ale double barrel aged in Rum and Bourbon Barrels with Coconut & Coffee

Label:

==Introduction==

Luck seems to have a way of finding me when it comes to these super hard to find beers. I would of never really had this beer if it wasn’t for the one slight chance I stumbled upon one of the local stores and had it hidden away. Well, you know how I do with these things. If I can find something crazy, I will bring it to the forefront of the website and tell you what it is all about. Granted, the last 2 times I brought Bottle Logic to the site, while still skeptical, I was proven wrong in the uniqueness these beers brings. It is my only hope that this is a true and delicious as the claims show it to be.

Aromas:
Rich mocha, marshmallow, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, hazelnut nectar, piña colada, fruit cake, complex chocolate, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, Kahlua Liqueur, raspberry chambord, Raspberry Gansito, Danish pasrty, cookie dough ice cream, Irish coffee, super complex chocolates, mixed nutes, trail mix, banana notes, maple syrup, mocha and tropical fruit.

Flavors:
Rich Almond Joy, Rocky road ice cream, marshmallow smores, French Vanilla, Dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, yohoo, Belgian chocolate, German chocolate, Mexican chocolate, Raspberry Gansito, Raspberry chambord, honey, butterscotch, dark fruits raisins, black berries, figs, figgy pudding, plums, mocha, fancy coffee, tiramasu, frappuccino, piña colada, rum, bourbon, oak, fruit cake, Kahlua coffee liqueur, jamoca ice cream, hazelnut nectar, nutella, pecan pie, walnut cake, sweetened condensed milk, Irish coffee, Danish cream, toffee, 3 leche cake, dragon fruit, passion fruit hints, mango hidden, cookie dough ice cream, double espresso, steamed milk, maple syrup, rye bread, bananas, molasses, piloncillo sugar cone, burnt sugar hints and rock candy.

Aftertaste:
Finishes damn smooth vanilla, oak, toffee, marshmallows, piña colada, sweetened condensed milk, 3 leche cake, tiramasu, chocolate turtles, bourbon, rum, mocha and dulce de leche caramel. Alcohol? GTFO!! Non existent even for as strong as it is. Clear crimson body, Smooth, creamy, velvety and tantalizing mouthfeel along with a drinkability only similar to that of cold brew coffee.

Overall:
Damn it!!! Why do these bottles from Bottle Logic have to be bucket listers?! There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to buy into the hype but something immediately snapped back when I had this one. Granted, the double barrel aging I’m sure had something to do with it along with the perfect complementary combination of coconut for the Rum and Coffee for the bourbon that carried this one into the oblivion. Not only was the alcohol not there, it made me wonder if this was beer I was drinking or some fancy Khalua and Piña Colada Rum bliss wit bourbon. Crazy stuff they are making and well as I hate to admit, I really hope I can bring more of these bad boys to the site in the future. As for you, the reader, you know this one is blessed, so don’t skip this, embrace it!

Anime Corner:
YoRHa No.2 Type B/ 2B/ 2E “Executioner” from Nier: Automata was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to pair not only with the colors of the beer but also the name of the beer. Stronger than fiction essentially is irony since you have a character that is not only not a human being in the series but an android who is essentially a super strong bad ass!

So Happens It’s Tuesday With Coffee by The Bruery

Rating: 6/6

So Happens It’s Tuesday With Coffee by The Bruery is a 14.6% Imperial Stout brewed with Ryan Bros. Coffee and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Description:
So Happens It’s Tuesday is a dark and delicious bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout, with subtle roast and pronounced notes of oak, vanilla and chocolate. It harkens back to a simpler time, where stouts are cordial and more approachable than other days of the week. The addition of freshly roasted coffee beans from Ryan Bros. Coffee lends credence to the simple existential observation that this beer can be enjoyed in all of life’s moments and seasons.

Review:
Like Mocha Wednesday light… Still amazing!!!

 

2017 Serpent’s by The Lost Abbey

Rating: 7/7

2017 Serpent’s by The Lost Abbey is a 13.7% ABV Belgian Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
Serpent’s Stout aged in Bourbon barrels

==Introduction==

Finally, the in between beer between the original Serpent’s Stout and Track 10 as well as the half portion of Deliverance finally in its own installment. Something I have not tried on its own in the past and was definitely one I needed in the books all the way spanning since 2010 when I first had Serpent’s stout. The Lost Abbey recently sold this one into the world online and those that got a chance to get it are most likely the only ones that have it. So if you have a chance for a trade you may want to look at this one depending on how this review goes. I have had the Track 10 which adds vanilla and cacao beans adding that extra level of awesomeness but this one being at that perfect in between spot might be onto something very different and we will only get a chance to see. The original evil evil beer now has escalated into another depth of hell so come with me as we journey into some crazy shit here, cheers!

Aromas:
Bubulubu chocolate, capirotada raisins bread pudding, Rich bananas, Flan, tres leches cake, vanilla, crème brulee, grilled plantains, platano burro, brown sugar, dark cherries, prunes, plums, currants, raisins, blackberries, vinous Caramel, dulce de leche caramel, rye whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows,oak, vanilla, Danish cream, Khalua coffee, mocha, leather, tobacco, pecan pie, Gansito Chocolate berry pastry, honey, graham crackers, waffle cone, stone fruit peaches, chocolate mangos, mature mangos and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich oak, marshmallow smores, bourbon, rye whiskey, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, vinous caramel, toffee, mocha, roasted barley, fancy coffee, espresso, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, banana sundae, grilled plantains, platano burro, leather, tobacco, toasted coconut, pairotada raisin bread pudding, dark fruit prunes, dark cherries, raisins, currants, plums, Belgian dark candi sugar, , brown sugar, fruit cake, oreo cookies, port wine, Danish cream, Irish cream, chocolate mousse, Khalua coffee, liquer, raspberries, rocky road ice cream, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, prailines, rye bread, phenolic notes, almond joy chocolate, mint, anise, licorice notes, burnt candi sugar, Mexican pan dulce, flan, crème brulee, stone fruit mango, tres leches cake, honey, graham crackers, honey, waffle cone and Gansito cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of complex chocolates, Gansito, mousse, Belgian, Dark, German, Milk, Mexican, Baker’s, cherries, raspberries, caramels, banana sundae, dark fruit, vanilla, oak, and dark candi sugar. No alcohol in the taste despite the 13.7%ABV, insane!! Pitch black dark abyss full body. Creamy, Smooth, velvety and chewy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Of the many many bourbon barrel aged brews I have had before, especially from commons to whalez, this one is a huge slice in the toe to toe versus cake of competition and a bucket lister to me. So damn complex while still employing the great Belgian notes that I loved of the style but amped by a thousand. It’s crazy how these beers are the equivalent of next level evolution of the originals making them into something damn amazing. Surely, if you can get this one, get it!!!

Anime Corner:
Ichigo Kurosaki and Fade to Black Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach as well as many iterations of Rukia, Bankai, Devil, Hollow, Mugetsu and others were all used in the emphasis of showing evolution from the original beer that I love so much over to this new iteration that is super duper insane. The Adam and Eve theme of the beer is taken to an alternate dimension roles are reversed and Satan was the one that created the the world and it was God trying to tempt Adam and Eve into what is good. It’s a crazy beer.

2017 Iridium Flare collaboration by Bottle Logic and Superstition Meadery

 


Rating: 7/7

2017 Iridium Flare collaboration by Bottle Logic and Superstition Meadery is a 13.3% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Honey and Marionberries aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

Enter level II clearance – Arizona’s Superstition Meadery runs the gauntlet on high scores in the mead area. Our mead-inspired combo breaker is a concentrated punch of sweetness drawn out across a thick, viscous body. Arizona wildflower honey succumbs to the tart brightness of marionberries with bruleed sugar barrel finish. End transmission.

==Introduction==

Holy shit what a find. They say rare treasures are only there for those that look into the deep! What a rare find indeed. Bottle Logic hyped beers are stupidly ridiculously hard to find. If there are any beers in the current age of 2017 that would ask the question, well, whats the latest trend in terms of rare beers, Bottle Logic is it! Or at least their super damn special releases which are ridiculous to get. Like there is no way I could of ever got this bottle and I live locally. Unless I actually made a huge overnight light at Bottle Logic to get a chance to land some of these, they are just not worth it. One of the biggest beers they have is Fundamental Observation along with Number Crunch, Dark Star November, Leche Borracho, Fundamental Forces and so so so many others that are quick to sell out. Hell, it was only this year that they barely even got to a damn retail store let alone not have to pay 100$s of dollars of beers just to get one of their beers. Yea I know, ridiculous right?!?! I however, did not have to do any of this. Granted it was the very damn last bottle I saw by pure fucking luck on my way out of Whittier Liquor Mart. In fact, there was no way, there was just no fucking way I was this lucky to land something like this especially at the store. It’s just not possible. Heck I’m here right now with this beer and I still don’t believe it. But it was true. That damn bottle peered like a ghost who taps you on that cold shoulder but there it was. The last fucking bottle of a beer called Iridium Flare, a beer named after the shooting star effect that happens on the night sky due to the glare that’s given off when sunlight hits a satellite moving at hundreds of MPH. Yes, it was not the most hyped like the others but it had something to back it up for sure, that bottle logic name and a special release written all over it and somehow ended up in my hands with none the wiser as to this being the last bottle. So yeah, when I find something I think might be considered a great lost treasure worth taste and experience, you best believe that this might be it. Let’s have a looks, cheers!!!

Aromas:

Dark fruits of cherries, boysenberies, currants, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, marrionberries, raspberries, pomegranates, cranberries, raisins, plums, figs, dragon fruit, mango, Danish cream, Irish cream, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, 3 milks/tres leches cake, mixed berry cordials, fruit cake, banana sundae, mixed berry chocolate mousse, Chambord Raspberry liqueur, steamed milk, whipped cream, bourbon, almond joy and mild oak.

Flavors:

Liquid Berries and Cream! Rich Wild flower honey, orange blossom honey, crème brulee, mixed berry cheese cake, dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla, bourbon, maple, biscuit bread, rye bread, bananas, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits of cherries, boysenberies, currants, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, marrionberries, raspberries, pomegranates, dragon fruit, mango, cranberries, raisins, plums, figs, lychees, strawberry short cake, raspberry ice cream, marshmallow smores, toasted coconut, berry almond joys, Danish cream, Irish cream, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, 3 milks/tres leches cake, mixed berry cordials, fruit cake, whipped cream, butterscotch, chocolate cherries, pomegranate chocolates, strawberries in cream, banana sundae, grilled plantains, whiskey notes and leathery hints.

Aftertaste:

Long and ever lasting berries and cream, herbal honey, wld flower honey, dark fruits, chocolate, flan, crème brulee, 3 leche cake, mixed berry cheese cake, raspberry Chambord, banana sunday,

No alcohol in the taste, Deep Magenta and Crimson light to medium body, creamy, smooth, syrupy

Overall:

Berries and cream, Berries and cream, I’m a little lad that loves berries and creeeeaaamm!! f y’all don’t remember that commercial from back in the late 90’s then where have you been? Berries and cream was like my mixed berry chocolate and white chocolate. No joke, legit, there is a damn crazy reason why the hell this one is hyped. I swear, I really swear I have tried so many awesome beers and do honestly believe there I better out there, but this? This right here is really ridiculous. I’m really mad because this is so damn awesome and for the longest time I was such as skeptic about some of these beers believing it is all hype. I don’t know what it is but this beer is only a sample of the many beers I have not tried and hope to try granted I could find them and not have to trade for them or get them online. I’m pretty torn because I want to say, you should really check this out if you can get it but I really don’t recommend you go out of your way if you can’t find it. Yes, it is a definitely a bucket lister in so many ways but the fact of the matter is, with the current hype it is just not worth it to get it unless you can find it locally or are really willing to trade for this. Luck is the devil of details, you decide!!

Anime Corner:
Reiko Mikami from the Ghost Sweeper Mikami series was used in this special occasion to pair with the rich colors of berries mixed into this. The reds, the purples, the oranges and even the greens. Whatever you would like to see. However, the other reason why I chose Mikami for this pairing is mainly that as a Ghost Sweeper/Buster she takes down malignant spirits. Being’s of the undead you can only see glimpses of as they blend into this reality like a bad reception of the television. Essentially, like the actual Iridium Flare that cuts through the night sky like butter and a shooting star, Reiko can see them. Let’s be honest, her damn special ghost saber is what cuts those ghosties like butter. In a way, her weaponry is like that of the Iridium Flare, the beer/sattellite that I only got a glimpse of by pure fucking luck and have no way of getting a chance at this again. Let’s see what the future holds, cheers!

 

DKML by Founders brewing

 

Rating: 5.75/6

DKML by Founders brewing is a 14.2% ABV Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:

Here you have what could be the first malt liquor worthy of a glass. Typically a slighted style, we thought we would class it up with a stay in the wood and a healthy dose of dry-hopping. A huge hit of corn gives this one a smooth sweetness while its time spent aging in bourbon barrels will give you reason to share. Be warned: this one’s a pry-off, not a twist-off.

==Introduction==

The “40” or “40oz.” has a new meaning with this beer. A crazy strong beer that only the closest Colt 45 or Mickey’s can ever dream of being the strongest of the bunch. Something that I have never tried before and honestly, something that my site has rarely ever gotten past security. Sorry, I have only done Malt Liquor upon request here and the only one I have done so far is King Cobra thanks to my friend Hugo Gascon. Yet, a bourbon barrel aged malt liquor?! What is this all about?! Great question for sure but I would be hard pressed to not bring it to the site, especially since it is Founders we are talking about. The makes of the awesome KBS and with their reputation in barrel aging beers. So yeah, this was definitely a must. Now that we are here, let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:

Rich marshmallow, oak, toasted coconut, vanilla, caramel, cane sugar, marshmallow, fruit cake, white raisins, tropical mango hints, orange peel, citrus, herbal, grassy hop hints, tangerine gummies, raisin bread, toffee, honey and rich butterscotch.

Flavors:

Rich caramel, pilsnery grain, honey, oak, butterscotch, bourbon, cane sugar, stone fruit peach, apricot, melons, apple, banana notes, marshmallow, orange peel, tangerine gummies, citrus, herbal, piney and grassy hops, tropical fruit mango, passion fruit hints, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut, brown sugar, biscuit bread, flan, dark cherries, white raisins, clove spice, coriander hints, fruit cake and piloncillo sugar cone.

Aftertaste:

Finishing rich with honey, caramel, butterscotch, bourbon, marshmallow, toffee, rye bread, pilsnery notes, citrus, sweetened condensed milk, tropical fruit, stone fruit and more. Slight boozy but not detracting from the amazing flavors. Clear Golden body, smooth, velvety, syrupy and crisp mouthfeel but a sipper none the less. Chugging this like an actual 40 will definitely give you a bad time!

Overall:

A most epic and exceptional malt liquor! In fact, the best malt liquor ever! If those old English and Mickeys or even Bud Ices have told me, there is a talk of legendary beer and this is supreme! Amazing amazing amazing! Founders is simply awesome and the always keep pushing that barrel aging program forward. For being the first and possibly only bourbon barrel aged malt liquor out there, you have to do yourself a favor and get this one!

Anime Corner:

Franco iL Nero from Outlaw Django was chosen in this pairing mainly for the pairing of the colors of the beer but mainly for a through back to the Wild Wild West Side like that Song from Ice Cube. Essentially, the 40 ounce represents the hard times of living in the Ghetto or at least how it was back in the 80’s and 90’s but also playing that Wild West to be a synonym of the real Wild West in the dessert in the time of cowboys. Yes, it was rough back then but this beer brings something traditional from the past into the more modern era with it’s barrel aging. It is sure to get you wassstedd, synonymous to the “wasted” logo that comes up when you die in GTA but also literally wasted as in drunk!

 

Box Set Track# 11 Devil Went Down To Georgia by The Lost Abbey

 

 

Rating: 6/6

Box Set Track# 11 Devil Went Down To Georgia by The Lost Abbey is a 12% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Peaches and Black Tea aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

Commercial Description:

Formerly known as “Vern”. Reviews from 2011 are for the initial pilot batch (Vern) of what would become Track 11 the next year.

A experimental re-mix track, Track 11 is our Angel’s Share that we aged in fresh Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels for 9 months. To this we added some awesome whole peach slivers, black tea, and a splash of Brettanomyces Clausenni to ferment the peaches. The beer has a great peach nose and a long carmelized bourbon finish. One of the most experimental of all the track series beers.

==Introduction==

Formerly known as “Angel’s Share – Bourbon Barrel Aged With Peaches & Black Tea”, this beer was released back in 2012 as part of the 13 tracks of rock and roll for the lost abbey. It was renamed as Track#11 “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band. These 13 beers were hard to get since once needed to purchase a lottery ticket and then if they won, they would get the option to but the whole thing for about $300. Yes, that set of 13 beers is pricey and it was definitely something I did not bother to invest in. I don’t like hyped stuff when it comes to jumping through hoops or “Black Friday” style of overnight camping and standing in line. I have usually obtained beers either online or through trades. This set was pretty ridiculous to get but I figured one that one day they would release them one at time. I figure I would get the ones that intrigued me the most. Well, this one was one of those and I am glad they have it for the public. You should be able to find this wherever they sell Lost Abbey beers or in most places. I am here to see if this beer is worth what I was hoping for. Angel’s Share along with Deliverance and Serpent’s Stout are one of my favorite Lost Abbey beers and now this being a variant, I know it can only be way better . Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:

Caramelized peaches, oak, dulce de leche caramel, fruit cake, vanilla, tropical mango notes,whiskey, crème brulee, dark fruits, chocolate, rocky road ice cream, leather tobacco, rye, molasses, hazelnut nectar, maple syrup notes.

Flavors:

Rich peaches, stone fruit apricots, mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, black tea, green tea, juniper berries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, whiskey, oak, dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, raspberries, flan, crème brulee, peach cobbler, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, maple syrup, raisin bread pudding, anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, rye bread, rocky road ice cream, butterscotch, molasses, tobacco, leather, fruit cake, peach fuzzy navel, memosa, port wine notes and dark cherry chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:

Sweet Peach schnappy lingering, fuzzy navel oblivion, dulce de leche caramel, flan, and chocolate notes. No alcohol in the taste the despite the ABV, sipping drinkability, rich, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and pitch black abyss body.

Overall:

Simply orgasmic! Like a pleasure music in the form liquid and super pleasing to the mind and the taste buds. This being part Angel Share makes it happen already but that Peach and Black tea take things to a whole new level of complexity. I can definitely hope The Lost Abbey releases some of their other brews out as they are very enticing and supreme. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:

Astaroth from Shinra Bansho was used in this pairing as she was the first demon girl aside from Morrigan and Lilith that I was very fond of. A character that is sweet at heart like the peaches in this beer but just happens to look very sinister like the Black Tea and the bourbon barrels this was aged in. Just because a devil is a devil doesn’t meant it will always be evil or have bad intentions. This was made with Angel Share afterall. The sweet melody is very enticing.

 

 

Mash & Spumoni by The Bruery

 

Rating: 7/7

Mash & Spumoni by The Bruery is a 12.8% ABV English Barleywine brewed with cherries, vanilla and pistachios aged in bourbon barrels

==Introduction==

The ancestor pastry of Neapolitan, this incarnation of Mash from the Bruery takes a page from the Italian version of Neapolitan, a layered ice cream with Chocolate or Vanilla, Pistachios, Cherries and whipped cream (where as Neapolitan is Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla). A trifecta/quadrafecta of pure bliss. The Bruery recently had this on tap and I skipped trying it since I didn’t know about it but when I heard how great it was, I had to get whatever few bit of it they had and bring it to the website. Surely an almost missed treasure of bucket listing proportions. I definitely thought that as I had a pour of it from the tap. I sure don’t know if they will still have this as I write this but it is is true, this should definitely be bottled. Now, let’s have a look at this amazing beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich pistachios, cherries, vanilla, chocolate, dulce de leche, bourbon, dark fruit raisins,currants, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, fruit cake, walnuts, almond joy chocolate, hazelnut cream, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, crème brulee, flan, sweetened condensed milk, honey, rocky road ice cream, waffle cone, Danish cream, Irish cream, Raspberry Chambord, banan sundae, butterscotch, chocolate brownies and reed velvet cake.

Flavors:
Super rich Spumoni and Neapolitan ice cream, Spumoni pie, dark cherry yogurt, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, toasted coconut, pistachios, walnuts, almond joy chocolate, hazelnut cream, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, crème brulee, flan, sweetened condensed milk, honey, rocky road ice cream, dark fruit raisins,currants, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, waffle cone, Danish cream, Irish cream, Raspberry Chambord, Mexican Alfajor Coconut pastry, madamia nuts, Macaroons, Chocolate brownies, butterscotch, graham crackers, pistachio ice cream, cookie dough ice cream and mint chocolate chip, red velvet cake, banana sundae.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich rich super ice cream flavors right off the scoop and cone of pistachios, cherries, vanilla, chocolate, dark fruit, fruit cake, almond joy, toasted, banana sundae, flan, waffle cone and marshmallows. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, should be a sipper but drinks way too easy, full black body.

Overall:
The Seed of Life from Monkish was a tincture of something that truly was supreme, but when you take that and make a #barleywineislife recipe and add the cherries, you just entered something that can only be described as inter-dimensional taste of experience. Like the episode 5 of Rick and Morty Season when Rick, Jerry and Risotto Groupon amalgamate their experiences over 1,000 life times of space and time to come to some existential enlightenment, then this is what this beer is like. Funny how the three of them were fused together kind of like the 3 layered fusion of this dessert beer. With a deeper understanding of what Barleywines are supposed to be, even the greats cannot judge something this vast. Most likely since they are drunk but regardless, this is something that is must to find if you can get it! Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Sai Hinoki from Betterman was used in this pairing as I wanted to promote the primary ingredients of cherries, pistachios, chocolate and vanilla. Essentially, you can easily see how her hair streaks of these colors would make for such a perfect pairing. Even though there is hardly any artwork of her as Better such an old series, the appreciation of bringing her into this pairing is what I really needed to do in my quest to pair one of each character of anime/video games that I am fond of to beer.

 

You Know What Time It Is! Collaboration by The Bruery and The Full Pint.com

 

 

Rating: 7/7

You Know What Time It Is! Collaboration by The Bruery and The Full Pint.com is a 15.1% ABV American Strong ale brewed with Peanut Flour, Salt and Boysenberries added aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

Stately Affair!

==Introduction==

It’s peanut butter jelly time peanut butter jelly time! Where You at, Where You at? Now there ou go there you go, peanut butter jelly peanut butter jelly!! Damn. If PB Thursday wasn’t enough, they went ahead and added some jelly into the peanut butter mix! Granted, this is not Black Tuesday, but it might as well be. This beer since its inception was another beer that came from waayyyyy left field along with what White chocolate with cherries. I have to admit, the Bruery keeps pushing that damn limit of taste and experience forward and forward with every release. It’s a reason I am still a member of their reserve society for many years. This beer might just be the next favorite in the list of supremes for me from the Bruery. Time to take it to trial! Cheers!

Aromas:

Super Rich peanut butter and Raspberry Jelly aromas, lactose milk sugar, molasses, dark fruit raisins, black berries, blue berries, black cherries, currants, plums, cherry cheesecake, choco flan, bananas, vanilla, caramel, roasted peanuts with shells, nutter butter cookies, toffee, coffee cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, earthy notes, Reese’s peanut butter puffs cereal, coconut hints, marshmallows, graham cracker smores and rocky road ice cream hints.

Flavors:

Rich Reese’s pieces peanut butter cups, Rich Raspberry Jelly, Boysenberry cobbler, toasted rye bread, bananas, vanilla, caramel, roasted peanuts with shells, Nutter Butter Cookies, peanut brittle, roasted peanuts, peanut butter fudge, Capn’ Crunch Peanut butter crunch, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, peanut butter and chocolate smores, Cocoa Krispies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Baker’s Chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, pomegranates, boysen berries, black berries, flan, dulce de leche caramel, cotton candy, Irish Cream, Danish Cream, molasses, anise, maple syrup, rocky road ice cream, graham crackers, peanut butter cereal, port wine, crème brulee, tobacco, leather, mocha, Bananas, clove spice, oreo cookies, coffee cake, hazelnut nectar, toffee, piloncillo sugar cone, waffle cone, peanut butter chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butterscotch, almond joy coconut,peanut butter chocolate mousse, 3 leches/ 3 Milks cake, sweetened condensed milk, cherry and boysenberry peanut butter pie, smuckers and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:

Rich peanut butter and dark fruit raspberry, boysenberries, cherries, strawberies and other berry mixed lingers along with caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, nutter butter, cap’n crunch and Reese’s cereal, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and flan hints. No alcohol in the taste, super easy to drink despite the ABV, smooth, creamy, velvet and silky mouthfeel with a pitch black and crimson body.

 

Overall:

That baseball bat had nothingon this extremely bready, peanut butter and mixed berry jelly dessert. No fucking contest. This thing is definitely something that I think can stand toe to toe with the greats of Brury’s Weekday series, the White Chocolates and even more! I have no wordsleft to describe this glory of a beer. It is essentially something that I always wanted to see bottled. I have tried the few PB&J beers I could get my hands on and all were phenomenal, but this… this is just to the amazing super 4th or 5th dimension above. Get this beer if you can!!! They might still have it on tap as of August 2017!

Anime Corner:

Sash Lilac from Galaxy Trail Studios series, Freedom Planet! Was used in this pairing because a beer of this caliber definitely needed a character that paired greatly with my love for peanut butter and peanut butter jelly beers. Since I have been notorious to pair may favorite anime waifus in with some of the Bruery’s best, it was time that I brought her into the mix. What’s not to complement? Sash lilac is essentially that purple jelly that was missing from this peanut butter craze of mine. She is technically my new favorite addition to my already favorite list of top favorite anime characters only followed by Kos-mos, Temari, Yoruichi and Ryuko. She’s fast as hell and has a rightful sense of justice, she is humble and will stop at nothing to help out her friends and loved ones. Just the right character to pair a beer such as the this to the almighty Weekday series and above. This Peanut butter and jelly craze!

 

 

(AnimeBeers On The Road) 2017 Bourbon O.E. (Olde English) by Smog City Brewing

 

Rating: 6/6

2017 Bourbon O.E. (Olde English) by Smog City Brewing is a 13.1% ABV English Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels

When I first tried this beer a while back, it was one of the best beers I have had at Smog City’s taproom. Since that time, I knew they had bottle it recently and while I had not really brought the bottle to the site, I figure it was about time. So when I visited the brewery with some of my coworkers, I decided to get a bottle and share it at the brewery. That’s when I realized I never had it on the site so I decided better now than later. I love bourbon barrel aged beers and this barleywine is one of the best. Showcasing some very nice dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla, dark fruits and pecan pie goodness. A beer that I would highly recommend if you can find it. Cheers!

 

 

4th Anniversary Unplugged Beam Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing

 

Rating: 7/7
 
4th Anniversary Unplugged Beam Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing is a 12.5% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Stout brewed with Kopi Luwak/ Civet Coffee Beans, Belgian Milk Chocolate, Brown sugar and Molasses aged in Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey Barrels
Label:
Music In Liquid Form
Limited Edition Bottle 438/480
 
==Introduction==
In continuation with my previous review of the Kopi Luwak sensation from Acoustic Ales, This is the same beers as the previous Bourbon and the Wild Turkey version of the beer but this time in Jim Beam bourbon whiskey. This one seems to be even more limited. Like they only had a few barrels aging for this beer to sell. Lucky for me, Craftshack.com was able to have it and like I said before, Kopi Luwak beers are rare to come by so whenever I see one, I have to to and bring it to the site. Even if it is literally made with coffee beans that were pooped out by a furry civet/ocelot/kopi luwak. The previous beer was damn amazing! How will this compare though? Different Whiskeys and Bourbons? Let’s have a look, cheers!
 
Aromas:
Hints of what I think are definitely some kind of game. Essentially, it came from an animal, namely the Civet. Dark chocolate, bourbon, whiskey, vanilla, fruit cake, milk chocolate, dark fruits, molases, fancy coffee, espresso, marshmallow smores, rye bread, Danish cream and Irish cream.
 
Flavors:
Very Gamey kopi luwak, earthy notes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Mexican chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Piloncillo sugar cone, dark fruit currants, blue berries, currants, blackberries, boysenberries, dark cherry yogurt, marshmallows, Irish cream coffee, fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee, espresso, jamocha, java, cookies and cream, rocky road ice cream, molasses, banana, clove spice, tiramasu, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, oatmeal cookies, molasses, anise, crème brulee, flan, port wine, rye bread, brown sugar, chocolate mousse, sweetened condensed milk, cookie dough ice cream, Danish cream and chocolate coffee cheese cake.
 
Aftertaste:
Finishing with fancy coffee, gamey notes, oak, caramel, vanilla, gamey mocha, marshmallows, dark fruits, rich berries, currants, earthy notes, rye bread, tiramasu cake, banana, clove spice and Irish cream. Hint of  alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor. Pitch black darkness like where the sun don’t shine. Smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.
 
Overall:
The Civet game is real! So damn real that there was a presence of gamey notes which I cannot tell if they were from the coffee of the Jim Beam whiskey. Regardless, it was a damn fantastic beer. Way to bring in some authenticity. While the other brews I had in this series bring a mixed bag of flavors, this one does too but there is definitely some coffee flavors in there are very different. It could just be that the Jim Beam brings out the best of the coffee flavors. It really doesn’t matter, this is indeed unique nd worth the find. Check it out if you are game, I highly recommend it!
Anime Corner:
Dark Mithra or Ark Angel MR from Final Fantasy XI was chosen in this pairing to represent the cat/civet/ocelot/kopi luwak in this beer. Since the beer is more dark and pronounced with the dark arts of the gamey goodness. Regardless of that, she is vicious, like the booze driven 12% but sweet in the seductive aspect as the complexity lures you into an oblivion that you cannot come back from. Similar to my Sangrileche beers I made in the past but yeah, craziness.
Sources:
 

 

Chronology:12 – Imperial Porter by The Bruery

 

Rating: 6/6
 
Chronology:12 – Imperial Porter by The Bruery is a 12.2% ABV Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels.
 
TIME WELL SPENT
Description:
We’ve replaced the wheels of time with barrel heads. They don’t turn, yet they embrace the evolution of beer and time on a level that can’t be rivaled. For this Chronology Series™, we brewed an imperial porter and set it to age in bourbon barrels. Every six months, we’ll take a quarter of the barrels, blend them and bottle them. This second bottling represents the nuances imparted to the base beer after 12 months of barrel-aging.
Definitely growing one me. Sweet, chocolatey, bourbon, vanilla, oak, marshmallows, almond joy and more. Getting better with age.
6 Month Review:

 

Rest by The Bruery

 

Rating: 6/6
 
Rest by The Bruery is a 13.1% ABV Imperial Dark Ale aged in bourbon and wine barrels.
 
Description
We had a compelling urge to craft a beer fitting of our friend’s seventh anniversary. But urgency wasn’t part of the equation in this complex beer. Six different malt-forward beers were brewed and set to rest separately in bourbon barrels. After months of oak-aging, a portion was selected and transferred for further maturation in the grand cru of California wine barrels. In many ways, this finished beer is greater than the sum of its parts, but at its core, it’s the seventh beer. It’s a memorable finish, and well-deserving of rest.
Awesome combination of bourbon and wine oak goodness really brings out the greatness of both worlds, the good and the evil, the light and the darkness, the oaky and the funky. Definitely a beer worth savoring.

 

Barrel Aged Unicorn Tears collaboration by Fremont brewing and Perennial Artisan Ales

 

 

Rating: 7/7

Barrel Aged Unicorn Tears collaboration by Fremont brewing and Perennial Artisan Ales is a 12.9% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Milk Stout brewed with cherries and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
We are a family-owned craft brewery founded in 2009 to brew artisan beers made with the best local ingredients we can find.

In the Time Before Light, Unicorns ruled the Universe. And Time passed. Until it stopped passing and began to make Beer. And it was good. But Time was Lonely, so it begat two Breweries. And thusly Fremont Brewing and Perennial Artisan Ales were spat into the World. And they made Beer. And it was good. When, Lo, one Day, they made Beer together and aged it in Bourbon Barrels for a long time. And then they added Cherries. And Aged it a long time. But it wasn’t good enough for their elevated taste. So, they added Unicorn Tears. And it was Good. Behold, Burst Forth into the World is Barrel-Aged Unicorn Tears. Enjoy only with those that are worthy. …Never Play Leapfrog With A Unicorn…Cheers! Matt & Matt and Phil & Emily.

==Introduction==

So, we have SangriLeche doppelganger in our site ey? Well then, only one thing to do here, time to step up to the plate. The ingredients seemed very close to what I used to make my homebrew except missing the vanilla and cocoa nibs but that is besides the point. A milk and oatmeal stout? Double smoothtness to the max! I have not tried anything Fremont but seeing as Perennial was involved, it can only mean the goodness. Essentially, when I first saw this beer locally, I had to grab it. Little that I know that it would soon be a super coveted magic potion with fairy dust (glitter engulfed) that many it would start to sell out everywhere. Yes it seems people went mad for yet another beer. This beer is literally covered in glitter which makes me wonder if glitter is one of the ingredients inside the beer. Even if its not it seemed amazing and I could not wait to bring it to the website especially now that I know people really liked this one. Well then, let’s see what this magical potion is all about, cheers!

Aromas:
Super cherry Cordial fluff and sparkling chocolates, banana split, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, Nutella, mint chocolate cake, Chambord Raspberries, port wine, dark chocolates, dark fruits, hazelnut nectar, blue berries, bourbon hints, cake frosting, grape jelly, Fondant pearl juice (sugar candy syrup) and more!

Flavors:
Hopes, Dreams, Clouds of marshmallows and 5th dimension ambrosia delights. That’s it… what? You wanna know more? Okay that was just the tip of the iceberg. SO then, it goes into an array of super choco chocolate goodness. Rich super milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cherry cordials, dark fruit currants, raisins, blue berries, raspberries, blue raspberries, cake frosting, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, bourbon, oak, banana split for days, cookie dough ice cream, molasses, mint chocolate cake, Chambord Raspberry Liqueur, port wine, Nutella, mocha, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Cherry sunday, vanilla, crème brulee, tres leches cake, tiramasu, mocha, marzipan, mazapan, toasted coconut, marshmallow smores, rocky road ice cream, walnuts, pralines, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, butterscotch, chicka cherry cola, fondant cake glaze, chocolate cherry mousse and more!

Aftertaste:
Finishing with Cherry Choco Chocolate Cordial and raspberry frosting for days, Nutella, dark chocolates, dark cherries, vanilla, caramel, oak, bourbon hints, mocha, pecan pie and banana split cherry sundae. No alcohol here or anywhere despite the ABV. The body is fully pitch black and abysmal with a non human visual spectrum of dark matter, 80’s magic, He-Man, Thundercats and Rick and Morty season 9 residuals. The mouthfeel is very smooth, mildly chewey, velvety, creamy and syrupy. Who has time to sip? Come right in, the dark magical water is fine even though this brew was made to be sipped and taken with ease. You could literally finish in one sitting if you wanted to.

Overall:
Well then, pastry stouts are a go! Although DDB would disagree. This one is a definite bucket lister for me and is a crazy little potion that I would love to have over and over again. While I think this is a step up from many beers that I love including my own awesome Sangrileche, it is awesome to know mines can still go toe to toe with this pastry brew. Let’s face it, this is similar to the beer I made if it was filled with cake fondant. Super complex, sweet, smooth, dreamy, cakey, glaze and all that fairy tail crap they told you when you were a kid. It’s fucking great! Like a kid in a candy store drinking his sugar bottle. Would I recommend it? You bet your fucking ass I would! Go find this one damn it!

Anime Corner:
Lilac Sash from Freedom Planet was chosen for this pairing because while she is in no way a unicorn, she is just as legendary as one since she is a dragon. Since she fit so well with the colors of the beers, the flavors and ingredients I had to bring her to pair with this. She’s been a favorite of mine as of recently since I started playing the game and with her powerful strength and great hero personality, why not? Oh and about the tears part in the name? Those are years of joy and good feels. I kinda made a funny with the Lilac trying to drink enough milk tearing up dreaming to be the bikini babe. Anyways, She fit the awesome beer!

 

 

The Nuttiest Professor by Avery Brewing Co.

 

Rating: 6/6 

The Nuttiest Professor by Avery Brewing Co. is a 15.6% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with peanuts and aged in bourbon barrels.

Description:
Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout with peanuts. This creamy and colossal peanut stout is nuts. But, our resident archaeologist, historian, brewer, and professor…he’s really nuts. Mad peanut science.

Over analyzing is nuts, taking a chill pill and enjoying some Peanut buttery goodness is what this is all about

 

(AnimeBeers On The Road Series) 27th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel-Aged Double Chocolate Imperial Stout by Karl Strauss Brewing Company

 

Rating 6/6 (On The road series)

27th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel-Aged Double Chocolate Imperial Stout by Karl Strauss Brewing Company is a 13% ABV Russian Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Description:
A full-bodied Imperial Stout with an abundance of darkly kilned malts and a decadent helping of cocoa nibs. Aging for a year in American oak bourbon barrels brings out rich layers of smooth toasted oak and warming bourbon

A sudden delish! Choco bourbon vanilla encounter!!!! *battle music intensifies*

For this year’s Anniversary: https://animebeers.com/2017/06/18/28th-anniversary-barrel-aged-belgian-quad-by-karl-strauss/

 

 

(AnimeBeers On The Road) Pacific Gravity collaboration with Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Homebrew Club

Rating: 6/6 (On The road series)

Pacific Gravity collaboration with Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Pacific Gravity Homebrew Club is a 9.8 % ABV Weizenbock aged in Bourbon Barrels

Description:
Barrel Aged Weizenbock// 9.8% ABV // Flavors of sweet vanilla and bourbon mingle with banana and clove in this barrel-aged German-style weizenbock. Brewed with wheat, pilsner, Munich, and highly-kilned melanoidin malts for a solid base, PGW has just a touch of hop balance, letting the banana and clove character of our traditional Bavarian wheat beer yeast strain take center stage. Eleven months spent resting in retired charred American oak bourbon barrels adds a layer of complexity reminiscent of Bananas Foster.

Damn….. banana, coconut, dark fruit cream pie!!! No wonder the other release of this is in bottles rarely sold

Chronology:24 – Wee Heavy by The Bruery

Rating: 7/7

Chronology:24 – Wee Heavy by The Bruery is a 13.7% ABV Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy aged in bourbon barrels for 24 months.

Supreme wee heavy so much so to the point that this taste close to true scotch whiskey but with so much complexity it is not offensive

Past Beer in the series: https://animebeers.com/2016/12/20/2016-chronology18-wee-heavy-by-the-bruery/

 

2017 Doom by Founders brewing

Rating: 6/6

2017 Doom by Founders brewing is a 12.4% ABV Imperial India Pale Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Commercial Description:
Previously known as Hand of Doom.

Doom may be impending but that doesn’t mean you have to fear it. A collision of worlds, the intense hop character of our Imperial IPA mingles with the warm vanilla and oak notes imparted from the time spent in our favorite bourbon barrels. Like all good things, Doom comes to those who wait.

==Introduction==

The next installment in the Barrel Aged series of Founders Brewing is now available. This time, it is a barrel aged IPA/Barleywine. While many people might shun away from anything IPA aged, some barrel aged IPAs, when done well, can be amazing. You are literally drinking an American Barleywine. Essentially malty beverage goodness that is hopped up to hell to meet up with the hopheads. While I have loved many in the Founder’s series, it was this one I wanted to bring to the site. Let’s see how it is, cheers!

Aromas:
Piney, Grassy, grapefruit, danky grassy, grapefruit and oniony hops, bourbon, oak, vanilla, caramel, biscuit bread, rye bread, Danish cream, waffle cone, maple syrup hints, cane sugar, butterscotch, whiskey, smokey wood, honey, dark fruit raisins, prunes, banana, mango, raspberries, stone fruit peaches, tamarind, caramel, toffee, butterscotch and stone fruit peaches.

Flavors:
Super rich honey comb, rye bread, honey, waffle cone, maple syrup, Danish cream, vanilla, toasted coconut, oak, bourbon, whiskey, smokey wood, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, piney, herbal, floral, dank garlicky and oniony hops, funky wine and cheese party, dulce de leche caramel, flan, fruit cake, dark fruit raisins, prunes, banana, champagne, mango, raspberries, peaches, tamarind notes, tangerine gummies, kumquats, stone fruits, peaches, apricots, apples, herbal notes, earthy hop notes, white chocolate hints, peppercorn, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, flan and 3 leches cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of dark fruit, honey, waffle cone, super piney, grassy notes, oak, bananas, bourbon, caramel, vanilla, flan and champagne. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the great flavors. Amber honey clear boyd, smooth, crisp, velvety, refreshing and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
I must say, despite the fact that the purist say IPA cannot be aged, essentially, barrel aging gives way to a new beer. While I think it is mainly in the ranks of a barleywine that is bourbon barrel aged, the grassy, piney, grapefruit west coast style that still floats in these beers is what is still trying to pull forward as an IPA, yet, in the Barleywine or American Strong styles. Reminds me of the day when I finally got to try the Stone Ruination Barrel aged and realized it was awesome despite being an aged IPA. Yes, if you think about it in a sense of it really being an American aged barleywine, it is essentially what this is and I highly recommend you find it and try it.

Anime Corner:
YoRHa No.2 Type B/ 2B/ 2E “Executioner” from Nier: Automata was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to pair mainly with the colors of the beer label. The dark and yellow colors pair well with 2B. Also since 2B is an executioner, and she is representative of death, the name of the beer also works as she brings Doom to enemies she fights. This beer won’t kill you but the ABV will surely mess you up but that’s nice!

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2c6n0EVQAEGy02.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/m4hhq81ad/image.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/S5v4LE9.jpg
http://konachan.com/image/3d8695e759610cffdb03c19864df8796/Konachan.com%20-%20234402%20ass%20boots%20dress%20gloves%20gray_hair%20headband%20kinohara-kossuta%20nier%20nier%3A_automata%20panties%20robot%20short_hair%20sword%20underwear%20watermark%20weapon.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8A2lcgW0AIWqb_.jpg
http://orig09.deviantart.net/cd4a/f/2017/164/a/4/2b_by_tsuaii-dbckcd6.jpg

Mélange No. 9 by The Bruery Terreux

Rating: 5.25/6

Mélange No. 9 by The Bruery Terreux is a 7.8% ABV Wild Ale Hybrid of 83% Sour Ale Aged in Oak Barrels, 17% Ale aged in bourbon barrels with ginger and coconut added.

Label:
TROPICAL – OAKY – ISLAND

This sour ale was the winner of our Hoarders Society blending competition. A combination of our sour blonde, Sour in the Rye and White Oak Sap along with ginger and coconut.

Description:
Mélange #9 was created by your peers at a special blending competition held in November 2013 for our Hoarders Society members at the time. Each team was given access to a slew of our barrel aged beers and were allowed to bring in pretty much any ingredient of their own to add to the mix. The winning blend is a sour ale, using both our sour blonde ale and Sour in the Rye, with a hint of sweetness from White Oak Sap. Coconut and fresh ginger was added to the blend just a few days before packaging, generating a super fresh, tropical spice.

==Introduction==

Mélange #9 was finally released to the Reserve society at the Bruery. One the Melange series that I have not tried before. Many of the Melange series has always been about Cuvees of dark strong beers and very few about sours. Like I still have to try Melange #1. Yet, since I didn’t know when they would release Mélange #9 again, I figure I bring it to the site before the getting was good. This one is actually a sour. With the addition of the base being White Oak and Sour in the Rye makes for a beer that could be quite intriguing. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit apricots, peaches, sour apples, lavender hibiscus, rose hips, ginger bread, oranges, lime, wine grapes, dragon fruit, rye bread, pineapple, lemon peel, oak, Chardonnay, bourbon hints, vanilla, and coconut notes.

Flavors:
Ginger bread, ginger cookies, ginger ale, funky grapes, toasted coconut, oranges, tangerines, passion fruit, dragon fruit, rye bread, cucumber, tart pineapple, lemon peel, oak, chardonnay, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, Mexican Cocada coconut candy, sweetened condensed milk hints, white wine, lactic funk wine grapes, farmhouse notes, hibiscus, lavender, rose hips, honey, stone fruit apricots, peaches and sour apples.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with floral notes, coconut, lemon peel, ginger bread, vanilla, oak, honey, oranges, hibiscus, and wine grapes. No Alcohol in the taste, clear golden body, crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A slight smidge above perfect and this is definitely due to the fact that it is not a pure sour. The ginger, coconut and bourbon definitely cut the sour aspects by a lot and bring about a nice balance and complexity that makes this one more enjoyable with every sip. I think many that do not like sours will find this one appealing. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Misty/Kasumi from Pokemon was brought to this beer to pair with the colors of the label and represent some of the tropics of the beer. While her thing is water and water type pokemon, I think she fit just right. Also, the fact that this is the first time I use her in a Bruery beer as well.

Sources:
https://images6.alphacoders.com/821/821146.png
http://www.fanpark.cc/data/0001/04/14892134587295.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Pokémon.full.1154124.jpg

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake by The Bruery

 

Rating: 6/6

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake by The Bruery is a 13.7% ABV Wheat Wine brewed with Strawberries, Lactose and vanilla beans aged in bourbon barrels.

==Introduction==

Gotta admit, the Bruery has been coming out with some of the craziest dessert and delicious experiments ever. Who would of thought that they would of made a strawberry shortcake beer!? Well, actually, it shouldn’t be surprising! At this point, the Bruery can literally make any type of dessert beer it seems and meant it to how it tastes. This was something that was released on tap only as far as I know but yes, it was one I was allowed to bring home to get a good analysis of. So let’s check it out, cheers!

Aromas:
Banana split, strawberries, cherries, biscuit bread, butterscotch, tres leches cake, Danish creak, dark fruits, sweetened condensed milk, Neapolitan ice cream, piloncillo sugar cone, dulce de leche caramel, milk chocolate, toffee, waffle cone, almond joy and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
Rich strawberry cheesecake, white chocolate, Strawberry shortcake, Tres Leches strawberry cake, Banana Split with Strawberries, Strawberry and banana yogurt, toffee, piloncillo sugar cone, Cadbury caramel cream eggs, flan, crème brulee, Danish cream, cookie dough ice cream, vanilla, sugar cookies, sweetened condensed milk, strawberry pound cake, Neapolitan ice cream, Strawberries and cream, Raspberries, pomegranates, dark fruit currants, blueberries, dragon fruit, cherries, marzipan, chocolate truffles, toasted coconut, almond joy, cotton candy and red velvet cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich strawberries, vanilla, cheesecake, cherry, yogurt, marzipan, white chocolate, flan, bananas and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, super hazy murky peach colored full body, smooth, creamy, refreshing and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptional! Another awesome dessert that feels like liquefying a strawberry shortcake and drinking it. Of course it is amazing and since it uses White Oak as its base, its works super awesomely. In fact, the base was also used in White Chocolate so its no wonder that it has application in making other amazing beers. I absolutely love it. If you get a chance to have this on tap, check it out, I highly recommend it!

Anime Corner:
Junko Enoshima from Danganronpa was chosen in this pairing as I was going for something that would fit with pink strawberry cheesecake. While I already used Sakura Haruno with different Bruery beers as they relate to cherries, I wanted to go with another character that works with this pairing and that is where Junko came in. While I do not know much of the story, I do know that she made the perfect pairing in this beer especially over the flavors and ingredients of this beer.

Sources:
http://pic.element3ds.com/forum/201510/19/201623yh2a29ziuyvmmfvv.jpg
http://tp.lingyu.me/bz/uploads/2016/09/www.lingyu.me_20160902150656167.jpg
http://s2.narvii.com/image/fc42tftbsczwemh3tou4fejuiasje5ls_hq.jpg

 

Botanicals & Barrels Series: Coconut Porter by Avery Brewing

Rating: 6/6

Botanicals & Barrels Series: Coconut Porter by Avery Brewing is a 10.4% ABV Imperial Porter with Coconut aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
Copious quantities of coconut coupled with time basking in bourbon barrels complement the chocolaty and sumptuous nature of this delectable porter.

==Introduction==

I obtained this one at Mr. K’s Liquor which is in front of the Bruery. This series has been something I have been considering trying and bringing them to the site as I find them. Since the time I tried the Vanilla Bourbon stout, the ones I see come out have been amazing. This one aged in bourbon with coconut seems to be like its gonna be amazing, or at least from what others are saying about this beer. Avery has always made some freaking awesome beers so I would not expect anything less. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, oak, cookies, cherries, bourbon, Danish cream, Baley’s Irish cream, toasted coconut, banana cream pie, macaroons, cocada coconut Mexican candy, crème brulee, dark fruits and cookie dough.

Flavors:
Coconut and banana cream pie, almond joy, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, oak, bourbon, grilled bananas, whipped cream, toasted coconut, cookie dough ice cream, cookies and cream, chocolate chip cookies, Cocada Coconut Mexican candy, Macaroons, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry cake, fruit cake, crème brulee, mint, anise, flan, Jericalla custard, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, Danish cream, Baley’s Irish cream, hints of piña colada, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar and 3 leches chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with smooth toasted coconut, vanilla, bourbon, caramel, dark fruit, oak, chocolate, mint, anise, flan, Jericalla custard, bananas and crème brulee hints. No alcohol in the taste, Dark full body, syrupy, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional! With many of the coconut bourbon stouts I have had before, many have certain things more forward than others. This one mixes the best part of the bourbon with the banana and marshmallow oak parts that come from the process and the coconut creating something that is similar to coconut cream pie. The mix is absolutely amazing. Avery has always made great beers and this is nothing short of a must have. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Midori from Space Patrol Luluco was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair with the colors of the label but also how the use coconut can be seen as tropical. So with the summer starting, it is time for the bathing suit weather. School and work is out for some people and usually time to have fun in the sun. So with Midori, it fit in my mind.

Sources:
http://doujin-doujin.com/wp-content/gallery/daw_savetheworld24/0Image00001.jpg
https://i.pximg.net/img-original/img/2016/05/14/21/02/02/56879902_p0.png
https://i.pximg.net/img-original/img/2016/04/16/02/02/28/56370879_p0.png
https://ii.yuki.la/a/99/27cfeac958dfda53a7e689381456b41e371c17117dfbb0f966862596b4b7799a.png

Barrel Aged Drakonic by Drake’s brewing

Ex Cathedra by The Lost Abbey

Rating: 6/6

Ex Cathedra by The Lost Abbey is a 12.5% ABV Belgian Quad brewed with Ginger and Orange and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
The Holiest protector of dogmas, doctrines, faith, and spirituality, the Pontiff is in charge of it all. He’s got his own Italian city and a bullet-proof Popemobile to take him wherever he wants. And he answers only to the big guy upstairs. Dude’s living large, all while acting as The Rose to the world’s moral compass.

That’s a ton of pressure being the wisest sage in the land and having your finger on the trigger of Ex Cathedra. Maybe it causes him to throw back a few glasses of the Sacrament from time to time? Lord knows if we were in that situation, we’d tipple to.

==Introduction==

It is not often I get these little Lost Abbey bottles. In fact, many times I won’t simply on principle since I can get their beer on tap for much cheaper. If I ever do get one though, I do it to put it on the website. I take the hit so you don’t have to unless you want to and mainly to see if it is worth the price. With some new releases especially the religious ones, I definitely always want to bring them here to the site especially since I’m a sucker for the artwork and Lost Abbey was one of the primary reason I started label collecting before I did reviews. The last time I tried a pope beer was the Sede Vacante in which pope Benedict was leaving office and the new pope was given the chance to appear which is the current one, Pope Francis. This beer seems more of a tribute than Sede Vacante. Let’s have a look and see how this beer is, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark Belgian candy sugar, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, bourbon, anise, clove spice, ginger bread, coriander, oak marshmallows, chocolate smores, dark chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, prunes, currants, cherries, orange preserves, fruit cake, orange pound cake, piloncillo sugar cone, allspice, nutmeg, pecan pie and mint chocolate chip.

Flavors:
Rich anise, clove spice, Ginger bread, coriander, bananas, oak, marshmallows, toasted coconut hint, licorice, mint chocolate chip, dark chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, prunes, currants, cherries, Dark Belgian candy sugar, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, rocky road ice cream hints, toffee, orange preserves, tangerine jelly on rye bread, piloncillo sugar cone, allspice, nutmeg, pecan pie, whipped cream, fruit cake, orange pound cake, Belgian chocolate, marshmallow chocolate smores, chocolate waffle cake, capirotada raisin bread pudding and flan.

Aftertaste:
Finishes rich with dark fruits, fruit cake, ginger bread, orange notes, orange pound cake, oak, pecan pie, and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Dark murky brown full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Definitely amazing! Especially if you love fruit cake and ginger bread cookies and orange pound cake. For a barrel aged quad I think it is sure damn exceptional and supremely complex. The most awesome parts of the quadrupel mix super well with the mix of uncommon ingredients and the fact it is barrel aged, this one is a winner for sure! While I do believe this beer is damn exceptional and I highly recommend it, the only down side is the price at 17$ for a 350ml and while I think it is damn delicious, I recommend you get this one on tap if you don’t wanna pay 17$ for it. I would get this one again only if it was cheaper priced or if I can get it off the tap.

Anime Corner:
Dizzy from Guilty Gear was used as I wanted a character that represents the divine and the deathly. Dizzy literally has a wing of death and an angel wing. So the way the give advise to her is similar to the way the archbishops give advise to the pope in the label. Also, I think the white out fit she wears fits the white robe the pope wears as well.

Sources:
https://i.pximg.net/img-master/img/2016/08/09/01/00/51/58333424_p0_master1200.jpg
http://medicalwhiskey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dizzy.jpg
https://i.pximg.net/img-original/img/2016/09/08/19/00/01/58878047_p0.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/29691-1280×960-guilty+gear-dizzy-white-center+opening-tagme.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/150707-1920×1200-guilty+gear-dizzy-tagme+%28artist%29-long+hair-single-looking+at+viewer.jpg

 

28th Anniversary Barrel-Aged Belgian Quad by Karl Strauss

Rating: 6/6

28th Anniversary Barrel-Aged Belgian Quad by Karl Strauss is a 12.9% ABV Belgian Quadrupel aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Every year for our anniversary, we take a specialty beer and age it in bourbon barrels for twelve whole months. This year’s full-bodied Barrel-Aged Belgian Quad is rich and malty, with flavors of dark fruit, caramel, and charred oak. Aging the beer in Four Roses Bourbon barrels gives it a surprisingly smooth, warming finish. From 1989 to 2017 and beyond, we thank you for your support, and invite you to join in the celebration!

==Introduction==

I first tried this one when my friend Alex Alcaraz took me to Karl Strauss in downtown Los Angeles. When I had it, I was immediately blown away by its awesomeness. Granted, I had tried their Barrel Aged Belgian Dark Strong 2 years ago but have not posted information on it to the site. This time, they went with a Barrel Aged Quadrupel. Essentially, I remember seeing a bottle in their fridge, which I can only assume you can only purchase it through them directly. I did not think much of picking one up now and thought I can get one later. It wasn’t till later that night that I was like, I really, really need that bottle. So needless to say, I went back and got the bottle and now I can do a review for those that are interested. The Karl Strauss anniversary beers don’t often come out to the public so this was a perfect opportunity. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Oak, Vanilla, Dulce de Leche Caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, plums, dark cherries, piloncillo sugar cone, Mexican Capirotada raisin bread pudding, flan, cinnamon, fruit cake, Dark Candi Sugar, Rock candy, butterscotch, banana cream pie, pecan pie, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, Cadbury cream eggs, Chocolate mousse, wild flower honey, Tres Leches/Three Creams cake, sweetened condensed milk, sweetened condensed milk and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich Dulce de Leche Caramel, Whiskey, Bourbon, Oak, Vanilla, toffee, toasted coconut, bananas, clove spice, Belgian Candy sugar, Dark Candi Sugar, Rock candy, butterscotch, banana cream pie, pecan pie, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, Cadbury cream eggs, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, plums, dark cherries, cherry yogurt, stone fruit peach, mango, figgy pudding, piloncillo sugar cone, Mexican Capirotada raisin bread pudding, flan, cinnamon, fruit cake, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, wild flower honey, Tres Leches/Three Creams cake and plantains.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with Rich caramel, vanilla, toasted coconut, banana cream pie, bourbon, oak, pecan pie, milk chocolate, Cadbury Cream eggs and dark fruit. Slight alcohol in the taste but definitely not detracting from the rich flavors at all, Crimson Amber clear body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Insane! Just like so many of the awesome Barrel Aged beers I have had in the past. I can probably compare it to Bruery or Firestone Walker level of awesomeness. Yes, Mofos forgot about Karls when Karls is still brewing some great awesome beers! More beers for the rest of us! While it is not a whale per se, it is in the whalez category of a “should be” coveted beer. Lots of great barrel character and the love of that Belgian quad flavors that I really love. I highly recommend you get this from them for sure, it is worth the price.

Anime Corner:
Rider from Fate Stay Night series was used in this pairing as I had used her in the previous Karl Strauss anniversary which I did not do a review of but this time around I wanted to bring her back. She represents the colors of the dark fruits which generally are a prominent flavor with these beers but also since she is powerful like the way this beer is strong in ABV. In general, the dark and barrel aged theme of the beer goes well with this one.

Sources:
https://i.imgur.com/AKo459v.jpg
https://i.warosu.org/data/tg/img/0499/19/1477252199393.jpg
https://laniemon.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/rider.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DVBFE34Z2HA/WPF6AGUjVuI/AAAAAAAATso/nHvBK5kT_mYWK_mhBCnudM0PYq2xRdt3gCJoC/w530-h741-p/__rider_fate_stay_night_and_fate_series_drawn_by_hijiri__4354352e56deab4ecbe2b3cc297438c5.jpg
http://orig03.deviantart.net/c5af/f/2017/057/0/a/fate_stay_night___rider__by_limdog-db0hjbz.jpg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/nijilab/imgs/e/8/e8cae68e-s.jpg

Saule (9th Anniversary Ale) by The Bruery

Rating: 6/6

Saule (9th Anniversary Ale) by The Bruery is a 16.1% ABV Old Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
This sturdy beer marks our ninth year, brewed as a testament to time with toots reaching back to our very beginning. May our supporters, our brewery and this beer grow in complexity and refinement over the years.

Our ninth anniversary ale, Saule, deeply rooted in the tradition of our anniversary releases before it – loosely based on an English-style old ale, fermented with our house yeast strain, aged in bourbon barrels and blended using the solera method for storied complexity as the years go by. Saule will not willow with age – it will age gracefully when cellared properly.

==Introduction==
Saule or “Willow” in French, in the traditional sense of the wedding anniversary gifts, refers to the 9th year in which Willow, Leather or Pottery are given. The beer was released in May 2017 and will be available to the public and many places where the Bruery beers are sold. Every year’s addition of the first ale to the new batch gives it another great layer of complexity as the original ale that is now 9 years old and the new young batch all together using the Solera method, as explained in the description, is that much more extraordinary. Every year since Fruet, their 4th Anniversary when I first tried their beers, I have anticipated each release anxiously. It is with great pleasure that I show you, the newest batch and the newest review of the Bruery’s Anniversary beer. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Belgian Candi sugars, dark fruit raisins, plums, cherries, raspberries, Dulce de leche caramel, Cadbury cream eggs, Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, marshmallows, Grilled Bananas, Tres Leches/Three Creams cake, toffee, butterscotch, nutmeg, clove spice, hazelnut nectar, Danish cream, rocky road ice cream, rye bread, chocolate cherry cordials, and stone fruit peaches.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, Cadbury cream eggs, Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, vanilla, oak bourbon, Belgian Candi sugars, dark fruit raisins, plums, cherries, raspberries, chocolate cake, waffle cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding , tiramasu, chocolate truffles, marshmallows, Grilled Bananas, Tres Leches/Three Creams cake, sweetened condensed milk, toffee, butterscotch, nutmeg, clove spice, hazelnut nectar, Danish cream cookies, plantains, rye bread, chocolate cherry cordials, wild flower honey, stone fruit peaches and cream, chocolate fruit cake, brown sugar, dark candi sugar, rock candy, campfire smores, rocky road ice cream and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Rich flavorful finish of dulce de leche caramel, raspberry liqueur tiramisu, fruit cake, dark fruits, Cadbury cream eggs, dark cherries, bourbon, marshmallows, flan, vanilla, milk chocolate, raisin bread pudding, flan and cola hints. Some alcohol in the aftertaste but not detracting from the rich flavors. Dark crimson brown medium to full body, silky, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Every year it seems to get more and more phenomenal. While the overall is still the awesome and insane beer I tried so many years ago, I think the more the beer keeps aging and being added to the original batch, it brings out something more complex. I wonder if the palate can actually detect something that has never been tasted and I have yet to see this but I am curious just how this will evolve. Regardless, you can never go wrong with getting this year after year.

Anime Corner:
Hana Song (송하나) a.ka. D.VA from Overwatch was used in this pairing similarly to the way I have used special suit anime characters. While only few of the label colors pair with D. VA, her overall colors pair with the flavors of dark fruits. While she does not looks like a willow/saule, her colors are similar to that of Willow from the movie with the blues and reds.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/7f/8a/20/7f8a2021a01e7735f091426b06f29019.jpg
https://wallpapers.wallhaven.cc/wallpapers/full/wallhaven-454637.jpg
https://prettyuglylittleliar.net/uploads/monthly_2016_07/image.jpeg.5b480c95eccad414c657a57a86398a47.jpeg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DmvgmYvnPbY/maxresdefault.jpg
https://static.acg12.com/uploads/2017/03/61962b87a73d4c001c12703e3100eca9.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-cNkFcwJJEg/maxresdefault.jpg
http://orig12.deviantart.net/0ffb/f/2016/223/3/c/untitled_1_by_limdog-dadg2cz.png

2016 Hoarders Cuvee by The Bruery Terreux

Rating: 5.5/6

2016 Hoarders Cuvee by The Bruery Terreux is a 12% Sour Blonde ale aged in oak barrels with Honey, and Wheatwine ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Coconut, Hibiscus, Rose Hips and White Pepper

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

This Cuvee is as dynamic as the members it competed against to gain top bragging rights in the Hoarders Cuvee blending tournament and be produced by Bruery Terreux in 2016. Designed by Hoarders Society members Kyle Landig, Paul Moore, Cory Townsend and Andy Williams, this Cuvee begins with one of the cornerstones of Bruery Terreux – our oak-aged sour blonde ale. We then premier a new ingredient in a packaged product for the first time in our company’s history: honey. Together with coconut, these two catapult the rich, barrel character found in our bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine ale, which is the second beer in the blend. Hibiscus, rose hips and white pepper balance the oaky, sweet and sour profile, adding a degree of spice and herbal characteristics to the dynamic blend.

==Introduction==

I obtained this beer from the Bruery Reserve as they were having a sale and happened to allow a Hoarders beer to be purchased. While I did try the Bruery’s version of the Cuvee, now I bring forth the Terreux version of the 2016 Cuvee. Amazingly, the Cuvee from the Bruery was far up there as being a one of the best I have ever had. I hope I can say the same for this one. Let’s take a look and see if it is worth seeking out, cheers!

Aromas:
Floral notes of hibiscus, rose notes, lavender, honey, tropical fruit, stone fruit, mild toasted coconut, wine grapes, biscuit bread, vanilla, toasted coconut, chocolate hints and bourbon oak.

Flavors:
Rich oak, Lemon peel, hibiscus, roses, floral hops, lavender, honey, Bourbon, toasted coconut, stone fruit peach apricot, lychee, biscuit bread, vanilla, cocada Mexican coconut candy notes, sweetened condensed milk, strawberries, kiwi, cherries, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee fruit, cane sugar, sour apples, wine grapes, Chardonnay, raspberries, white chocolate notes, oranges, tangerine hints, super lactic funk and white wine.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with floral notes, coconut, lemon peel, vanilla, oak, honey, oranges, hibiscus, strawberries and biscuit bread. No Alcohol in the taste, clear rose and golden body, crisp, refreshing and effervecent mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
While it is exceptional and very delicious, I think the balance is the only thing that keeps it from being at the highest it could be. It is mainly tart and the sweetness is here and there but you can still tell there is a lot of complexity in this one. While I feel many who love sours will definitely enjoy this one, if you mainly love sours for its extreme sourness, then this one is an awesome one for you.

Anime Corner:
Aeris Gainsborough from Final Fantasy VII was chosen in this beer since I have yet to review a beer with Aeris but mainly since her colors fit well with the colors and ingredients of the beer. This beer is full of flowers and Aeris is a flower girl so I figure it was the most perfect pairing especially a beer such as this one, the golden cuvee.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/Z7iVoXe.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/76/d5/a1/76d5a1334bf885972c8dec13d4511e32.jpg
http://img2.yiihuu.com/860X860/upimg/courses/2016/04/19/1-1461034043-529785.jpg?auto=h
http://images.forwallpaper.com/files/images/6/6c04/6c049fbc/100568/aerith-gainsborough.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/93/b9/b7/93b9b7af4b08eab0082ac228b2d2a8b2.jpg

Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter by Stone brewing

Rating: 6/6

Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter by Stone brewing is a 9.6% ABV Imperial Sweet/Milk Porter brewed with lactose and chocolate aged in Bourbon, Reposado Tequila and Red Wine Barrels.

Description:
Tasting Notes: Malty nose, with lots of chocolate and red wine barrel coming through strong on the aroma. First sip is big red wine barrel again, along with soft malt sweetness, milk chocolate, and tons of vanilla from the bourbon barrel. The tequila barrel comes through mid-palate and on the aftertaste, along with flavors reminiscent of a chocolate covered tart cherry. This is a full bodied, flavorful dessert beer, great for beer lovers who also love chocolate and red wine together!

==Introduction==

Sold only on draft/crowler at this time from the brewery or Stone Stores. I obtained this one when I went to pick up the Stone and Lost Abbey collaboration they did in Berlin from the Stone Pasadena store. While I found this interesting by name, it wasn’t until I found out more about it and tried it that I was sold to get a whole crowler and bring information on what this beer is all about. The fact that it is a triple barrel aged milk porter was definitely something I wanted for sure. The best part sometimes is that Stone doesn’t limit what they have to offer (Not Including the Quingenti Series) when it comes to one offs that are on tap and are typically an awesome treasure that may not hit the public. Few are so lucky but for those I do find, I will try to bring them to the site. Now, let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cranberries, pomegranates, dark cherries, tobacco, leather, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, Port wine, oak, bourbon, vanilla, toasted coconut, Marshmallow smore, Tequila, Agave, Mezcal, Vampiro, Sangria, piloncillo sugar cone, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, burnt chocolate, coffee, mocha and Kahlua coffee liqueur.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, burnt chocolate, coffee, mocha, Kahlua coffee liqueur, sour funk, wine grapes, toasted coconut, Marshmallow smores, smokey oak, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche chocolate, toffee, BBQ notes, Tequila, Agave, Mezcal, Vampiro, Sangria, piloncillo sugar cone, Port wine, Dark fruit raisins, prunes, cranberries, pomegranates, dark cherries, licorice, anise, molasses, banana, clove spice, burnt sugar, rock candy, tobacco, leather, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar and flan notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of oak, smokey and funky, rich earthy chocolate, bourbon, tequila, caramel, dark fruits, wine and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Super complex and supremely exceptional beer showcasing notes from all the different barrels that I love beer aged with. The wine oak barrel provides it an overall tartness but works so damn well with the other complex flavors and barrels. It is a mix of sweet and tart with mild smoke and oaky goodness. I hope they release this to the public but for now, I highly recommend this one if you can get it on tap at Stone or one of their Stone Stores.

Anime Corner:
Krystal Fox from Star Fox was used in this pairing mainly for the colors or dark fruits and the dark smoothness. There really wasn’t too much else other that I really wanted to pair such an awesome rare beer with my favorite Star Fox vixen. Like the Sangrileche beer I made in the past, this beer is as dark as space!

Sources:
http://cs8.pikabu.ru/post_img/big/2017/01/21/11/1485027491260964489.png
http://orig09.deviantart.net/a072/f/2015/246/a/3/krystal_pinup_by_sallyhot-d9873qx.jpg
https://img.fireden.net/v/image/1445/66/1445667801724.png
http://68.media.tumblr.com/3ac1ef6ef81e753e1fb77afaf10fe9dd/tumblr_olvxv6EotA1s2m89po2_1280.jpg

Bourbon Barrel Old Strangler by Garage Brewing

Rating: 6/6

Bourbon Barrel Old Strangler by Garage Brewing is a 12.1% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
We believe in making our fresh craft beer from only the finest ingredients. And guess what? It’s really good! This flavorful beer developed from a recipe during our humble beginnings just got turned up a notch flavored in aged bourbon barrels.

==Introduction==

I have yet to try the Old Strangler but when I saw that Garage Brewing was making a Bourbon Barrel aged stout, I had to try it. I love different styles of beers but when those styles are married with different spirit based barrels, I always look to trying them as the majority of the time enhances the original recipe into new flavor heights. Since I have yet to try a Barrel Aged beer from Garage Brewing, this was the best opportunity for me to proceed. Let’s see how it is, cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla, whiskey, bourbon, mocha, roasted coffee notes, anise, licorice, earthy notes, dark chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers chocolate, dark cherries, raspberry, currants, almond joy chocolates, toasted coconut, crème brulee, pecan pie, leather, tobacco, marshmallow cream and hazelnut.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, brownie batter, Irish cream, Danish cream, flan, crème brulee, dark fruits like raisins, dark cherries, raspberry, currants, plums, figs,vanilla, Oak, Dulce de leche caramel, toasted coconut, marshmallow smores, Khalua Liquer, mocha, roasted coffee, Licorice, Anise, Molasses, Whiskey, bourbon, leather, tobacco, rye bread, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar notes, earthy notes, coffee cake, banana hints, sweetened condensed milk, graham crackers, tiramasu notes, almond joy chocolates and triple chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of oaky notes, whiskey, anise notes, dark chocolates, toasted coconut, cherries, flan, mocha and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, Dark full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel with an easy to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional! Like the many awesome bourbon barrel aged stouts I have had before. Whatever special barrels they are using in this one, I can tell it is unique almost like the High West barrels. The alcohol is not in your face and gives way to very awesome complexity. That being said, it is one that is definitely worth picking up and highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Cidney Aurum from Final Fantasy XV was used in his pairing to mainly pair with the color of the label but mainly with the fact that she is mechanic and this beer looks as pitch black and viscous as motor oil. Essentially, bringing the theme of working on a car as well as needing a beer.

Sources:
http://att.bbs.duowan.com/forum/201703/16/021354bm6cibmltc6leism.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zggesWi.jpg
https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/005/328/364/large/frank-lee-cindy.jpg?1490231917

Home Brew Project #30 Royal Succubinal’s Midnight Brunchy Bliss by Nubis Sanctum Ales

Rating: 6.35/7

Home Brew Project #30 Royal Succubinal’s Midnight Brunchy Bliss by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 12% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Black Hole Necromancer Remy Martin Cognac Barrel Aged Red Eye Unicorn Blood Espresso Coffee Beans, Maple Syrup and Oak aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon.

Label:
Royal Succubinal’s Midnight Brunchy Bliss

Many know the story of Dracula and the origin of vampires being from the very Vlad Țepeș (The Impaler), son of Vlad Dracul (The Dragon/Devil). While during his life, he had done many atrocities
like impaling people and drinking their blood. Even so, many did not know that he bore children.

Little is known about his daughter Lilith/Zaleska Dracula who also had a thirst for blood like her father. Although, killing was not her style and she chose to deal with this by creating a substitute. You see, in those days, where magic and alchemy were abundant, all she had to do was come up with the right incantation, ingredients and rituals. Of course, she had to pull a couple of favors to get the recipe just right and thankfully, she had perfected something that has survived the centuries. It was hidden in Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania, until today!

American Strong Ale brewed with Black Hole Necromancer Remy Martin Cognac Barrel Aged Red Eye Unicorn Blood Espresso Coffee Beans, Maple Syrup and Oak aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon

==Introduction==

Project #30 was inspired by One of the ultimate Double Bastard variants called “Arrogant Bastard’s Midnight Brunch”. Double Bastard has always been one of my favorite beers from stone since the first time I found it long after trying Arrogant bastard. In Midnight Brunch, they took the Double Bastard, American Strong ale, added espresso beans and aged in in maple syrup and bourbon barrels. It was definitely a huge beer that made me a fan of making my own.

One of the beers that was similar but not exact was the Highwater Sugaree which used similar ingredients but added pecans. So essentially, I did research for a Double Bastard recipe. Then, to add my own ingredients, I added a very special coffee. The Black Hole Necromancer Remy Martin Cognac Barrel Aged Red Eye Unicorn Blood Espresso Coffee Beans (What a mouthful!!) from Dark Matter Coffee was the ingredient that was created in collaboration with Three Floyd’s Cognac Barrel aged Dark Lord Imperial stout in 2015. They took the barrels that had that beer and cognac and aged their Unicorn Blood Coffee Beans into it. Essentially, this would add a special key set of flavors to my brew not found in any of the other beers. Putting all that together and into a secondary with maple syrup and Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon and half a year later out comes something that was very different from even from that of the Midnight Brunch. Now that I brought it here to the website, let’s have a look at this creation, Cheers!

Aromas:
Lots of maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla, mocha, coffee, oak, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, Irish cream, Danish cream, campfire smores, peppery notes, pecan pie, port wine, hazelnut nectar, tiramasu cake, jamoca ice cream, maple coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, dark fruit raisins, cherry, figs, dates, currants, stone fruit old mango, candied orange notes, chambord raspberry, marshmallows, toasted coconut, earthy dark chocolate, Mexican chocolate, milk chocolate, pancakes and flan.

Flavors:
Rich oak, vanilla, mocha, roasted coffee, fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee, peanut butter notes, marzipan, mazapan, pecan pie, port wine, bourbon, cognac hints, maple syrup, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, dark fruit raisins, cherry, figs, dates, currants, stone fruit old mango, candied orange notes, chambord raspberry, marshmallows, toasted coconut, earthy dark chocolate, Mexican chocolate, milk chocolate, pancakes, crème brulee, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, Irish cream, Danish cream, campfire smores, pepper notes, banana, earthy hop notes, sweetened condensed milk, flan, fruit cake, capirotada raisin bread pudding, figgy pudding, molasses, tiramasu cake, jamoca ice cream and maple coffee cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with maple syrup pancake notes, earthy chocolate, oak, marshmallows, vanilla, dark fruit, toffee, caramel, crème brulee, flan and fruit cake. No alcohol in the taste despite the high 12% ABV. Amber Crimson Full body, smooth, velvety creamy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Absolutely phenomenal! This is indeed a brunch or breakfast beer, if your breakfast is late at night. It has almost everything I loved about the Midnight Bruch from Stone but with the addition of the coffee and my own ingredients, the beer became some other creature entirely. The coffee added some most inner depth that I did not find in even the depth charged or the Midnight Brunch. While I feel it is worthy of a bucket lister, it would not make sense since this is such a rarity not found anywhere. This right next to Sangrileche 2 are probably the best beers I have ever made. Yet, some of my other barrel aged and other experimental batches have been the best too. It is hard to decide, but this is definitely on another level even for the different craft beers I have had in the past.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland from Capcom’s Darkstalkers was used in this pairing as I have used her in many of the Stone beers including many of the double bastard iterations. While I did use Etna from Disgaea for the Stone Midnight Brunch, I wanted to pay tribute in my own creation to Lilith for coming up with an inspired beer. While she along with Morrigan are some of my favorite characters from the Darkstalkers series, it was only fitting that I used a beer that fits the curriculum of vampires having their brunch after hours when there is no sun outside. Essentially, when the name of “Midnight Brunch” came about, I could only think of how vampires probably do their breakfast or brunch at Midnight. So the story was born!

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f2/3b/c3/f23bc3f028786ed7269e74c157f80798.jpg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/wakusoku/imgs/a/2/a244a2bf.jpg
http://i.imgbox.com/dGLRkI0j.jpg
http://1.foto.radikal.ru/0601/b7bd5d5bf0ce.jpg
http://t03.deviantart.net/znLHcT5m7cFv_fuVEpYSgETCnV4=/fit-in/700×350/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre04/4bd8/th/pre/i/2015/103/0/d/lilith_aensland_wallpaper_4k_by_jaksonstoker-d8plg0v.png
http://img05.deviantart.net/cb03/i/2014/266/a/e/lilith_aensland_wallpaper_by_jaksonstoker-d809i3x.png
http://static.zerochan.net/Lilith.Aensland.full.802428.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Lilith.Aensland.full.309888.jpg
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/11d62-10cfd7fc39e678c7f9efc044037b16fe.jpg

2017 Proprietor’s Vintage No. 001 Bravo by Firestone Walker

Rating: 6/6

2017 Proprietor’s Vintage No. 001 Bravo by Firestone Walker is a 13.2% ABV Imperial Brown Ale aged in American Oak Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
(Please See Picture Below)

==Introduction==

Since the release of Parabola and the consecutive Anniversary beers from Firestone Walker, I have always wanted to try this one. Bravo is essentially one of the major components of their anniversary beers including Parabola, Sucaba, Double Double Barrel Ale, Helldorado, Stickee Monkee, Velvet Merkin, PNC and others. Up until now, it has only been a tap room exclusive. With the retirement of Sucaba unfortunately, this has paved the way for people start enjoying Bravo. While the smaller bottle personally is something I don’t like since it is less beer, the good thing is the price does drop with it. Unlike some breweries, (like The Lost Abbey, although a favorite of mine) drops the bottle sizes and keeps the same damn price. It is ridiculous really but the reason I still have sources that have 22ounce bottles of some beers like Santa’s Little Helper Bourbon Oak Barrel Aged. Anyways, you came here for a Bravo review and that is what I am going to deliver. Let’s have a whirl at this, cheers!

Aromas:
Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, figs, dates, cherries, dark chocolate, vaniolla, oak, caramel, toffee, mocha, tiramisu, coffee cake, molasses, port wine notes, fruit cake, Toasted coconut, peanut butter notes, Danish cream cookies, Irish cream notes, English cream caramel, Butterscotch and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, toffee, pecan pie, marzipan, Rye bread, Butterscotch, Toasted coconut, peanut butter notes, Danish cream cookies, Irish cream notes, English cream caramel, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, figs, dates, cherries, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, sweetened condensed milk notes, almond joy, cashew butter, milk chocolate, Chocolate truffles, mocha, stone fruit peach notes, honey, tiramasu ice cream, nougat, coffee cake, molasses, port wine notes, bananas foster, maple syrup, capirotada raisin bread pudding and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich toffee notes. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the amazing flavors. Murky amber brown full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and semi chewy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Such a different beer! It’s amazing what Firestone Walker has done with all their beers. This is why they have a world class barrel aging program. Many of their beers are very unique in terms of their flavor profiles with the use of different oak barrels. There is something that makes their barrel aged beer and become coveted. For Bravo, the component that seems to stand out more is the English style sweet flavors. Almost like an English Barleywine but with some coffee notes as well. Overall, I think this is definitely on that world class list and stands great on its own even if it is part composition of the anniversary beers.

Anime Corner:
Tron Bonne from Capcom’s Megaman Legends series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair it with the aspect of a well made beer. Bravo is expressed for a job well done but also a well made beer. Well made beers are synonymous with well-engineered pieces of work. Engineering applies to anything made including robotics. Since there was a trending theme that I have applied to FW’s special beers and their Anniversary beers, it was only natural to find a character that would follow the trend too. Essentially, the trend is similar to the job class system in RPGs like Final Fantasy. The reason why this is came from the first time I tried their Anniversary beers that usually comes with an in depth analysis of the beers composition using blends of other beers. An analysis like a strategy guide to RPGs. So a combination of the beers is like characters in these RPG games. My personal breakdown is as follows: Parabola=Knight, Velvet Merkin=Black Mage, Stickee Monkee=Monkey Monk, Helldorado=Demon Class, Wookie Jack=Mercenaries (Like Star Wars Solo and Chewbacca), Double Double Barrel=Double Cross Thief class, Sucaba=Maid/Dancer and now Bravo=Engineer/Mechanic. Tron is the Robotics Engineer in this instance.

Sources:
https://secure.static.tumblr.com/8528ef37e773bd5ced7c523c97f5316f/9izxgqz/3X2o3szjj/tumblr_static_tumblr_static_1tiflnb9inpcs8ksk0gokocsw_640.jpg
http://i64.tinypic.com/2efp0ty.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm289/_ORIONSTAR/324429.jpg~original
http://i.imgur.com/E4RWQc7.jpg
http://www.fightersgeneration.com/nx6/char/tron-bonne-oni-soul.png

(2017 Birthday Review) Home brew Project #29 SangriLeche Chapter: 2 – Hey You, Wanna Buy Some ChocoW00tCherries?!!? by Nubis Sanctum Ales

Rating: 6.25/7

Home brew Project #29 SangriLeche Chapter: 2 – Hey You, Wanna Buy Some ChocoW00tCherries?!!? by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 14% ABV Imperial Milk Stout brewed with Blood Lord Bourbon Barrel Aged Espresso Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate, Cacao Nibs, Vanilla Beans, Sweet Cherry Puree, Gold Syrup and Pecans Oak aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon.

Label:
SangriLeche, Chapter: 2 Hey You, Wanna Buy Some ChocoW00tCherries?!!?
Damn it all! This is what I get for listening to pink haired broads trying to sell me some goods off the streets. When people used to tell me not to take candy from strangers, I should have listened. Heck, you too! How the hell else you get a hold of this damn cursed bottle. I was but a pawn to this girl’s seductions. Trying to sell me a bottle of some magical cherries and now, I am stuck here. Going on these dumbass, fucking space adventures.
I heed you warning though friend, do not make the same mistake I made. Drinking this will only summon that cherry choco cordial selling girl with no remorse and you will be a slave to this like I have. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya! Don’t drink this BEER!

Imperial Milk Stout brewed with Blood Lord Bourbon Barrel Aged Espresso Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate, Cacao Nibs, Vanilla Beans, Sweet Cherry Puree, Gold Syrup and Pecans Oak aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon.

==Introduction==

Project #29 was inspired by everything that is awesome! Beer, Anime, Video Games and anything that celebrates geekdom. For the longest time, I always wanted to make a beer similar to the Bruery and Three Floyds Collaboration: Rue D’Floyd. An Imperial Porter aged in bourbon barrels with Vanilla, Cherries and Coffee. Since the days of Project #6 Oblivixen’s “Sangri-Leche” Maelstrom, I knew I wanted to make return to that beer. A beer that took a lot of experimentation, effort and time to essentially become, my first attempt at barrel/oak aging a beer. It was such a damn hit that it paved way for some of my other oak aged brews which I was very fond of and so were many of my friends. The return of the Sangrileche, however, was going to be different. Essentially, as I pondered about beer and geeky stuff, I remember how awesome and geeky Stone’s W00tStout was.

When I had heard that Wil Wheaton was awesome enough to share the recipe, I thought awesome I wanna brew that beer too. Then I thought, wait a second, What if I borrow some ideas from that W00tStout recipe and create my own new recipe . Essentially, it would not be a Belgian Stout, but many of the Sangrileche elements would make a return. Not in the way I imagined but very damn close. Heck, I wanted to make a W00Stout/Rue D’Floyd hybrid. Since Sangrileche already carried the vanilla, cherries and coffee like it did with Rue D’Floyd, why not, pay tribute and make it similar to that using some W00tstout inspirations of Pecans in place of peanut butter and add more dark chocolate and some sweeter cherries. What really put the “Cherry” on this dessert was when I brought the unholy grail of the Bourbon Barrel Blood Lord Coffee into the mix. Dark Matter’s Coffee beans, Unicorn’s Blood Coffee (Which were also used in the original Sangri Leche) aged in bourbon barrels that had “Three Floyds – Dark Lord Imperial Stout”. Yes, this coffee had a limited run but it was worth it to create this madness of a beer that would soon be the second coming of BloodyMilk (SangriLeche). So with that and a special Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon (Unfortunately I ran out of Dragon’s Milk Bourbon) which was referred to me by my friend Oscar, this beer was finally born.

W00h! That’s a mess, TL:DR. Essentially, it took me several months of aging but this beer made it just in time to bring it to the website and give my thoughts on my crazy creation. Why does it have so much game influences? Go Read or Listen to the “Ready Player One”, which is also narrated by, you guessed it, Wil MuddaFuckin’ Wheaton himself! Yes, that book has so many references to the 80’s and 90’s lore just like this beer has so much going on making it in my mind, one of the best video game beers and also one of the best home brews I have ever brewed to date. With that says, today marks my birthday so this is essentially a treat to myself and fans alike. Cheers and thank you for your support!!

Aromas:
Chocolate Cherry Cordials, Dark chocolate, earthy chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, Carlos V Mexican chocolate, oak, bourbon, vanilla, toffee, caramel, mocha coffee, dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, blackberries, raspberries, pecan pie, flan, crème brulee, banana split sundae, rocky road ice cream, Khalua coffee notes, coconut hints, walnuts, Irish cream, chocolate cherry cake, milk sugar, chocolate port wine, Nutella chocolate, oatmeal cookies, anise, tobacco and leather.

Flavors:
Super Rich Dark Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, Carlos V Mexican chocolate, earthy chocolate, almost like a mole spice, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Chocolate Mousse, Vanilla, Dulce de leche caramel, toffee, butterscotch, dark fruit raisins, currants, raspberries, blackberries, prunes, dark cherries, sweet cherries, port wine, Nutella chocolate, Chocolate Cherry Cordials, Banana split Sundae, whipped cream, marzipan, mazapan, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, walnuts, prailines, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, toasted coconut hints, flan, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa krispies, Kahlua coffee Liqueur, Irish cream notes, Cherry Chocolate cake, Tres Leches/ Three Milks cake, mocha, roasted coffee notes, fancy coffee notes, oak, bourbon, molasses, mint chocolate chip hints, oreo cookies and cream, raisin bread pudding, lactose milk sugar and chocolate cookie dough.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with Chocolates for days, Nutella, dark chocolates, Mexican chocolate, dark cherries, vanilla, caramel, earthy chocolate, oak, bourbon hints, mocha, pecan pie and banana split cherry sundae. For being my strongest beer to date at 14%, you can’t really any of the alcohol. The body is fully pitch black and abysmal like the previous iteration of Sangrileche. The mouthfeel is very smooth, not as chewey as the original sangrileche but velvety and syrupy. A major sipper for sure, but this brew was made to be sipped and taken with ease.

Overall:
Ridiculous. Really fucking ridiculous, oh did I mention, fucking ridiculous! While it is not as sweet as the original Sangrileche, its still a dessert though. Not cloying and very out there. The majority of the beer is like drinking chocolate syrup like some of the best choco vanilla barrel aged beers out there. The cherries really start to play when the beer warms up and more of the dark fruit flavors start to come out. While the beer does not have much head retention, it is expected at such a high 14% ABV. Now, the real question is, did I really succeed in making the ultimate hybrid geek beer. The answer is Yes and No. Yes because the flavors are similar to those on the Bruery and Three Floyds and W00tstout combined with some Dark Lord Imperial Stout. The No part really has to do with the fact that it is not those beers, its my own creation. It is something new but at the same time, it is a geek beer. I poured so much effort and fan splurging as I can possibly think of into this. Geekdoms are made by fans and Geek inspired home brews are made by fans as well. So yeah, it is a fucking Geek Beer in its own damn righr. A crazy one at that. Even so, as crazy as some of my other beer recipes have been in the past, this one truly takes the cake. Yes, how appropriate, cake for my birthday. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Haruko Haruhara from FLCL/Fooly Cooly and many video game characters were all chosen in this pairing because for being an insane and really out there beer, I needed to bring an anime character from one of the most beloved franchises who is all about rock and is a space psycho. You really have to think, how crazy this beer is with all its ingredients, colors, strength, retro name and geekiness. Yes, recipe base of W00tstout inspired darkness is the embodiment of pure Beer and Geeky media! While Krystal Fox from Star Fox was the original mascot for this beer, I paid tribute to her as you can see from the label. Yes, I could think of no one better.

Sources:
https://ugc.kn3.net/i/origin/http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h476/santo969/501623.jpg?t=1298836348
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5d/cb/5d/5dcb5ddbdf54b59cb498801cf17d272b.jpg
http://wallpapersonthe.net/wallpapers/l/haruko_haruharu_flcl_anime_vespa_haruko-8042.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I2yHaMXsWRs/WBU65zSeaMI/AAAAAAAADfI/jGUBAKYYpUsA2JD6ShTPtr76MBfEpIS6QCJoC/w426-h400/16%2B-%2B1
http://fanfics.frikitest.com/imagenes/foro/vD5hFVbG2taLxki.jpg
https://vamf.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/flcl-14.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.roosterteeth.com/uploads/images/2a699fb8-5fcb-433b-a439-2694a298c778/md/halo3paranod4b7cfec536a08.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/88/8d/03/888d035c3f1efdc54680b7d58c3868f5.jpg

2016 One Hitter Series High West-ified Imperial Coffee Stout by Lagunitas brewing

Rating: 6/6

2016 One Hitter Series High West-ified Imperial Coffee Stout by Lagunitas brewing is a 12.2% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Coffee beans and aged in High West Rye Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
There’s no shame in being a One-Hit Wonder. It’s hard to be right even once. This series of rare beers, brewed in our smallest fermentors all are experiments, liquid ideas, salubrious ruminations built on our 23 years of edgy brewing at the edge of brewing.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at one of my local liquor stores in South Gate. I had heard great things about this beer and heard it also sold quickly. For a beer that was definitely up there with all the great spirit aged brews out there, I had to pick this one up. It was actually a surprised that I found it as I really believed they had sold out. For the ABV and the price of a 6 pack at what you would normally pay for a single 22oz or 12oz of some specialty whale (12-14$) this was a damn bargain. Sometimes, 6 packs maybe downplayed but when you realize you get more beer for your $, its insane. Especially when its something like this. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Belgian chocolate, chocolate milk shake, oak, whiskey, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, Irish cream, mocha, roasted coffee notes, toasted rye bread, marshmallow smores, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, toasted coconut hints and sweetened condensed milk.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, Whiskey, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Belgian chocolate, chocolate milk shake, mocha, espresso beans, Khalua, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, hazelnut nectar, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, Danish cream, Irish cream, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, oatmeal cookies, marshmallow smores, malted milk balls, waffle cone, chocolate cream cake, toasted rye bread, mint chocolate chip notes, molasses, dark cherry chocolate cake, dark cherry ice cream hints, whipped cream and hints of smoke.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich mocha notes, vanilla, caramel, rye whiskey, oak, rocky road ice cream, Irish cream, marshmallow smores, caramel bourbon, smokey notes and roasted espresso coffee. No alcohol in the taste despite the 12.2% ABV, pitch black full body, smooth, creamy, chewy and velvety mouthfeel, as well as a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional brew! Like drinking Bourbon County Rye or a specialty Rye whiskey barrel aged stout. The flavors are amazing displaying a ton of complexity and the rich deliciousness of the rye barrel. For them to sell it at such a price is something I wish they didn’t have it in a limited run and more of a yearly beer. This is why I think its called the One-Hitter series as it really is hit! They spent a lot of time making this one an awesome brew and I highly recommend people check this one out.

Anime Corner:
YoRHa No.2 Type B/ 2B/ 2E “Executioner” from Nier: Automata was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to choose a bad as character that also pairs with the label colors, beer colors and beer strength. She has a blindfold to represent the obliviousness that people have toward common brews which can can actually be on par with the likes of many of the awesome whales I have had before. Yes, this is worthy of a challenge!

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6PbQw0VUAAZkyK.png
https://kazasou.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/konachan-com-233374-criin_659503-nier-nier_automata.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5Lie57UcAEGKkJ.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2c6n0EVQAEGy02.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6b1OFEXQAISXJ9.jpg

Frootwood by Founders brewing

Rating: 6/6
17017214_10104048574606000_1098697767978275839_o
Frootwood by Founders brewing is an 8% ABV Cherry Ale aged in Maple Syrup Bourbon Barrels

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
We took a crisp, light-bodied cherry ale and hid it away in oak barrels that have held both bourbon and maple syrup. After a lengthy stint, it emerged a changed beer, blanketed in notes of warm vanilla and earthy sweetness. The wood proves itself the star of this beer, adding depth and taming the tart cherry while the maple imposes a velvety texture that lingers for not a moment too long.

==Introduction==
17097884_10104048574810590_7430083180534335113_o
The 4th Barrel aged brew I have ever tried from the Founders series of beers. KBS, Backwoods Bastard and Lizard of Koz were the other three. This time they bring a beer with cherries which I believe was the original brew, Cerise and barrel aged that in barrels that previously had Maple syrup and Bourbon barrels to cream this light bodied beer. It was strange at first since many of their barrel aged beers I expected this to be darker but this is very nice. Regardless, Founders has been a great brewery since the days of their Breakfast Stout and to this day I enjoy getting my hands on them whenever I can. Let’s take a look at this one and see how good The “Fruit Wood” is. Cheers!

Aromas:
Maple, dark cherries, cinnamon, mint, yerba buena tea, green tea ice cream, sweetened condensed milk notes, Danish cream, ginger bread, brown sugar, honey, floral notes, roses, apple cider, stone fruit, vanilla and caramel.

Flavors:
Rich Dark Cherries, Cinnamon tea, brown sugar, maple, vanilla, caramel oak, bourbon, marzipan, chardonnay, wine grapes, honey, floral notes, roses, stone fruit peaches, apple pie, cherry cobbler, peach cobbler, mint, yerba buena tea, green tea ice cream, sweetened condensed milk notes, biscuit bread, butterscotch, apple cider, Danish cream, ginger bread, fruit cake hints and cookie dough ice cream hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishing semi dry with cherry, oak, maple, wine grapes and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, light to medium amber body, crisp, refreshing, smooth and clean mouthfeel along with a very easy drinkability.

Overall:
A very nice exceptional hitter. The flavors are not super complex but there is an array of reasons why I consider this one very exceptional. For starters, ridiculously easy to drink, not offending in the alcohol, very nice flavors are noted and the semi dry finish is something that keeps you wanting more. You can easily finish this in one sitting if not careful. The very interesting thing about this beer is that it is not cloying at all. This can definitely be very approachable to non beer drinkers. I highly recommended.
17097951_10104048573767680_4486295455745071318_o
Anime Corner:
Ruby Rose from RWBY was chosen in this pairing for the colors that pair well with her and the red of cherries and dark maple and oak bourbon. Even the color of the beer as well showcases the ruby and rose colors in general that fit well with the beer.
17097820_10104048573752710_3193369342932028970_o
Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2pnlbkXEAArFG0.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Ruby.Rose.full.2061817.jpg
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2016-08-20-854922.jpeg
http://pic.element3ds.com/forum/201611/18/145623fexpvxxpjbrjrxfv.png

2017 Mélange 5 by The Bruery

Rating: 6/6
16904984_10104035723040640_706272784145286366_o
2017 Mélange 5 by The Bruery is a 15% ABV Hybrid of 90% Old Ale and Wheatwine aged in bourbon barrels with 10% Rauchbier.

Label:
DAMN THAT DBJW

This trip down memory lane is rauch-y blend of our bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale anniversary ale and smoked beer.

It’s dirty business, rubbing shoulders with friends in the BBQ business. But we’re rolling up our sleeves and revisiting a favorite from an anniversary weekend years ago. Using malt smoked on our friend’s house smoker, we brewed a smoked beer and blended it with our bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale and anniversary ale. The result is a woody, smoky, blend you’ll want to sink your teeth into.

==Introduction==
17015762_10104035733744190_5944447236715703598_o
Released to Reserve and Hoarders Society, this is the newest entry in the awesome Mélange series of beer. Each one unique using different ingredients mainly including White Oak Wheatwine, their Anniversary Old Ale and/or Black Tuesday Imperial Stout. This time around, they blended a smoked beer adding some different kind of complexity to the beer. So far, I haven able to bring a good amount of these beers to the website and hope to continue the trend. I think there is no doubt in my mind that this series of beers have been nothing but pure exceptional gold. Let’s see what the smoke adds to the already awesome beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, raspberries, smokey oak, whiskey, bourbon, BBQ, honey, marshmallow, pecan pie, waffle cone, flan, sweetened condensed milk, Cadbury cream eggs, capirotada raisin bread pudding, smoked rye bread, nutmeg, oranges, tobacco, vanilla and bacon.
16992335_10104035722925870_6614671237710436526_o
Flavors:
Maple syrup, BBQ, smokey oak, bourbon, whisky, dulce de leche caramel, caramelized bacon, honey ham, vanilla, toasted coconut, oranges, leather, molasses, tobacco, chocolate, Cadbury cream eggs, capirotada raisin bread pudding, toasted coconut, piloncillo sugar cone,burnt sugars, butterscotch, plantains, Belgian Candi sugar, dark fruit raisins, plums, clove spice, anise, coriander spice hints, smoked rye bread, nutmeg, flan, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, pecan pie, Raspberry chambord and waffle cone.
16991742_10104035722900920_6332971628288151184_o
Aftertaste:
Finishes with BBQ, pulled pork hints, smokey notes, Cadbury chocolate caramel cream eggs, vanilla, honey, chocolate, and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, hazy orange full body, smooth, chewy, creamy and velvety mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.
16836187_10104035722865990_5371417974461028819_o
Overall:
An exceptional brew. As, always, very complex like the other Mélanges and the Rauchbier does add some new complexity to the blend that makes it very enticing. Malty sweet and smokey notes to balance. Overall, like the many Bruery beers, it is a dessert on its own. Highly recommended.
16904975_10104035722666390_1570815618343629705_o
Anime Corner:
Inori Yuzuriha from Guilty Crown was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to mainly pair with the colors of the beer with the orange, black and brown colors. It was also an opportunity to bring this character to the Bruery series of beers as I have not used her in these pairings in the past. To prevent repeat characters, it is always hard to find all the needed characters. I think additionally, her colors and traits like complex personality would go great with the beer as well.
16992014_10104035722486750_7627810300011952819_o
Sources:
http://tp.lingyu.me/bz/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Ftp.lingyu.me%2Fbz%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F08%2Fwww.lingyu.me_20160816044331198.jpg&w=2560&h=1600&zc=1
http://76.72.168.19/images/2016-04-08-824018.jpeg
http://tp.lingyu.me/bz/uploads/2016/08/www.lingyu.me_20160816043321505.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xsSLRAcRT-M/UeDNJLVJ8FI/AAAAAAAABUY/TEmSjqQRGMI/w650-h795/B7951FA2-18BA-4AB8-A0A7-F3943796D4BF.JPG
http://i6.buimg.com/92d5df145faaab68.jpg
http://www.kartinki.me/images/201204/kartinki.me_3001.jpg
http://i.imgbox.com/K0JPn5AA.jpg

Chronology:6 Imperial Porter by The Bruery

Rating: 5.85/6
16992066_10104035709023730_8230801052882987638_o
Chronology:6 Imperial Porter by The Bruery is a 12.7% ABV Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
TIME WELL SPENT

This is the first in a chronological series of beers released at six-month intervals to chart the evolution of bourbon barrel-aged character in an imperial porter over time.

For this Chronology series, we brewed an imperial porter and set it to age in bourbon barrels. Every six months, we;ll take a quarter of the barrels, blend them and bottle them. The first bottling represents the nuances imparted to the base beer after six months of barrel-aging.

==Introduction==
16992275_10104035709018740_4911518640682966217_o
Another year of the awesome Chronology series begins. With this entry, 2017 starts by creating a passage of barrel aging prowess with the Imperial Porter Styles. The past 2 years of the series have been amazing and growing ever exquisite with age. The best one I love so far was the Wee Heavy as I have a preference for that rare style but still, they have all been amazing. Now bringing the first one in the series to the table, let’s see how this base will fair after the next couple of months, cheers!

Aromas:
Rocky road ice cream, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel oak, bourbon, toasted coconuts, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar notes, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, Cadbury chocolate and caramel cream eggs, butterscotch, Tootsie roll chocolate, Jamoca Chocolate, dark fruit currants, raisins, dark cherries, raspberry notes, molasses and maple syrup.

Flavors:
Cadbury chocolate and caramel cream eggs, butterscotch, Tootsie roll chocolate, Jamoca Chocolate Cherry Ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, smoked whiskey notes, marshmallow smores, rocky road ice cream, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel oak, bourbon, toasted coconuts, dark fruit currants, raisins, dark cherries, raspberry notes, molasses, maple syrup, anise, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar notes, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk and almond joy chocolate.
16905006_10104035708524730_7159762020439602432_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, smokey notes, whiskey notes, marshmallow and toasted coconut. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Dark full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Very exceptional beer right off the barrel. I know it’s only been 6 months but this is already damn delicious. Ofcouse, I expected no different from some of the amazing barrel aging process that the Bruery does. Rich barrel and bourbon character along with the port flavors of the chocolate and dark fruit complexities.
16904682_10104035708514750_1288925301241957146_o
Anime Corner:
Morrigan Aensland from Dark Stalkers was chosen in this pairing since I have not done a Bruery pairing with Morrigan and she is a favorite character of mine. With her hair colors that are mainly what pairs well with the beer as well as other colors and beer strength, it was a personal fit in my mind for the pairing.
16835917_10104035708529720_6632213046904308576_o
Sources:
https://img.fireden.net/vg/image/1467/76/1467768472566.jpg
http://favera.ru/img/2016/06/27/1319260_1467012000.jpg
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/456597-800×800-vampire++darkstalkers+%28game%29-capcom-morrigan+aensland-tsuaii-long+hair-single.jpg
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2015-08-23-762603.jpeg
http://vsevgallery.com/img/bPIC/201512/s5QCUK3bH00I.jpg

2015 Dragon’s Milk Reserve “Double Dragon” Triple-Mashed Stout by New Holland brewing

16486959_10103986382070340_1047002380448819807_oRating: 7/7

2015 Dragon’s Milk Reserve “Double Dragon” Triple-Mashed Stout by New Holland brewing is a 14% ABV Imperial Milk/Sweet Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
“Double Dragon is triple-mashed Dragon’s Milk, aged in New Holland Artisan Spirits oak barrels. Intense malt character is paired with the toasted notes of American White Oak, Robust, yet balanced, Double Dragon is an experience all its own.

Pairings: The stinkiest cheese, darkest chocolate and a day off.

==Introduction==
16664957_10103986381686110_7141368910122482632_o
Aged for two years hiding in the depths of the ends of the earth not to be disturbed until recently. The dragon has awoken. Well, it was not really found in some remote spot, but the excitement to get a chance to try the fabled, Double Dragon is definitely awesome. Since the first time I tried Dragon’s Milk, all those years ago, it was a beer that was my first and favorite from New Holland. I went out of my way to try to find the variants such as the raspberry and the coconut rum one and even the actual Bourbon that was made from this Beer. It was the inspiration and ingredient used In 2 of my special homebrews which came out awesome. So I feel that bringing this to the website is a damn honor for sure to one of my favorite beers. Will it hold up the original, let’s see, cheers!

Aromas:
Cadbury cream chocolate caramel eggs, Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, Chocolate mousse, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, hazelnut nectar, mocha coffee, espresso coffee, Kahlua Liqueur, Jamoca ice cream, Irish cream, fruit cake, sweetened condensed milk, tiramisu, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, Nutella, dark fruits like raisins, prunes, figs, blackberries, plums, raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, currants and toasted rye.

Flavors:
Rich Rocky Road Ice cream, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, crème brulee, flan,Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, Chocolate mousse, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, hazelnut nectar, Nutella, oak, bourbon, toasted coconut, marshmallows, Major Dark fruits like raisins, prunes, figs, blackberries, plums, raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, currants, mocha coffee, espresso coffee, Kahlua Liqueur, Jamoca ice cream, Irish cream, molasses, anise, tobacco notes, leather, steamed milk, Cadbury cream chocolate caramel eggs, peanut butter notes, cocoa crispies, fudge chocolate, toasted rye, brown sugar, fruit cake, Danish cream, pecan pie, truffle chocolate, tiramisu and sweetened condensed milk.
16462904_10103986381316850_6638328355297202784_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing with Rich mixed Chocolates, Caramel, Rocky Road, vanilla, oak, bourbon, earthy notes, marshmallows, nutella, coconut and cadbury cream eggs. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Aged has smoothed it out. Dark crimson full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and mildly syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.
16665615_10103986381321840_6010379096284591956_o
Overall:
A dragon unlike any other. A rare dragon like the three headed Final Fantasy Dragon, Tiamat. In liquid form. A bucket lister which I wish I had more of. For such a 12 ounce beer, much care and time must be taken. The flavors are super complex with an overall sweetness that lingers for a while. Nothing cloying but a malty complexity that can only be described as damn! A ton of roasty, oaky, bourbon and malty dark fruit comeplexity. I know there is a 2017 version of this beer that is even stronger but for this aging over 2 years, it is insane! It sure matured into a grand dragon for sure.I highly recommend getting this one!
16463521_10103986380967550_5633015497285007246_o
Anime Corner:
Toriel Dreemurr from the Undertale series was chosen not for the fact that she is not a dragon (a caprine), but for the characteristics of a dragon. When I thought of milk from a dragon, especially reserve as well as dessert, I could think of no other character. In the game, she makes butterscotch or cinnamon pie and pie goes great with milk. So essentially, the beer pairing I think works well as a dessert. The fact that this was a stronger version of my favorite beer, I also had to choose a strong character.
16487203_10103986379869750_136838290160924201_o
Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/undertale-welcome-my-child-606651582
http://68.media.tumblr.com/c9ae1b6af9d9deb890918e913e59980a/tumblr_ogpz5ccqrf1snoswqo1_500.png
https://static1.e926.net/data/3f/32/3f3263449063a40f0cc2dfa4dbf9ddf3.png
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5rfmzGL-7xU/maxresdefault.jpg
http://pm1.narvii.com/6184/cf822a41c85a11d8a565d5e239bf0c3409db2fe9_hq.jpg
http://orig05.deviantart.net/c524/f/2016/181/5/8/toriel_pin_up__undertale__by_catcouch-d9dp09r.jpg

Novo Quadrupel by Novo Brazil

16665838_10103986367195150_890731621990145770_oRating: 6/6

Novo Quadrupel by Novo Brazil is a 12% ABV is a Belgian Quadrupel aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
San Diego brewed, Brazilian Inspired

Five types of malt and a noble trappist-style yeast grant this beautiful beer an extraordinary complexity. Our Quadrupel is aged in bourbon barrels, which lends it a deep layer of flavor. Enjoy it now or next year, but we recommend enjoying this brew in a proper glass at cellar temperature (50°F)

==Introduction==
16463474_10103986364520510_2521008790656163666_o
I am always up for trying new Quadrupels, one of my favorite styles from Belgium. Therefore, when I saw this one, I was definitely intrigued. There are not many Bourbon Barrel or for that matter, spirit aged quadrupels out there. Any opportunity to try one or bring one to the website is always something that I pride on. Novo Brazil is a new brewery to San Diego and one I have not seen in the past. These guys seem to be brewing some nice beers so a good way to gauge would be to try this beer. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit peach, piloncillo sugar cone, hazelnut nectar, marzipan, pecan pie notes, candied Oranges, Waffle cone, butterscotch, rye bread, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, oak, whiskey notes, rock candy, Belgian dark candi sugar, bananas, clove spice, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, plum, prunes, dark cherry, honey dew melon and tamarind.

Flavors:
Candied Oranges, Waffle cone, butterscotch, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, plum, prunes, oak, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, whiskey notes, rock candy, Belgian dark candi sugar, bananas, clove spice, dark cherry, raspberry notes, preserved tangerines, toasted coconut bread, leathery notes, stone fruit peach, piloncillo sugar cone, chocolate notes, brown sugar, cinnamon, fruit cake, peppercorn, raw sun oranges, cane sugar, honey, honey dew melon, tamarind, capirotada raisin bread pudding, hazelnut nectar, marzipan, pecan pie notes, tropical fruit pineapple, dragon fruit and old mango.
16463520_10103986364490570_8468558699005257463_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing rich with honey, dark fruits, chocolate, rock candy, oak, bourbon, oranges, rye bread, tropical notes, bananas and pecan pie. No alcohol in the taste despite the 12% ABV, crimson amber hazy body, smooth, creamy, crisp, and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional quadruple! Unlike other quads, this one bring out the more candied orange like flavors but I think that is in part due to the bourbon barrel aging process. It still holds many of the complex flavors, which I love, from Quadrupels and more. I have noticed that some quads do enhance with dark chocolate or dark fruit flavors but this one is definitely more on the oak side. I highly recommend this one, definitely one to love!
16487805_10103986364485580_5220830526946252775_o
Anime Corner:
One of the 12th Gods of Destruction and his angel from Dragon Ball Super as well as Dizzy from Guilty gear were chosen in this pairing for 2 reasons. One to pair with the tropical rain forest of the beer label theme and the Quadrupel style being linked to monks, abbeys, religious figures like angels and gods. The characters from DBS are new and are insanely powerful, thus indicating the strength of the new comers. Plus the colors work well with the label.
16601905_10103986367070400_8245034128661476753_o
Sources:
http://orig12.deviantart.net/30b7/f/2017/022/1/f/dragon_ball_super_god_of_destruction_aka_joker_by_drrzolty-dawbgs0.png
http://charaud.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/165220/dizzy03_25.jpg
http://i4.pixiv.net/c/480×960/img-master/img/2017/01/25/04/51/44/61100647_p0_master1200.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ldt2ZQR.png

Michigan Maple Jesus by Evil Twin brewing

16422601_10103973293315310_8453699766644645694_oRating: 7/7

Michigan Maple Jesus by Evil Twin brewing is a 12% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Maple Syrup Bourbon Barrels

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Imperial stout aged in Maple Syrup Bourbon Barrels. Produced and bottled for Evil Twin Brewing at Dark Horse Brewing Co, Marshall, MI.

==Introduction==
16487095_10103973293295350_3708639778521348370_o
It has been years since I last tried the Even More Jesus from Evil Twin. I have heard a lot of great things from their variants and have also heard that it is hard to find these beers sometimes. Lucky for me I was able to find this one. A little bottle indeed, but something I really wanted to bring to the sire specially since it was in the series. I had also heard that this one was insanely coveted as well, so even more of a reason to bring it to the site. Although, I would of liked a 22oz. of this. Nevertheless, the show must go on, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, maple syrup, pancakes, anise, molasses, smokey notes, BBQ, marzipan, pecan pie, almond joy, toasted coconut, mocha, Irish cream, dark fruit cherries, plums, currants, raisins, raspberries, blackberries, marshmallow smores, bourbon, whiskey, rich oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel and rye bread.
16402600_10103973292696550_5560105453652832773_o
Flavors:
Rich Maple Syrup, molasses, anise, licorice, Smokey, BBQ, smokey campfire notes, toasted coconut, marshmallow smores, bourbon, whiskey, rich oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, rye bread, leather, tobacco, brownie batter, dark fruit cherries, plums, currants, raisins, raspberries, blackberries, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, grilled bananas, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolates, Kahlua Coffee liqueur, almond milk, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, marzipan, roasted coffee, mocha, Irish cream coffee, Danish cream, cookies and cream and candied bacon.

Aftertaste:
Finishing Maple rich, dark fruit, anise, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, oak, coconut, bourbon, mocha coffee, sweetened condensed milk and almond marzipan. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark abyss body. Rich, velvety, smooth and creamy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A definite bucket lister. I had no idea of the crazy potential from this one. Rich maple, chocolate and super fancy coffee complexity taking things to a different level. It is a step above the original as the maple brings in some new characteristics to the table causing the original to shine even more. While this is only a small bottle, it is a kicker. Although me being me, I would have loved a 22oz. It will age very well. I highly recommend getting this one.
16422883_10103973292591760_4897966650718271708_o
Anime Corner:
Pyrrha Nikos from RWBY was chosen for this pairing as I wanted to pair with the colors of the label mainly and maple syrup colors of red. The other part is the name of Jesus being used in the beer as I see is as representing something Christian and therefore angelic. While this beer in itself maybe a spoiler to some fans of the RWBY show who are not past RWBY Vol. 3, it was necessary for me to elaborate why Pyrrha as an angel works for this beer in relation. The beer gets you closer to the divine if it is not divine itself.
16487722_10103973292636670_1806212883429484039_o
Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6c/1d/2b/6c1d2b0068892293128804399f16589c.jpg
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/001/205/017/3a5.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cy8reIJVQAARaur.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Crny-55UEAI4__k.jpg
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/001/152/522/0e5.jpg_large