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

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

Rating: 6.35/7

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

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

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

Cheers to the PNC!
Matt and the FW Crew

Ideal Aging Temperature: 45F

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chronology:12 by The Bruery

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

Rating: 5.85/6

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Espiritu Obscuro by Mill Valley Beerworks

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

Rating: 6/5

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mélange 12 by Bruery

July 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, anniversary ale, beer nirvana, best beers in the world, Black Tuesday, Bleach, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon vanilla, Bruery, bucket list, Cacaonut, Chocolate Rain, cocoa nibs, cuvee, dark fruits, Diabetes in a bottle, Grey Monday, Hazelnuts, kick the bucket list, Kill-LA-Kill, Kos-MOS, kosmos, Melange, Melange 12, Melange 3, Naruto, Papier, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuoko Matoi, Tcho cocoa nibs, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, Toasted Coconut, vanilla beans, vanilla spice, White Chocolate, White Oak, White Oak Sap, Wineification, world class beers, Xenosaga, Yoruichi, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/5

Mélange 12 by Bruery is a 16.8% ABV American Strong Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Beans, Cacao Nibs and Hazelnuts.

Label:
NUTSO!

A curious amalgam of barrel-aged beer seeping with notes of burnt marshmallows and toasty nuts.

Mélange No 12 is best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor, but may develop pleasantly if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 50°F (10°C). Best enjoyed with friends and served in a tulip glass.

Mélange #12 is a uniquely debonair blend of some of our favorite strong ales that have been allowed to age gently in bourbon barrels for an average of nearly 22 months. Once these barrels were carefully selected to blend, we chose to enhance the beer and barrel flavors with three of our favorite ingredients: cacao nibs, vanilla beans and hazelnuts.

==Introduction==

Melange #12 released to Reserve Society and Hoarders society alike is a blend of several different beers that are undesclosed but based on the previous melange versions, they include, Black Tuesday, the Anniversary beers, White Oak and others I am sure as this is what Melange 3 composed of and the sequential Melange ones expanded from this other blends. I made a careful decisions as this beer comprises of many of the components that make up the Weekday brews such as Chocolate Rain, White Grey Monday, possibly Wineification, Cacaonut and Chocolate Rain. So I had no doubt that this would disappoint in any way. A Cuvee ambrosia of heavenly delight? Perhaps, let’s check this one out, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate smores, graham crackers, White Chocolate, mocha chocolate, Flan and Mexican sweetened condensed milk,Rich Hazelnuts, pecan pie, almond milk, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, walnuts, prailines, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream, butterscotch, toasted coconut, almond joys, cocada Mexican coconut candy, piloncillo sugar cone, banana split ice cream with cherries, port wine, rum notes, stone fruit mango hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, buttery nutella and so much more!

Flavors:
Pure Flan and Mexican sweetened condensed milk,Rich Hazelnuts, pecan pie, almond milk, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, walnuts, prailines, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, Dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate smores, graham crackers, White Chocolate, mocha chocolate, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream, butterscotch, toasted coconut, almond joys, cocada Mexican coconut candy, piloncillo sugar cone, banana split ice cream with cherries, port wine, rum notes, stone fruit mango hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, buttery nutella, Mexican Duvalin candy, chocolate chip cookie dough, Danish cream, Bear claw doughnut, mousse chocolate, marzipan and more.

Aftertaste:
Super rich nutella, toasted coconut, white chocolate, port wine, Belgian chocolate, bourbon, oak, hazelnut nectar, tropical dragon fruit hints and passion fruit amongst other heavenly sweets. No alcohol in the taste, Dark yet Crimson Medium to Full body, sipping drinkabaility and Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

Overall:
The best of the best and exclusive of elusive beers with no way of getting another unless they make this once again or you trade. It was definitely a special occasion as I tried this one. If they ever release as much of Melange 12 as they do of Melange 3, I am buying every single one!! This beer is like you took the alittle bit from each of the Bruery’s best beers and made a Cuvee. Basically, there is notes of Chocolate Rain, Grey Monday, Melange 3, Cacaonut, White Chocolate, Black Tuesday, Wineification and their anniversary beers and combined it to make this liquid Gold! Aging for 22 months is ridiculous but it is surely something that is truly unique and amazing. If you have the opportunity to get this one, do it!!!

Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto, Kos-Mos from Xenosaga, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach as being my favorite anime characters always get the best pairings in some of the beers I truly feel are deserving of that ‘Heavenly and Godly Ambrosia’ Liquid status as with many of the beers I have tried, this one to me captures what I feel is the best of the Bruery which are many of the Weekday beers into one. I once did a pairing with them doing Melange 3 except at the time, it was jusr Kos-Mos, Temari and Yoruichi. Ryuko from Kill la Kill had not come out and it wasn’t until later that I really loved her character in the series as she was a major bad ass. So I was glad I was able to pair them with this heavenly bliss of a beer. Melange 3 multiplied by 4 is Melange 12 so it makes the perfect pairing!

BOCK BOCK by Shmaltz Brewing

June 25, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Ashe, Barrel Aged Block Head, Bock, BOCK BOCK, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Doppelbock, Imperial American Bock, Megaman, Megaman ZX, Megaman ZX Advent, Shmaltz, Shmaltz Brewing, Trippelbock, Vent | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.35/5

BOCK BOCK by Shmaltz Brewing is a 9.2% ABV Imperial American Bock Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Batch No. 001/ Cases 1269
Bottling 4/24/2015

What is the Trinity of SHMALTZ Brewing?
1. “Shmaltz” Meants chicken fat, in Yidish. And no, there’s none in the brewing.
BOCK BOCK – craft beer comfort food for a new generation
2. Sentimental, often irreverent sense of humor. See also: Mel Brooks, Henny Youngman, Rodney Dangerfield, Seinfeld. Add your own shtick and enjoy.
3. The central ingredient in any true handcrafted beer: Malt

Rendered for your drinking pleasure – L’Chaim! To Life!
Jeremy Cowan, proprietor

Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Vienna, Wheat, Pale Crystal, Crystal, Dark Crystal, Rye Chocolate, Flaked Oats
Hops: Warriot, Fuggle, Northern Brewer, Cascade, Crystal.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one through my local shop. When I first saw this I remembered about how Shmaltz used to have their Coney Island Lager brand. They once made a Barrel Aged Bourbon Bock which was called Barrel Aged Block Head. So yeah, you see how this reminded me of that special lager I reviewed back in 2012. I was definitely excited to bring this one here for a review as I wanted to see if this entice what I used to try when they had their lager series. So bottoms up with this one and cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark fruits like cherries, raspberries, raisins, prunes, sweetened condensed milk, Bourbon, Caramel, vanilla, oak, marshmallow smores, bourbon notes, rye bread, flan, cocada Mexican coconut candy, maple syrup, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar and mocha hints.

Flavors:
Bourbon, toasted coconut, caramel, flan, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, raisins, prunes, sweetened condensed milk, oak, marshmallow smores, leather, tobacco hints, brown sugar, cocada Mexican coconut candy, maple syrup, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, mocha coffee hints, butterscotch, toffee, almond joy chocolate, red apples, cinnamon, apple pie crust, toasted rye bread, Marzipan with almond fillings, Stone fruit peaches and apricot preserves.

Aftertaste:
Lots of caramel, toasted coconut, vanilla, toffee, dark fruit hints, marshmallow, dulce de leche, sweetened condensed milk and marzipan notes leave along with nice bourbon notes. Slightly boozy heat coming from the bourbon. Most likely as this beer can use some aging. Crimson Brown Clear body, Smooth, silky, mouthfeel, and moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An Exceptional bourbon barrel aged beer. It definitely did remind me of the Bourbon Barrel Aged Block head but definitely more alcohol heat. The bourbon heat is forward while colder and mellows out as you sip this one through. After a long time of drinking this one, it finally hit that level I was looking for from the past. I really will say, there are not enough Barrel Aged Bocks out there but for the ones that do exist, they are supreme and as such, highly recommended like this one.

Anime Corner:
Ashe and Vent from Megaman ZX Advent were used in this pairing since I wanted to get the whole aspect of the 2 chicks or chickens. Similarly in colors and representing the flavors of the ingredients used in this beer, both Ashe and Vent trend the similar attire. I also threw that sweet dulce de leche caramel confrontation like it shows similarly in the label. The passion of caramel and rich flavors.

Sources:
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/041/1/f/ZXA_Tunes_Mousepad_by_comartinb.jpg
http://sigehiro.whitesnow.jp/pic/080303.jpg

Exponential Series Big Bad Baptist by Epic brewing

May 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, american whiskey, Big Bad Baptist, bourbon, chocolate abuelita, Claymore, cocoa nibs, Coffee Beans, dark chocolate, Epic Brewing, Exponential Series, Galatea, milk Chocolate, Mocha, mocha coffee, roasted coffee, whiskey barrels, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

Exponential Series Big Bad Baptist by Epic brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with cocoa nibs and coffee added and aged in whiskey barrels.

Label:
Release#44
You are holding something special-one of only a few thousand bottles released. Intrigued? Visit www.epicbrewing.com to explore this limited brew’s precise details.

==Introduction==
I obtained this one online at craftshack.com. This beer seemed very intriguing from the couple of times I saw it. I definitely wanted to pick it up as it reminded me of a Belgian stout but also the whole whiskey barrel aged coffee and chocolate aspects were appealing. This is my first beer from Epic brewing. Their line of beers really do seem intriguing in general so I hope to find some more. Cheers!

Aromas:
Very Roasted coffee, mocha, espresso, dark chocolate, mocha coffee, milk chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de lechecaramel, cinnamon, dark fruit, smokey notes, dark Belgian candi sugar, oak, anise, molasses, mint, chocolate abuelita, piloncillo sugar cone and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich mocha coffee, espresso, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, plums, fig notes, anise, molasses, mint, chocolate abuelita, piloncillo sugar cone, dark Belgian candi sugar, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, cinnamon, ginger spice, rye bread, whiskey notes, almond joy, fudge brownies, coffee cake, peppery spices, smokey notes and marshmallow smores.

Aftertaste:
Rich mocha and fancy coffee lingers, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, darkfruit hints and earthy notes. Despite the ABV, there is little to no alcohol in the taste, dark full body, creamy, syrupy, smooth and silky mouthfeel, sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceeding some expectations for sure. For that love coffee and chocolate mocha beers, this one hits many of those sweet teeth. The barrel and bourbon are there but subtle as coffee does seem to cover it but this is still very rich and complex despite this and for its complexity and the chocolate notes I definitely think it is world class. If you are not into coffee, this may not be for you. Highly recommended either way.

Anime Corner:
Galatea from Claymore is shown here as a nun and the white eyes go perfectly with the baptist. It is easy to see why I chose Galatea. With the whole baptist thing and holy beings, I used Galatea as a nun in this case since she is powerful and holds a strong magic. Just like this beer. She is a big bad nun!

Sources:
http://safebooru.org/images/601/ab45d6ad085b471aed384f611ac768a62aef51f3.jpg?606145

Chronology:6 by The Bruery

March 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, Barrel Aged, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Chrono Crusade, Chronology 6, Chronology:6, coconut macaroons, Dulce de leche, milk Chocolate, Rossette Christopher, The Bruery, tick tock | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/5

Chronology:6 by The Bruery is a 16.5% ABV American Strong Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels for 6 months.

Label:
TICK TOCK
6 Months Oak-Aged Ale
This bourbon barrel aged ale is the first in a chronologically aged series that will be released at six month intervals for a fascinating view of evolution.

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

==Introduction==

The Bruery released the series as stated above to the Reserve Society. They will release one every six months accordingly and people can figure out how it changes over time. This will be an interesting challenge as it will require me to go back and compare what I reviewed in the past and see what has changed, what has been added. I have done something similar with regular beers and then barrel aged in different spirits. This will be different though. So let’s take a look at how this one is shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, oak bourbon, milk chocolate, almond joy chocolate, chocolate truffle ice cream, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, piloncillo sugar cone, apples, peaches, waffle cone dark fruit cherries, raspberries, plums, figs, raisins, honey, bananas, clove spice, Danish cookies, cookie dough ice cream, maple, crème brulee, capirotada bread pudding, sweet potato, pecan pie, coconut macaroons, marshmallows, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, pecan pie, and maple syrup.

Flavors:
Rich coconut, Rich dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, coconut macaroons, marshmallows, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, pecan pie, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, plums, figs, raisins, honey, bananas, clove spice, Danish cookies, cookie dough ice cream, maple, crème brulee, capirotada bread pudding, sweet potato, milk chocolate, almond joy chocolate, chocolate truffle ice cream, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, piloncillo sugar cone, apples, peaches, waffle cone and Belgian waffles on maple syrup.

Aftertaste:
Rich vanilla, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits, piloncillo sugar cone, dulce de leche caramel, coconut hints, rich oak and earthy notes. Mild alcohol in the taste, dark crimson full body, sipping drinkability, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
This is obviously top notch stuff and exceptional. The fact that they are releasing every 6 months is pretty insane. I almost wish I did not only get one was a vertical of this would have been awesome. Even if they make barrel aged beers with different recipes, even their new stuff is supremely exceptional. If you can find this one and you love barrel aged beers, get it as you can’t go wrong.

Anime Corner:
Rossette Christopher from Chrono Crusade is used in this pairing since I wanted to represent a character that is a bad ass and is involved with time itself. Fortunately, a lot of the colors used in the beer label work well with Rossette’s colors. A match made in anime beer heaven. This beer is like that for sure. I will have to figure the rest of the beers as they come in the series as they may or may not have the same colors.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/22268-1024×768-chrono+crusade-rosette+christopher-long+hair-single-blonde+hair-twintails.jpg

Blueberry Smoking Wood by The Bruery

March 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Blueberries, Blueberry, Blueberry Smoking Wood, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Maple Syrup, Rera, Samurai Shodown, Samurai Spirits, Shikuru, Smoked Imperial Rye Porter, Smoking Wood, TCHO Cacao nibs, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Blueberry Smoking Wood by The Bruery is a 12.8% ABV Smoked Imperial Rye Porter Aged in Bourbon barrels with Blueberries, Cacao Nibs and Maple Syrup.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Bourbon Smoking Wood aged on Blueberries and cacao nibs with maple syrup.

==Introduction==

Only at the Bruery for a limited time growler fill. Thanks to my friend Richard Avila for hooking me up with this one. We tried it at our visit to the Bruery and thought this beer was pretty damn delicious. I was glad I agreed to take a small growler home with me so I could bring this one forth to the site. I don’t know if this variant will ever see a bottle release but for now, if you are in the area and visit the brewery, here is what you can expect. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, whiskey, rye bread, blueberries, oak, smokey notes, campfire marshmallow smores, graham crackers, anise, bacon, toasted coconut hints, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers chocolate, dark fruit raisins, blackberries, cherries, currants, figs, molasses, cinnamon, crème brulee, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar, BBQ honey glazed jerky and blueberry fudge cake.

Flavors:
Rich Dark fruits forward of blueberries, blackberries, currants, raisins, figs, raspberries, dark cherries, dulce de lechec carame, vanilla, oak, campfire smoke, bourbon, maple syrup, molasses, anise, bacon, toasted coconut, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, bakers chocolate, cinnamon, flan, Mexican Custard/Jericalla, beachwood oak, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rye and sourdough bread, BBQ honey glazed ribs, crème brulee, Blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake and Irish cream.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruit blueberries, maple, vanilla caramel, dark chocolate, smoked oak, BBQ hints, marshmallow sugars, flan and bourbon. No alcohol in the taste, A sipping beer with a full mouthfeel, Pitch black body and yet very smooth. Syrupy and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Raising the original to a newer level of flavor, the Blueberries, chocolate and maple really raise the levels of awesomeness of the beer. You still get the same flavors of the Smoking Wood Bourbon Barrel Aged, but the blueberries drag it into some rich dark fruit world of sweet goodness. So much going on here but like I said before, if you are around the area, surely, give this a try. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Rera from Samurai Showdown/Spirits was used in this pairing since I wanted to get an aspect of the smoking wood and the forest or campfire smoke like I have done in the Whiskey Rye and the Bourbon barrel version of these beers. Essentially that covers the smoking wood part but the blueberries are all her with the colors she wears of the blue and the red pendant she wears being a cherry. Rera is a ninja, she is pretty damn sweet looking which represents the sweet and smooth flavors but her attack comes from the alcohol she brings along with her wolf Shikuru.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/wFSvW9E.jpg
http://blog-imgs-61.fc2.com/a/d/a/adasokuniji/3VfCdydp0oh6HPc7e23be79.jpg

Barrel Aged Bomb! Collaboration by Prairie Artisan Ales and Balcones Distilling

March 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Balcones Distilling, Barrel Aged Bomb!, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Chile beer, coffee, Prairie Artisan Ales, Texas, vanilla beans, whiskey barrels, World class, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Barrel Aged Bomb! Collaboration by Prairie Artisan Ales and Balcones Distilling is an 11.2% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in whiskey barrels with coffee, cacao, and vanilla beans and chilies added.

Label:
Welcome To… TEXAS
Made By People Who Truly Care From Oklahoma With Love.
Welcome To… Oklahoma

==Introduction==

Thanks to my great friend Aaron Mendiola from www.beermetaldude.com for providing me another barrel aged goodness from Prairie Artisanal Ales. These beers are really hard to come by but the fact that this one is made with collaboration with Texas’s Balcones Distilling, this is even harder to get. So plenty of thanks to my good friend as many of the beers I have here on the site I could have not obtained without his help. This version is the Bourbon Barrel Aged version of BOMB. I previously did a review for the Rum Barrel aged and chile one which was freaking awesome. Let’s take a look at this one and see how it goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich whiskey and fancy coffee, vanilla, caramel, oak, smokey notes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, , campfire marshmallows, waffle cone, French vanilla icecream, almond joy chocolates, dark fruits like raisins, cherries, currants, ancho and guajillo chile pepper hints, oreo cookies, molasses, brown sugar, khalua coffee liqueur, piloncillo, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate abuelita, toasted coconut and mint chocolate.

Flavors:
Rich chocolate, rich flan, whiskey notes, vanilla, bourbon, rich oak, smokey notes, really fancy coffee, mocha, campfire marshmallow smores, chocolate abuelita, sweetened condensed milk, toasted coconut, crème brulee, almond joy chocolate, dark fruit raisins, cherries, currant, anise, mint chocolate, hints of mole sauce, hints of ancho and guajillo chile peppers, oreo cookies, brown sugar, khalua liquor hints, rock candy, candi sugar, piloncillo, chocolate truffles, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Rich fancy coffee, dark chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, caramel, almond joy ice cream, earthy notes, smokey notes, toffee, tobacco and whiskey linger. No alcohol in the taste despite the 11.2% ABV, super smooth and creamy mouthfeel, Easy to moderate drinkability despite the strong ABV and pitch dark body.

Overall:
The other spectrum of the Barrel Aged BOMB series, this was super damn amazing. Just like the Pirate BOMB, so much complex flavors going on here and is almost easy to drink which is dangerous since you want to savor this one for a while. The chiles are not too hot but they are there and the heat quenched by the complex sweet flavors. I am not sure if this one was exclusive to Texas, but if you can find it, definitely pick this one up, it truly is awesome. Lots of magic is such a little bottle.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by aplibot was used in this pairing since I wanted to find an anime girl that would pair with the colors of the label but also pair with the summer time aspect of either being at the beach or in this case, river rafting. I really like how the blues and greens in both pair really well.

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2015-01-29-706798.jpeg

Box Set Track #10 (Bat Out Of Hell) by The Lost Abbey

March 3, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Imperial Stout, Asmodeus, Bat Out Of Hell, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Imperial Stout, Meat Loaf, New York Sentinel, Ryan Bros. Coffee, Ryan Brothers Coffee, Shinra Bansho, Shinra Banshou, Shinrabansho, TCHO Cacao nibs, The Lost Abbey, Track #10 | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Box Set Track #10 (Bat Out Of Hell) by The Lost Abbey is a 13.5% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Ryan Brothers Coffee And TCHO Cacao Nibs Added.

Label:
The morning headlines hit the streets with apocalyptic alliterations describing the offensive odor that sprang from the underbelly of New York’s sewers. The Times splashed “Rancid Reckoning” as the Daily countered with “Fetid Funk.” The New York Sentinel doubled up stating “Phillip’s Putrid Petulant Problem.”

Each paper speculated on the arrival of thousands of bats. Tree Huggers ascribed it to global warming. The noxious gasses emanating from the sewers had stymied the City Engineers leaving the clergy to invoke worldly moral decay and the book of Revelations. A live press conference was convened to coincide with the start of the 5 O’clock news as Mayor Phillip Paulson attempted to allay his citizen’s concerns.

As the mayor took to the podium, a cyclone of evil emerged as the bats formed into one large satanic storm of hate. Heathens and heretics held hands in the ensuing panic. Some dropped to their knees and prayed. Chaos reigned supreme in the streets and as quickly as the whirlwind emerged, it was gone. To this day, no one is sure what happened that night. But to a man, everyone prays that Phillip’s Fetid Funk never returns…

==Introduction==

Formerly known as “Serpent’s Stout – Bourbon Barrel Aged With Cocoa Nibs & Coffee”, 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#10 “Bat Out of Hell” by Meat Loaf. 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. Serpent’s Stout is one of my favorite Lost Abbey beers and now this being barrel aged, I know it can only be way better . Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich oak, vanilla, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, fancy coffee, whiskey, bourbon, Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, Fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee, Marshmallow smores, oreo cookies, choco flan, Irish cream, almond joy chocolates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, coffee cake, tobacco and tons of dark fruits.

Flavors:
Rich Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, roasted coffee, fancy coffee, Whiskey, Bourbon, oak, khalua coffee liqueur, vanilla, marshmallow smores, oreo cookies, choco flan, Irish cream, coffee cake, tobacco, leather, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, black berries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, toasted coconut, coffee grounds, espresso, java, bananas, clove spice, cinnamon, rocky road icecream, butterscotch, hazelnut, raisin bread pudding, macadamia nuts, anise and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Rich fancy coffee, chocolate, marshmallow smores, vanilla, caramel, crème brulee, whiskey, toasted coconut, almond joy, frapppuccino, dark fruits and tobacco. No alcohol in the taste the despite the ABV, sipping drinkability, rich, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and pitch black abyss body.

Overall:
Serpent’s Stout never tasted this great. Holy crap this beer is freaking awesome. There are so much rich flavors going on here with a lot of complexity. I wish they released this in a 750ml bottle but even then, that is just danger waiting to happen. I really enjoyed this one a lot that I will get it again. I can only speak for the other beers, but at $300$ for the set, well $1000, I say get this one but unless you have money, buy the whole set. I will only invest my time on the more intriguing ones. Serpent’s Stout rules!

Anime Corner:
Asmodeus from ShinraBansho was used to represent the “Bat Out Of Hell” in the label. I also chose her since she pairs really well with the colors. While Rukia and Ichigo were used in the previous review of Serpent Stout to go with Rukia seduced by the snake and becoming evil, Asmodeus represent that bat that is in full frontal rage. Asmodeus can be really sweet and nice representing the smoothness of the beer and rich flavor, but this is when she is pissed off. So luckily you only have 370ml bottle otherwise her rage would really consume your soul!

Sources:
http://www.liliah.info/img/Other%20Backgrounds/pissed.jpg
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2011-08-30-435143.jpeg

Kentucky Streetwalker by Naughty Brewing

February 25, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Porter, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai!, Kentucky Streetwalker, Naughty Brewing, Naughty Girl, Nibutani Shinka, Oak aged, vanilla beans | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.95/5

Kentucky Streetwalker by Naughty Brewing is a 10.2% ABV American Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla beans.

Label:
Brewed dark and aged for months in wood. Copious amounts of vanilla present themselves from both the beans and barrel. Kentucky Streetwalker is an Imperial Vanilla Porter aged until it was ready in premium bourbon barrels. It is dark, seductive and passionate… like your wildest dreams.

==Introduction==

This awesome beer I received thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com. This is the second beer I have tried from Naughty brewing and the theme they have going on I really like. It seems to go nicely with the beers I review here at the site. This time, we bring forth a Kentucky barrel aged porter brewed with vanilla beans. If that alone isn’t enough to get the sweet tooth aroused, maybe you can try something else. However, we like to try all sorts of beers and so let’s go and pick up this beer and see where the night takes us. Cheers!

Aromas:
Lots of oak, bourbon notes, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, wine grapes, musty funk hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, smokey notes, earthy notes. Dark fruits like currants, raisins, plums, figs, pecan pie hints, licorice, honey and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Lots of oak, funky wine notes, wine grapes, vanilla, whiskey bourbon, smokey notes, caramel, dark chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, smores, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, blackberry skins, raspberry skins, pecan pie hints, earthy notes, leather, pipe tobacco, brown sugar campfire hints, molasses, honey, licorice, anise and oatmeal cookies.

Aftertaste:
Lots of oak, funky wood and musty wine grape notes, bourbon hints, vanilla, caramel, dark fruit, molasses, anise and smokey notes. Mild booziness in the taste, very dark body, slightly creamy and robust mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
This beer was very good. The most prominent aspect of this beer was definitely the oak. I am unsure if they were going with just a sweet beer or oaky but also tart hints. Which for this style, is very unique and welcomed to those that like a little bit of sour notes in their barrel aged. I liked it for sure and while it was not the best BBA beer I have ever had, it was still very good and worth the try.

Anime Corner:
Nibutani Shinka from Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai! Was used in this pairing as I wanted to mainly pair with the label. It was a somewhat of a challenge as I wanted to get the girl with a vehicle just like it was on the car. I think this one was the best choice and while I am unable to say much about how this relates to the flavors of the beer, it definitely pairs with the theme and the label. Don’t Drink and Drive but if you do drive careful if you find an unsuspecting person that might seduce you like this beer.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/393236-2600×3280-chuunibyou+demo+koi+ga+shitai%21-nissan-nibutani+shinka-asm-long+hair-single.jpg

2014 The Off Label Series – Perpetual Peace by No Label Brewing

February 24, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Ghost in the Shell, GITS, Motoko Kusinagi, No Label Brewing, Perpetual Peace, Scotch Ale, scotch whiskey, The Off Label Series, Wee Heavy | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.85/5

2014 The Off Label Series – Perpetual Peace by No Label Brewing is an 11.62% ABV Wee Heavy/Scotch Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Wee-Heavy
Aged in Bourbon Barres, The Tannins complement the malty sweetness of the beer, while adding vanilla notes. Fans of Bourbon will love this beer.

==Introduction==

Straight out of Katy Texas, a special thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola from www.beermetaldude.com who sends me this awesome little gem, a bourbon barrel aged wee-heavy. The Scotch Ale or Wee Heavy is a style of beer that is not common but the many I have tried, there is yet to be one that I don’t like. It is an uncommon style but very delicious and one that is bourbon barrel aged is even more uncommon. So when I saw this, I was super stoked to try it. This is my first label from No Label Brewing and hope it is not the last as this one seems super promising. So let us see what some of Texas finest have to offer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, banana notes, clove spice, bourbon, oak, marshmallows, smores, flan, smoked peat, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, raisin bread pudding, pecan pie, molasses, scotch whiskey, anise, almond joy, cookie dough, cookies and cream, brown sugar, toasted coconut and macaroons.

Flavors:
Bananas, clove spice, dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, cherries, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, espresso, raisin bread pudding, scotch whiskey, bourbon, oak, hazelnut nectar, macadamia nuts, pecan pie, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconuts, macaroons, cookies and cream, vanilla, fudge brownies, earthy notes, smoked peat, butterscotch, molasses, anise, licorice hints, choco flan, brown sugare, marshmallows smores, rye bread, espresso hints, graham crackers, cinnamon hints and almond joy chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Banana notes, scotch whiskey, marshmallows, caramel, vanilla, anise, clove spice, dark fruits, toasted coconut, oak and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Smooth and creamy mouthfeel, easy to drink despite the ABV and a dark coffee full body.

Overall:
I enjoyed the hell out of this one. This beer to me was ridiculously drinkable and very complex. Lots of the bourbon and oak along with the chocolate and all the sweet dark fruit and scotch flavors. I would probably drink this all the time if I could find it but then I wouldn’t be very sober now would I. Totally worth the find and recommendation if you can find it.

Anime Corner:
Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex was used in this pairing to go with the label colors as well as the different colors of the flavors and ingredients I could detect in this beer. No label brewing works with Motoko Kusanagi as she is an augmented-cybernetic human and most likely didn’t have a name in the beginning. Also, the perpetual peace has to do with the struggle not only to keep the peace as a member of the Public Security Section 9 but also to come to terms with who and what she is. The beer is strong and smooth which represents her abilities as a tactician and intelligence but also the sweet flavors represents how much of a sweet heart she is even is she seems like a cold robot mainly.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/PGP6Ptk.jpg
http://superherowallpapers10.net/wp-content/uploads/images/2c/ghost-in-the-shell-4.jpg

2011 Grand Cru by North Coast brewing

February 20, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Agave Nectar, aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, Bakuretsu Tenshi, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Burst Angel, Grand Cru, JO, North Coast Brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2011 Grand Cru by North Coast brewing is a 12.9% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Agave Nectar and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
67% ale brewed with agave nectar and aged in oak barrels, 33% ale brewed with agave nectar. (Released in 500ml cork/cage bottles at brewpub, on May 10, 2009, later rebranded as Grand Cru

==Introduction==
This is one of those beers I had back in 2011 that was technically the strongest ale I have had at the time. I was able to hold on to another for the last 4 years and now I bring out to see how it has matured. The grand cru here is something that my friend Julio told me about so long ago about a 12% ABV beer that totally blew his mind. At the time, 12% ABV was an amazing feat and it was in a realm of beer that I really had not seen before back in 2011. So to me it was a moment where I really had to try it out. Today 12%ABV is amazing as always but there are many different beers that can reach this and higher into the 20% ABV category even. Anyway, I really wanted to try this again and bring it to the site as an amazing beer as this was so damn long ago.

Aromas:
Bourbon, rich stone fruits like mango, peaches, apricots, dark fruits raisins, plums, figs, cherries, raspberries, caramel, vanilla, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, rye bread, old oranges, brown sugar, white raisins, passion fruit, marshmallows, guava preserves/membrillo, mezcal hints, tequila notes, butterscotch, danish cookies, dragon fruit and oak.

Flavors:
A punch of fruits like apples, stone fruit peaches, apricots, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, agave nectar, raspberries, cherries, cranberries, strawberries, leather, rye bread, old oranges, mango, lychee fruit, guava preserves/membrillo, vanilla, hazelnut nectar, dulce de leche caramel, butterscotch, bourbon, whiskey, marshmallow, graham crackers, oak, mezcal hints, tequila hints, toffee, biscuit bread, honey, dragon fruit, passion fruit hints, white raisins, flan, sweetened condensed milk, danish cookies, cookie dough ice cream and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Agave nectar, stone fruits, dark fruits, vanilla, caramel, oak, bourbon, leather, raspberries, cherries, biscuit bread and rye notes, and sugary hints. Hints of alcohol in the taste but mainly sugary, medium crimson gold body, sipping drinkability and creamy and syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
What can I say but the maturity of this beer speak is many tremendous ways to me. This is a lot more delicious than when I last tried it years ago. Grand Cru beers are some of my favorite kinds of beers but when you have one that is actually bourbon barrel aged or for any matter or liquor barrel aged, it just brings about something very important about that beer that cannot be compared to many. This is quite the unique beer and many have forgotten about it being left in the underrated section of the beer self. Well, do yourself a favor and pic this amazing beer up. It is awesome!

Anime Corner:
Jo from Burst Angel was used in this beer pairing long ago to represent the colors of the beer, the label and the bad assery of this beer. Her crimson eyes tell the story of many shared and cold hardships that represent her strength and complexity, just like the complexity of this beer. This beer was something I had never seen before, a Grand Cru that was barrel aged. A Belgian style with agave and aged in bourbon. Really brings about that old western side with the whole gunslinger and holsters she wears. Jo maybe gold but the more you try this beer, you take a peek into how sweet this cowgirl can really be. There is much that can be said about this beer and how it can relate to Jo but I can only leave it up to you to make your own decisions about this one.

Sources:
http://www.freewallpapersbase.com/anime/wallpapers1/anime-wallpaper200963020454951577803.jpg
http://www.wallcoo.net/anime/Artbook_Flamboyant/wallpapers/1024×768/Artbook_Flamboyant_Burst_Angel_16_19.jpg

Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Raspberries by New Holland Brewing

January 22, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, black raspberry jam, Bourbon Barrel Aged, canine, chocolate milkshake, Dragon's Milk, Dragoon, Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels, Legend of Mana, Milk, new holland, New Holland Brewing, Raspberries, Raspberry preserves, Sierra, Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Raspberries by New Holland Brewing is an 11% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Raspberries and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
This beer is from our collection of special variations that live in our Dragon’s Milk cellar. Local raspberries were added to the barrels in the final stages of conditioning. Raspberries lend depth, brightness and unique fruit character that harmonizes beautifully with Dragon’s Milk dark, roasty tones of malt, bourbon and oak.

==Introduction==

The original Dragon’s Milk was a beer I enjoyed back in 2011 when I was able to beer trade. This brew is a variant of the original Dragon’s Milk and was pretty hard to get upon released. I was able to get this one from www.mybeercellar.com. Since this beer was an in-store released, you literally had to be from Michigan and get it at the local stores in the Midwest to find this one. I don’t know if they will ever brew this one again but the opportunity to bring this to the site was something I could not pass up. So let’s prepare the swords and take on the dragon to get the milk shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Very Rich Raspberries, Very Rich Dark chocolate, oak, bourbon notes, marshmallows, milk sugar, raspberry chocolate milkshake, fudge chocolate cake, dark fruit raisins, plums, currants, dark cherry yogurt, vanilla, caramel, pecan pie, Irish cream, mocha notes, rocky road ice cream, hazelnut nectar and flan.

Flavors:
Very Rich Dark Chocolate, Very Rich Raspberries, tart cherry yogurt, dark fruit raisins, figs, currants, black berries, milk chocolate, fudge chocolate cake, milk sugar, raspberry chocolate milkshake, brown sugar, oak, bourbon notes, marshmallows, pecan pie, cocoa, caramel, toffee, vanilla, toasted rye bread, raspberry preserves, molasses, flan notes, sweetened condensed milk, raspberry cheesecake, mocha, raspberry cordials, rocky road ice cream, pecan truffles, anise, Danish cookies, Irish cream, steamed milk, espresso notes and earthy notes.

Aftertaste:
Ending with very nice tart raspberry notes, oak, bourbon notes, caramel, chocolate, earthy notes, vanilla, marshmallows and mocha. No alcohol in the taste, crimson dark full body, creamy and velvety mouthfeel, ridiculously easy to drink despite the ABV.

Overall:
The original Dragon’s milk was something that was unforgettable. Bringing this one back after several years and with raspberries brings a nostalgic time from 2011 when I first started trying different brews all the time. Now with the raspberries in there, the dynamic of the beer has taken a more sweeter frutier approach with milky chocolate notes of the original and bourbon. After trying this one, while it is not super strong on the bourbon category, the complexity it uses to still carry sweet flavors is what makes this one exceptional and exceeding my expectations. This one is definitely on par with the sweetest raspberry beers out there, yes I am looking at you Big Lushious. I highly recommend this if you love dragons. The original was great magic potion, the Dragon’s Milk beer barrel bourbon was delicious.. nor surprise why the raspberries just take it to another level.

Anime Corner:
Sierra from the Legend of Mana has returned from the original pairing I did on Dragon’s Milk back in the day. Sierra is a dragoon who’s animal origin is unknown but mainly resembles the furry dragons of the Never Ending Story with the canine like appearance. It would not surprise me if she is a dragon in reality which honestly I wouldn’t doubt or a dragon hybrid. The reason I also chose her in return has to do with her raspberry color hair blooming in the wind. This pairs extremely well with the raspberry aspects of the beer. Since Sierra is like a ninja in the wind when it comes to fighting, it may be of no surprise why her appearance as as cute yet extremely deadly ninja goes extremely well with how well the beer drinks despite the ABV. Trust me, she gets you good as you try to take her on further and further. She will always bee the Dragon that gives the Dragon’s milk. Yes the original Dragon’s milk kinda depicts where the milk part comes from 😉 .

Sources:
http://i4.pixiv.net/img06/img/tomoteru/33708327.jpg

2014 Black Damnation III Black Mes by De Struise Brouwers

December 31, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 1995 Caol Ila (MES) Bourbon Whisky Barrels, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Battleship-Symbiotic Hime, Belgian imperial Stout, Black Albert, Black Damnation III, Black Damnation Series, Black Mes, Caol Ila Bourbon Whiskey, De Struise, De Struise Brouwers, Imperial Stout, Kancolle/Kantai Collection, whisky barrels | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/5 *Last Rating/Review of 2014

2014 Black Damnation III Black Mes by De Struise Brouwers is a 13% ABV Belgian Imperial Stout aged for 3 months in 1995 Caol Ila (MES) Bourbon Whisky Barrels.

Label:
The Black Damnation series is a dark twist of Urban’s mind. His idea is to realize a dozen beers with the use of Black Albert, and over a period of two years, that are as black as hell, filthy rich in the nose and with a massive taste.

A massive Stout from Flanders
BD 666 Imperial Stout

==Introduction==

Time for another year to begin. It has been a great 2014 and more beers to come in 2015. This beer comes to me from www.craftshack.com which only had a very limited amount and I was only able to snag a single bottle. There a demand for the Black Damnation Series that I was never aware of and this is the first time I try it. The only thing is the price tag on this one (about $40-50 a bottle). I have seen this one in the past but I have never stooped to get it. Since it is the Holidays and I wanted to really see if this type of beer was worth the hype, I decided to splurge and bring it forth here so we can see if this bottle is truly its gold in price.

Thank you all for following me this far for almost 5 years since I started doing my own reviews for friends and then jumped to do them for the public and those who appreciate the true works of art and flavor experience. Cheers to you and your families, Have a Happy New Year and hope to bring more beers in the future to the site. Many thanks to my greats friends such as Aaron from Texas who has been hooking me up with great beers from his region, William and Richard who’s great home brews has sparked my motivation to start my own home brews soon and the beginning of NubisSanctum Ales. To you the readers, my family and friends, Bless you all and Hope to have a great 2015, cheers!!

Aromas:
Very Rich Dark Fruits and berries such as Raisins, Currants, Figs, Plums, Black Cherries, Raspberries, Pomegranite, Blackberries, Blueberries,Boysenberries,Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Strawberry Preserves, Toasted Rye Bread, Dulce De leche Caramel, Vanilla, Oak, Whiskey, Port Wine, Grapes, Bananas, Clove spice, Anise, Molasses, Licorice hints, Flan, Three Milks Cake, Blackberry Cheese Cake, Smokey Campfire hints, Marshmallow smores, Coconut hints, brown sugar, hazelnut, Black Cherry Yogurt, leather, tobacco and more.

Flavors:
Rich Dark Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, White Chocolate, German Chocolate, Rich Dark Fruits like raisins, plums, figs, Dark currants, Dark Cherries, Black Cherry, Boysenberries, Pomegranite, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, currants, mango hints, dragon fruit, blackberry cheese cake, Rich Black Cherry Yogurt, prailines, raisin bread pudding,hazelnuts, bananas, clove hints, Port Wine, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, deep smokey oak, marshmallow smores, campfire smokey hints, strawberry preserves, rye bread, milk sugar, maple, molasses, anise, roasted coffee, mocha, Kahlua, whisky, subtle coconut hints, pecan pie, leather, tobacco, licorice hints, cookie dough, oreo cookies, Cherry Dr. Pepper hints, earthy notes, flan, 3 leches/3 milks cake, brown sugar and ambrosia.

Aftertaste:
Leaving Rich Dark fruits and berry flavors, roasted coffee, earthy notes, leather, tobacco, oak, caramel, dark chocolate, dark cherry yogurt and whiskey notes that linger for a very, very, very, VERY LONG TIME. Yeah, it is pretty damn rich no doubt. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black as night body, syrupy yet super smooth mouthfeel, scarily easy to drink despite the ABV.

Overall:
A damn phenomenal beer that Drinks like a Dark Lord Imperial Stout but maybe even more. One of the Best Belgian Imperial Stouts. So infused with so many complex fruity yet dark flavors and pretty much drinks like a special syrup that just taints the taste beds to no end leaving such a mark of sweetness and roasty complexity that keeps going. Maybe damnation isn’t too far off as you been damn with a complex level of sweetness that just keeps evolving. WOW…Is it worth the ridiculous price? No way, then again maybe worth a try once. I think the only justification is the fact that it is an import after all. Trying at least one of the bottles is worth just a try if you really want to. However, if you have tried a heavy Russian Imperial Stout like Darkness, Dark Lord, Black Hole Sun, Serpent’s Stout and others, just infuse it with rich dark fruits and great Belgian Dark Stout Arts and oh yeah, 20 year old super fancy whiskey, then you will likely have this one although I can’t get over how damn smooth this one was. It drank way to easy and was damn scary. For something this high quality, maybe there is a reason for the price. You be the judge really, all I can say, You Only Craft Beer Whale Once…

Anime Corner:
Battleship Symbiotic Hime from Kantai Collection/ KanColle was used in this pairing since I wanted to display many aspects of the beer. The Flavors of the beer can be expressed through the colors where she , the Symbiotic Hime stands on Skulls as she takes in a drink. She also represents the dark but also the fruity crimson of dark fruit complexity from this beer. She is damn sexy! It is hard to see which best represents the Black Damnation aspect as well as the aging process it took for this beer to come to fruition. The skulls and machinery pairs well with the label as the skull almost looks like it is part of a machine. The schematics and wiring of the label are almost as complex as the dark recesses of the human mind. They also look digital in a way like the matrix. Like drinking something like this may break the code of reality, or something like that. Pretty much sums up the complexity of the beer in almost every aspect of the experience. Regardless of what it is, Symbiotic Hime represents the damnation like that of hell or the Devil’s water which is fits the beer over all. The reason I chose all of this including this beer as the last for 2014 has to do mainly with the unknown. We don’t know how complex the future will be as the years come and even in the height of the the uncertain and complex unknown future, we can take our past experiences with us and embrace whatever comes. Don’t see is as being damn for 2015, see this as a window of unlimited opportunities, good and bad for all as we hurdle and waltz through this complex reality called Life…and as we go, we an have more beers, so… Cheers!

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/zPK1DVh.jpg
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/194/f/0/abysmal_area__3_by_flaurel-d7qjxjk.jpg

The Belly Rub collaboration by Project Co-op Brew and Sleepy Dog Brewing

December 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 101 Dalmatians, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Belgian Tripel, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Disney, Project Co-op brew, rye bread, Sleepy Dog Brewery, The Belly Rub, Tripel, white wine grapes | 2 Comments

Rating: 5.45/5

The Belly Rub collaboration by Project Co-op Brew and Sleepy Dog Brewing is a 10% ABV Belgian Tripel aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
You know that satisfying good feeling you get when your belly gets rubbed? Yeah… like that. So go ahead have a sip, sit back, paws up, and say, “hahh haahh haah.”

==Introduction==

I have over looked this beer many times and did not really bother to get although I really liked the label. There was always something else I wanted to try but recently I saw it again and I thought to myself, I have to get it now or miss the chance. I said screw it! So here we are with the little dalmatian on the label. Looks like Disney may have over looked this one as the little puppy resembles one of the 101 dalmatians. Disney selling beer? Nah, no way! Anyway, here you have it. This Belgian Triple is aged in Bourbon Barrels. I have not tried many Tripels aged in Bourbon so trying this I hope it is as awesome as some of the other great BBA beers I have tried in the past. Let’s try out this one shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit apricots, peaches, plums, mango, white raisins, white wine grapes, peppercorn, biscuit bread, rye bread, butterscotch, Danish cookies, graham crackers, bourbon, marshmallow, brown sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, sweeteened condensed milk and brettanomyces possibly from the oak.

Flavors:
Rich Stone fruit Apricots, Peaches, old mango, apples, pine apple, guava hints, Biscuit bread, Oak, Bourbon, vanilla, caramel, honey, phenolic notes, bananas, sour white wine grapes, orange preserves on rye bread, brettanomyces hints, waffle cone, graham crackers, brown sugar, pecan pie hints, sweetened condensed milk hints, butterscotch hints, buttery Danish cookies, White Raisins, floral notes, lemon peel, peppercorn hints, citrus, farm house hay hint, marshmallow, coconut hints, dried plums, Pilloncillo Sugar cone and cane sugar.

Aftertaste:
Apricots, White Wine grapes, caramel, waffle cone, bourbon hints, Danish cookies, honey, citrus and biscuit bread lingers. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy Golden medium body, moderate and creamy body and moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A bit over the perfect mark. This beer is pretty pleasant allowing a good amount of honey and stone fruit sweetness along with the mild tart citrus and apricot notes and more. Something about the aging process or maybe the type of bourbon used here pairs it well to unleash the rich Stone fruit flavors. I would definitely recommend this as this thing oozes with a lot of Stone fruit flavors and oak. A great tripel and the bourbon barrel aging just does its wonders.

Anime Corner:
Original Dalmatian Girl by Hirano Katsuyuki was chosen for this pairing to go with the little cute dalmatian puppy. It really looks like a Disney character. Also, trying to find something that would pair with the label was hard to find. Not only could I hardly find a cute anime girl but a Dalmatian one at that. I only found it in one place but you can see how well it pairs especially as she approaches the beer. The beer gives a Belly rub from the inside and definitely please man’s best friends search for great beer. I am not sure if dogs drinking beer is good, but it seems to make them happy. Overall very cute

Sources:
http://boostfire.deca.jp/illust/illust48.jpg

2014 Bourbon Barrel Aged Magnificat by Monkish brewing

December 24, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, belgian ales, Belgian beer, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Dark Christmas ale, Bourbon Barrel Aged, California Beers, christmas beer, dark chocolate, Holiday Ale, Holiday Fruit Cake Ale, Magnificat, Metroid, monkish, monkish brewing, Nintendo, Samus | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2014 Bourbon Barrel Aged Magnificat by Monkish brewing is a 12.6% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Holiday/Christmas Ale brewed with holiday spices and aged in bourbon barrels.

Description:
Following the traditions of Belgian Noel beers, Magnificat is our first offering of a Christmas beer. Like a Belgian-style strong dark or quadruple ale, this dark beer has a rich, silky malt profile of caramel and roasted malts, rye, and oats, and reveals complementary accents of dark stone fruits and spices from our Belgain yeast. And to create that liquid-Christmas experience, the beer is spiced with clover honey, sweet and orange peels, coriander seed, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Aged in bourbon barrels for 10 months.

==Introduction==

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all in the world. Another year is almost done and more beers to come for next year. Monkish Brewing in Torrance has released it’s, what I believe is, first bourbon barrel aged beer for Christmas. Only 50 cases of this was released to the public so if you want to get your hands on this winter warmer of a quad like dessert, visit them for sure. For being one of those breweries that is specifically inspired by the awesome works of Belgian beers, this is an awesome brewery. Cheers to another year of beers and have a Merry Christmas. Here is to you and your loved ones, Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel, fruit cake, vanilla, hazelnut, pecan pie, coconut cream, toffee, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, brown sugar, molasses, anise hints, banana, clove spice, coriander spice, pumpkin spice, ginger spice, ginger bread, all spice, nutmeg, stone fruit peaches, applies, red velvet cake, Danish cream cookies, port wine hints, marshmallow chocolate smores, almond joys and dark chocolate.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel,oak barrel forward, bourbon, vanilla, flan, cinnamon, rich fruit cake, chocolate cherry cordials, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, almond joy chocolate, maple syrup, coconut, marshmallow, dark chocolate smores, hazelnut, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, bananas, clove spice, allspice, nutmeg, red velvet cake, Danish cream cookies, waffle cone, milk sugars, rock candy, candi sugar, burnt sugars, key lime pie, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apples, coriander spice, ginger bread, molasses, anise hints, brown sugar, toffee, port wine hints, leather notes and tobacco hints.

Aftertaste:
Holiday spices like allspice, nutmeg, bananas, bourbon, pecan pie, dark fruit, fruit cake, gionger bread and bourbon. Some alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors, sipping drinkability, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel and dark crimson full body.

Overall:
Holy cow! This almost feels like drinking a Bruery Barrel Aged beer, like the Black Tuesday. This beer was quite unexpected as I was not sure how much bourbon and oak barrel character I would get and even enough to see if it would have a dramatic effect on the original magnificat. Damn, was I surprised. The richness I would expect from drinking some very epic bourbon barrel beers is right here but the fact that this one is a holiday beer and a Belgian one at that changes the direction this one goes to. IT goes into an awesome holiday direction. It is understandable that this one is limited but this one is one that would do extremely well with age. This is their strongest beer yet at Monkish and is one I truly enjoyed. If you can somehow find this one or if they still have it by the time you read this, get it. Even at 20$ I think it was all the while worth it.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Nintendo’s Metroid series was chosen in this pairing since I wanted to show a Christmas time anime character. However, due to the fact that this was bourbon barrel beer, I had to bring forth a bad ass yet sexy bounty hunter santa. Samus pairs well with the colors since this beer’s label is very bright and colorful pairing with the colors of her original Zero suit but also the background. The light reds and colors of the Christmas lights also pairs with her and the Metroid hiding behind the Christmas bag. The beer is as strong as complex as her character in the variety of Metroid games but she was also one I used with Founder’s KBS. A great pairing to end the 2014 Christmas year.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/237404-1000×1200-metroid-samus+aran-kuroma+%28atapi%29-long+hair-tall+image-light+erotic.jpg

Mash & Grind by the Bruery

December 17, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Aqua, Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, chocolate cake, chocolate mocha coffee, coffee, Coffee Beans, coffee cake, English Barley Wine, English Barleywine, Kingdom Hearts, Lucio Delgado (Columbia) Coffee beans, MASH, Mash & Grind, Portola Coffee Lab, Portola Lab's Lucio Delgado (Columbia) Coffee beans, rocky road ice cream, rye bread, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Mash & Grind by the Bruery is a 13.7% ABV English Barley Wine aged in Bourbon Barrels with Portola Lab’s Lucio Delgado (Columbia) Coffee beans.

Label:
TO HAVE

An English-style classic with rich flavors from time spent aging in bourbon barrels, plus fresh roasted coffee from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mash & Grind is best enjoyed fresh for bold coffee notes, but may develop pleasantly with time if cellared properly.

==Introduction==

After reviewing the other MASH variations, I am unsure how the Coffee variant could top the coconut, but we definitely have to focus on this one now. This was also released to Reserve Society members only and you may have to trade to get this variant. MASH by the Bruery is in itself an insanely rich and delicious beer that really shoots up to the top of the best Barleywines in the world in my opinion especially of the English style. This coffee variant is something I have been meaning to try and is one that I passed off a taster as I was too exited to the coconut and the fact that I was willing to wait to focus on this one. So let’s dive and see how this one differs from the regular MASH. By the way, Portola labs is one of the best I have seen for brewing some of the best coffee beers out there. Well, except for the rarities of Kopi Luwak, Intelligentsia, Jamaican Blue, Jobella and Dark Matter and their variants such as Unicorn’s Blood, but I digress. Check out my other reviews on those if you want. As for this one, let’s take close look shall we? Cheers!!

Aromas:
Rich milk chocolate coffee, rich roasted coffee grounds, java coffee, espresso, frappuccino cream, coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, oak, banana split, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, banana clove spices, rich mocha, coconut hints, marshmallow, chocolate smores, custard, sweetened condensed milk (Leche Nestle), rocky road icecream, pecan pie, tobacco, brownies, chocolate bread, toffee, butterscotch, raisin bread pudding and maple.

Flavors:
Rich mocha coffee, Java, espresso, Khalua, dark chocolate abuelita, roasted coffee notes, coffee grounds, dulce de leche caramel, frappuccino, mocha latte, flan, plantain hints, almond joy, dark chocolate pecan pie, danish cookies, cinnamon, bananas, hazelnut, tocacco, rocky road icecream, bourbon, toasted coconut hints, butterscotch, macadamia nuts, dark fruit, plums raisins, dark cherry, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, custard, chocolate cake, coffee cake, crème brulee and maple.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee, vanilla, caramel, crème brulee, rye bread, marshmallows, coconut hints, almonds and frappuccino cream lingers. No alcohol in the taste, moderate drinkability, creamy mouthfeel and a dark brown full body.

Overall:
Hot Damn, if you love coffee, this one is like Coffee Central! The coffee is strong in this one. The colder the sharper coffee strength. You get more coffee roast as it is cold, but when it warms up, that is when you get the best out the beer. I definitely suggest trying it a variant temperatures as it will vary as the temperature gets warmer. Aging this will let more coffee and other flavors go through but as it is right now as it warms up is definitely pure coffee beer Nirvana. I do think this reaches the heights of best coffee beers in the world and the best coffee Barleywine ever and I highly recommend if you can get some bottles to age too.

Anime Corner:
Aqua from Kingdom Hearts makes a triumphant return in the beer scene with this pairing. The last couple of times I used her were in pairings such as 1556 Ale from New Belgium, Rochefort 10 and Jamaican Blue Coffee Speedway Stout from Alesmith. She relates to this beer in the sense of the deep and by that I mean deep darkness. Darkness which is presented by the rich coffee roast but mainly because even with the strongest of the Dark, she can battle it with light as she is a Key Blade Master which are very few from the series. You see, Mash & Grind is not a dark beer. It retains its barleywine caramel colors, super strength and complexity and yet presents the darkness. Aqua has been locked in the darkness for a long time but her light is always brimming never to extinguish!

Sources:
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/002/1/d/dark_aqua_by_annria2002-d4l2k63.jpg

Bourbon Barrel 6 Geese-A-Laying by The Bruery

December 17, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 12 Beers of Christmas, 6 Geese A Laying, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Annie Leonhardt, attack on titan, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Bourbon Barrel 6 Geese A Laying, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Cape Gooseberries, Christa Renz, Christmas, Dark Cherries, Hanji Zoe, Historia Reiss, Mikasa Ackerman, nightmare before Christmas, Sasha Braus, The Bruery, Twelve Beers of Christmas, Ymir | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Bourbon Barrel 6 Geese-A-Laying by The Bruery is a 12.9% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed with Cape Gooseberries and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

The Sixth verse of our “Twelve Beers of Christmas” Saga incorporates tangy cape gooseberries into a subtle Belgian-style dark ale. Happy Holidays!

6 Geese-A-Laying is suitable for aging up to 6 years (soon after the release of “Twelve Drummers Drumming”)

==Introduction==

Released a year later while aged in bourbon barrel providing a double whammy of a beer. This beer was released for the Bruery’s reserve society in November. Coming up to the ending of the year and the holiday, I wanted to bring this one forth. Now this is sure to age even farther into the future but for now, after a whole year and in bourbon barrels, I can only imagine that this is going to be something super special. So let’s hop into it, cheers!

Aromas:
Super Dark Fruits like cherries, boysenberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, plums, raisins, figs, blueberries, dulce de leche Caramel and banana complexity up front followed by clove spice, stone fruit peaches, apricots, pears, apples, cinnamon, all spice, nutmeg, ginger bread cookies, dark candy sugar, rock candy, coriander mild spice, raisin bread pudding, marshmallows, coconut, bourbon, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar and chocolate smores.

Flavors:
Banana and dulce de leche covered with dark fruits like cherries, plums, raisins, black berries, currants, gooseberries, raspberries, candi sugar, rock candy, figs, vanilla, figgy pudding, bourbon, brown sugar, rich dark cherries, marshmallow, chocolate smores, ginger bread cookies, cinnamon, stone fruits like apricot, peaches, melon hints, toffee, peppercorns, rye bread, leather, clove spice, coffee cake, capirotada raisin bread pudding, toasted coconut, all spice, nutmeg, rocky road icecream, salted caramel, fruit cake, port wine and dark berry cheesecake hints.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits like cherries, raisins, caramel, stone fruit, fruit cake, gooseberries, vanilla, marshmallows, toasted coconut hints, mild mango and mild bourbon. No alcohol in the taste, syrupy mouthfeel, dark brown full body and moderate drinkability despite being aged.

Overall:
Exceeding the expectations even more than the original. This is basically like a fruit cake syrup loaded with a ton of dark fruits, caramel and and some super complex Dark Strong flavors. Alot of the tangyness from the original is now more subtle. This beer aged for another year since its release now with bourbon barrels, yeah that would be the reason for the increase in complexity 2 fold. This one was an exclusive to Reserve members but I have notice that more and more Bruery beers are making their way to the public. So maybe someday this one will be available. If not, definitely trade for this one if you tried last years 6 Geese-A-Laying.

Anime Corner:
Sasha Blouse as well as the main Attack on Titan girls were used in this pairing to connect the 6 Geese-A-Laying from last year. I wanted to focus on Sasha for this one since she has not gotten a chance to step into the light with her own beer pairing much and the fact that when it comes to food, she is awesome and funny. The rest of the girls not in their uniforms and out and about represent the 6 geese-a-laying including Sasha with the cheeseburger. Bourbon barrel aged beers do certainly bring about the complexity and inner most works of a beer 🙂

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Sasha.Braus.full.1487134.jpg
http://yayaftw.deviantart.com/art/Shingeki-no-Kyojin-Girls-460903442

Mash & Coconut by The Bruery

December 16, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, almond joy, best beers in the world, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, coconut, Dulce de leche, English Barley Wine, English Barleywine, Knives Chau, macaroons, MASH, Mash & Coconut, Ramona Flowers, rocky road ice cream, Scott Pilgrim, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, The Bruery, Toasted Coconut, World class, World Class Barleywine, world class beers | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.2/5

Mash & Coconut by The Bruery is a 12.8% ABV World Class English Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels with coconut.

Label (Proposed):
TO HAVE…

An English-style classic with rich flavors added by aging in bourbon barrels with tropical coconut.

==Introduction==

So this beer was supposed to be released for the Reserve Society but due to time restraints and quality control, this one was not released in bottles this year. Hopefully next year will be different. Same thing happened with So Happens It’s Tuesday as well. So when I found out they had this on tap and for growler fill, it didn’t take long for me to bring one home. When I went for a taster set, I had several greats from the Bruery but this one just blew everything away. That’s when I realized, I gotta get a growler. The original MASH was phenomenal, but this certainly took the cake and I had to review it so people can go try this at the Bruery before it is gone but also in hopes that a future release will be available for everyone. This is on tap for the public too, no membership needed so that works out great! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich macaroon and cocada coconut candy forward, rich toasted coconut, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, banana split ice cream, hazelnuts, almonds, almond joy candy, pecan pie, milk chocolate, sweetened condensed milk (Leche Nestle), custard, rocky road ice cream, macadamia nuts, flan, coconut cream pie, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, brownies, rye bread, plantains, mocha, clove spice and toffee.

Flavors:
Rich Macaroon and Almond joy chocolate flavors forward, rich toasted coconut, milk chocolate, rich bananas, flan, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, capirotada raisin bread pudding, custard, cinnamon, rocky road ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, banana split, brownies, chocolate cake, rye bread, mocha, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, dark chocolate, crème brulee, clove spice, marshmallow smores, oak, bourbon, maple, butterscotch, plantains, toffee, brown sugar, Danish cream and oatmeal raisin cookies.

Aftertaste:
Toasted Coconut, bananas, almond joy, milkchocolate, marshmallow, dark fruit, butterscotch and macaroons linger. No alcohol in the taste, way too easy to drink, silky and creamy mouthfeel and a dark brown full body.

Overall:
Possibly the best toasted coconut/banana nut/almond joy beer ever! This is liquid coconut macaroon heaven. This beer is super toasted coconut forward. The only sad part was that I do not think this will be coming out in bottles anytime soon but if you are ever at the Bruery this month, see if you can have a reserve society member get you a growler fill. They really need to bottle this one as this one was the one that stood out when I tasted it the other day. This beer is way too good for it’s own good. At the height of the 12.8-13%ABV, it is way too drinkable that you would be in big trouble finishing a growler in one sitting. Savor this if you can find it as it won’t last…

Anime Corner:
Ramona Flowers and Knives Chau from Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World were used in this pairing since I wanted to compare them to the name MASH & COCONUT. Ramona always has a hammer ready to MASH up her opponents and Knives is a smooth ninja representing the coconut flavors and the over all smoothness of the beer. This is way too easy to drink. They are both hot but super damn deadly. Some of the colors of the label also pair with the artwork. Scott is there for the other complex flavors of the beer as well as the other characters from the series.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1250828

Barrel Aged Narwhal by Sierra Nevada

November 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barrel Aged Narwhal, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Jedi of the Sea, Kentucky Bourbon, Narwhal, Russian Imperial Stout, Selvaria Bles, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Valkyria Chronicles, World class, world class beers | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Barrel Aged Narwhal by Sierra Nevada is a 12.9%%ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.
Label:

Barrel-Aged Narwhal is our deliciously dark Imperial Stout aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels. Barrel aging is a strange science; it mellows some characteristics of the original beer while intensifying others. Narwhal’s aggressive roastiness has calmed, but the rich, chocolate-like malt backbone is brought to the fore. Black as midnight, this intense stout is complex with notes of cocoa and espresso balanced with hints of vanilla and toasted coconut from the oak casks. Nearly as rare as it’s nautical namesake, try Barrel-Aged Narwhal while you can because like the creature itself, it will soon dive into the depths and leave nary a trace behind.

==Introduction==
The Jedi of the Sea has returned to save the beer world of whalez. Well, this one is a pretty elusive and will be more so as time goes on. Released in very limited quantities, this one is already a sought for item as the original beer was a major success for Sierra Nevada and is definitely one of the best Russian Imperial Stouts out there. It is my hope that this beer does turn out to be the hype it deserves otherwise, it might as well just get lost in the sea of beers altogether. Let’s take a look at this rare opportunity to learn more about this beast in nature… Cheers!

Aromas:

Lots of bourbon oak forward, toasted coconut, espresso coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, roasted coffee, vanilla, whiskey bourbon, rye bread, whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate smores, Khalua, smokey hints, dark fruit currants, prunes, raisins, figs, flan, brown sugar, banana hints, pecan pie, hazelnut, minty hints and molasses.

Flavors:

Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers chocolate, chocolate abuelita hints, vanilla, oak bourbon, flan, sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, roasted coffee notes, espresso notes, Khalua, mild smokey oak, dark fruit prunes, currants, raisins, mild cherries, figs, mocha, toasted coconut, marshmallow cream, chocolate smores, graham crackers, molasses, anise, mint, rum hints, whiskey, port wine hints, rye bread, leather, tobacco, whipped cream, brown sugar, Irish cream, bananas, pecan pie and hazelnut nectar.

Aftertaste:

Marshmallow cream, oak, leather, caramel, chocolate,coconut, bourbon, earthy notes, rye bread and vanilla with an almost dry finish. No alcohol in the taste, silky and creamy mouthfeel, drinks easy despite the ABV and pitch black motor oil full body.

Overall:

The Jedi of the sea struck with a hard vengeance brought forth from learning its way in the dark side. Now accepting its darkness, it can now deliver you into a sweet world of awesome. This beer is similar to the Barrel Aged Old Rasputin except this one has more barrel, dark chocolate, roasty coffee and coconut flavors forward along with the complexities I was able to explained as I tried dissecting this one. This is one of the best Russian Imperial Stouts out there but next to Darkness, well that’s just another dimension. Still, a whale by name enters its glory into fame when it comes down to the most coveted beers to claim. Highly recommended and possibly their best beer ever!

Anime Corner:

Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles was used in this pairing since I wanted to show someone that would be similar in color even to a Narwhal as well as a general or captain of a ship. In the original Narwhal, I showed a captain of a ship with a map basically looking for the legendary beast. Here now we can see the similar map and as Selvaria dashes into the adventure, it represents her in search of the beast. You can also see that her armor, shield and sword look similar to the Narwhal, not to say she killed one, but maybe, since it is a part of her and changes shapes, it is almost as if she is the very beast she searches for and doesn’t even know it. As you can see her in the bathing suit, this pairs well with the colors of the label as well but also represents the smoothness and silky aspect of the beer as it was barrel-aged afterall. Plain and simple, she is Jedi of the Sea, she is the Narwhal!

Sources:

http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/238/1046597-selvaria_bles.jpg
http://keywithoutatone.deviantart.com/art/Selvaria-Bles-283643503
http://idnar.deviantart.com/art/Selvaria-Bles-203546525

Firestone XVIII Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

November 28, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 18th Anniversary Ale, aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, anniversary ale, Asuka, Asuka Langley, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Barleywine, Belgian Abbey Quadrupel, black ipa, Bourbon Barrel Aged, DIPA, Double India Pale Ale, double jack, English Barleywine, Firestone Walker, Firestone XVIII, FLCL, Fooly Cooly, Haruko Haruhara, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Oatmeal Stout, Ol' Leghorn, Parabola, Rei Ayanami, Russian Imperial Stout, Stickee Monkee, Three Floyds, Velvet Merkin, Wookey Jack, World class, world class beers | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Firestone XVIII Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker is a 13% ABV World Class Strong Multi-liquor Barrel Aged Style Hybrid Blend Ale.

Description: (Please Click On The Strategy Guide/Letter From Firestone Walker)

38% Parabola (bourbon barrel aged Russiant imperial stout),
16% Helldorado (bourbon and brandy barrel aged blond barleywine),
16% Bravo (bourbon and brandy barrel aged brown ale),
14% Stickee Monkey (bourbon and brandy barrel aged quad),
5% Velvet Merkin (bourbon barrel aged oatmeal stout),
4% Hydra Cuvée (a blend too much of a mouthful to describe here),
3% Wookey Jack (black IPA),
2% Ol’ Leghorn (English barleywine, collaboration with Three Floyds, aged in fresh barrels),
2% Double Jack (Double IPA)

==Introduction==

It has been an awesome year for Firestone Walker beers and with the release of their 18th one, they add some new beers into their final blend. As with every year, this one comes with the strategy guide to basically see if you can figure out what’s what. While this is a difficult task, I try to write down as much as I can and see what new flavors this one is composed of versus the previous releases. It really does not matter sometimes as they have all beer exceptionally world class beers. Yes, don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich oak, vanilla, flan, bourbon, maple syrup, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgium chocolate, German chocolate, ferrero rocher chocolate, toasted coconut, almond joy, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow smores, oreo cookies, cookies and cream, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, cocada coconut candy, pilloncillo sugar cone, choco flan, dark fruits like currants, raisins, prunes, raspberry, cherries, currants, blackberries, capirotada raisin bread pudding, anise, molasses, brownies, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, mocha, tres leches/three milks cake, dragon fruit, tangerine, pineapple hints and more!

Flavors:
Very strong oak barrel forward character, rich vanilla, bourbon, toasted coconut, almond joy, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgium chocolate, German chocolate, ferrero rocher chocolate, pralines, cookies and cream, oreo cookies, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, flan, cinnamon hints, brown sugar, hazelnut, macademia nuts, cocada coconut candy, piloncillo sugar cone, dragon fruit, mango hints, pineapple hints, sweetened condensed milk, port wine, maple syrup, dark fruit currants, raisins, prunes, raspberry, cherries, currants, blackberries, capirotada raisin bread pudding, anise, molasses, brownies, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, leather, tobacco, waffle cone, peaches and cream, pecan pie, candi sugars, rock candy, choco flan, espresso, mocha, toffee, tres leches/three milks cake, tangerine and more!

Aftertaste:
Port wine, dark chocolate, maple syrup, dark fruits, rocky road ice cream, oatmeal and oreo cookies, oak, vanilla, coconut, mango, chocolate chips and marshmallow smores with earthy hop notes finish at the end. No alcohol in the taste, Smooth and silky mouthfeel, dangerously easy to drink but should be handled as a sipper and crimson yet pitch black body.

Overall:
Exceptionally great. Each release more awesome than the last. I really think this one is the best one by far. If aged, it will will definitely do wonders I am sure. This one seems to have richer flavors which I am sure were due to the addition of the Three Floyds collab and the Hydra Cuvee as well as the Stickee Monkee, Velvet Merkin and Parabola. This beer is insane and it will only get more insane as time goes on. If you can still find this goodie, definitely get it. It is one of the best!

Anime Corner:
Asuka Langley/Shikinami Sohrty, Rei Ayanami, Haruko Haruhara, and many others from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Fooly Cooly (FLCL) were used in this pairing to represent some of the blends represented by this beer. It is something I have done in the past with this series of Anniversary beers. This was a great pic because not only does it show case the colors of potential ingredients used but also how each flavor tries to out do the other. Also, Haruko was used in a previous Three Floyds collaboration this year (Rue D’Floyd) which represented her wacky aspect as “Not Normal”. The addition of Firestone and Three Floyd’s collab beer into this one made it so she can be in this pairing as well. What a bad ass!. Also, Asuka and Rei have been seen in pairings like Firestone’s Double Jack so they are definitely in the right pairing here too.

Sources:
http://articleimage.nicoblomaga.jp/image/64/2013/f/f/ffd9f7487115ef5bb2d6b22dedcca9f69c75e5641373178280.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/39691

2014 Barrel Roll No. 08 Falling Leaf by Hangar 24

November 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barrel Roll, Barrel Roll No. 8, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Do a Barrel Roll, Falling Leaf, Fruit Cake, Gourdgeous, Hangar 24, Honey comb, Imperial Porter, Imperial Pumpkin Porter, Mezcal Tequila, Nia Teppelin, Pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin seeds, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2014 Barrel Roll No. 08 Falling Leaf by Hangar 24 is a 10.2% Imperial Pumpkin Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Bottle: 2033/2981

FALLING LEAF: The Pilot Brings the airplane into a stall. Then works the rudder to slip back and forth from right right to left while hold the nose forward.

Each autumn we brew a fresh batch of Gourdgeous, an Imperial Porter which pays homage to our local pumpkin harvest. To create FALLING LEAF, we placed a small portion of last year’s Gourdgeous in barrels to age gracefully through another turn of the seasons. A year in our cellar has mellowed and sweetened the robust flavors of pumpkin pie spice, molasses, caramel and dark chocolate, while the single-use bourbon barrels we selected lift the beer back up, adding bright layers of bourbon, oak and vanilla. Beneath these layers you’ll recognize the strong core of the base beer: 1,000 pounds of pumpkins grown just ½ a mile from our brewery. Falling Leaf is ready to drink now, or can be placed into your own cellar to continue aging gracefully.

==Introduction==

Essentially, the Barrel Aged Gourdgeous which is their seasonal pumpkin porter. I had not heard of this until I saw this one online. The unfortunate part about it is that it is limited so only able to obtain 1 bottle of this, I was hoping to get another for a good friend. I will have to see if I can find more however the label does specify that it is a rather limited beer. Hope they make more of it but if you can find it, well, let’s see if you want to buy it based on my review. So let’s go and see what this evolved Pumpkin Porter can do. Cheers!

Aromas:
Strong scent of honey dew melon and pumpkin flesh, plantains, bananas, clove spice, piloncillo sugar cone, Mezcal Tequila hints, honey comb, bourbon, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, maple syrup, rye bread, fruit cake, Danish cookies, flan, Dark fruit raisins, cherries, blue berries, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, marshmallows, smores, anise, pumpkin cheese cake, anise, molasses, honey comb, wine grape hints, cookie dough ice cream, chai tea and sweet potatoes.

Flavors:
Honey dew melon, Agave syrup, Tequila hints, grape sangria, pumpkin seeds, piloncillo sugar cone, pumpkin flesh, cinnamon, pecan pie, bananas, rum hints, bourbon, marshmallows, chocolate smores, toasted coconut, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, blue berries, currants, bananas, plantains, capirotada raisins bread pudding, flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, anise, honey comb, maple syrup, spiced coffee, vanilla, oak, Danish cookies, pumpkin cheese cake, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream, all spice, crème brulee, chai tea, sweet potato, wine grape hints, walnuts, nutella, old mango hints, graham crackers and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Fruit cake, pumpkin spice, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, rum bourbon, marshmallow, tequila and sangria hints. No alcohol in the taste, creamy mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and dark orange full body.

Overall:
I think the biggest part about this beer is that it was nothing like a bourbon barrel aged pumpkin beer I have ever had before. This was something very special. The barrel flavors were not like those of the bourbons I am used to. They were more like a rum or a tequila. It is almost like the pilot in this one took a strict page from the witchcraft book of Halloween and decided to do it’s own spell to really give that ‘Trick Or Treat’ feel. The only problem is that this one is limited. So I suggest you get to searching and really try to find this one.

Anime Corner:
Nia Teppellin from Toppa Tengen Gurren Lagan was used in this pairing as a pilot. In the past Hangar 24 Barrel Roll beers, I have put specific pilot characters for each review as I feel it fits the series overall. Many wear jumpsuits or some sort of suit in general. Since Nia in her Anti-Spiral suit sort of resembles a mobile suit pilot and the fact that she comes from a mobile suit pilot show and got to drive one next to her love Simon, this was perfect. In reference to the beer name and the overall Fall season and dark Halloween look, I paired several pictures. In the first one she is falling like the name of the beer, falling leaf. In the dark picture with the mobile suit, Gurren Lagan, it looks evil and dark with the moonlight representing fall and Halloween and the aspect of being a pilot. In the last picture it is just her and a close up as to how sweet she is. While is very powerful and evil in one point in the show, this paired greatly with the strength and complexity of the beer. The teal and red colors represent the colors of the label as well but also that Tequila and Rum notes I kept getting on this beer. Definitely a lot going on with the beer and a great pairing at that.

Sources:
http://4.blog.xuite.net/4/7/a/b/10350619/blog_422775/txt/23236801/21.jpg
http://data3.whicdn.com/images/15647981/original.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/xo1g8n.jpg

Eight by Surly Brewing

November 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Barleywine, anniversary ale, Bourbon Barrel Aged, High West Rye Whiskey Barrels, Kaguya Otsutsuki, Naruto, Oat Wine, Oatwine, Rye Whiskey, Rye Whiskey Barrels, surly, Surly 8, Surly Brewing, wheat wine, White Chocolate | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Eight by Surly Brewing is a 12%ABV Oat Wine Aged in High West Rye Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
get surly

“When it’s done” is a phrase we’ve used to describe release dates for our beers for many years. When you’re putting the beer first, it just makes sense. Our anniversary is technically in February, but this unique Oat Wine style ale needed to age in High West Rye Whiskey barrels until, well… until it’s done. Here’s to Eight great years, and we’ll all be celebrating soon in our all new Destination Brewery.

The idea behind our anniversary line-up of beers was to give Todd, Surly’s Head Brewer, free rein to use whatever ingredients and methods he wanted to brew the beer. This year’s bottle artwork is a one-of-a-kind illustration collaboration between Todd and local artist Josh “Jawsh” Lemke.

This beer was designed for barrel aging, so it’s been a great opportunity to work with our friends at High West Distillery® in Park City. Utah. Brewed with Golden Promise and Aromatic malt Oats, and Milk sugar fermented in stainless steel then aged in High West Rye Whiskey barrels, this golden hued Oat-Wine style ale summons notes of spicy vanilla marshmallow and aromas of honey and whiskey.

==Introduction==

Another awesome year has come for Surly brewing and the release of their long awaited Barley wine is now here. Every year, I await the release of their anniversary ale since trying the Surly 4. Some releases are greater than others but sometimes you have to dig deep online to find these obscure beers… or just go to france44.com and get them, I guess that’ll work. Anyways, this year they made an oatwine aged in Rye whiskey barrels. I have tried many barley wines, some wheat wines, but never an oatwine. So the fact that this one is barrel aged, I will try to find the original beer somehow but if not, at least I will let you know how this year’s Surly anniversary turns out. Come, join me into the abyss of flavor experience…

Aromas:
Marshmallow cream, chocolate smores, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, flan, custard, dark fruit raisins, cherries, white chocolate, toffee, butterscotch, bourbon, rye bread, rye whiskey, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Lechera sweetened condensed milk, bananas, clove spice, pumpkin spice, tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, piña colada hints, pecan pie, hazel nut, oatmeal cookies, Danish cookies, oranges, citrus, coriander spice, macadamia nuts, marzipan, burnt sugar, brown sugar and candi sugar.

Flavors:
Bourbon, Rye whiskey, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, flan, custard, tobacco, leathery notes, sweetened condensed milk, oranges, coriander spice, mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, pears, apples, toasted coconut, piña colada hints, rich white chocolate, toffee, mild pumpkin spice, cinnamon, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, Danish cookies, Tres Leches cake, marshmallow cream, bananas, clove spice, chocolate smores, butterscotch, rye bread, brown sugar, marzipan, hazelnut, burnt sugar, candi sugar hints, dark fruits like cherries, raisins, plums, biscuit bread, capirotada raisin bread pudding, pecan pie and almond joy chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Lingering dulce de lecher caramel, burnt sugar, white chocolate hints, citrus, mild piña colada hints , bananas, toasted coconut, rye whiskey, earthy notes and pecans. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, smooth, creamy and silky mouthfeel, sipping drinkability with some notes that makes this really easy to drink and a full golden brown full body.

Overall:
There is no surprise here. The moment I realized I really liked this one was right when this beer started to have some special tropical hints and white chocolate for some reason. I kept tasting white chocolate at times especially as it got warmer. I am not sure if that is part of the Oat wine or the combination of the that with the whiskey. What an amazing beer for their anniversary that they released. I really enjoyed this one. If you would like to obtain this one, I got it at france44.com where they are very limited and selling out very quick. So yes, I highly suggest you get this special anniversary ale.

Anime Corner:
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki from the Naruto series is one of the main antagonist from the series. She was brought here in this pairing for several reasons. Mainly for her great pairing with the label, the evil that she is flows great with Surly and the white chocolate aspect I kept getting from the beer. All the colors in this pairing show many of the flavor complexities that this one shows. Surly unleashed a special type of demon from it’s sealed state and now with her sweet onslaught of flavors, she will take back what was hers. Your lack of not trying this beer. She is all powerful, complex, sweet in appearance and flavor but overall, just evil!!

Sources:
http://rikamello.deviantart.com/art/Ohtsutsuki-Kaguya-478836486

Extremely Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing

November 18, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Imperial Stout, Angry Beast, Blaecorn Unidragon, Bleach, Clown Shoes Brewing, Clown Shoes Very Angry Beast, Extremely Angry Beast, Hammer of The Holy, Holy water, Itasca Loonidragon, Jamaican Rum, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, porcine unidragon, Russian Imperial Stout, The Good The Bad & The Unidragon, Tia Harribel, Undead Party Crasher, Vampire Slayer, Very Angry Beast, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Extremely Angry Beast by Clown shoes brewing is a 12% ABV Imperial Stout blend of Bourbon Barrel Aged Smoked American Imperial Stout brewed with Holy water, a Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout and a 40 year old Jamaican Rum Barrel Aged Smoked American Imperial Stout brewed with Holy water….. Now that’s a Cuvee!

Label:
How do you create an Extremely Angry Beast? Mix one part bourbon barrel aged Blaecorn Unidragon, one part bourbon barrel aged Undead Party Crasher, one part Hammer of the Holy, then add a massive dose of incendiary rage.

==Introduction==

Essentially a Cuvee of different barrel aged beers. The Unidragon series has one of the ultimate series out there or Russian and Imperial Stouts by Clown Shoes brewing. While they are trying to release special variants to individual states only, the original Unidragon keeps evolving more and more and more. Now with this year’s addition of Hammer of the Holy, this brings this beer to yet another level of crazyness. It really depends if one can take on this even more advanced version of this beast. I don’t think I am worthy, but Let us give it a try.

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, spiced chocolate, tootsie rolls, chocolate milk shake, roasted coffee notes, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, oak, smokey campfire notes, graham cracker smores, marshmallows, hints of tropical fruit, rum, bananas, brown sugar, rye bread, coconut, dark fruit raisins, plums, cherries, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, flan, mocha, toffee, pecan pie, chocolate cake, butter scotch, tres leches cake and sweetened condensed milk (Leche Nestle).

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, spiced chocolate, tootsie rolls, Dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla,Dr. Pepper Cherry notes, earthy notes, roasted coffee, smokey campfire, rum, bourbon, oreo cookies and cream, tropical fruit hints of pineapple, dragon fruit, mango, fudge brownies, leather, tobacco, smoked campfire notes, chocolate graham cracker smores, BBQ meat, marshmallows, coconut, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherries, black berries, oatmeal cookies, flan, hazelnut nectar, mocha, rye bread, brown sugar, almond joy, rocky road icecream, chocolate chip cookies, butterscotch, flan, crème brulee, pecan pie, anise, mint chocolate chip, piña colada hints, tres leches cake and sweetened condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, dark fruit, chocolate, smokey notes, hints of tropics, hints or bourbon rum and brown sugar linger. Slight alcohol in the taste but nothing detracting too much from the rich flavors. Silky yet smooth mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black dark body.

Overall:
Damn epic!. The bourbon and rum blend very well. This reminds me of the Bruery Smoking Wood if it was mixed with Rum Black Tuesday. The flavors are so rich in all the spectrums that there is a lot that can be said about this Cuvee of Barrel aged goodness. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough more I can say about its complexity as it keeps going and evolving ever so stronger as it warms up. What I will say is that you should really consider taking o this beast. Come one, bring it on! It will be fun.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck and Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach have always represented some aspect of the clown shoes beers in my past reviews. Tia is the Undead Party Crasher/Vampire Slayer. Nelliel has always been the original Unidragon and Yoruichi would be added for good measures since the Porcine Unidragon came out. The blend of each beer together and the unleash of the Extremely Angry beast can be best represented when all three together are looking like bad asses powering up to team up against great foes. The strength and complexity has come together very epically that I could not think of any other pairing artwork that would be the best representative of this beer.

Sources:
http://s15.postimg.org/i37agkebt/harribel_nelliel_yoruichi_copy.jpg
http://wallpapersinhq.com/images/big/harribel-1403215.jpg
http://quantumotaku.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/223167.jpg
http://www.rubberslug.com/user/0233baa15b054e8c988441e924824aeb/765947-3953101-bleachyoruichibig.jpg

Other Unidragon and Vampire Slayer/Undead Party Crasher Reviews:
Blaecorn Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/blaecorn-unidragon-russian-imperial-stout-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

Vampire Slayer/Undead Party Crasher Review:https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/vampire-slayer-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

Angry Beast Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/angry-beast-by-clown-shoes/

Porcine Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/porcine-unidragon-by-clown-shoes/

Very Angry Beast Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/very-angry-beast-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

Hammer of The Holy:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/12/30/hammer-of-the-holy-by-clown-shoes/

Itasca Loonidragon Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2014/11/15/itasca-loonidragon-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

The Good, The Bad, The Unidragon:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/the-good-the-bad-the-unidragon-by-clown-shoes/

2014 Darkness by Surly brewing

November 15, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Black Magic, Bourbon Barrel Aged, dark chocolate, Evil, harpy, High West Rye Whiskey Barrels, Kill-LA-Kill, Lord of Darkness, milk Chocolate, passion fruit, Russian Imperial Stout, Rye Whiskey Barrels, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuoko Matoi, Surly Brewing, Surly Darkness 2014 | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.2/5

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

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

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

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

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

Omar Ansari
Todd Haug
___

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Itasca Loonidragon by Clown Shoes brewing

November 15, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Asada Shino, Blaecorn Unidragon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Clown Shoes Brewing, dark chocolate, Itasca Loonidragon, Neliel, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Russian Imperial Stout, Sinon, Sword Art Online II, unidragon | 1 Comment

Rating: 5.5/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard by Stone Brewing

November 4, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, arrogant bastard, Arrogant Bastard Ale, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard, bourbon barrels, Erza Scarlet, Fairy Tail, king of beers, Stone Brewing, You are Not worthy | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

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

Label:
Quite Refined, Unlike you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 17, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 2nd anniversary, 5 Monks, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Avery Brewing, Aya Brea, Belgian Quintuple, Belgian Sextupel, Belgian Sextuple, Bourbon Barrel Quad, brewerianimelogs, Claire Farron, Cloud Strife, Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XV, Kingdom Hearts, Lightning, No. 22 Barrel Aged Series, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Parasite Eve, Quint, Quintuple, Sora, World class | 1 Comment

Rating: 7/5

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

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

Bottled July 17 2014
Production 874 Cases
___

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 15, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Imperial Stout, Autumn Ale, Bleach, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Four Seasons of Mother Earth, Heaven Hill, Imperial Stout, Inoue Orihime, mother earth Brew company, Orihime, Zingaro | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 23, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Imperial Stout, Black Tuesday, Bleach, cacao nibs, chocolate raisins, dark chocolate, Golden Raisins, Imperial Stout, Session beer, So Happens It's Tuesday, So Happens It's Tuesday Cacao & Raisin, The Bruery, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.35/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Brewerianimelogs On The Road) So Happens It’s Tuesday Cherry & Vanilla by The Bruery

September 23, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Imperial Stout, Black Tuesday, dark chocolate, Fate Night Stay, Fate Stay Night, Imperial Stout, Rider, Session beer, So Happens It's Tuesday, So Happens It's Tuesday Cherry & Vanilla, The Bruery, vanilla beans | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5

So Happens It’s Tuesday Cherry & Vanilla by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV American Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans.

The “Sessioned” version of the almighty ~20% ABV Black Tuesday will be released soon. Essentially, this is a lower alcohol content of their already awesome beer. As with some of their releases, The Bruery decided to make one with Cherry & Vanilla for a very limited time. If you happen to stop by their tasting room there may be a chance for you to try this. With me being a somewhat fanatic with the original Black Tuesday, I wanted to do a review on their variant beer while I was there. This is in a little segment I like to call, Brewerianimelogs On the Road. Cheers!

Aromas:
Milk and Dark Chocolate covered Cherries, Vanilla, Dulce de leche caramel, flan hints, brown sugar, dark fruits, coconut hints, crème brulee hints and raspberry hints.

Flavors:
Dark Cherries, Dark Chocolate, Cherry cordial hints, oak, bourbon, rich vanilla, marshmallow, flan, coconut hints, pecan pie, brown sugar, hints of banana, clove spice, hazelnut hints, raspberry, dark fruits, earthy notes, graham crackers, anise and molasses.

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

Overall:
Still very epic! From what I can gather this beer was smoother than less syrupy in your face Black Tuesday. The crazy part, at 11.3%, this was still considered a “sessioned” Barrel Aged Beer. Which makes you wonder, and is something I always pondered myself, what league of beer is Black Tuesday on. For the many times I have tried it, it is still a winning champion. Even though the sessioned one is not as rich, it is still above the level of awesome beers I love for sure. I would highly seek it out if you want to try this at the tap room or you can wait for the regular one hopefully coming out soon. By the way, this beer is sold to the public! This one was my favorite of the variants.

Anime Corner:
Rider from Fate Stay Night was used in this pairing since I wanted to bring out the aspects of Vanilla and dark cherries along with dark fruits that are in this beer. The power of the Black Tuesday is there even at a minute level but the strength is still in complexity.

2014 MASH by the Bruery

September 14, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, chocolate cake, English Barley Wine, English Barleywine, Kancolle/Kantai Collection, MASH, rocky road ice cream, rye bread, Senkanseiki, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.95/5

2014 MASH by the Bruery is a 12.4% ABV English Barley Wine aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
TO HAVE NOT

An English-style classic with rich flavors from time spent aging in bourbon barrels.

Mas is delicately rich and malty ale, best enjoyed fresh , but may evolve pleasentyly over time if cellared properly.
___

This beer was released by the Bruery in 2013 and re-released for 2014 to the Reserve society. This beer was something I was always curious about but mainly let it slide because I was not a member at the time and something I through I could get better for. As it turned out, now I finally had a chance and I wanted to see if this beer was really worth it. A barrel Aged Barleywine. I could only start to think of Bourbon County Barleywine. At 750ml, I had to get it for sure. So here you go, the MASH review from the Bruery!

Aromas:
Dark fruits like raisins, plums, dulce de leche caramel, old bananas, clove spice, toffee, plantains, macaroons, toasted coconut, hazelnuts, almonds, pecan pie, chocolate, toffee, macamadamia nuts, rocky road ice cream, custard, brownies, chocolate cake, rye bread, maple, mocha, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, and condensed sweetened milk.

Flavors:
Rich toffee, dulce de leche caramel, toasted coconut, macaroons, marshmallows, rich bananas, clove spice, crème brulee, flan, plantain, almonds, pecan pie, chocolate, hazelnut nectar, toffee, macamadamia nuts, rocky road ice cream, custard, brownies, chocolate cake, rye bread, mocha, dark fruit raisins, plums, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, condensed sweetened milk and maple.

Aftertaste:
Bananas, caramel, dark fruits, butterscotch, rye bread, chocolate hints, almonds and toasted coconut macaroons linger. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full bodied, a sipping beer and syrupy mouth feel yet smooth.

Overall:
Undoubtedly exceeding my expectations. The Bruery making a fucking Barley wine that can actually compete with even the world class ones and yet not recognized due to its availability!? Unheard of!! This should definitely be world class as it definitely proves what the true English Barleywine can truly be like. As I look at the EBWs from before this one is definitely one of the top ones! Highly recommended!

Anime Corner:
Senkanseiki from the Kantai Collection was used in this pairing to pair with the colors of the label and the evil that the beer represents. Evil in the sense that it is very good, it is too damn good making you want to drink the whole bottle. However, despite its richness and deliciousness, this one must be taken lightly and savored a sip at a time. The colors of the artwork resonate with the awesome flavor complexity of the beer ranging from the dark cherry, coconut, dark fruits and so forth. The strength of Senkanseiki can also compliment the strength of this beer’s ABV. So much can be said about this delicious treasure but the best part of this is leaving it to you, the reader to make of it what you will!

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2014-06-12-654736.jpeg

2012 Hellshire II by Oakshire brewing

September 13, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged, DC Comics, Heaven Hill, HELLSHIRE, Hellshire II, Imperial Stout, oakshire brewing, Raven, Teen titans | 1 Comment

Rating: 5.35/5

2012 Hellshire II by Oakshire brewing is a 10.5% ABV Double/Imperial Stout aged in Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels for 7 months and bottle aged for 2 years

Label:
Deep within the recesses of the alcoves & antechambers of Oakshire Brewing lies another realm. It’s a place where carefully fermented beers are laid to rest in oaken sarcophagi. They slumber for aeons & emerge as wholly new & unique entities, fueling the malformed creatures that populate those blasted and eldritch wastes. That place is HELLSHIRE.
Hellshire II is an Imperial Stout aged for 6 months in freshly emptied bourbon barrels. Notes of vanilla, coconut, chocolate, roasted coffee, oak & bourbon intertwine with the beer’s complex malt flavors. It’s ready to enjoy now or can be cellared cool and dry for several years. Cheers! Mat Van Wyk, Brewmaster.
___

Like the Hellshire I, in 2012 I traded for this beer. Stories of lore told that this beer was infected and the brewery had apologized. Despite this, I had reviewed one which I enjoyed and aged another for to be drink 2 years later. I wanted to check on its status of infection, that is, if it really was true. It really wasn’t bad back then. Nothing different than what I would have had from a lightly soured Jolly Pumpkin Madrugada Obscura, except aged in bourbon barrels. So Now, 2 years later, I resurrect the angel of death to bring you forth the Hellshire II. As enjoyed the Hellshire III earlier this year which came out in 2013, let is see if this beer has completely gone bad or has evolved into something awesome. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, prunes, tart raspberry skins, dark cherry, currants and blue berry yogurt, musty notes, smokey oak, port wine, vanilla, caramel, bourbon, wine grapes, Kahlua, roasted coffee grounds, mocha, anise, chocolate brownies, earthy notes, molasses, bourbon, musty notes and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark fruits like Blueberries, blackberries, tart currants, wine grapes, raisins, prunes, figs and dark cherry yogurt, dark fruit raisins, mocha, rich dark chocolate, bourbon, port wine, caramel, vanilla, coconut, smokey notes, roasted coffee grounds, earthy notes, molasses, anise, flan hints, Kahlua, brownies, port wine, funky oak, smokey notes, milk chocolate, smokey oak, licorice hints and tart raspberries.

Aftertaste:
Blueberry yogurt, dark chocolate, caramel, earthy notes, vanilla, bourbon, tart dark fruit and dark cherries, mocha, roasted coffee and smokey notes. No alcohol in the taste, Very smooth despite the ABV, pitch black as night and death body, light to syrupy mouth feel.

Overall:
Absolutely wonderful!! Despite the fact that there is this sour notes, they are very well controlled. This is not your typical over puckering sour. Oh Hell NO! This is quite awesome. The Imperial Stout and bourbon aspects are the ones in controlled only letting a slight sour bitter taste enhance the dark fruits into an oblivion of like a tart dark cherry yogurt and oak. Think of Madrugada Obscura. I would highly recommend this one if you like sour stouts only. Seems like an acquired but regardless, I definitely realized, this one aged great.

Anime/Comic Corner:
Raven from Teen Titans was used in the original Hellshire II. I wanted to bring her back for the 2nd review to show her as a stronger and more flavorful Imperial stout than the original. Right away,m you should be able to tell that Raven pairs greatly with the all aspects of the beer like the darkness of pitch black, death, hell, the label colors, the flavors and the strength of the beer. The first art depicts of how even though she has become stronger, the markings on her body (depicting the infection of the beer) have not stopper her but rather have given here an immense flavor complex and provided a balance to what would have been a pure sour beer but instead focused on the balance overall instead. Great job to Raven!!

Sources:
http://ramy.deviantart.com/art/Raven-271528390
http://yuumei.deviantart.com/art/Raven-Teen-Titans-161642708

2011 Hellshire I by Oakshire brewing

September 13, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Heaven Hill, HELLSHIRE, Hellshire I, Marvel, Mystique, oakshire brewing, X-men | 1 Comment

Rating: 5.25/5

2011 Hellshire I by Oakshire brewing is a 10% ABV Barleywine aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels for 10 months and now bottle aged for 3+ years.

Label:
Deep within the recesses of the alcoves and antechambers of Oakshire Brewing lies another realm. It’s a place where beers are carefully laid to rest in oaken sarcophagi. They slumber for aeons and emerge as wholly new and unique entities, fueling the malformed creatures that populate those blasted and eldritch wastes. That place is HELLSHIRE. Hellshire I is an American Barley Wine Ale aged for nearly nine months in freshly emptied Bourbon barrels. Notes of vanilla, coconut, oak and bourbon intertwine with the beer’s complex malt and hop character. It’s ready to enjoy now or can be cellared, cool and dry for several years.
___

Long ago, I traded for this beer. I wanted to save one for cellaring and the other was reviewed in 2012. I decided to wait 3 years before trying this one again to see how it had changed. It seems that the beer has matured plenty and I wanted to give it a go since I had already tried the Hellshire III before. The only way to get this beer now is on online auctions or trading. I can somewhat recall what the experience with this one was like back in 2012 but I can only assume. Either way, I brought it back from the depths of NubiSanctum hell cellar to see the light again. Damn was Hellshire mad or what?! Either way, here we go!

Aromas:
Old Dark fruit forward like prunes, raisins, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, musty oak, bourbon, toffee, fancy wine and cheese, old mango, old oranges, oatmeal, pecan pie, hazelnut, molasses, coffee cake, butterscotch, toasted coconut, rye bread, nutella notes, dark chocolate and maple syrup.

Flavors:
Dark fruits like prunes, raisins, figs, maple syrup, cherries, Caramel, Rye bread, coconut, vanilla, earthy notes, musty oak notes, bourbon notes, oatmeal, hazelnut, pecan pie, fancy wine and cheese party funky hints, rich pecan pie, toffee, pralines, old oranges, old mango, butterscotch, coffee cake, nutella hints, molasses, brown sugar, almond joy and dark chocolate notes.

Aftertaste:
Old Oranges,rye bread, nutella hints, caramel, vanilla, coconut, oak, bourbon, earthy and musty notes linger for a bit. No alcohol in the taste. Age has made this one smooth, medium to full body, mildy syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Age has made this one very awesome . It reminds me a lot of the Stone Bastard in the Rye but with a dark fruit and caramel forward flavor profile than the hidden hop notes found in the fresh Stone one. It also reminds me of the Barrel Aged Blockhead Doppelbock from the Coney Island Series. Would I recommend this one? Yes!! It really gets better with age or at least at this point, aging has done this one some crazy magic. If it is hard to believe this is still 10% ABV, Call it an 11% better.

Anime/Comic Corner:
Mystique from Marvel’s Xmen as well as her posing as Ms. Marvel was used in this pairing since the original time I used her was when I posted my first try at Hellshire. She pairs well with the label as well as the aspect of the beer history in terms of her appearance of death and hell. The colors she represents pair well with the colors of the beer label as well as some of the flavors including the dark fruit, caramel, red wine, and citrus and mango.

Sources:
http://thequarterbin.com/wp-content/uploads/76_ms__marvel_48.jpg
http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5ov8jjewq1rydvyko1_1280.jpg

Bourbon Coffee Porter by Smog City brewing

August 30, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, Bourbon Coffee Porter, Coffee Porter, dark chocolate, fancy coffee, Fate Night Stay, Fate Stay Night, Fate Zero, Four Rose Barrels, Heaven Hill, Jack Daniels, mocha coffee, Rin Tohsaka, Smog City, Smog City brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

Bourbon Coffee Porter by Smog City brewing is a 7.5% ABV Imperial Coffee Porter Aged in Heaven Hill, Jack Daniels and Four Roses Barrels.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION

Coffee Porter aged in bourbon barrels.
___

Got this beer on tap at the local brewery, Smog City in Torrance California near work. They only have this for a limited amount of time. The original beer was something very special. A coffee porter that straight out tasted like really fancy coffee was one of the first beers I tried from Smog City. It isn’t often I bring a growler home, but when I heard they were releasing this one to the public and growler even, I definitely had to sign up for sure. So if they ever release a bottle or you are ever in the Torrance area, stop by and try some of this before it is gone!! So for now, I will bring this forth and let you know how it is. Definitely support local breweries wherever you are from and cheers!!

Aromas:

Really fancy coffee, mocha, Kahlua, java, bourbon, oak, floral notes, marshmallows, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, fudge brownies, Irish cream, fudge cake, dark fruits like raisins, plums, dark cherries, currants, hazelnut, pecan pie, maple syrup, earthy notes, milk sugar, cinnamon, rye bread, brown sugar, hints of plantain, clove spice and banana.

Flavors:

Rich fancy mocha coffee, java, frappuccino, bourbon, oak notes, Floral notes, marshmallows, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, fudge brownies, marshmallow, vanilla, caramel, Irish cream, fudge cake, dark cherries, dark fruit raisins, plums, currants, hazelnut, banana hints, clove spice, plantain, pecan pie, earthy notes, maple syrup, molasses, whiskey hints, coconut hints, rye bread, toffee, flan hints, anise, mint and milk sugar.

Aftertaste:

Coffee, mocha, caramel, vanilla, banana hints, dark chocolate and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, smooth drinkability, full body appearance, velvety mouth feel.

Overall:

Loved this one a lot. Even more complex than the original fancy coffee porter. No joke, not only does their porter taste like a cup of Joe, this takes it to the next level of complexity. While it may not be the best coffee beer ever, this is definitely exceeding my expectations even if by a quarter. They did an exceptional job and just the fact that they had it in growler was definitely worth not missing this one. Oh YES!! this one was not worth missing. So like I said before, if you are in town, go get this one for sure, I highly recommend it!

Anime Corner:

Rin Tohsaka from Fate Stay Night/Zero was chosen for this review because I wanted to pair some of the coffee and bourbon flavors with the colors of the artwork. I have another version of Rin but I will most likely use that one for the original beer, which is very awesome. This beer is exceptional for what it is and the flavors like in the artwork like the red and brown for cherry and coffee and the brown for bourbon definitely are revealed in this one. Especially in the deep crimson eyes which show some complexity.

Sources:
http://i32.tinypic.com/24pyla0.jpg

Smokey and The Bois collaboration by The Bruery and The Rare Beer Club

August 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 20th Anniversary, aged in Bourbon Barrels, anniversary ale, Ayeka Masaki Jurai, Black Tuesday, Black Tuesday Imperial Stout, bois, Bois Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Chocolate Rain, Grey Monday, Melange 3, Rare Beer Club, Rare Beers, Ryoko Hakubi, Smokey and The Bois, Smoking Wood, Tenchi Muyo, The Bruery, The Rare Beer Club, vanilla beans, Washu Hakubi, White Chocolate, Wineification, world class beers | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/5

Smokey and The Bois collaboration by The Bruery and The Rare Beer Club is a 16.2% ABV World Class American Strong Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Beans & Cacao Nibs.
Label:

I”ll Have it Rare…
This dark rich brew is a special creation made for our friends at the Rare Beer Club. Three cheers to your past, present & future!

Created and brewed exclusively for the Rare Beer Club to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of MonthlyClubs.com. Smokey And The Bois is a delightful melange of our favorite bourbon barrel aged beer flavors. Rich malt, burnt toffee, a hint of smoke and toasty oak along with fresh vanilla and raw cacao. This rarity will be a joy to drink now or many years down the road…at the next anniversary!

___

The rare beer club and The Bruery collaborated to make this awesome and monstrous creation. Only way to get this was to be a member of the Rare Beer Club or the Bruery’s Reserve/Hoarders Society. Meaning you will have to trade to get this. That is why it is rare. This beer is a blend of Black Tuesday Imperial Stout, Bois Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Ale and Smoking Wood imperial rye porter brewed with beech- and cherrywood smoked malt and all that with Vanilla Beans and Ecuadorian Nacional Cacao Nibs. Basically, this would be an equivalent of Melange 3 except with Smoking Wood replacing White Oak/White Chocolate. Pretty damn insane… Well, if you happen to find it, hopefully my review here will help you figure out what to expect. Thank you for reading and cheers! 🙂

Aromas:

Rich dark chocolate, sweet, milk chocolate, Rich bananas, whiskey, vanilla bourbon, coconut, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, plums, dates, figs, BBQ, pecan pie, hazelnut, creme brulee, flan, candi sugar, graham crackers, marshmallow smores, wine grapes, tres leches/Three milks, Irish cream, brandy, rye bread, oak, apples, Leche Nestle sweetened condenced milk, molasses, port wine, campfire, bacon, burnt sugar, honey, toffee and brown sugar.

Flavors:

Rich Dark, sweet, bakers and milk chocolate syrup, campfire smoke, BBQ, Whiskey Bourbon, Vanilla, rocky road ice cream, Rich bananas, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, choco flan, tres leches/three milks cake notes, leche nestle sweetened condenced milk, raisin bread pudding, hazelnut, pecan pie, chocolate marshmallow smores, candi sugars, oak, apples, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses, anise, wine grapes, brandy, rye bread, honey, toffee, port wine, almond joy chocolate, coconut, sherry, burnt sugar, macaroons and more!

Aftertaste:

Rich Smoked marshmallow, graham cracker with almond joy dipped in caramel, earthy notes, whiskey vanilla and BBQ hints linger. Alcohol is very subtle despite the ABV. Smooth yet you need to sip drinkability, pitch black appearance and rich full body with a syrupy mouth feel.

Overall:

This is not a beer, this a sugar bottle full of rich syrupy goodness ladies and gentlemen. This little bottle of Diabetes was able to ascend the level of favorite next to the Melange 3. Trying to figure out how this beer worked was a crazy task. As the beer warmed but the flavors kept evolving into a sweet Chocolate Oblivion. As much as I love Chocolate Rain, White Chocolate, Wineification and Black Tuesday or even Grey Monday, this beer seems to have it all. Its like a blend of all those beers plus smoked. Think of a liquid chocolate marshmallow smored, ambered in deep caramel and smoked to perfection. While I believe that each of those favorite beers are damn unique in their own way, this one combines it all to holy hell and back. This one is definitely out there and should be take with extreme caution. While extremely delicious, this can back fire if not taken lightly. Highly Recommended? How about add this to the bucket list.

Anime Corner:

Ryoko Hakubi, Ayeka Masaki Jurai, Washu Hakubi and the Rest of the Tenchi Muyo! Gang were used in this pairing to pair with everything that this beer is all about. Back in the 90s, this was one of my favorite shows and these 3 girls were my favorite characters in the show. While Melange 3 had 3 of the 4 of my favorite girls now, these 3 were freaking awesome. Since this is a melange of flavor complexity the whole gang of Tenchi Muyo was added and Ryoko represents Black Tuesday, Ayeka is the Bois and Washu the Smoking Wood blend. All of them representing a huge component that pair with everything this beer represents from the colors of the label, the beer flavors the aspect of team work, collaboration, love, passion, power and more! See you can find many distinctions here as there are so many I could break down but at this point the review would be tl;dr.

Sources:

http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2009-09-02-194405.jpeg
http://zargon-yokoshima.deviantart.com/art/Ryoko-the-Loner-343856058
http://tr3s-sss.deviantart.com/art/Ayeka-and-Ryo-okhi-428323055
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2007-06-05-57778.jpeg

Chocolate Stout by Guadalupe Brewing of New Braunfel, Texas

August 18, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Book of Bantorra, bourbon barrel aged Chocolate Stout, Chocolate Stout, cocoa nibs, Guadalupe Brewing, New Braunfel Texas, Noloty Maruchie, Texas | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

Chocolate Stout by Guadalupe Brewing of New Braunfel, Texas is 7.22% ABV American Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with cocoa nibs.

Label:
Our Chocolate Stout has a smooth drinkable appeal. Aged on cocoa nibs and American Oak with Bourbon, the complexity makes this a truly great Stout.
___

Chocolate Bourbon aged Stouts?! Yes please! This one seems like a definite treat. Bourbon Barrel Aged beers are awesome. So are Chocolate beers. Mix the two correctly and you have a very special beer. This beer comes to me as a donation by Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com. This is the last beer in the package that Aaron sent me so I figured since I like these type of beers, I would save it for last. This the first time I try a Guadalupe Brewing beer so I look forward to this one for sure. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Milk and dark chocolate, bourbon hints, vanilla, caramel,pecan pie, peanut butter hints. Cocoa crispies, earthy notes, mocha, coffee, hazelnut, dark fruit raisins, peanut butter cup, bananas, coconut hints, marshmallow, bourbon hints and dark cherry hints.

Flavors:
Rich Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, marshmallow, caramel, bourbon, oak, hints of coconut, vanilla, peanut butter cup, earthy coffee notes, flan hints, dark fruit raisins, figs, bananas, clove spice, hints of almond joy, pecans, campfire smoke, ashy hints, burnt oak, cinnamon, dark cherries, fudge cake and flan hints.

Aftertaste:
Dark and milk chocolate, earthy notes, caramel, bourbon vanilla, cherry and smokey notes linger. No alcohol in the taste while maintaining a smooth yet moderate drinkability, pitch black body and moderate mouthfeel.

Overall:
This one does exceed some expectations a bit and I would definitely try it again. While it is not as potent as some of the other stronger ABV beers out there, this one still is able to deliver some nice complex chocolate flavors. This goes to show you don’t always need a high ABV to make it taste nice and rich or complex. It can do better with balance in terms of the smokey and sweet flavors. It is best drunk at warmer temperatures since that is where you can really tell the complexity. This one is worth the try for sure.

Anime Corner:
Noloty Maruchie of the Book of Bantorra was used in this paring to show some of the colors and chocolate flavors. Notoly is by water representing the person on the barrel rowing. The design of Notoly and her fashion pair with the design of the label as well. She represents the mixture of bourbon barrel aging with chocolate cocoa nibs. Sweet and delicious!

Sources:
http://omo.serenana.info/AGP/noloty.jpg

Black Crack by Southern Star Brewing

August 16, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Imperial Stout, Black Crack, Bourbon Barrel Stout, Buried Hatchet, Southern Star Brewing, Stout | 1 Comment

Rating: 5.35/5

Black Crack by Southern Star Brewing is an 8.25% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Bourbon barrel aged Buried Hatchet Stout
___

Wonder why they call it Black Crack? Could it possibly be because this beer is so good that it is like a pitch black drug? Not sure, but thanks to my friend Aaron from www.beermetaldude.com, we can now bring this as a review to the site. Coming from Conroe Texas, their Buried Hatchet Stout is aged for a year and a half in Bourbon Barrels giving way to some sweet complex flavors. Can’t wait to try this, so let’s check this one out shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hazelnut, flan, dark fruit raisins, figs, vanilla, marshmallow, oak bourbon, almond joy chocolate, smokey notes, chocolate milkshake, pecan pie, molasses, toffee, brown sugar, crème brulee hints and mocha hints.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bourbon, oak, vanilla, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, molasses, crème brulee, mocha frappuccino, smokey notes, roasted coffee bitterness, earthy notes, dark fruit raisins and figs.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, earthy notes, smokey hints and marshmallow linger for a bit. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink suprisingly with a light to moderate mouthfeel but pitch black body. This make is dangerous as you definitely want to keep drinking it or have a few.

Overall:
I’m a sucker for bourbon barrel aged beers, especially those that taste pretty close to chocolate. This one exceeds my expectations with the help of the barrel aging but also the complexity and the fact that it drinks super smooth. If I had several of these in one sitting, it would be lights out for sure. So in the sense of overwhelming character, this one does great as it will not detract the unready palate. Highly recommended but careful now.

Anime Corner:
Original Character by artist Yuyu was used in this pairing to pair with Black Crack because I wanted to show some of the colors of the label but also what this sweet, evil and dark little beer entails. As you can see, the beers is very delicious, so much that you really want it. The dark hands that come out from the character are like the smokey notes of the beer and the evil sweetness that it represent. Do not be fooled by her sweet stare. She also doesn’t have a long rifle for no reason. Like a good beer that is hard to spot, if you are somehow seduced by this one, just try not to finish the whole bottle or several. Awesomely great beer but very dangerous.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/view_post/363141?lang=en

Black Butte XXVI (26th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery

July 28, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 26th Anniversary, 26th Anniversary Reserve, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Black Butte, black butte porter, Black Butte XXVI, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, cocoa nibs, cranberries, Deschutes Brewery, Legend of Zelda, Midna, Pomegranate Molasses, Pomegranates, tart cranberries, Theo's cocoa nibs, Twili Midna, Twilight Princess | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Black Butte XXVI (26th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery is 10.8% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with pomegranate molasses with 50% aged in bourbon barrels blended with ale with cocoa nibs and cranberry added.

Label:
Our 26th anniversary imperial porter was aged in bourbon barrels and dry spiced with theo chocolate’s cocoa nibs, revealing hints of vanilla and chocolate. Pomegranate molasses and Oregon cranberries complement the robust flavor with a hint of fruits and just enough tart to make you smile.
___

Each year they release this beer, they always use different ingredients. I have been fortunate enough to be able to try the 24th and 25th. Today I bring you their 26th. Since I loved the previous years versions, I can only imagine this years version will be insane. I picked this one up at Ramirez Liquors and Kegs in Boyle Heights near downtown Los Angeles. I wish I could of picked up 2 but due to the 1 bottle limit I was unfortunate. I can only hope they have more in stock or if I am lucky to get it again. These types of beers are definitely the ones you want to try regardless of your previous conviction. Each one amazing and every year getting better. So on to the review and cheers!!

25th Anniversary Review (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/black-butte-xxv-25th-anniversary-reserve-by-deschutes-brewery/)

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla, oak, bourbon hints, rich pomegranate, raspberries, slight tart cranberries, dark fruit raisins, cherries, smoke hints, dulce de leche caramel, chocolate fudge cake, hazelnut, almond joy, coconut, banana, clove spice, brown sugar, pecan pie, chocolate abuelita, tobacco, molasses, and strawberry preserves on rye bread.

Flavors:
Chocolate covered tart pomegranates, raspberries, cranberries, smokey notes, marshmallows, coconut hints, dark cherries, dark fruit raisins, figs, bananas, clove spice, marshmallow smores, vanilla, oak, bourbon, pecan pie, flan, almond joy, earthy bitterness, chocolate abuelita, strawberry preservers on rye bread, hazelnut nectar, walnuts, pecans, maple bar, molasses, brown sugar, anise hints, chocolate fudge cake, dragon fruit nectar, bubble gum hints and licorice hints.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, earthy notes, tart cranberries, pomegranate, strawberry, banana hints, caramel, vanilla, oak, smokey notes, tobacco, walnuts and pecans. No alcohol in the taste, silky and smooth mouthfeel even easy to drink surprisingly. Dark as the night appearance. Careful with this one as its smoothness will make you want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting.

Overall:
Even more exceptional than the last. Seems like every year they go all out with their release and each one is well up there in terms of flavors and deliciousness. By all means, this very exceptional and I definitely will be looking for this one again assuming I can find it again. I highly recommend this one because a dessert beer in a bottle, the rich flavors will linger and linger for quite a awhile on that palate making each sip just extraordinary delicious!!

Anime Corner:
Midna (Both Forms) from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was chosen once again this year for the Black Butte release. I had chosen her in the previous releases since I wanted to represent the mixing of 2 of the same ale together. One being the the bourbon barrel aged (Twili Midna on the right) and the cocoa nibs and cranberry (Midna on the left). They are both the same person and both are kick ass. The pomegranate and cranberry colors can be see by the crimson in their beautiful eyes, staring seductively at your soul (sweet and tart) taking you to a land of pleasure…Or so this beer makes me feel in that sense. Don’t be fooled though, take your time with this one, she can be misleading and evil but only if you let her be.

Sources:
http://zeronis.deviantart.com/art/MIDNA-452543934

Smoking Wood (Bourbon Barrel edition) by The Bruery

July 19, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, attack on titan, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Mikasa Ackerman, Smoked Imperial Rye Porter, Smoking Wood, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/5

Smoking Wood (Bourbon Barrel edition) by The Bruery is a 14% Smoked Imperial Rye Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
WANT A SMOAK?

A rich porter layered with rye spiciness and earthy smokey, caramel-like flavors, roasty malt and oaky deliciousness.

Smoking Wood is brewed with a hefty amount of both rye and smoked malt, contributing to a full body and light spiciness, balanced by extended oak aging. This beer will cellar gracefully but is best enjoyed fresh.
___

The original Smoking Wood (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/smoking-wood-by-the-bruery/) was aged in rye whiskey barrels. This bourbon barrel variation of the beer was released to the Bruery’s Preservation and Reserve Societies. After the loss of Couverteur, the Belgian Chocolate Vanilla Dubbel, the Bruery was able to replace that one with this one for their Preservation Society. Back then, when I first rated the original Smoking Wood I did not have my special rating system and rated that one 5/5. Today, the extra credit on that one would have been higher I am sure as this one will sure reach an exceptional rating I am sure. So let’s check it out and see if this one is worth obtaining.

Aromas:
Rich vanilla, campfire smoke, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, marshmallow smores, dark and milk chocolate, almond joy, burnt sugar on flan, jericallla (Mexican Custard), dark fruit hints, roasted malts, coffee hints, rye bread, butterscotch, bacon, BBQ honey glaze, maple, cherries, pecan pie, crème brulee, hazelnut nectar, plums, raisins, molasses and anise.

Flavors:
Rich Vanilla, oak, campfire smoke, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, toasted coconut on flamed marshmallow chocolate smores, flan, cinnamon, dark and milk chocolate, jericalla Mexican custard, burnt sugar, BBQ hone glazed bacon, maple, molasses, dark fruit cherries, plums raisins, special beachwood oak, hazelnut, pecan pie, rye bread, sourdough bread, butterscotch, crème brulee, molasses, and anise.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with burnt chocolate, oak, beachwood fancy wood, vanilla, bourbon, marshmallow, Barbecue smoked meat and flan. No alcohol in the taste, A sipping beer with with a full mouthfeel, Pitch black body and yet very smooth.

Overall:
Exceptional beer just like the original smoking wood in rye whiskey. I really think both of these go hand in hand except this one sure shines more of the marshmallow coconut and vanilla aspect than the rye, burnt oak and hone glaze of the other one. Regardless, both are insane and just as good. If you can find this variant, I suggest you trade for it and see if you can find the difference between them a little better. Although, regardless, both are phenomenal and highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan returns in an epic pairing with the Bruery Smoking Wood. I wanted to include her in one of my reviews from the Bruery as she is my favorite character from that series. The aspects, aside from the label, that she bring forth to the pairing is how, in relation to smoking wood, her society relates to the smoking of wood. The time that she lives seems like something off of the old west where people ride in horses and carriages to get around and the only technology seems to be fire and wood in order to get light. So while lacking in technology, seems like this is what society is like during this time. Smoking wood reminds me of that. While everything is burning around her, there is this sweet glimmer of hope and strength that she brings forth. She is one of the strongest and fastest in the series fighting many of the Titans (Giant Zombie like creatures) in the series with easy. While she may have an dark cold demeanor, she is very kind and caring of her friends Eren and Armin. This was the perfect beer in my mind to pair with her.

Sources:
http://stazgaskarth.deviantart.com/art/Mikasa-Wallpaper-405729082
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Shingeki-no-Kyojin-Mikasa-Wallpaper-440812965

Stochasticity Project Varna Necropolis by Stone Brewing

July 19, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, bcnyart, belgian golden ale, Belgian Golden Strong Ale, Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Stochasticity Project, Stone Brewing, Varna Necropolis | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Stochasticity Project Varna Necropolis by Stone Brewing is am 8.6% Belgian Golden/Strong Pale Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
STOCHASTICITY
STO-KAESTI-CITY
There is no happenstance or coincidence. Dumb luck is a fallacy and randomness a commonly accepted mistruth. Much of what seemingly falls into place and seems so natural is a result of Stochasticity, a concept embraced and exalted by this special and unpredictable series of beers, where exotic notions, ingredients and ideas coalesce at an interesting and often unexpected endpoint.

For many, the verbiage “Belgian Golden Strong Ale” conjures the mental visage of a chalice of straw-hued liquid nearly overflowing with tight, fluffy, white bubbles. Though that effervescent European classic was a solid base for this, the sophomore release from our center for beer experimentation, but to test its unexplored possibilities, we added a sufficient lode of hops to up the ale’s bitter character and dry finish. Next came a lengthy aging period in bourbon whiskey barrels, quite the rarity for this style. Named for the Bulgarian site from which the largest golden treasure in history was excavated, this beer presents a wealth of next-level nuances including vanilla, wood and spice.

Beer Facts
OG 16°P
TG 0.21°P
IBUs 48
ABV 8.6% v/v
Color: 6.4 °L/ SRM (Standard Reference Method)
pH 4.22

Malt Varieties
Pale Malt and Flaked Oats

Hop Varieties
Simcoe and Amarillo

Aged in
Bourbon Barrels
___

The second beer on my journey during the World cup quarter finals and Anime Expo was this beer. I had initially traveled to Long Beach then the heart of downtown and Pasadena California all in a days worth to be able to get my hands on this piece of gold. This beer can only be obtained if you visit one of the Stone Company Stores only as it was not give a wide distribution. Not sure why, but anyways, I wanted to bring this forth as I have been wanting to try this since April of this year. Cheers!

Aromas:
Peppercorns, Piney, grassy, floral and grapefruit hops, oak, vanilla, biscuit bread, butter scotch, bourbon hints, citrus, oranges, coriander spice, cardamom,waffle cone, brown sugar, mango, pineapple, honey, musty grapes, farmhouse hay, flowers, honey and herbs.

Flavors:
Rich vanilla, oak, bourbon notes, flowers, peppercorns, banana clove spice, flan hints, caramel, piney, grassy and grapefruit hop notes, old oranges, wine grapes, farmhouse yeast, mushrooms, lemon peel, apricots, mango, coconut hints, coriander spice, wine and cheese party, honey, herbs and waffle cone.

Aftertaste:
Finishes Tart citrus, grapefruit, peppercorns, oak, bourbon, vanilla, honey grapefruit hops and old mango. No alcohol in the taste, light body, medium drinkability and medium mouth feel.

Overall:
While this is a very good beer, it starts to get to that perfect level once it starts to warm up. I have had other beers that really come close to this one but the bourbon really adds that extra level of complexity that I have not seen in such a beer. A Belgian Pale/Gold Ale in bourbon? It happened, and it seems to definitely work here. However, the bourbon barrel only gives it a slight sweetness as it leads more towards a sweet and tart taste as the hops still come on a little strong. A beer that probably comes close is the White Oak from the Bruery (Wheatwine Aged in Bourbon). Definitely give this one a try and see if this one works magic for you!

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by bcnyart at deviantart.com was used in this pairing because I wanted to pay tribute to the history that is represented in this beer. Liquid Gold and the name Varna Necropolis which is the tomb that holds the oldest treasures in the world. As you can see, the character is wearing all sorts of golden goodies dating even back into the Egyptian times as an example. I wish I could have found something relating to Bulgaria, lots of treasure and anime but Egypt serves as a great example in terms of age and some of the Egyptian tombs are just as old or maybe younger but still a good representative of treasures.

Sources:
http://bcnyart.deviantart.com/art/Dragons-with-Egyptian-Treasure-454386743

Wild Streak by Brooklyn brewery

June 16, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Wild Ale, Belgian Strong Golden Ale, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Brettanomyces, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn Wild Streak, Wild Streak, Zone, Zone Tan | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

Wild Streak by Brooklyn brewery is a 10% ABV American Wild Ale aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
There was a time when all beers were aged in wood and yeasts ran wild and converted together. Modern brewing is wonderful, but sometimes a little converting is a fine thing. Brooklyn Wild Streak is our barrel-aged Belgian-inspired golden ale enlivened by the earthy funk of wild yeast called Brettanomyces. It’s particularly great with cheeses and game meats. Oh, go ahead. You know you want to.
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Special thanks for Aaron at www.beermetaldude.comfor hooking me up with this one. While this is not from Texas, Brooklyn brewery stuff is hard to come by here in California. This is the second one I ever get a chance to try. I like a lot of wild ales but this one is with bourbon barrels. So I expect this one to be sweeter than sour.

Aromas:
Lots of stone fruit like peaches, apricot, lychee mango, citrus, vanilla, oak, bourbon, honey, waffle cone, musty grape notes, good cheese, biscuit bread, butterscoth, floral notes, peppercorns, white grapes, coriander spice, pears, apples, coconut hints, brettanomyces funk and candi sugar.

Flavors:
Old peaches, apricots, apples, plums, lychee, mango hints, citrus, vanilla, oak, bourbon, waffle cone, honey comb, coconut, brettanomyces, peppercorns, coconuts hints, apples, pears, coriander spice, white grapes, barnyard hay, good cheese hints, biscuit bread, butterscotch, floral notes, candi sugars, peach cobbler and hints of flan.

Aftertaste:
Peach cobbler, peppercorns, oak, citrus, musty white grapes and bourbon hints. No alcohol in the taste but a sipping beer. This one is quite refreshing despite the ABV.

Overall:
Very delicious and exceeding a little bit I must say. This one reminds me a lot of Curieux except tart fruit character as well as the stone fruit is more present than that souring aspect. A more closer to a Belgian Golden Ale than a sour. Of course, with the complexity of the bourbon barrels and brettanomyces and you really have a great beer. No sure why it is rated low in some instances but this one is off the chain!

Anime Corner:
Zone-Tan from the Zone Archive series was used in this pairing as I wanted to complement some of the colors of the label but also the fact that a wild streak is is something that has devious or violent tendencies. Despite her being nice and sweet, she holds in a lot of power and can be very unforgiving. The beer shows characteristics of being a sweet beer but it has some tart notes and just the bourbon character elevates it to some devious tendencies itself. Much like Zone-tan, Wild streak is a very delicious and sweet beer despite being a super utter sour.

Sources:
http://sarikyou.deviantart.com/art/Zone-Tan-Wallpaper-342124123

Proprietor’s Vintage 2014 Stickee Monkee by Firestone Walker Brewing

June 4, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Belgian Abbey Quadrupel, Belgian Quadrupel, Black Tuesday, Capcom, Central Coast Quad, Firestone Walker, Goku, Journey to the West, Marvel Vs. Capcom, Monkey King, proprietor's reserve, Son Goku, Son-Son, SonSon III, Stickee Monkee, Sun Wukong, Trappist beer, World class | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Proprietor’s Vintage 2014 Stickee Monkee by Firestone Walker Brewing is a 13.4% ABV World Class Central Coast Belgian Quadrupel aged in bourbon barrels.

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

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

We present the 2014 vintage of Stickee Monkee, a barrel-aged Quad. It has been said that the only constant is change and the same is true for barrel-aged Quad evolves and shows a different face each year; a result of time spent aging in the barrel.

Turbinado brown sugar from Mexico adds wonderful molasses flavors that are reminiscent of Belgian candi sugar. It has a full body and lush texture with battle expression all over; toasted oak, coconut, leather and rich cigar tobacco.

This Central Coast Quad is a one-of-a-kind sipping beer built to last and will reward careful aging for years to come.
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This is very damn special. So special along side some of the best in the world so far. This beer was so coveted that I barely was able to get a bottle for myself. Initially sold at the Firestone Brewery, it saw a very limited distribution. I really wanted to bring this forward for a review here at the site and lucky for me, my chance was answered. If you seek this beer, you may have to trade.

Aromas:
DAMN! Smells like Black Tuesday. This isn’t an imperial stout but damn it has so much complexity going on here. Dulce de leche, grilled bananas with Irish cream, vanilla, oak, coconut, flan, almond joy chocolate, marshmallows, bourbon, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, bourbon, molasses, pilloncillo sugar cone, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, maple syrup, milk, dark and Belgium chocolates, waffle cone and raisin bread pudding.

Flavors:
Brown Sugar Grilled Bananas with pilloncillo sugar cone, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, toasted coconut, French Vanilla ice cream, oreo cookies and cream, flan, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallow smores, maple syrup, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, black berries, currants, port wine, capirotada raisin bread pudding, dark cherries, currants, maple syrup, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgium chocolate, candi sugars, waffle cone, clove spice, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, choco flan, molasses, tobacco, leather, Trappist Belgian yeast, grape nuts, peaches and cream.

Aftertaste:
Caramelized Bananas, chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, dark fruit raisin pudding and pecan pie. No alcohol in the taste, Unbelievably smooth, syrupy mouth feel and extremely dangerous. This is one of those beers that you want to be careful as you can probably finish the whole bottle in one sitting which is not recommended. Take you time with this one.

Overall:
This beer was a fucking mind blow. There is a reason this is a key player in the anniversary ales they release every year. Each year the recipe is different and each one just pushing the edges of what I can give as extra credit. This might truly be the best quad I have ever had, yes even in lines with the Westvleteren. Also the strongest quadruple at 13.4% ABV except for the Agave Maria at 13.5% ABV and Forgotten Island at 15% ABV. Each one is just unique in its own way. I really love this one for reminding me so much of Black Tuesday or Bourbon County but it is a quadruple and its flavor profile really shows.

Anime Corner:
SonSon III was chosen for this pairing for the fact that she is a monkey but she is also a Buddhist Monk. As it applies to the monks in Belgium, those characteristics about her are what worked well in my mind, hence why I chose her. The peaches and cream aspect fit as well as she represents what is sweet about this beer. Her origin is that of the monk Son Goku or Sun Wukong or the Monkey King. She is inspired by the Chinese classical novel of Journey to the West. Her grandfather was the original SonSon. Her power comes of the that of the martial arts and the is Ki attacks. Yes, this beer is very powerful and she makes a great representative. Can you come up with any nice aspects from this pairing?

Source:
http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080319020048/marvelvscapcom/images/b/bf/Sonson-big-mvc2.jpg
http://johnjoseco.deviantart.com/art/Monkeys-and-Peaches-395292236

Mogli by Caldera Brewing

May 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, bakers chocolate, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Cacao Chocolate Porter, Caldera brewing, Candi Sugars, Chocolate, Chocolate Porter, Imperial Porter, Mogli, oak barrels, White Chocolate, World class, World Class Imperial Porter | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Mogli by Caldera Brewing is an 8.5% ABV World Class Imperial Porter Aged in Oak Barrels with Chocolate.

Label:
Caldera’s “Mogli” was inspired by the loss of a dear friend. This is a chocolate, oak-aged Imperial Porter. Mogli is complex, sweet, chocolatey, big and full of unconditional love! Sit, Stay, roll over, cookies? Malt beverage brewed with natural flavor. If ever in Ashland, Oregon, come by and check out the Caldera Tap House. Located 31 Water Street.

Served in a 10 ounce wine glass. Malts: Premium Two Row, Crystal, Munich, Brown, Pale Chocolate, Chocolate, Dark Belgian Candi Sugar, Natural Chocolate, Bourbon-Soaked Oak Spirals; Hops: Galena, Willamette; ABV: 8.5%, IBU: 55, SRM: 55.0
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From the Caldera Kettle Series ~ Limited Small Batch Release, Mogli is a beer I have been passing up for the longest time. I guess it wasn’t until recently when I read the label that this beer was made for the loss of one of the brewer’s pet that I was like awe man, this is cute. I definitely had to try it. Now, without further ado, here is Mogli!

Aromas:
Rich Milk, dark and bakers Chocolate, chocolate yoohoo, plantain bananas, rich vanilla, blackberries, blue berry muffins, hints of oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, cocoa powder, cocoa krispies, peanut butter, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, dark fruits figs and dates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, hints of coconut, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow, white chocolate, mocha and notes of Kahlua.

Flavors:
Very Rich Milk, dark, bakers and Yoohoo Chocolate covered blueberries, blackberries, Chocolate Cheese cake, Banana Flan, maple grilled plantains, White Russian, White Chocolate, rich vanilla, oak, bourbon, blueberry muffins, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs and dates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, marshmallow, oatmeal cookie dough, rocky road ice cream, oreo cookies, peanut butter, cocoa krispies, cocoa powder, chocolate cordial cherries, fudge cake, coffee cake, brown sugar and rum.

Aftertaste:
Lingering rich chocolate, banana and dark fruit complexities with hints of vanilla and caramel. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer with a smoothness that can be described like drinking chocolate milkshake. Medium mouthfeel and very creamy.

Overall:
HOLY SHIT! I love this beer! I definitely have a new favorite. Who would have thought that for beer that is not as coveted as many other well known beers, that this one literally takes the cake, or atleast a huge chunk of chocolate cake. I got this beauty at Ramirez but I have seen it in many places like total wine. I believe they release this almost every year so without a shadow of a doubt, a highly recommended must try. I think what really does this one in is the chocolate and the other ingredients it shows it is made from.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by Saintversa and allinix of Deviant art were used in this pairing mainly because of the colors and the label. Blue Green or Teal is my favorite color but I mainly wanted to show a black canine as I am unable to find many good pictures to pair these beers with. I take a gut feeling and usually take a perspective when choosing these. In terms of chocolate and dark beer, I felt this was perfect because I wanted to show guilty pleasure and unconditional love, in whatever form it may be for the loss of a pet. Hence why the canine anthropomorphic pictures are hard to see. Especially since anthropomorphic I guess in the “Furry world” (Don’t quote me on this, I am not a Furry) is the dividing line between man and animal or maninal. Essentially I am trying to say how pets are part of a family and we love them as such. Either way, this beer is very special and pleasant that you have to try it!

Soroboruo by The Bruery

May 16, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, dark fruits, Ghost Buster, Ghost Sweeper, GS Mikami, heather flowers, hibiscus flowers, Reiko Mikami, Scotch Ale, scotch whiskey, Soroboruo, sour ale, sour beer funk, Sour Wee Heavy, The Bruery, Wee Heavy | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/5

Soroboruo by The Bruery is a 12% ABV Sour Wee Heavy aged in Scotch and Bourbon barrels with heather flowers.

Label:
WEE SOUR
Rich malt, sour funk, notes of oak and a floral balance. Unlike any Wee Heavy you’ve ever had.

Soroboruo is a backwards take on a Scotch Ale. Typically known for big toffee-like malt and subdued yeast flavors. Soroboruo allows our wild yeast and bacteria to shine full-heartedly, adding a delightful tartness, balanced by the soft floral notes of the heather flowers. Soroboruo is best enjoyed fresh, but may pleasantly evolve over time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55 °F (13 °C) in a dark place.
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Released by the Bruery as part of their Reserve Society releases. This beer was a surprise since it was one that was not listed and was one that was listed shortly after their release of Sucre. If you want to get your hands on this one, you may have to go ahead and trade for it. Unless the Bruery makes it available for release to the masses. I have never had a Sour Wee Heavy before and Wee Heavy Scottish ales are always awesome.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, proliferation of Sour wine grapes, funky musk, coconut, marshmallows, butterscotch, toffee, scotch whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows, coconut hints, leather, herbs, hibiscus flowers, honey, currants, smoked peat, tart cranberries, cherries, raspberries, chocolate notes, port wine, brown sugar, maple bar and black berry yogurt.

Flavors:
Sour funk notes, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, wine grapes, funky notes, scotch whiskey, bourbon, wine grapes, tart cranberries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, butterscotch, leather, marshmallows, coconut, honey, currants, smoked peat, flowers, hibiscus, dark chocolate, herbs, port wine, maple, black berry cheese cake, berry yogurt, hazelnut, pecan pie hints, citrus and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruit raisins, tart wine grapes and cranberries, toffee, rich caramel, vanilla, oak, molasses and earthy notes. Hints of alcohol in the taste but I think it is mainly the whiskey and wine like characters. A sipping beer for sure with a medium body.

Overall:
Let his one warm up, the flowers, scotch, bourbon and Wee Heavy aspect take over the tart sourness to make it awesomely balanced. This beer is quite the different one. I have never had a Wee Heavy and I really thought this one deserved some major credit. It is not all sour, you can tell there is a barrel aged wee heavy there. The sourness is only there enough to remind you that this beer is kind of evil but not. Overall delicious and recommended!

Anime Corner:
Reiko Mikami from the Ghost Sweeper Mikami Series was used in this beer to maintain the aspect of the beer that is still sacred, which is the Wee Heavy aspect you see, Mikami is a paranormal investigator and the demon Soroboruo is a Wee Heavy that went backwards on its style. It was possessed by wild yeast and is not longer the same. In other words tainted by evil. One can honestly say that maybe in truth, Soroboruo is a reflection of Reiko Mikami herself. While she fights her own inner demons. Like the fact that she is money hungry…lol! Regardless though, Reiko is one bad ass chick that no one fucks with and a bad ass Ghost Buster/Sweeper. Mikami is one of my first Anime favorite characters since back in the 90’s, so to bring her forth into this beer was a delicious move. She may seem a little sour on the outside but inside, she is all sweet and caring. The colors of the label and the flowers fit her perfectly. Let’s be honest too, Soroboruo looks like a Talisman and somewhat paranormal. That and the purple of her dress being the dark fruit aspect and the ABV her passion she has for what she does in her life.

Melange 8 (1 year later) by The Bruery

May 6, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, anniversary ale, Beer Hybrid, Coffee Beans, Don Pachi Geisha Coffee Beans, Donne Anonime, fancy coffee, Franco il Nero, Geisha Coffee Beans, hoarders society, Kahlua, Kopi Luwak Coffee, Lily Salvatana, Melange, Melange 3, Melange 8, Portola Coffee Lab, roasted coffee, The Bruery, White Oak Sap | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Melange 8 (1 year later) by The Bruery is a 14.5% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Don Pachi Geisha Coffee Beans and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
GEISHA!

A rich blend of our Anniversary ale, White Oak Sap along with locally roasted coffee from Portola Coffee Lab. Flavors of toffee, vanilla, oak and roasty coffee beans.

Melange No. 8 will age gracefully for many years when cellared properly. Best stored and cellared arund 55 degrees Fahrenheit in a cool, dark place.
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Bottled on 1/16/2013, this beer has been sitting for way past a year and I am sure has developed some crazy flavors. I searched all last year for this beer was unable to find it until I was able to trade it from a friend. This piece of art was so damn exclusive, that you had to be part of the Elusive and Exclusive and Expensive, Hoarders society from the Bruery. This beer, like the Kopi Luwak Coffee beans, is brewed with some very expensive coffee beans. Maybe that is why it is so exclusive. Either way, I wanted to get the review in to show case what this beer is all about.

Aromas:
Rich complex and fancy coffee with whipped cream and dulce de leche caramel, espresso, dark fruit raisins, waffle cone, bourbon, vanilla, oak, mocha, toasted coconut, marshmallows, java, milk chocolate, chai tea, flan, green tea, coriander spice, cherry, crème brulee, leather, clove spice, bananas, Kahlua liqueur, pecan pie, nutty clusters, cinnamon and some very mild tropics.

Flavors:
Very complex and fancy Coffee, mocha, espresso, vanilla, oak, bourbon, flan, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, pecan pie, hazelnut, earthy notes, coriander and clove spice, toasted coconut, marshmallows, milk chocolate, java coffee, Kahlua liqueur notes, chai tea, herbal green tea, brown sugar, mild tropical citrus, apple butter, leather notes, berry marmalade on rye toast, coffee butter scotch, whipped cream on frappucino, cashew butter, purple sweet potato hints and waffle cone.

Aftertaste:
Sweet complex coffee, vanilla, caramel, purple sweet potato, chai tea, frappuccino, marshmallow and earthy notes linger. Alcohol is grown so you can kind of sense it in the taste but still not detracting too much from the flavors. A sipping beer for sure with full bodied mouthfeel.

Overall:
As expected, definitely one of the greats exceeding the upper flavors as only some of the best beers I love can only do. However, this is still no Melange 3. There is a reason I gave that one a 7 and there is no way I have changed my mind from this one. Nevertheless, right next to Bourbon County Coffee Brand Stout,Mocha Wednesday and the Alesmith Kopi Luwak Bourbon Barrel Aged beers this one is one of the best worldly coffee beers out there. The only way to get this one is by basic trading unfortunately and I had a hell of time to try and get this. So if you have a bottle, now you know what it can be like, at least so far.

Anime Corner:
Franco il Nero (Frank the Black) and her group of Donne Annonime and Lily Salvattana from Tre Donne Crudeli were used in this beer pairing because I wanted to find a pairing that reminded me of the worlds best coffee beer as well as match the colors. Since this beer is a blend of different beers, I mixed in the them three since I used them in many epic beers like the Bourbon County Brand Stouts variants. Since Coffee was the main aspect and a fancy coffee at that, I wanted to relate those flavors and bourbon as how they related to the old west. Many cowboys and cowgirls would drink bourbon while others would drink coffee. The blend in these together along with the Old Ale aspect of the Old West and the White Oak Sap reminding me of the hot sun was just the mix up I needed to bring this together. That and I wanted to find an excuse to use Franco il Nero in a Bruery beer since I have not done so in the past. That and the fact that her name is “The Black”, like a cup of rich fancy coffee!

Sucré (6th Anniversary Ale) by The Bruery

April 30, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 6th Anniversary Ale, aged in Bourbon Barrels, anniversary ale, Bourbon Barrel Aged, burnt sugar, Dark Cherries, Iron, Mari Illustrious Makinami, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Old Ale, scotch whiskey, Sucre, Sugar, The Bruery | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/5

Sucré (6th Anniversary Ale) by The Bruery is a 16.9% ABV Old Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
This sturdy beer marks our sixth year, and we are grateful for the outpouring of community. Together may our supporters, our brewery and this beer grow in complexity and refinement over the years.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION (ratebeer.com)
Sucré is our sixth anniversary ale, loosely brewed in the English-style Old Ale tradition using our house Belgian yeast strain and then blended using the solera method.

A portion of each of our anniversary ales is saved in our barrels and blended in with the next year’s production, providing more complexity and depth of character that comes with aged. Layered with complex flavors of dark fruit, vanilla, oak, and burnt sugar, Sucré is a robust ale, surely the perfect beer to mark this major milestone.
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Sucré or Sugar in French, in the traditional sense of the wedding anniversary gifts, refers to the 6th year in which Iron or sugar are given. The beer will be released in May 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 complexity as you the the original ale that is 6 years old and the new young batch all together using the Solera method as explained in the description. Every year since Fruet, their 4rd 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:
Exquisite dulce de leche caramel on bananas, flan, rich dark cherries, pecan pie, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dates, wine grapes, apples, sweetened condenced milk, pilloncillo, crème brulee, toffee, roasted coconut, bourbon, oak, dark and milk chocolate, burnt sugar, candy sugar, brown sugar, marshmallow, graham crackers, rum notes, raspberry chambord, molasses, mousse, scotch whiskey, maple syrup, waffle cone and chocolate truffle ice cream.

Flavors:
Lots of rich Dulce de leche caramel, bananas, clove spice, dark cherries, rum notes, bourbon, vanilla, brown sugar, plantains, pilloncillo sugar cone, apples, peaches, apricot, pecan pie, whipped cream, marshmallow, toasted coconut, oak, milk chocolate, raspberry chambord, wine grapes, waffle cone, chocolate mousse, molasses, scotch whiskey, maple syrup, graham crackers, toffee, candy sugar, chocolate truffle ice cream, raisin bread pudding, rye, burnt sugar, butterscotch and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, dark fruit raisins, cherries, lingering scotch bourbon, vanilla, marshmallows,
A bit of alcohol in the taste but nothing detracting, sipping drinkability with a bit of a medium silky mouth feel.

Overall:
Something about this year’s version has stronger hints of cherry, flan, bananas, caramel and sugars. It is hard to tell but the beer is phenomenal and exceeds my expectations even more than Bois did. I wish I could compare the vertical so far and see maybe where this one lies in comparison to the rest. Makes me wonder what will happen maybe 10 years from now and how amazing that will taste. Either way, as I have said it before with these annual releases, there is not much I don’t have to say, just go get the beer and see for yourself how this one goes. You are in for a treat!

Anime Corner:
Mari Illustrious Mikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion was chosen for this release like Asuka and Rei were chosen for the previous 2. I wanted to show case not just the next release as following them but also how she relates to the beer. Mari has the colors or pink and gray which represent the Sugar and Iron. This is by pink relating to the delicious cherry which is pretty much sweet like sugar. The caramel aspect is the velvety brown locks of hair. Her glasses represent the maturity of the beer which has evolved from 15% from last years to a now 16.7% ABV. She is very very suductive, like this beer is so sweet that you may want to keep on drinking it, but don’t finish her off or you not only will regret it, she will knock you out, literally. Her strength and complexity can be shown in her skills as a pilot of the Evangelion mechs in the show. You would probably have to see the show for it to make sense, but just like you can’t see how good this beer just by looking at it, you will have to experience the beer for yourself and decide!

Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds

April 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, beer collaboration, Black Lord, Black Tuesday, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, cherries, Coffee Beans, Dark Lord, FLCL, Floyd D'Rue, Haruko Haruhara, Imperial Porter, Naota Nandaba, Rue D'Floyd, The Bruery, Three Floyds, vanilla beans | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5* Rating given at the time of tasting (4/28/2014)

Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds is a 14.4% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Coffee and Vanilla beans and aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cherries

Label:
Black Lord

This collaboration brew was made in the spirit of experimentation…. and then condemned to barrels for one year. We hope you enjoy!

Rue D’Floyd is the complement Floyd D’ Rue and was brewed with our good friends from 3 Floyds in Indiana. This invigoration ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the spice flavors will be the most prominent when consumed fresh.
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Obtained as part of the Bruery’s reserve society, this beer was made with high expectations as it was collaborated with 3 Floyds. The label on the beer advises “Drink by 6/30/14” and “May contaqin Lactobacillus”. The Bruery does advise this was not on purpose but the odds of such a great beer to be a ticking time bomb, basically consume it before it sours, is such a damn shame. If you can get this before the time runs out, definitely get it. I also, like how this is called “Black Lord” as if Black Tuesday and Dark Lord had a…..oh!??

Aromas:
Chocolate covered cherries in mocha coffee, bourbon, oak, vanilla, coconut, flan, dark, milk, German, Belgian, sweet, bitter, bakers, and fudge chocolate, Kahlua liqueur, flan, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, dark fruits like raisins, figs, Irish cream, kopi luwak, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry cobbler, cookies and cream, almond joy, molasses, anise and brown sugar, crème brulee, waffle cone and coffee cake.

Flavors:
Dark Cherry yogurt, dark chocolate, milk, Belgian, German, sweet, fudge, bakers and bitter chocolate, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, currants, mocha coffee, espresso, flan, cinnamon, oak, bourbon, vanilla, apples, marshmallows, coconut, coffee cake, cherry cobbler, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses almond joys, cherry cordial, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Bailey’s Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, cookies and cream, kopi luwak coffee, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal, Chambord raspberry liqueur, fudge cherries with chocolate mousse and frappuccino.

Aftertaste:
Cherry Cordial, coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Kahlua liqueur, earthy, mild tart and spicy notes linger. This is dangerous as the ABV alcohol can be detected in the taste, it has a smoothness and drinkability is moderate with a syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Exceeding my expectations even when trying to find some of the flaws. This is damn delicious and way too easy to drink that is very dangerous as you can be done for the night if you even try to drink the whole bottle. Definitely and highly recommended if you can trade or find this one online as it will go bad with time unfortunately. It is really sad indeed since it almost feels like attaining the most awesome-st thing in the world then watch it disappear forever. We cannot see how the future will taste for this beer unless they make it again. So yeah, while this still exist, get this as soon as possible! This beer almost reminds of “Life is Like…” but with coffee.

Anime Corner:
Haruko Haruhara and Naota Nandaba from FLCL (Fooley Cooley) were used in this pairing to show case the colors of the label, the flavors, the collaboration, the ticking time bomb aspect and just the insane aspect that this collaboration brings. Aside from the colors of the label. Haruko represent the cherries and the coffee as well as the very dangerous aspect of the beer. The smoothness of the beer can be seen in the cuteness of her demeanor but don’t ever let that fool you. This woman is demented and insane. Cute on the outside, monster on the inside. Naota Nandaba, is the admirer which you can think of him providing the extra flavors as being the main character of the series. Now the ticking time bomb has to do with the short temper that Haruko has and the short time that these 2 have together. I won’t spoil the story, but c’mon, it is such a great series…. for only being 6 episodes long!! There, you have no excuse not to watch FLCL… now just like I said before… Go get this beer, find the show and watch it! You will be in for a ride!

(Double Review) Rodeo Clown & 009 Clown Lounge by Karbach Brewing

April 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 009 Clown Lounge, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Chrono Cross, Double India Pale Ale, F.U.N. Series 009, Harle, Hatsune Miku, Karbach Brewing, Rodeo Clown | Leave a comment

It is time for another dual review! Thanks to my friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com for hooking me up one again with 2 beers to do a double review. This is the second double review on this site and depending on how many beers I can find doubles of, expect more of these types. Today I bring thorough review of both these beer and also bring you forth, the finale of the story of these two beers. Yes, they have a story to tell and if you pay close attention, you will know what this is all about. This is a double IPA and a Bourbon Barrel Aged IPA. BBA IPAs are not very common so it is definitely special when one comes along. I definitely cannot wait to try these. Cheers to my loyal readers, Aaron, and the good people at Karbach brewing company for making this a possibility once again and… on with the SHOW!

RODEO CLOWN REVIEW
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Rodeo Clown by Karbach Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Double India Pale Ale.

Label:
It’s a job. And a hazardous one at that. Benefits, you ask? I hardly think so. But the show must go on. So, it’s with bravado that the Rodeo Clown takes his place in the arena lights. Whether or not he’s insane is not important right now. It’s with grit and intensity that the Clown steps in the path of almost certain destruction.
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Aromas:
Tropical fruits, mango pineapple, kiwi, citrus, tangerine marmalade, caramel, toffee, biscuit bread, vanilla, brown sugar, rye, herbal, grapefruit, piney and notes of earthy hops and honey.

Flavors:
Lots of tropical notes, caramel, toffee, tangerine marmalade, grapefruit hops, notes of earthy and grassy hops, honey, orange peels, biscuit bread, rye, hop oils, maple, orange jolly ranchers candy, brown sugar, and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Honey, caramel, tangerine marmalade, piney and grapefruit residual hops. No alcohol in the taste but a sipping beer none the less with some syrupy aspects to it. Very delightful!

Overall:
A very good DIPA which aligns itself with the more malty caramel and tropical types of double IPAs with the hops still there lending a hand to remind you it is an IPA but more on the sweeter side. Drinks more on the Barleywine side, but that is not bad in any way. Although, if you like more hop bite in your IPA than sweet, you will need to decide if this one is right for you. I almost feel like this reminds me of Dogfish Head 120, except not as complex but the hop oils and syrupy mouthfeel make it so.

009 CLOWN LOUNGE REVIEW
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F.U.N. Series 009 Clown Lounge by Karbach Brewing is a 9.5% Double India Pale Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
While Rodeo Clown might have funny names like Scooter of Flint, this job is serious stuff. In fact, in this line of work it’s not if you ‘re going to get hurt, but how bad! When face with almost certain doom, there is one place where the Rodeo Clown can find safe harbor. The barrel, AKA the Clown Lounge, allows out hero to dodge destruction and regain composure strength.

This double IPA has been aged for six months in bourbon barrels, safely waiting and gaining power until it’s time to step back into action. Full-bodied with a lingering bitterness and rounded malt complexity, sip slowly on this bull of a beer and allow the flavors to take you into the bright arena lights. It’s time to answer the call.
F.U.N Series 009 2014
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Aromas:
Tropical fruits, like coconut, pineapple, mango, kiwi, dragon fruit, orange and tangerine marmalade, oak, bourbon, caramel, fancy wine and cheese, vanilla, toffee, biscuit bread, rye, flan, cinnamon, brown sugar, leather notes, grapefruit, pine needles, dark fruit plum hints and figs.

Flavors:
Lots of Coconut, grapefruit, marshmallows, graham crackers, bourbon, rye bread, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, fancy wine and cheese hints, orange and tangerine marmalade, maple syrup, honey on toast, biscuit bread, flan cinnamon, mango, pineapple, dragon fruits, kiwi, toffee, brown sugar, leather notes, mild earthy hops, dark fruit plums, figs, mild hazelnut and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, vanilla, maple, grapefruit marmalade, rye bread, whiskey, earthy hops, marshmallows and maple syrup. No alcohol in the taste yet a very sipping style of beer. While the body is kind of clear, the mouthfeel is full and syrupy.

Overall:
Damn!! This one is definitely evolved from the original Rodeo Clown. This reminds me a lot of the Double Bastard aged in Bourbon or the Ruination in bourbon barrels, this is freaking delicious There is only the subtle hop presence to remind you of what this once was. Certainly a must find if you live in Texas and one I really wish I could find here in California. There aren’t many Bourbon Barrel IPA but of the many I have had they are all awesome and this one is just as exceedingly great!

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Overall (Both Beers):
Like night and day, Good and Evil, Stable and Twisted, Order and Chaos. The difference is insane and it is not a difference between the expected bitterness vs. sweet, NO! We are referring to the sweet caramel DIPA that becomes a complex sweeter yet mysterious monster after sitting and aging in the dark. Overall, I loved them both but it was obvious that the 009 was gonna be the better and stronger of the 2 due to the bourbon aging prospect.

Anime Corner (Both Beers):
Harle from Chrono Cross and Hatsune Miku were used in these 2 pairing because I wanted to express something that relates to the colors, the clown aspect and the difference of the over beers (Good vs. Evil). We start with Sweet Harle who matched the colors perfectly of the Rodeo Clown but is also sweet yet hides something mysterious (The underlying hops). After Harle sits for 6 months she emerges as Hatsune Miku with a demented, yet evil, yet sweet looking , still mysterious aspect of flavors and showing the night and day aspect I was referring to before. We finish the Show Of Life with Hatsune in the White Dress, demented yet balanced reminding herself of what she used to be, yes she is and will always be the Rodeo Clown, whether the sun or the moon ever come, and yet her dreams will come true as she is, the star of the Show of Life! ………. FIN!

Rating: 4.75/5* Rodeo Clown Double IPA
Rating: 5.35/5* F.U.N. Series 009 Clown Lounge