Tag Archives: american farmhouse

No Ka Òï collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin and Anchorage

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Rating:5/5

No Ka Òï collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin and Anchorage is a 6.3% ABV American Farm House ale brewed Michigan hops, raspberry puree and lime peel.

Label:
A birthday is just another today.
Today will be just like yesterday, tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be the same as today, just completely different.
I brewed this special beer for my friend Gabe’s 40th birthday on the suggestion of his wife Jacenda. Two finer people the likes of which I have never known.

Òhana

==Introduction==

No Ka Òï, in reference to Anchorage, means “is the best!” In this case, Anchorage is the best! I obtained this beer at Mr. K’s Liquor store in Placentia California. It has been a long time since I had a Jolly Pumpkin beer but since I saw this one, the label artwork really stood out to me with the crazy cat skeleton carrying the pumpkin and the animals that follow. The other thing that really caught my eye was the use of raspberries and lime peel and this was so damn unique I wanted to bring it to the site. So let’s have a look at this one, cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit mango, peach, tart apricot, sour apple, flowers, hibiscus, roses, Raspberries, Lime peel, Lime zest, funky oak notes, wine grapes, tropical fruit dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, strawberry, honey dew melon, brettanomyces, grapefruit, honey, herbal, grapefruit and grassy hop notes.

Flavors:
Rich flowers, hibiscus, roses, Raspberries, Lime peel, Lime zest, Lime juice, biscuit bread, stone fruit mango, peach, tart apricot, sour apple, tropical fruit dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, strawberry, honey dew melon, funky grapes, mushrooms, farmhouse hay, banana hints, citrus, orange peel, grassy, piney and earthy hops, white wine notes, tomato hints, pink peppercorns, wild flower honey, brettanomyces and grapefruit juice.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with stone fruit, tropical fruit notes, lemon, lime, floral notes, peppercorns, funky notes, farmhouse hay and rich raspberries. No alcohol in the taste, hazy pale medium body. Crisp, refreshing, effervescent and smooth mouthfeel along with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Jolly Pumpkin always makes some of the best and flavorful sours and this one is damn perfect. That and I am a sucker for raspberry beers. While it is tarter than anything, the fruit sweetness is minimal but still balances well with the overall brew. I think my favorite thing over all is the ingredients like the hops though as they actually come through in the beer where as some sours this typically is easier said than done. You can definitely do no wrong with this one. Highly recommended

Anime Corner:
Aile from Megaman ZX was used in this pairing as I found a really nice art piece that shows Aile with pumpkins and the colors fit so well with the colors of the label and the ingredients as well. The pinks, reds and oranges are the ones that stood out so overall it was the colors that won the pairing for me.

Sources:
http://orig10.deviantart.net/dea9/f/2009/347/0/4/trick_or_treat_by_just_spectator.jpg
http://img02.deviantart.net/7090/i/2013/137/f/8/blue_summer_by_tomycase-d65kfp6.png
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f4/b0/a7/f4b0a79f475569a659c628bac84f6aa2.jpg

À Tout Le Monde collaboration by Unibroue and MegaDeth

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14883415_10103680009368690_1907635724546794978_oRating: 4.5/5

À Tout Le Monde collaboration by Unibroue and MegaDeth is a 4.5% ABV Canadian Saison/ Farmhouse ale brewed with spices and Dry hopped.

Commercial Description:
A new beer from Unibroue born of the friendship between its Brewmaster Jerry Vietz and Dave Mustaine, legendary lead vocalist and founder of heavy metal group Megadeth, is officially launching today in the U.S. and Quebec. Named À TOUT LE MONDE as a nod to one of the band’s songs and one of their biggest hits in Quebec, this beer recalls the consonance of Unibroue’s flagship beer, La Fin du Monde.

Dave Mustaine became friends with Jerry Vietz during Megadeth tours in Quebec. During their time together, Dave and Jerry created À TOUT LE MONDE as a symbol of their friendship. “At Unibroue, we appreciate flavour – and we know Megadeth is anything but boring,” explains Jerry Vietz, Brewmaster at Unibroue. “To Megadeth’s delight and that of their fans and connoisseurs, we’re offering an uncompromising beer with rich hoppy aromas, created according to Dave’s personal tastes.”

“Our shared passion for excellence produced a one-of-a-kind saison beer,” added Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s lead vocalist and founder. “I’m thrilled to present this new beer to my fans, and everyone who loves good beers with character.”

À TOUT LE MONDE ale is a flavorful Belgian style dry hopped golden saison with hoppy and spicy notes. Topped by an unctuous head, this beer will give fans a clean, fresh taste and a crisp dry finish inviting to take another sip.
14882116_10103680009228970_3108229184532765293_o
==Introduction==

À Tout Le Monde or “For all the world or everyone” is inspired by the actual song in MegaDeth’s 1994 album, Youthanasia. This is the first time MegaDeth joins the craft beer scene after several awesome bands like AC/DC, Iron Maiden and many others worked to release their own brews. This choice to release something light was chosen as it would appeal to the massed. Basically something you can drink a lot of and still enjoy. It seems like a great choice and now that the beer is here on the site, let’s see what this awesome stuff is about. Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit peaches, apricots, pepper corn, Herbal, Floral, spicy, earthy and tropical hops, coriander hints, lavender, farmhouse hay, biscuit bread and honey.

Flavors:
Herbal, Floral, spicy, earthy and tropical hops, peppercorn spice, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, farmhouse hay, lavender, banana notes, honey, biscuit bread, wheat, vanilla, lemon zest, clove spices, sour apple notes, cane sugar hints, coriander notes and cranberry hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes semi dry rich with notes of Stone fruits, biscuit bread, herbal, floral and earthy hops. No alcohol in the taste, hazy pale yellow medium body, crisp, clean, refreshing and effervescent mouth feel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A very good saison that has many of the awesome flavors you would find from many of the great saisons out there. While I think it does not bring anything new that I haven’t had before, this one is still awesome and delicious. I would definitely say this one is a good gateway representative and definitely something many people will enjoy, especially since it is Megadeth after all. Find this one, especially if you are a fan.
14876459_10103680009223980_5531352409072110812_o
Anime Corner:
Sakuya Izayoi from Touhou Project and Vic Rattlehead from Megadeath were used in this pairing as I was definitely trying to search for Megadeth and anime. Long behold, I found these to be tagged with Megadeth on them. First, since Vic is in the label and second, Sakuya relates to it as she has the guitar and she stands in front of the lyrics “Never Walk Alone” and “Call to Arms”.
14876459_10103680009253920_2680722623067313019_o


Sources:
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/155/816/00b6f66b4302028ff09a6b784c01bdcd.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tjz9tjZ.jpg
http://i2.ruliweb.com/img/16/07/31/1563f74b4f646c91a.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/pq8bV3I.jpg

 

Simple Means by Jester King

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14468662_10103598636804960_3498405864601383172_oRating: 5/5

Simple Means by Jester King is a 5.6% ABV Farmhouse Altbier brewed with smoked malt.

Label:
Batch #1 11.02.2015

We Looked inward and begged for meaning. Perhaps our great ancestors would make themselves known from within to share their wisdoms. Immediately, a guttural call emerged from the primal darkness in answer. It reverberated through our bodies. Embarrassed, we looked instead to history for our answer. Simple as it was, the inspiration we sought had been written in books all along.

Jester King is an authentic farmhouse brewery located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country on the outskirts of Austin. We brew what we like, drink what we want, and offer the rest to those who share our tastes.

INGREDIENTS: ill Country Well Water, Malted Barley, Hops, Farmhouse Yeast, Native Yeast and Souring Bacteria from Texas Hill country

Suitable for Vegetarians & Vegans.

NOTES: The term Altbier. Though classically associated with the copper ales of Dusseldorf, can refer to any older-style beer in the German-speaking world. Both the use of smoked malts and mixed fermentation with native yeast and bacteria predate modern brewing techniques, lending flavors to our farmhouse altbier that are evocative of a simpler, much earlier time. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and 100% bottle-conditioned.

==Introduction==
14566454_10103598636809950_2409622548809275721_o
Brought to you by, wholehearted Texas goodness and my good friend and brother beer reviewer, Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. Aaron graces us once again with a brew from one of the best breweries in Texas, if not, one of the best Farmhouse breweries in the country, Jester King! Many brews from JK I have had the fortune to try thanks to Aaron especially since many are only exclusive to JK. So for as many of the brews I could get, always end up here in the site. This brew I first had it once at a beer tasting sessions with my friends at the BeerBumz. They presented its as one of the offering and I remembered that I really liked it. Now that I have a bottle of it, I can carefully analyze and give you a thorough take. Let’s have a look shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, burnt caramel, vanilla, smokey oak, tobacco notes, leather, brown sugar, banana notes, peppercorns, sea salt, tejuino, wine grapes, citrus, mushrooms, ginger bread, fruit cake hints, beachwood, hibiscus, lavender hints, burnt oak, BBQ, bacon and farmhouse hay.

Flavors:
Smokey notes, graham crackers, dulce de leche caramel, salted caramel, toffee, smokey oak, peppercorns, farmhouse hay, tejuino notes, rye bread, citrus, marshmallow notes, sea salt hints, hibiscus, lavender, bananas, clove spice, brown sugar, butterscotch, mushrooms, beachwood, maple, bacon hints, mild BBQ notes, tobacco notes, leather, sweet potato pie, ginger bread, pecan pie, funky must and wine grape notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes rich smokey oak and bacon forward with bacon, sweet potato notes, rye bread, caramel, marshmallow, banana and chocolate hints. No alcohol in the taste, Brown medium body, smooth, crisp, chewey and syrupy mouthfeel along with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect Farmhouse Altbier. Very rich and nutty, smokey, funky with peppercorn sweets like bananas and other complex flavors. Jester King, while making lots of funky beers, definitely can differentiate itself from each beer made and especially the styles they make. Of the many saisons and wild ales I have had, Jester King is unique just like Stillwater Artisanals has its uniqueness and so does Jolly Pumpkin and other breweries as well. This one to me is a definite hit but then again I don’t know when JK wasn’t. I Highly recommend this one.
14570795_10103598636814940_6967988733603320184_o
Anime Corner:
Ayla from Chrono Trigger was used in this pairing as I wanted to represent the Caveman era and “simple means” of hunter and gatherers. Ayla comes from the prehistoric times so using her in this pairing worked well. She represents a civilization where they had to live essentially like the beer says, simple means. I like these pairings since she also pairs well with the colors of the label and earthiness of the flavors and ingredients. Her holding a bone with meat is like some of the food that was cooked with the invention of fire in those time.

Sources:
http://76.72.168.19/images/2009-02-06-142007.jpeg
http://76.72.168.19/images/2012-09-15-529040.png
http://img.nijizou.com/photo/f770cf9c68adbe7a19f9b5420810a310ea750c5d.2.jpg

Passionate Dragon collaboration by Bottle Logic and Arizona Wilderness brewing

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12592202_10103031732850030_1756055832933431593_n 12622542_10103031737051610_2900119749762959110_o 12621980_10103031737760190_3066950487845270236_oRating: 5.75/6

Passionate Dragon collaboration by Bottle Logic and Arizona Wilderness brewing is an 8.8% ABV American Farmhouse Ale/Saison brewed with Passion fruit, Dragon Fruit, Centennial Kumquats and aged in Red&White Wine Barrels.

Label:
Level 1 Limited
Brewed in collaboration with our bearded brethren at Arizona Wilderness Brewing, Co. This Saison boasts 6 different locally sourced fruit varietals plus heritage Sonoran white wheat and local harvested Arizona bay leaves.
#Science + #Nature = #Passion! End Transmission.

==Introduction==

Dragonfruit has been one of those elusive and exotic fruits that really don’t get around much as like let’s say cherries or bananas. Neither does Passion fruit and usually is why the price of these fruits is higher than common fruits. So, since I like rarity, a beer with these 2 fruits is definitely something I would want to try. Heck, the use of these fruits has inspired me to make a beer using them. I like to take stuff a step beyond but only time will tell how it will be. Either way, this is a dragon and passion fruit beer that really intrigued me so the fact that I was able to bring it to the site is such an honor. I hear this one was well coveted and to get this one was not an easy feat. Let’s see if it stands to my expectations.

Aromas:
Rich Dragon Fruit, Passion fruit, Stone fruit tart apricot, mango, kiwi fruit, honey dew melon, prickly pears, lemon, farmhouse hay, white wine grapes, red wine grapes, musty oak, Apples, Kumquats, Crab Apples, Oranges, Cranberries, yerba buena, mint, peppercorn, bay leaf, basil, persimmon, cane sugars, tangerine preserves and peppercorn.

Flavors:
Rich Dragon Fruit, Passion fruit, white wine grapes, red wine grapes, musty oak, Apples, Kumquats, Crab Apples, Oranges, Cranberries, Stone fruit tart apricot, mango, kiwi fruit, honey dew melon dryness, lemon, farmhouse hay, Chardonnay, Raspberries, Blueberries, pine apple hints, biscuit bread, vanilla, herbal notes, yerba buena, mint, peppercorn, bay leaf, basil, lychee fruit, tangerine preserves, strawberries, persimmon and cane sugar.

Aftertaste:
Finishes tart dry with lingering oak, tropical fruits like that dragon fruit, raspberries, farmhouse hay, oak, vanilla and citrus. No alcohol in the taste. Gold and pink clear body, crisp, refreshing and mildly creamy mouthfeel and easy to drink despite the ABV.

Overall:
Damn exceptional! Probably one of the best saisons I have ever had. The exotic fruits really stand out on this beer and this brew being a template for the Dragon beer I’m making, I can come back to this one and see if the addition of the passion fruit and dragon fruit really makes a difference. I highly recommend this one. It’s the kind of beer you want to keep drinking all the time!

Anime Corner:
Leona Heidern from King of Fighters, Astaroth and Asmodeus from Shinra Bansho were used in this pairing to pair with the aspect of the Dragon in terms of the color of pink dragon fruits, passion fruit being the heart of Astaroth and the dragon like characteristics of both Asmodeus and Astaroth. Really, I just wanted to be able to pair the 2 demon girls with an awesome dragon beer. Leona was a Bonus with the nice dragon fruit colors. Oh and in that red haired mode, she unleashes a lot of rage, she is, the passionate dragon.

Sources:
https://k42.kn3.net/taringa/1/3/2/4/1/8/7/iruel/E41.jpg?4691
http://i.imgur.com/kLTVw1M.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CNr13QnXAAAW0F1.jpg

Matt’s Burning Rosids (1.5 years aged) by Stone Brewing

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12036842_10102849582959870_5159456874156938205_nRating: 5.5/6

Matt’s Burning Rosids (1.5 years aged) by Stone Brewing is a 10.5% ABV Imperial CherryWood Smoked Saison.

Label:
Honoring His Memory
Matt Courtright

Life is extraordinarily precious, joyous…and fragile. In 2013, we suffered the tragic loss of our dear friend and coworker, Matt Courtright. In the midst of our grief, we pulled together as the family we are, suggesting and exploring numerous ways to pay tribute to our dearly departed colleague. In the end, we felt there was no finer way to honor his memory than to brew one of his most recent and special beer recipes.

Everyone at Stone recognized Matt’s prowess and passion for brewing. He loved to explore all beer could be, rather than limit himself or his brews to accepted parameters. He conceived a Belgian-style saison with his Stone friend and compatriot, Brian Bishop. Infused with cherrywood-smoked malt, the beer was dubbed Burning Rosids, referencing the rosid plant family from which cherry trees hail.

Matt’s smile and voluminous laugh were infectious mainstays around the brewery. By no means a shrinking violet, he was exuberant, courageous, unfailingly positive and the type of stalwart friend that everyone was happy to have in their corner. He was larger than life in so many ways…and without a doubt, an incredible brewer. We, Matt’s brewing comrades and friends at Stone were proud to hoist our mash paddles and brew this recipe as a symbolic gesture of how much he meant to everyone and how immensely we will miss him.

Rather than regarding Burning Rosids as a somber memento, please think of it as a celebration of Matt. We do. When you drink this very special beer, please join us in raising your glass, both in Matt’s memory and in tribute to everything he so passionately stood for: caring for others, passion and skill for his art, and laughter…lots of laughter. Among the long list of things he held dear were GoDesignInc.org, a charity committed to fulfilling the architectural needs of developing communities around the world; and TKF, a non-profit working to stop youth violence by educating, mentoring and making positive impacts on high-risk communities. We are proudly contributing funds earned through the sale of this beer to this worthy organization in Matt’s honor.

Enjoy, and please remember that life and those we hold dear are precious gifts to be cherished every day. Consider sharing this beer, conversations on life’s passions and, again, lots of laughter, with good friends as we remember ours.

Stonebrewing.com/BurningRosids

==Introduction==

Picked this one up as it is no longer brewed. I love that it is still around in some locations. Never got a chance to do a review but since I do remember how good this one was back then, I wanted to do the review. It is a special beer in honor of someone who lived and died for their passion, which was craft brewing. Many would say how they die by the sword as an honor to serve the greater purpose. Life is short and the meaning is to live for something you love. In this modern society case, we live and breathe craft beer and share with our loved ones our passion for what the craft beer movement really stands for. So much so, that as for me, trying different beers, to reviewing them and now home brewing to share that passion and educate others is something that I really do love. Everyone has something they cherish. Well, for me, my family and friends are very important, but also share the love Anime and Craftbeer. So to bring this beer forth and review but also reflect on life and its own treasures of the senses and experience, I can simply just raise that glass and say cheers to life, to Matt and all other passionate people that really work hard to make that difference in people’s life for even the smallest influence and contribution changes the world for the better. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich honey, orange preserves, orange peel, tangerine marmalade, floral notes like lavender, hibiscus, roses, sakura cake, rich stone fruit peaches, peach nectar, apricots, mango hints, bananas, clove spice, peppercorn, coriander spice, lemon notes, rye bread, toffee, butterscotch, dulce de leche caramel, phenolic notes, candy sugar, maple syrup, guava quince cheese (Membrillo), butterscotch and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich Honey, honeysuckle, sakura cake, rich stone fruit peaches, peach nectar, apricots, mango hints, bananas, clove spice, peppercorn, smokey notes, plum sauce, mild tartness, Tejuino hints, white raisins, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, waffle cone, marshmallows, grapefruit, oranges, coriander spice, lemon notes, rye bread, toffee, butterscotch, floral notes of lavender, raw like the sun orange preserves on toasted biscuit bread, Rich tangerine marmalade, guava quince cheese (Membrillo), dulce de leche caramel, phenolic notes, candy sugar, maple syrup and Mexican sweet bread.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with some smokey notes, stone fruit peach, orange preserves, earthy notes, grapefruit and floral hops and bananas. No alcohol in the taste as it has mellowed over time, easy to moderate drinkability, creamy, syrupy and a Golden Cherry light to medium body.

Overall:
1 year and a half later and this beer is damn phenomenal. So much more richer flavors than when I first tried it on tap sometime last year. The rich phenolic flavors of the Belgian styles, Saisons along with the smokiness that brings about delicious flavors that developed overtime. Essentially, giving way to much stronger fruits and flowers. Much like the way the flowers blossom when they are ripe. This is very delicious and if you ever find more of this beer, it is worth saving a couple of bottles. In Matt’s memory, he would have loved this beer. Cheers to you Matt!

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid Sakura Miku was used in this pairing for the Cherry blossoms/Sakura aspect of the flavors and cherry wood. I have not used this Cherry version of Miku as I never knew it existed. My original pairing for the beer was mainly to be something with cherries, the forest or even burning rosids. I found this artwork as I feel it pairs the best. Very lighthearted, innocent but yet power and delicious like the beer and the tribute to Matt.

Sources:
http://img4q.duitang.com/uploads/item/201404/05/20140405212216_QmzfH.png

Prairie Rue collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Prairie Artisan Ales

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12052339_10102848161777930_1738711641636072766_o 12063545_10102848162371740_2398445237401860193_nRating: 5.25/5

Prairie Rue collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Prairie Artisan Ales is a 6.9% American Farmhouse Ale Fermented in Oak Barrels.

==Introduction==

No description on this one but a sought after it will be for sure. Released at 2 limit for Reserve and Hoarders Society, this beer would not even see the Oklahoma distribution. So unless you have a friend on the California end that is willing to trade for this one, that maybe your only option. Unfortunately, my other one will be seeing another more, hellish domain but also a great craft beer website. So let us see this one for what it is, aside from two super coveted brewery brands coming together to make an awesome collab. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, hazelnut nectar, funky notes, tamarind notes, cola hints, molasses, old mango, citrus, dark fruit figs, raisins, prune hints, brown sugar, Ginger spice, fruit cake notes, Stone fruit apricots, earthy hop notes, smokey hints, graham crackers, mild chocolate notes, clove spice and banana

Flavors:
Rich oak, vanilla, rich Caramel, rich toffee, Farmhouse hay, wine grapes, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, funky notes, tamarind notes, biscuit bread, tangerine jam on toasted rye bread, leather notes, floral notes like roses, cola hints, molasses, old mango, citrus, dark fruit figs, raisins, prune hints, brown sugar, earthy hop notes, smokey hints, graham crackers, mild chocolate notes, clove spice, banana notes, cinnamon, Ginger bread, Ginger spice, fruit cake notes, Stone fruit apricots, Red Apples, roasted malts, coffee cake, Red Velvet cake, Italian herb hints.

Aftertaste:
Lingering caramel notes, earthy hop notes, stone fruit, tropical fruit hints, rye bread and jam with some floral hops and funky notes. No alcohol in the taste, crimson amber medium body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel and easy drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptionally delicious Farmhouse Ale leaning towards more of a velvety amber ale with some funky notes. The beer reminded me a lot of Perennial and Cigar City’s Philly Taco for some reason but more on the oak and malty side. While this was very interesting, I couldn’t help notice that the flavors just went beyond even that beer into some really complex fruit and malty goodness. This collaboration really got exciting. Unfortunately, it will be hard to find this one but you maybe able to find it on a trade. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Jenny XJ-9 from MLAATR was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair some of the colors with of the beer with her and for the fact that this beer along with some others were the last of the summer beers. As flavors start to shift into the fall season, this beer seemed like that halfway point where Summer ends and Fall begins. This can be seen by the birds in the label migrating. What else does Jenny have to do with this pairing? Well, mainly some of the hidden teal colors pair with her just like a robot is complex, so is this beer. Complex to the point where flavors start to go in many directions. So enjoy a super coldly calculated beer like Jenny before the summer ends.

Sources:
http://img12.deviantart.net/d773/i/2013/242/6/8/jenny_at_beach_by_14_bis-d6kd7xq.jpg
http://orig09.deviantart.net/1e06/f/2007/163/c/6/volleyball_jenny_by_14_bis.jpg

The Remix Project Series, Rio De Sauvin collaboration by Stillwater Artisanal and Against The Grain

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12094901_10102848153923670_5474329550929676740_oRating: 5/5

The Remix Project Series, Rio De Sauvin collaboration by Stillwater Artisanal and Against The Grain is a 7.7% ABV Tropical Farmhouse Ale brewed with Mango and Passion fruit juices.

Label:
The boys at Against the Grain made a beer based on a fictional “sexy man” and uhh, his sheep friend.. So sticking with the theme and the fact that we have been spending some time in Brazil lately, we decided to amp up the sexy and host a tropical orgy of fruit flavors, hops, malt and yeast.. Umm Yeah.”

==Introduction==

Got this one at the little liquor store across the street near the Bruery. I haven’t had many Stillwater beers in a while so I figure I bring them since the beers they have are definitely some of the best farmhouse ales out there. This one, however, was very special since the ingredients caught my eye. I figured, this is exactly what I would like to see in a beer. Definitely something tropical. So here we have it, a tropical Farmhouse ale that uses actual tropical fruits. Cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical fruits like papaya, guavas, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, prickly pear tuna, honey dew melon, raspberries, strawberry notes, cranberry hints, chamomile, lavender, grapefruit, piney, floral and herbal hops, farmhouse hay, funky notes, vanilla, biscuit bread, phenolic notes, banana notes and clove spice.

Flavors:
Citrus, Oranges, Lemon, peppercorn, Tropical fruits like papaya, guavas, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, prickly pear tuna, honey dew melon, raspberries, strawberry notes, cranberry hints, Stone fruits like apricots, peaches, lychee, vanilla, biscuit bread, phenolic notes, banana notes, clove spice, flowers like rose petals, hibiscus, chamomile, lavender, grapefruit, piney, floral and herbal hops, farmhouse hay, funky notes, and cantaloupe candy.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with some left over farmhouse hay goodness, tropical fruit, stone fruit, vanilla and hints of lemon and flowers. No alcohol in the taste, clear golden light body, crisp, refreshing, clean and effervescent mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect Saison being one of the best tropical saisons I have ever had. Namely, some saisons lean toward specific things like flowers but this one really let loose with some tropical notes that while subtle, they were perfect allowing the beer to reach an awesome peek of flavor. I highly recommend it even if the summer is close to an end, the heat is still here and this one is definitely one that should be taken if found. I have not seen this one online but if you happen to find it, give it a whirl!

Anime Corner:
Nia Teppelin and Yoko Littner from Tengen Toppa Gurren Laggan were used in this pairing since I wanted to show case the many colors of tropical fruits and flavors. To pair with a hot summer scene, Nia and Yoko represent both breweries respectively and the floral surroundings are a nod at the floral notes from a farmhouse ale. So this beer pairs with many of the beers components and colors including the label.

Sources:
http://konachan.com/image/09c2662c8f49228831ef47e70ed1ed54/Konachan.com%20-%2049266%20bikini%20nia_teppelin%20swimsuit%20tengen_toppa_gurren_lagann%20yoko_littner.jpg

Tonnellerie Rue by The Bruery Terreux

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11888635_10102795642796390_828596090863833471_oRating: 5/5

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2015 Reserve Series Maggie’s Blackberry Cobbler by Terrapin

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11745689_10102703712789860_6279677971160889754_nRating: 6/5

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

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

Cheers!
Spike & John

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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11223939_10102702400120460_3510146687231718804_oRating: 4.85/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Árcáná collaboration by Stillwater Artisanal and Hof ten Dormaal

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11140213_10102529147475150_1425696609151541691_o 11169573_10102529150848390_9219584283902674075_oRating: 4.85/5

Árcáná collaboration by Stillwater Artisanal and Hof ten Dormaal is a 6.5% ABV Belgian Farmhouse Stout.

Label:
None!

==Introduction==

Stillwater Artisanal ales by gypsy brewer, Brian Stillwater, have been some of my favorite beers as they have been so cryptic yet very artfully crafty with their awesome design of labels that go beyond your basic generic label. I have brought many of the Stillwater beers to the site and today I bring one that is supposed to be what I would assume similar to Folkore yet more on the Farmhouse Ale style. They collaborated with Hof ten Dormaal of Belgium which technically this would be my first beer from them. Let’s check this one out and see how this one compares to some of the other Belgian stouts I have tried in the past.

Aromas:
Banana, clove spice, peppercorns, farmhouse hay hints, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, anise, licorice, Belgian candi sugar, light smoke notes, rye bread, tobacco, dark chocolate, Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, cherry yogurt, wine grapes, port wine hints, brown sugar and flowers.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, cherry yogurt, wine grapes, peppercorns, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, Belgian chocolate, roasted coffee notes, coffee bread, molasses, anise, oatmeal cookies, bakers chocolate, banana notes, clove spice, phenolic notes, Belgian candi sugar, light smoke notes, rye bread, tobacco, Stone fruit apricot and peach notes, rock candy, brown sugar, vanilla and licorice.

Aftertaste:
Chocolate, wine grapes, Belgian candy sugar, dark fruit cherries, earthy notes, anise and caramel.No alcohol in the taste, true pitch black body, creamy and smooth mouthfeel and moderate drinkability

Overall:
This is a damn good beer reminding me of the awesome Folklore but with more of a peppery and earthy type of flavors. So while the spectrum of Folklore goes into the more dark fruit and candi sugar side this one, while still complex, also has more of an emphasis on being a spicy and floral farmhouse ale. While I think this is super awesome, I prefer the Folklore still over this one. However, this one has many merits to its name that can be enjoyed by Farmhouse and Stout lovers a like.

Anime Corner:
Alipheese “Alice” Fateburn XVI (Sixteenth) fro Monster Girl Quest was used in this pairing was I wanted to find something that would pair with the including the woman and the snake. Along with the mystical artwork, Alice was the one that best seems to work with this pairing as she is both the woman and the snake at the same time. Her colors shine of flowers representing the floral nature of the farmhouse style and the dark essence of dark fruits and stout flavors.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/BFJ3pub.jpg
http://sinceillust.deviantart.com/art/Alice-451286376

Three-Eyed Raven by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

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10459099_10102512434063960_6015894703349476019_o 10985039_10102512434992100_1515954435239626769_nRating: 4.75/5

Three-Eyed Raven by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is a 7.2% ABV Dark Saison/Farmhouse Ale.

Label:
FROM THE DARKNESS I WATCH YOU. ALL OF YOU, ALL OF YOUR LIVES, WITH A THOUSAND EYES, AND ONE. ABIDING IN THE SHADOWS OF THIS DARK SAISON LIE BEGUILING AND ENTRANCING AROMAS AND FLAVORS – GIRDED BY CRISP, LASTING HERBAL HOP NOTES, AND A YEASTY, SPICY FINISH. POUR SLOWLY, TO NOT DISTURB YEAST SEDIMENT, BUT WITH VIGOR TO MAKE A LUXURIOUS HEAD AND FREE BOUQUET.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at the local Total Wine and More by my work place. This is the 5th beer in the line of Game of Thrones beers brewed by Ommegang for the fans of the show. Personally I have not seen the show and need to find some time to do so as I do find plenty of time to drink and review some of these specials beers after all. This one is a Dark Saison or Farmhouse Ale. The only thing that I have had close to a dark saison could be what is the Folklore Belgian Stout from Stillwater Artisanal but that is not true as those are also more complex and roasty. A dark saison seems like something very unique. Well, since I have never had a dark saison, let us see how close to a regular saison it is.

Aromas:
Phenolic bananas and biscuit notes, clove and peppercorn spices, Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherry, grapes, rock candy, candi sugar, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, roasted barley, coffee cake hints, brown sugar, dark chocolate, farmhouse notes and stone fruit hints.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherry, grapes, banana, clove spices, peppercorns, Lavender, farmhouse hay, dark chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, roasted barley, spicy hops, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, Belgian candi sugar, brown sugar and rock candy and port wine hints.

Aftertaste:
Peppercorns, clove spice, dark chocolate, dark fruits, lavender, farmhouse hay and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, moderate drinkability, creamy and full mouthfeel and a thick dark crimson body.

Overall:
A very good Saison which actually borderlines a Dark Belgian Ale. Somehow it keeps of those saison characteristics but brings in some of the awesome Banana, dark fruit, caramel and phenolic flavors typically found in quads, Belgian Dark ales or even some Belgians Stouts. I truly think of all the 5 in the Game of throne series beers by Ommegang, this one is possibly my favorite. I would definitely recommend it if you love Belgian ales. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Raven from Teen Titans was used in this pairing as I wanted to find a character from anime, or in this case comics, that would pair with the way the Three-Eyed Raven looks in the show. Always in darkness and in cloak. The most obvious was Raven from the Teen Titans as she has those looks and also the 3 eyed part can be seen as she has her regular 2 eyes and the red jewel on her forehead used as a bindi which can be seen as the Ajna Chakra or Third-Eye Chakra. The colors she wears also pairs with the colors of the different dark fruits that can be found in this beer and the complex aspect of the beer is the complex aspect of her character.

Sources:
http://sakimichan.deviantart.com/art/Raven-Teen-Titan-511165333
http://yuumei.deviantart.com/art/Teen-Titans-Raven-Commission-148931734

Ambrée by Jester King

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10998034_10102419549365640_1929169236564265811_oRating: 5/5

Ambrée by Jester King is a 7.4% ABV Farmhouse Amber Ale.

Label:
There’s no secret to making farmhouse ale; just take some malt and hops, throw in a bunch of spices, add farmhouse yeast from your favorite yeast lab, let it ferment for a couple of weeks, and stick a picture of a barn or tractor on the label. Unfortunately, our brewers have yet to master these skills. They keep forgetting to add the spices, letting wild yeast into the mix, and allowing the fermentation to go on for months until the sweet sugar is gone. Oh well, at least there’s a barn on our label. Wait, is that even a barn?

Jester King is an authentic farmhouse brewery in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, on the outskirts of Austin. We brew what we like, drink what we want and offer the rest to those who share our tastes.

ALC/VOL 7.1% FG 1.005 IBU 29

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

Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans

Notes: A dry, tart, unspiced amber beer inspired by the rustic farmhouse ales of French Flanders, particularly those brewed by Brasserie Thiriez in Esquelbecq – one of our favorite breweries in the world. Naturally occurring wild yeasts from the Texas Hill Country impart a sense of place to this unfiltered, unpasteurized, 100% bottle conditioned beer.

==Introduction==

Special thanks to Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com for hooking me up with this great beer from Jester King. If it was not for my friend Aaron, I would not have the opportunity to present Jester King beers to the site as well as I do. It is all thanks to him and for that, I am grateful to have such a great friend and a connection into the Texas beer scene!! So let’s take a look at this beer. It looks like they were going for the farmhouse look so I can definitely tell it is all about that Belgian style Saisons. Let us explore the farm shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruits like plums, apricots peaches, mango, dark fruits like raisins, cherries, strawberries, malty biscuit bread hints, peppercorn, grapefruit and grassy hops, honey, farmhouse hay, grape wine must.

Flavors:
Rich Stone fruit plum, apricot, peach preserves, mild mango, peach cobbler, peppercorns, vanilla caramel, biscuit bread, farmhouse hay, wine grape funk, honey on sourdough bread, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, oak, butterscotch, leather, tamarind, strawberries, white grapes, celery, grassy, floral and grapefruit hops, clove spice, ginger, hibiscus flowers, lychee, mild chocolate notes, sour green apples, lemon peel and coriander spice.

Aftertaste:
Variety of tangy and sour hint stone fruits and dark fruit, vanilla, tamarind, peppercorn, grassy hops, hibiscus flowers, leather notes, lemon peel and brown sugar. No alcohol in the taste, clear yet dark crimson body, moderate mouthfeel, and moderate drinkability.

Overall:
I love this beer’s fruity and funky complexity. They definitely got it perfect with the style even without the spices. It is amazing how they can pull off such complexity when it comes to their beers. When it comes to best beers in Texas, Jester King is simply one of the best and is at that level of super complext awesomeness like the Bruery is to us here. If you live in Texas, you are very lucky to get these beers. I would highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Fio Germni and Eri Kasamoto from the Metal Slug series, art by Knockworst @Deviantart.com were used in this pairing since I wanted to find something similar to the label. I think Fio and Eri fit the bill in this beer. Namely for the description a they were going for the farmhouse look but it wasn’t what they expected. As far as Fio and Eri go, looks like a day at the beach wasn’t what they expected either. Either way. Their careless and worry free look pairs with how surprising this beer came out to be as well as the fact that they have nothing to worry about but just relax and enjoy the view.

Sources:
http://knockwurst.deviantart.com/art/Metal-Slug-Beach-Party-128954341

Das Überkind by Jester King brewing

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553252_10102186508890620_148719141884687311_nRating: 5/5

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

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

Jester King is an authentic farmhouse brewery in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, on the outskirts of Austin. We brew what we like, drink what we want and offer the rest to those who share our tastes.

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

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

CONTAINS WHEAT
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calabaza Boreal collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin and Anchorage Brewing

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10447766_10101860559515780_6371823018873301234_n 10394023_10101860560024760_2863712377557106199_n 10415612_10101860560209390_8266362246480931128_nRating: 4.8/5

Calabaza Boreal collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin and Anchorage Brewing is a 7.2% ABV Saison/Farmhouse Ale brewed with grapefruit peel, grapefruit juice and peppercorns all while aged in Oak Barrels.

Label:
He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you. -Nietzsche.

When introspection fails, it’s time to look outward for inspiration, perhaps Northward! One of the people who inspired me this past year is my friend Gabe Fletcher, of Anchorage Brewing Co, We brewed this beer together. I hope it inspires you Northward!

Warm Regards,
RON
___

Ahh sweet sweet Sour Jolly Pumpkin beers. I haven’t had one of these in a while, except for the recent Los Vivos y Los Muertos. Yet, to think that they would do a collaboration with Alaska’s finest in Sour beers, was an awesome treat. This beer is Jolly Pumpkin’s version. Anchorage also released or will release theirs soon. So let’s check this out to see if it is awesome.

Aromas:
Funky citrus, old oranges, grapefruit, flowers, hibiscus, brettanomyces, tangerines, stone fruit like peaches, plums, apricots, sour notes, wine grapes, lemon peel, peppercorns, honey, caramel, oak, vanilla, sour dough bread, brown sugar, waffle cone and mushrooms.

Flavors:
Definitely grapefruit juices and peels, stone fruits like peaches, apricot, plums, sour funk, wine grapes, peppercorns, coriander spice, citrus, sour dough bread, vanilla, oak, caramel, flowers, lavender, lemon peels, hibiscus, waffle cone, honey, pineapple, sage, mango and farmhouse wet hay.

Aftertaste:
Sweet and Tangy with sour mainly coming grapefruit and some of the brettanomyces. Lemon, oak, vanilla, coriander, peach and grapefruit linger. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer but actually refreshing and crisp at some points. Full mouth feel too.

Overall:
Very good saison with lots of sour aspects coming from the fruits and spices used in the beer. I am not sure if Brettanomyces was used in this but it feels like some may have been used. Either that with the fermentation of the oak barrel adding a bit of sourness it. It is strange as this is not a sour beer in the sense of what makes a sour beer sour, but a fruit tangy sour. This is why Jolly Pumpkin and Anchorage are perfect in their craft, especially JP since that is all the types of beers they brew. Sours and Saisons with lots of Calabaza Magia! Highly recommended for sure!

Anime Corner:
Neliel Tu Oderschvank from Bleach was chosen for this beer pairing because I wanted to show case not only the colors of the beer with her bu also the label and the anthropomorphic being with the antlers. While Nel is more like a goat, it falls along with the whole monster hybrid they were going for. Although, Nel is not a monster, but an Arrancar and a sweet innocent yet powerful Arrancar. She cares very much for her friends and Ichigo, the orange haired protagonist of the series. Gee look at that, there is an orange pumpkin there. LOL nice touch to the pairing for sure.

Sources:
http://chibisofa.deviantart.com/art/Neliel-206842148
http://khima.deviantart.com/art/Neliel-Tu-Oderschvank-108436195
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2011-10-06-442998.png

Tumescence collaboration by The Bruery and Bottlelogic brewing

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IMAG5969 IMAG5968Rating: 4.4/5

Tumescence collaboration by The Bruery and Bottlelogic brewing is an 8% ABV Saison/Farmhouse Ale brewed with Mangoes, Raspberries, Herbs and spices.

Label:
RAGING HAPPINESS

This saison was brewed with brettanomyces, mangoes & raspberries and a selection of herbs and spices for extra enjoyment.

The OC beer community is growing quickly and luckily it is filled with amazing people. We had a lot of fun brewing this experimental ale with our old friends who are now our new neighbors. Best enjoyed fresh, but may pleasantly evolve over time if cellared properly
___

The first collaboration of the year for The Bruery and maybe for Bottle Logic. This was a february release for the Reserve society but will also be released for the preserve society and possible to the markets soon next month. A saison is a delicious style of beer brewed in the French speaking parts of Belgium, or so I heard. They are very prominent by many breweries and even my favorites are from Stillwater Artisanal. So, for the brewery to make one with mango, this I had to see.

Aromas:
Mango, peppercorns, hibiscus, raspberries, grapefruit and herbal hops, citrus, coriander spice, strawberry, cilantro, lemons, biscuit bread, brettanomyces funk, stone fruits like apricots and peaches and apples.

Flavors:
Lots of flowers, spices, mango, grapefruit hops, tart raspberries, peppercorns, stone fruit apricots, peaches, sour apple, sage, grapes, funky brett, biscuit bread, farmhouse hay, lemongrass, cilantro herbs, pineapple, strawberry, chamomile and hibiscus.

Aftertaste:
Citrus, herbs, spices, mild mango, tart raspberry, herbal and grassy hops. There is no alcohol in the taste. This is moderate drinking beer.

Overall:
If you love saisons, you may love this very delicious beer. At some points, the herbs were pretty sharp but I think that was the point when they needed to balance out the sweeter tropical notes of the beer. In this sense, it is not as sweet as other saisons but the bitter flowers, spices, herbs and some sweetness of the tropical fruits do come together nicely. 

Anime Corner:
Ignis from Jingai Makyō was chosen to for the pairing of Tumescence for the label, beer colors and flavors. Tumescence is actually the word for inflammation of something. In this case, Ignis representing the raspberries and Mango fights off the demons of the living Brettanomyces to maintain a place in the beer so that it does not sour out and shows the tropics a bit more. The surrounding red of her hair and the red of the background really shows the raspberry and mango aspects of the beer. Can you see any other art of this luminescent beer that pairs with the artwork?

Smooth Criminal by The Bruery

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1901117_10101663523911710_1016588777_n 1001236_10101663524540450_1394720629_nRating: 5.96/5

Smooth Criminal by The Bruery is a 15% ABV English Barley Wine and Saison Blend aged in bourbon barrels

Label:
ANNI ARE YOU OKAY?
Ever accidentally blend two brews, curse a bit, and then smile when tasting the excellent result? Us too. Rich malt, hops and wood come together harmoniously in this unique ale.

Smooth Criminal is the splendid result of moving a bit too quickly in the brewhouse. An accidental addition of Saison De Lente to a fermenter full of our Anniversary ale led us to ask, “Anni, are you okay?” She was. Best enjoyed fresh , but may pleasantly evolve over time if cellared properly.
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I have yet to try Saison Lente but this beer blended with Bois is probably very epic. Bois is already a beer that I highly enjoy but the addition of another blend may make or break a flavor enhancement. So far, the Bois Fume was freaking epic, let us see what Saison Lent did to “ANNI”versary ale. 

Aromas:
Bananas, peaches, apricots, apple butter, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, milk chocolate, pecan pie, hazelnuts, dark fruits like raisins, plums, cherries, figs, dates, grapes,apples, rum, Flan, brown sugar, peaches and cream, crème brulee, toffee and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Bananas, dulce de leche caramel, peaches, herbal spices, floral hops, peppercorns, toffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, rum, apples, apricots, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, prunes, cherries, pecan and hazelnut pie, walnuts, raisin bread pudding, marshmallows smores, rye bread with orange marmalade spread, flan, crème brulee, dark and milk chocolate, white chocolate, wine grapes, maple syrup, burnt sugars, candy sugar, brown sugar, and butterscotch, flowers and coriander.

Aftertaste:
Peach, grape, rye, caramel, bourbon, vanilla, pecan pie, earthy and floral notes and citrus linger. The alcohol is presently mild but does not detract from the delicious flavors. This is mildly smooth. 

Overall:
Something about adding other beers to Bois take the beer to another spectrum of flavors. The Bois Fume was very delicious and now this one freaking awesome. I think I enjoyed Bois Fume more but this one is freaking delicious. If you enjoy both beers I am sure the hoppy, floral and citrus addition eill have you liking this one. A play at ANNI or Anni-versary is a well played criminal. A thief in the night exposing new flavors to the palate.

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid, Haku Yowane, was chosen for this pairing to represent the aspect of “Michael Jackson” and Smooth Criminal. Haku for the aspect of the beer and MJ, co-inside with themes of music since she is a musician but her name means utter bad thoughts. A pun to, “Who’s Bad?” In terms of the label, I did not get the colors right but the flavors of the beer such as the dark fruit, cherry and plums are there in in her clothing colors and evil eyes. Her white hair represents the addition of the Saison Lente (A white blond beer) that was added to Anniversary (Evil thoughts of Haku influencing the pure beer) and then creating this, Smooth Criminal. I’m just glad I found a great picture to pair with this beer and tribute to MJ’s “Smooth Criminal”.

Salt Lick (Censored) by Jester King and The Salt Lick BBQ collaboration

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1150312_10101347411298920_1176994635_nRating: 4.5/5

Salt Lick (Censored) by Jester King and The Salt Lick BBQ collaboration is a 6.7% Pecan Wood Smoked Saison/Farmhouse ale barrel-aged in wild yeast.

Label:
First came the witches, and soon after there were vampires. They came in droves and each time one popped up it seems to be better looking then the last., each polished to a blinding luster. For a brief moment even werewolves even had there moment in the spotlight, plucked and preened to studio perfection. Then, to our astonishment, monsters comprised of nothing more than smoke joined this pop phenomenon – and that we couldn’t resist.

Notes:
Crafted in the once commonplace, Old World tradition of bière de coupage, young, dry hopped ale is blended with old, barrel-aged sour beer fermented with native yeast. A portion of the malt was smoked over pecan wood at The Salt Lick BBQ (Censored) in Driftwood, Texas. Unfiltered, unpasteurized and naturally conditioned.
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Last year, this beer used to be called Salt Lick but per Texas law below, they had to change it:
Update: Our original label application for Salt Lick Pecan Wood Smoked Saison was rejected by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), after having been approved by the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB). We have renamed this beer “Censored” for sale in Texas.

Here is the original label: http://beerpulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Jester-King-Salt-Lick-Pecan-Wood-Smoked-Saison.png

Along with Das Wunderkind!, I was able to get this one online as well. Jester King makes some of the finest Saisons out there. Goes to show that each Brewery does not have to brew a particular variety of styles but when focused a certain style can go into depths that no other beer can. Yes I am looking at those breweries like Jolly Pumpkin (Sours), Stillwater Artisanal (Gypsy Saisons), The Bruery (Belgian Styles) and many more . I will definitely try to get more amazing JK reviews going . So far I have 5 beers. Check out my other reviews .

One thing to not about this beer, when I opened it, sat it down on the table to take pictures. The beer came to life . Unlike my previous experience with Fantome Boo! Where the beer came gushing out to no ends, this one slowly but surely started to rise, little by little as it came out the bottle and surprised me about a minute later. Now I understand what the label meant about the paranormal :S

Aromas of this beer are quite intriguing. Very Smokey, campfire oak, honey glazed ham, pineapple, peppercorns, tart citrus, musty grapes, minor flower notes, herbs, rotting wood, hidden spices, peaches, apples, salt, hay, lemon juice, tobacco and BBQ pit with spices.

The flavors are of lemon, citrus, salt, smokey honey glazed ham, biscuit bread, Tejuino (Mexican fermented corn drink with lime, sugar and salt), tamarind, hazalenut, over matured orange, sourdough wheat bread, coriander, lemon pepper spice, white peppercorns, barn yard hay, very oaky, musty grapes, a touch of apricot, apples, butter, apple cider vinegar notes, black pepper, sage and other earthy spices.

The aftertaste is somewhere between, salty, smokey, tart, slight sour, fruity and spicy. Quite the combination and smooth and moderately refreshing in fact. This seems way too good to be true. Like drinking this around late august, early September is like perfect because you get nice refreshing notes and that campfire warmth feel you would get as the times approach the fall.

Amazingly this is the first time I have had a beer that is both strictly smokey and slightly sour. Reminds me a lot of Tejuino which is a Mexican fermented corn drink with lime, sugar and salt and sometimes chile added. Very Unique, very interesting, and very delicious. You probably will bee to have an acquired taste for sours or even smoked beers to greatly enjoy this one. Although to me, the balances with the saison is not too overwhelmingly smokey or sour. It fits perfectly in both sides of the universe. Excellent stuff and very awesome if you can find it .

Das Wunderkind! by Jester King

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1175003_10101346418059380_1900771048_nRating: 4.75/5

Das Wunderkind! by Jester King is a 4.5% ABV Organic Saison/Farmhouse Ale aged in oak wine and whiskey barrels with wild yeast.

Label: 
There are many among us who, in spite of their best efforts, just never quite seem to fit in. It’s only a rare few, however, who, very early in life, develop the self-asurance and presence of mind to be neither conformists nor rebels, instead carving their own paths and following their own dreams, regardless of what anyone else might happen to think. Take flight, mein Wunderkind, don’t ever let gravity hold you back!

Description: (jesterking.com)
Mature beer, re-fermented in oak barrels with wild yeast and souring bacteria is blended with fresh, dry-hopped beer prior to bottle-conditioning. Dry and lightly tart, with notes of citrus, barnyard, and tropical fruit.
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Been looking for this little prize long ago. Since last year actually. I was finally able to find one online. Soon as I saw it, I had to get it and do a review. I paired this beer with a piece of artwork that best presents it. Flight of Das Wunderkind! Or “The Wonder Kid” in German. 

Aromas are those nice floral spices, peppercorn, sourdough bread notes I really enjoy in saisons. As an added treat, there are also notes of oak, grapefruit, citrus, hay, apricots, lemon, apples, dandelions, roses, sweet caramel, light whiskey notes, grapes and earthy notes

Flavors are of peppercorns, sourdough bread, wine grapes, caramel, oak, light whiskey notes, lemon peel, green apples, slight funky notes but not too sour, grapefruit, apricot, peach, hint of strawberry, flowery spices, hay, earthy hops, coriander and light vanilla notes.

The aftertaste is mildly funky with citrus, lemon , oak and wine taste but shortly sour. More like flowers and peppery spices.

Overall the beer is awesome is you love saisons that have nice funky notes which are not too sour but pleasantly tart. The added wine and whiskey barrels give it some character but do not overwhelm much of the beer. The spices, flowers and fruity flavors along with the tart and oak flavors take care of that.

Cellar Door by Stilwater Artisanal

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Rating: 5/5

Cellar Door by Gypsy/Gangster brewer, Stilwater Artisanal is a 6.6%ABV Farmhouse ale/Saison wheat ale brewed with White Sage. It is actually closer to a witbier (Belgian White). Perhaps, a fusion of a saison and a Belgian white

Description:
over the ages the term ’cellar door’ has numerously been referred to as the most beautiful term in the English language. upon setting out to create the first summer addition to the Stateside line up of ales; the feeling that almost instantly came to me was that of beauty & cleansing. many summer offerings tend to lack the complexity of their bigger, colder season counterparts; so my goal was to craft an ale of extreme balance with a delicate complexity that allows for contemplation while also providing quaffable refreshment. Starting with a base of German wheat & pale malts this crisp slightly hazy foundation was then accented with a blend of Sterling & Citra hops providing a intricate blend of herbal grass & tangerine citrus flavors and aroma. to pull this all together and to complete the ’cleansing’ aspect of my vision i gently finished the ale off with a touch of white sage, lending a mild earthy spice character to the blend. of course let’s not forget our house saison yeast that brought all the elements together leaving a dry yet intricate finish. enjoy, b.
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Upon opening the Cellar Door of this fine ale, we are exposed to sweet Belgian and saison aromas. On one hand you have floral and some peppercorn notes but you can also smell the fragrance of tangerine, lemon, coriander spice, some mango, almost like a tang orange sweetness. The flavors go in many directions. We have Belgian wheat brad, sweet bread, orange, honey, minor grassy, pine and grapfruit hops in order to establish a minor Belgian Pale feel without compromising the sweet flavor for bitterness. There are some flavors or caramel, white grapes, mango, apples, peaches, pears, sage, coriander spice, banana cloves, peppercorn, oak wood and biscuit. It is kind of crazy as you get a load of tropical like fruit flavors, with rich Saison and bready goodness along with the way a Belgian White tastes. Quite the awesome blend of flavors here. Saison, Belgian White and some Belgian Pale Ale lovers will love this one. It is quite the exquisite beer and a must pick up if you can find it 😀

Duvel Rustica by Ommegang

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Rating: 4.25/5

Duvel Rustica by Ommegang is an 8.5% Belgian Strong/Imperial Golden Ale. 

Label:

Duvel Rustica is our American farmhouse interpretation of Duvel Golden Ale, renowned worldwide as the finest Belgian Golden Ale. Like Duvel, our ale begins with a perfect balance of fine malts and noble hops, then undergoes fermentation with Ommegang’s proprietary yeast. 

Duvel Rustica is a richly flavorful and aromatic brew with the depth and complexity of the finest Belgian ales. Enjoy the alluring flavors and aromas, fine carbonation, full body, hazy rustic golden hue, fluffy white head and dry, warming finish. 
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I almost want to consider this a Belgian Pilsner. If you were to add Belgian yeast to a lager you would get something similar to this. I have had many Belgian Pale Ales and even some Golden Ales that have more sweet Belgian fruits and candied sugars. Despite this, I love how this beer presents itself. The bitterness is like that of a pilsner amplified into the realms of Belgian beer. I really think a lot of people that like so called Belgian Lagers like Stella will realize that if you took that beer and made it is more mature, fermented and super complex, and definitely unfiltered, you would get a golden ale truly worthy of then name, Duvel. This isn’t Stella at all though, no where near its league as Ommegang is legend amongst the beer world. This beer is mix thought. Some flavors of strong candied sugar on warm sweet and biscuit bread, vanilla, pilsner flavor like cereal, pears, orange peel, grapes, lemon, some grassy, tangy, pine and pineapple with grapefruit hops. There is is sour dough bready after taste as well. Like a rye bread. Quite the delicious beer at that. I would have to compare Duvel vs. this one to see if one is better than the other. Many beer lovers may like this one 😛

.Existent. by Stillwater Artisanal

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Rating: 4.8/5

.Existent. by Gypsy/Gangsta Stillwater Artisanal is a 7.4% ABV American Farmhouse Ale. Some of the best I have had and still one of my favorite brewers.

Label:
Existent represents the philosophy behind Stillwater Artisanal. We strive to define ourselves through our passion and sincerity while accepting that not all aspects of life are readily explainable. To manifest this ideology we present an a

le of intrigue. Deep & dark though deceptively dry, braced by a firm yet smooth bitterness and accented with an earthy hop and mild roast aroma. This is an ale for you to define… 
’and if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.’ –Nietzsche 
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An ale about perception. Reality as a whole cannot be defined but merely perceived as best as out 5 senses can understand it. The levels of existence at the most deep level of understanding can only be defined as best as we can dig. We are only at the surface of truth and yet we can only come to our own conclusions. The saddest part is to never find it fully, yet the best part which truly shows no regret is the fact that we tried to find it. The truth of reality. If reality is only but an illusion of what our own senses can perceive, then the possibility of phenomena such as anything paranormal can exist due to the fundamental laws that make up this so called…”physical realm”…a realm of illusion and and infinite number of possibility. With that said, on to the beer review :P. 

Existent for me goes into territory of Black Saisons and specialty brews which I am familiar with. This beer actually came out before Folklore. That beer was epic in its own decree. I am a fan of Dark Belgian Stouts and Dark Belgians. Saison is more of a French term indicating Farmhouse Ale. Reasong being is because the flavors you get from usual saisons are very floral, bready, and complex in flavor. This beer is a Dark Farmhouse Ale. So there are some flavors of like that of Folklore but not to the specialty which made Folklore. Some Belgian/French yeast which makes the bread flavor, chocolate, banana, coffee cake, raisins, peppercorns, coriander spice, plum, figs, currants, grapes, earthy pine grass, grapefruit and oak. Folklore is different in the sense that the sweeter flavors flow more than that earthy hops and roasted flavors of this one. While the composition of the yeast is so familiar. Only as best as Stillwater Artisanal can make. Little by little I find more brews here in California. Baltimore has some of the best beers in the world.