Rating: 5/5
Somnambulism by Shady Oak Barrel House is a 7% ABV Dark Sour aged in rye whisky and pinot noir barrels.
Funky sweet, citrus farmhouse and complex dark fruits
Tag Archives: American Wild Ale
Citizens of the (Under) World by Concrete Jungle Brewing Project
Rating: 4.75/5
Citizens of the (Under) World by Concrete Jungle Brewing Project is a 6% American Wild Ale barrel aged with pinot grigio barrels, passion fruit and tart cherries.
Description:
Sour beer made from blend of a blonde ale barrel-aged with passion fruit, and a saison barrel-aged with tart cherries. After blending, the beer was aged an additional six months in Pinot Grigio barrels.
Ask not what a sour can do for you but what the you can do for a sour… Delicious!
Bouffon collaboration by Bruery Terreux and Jester King
Rating: 4.5/5
Bouffon collaboration by Bruery Terreux and Jester King is a 5.3% ABV American Wild Wit Ale brewed with spices and aged in oak foedre.
Description:
This tart, witty release kicks off our Foeders with Friends collaboration series. Our good friends at Jester King came to town to brew a sour wit ale with spices to christen one of our new-to-us foeders at Bruery Terreux. We designed a recipe with bitter orange peel and coriander and set it to ferment and age with our mixed house culture and Bavarian wit yeast in the designated foeder for four months. Using the Jester King house culture for bottle conditioning, Bouffon features some of the classic notes you’d look for in a wit, including banana, pear, vanilla, bubblegum, white pepper, lemon and a signature yeast profile. It also shines with the wild character from its cultures and collaborators at Jester King and Bruery Terreux.
Review:
Funky, fresh, smooth, fresh and tart…. Very nice indeed!
2017 Frucht: Passion Fruit by Bruery Terreux
Rating: 4.75/5
2017 Frucht: Passion Fruit by Bruery Terreux is a 4.5% ABV Berliner Weisse brewed with passion fruit.
Original Review:
https://animebeers.com/2016/04/09/frucht-passion-fruit-by-the-bruery-terreux/
Mélange No. 9 by The Bruery Terreux
Rating: 5.25/6
Mélange No. 9 by The Bruery Terreux is a 7.8% ABV Wild Ale Hybrid of 83% Sour Ale Aged in Oak Barrels, 17% Ale aged in bourbon barrels with ginger and coconut added.
Label:
TROPICAL – OAKY – ISLAND
This sour ale was the winner of our Hoarders Society blending competition. A combination of our sour blonde, Sour in the Rye and White Oak Sap along with ginger and coconut.
Description:
Mélange #9 was created by your peers at a special blending competition held in November 2013 for our Hoarders Society members at the time. Each team was given access to a slew of our barrel aged beers and were allowed to bring in pretty much any ingredient of their own to add to the mix. The winning blend is a sour ale, using both our sour blonde ale and Sour in the Rye, with a hint of sweetness from White Oak Sap. Coconut and fresh ginger was added to the blend just a few days before packaging, generating a super fresh, tropical spice.
==Introduction==
Mélange #9 was finally released to the Reserve society at the Bruery. One the Melange series that I have not tried before. Many of the Melange series has always been about Cuvees of dark strong beers and very few about sours. Like I still have to try Melange #1. Yet, since I didn’t know when they would release Mélange #9 again, I figure I bring it to the site before the getting was good. This one is actually a sour. With the addition of the base being White Oak and Sour in the Rye makes for a beer that could be quite intriguing. Let’s have a look, cheers!
Aromas:
Stone fruit apricots, peaches, sour apples, lavender hibiscus, rose hips, ginger bread, oranges, lime, wine grapes, dragon fruit, rye bread, pineapple, lemon peel, oak, Chardonnay, bourbon hints, vanilla, and coconut notes.
Flavors:
Ginger bread, ginger cookies, ginger ale, funky grapes, toasted coconut, oranges, tangerines, passion fruit, dragon fruit, rye bread, cucumber, tart pineapple, lemon peel, oak, chardonnay, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, Mexican Cocada coconut candy, sweetened condensed milk hints, white wine, lactic funk wine grapes, farmhouse notes, hibiscus, lavender, rose hips, honey, stone fruit apricots, peaches and sour apples.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with floral notes, coconut, lemon peel, ginger bread, vanilla, oak, honey, oranges, hibiscus, and wine grapes. No Alcohol in the taste, clear golden body, crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.
Overall:
A slight smidge above perfect and this is definitely due to the fact that it is not a pure sour. The ginger, coconut and bourbon definitely cut the sour aspects by a lot and bring about a nice balance and complexity that makes this one more enjoyable with every sip. I think many that do not like sours will find this one appealing. Highly recommended.
Anime Corner:
Misty/Kasumi from Pokemon was brought to this beer to pair with the colors of the label and represent some of the tropics of the beer. While her thing is water and water type pokemon, I think she fit just right. Also, the fact that this is the first time I use her in a Bruery beer as well.
Sources:
https://images6.alphacoders.com/821/821146.png
http://www.fanpark.cc/data/0001/04/14892134587295.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Pokémon.full.1154124.jpg
2017 Beauregarde by The Bruery Terreux
Rating: 4/5
2017 Beauregarde by The Bruery Terreux is a 5.8% ABV American Wild Ale/ Sour Blonde aged in oak barrels with blueberries.
Label:…
SNAPPY – JUICY – ROUNDED
Notes / Commercial Description:
Beauregarde is our first ever use of blueberries and we couldn’t be happier with how this beer turned out. We added an incredible amount of fruit to our barrel aged, sour blonde ale and the result is just as expected. A lovely shade of reddish purple with flavors of tart blueberries, just in time for summer. Perfect along side a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
==Introduction==
Originally released to the Hoarder’s society, this is the first time the Reserve Society gets a chance to this beer. I have tried many blue berry sours before in different styles. This one looks like the blue berry ghost sour from Mikkeller and Three Floyds so I think it may be awesome. Let’s have a look at this one, cheers!
Aromas:
Funky must, tart blueberries, stone fruit apricots, lavender, hibiscus flow, biscuit bread, wine grapes, raisins, raspberries, blue berry yogurt and citrus.
Flavors:
Super tart blueberries, honey, biscuit bread, funky must, wine grapes, raisins, raspberries, Concorde grape skins, cane sugar, lemon peel, citrus, sour white grapes, blueberry yogurt notes, black currants, vanilla, oak, green apples, lemon peel, stone fruit apricots, lavender, hibiscus flowers and grapefruit hints.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with minor lingering blueberry flavors, blueberry yogurt notes, lemon, tart wine grapes, vanilla, oak, and citrus notes. No alcohol in the taste, Magenta colored light to hazy body, refreshing, effervescent and smooth mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.
Overall:
A very good sour definitely showcasing some nice blueberry tart flavors along with many of the nice flavors that usually come with sours. While it is more tart and sour that fruity and sweet, I have to say that for those that love that extra kick of tartness will definitely enjoy this one. It is worth a try if you love sours.
Anime Corner:
Lucina from Fire Emblem was used in this pairing mainly for the colors of the label that work with her but also mainly since I have I haven’t used her in any of the Bruery pairings in the past. Anything Blueberries and she fits in this instance.
Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Lucina.(Fire.Emblem).full.1998286.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-IScEBWsAM_nYI.jpg
http://orig08.deviantart.net/30f9/f/2017/073/8/0/lucina_by_nayuki_chan-db2blb4.jpg
Candy Sours Series – Orange Slice by Valiant brewing
Rating: 6/6
Candy Sours Series – Orange Slice by Valiant brewing is a 4% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Orange Slice Candies
Label:
Candy Sour Beers! What else will we think of? Our team was let loose in the brewery and came up with a unique twist of combining a Wild Sour Ale with the sweet enjoyable flavors of candies that we call our “Candy Sours”.
In this limited series, Orange Slice Sour brings the world of sweet and sour to your senses. Tangy, Orange and crisp citrus flavors make this a drink you can’t put down.
==Introduction==
After trying the Peach Rings and Silly Straws, I decided to go back to Mr. K’s Liquor to get more of the other types from the Candy Sour series. Unfortunately, this was the only one they had and what’s worse is that in March 2017, Valiant Brewing had closed their doors. So the likelihood of ever seeing the other ones like Gummy Worms or Watermelon Patch Sour was very unlikely. It is what it is and while I feel some treasures are meant to be lost, it is my duty to at least bring some of these treasures to light. So let’s have a look at what this one has to offer, Cheers!
Aromas:
Lots of orange candies, cane sugar, honey, lemon candy, tangerines, biscuit bread and tart grapes.
Flavors:
Rich Orange Candy slices, cane sugar, honey, tangerine gummies, orange peel, Tampico Orange juice, biscuit bread, grape notes, mango notes, pineapple and kiwi.
Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with slight notes of orange candy linger, biscuit bread and grape tartness. No alcohol in the taste, golden light body, crisp, refreshing and smooth mouthful with a ridiculously easy drinkability.
Overall:
YEP, just like the other ones, taste exactly like liquid Orange Slice Candies. Although, definitely not as sour as the previous ones. In fact, the sweetness of candy oranges and tartness works super well. Ridiculously to the point that I am tempted to drink the whole thing in one go. Aside from its ridiculous drinkability ofcourse which generally just adds to the “drink the whole thing” factor. I highly recommend it if you can still find it!
Anime Corner:
Nico Niiyama from Kiznaiver was used in this pairing as I wanted wanted to show case the candy sour of Orange slices with a character that has similar colors to oranges but also has a theme of candy and long behold I felt Nico was the perfect fit.
Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Niiyama.Niko.full.2006329.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/b9/81/1b/b9811be188754bd8c5260514e4040a69.jpg
https://images6.alphacoders.com/769/769603.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Niiyama.Niko.full.2006348.jpg
Candy Sours Series – Silly Straw by Valiant brewing
Rating: 6/6
Candy Sours Series – Silly Straw by Valiant brewing is a 4% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Green Silly Straws Candies
Label:
Candy Sour Beers! What else will we think of? Our team was let loose in the brewery and came up with a unique twist of combining a Wild Sour Ale with the sweet enjoyable flavors of candies that we call our “Candy Sours”.
In this limited series, Silly Straw Sour will get your attention in more ways than one! Apple, Berries and Cherry are a few of the abundant flavors you’ll be greeted with.
==Introduction==
I have wanted to try this beer ever since I first heard about the Candy Sour series. Not just for the appeal of it tasting just like the candies but also the green colored body. This version that was released may have actually been a re-release of the brew which actually had a green colored body as this one did not have the green colored body. That being that case, since I wanted to do the pairing based on the green color, the green that you see in the picture is actually a green light I use as a backlight. Other than that the beer should hopefully be the same as what was released in the past. Let’s give it a whirl, cheers!
Aromas:
Green sour silly straws, funky and musty sour notes, matured grapes, kiwi, apple notes, raspberry and lemon candy.
Flavors:
Rich Green sour silly straw, Golden apples, sour apples, dark fruit currants, blue raspberry, cranberries, pomegranate, tart cherries, Kiwi, Strawberry, Grape, apple jolly ranchers, mild funky cheese, candied apple, vanilla, banana hints, lemon candy and butterscotch.
Aftertaste:
Finishing with Green Tart silly straws, dry candied apple, caramel, butterscotch, tart cherries, blue raspberries, lemon candy and cane sugar. No alcohol in the taste. Batch 1 had an Ecto Cooler Green hazy body while this one has a mildly golden hazy body, crisp, smooth, refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel and finally very easy to drink.
Overall:
Insane! Taste just like what it says, green silly straws. Just like I did with the Peach Rings, this one gets rated on how close it came to tasting like the actual candy, which essentially it does. Yes, its fakey candy but the body is essentially a perfect sessionable sour. I loved this one despite its complexity and I know even people that don’t like sours will love this beer as well. Definitely check it out before they are gone for good!
Anime Corner:
Terra/Tina Branford from Final Fantasy VI (III in the US) was chosen in this beer pairing as I wanted to go with the colors of the candies and in the previous batch, the green colors which pair well with Terra’s hair. The aesthetics in Terra’s attire reminds me to that of Kefka in a way. Kind of a frilly type of outfit which kind of works in the similar style to that of Willy Wonka himself.
Sources:
http://pre04.deviantart.net/0212/th/pre/f/2017/064/c/f/terra2_final_web_by_lucidsky-db1bwxn.jpg
http://pre07.deviantart.net/e21f/th/pre/i/2016/014/c/c/ffvi___terra_branford_by_midorisa-d9ny4x2.jpg
http://reptilia.sakura.ne.jp/sblo_files/haruhitonagase/image/160829.jpg
http://situero.com/wp-content/uploads/00525041807201626.jpg
Candy Sours Series – Peach Ring by Valiant brewing
Rating: 6/6
Candy Sours Series – Peach Ring by Valiant brewing is a 4% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Peach Ring Candies
Label:
Candy Sour Beers! What else will we think of? Our team was let loose in the brewery and came up with a unique twist of combining a Wild Sour Ale with the sweet enjoyable flavors of candies that we call our “Candy Sours”.
In this limited series, Peach Ring Sour which is responsible for the original concept showcases a brite peach aroma followed by a sweet and juicy fruit flavor but finishes on the tart side.
==Introduction==
My first beer from valiant brewing. I had only recently heard of this series and with the news of Valiant brewing closing, I definitely wanted to bring one of these the site, especially since it has Willy Wonka on the cover. The sour series also has other brews that are candy based which makes me really believe that they are truly adding candy at some point in the process. Who could resist though? Going back to the days of being a kid and eating all sorts of awesome Willy Wonka candies is amazing. So implement that with the love of craft beer and we have pairing. Candy Beers! Let’s see what this one is about, cheers!
Aromas:
Fakey peach flavors (It’s literal Candy), peach jolly ranchers, apricots and wine grape hints.
Flavors:
Tart stone fruit peach, apricot, peach cobbler, super rich Trolli peach candies, grape hints and strawberry hints.
Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with slight notes of peach candy, biscuit bread and grape tartness. No alcohol in the taste, golden peach light body, crisp, refreshing and smooth moughfeel with a ridiculously easy drinkabaility.
Overall:
How can I say that I don’t like this, when I absolutely and ridiculously enjoy this. You see, this beer has very little complexity. I usually grade higher per complexity and over enjoyment. Complexity had nothing to do with this one. The fact is, you are drinking liquid Peach Sour Trolli rings. They did exactly and as cleanly as possible a beer that is exactly how is supposed to taste. Essentially they made a perfect beer. Granted, the label tells you exactly what this is supposed to be so don’t expect anything else. It literally is peach sour rings in a bottle. I highly recommend this without a doubt to any one that loves these candies! Beer lover or not! Now I only wish Valiant wasn’t leaving us!
Anime Corner:
Tenshi Hinanawi from Touhou was chosen in this pairing as I was going for a character that would pair well with the peaches but also Willy Wonka with the cane. Tenshi was the right choice as she wears a hat with peaches and the look she has in the art looks like a bad ass. So with that being said I also added some references to “peaches” as well.
Sources:
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwNuLNqUAAAjbdP.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c9/d1/83/c9d183f882dba6bcd09cfe5723138aa0.jpg
https://nijiero-ch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/nijich1486256401470241.jpg
2016 La Parcela No.1 by Jolly Pumpkin
Rating: 5/5
2016 La Parcela No.1 by Jolly Pumpkin is a 5.9% ABV American Wild /Sour Pumpkin Ale brewed with Pumpkin, Spices and Cacao.
Label:
Ok, so the joke was that “Jolly Pumpkin doesn’t brew a pumpkin beer.” Well, now we do. Packed with real pumpkins, hints of spice, and a gentle kiss of cocoa to liven the soul. An everyday easy way to fill your squashy quotient. Guess now folks will have to find something else to joke about…
==Introduction==
It’s been years since I have last tried this beer. The first and I think, still the best pumpkin sour for the longest time. Since they started releasing new labels for their beer, I wanted to bring some of them back to the website. This one caught my eyes especially due to the artwork. So naturally, I had to seek it out and bring this brew back to the website. Even if it is past Halloween, these beers are awesome anytime of the year. Which reminds me how I wish sometimes that they brew them all the year round. So let us see how one of the, if not, the best pumpkin sour beers in the world is since I last tried it. Cheers!
Aromas:
peppercorn, vanilla, caramel, Stone fruit peaches, apricot, pumpkin pie, brown sugar, cinnamon, chocolate notes, piloncillo sugar cone, nutmeg, passion fruit, mango, oak, citrus, wine grapes, hibiscus, sweet potato pie, bananas and clove spice.
Flavors:
Rich Stone fruit peaches, apricot, pumpkin pie, pumpkin flesh, cinnamon, Dark chocolate, white chocolate, sweet potatoes, sweet squash, flowers, hibiscus, honey, waffle cone, bananas, piloncillo sugar cone, clove spice notes, brown sugar, funky oak, cane sugar, citrus, tangerines, kumquats, wine grapes, white grapes, nutmeg, phenolic notes, peppercorn, vanilla, caramel, sour apples, mango notes and passion fruit.
Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich stone fruit peaches, funky sour white grape notes, pumpkin flesh, chocolate, lemon peel and flowers. No alcohol in the taste, Golden amber hazy body, smooth, crisp, and effervescent mouthfeel along with a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
Still the perfect pumpkin sour. With a name like Jolly Pumpkin for a brewery, you would definitely want to make a really delicious pumpkin beer and this is it. For the brewery that started my sour path in the beginning, this was one of the best ways to go. Since their focus is on sours, they can really get brews to taste very delicious and not strictly lactic sour. These funky tart beers are amazing and this one in particular is full of pumpkin goodness which really balances out the tartness overall. Highly recommended like other JP beers.
Anime Corner:
Naruto and Bleach characters for Halloween as well as Succubus/Devil Rukia Kutchiki were chosen for this review since the first review of this beer. So I wanted to bring them back to go with the new beer label. I think Rukia makes it better especially the one where she is inside the pumpkin and has the cat like and devil features that fit the label.
Sources:
http://orig06.deviantart.net/7716/f/2011/304/3/a/___happy_halloween_2011____by_arathar-d4em95e.jpg
http://img13.deviantart.net/5462/i/2009/297/3/9/devil_rukia_by_gray_fullbuster.jpg
2017 Befuddlement by The Bruery Terreux
Rating: 6/6
2017 Befuddlement by The Bruery Terreux is a 9.9% American Wild Rye Ale with Boysenberries aged in oak and bourbon barrels.
Label:
None.
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Befuddlement is a Hoarders Society exclusive blend of our Sour In The Rye and our bourbon barrel aged old-ale, Sucré, with the addition of an incredible number of boysenberries. This deep purple beer is textured with sweet notes of caramelized malts, spicy rye, oak, juicy berries and a pleasantly sour funk. It’s a rather befuddling meld of flavors with an outcome that we couldn’t enjoy more.
==Introduction==
Released for Reserve and Hoarders societies only, this one was I never had chance to try. Based on the blending process it looks like they blended BBA Sucré with this one which is an awesome anniversary brew from a couple of years ago. It was the time when they started barrel aging in different spirits and have not stopped since. Special Barrel variants are awesome but the mix of that with other awesome beers creates something even more unique. Essentially, their mixed sour brews and Melangé series has been nothing but amazing. Each blend is unique while also some blends being more amazing than other blends. So let’s have a look at this one as it is a special sour blend with their anniversary. Cheers!
Aromas:
Cadbury Cream egg hints, marshmallows, graham crackers, brown sugar, banana hints, piloncillo sugar cone, dark cherry yogurt, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, blackberries, boysenberries, strawberries, wine grapes, raspberry preserves on toasted rye bread, leather, boysenberry cobbler, boysenberry muffins, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, waffle cone, candy sugar, chocolate truffle notes and crème brulee hints.
Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, blackberries, boysenberries, strawberries, wine grapes, vanilla, fruit cake, oak, Bourbon, chocolate, toffee, raspberry preserves on toasted rye bread, leather, boysenberry cobbler, boysenberry muffins, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, Cadbury Cream egg hints, marshmallows, graham crackers, brown sugar, banana hints, piloncillo sugar cone, dark cherry yogurt, waffle cone, candy sugar, chocolate truffle notes, crème brulee hints, raisin bread pudding, hibiscus, floral notes, toasted coconut hints and boysenberry cheese cake.
Aftertaste:
Finishes semi dry with lots of boysenberry flavor, dark fruits, tart boysenberry skins, boysenberry yogurt, oak, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, chocolate hints and floral notes. No alcohol in the taste. Crimson and Rose colored full body, crisp, effervescent, smooth and refreshing mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.
Overall:
This exceptionally awesome brew can be best described as a tart boysenberry cobbler. There was a ton of berries and BBA Sucré to guarantee the flavors came out similar especially close to a tart boysenberry cordial. So I feel like I have been missing out especially after having this one. In fact, many special blended sours have been coming out really exceptional and hope they bring out more like this one. It was definitely worth the freebie from the Reserve allocation. I highly recommend this sour.
Anime Corner:
Widow Maker from Overwatch was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the colors of the label, beer color and ingredients of the beer which all seem to match with the deep purple, reds and blues of her. This and the fact that this is the first time I use her in a pairing for the Bruery, the timing seemed perfect really. In a way, since she is mixed with Sucré, she looks a lot like Mari Ilustrious which I used in that beer but without the glasses and blue skin.
Sources:
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/I4whOtX72NxfDypPSY0bZelyW5XrEPw527qD7LPEZAagzs4bPu0b8ynnllKv1Rh.jpeg?w=1600&v=2-IjikrDIjBKJJXtrL4Lt6CxaOLlMtyhGtSlX_3qbJQ%3D
http://file2.instiz.net/data/file2/2016/07/29/f/9/8/f98ef897a8b4a370dcdaa5fd0d7c08b5.jpg
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/6933583458898303643.jpg?w=1600&v=3AQIGa3dXAxVvk3ENQ9w1fAj0-PlXL548-kdzROxSCA%3D
http://pic.chinaz.com/2016/0614/1465870307917.png
Roselle (LÄCTOBÄC: TWO) by Fair State CO-OP
Rating: 4.5/5
Roselle (LÄCTOBÄC: TWO) by Fair State CO-OP is a 5.7% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Hibiscus.
Label:
Sour beer brewed with Hibiscus, tart & floral.
==Introduction==
I had received a can of this sour when I obtained it as an extra when I ordered the Pipeworks Brewing Lil Citra. This was unexpected but any new beer that can be added to the website is more than welcome. This one being a sour made with hibiscus gives it a very nice cherry looking color to it. Without much info on this beer, let’s see what this one is about. Cheers!
Aromas:
Tart grapes, flowers like roses, lavender, hibiscus, chamomile, biscuit bread, vanilla, cane sugar, sakura cake, wheat, coriander hints, lemon peel and peppercorns.
Flavors:
Hibiscus, Rose petals, lavender, Sakura Cherry blossoms, mild grape wine notes, cane sugar, vanilla, mango, passion fruit dragon fruit, kiwi, pink peppercorn notes, cherries, strawberry jam, grapefruit hints, sakura cake, hibiscus petals, biscuit bread, raspberry yogurt notes, wheat, coriander hints, lemon peel and lemon candies.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with hints of hibiscus, cane sugar, raspberry hints and lavender. No alcohol in the taste, rosy pink hazy body, creamy, crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouth feel and very easy to drink.
Overall:
Definitely a very good beer. Very floral than fruity sour and has a great color. There are few beers that use hibiscus and while I have enjoyed others that I loved more, this one is definitely awesome especially since it is canned. This one is worth a try.
Anime Corner:
Juri Han from the Street Fighter series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the different colors of the label but also since her colors pair with the flavors and the ingredients used to make the beer and the beer color as well.
2016 Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery Terreux
Rating: 5.5/6
2016 Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery Terreux is a 7.% ABV American Wild Stout aged in Oak Barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans.
New Label:
Roasty – Midnight – Delight
Old Label:
SAUERSTAUT
With a roasty aroma and a tart finish, this sour black ale is a contortion of style and flavor, creating an unexpected delight.
Tart of Darkness with Cherries & Vanilla is best enjoyed fresh for bold spice and fruit character, but my pleasantly if cellared properly.
___
Released to the Preservation and Reserve Societies once again and possibly the a public release, this is the second time I try this beer. I was not going to do a review of this one since I had already done one in the past but as soon as I tried it and the new label came about, I had to give it a shot. This beer is a variant to the publicly sold Tart of Darkness. I will be honest, while the tart of darkness is a very good sour, it does not compare to my favorite sour stout Madrugada Obscura by Jolly Pumpkin. The cherries and vanilla from the last time I reviewed this beer made a huge difference. Draw your puckeringly sour sword and get ready to take action!
Aromas:
Dark cherry yogurt, Vanilla ice cream, caramel,Lavender, cotton candy, strawberry cheesecake, lemon peel, citrus, dark chocolate hints, blueberry skins, earthy notes, Cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, molasses, anise, licorice, lemon peel, sour funky notes, citrus, port wine hints, blue berry muffin and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Toasted coconut, coffee, mocha, rich dark fruit cherries, raisins, prunes, concord grapes, currants, blueberries, vanilla cream, caramel, tart wine grapes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, sour cherry cordials, floral lavender, dark cherry yogurt, strawberry cheese cake, brown sugar, blueberry muffin, lemon peel, Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, grape skins, port wine hints, oak, earthy notes and musty sour funky notes.
Aftertaste:
Tart wine grapes, oak, dark cherry yogurt hints, vanilla, coconut hints, and earthy notes finishing all fast and dry. No alcohol in the taste, murky amber brown full body with no head retention, soft, smooth and slightly creamy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.
Overall:
Awesome sauce this year. I don’t know if I liked this one more or the last time I tried this one more. There is so much more chocolate coconut in this one along with vanilla and cherry sour stout goodness that I think it actually is beating the Madrugada Obscura. The Bruery definitely out did themselves this time and I would highly recommend this one if you love sours!
Anime Corner:
Saber Alter/Dark Saber from Fate/Stay Night/Hollow Ataraxia was used in this pairing since I used Jean from Claymore. Basically both represent the “Dark Knight” In the Tart of Darkness. The return of this brew show cases Saber as she tries to battle her inner darkness but realizes that without embracing both the light and evil, she is nothing. You can also say Saber is Vanilla and Dark Saber is the Cherries. The aspect of the warrior of darkness and the fact that I have used Saber in many Dark chocolate and cherry flavored beers just pushes my conviction that much further. The Dark Arts have to do with blasphemy against the church but the strange part, as holy as some organizations are, some hold deep dark secrets that the public never knows about. Tart of Darkness with Cherries and Vanilla brings that aspect of sour evil but yet sweet and forgiving aspects that are pretty damn Holy if you ask me. Think of it as the sweetness delivering the darkness of the beer from evil Either way, great beer and great pairing I think.
Sources:
http://tsundora.com/image/2014/10/fate_stay_night_673.jpg
http://pm1.narvii.com/5832/37ca0cfb16b4e985b40f227f7ae4a7b2aafa50da_hq.jpg
Tropical Platypus by Almanac Brewing
Rating: 5.5/6
Tropical Platypus by Almanac Brewing is 6% ABV American Wild Ale Dry-Hopped Sour Ale Aged in Wine Barrels with Kiwi, Mango, Lime and Passion Fruit.
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This special tropical ale is brewed in celebration of City Beer Store’s 10th Anniversary. Inspired by their adorable Platypus mascot, this equatorial sour blonde ale is aged in used wine barrels and oak foeders with an array of tropical fruits. We selected barrels with fruit-forward characters, and amplified those notes with the addition of kiwi, mango, lime and passionfruit. We tied the whole blend together with the addition of aromatic Galaxy hops from New Zealand. The finished beer is a tropical explosion, worthy of our duck-billed inspiration. Pair with celebratory anniversaries, pupu platters and white sand beaches.
When Almanac was in its infancy, City Beer Store was already a craft beer institution in San Francisco. They constantly fought for the craft beer industry and provided a home for new breweries looking to make a mark. In fact, they were the first to sell Almanac’s beer. This beer honors 10 years of providing a home for craft beer.
==Introduction==
Obtained this one from Craftshack.com along with other great beers. This one intrigued me because I made a tropical IPA with similar ingredients and trying this may give me an incite as to what to expect. The brew is a small bottle as with many of Almanacs delicious beers but with that being said, I will be taking my time analyze this one as I do with others but more importantly, try to take some flavors that may relate to my homebrew that will be ready in sometime in July 2016. The mix of fruits sounds so damn delicious but as a sour, I will have to see if it can compare to other sours I have had in the past. Let’s take a look. Cheers!
Aromas:
Tropical fruit kiwi, pineapple, mango, guava, dragon fruit, margarita notes, lime peel, lemons, limes, white wine grapes, passion fruit, stone fruit peaches, apricots, banana hints, clove hints, coriander hints, vanilla, oak, floral hop notes, lavender, cane sugar, chardonnay, peppercorn and wine grapes.
Flavors:
Rich Stone fruit peaches, apricots, sour apples, tropical fruit kiwi, pineapple, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, margarita notes, lime peel, lemons, limes, white wine grapes, concorde grapes, chardonay, peppercorns, waffle cone, cranberries, dark cherries, citrus, grapefruit, grassy, mild pine, floral and earthy hops, tangerine gummies, vanilla, oak, caramel, banana hints, clove hints, coriander hints, lavender, hibiscus hints, guavas.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with minor hints of tropics, limes, lemons, stone fruit, wine grapes, grapefruit, citrus and dank hops and sour funky notes. No alcohol in the taste. Hazy Pale Straw body, Crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouth feel with an easy drinkability.
Overall:
A very awesome and very exceptional sour showcasing so much tropical goodness. This is one of the best sours up there with the great ones I really love. The beer does shows a lot of flavors which I would definitely wanna see in my beer as it is supposed to be a tropical fruit IPA. However, this being a sour and oak aged is super well balanced and made. The balance of tart and sweet comes together very nicely. I highly recommend it if you love sours and especially dry hopped tropical sours.
Anime Corner:
Marino from Megaman X Command Mission was chosen in this pairing as I could not find a platypus but her colors represent all the tropical flavors of the beer. Even though she is not a platypus, her hair is long like the platypus tail and the holder that holds her sword is almost like a platypus bill. It is a stretch but I think the pairing works well.
Sources:
http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/12/127136/1753558-marino_perspective_cged_by_liline.png
http://img00.deviantart.net/09ea/i/2014/289/8/8/marino_by_wing_maiden-d830zf1.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb209/redninja4/Megaman/1234659355039.jpg
Chupacabra Quinceañera by the Bruery Terreux
Rating: 5/5
Chupacabra Quinceañera by the Bruery Terreux is a 4.9% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Brettanomyces.
Label:
Lupulo-¡Escalofriante!-Tropical
Commercial Description:
Chupacabra Quinceañera is a refreshing 100% Brett-fermented blonde beer bursting with clean tropical aroma from the unique brett strain used for fermentation. These notes are complemented with the subtle use of Simcoe and Amarillo hops, which add layers of tangerine and passionfruit. It’s quite the party.
==Introduction==
Available to Reserve and Hoarders Society members of the Bruery, this beer was something I wanted to try since last year when it was released in the tap room. An original pilot batch by Sean Flannery which was made using Brettanomyces Bruxellensis Trois which is a strain that give the beer tropical flavors rather than barnyard funk. The name of Chupacabras Quinceañera or the Sweet 15th of the Goat Sucker was made as a tribute to creating a beer with mythical brett strains. In 2013, they made one with another mythical strain and called it Werewolf Barmitzvah. I never did get a chance to try Chupacabra Quinceañera and now that it is here, let’s present her to the site. A wild ale with Brettanomyces but how will it differ from the other Bretty beers. Some with citrus, orange and saison funks or even tropical notes. Let’s take a look at how this one is, cheers!
Aromas:
Citrus, piney, floral and grassy hop notes, biscuit bread, hibiscus flowers, lavender, roses, tropical fruit pineapple, honeydew melon, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, prickly pears, stone fruit peaches, apricot, lemon peel and tangerine gummies.
Flavors:
Lots of tropics and funk, pineapple, honeydew melon, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, prickly pears, citrus, piney, floral and grassy hop notes, peppercorn, farmhouse hay, stone fruit apricot, peaches, tangerine gummies, white raisins, wine grapes, oranges, lime peels, banana notes, clove spice, barnyard funk, vanilla, oak, butterscotch hints, biscuit bread, hibiscus flowers, lavender, roses, lemon grass, basil, Danish cream.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with tropical notes, stone fruits, farmhouse hay, citrus, piney and floral hops. No alcohol in the taste, clear golden body, crisp, refreshing, effervescent mouthfeel and easy to drink.
Overall:
A perfect tarty and bretty tropical sour with lots of delicious flavors. Even on the light side, it is flavorful displaying many of the flavors I would love from even Saisons even though it is sour. The use of variant Brett strains gives me ideas for the day I ever make a saison of my own. Tropical flavors are awesome! This one is a definite high recommendation for this that like light crisp sours with lots of bretty and tropical flavors.
Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland from Darkstalkers was used in this pairing to represent La Chupacabra Quineañera. The reason I chose her is since she is depicted as a younger person, but being a Succubus, she is actually older than she looks. Also since she is a creature of the night, the whole aspect of Chupacabra, or goat sucker, she is a sexual blood sucker. Like her, this beer is very alluring in the flavor profile but do not fall for the tricks as you may meet your doom. Ah who cares, you already started drinking anyway.
Sources:
http://img05.deviantart.net/cb03/i/2014/266/a/e/lilith_aensland_wallpaper_by_jaksonstoker-d809i3x.png
http://static.zerochan.net/Lilith.Aensland.full.309888.jpg
http://blog-imgs-45.fc2.com/a/n/i/animehiroi/14101162.jpg
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/darkstalkers/images/7/7d/Capcom1708.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130530095225
Apocalypse by Save The World brewing
Rating: 5/5
Apocalypse by Save The World brewing is a 9% ABV A Wild Belgian Quadruple with Brettanomyces.
Label:
Our quad is a tasteful spin on the monastic quadrupel ale. the aroma and flavors are a complex balance between dark fruits and sweet malts with traces of chocolate and caramelized sugar. It is full bodied with hints of brett and warmth. Savor this deep and flavorful ale now and later! Try pairing with hearty roasted or grilled meat dishes, aged cheeses, and a variety of desserts.
==Introduction==
Thanks to my friend Aaron at BeerMetalDude.com for sharing this brew with me. This is the first beer I try from Save The World brewing of Marble Falls, Texas. I love Belgian Quadruples and they are one of my favorite styles. My first brew plunge into the homebrewing complexity to making a more complex beer other than simple extract was a Belgian Quadruple which many people enjoyed and it was one of the ones that I really worried over, spent time taking care to make sure it wasn’t a disaster. So yeah, Quads are an essential part of me when it comes to beers. A Quad with Brettanomyces though, that is something I have never heard of before. I have tried a sour quad before but not one with brett. In the back of my mind, I think this definitely major potential to be something unique, so let’s see how it goes with this, Cheers!
Aromas:
Stone fruits peaches, peppercorns, floral notes of hibiscus, lavender, Belgian Candy sugar, bananas, clove spice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit plums, figs, dates, raisins, currants, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, coriander spice, brown sugar, citrus and farmhouse hay.
Flavors:
Rich meld of Dark fruit plums, figs, dates, raisins, currants, Stone fruits peaches, Belgian Candy sugar, bananas, clove spice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, chocolate, vanilla, oak, Funky notes, farmhouse hay, brettanomyces funk, wine grapes, old oranges, peppercorns, floral notes of hibiscus, lavender, mango, guava, pineapple, sour apples, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, coriander spice, brown sugar, turbinado sugar, sugar cane, honey dew melon and dragon fruit.
Aftertaste:
Finishes with funky forward notes, dark fruit, stone fruits, caramel, chocolate, funky brett, wine grapes, old oranges, citrus and floral notes. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy golden brown full body, smooth, creamy, effervescent and slightly chewy mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
Who knew a quad could taste so complex and different when introducing some wild strain of brettanomyces into the mix. You get the aspects of Dark fruit complexity meeting the funky bretty, citrus and stone fruit flavors from like a saison and well, you have a perfectly unique beer. I really enjoyed this one big time and would gladly have it again. If you live in Texas, this should be a major on your list especially if you love both Belgian Quads and Saisons.
Anime Corner:
Terra/Tina Branford and the entire cast of Final Fantasy 6 were used in this pairing to go with the aspect of saving the world but mainly apocalypse. The FF6 series was a very awesome series showing something that happened in their world that was apocalyptic and it was up to the few to stand up in arms against evil. They literally saved the world. Terra is essentially the main protagonist and a total bad ass with her wielding Atma Weapon which essentially is a lightsaber. This picture doesn’t have the weapon but I have yet to find such a bad ass picture of Terra though. So I went with this one.
HAMAJANG collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin, Evil Twin, Mikkeller and Leelanau brewing
Rating: 5/5
HAMAJANG collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin, Evil Twin, Mikkeller and Leelanau brewing is a 5.8% ABV American Wild Ale Blend with SeabuckThorns/Seaberries and Strawberries.
Label:
That’s Messed Up, Bro.
That’s right, I blended them.
So sue me.
Legal@Nubco.net
Ron Jeffries
Founder and Chief Squeegee Operator
==Introduction==
This brew is a blend of “Sea Buckthorn Fandango Sour Ale” which is a sour ale with Sea Buckthorn Juice and was a collaboration with Mikkel Bjergs of Mikkeller Brewing and Jolly Pumpkin. The other being “Innovatorman Sour Ale” which is a sour ale with Strawberries. This collaboration was with Jeppe Bjergs of Evil Twin Brewing and Charles Psenka from Leelanau Brewing Company. I do believe there has been a rivalry between the twins (Mikkeller and Evil Twin) so in order to make this brew which shouldn’t even exist, Jolly Pumpkin blended those 2 beers together and now we have the Hamajang Sour Ale Blend. Sneaky sneaky but awesome. I really wonder what the twins thought of this or even if they agreed upon it. It doesn’t matter though. We have the beer here now. Hamajang is Hawaiian slang that translates into “That’s messed up bro.” So it fits so damn well in the context of the collaboration. For the first time a brew with both their names. Let’s see how it is, cheers!
Aromas:
Stone fruit apricots, peaches, peppercorns, honey, farmhouse hay, strawberries, grapes, tropical fruit kiwi, guava, passion fruit, dragon fruit, mango, lychee, lemon peel, lavender and hibiscus flowers.
Flavors:
Funky farmhouse hay, peppercorns, bananas, clove spice, floral hops, hibiscus flowers, lavender, oranges, lemon peel, Strawberries, Cranberries, grapes, wine grapes, tropical fruit kiwi, guava, passion fruit, dragon fruit, mango, pineapple notes, lychee, honey dew melon, prickly pear tunas, stone fruit apricots, peaches, honey, coriander spice and clove spice.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with Tropical fruit, honey, funky hay, wine grape hints and stone fruit. No alcohol in the aftertaste, pale gold clear body, effervescent, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.
Overall:
A perfect saison in my opinion with enough sour and funky notes to make it interesting. The variety of berries and complex fruits make this quite the unique brew. The label alone was enough for me to get it but just having it, I would definitely want to try it over and over again. I wonder what the brothers would do if they really did do a true collaboration. Only time will tell. For now, do yourself a favor and get this possibly once in a lifetime collaboration!
Anime Corner:
Mephistopheles from Shinra Bansho, Daena and Sierra from Legend of Mana and furry character Kisha were all used in this pairing to represent the devil and the red cat from Jolly pumpkin. With Daena and Sierra representing the twins as well. In the case with the dark cat, I like how some of the colors go along with the hop demon and the red for the red cat.
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/eCVpif9.png
http://i3.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2010/08/27/09/55/03/12840366_p0.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/161379fa17ecc31ce01a44a859c2c04c/tumblr_ntyb3esoK71sf1787o1_1280.png
Frucht: Passion Fruit by The Bruery Terreux
Rating: 4.65/5
Frucht: Passion Fruit by The Bruery Terreux is a 4.3% ABV Berliner Weisse with Passion Fruit
Label:
Fruity – Funky – Racy
Description:
We’re totally Frucht around here. In fact, we may just be filled to the brim, with excitement, that is. Our threshold is 250 BBLs, to be more precise. That’s the total capacity of each new oak foeder at Bruery Terreux. One is dedicated exclusively to Frucht, our new series of fruited Berliner Weisse-style beers. Known for a tart flavor profile and traditionally low ABV, our new German-style wheat beer gains even more funky notes and natural earthy-woodiness from its fermentation in the large oak foeder vessel.
Each installment in the series will feature a new fruit, or Frucht, if we’re Sprechen sie Deutsch. This first installment has passion fruit added, which escalates the tartness, tropicality and palate-cleansing prowess of the base beer. Prost!
==Introduction==
Released to all 3 Bruery Societies (Preservation, Reserve and Hoarders) for Quarter 1 2016, this brew is the first from the Frucht series of beers where they will try to create a variety of sour brews using various brews. An awesome way to start as the series using an exotic fruit such as passion fruit. I definitely love passion fruits and also love Dragon fruits so if you make a Dragon fruit one, please do Bruery. So this one I believe they take the base Berliner (Hottenroth) and make it with passion fruits. I have tried other version of Hottenroth which are decent tangy sours. Let’s see how this one comes up. Cheers!
Aromas:
Fig plant, Floral notes, lavender, passion fruit, wine grapes, farmhouse hay, funky sour notes, citrus blossom honey, dragon fruit hints, papaya, guava tart, pineapple, coriander spice, lemon peel, strawberry hints and wheat bread.
Flavors:
Rich Tart Passion fruit pulp, Pineapple, floral notes, grapefruit peel, lemon peel, citrus peel, mango peels, wine grapes, farmhouse hay, banana hints, coriander spice, peppercorn hints, strawberry notes, dragon fruit, wheat bread, sourdough bready hints, citrus blossom honey, tomato notes, papaya, stone fruit apricots, sour apple notes, oak, hibiscus, lavender and tart guava hints.
Aftertaste:
Finish super dry with notes of flowers, super tart passion fruit, oak and lemon peel. No alcohol in the taste, clear golden light body, crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
A very good and super tart fruit sour brew. The passion fruit is dominant and tarty while still giving that refreshing Berliner experience. You can definitely tell it is more of the actual passion fruit and not a natural flavor of passion fruit. This is definitely something that is a great start for the series and hope they use more exotic fruits. This beer is definitely recommended to those that enjoy super tarty sour beers as it is very tart.
Anime Corner:
Roll from the Megaman Series was used in this series since I have been meaning to pair her with a Bruery beer for a long time. Her colors complement the colors of the label and the passion fruit itself. While such a light beer (ABV) it may complement Roll’s miniature appearance but remember, just the way this is super tart, Roll hides some very destructive power. Don’t make her mad (sip with caution) otherwise she will sour your soul!
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/aK1owbg.jpg
http://blog-imgs-70.fc2.com/k/u/s/kusakunai931/1405151389518.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QmF44WE.jpg
2016 Les Ronces by the Bruery Terreux
Rating: 5/5
2016 Les Ronces by the Bruery Terreux is a 6.0% ABV is an American Wild ale with Boysenberries aged in Oak Barrels.
Label:
JAMMY – PUCKERING – QUAFFABLE
Commercial description:
Loosely translated as “The Brambles”, Les Ronces is rooted in Southern California charm. The juicy fruit was commercially brought to life near Bruery Terreux at Knott’s farm in Buena Park, California in the early 1930s. Since their peak in popularity, the berries have become more scarce and elusive, and at the same time, an ideal cohort for our wildly traditional bière. In Les Ronces, the boysenberries impart a reddish-purple hue to the oak-aged ale, with their sweet-tart flavor profile complementing the sour blonde base in a light jammy, puckering and refreshing fashion.
==Introduction==
Released to 2016 Reserve and Hoarders, this sour was made with the Bruery trying to use a different variety of fruits for making their sours and beers. All in the name of experimentation. This one though, reminded me of the time I tried the Bramble Rye from Goose Island’s Bourbon County series. If they ever make something like that, I would definitely want to try it. So with this sour, you can say I was intrigued to give it a shot for sure and is the reason I got it and brought it to the site. Some sours are a hit or miss for me from the Bruery. While I like sours, I like maltier beers more. So when it is done right, I definitely enjoy them. Like Jolly Pumpkin for example. So let’s see about this one. Cheers!
Aromas:
Wine grapes, earthy funk, oak, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peppercorn hints, Dark fruit raspberries, boysenberries, toasted rye bread, strawberry jam, lemon peel, honey and caramel notes.
Flavors:
Dark fruit raspberries, boysenberries, raisin hints, tart berry skins, Concorde grapes, wine grapes, Boysenberry preserves on Toasted Rye bread, Strawberry Jam, citrus, lemon peel, cranberries, honey, caramel hints, guava hints, pineapple hints, fruit cake hints, stone fruit peaches, apricots, hibiscus flowers, lavender, brown sugar hints pecan pie hints, funky hay notes, earthy funk, oak and strawberry shortcake.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with hints of dark fruit, earthy funk, oak, wine grapes, lemons, citrus and toasted rye bread. No alcohol in the taste, Ruby Hot Pink clear body, effervescent, puckering, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.
Overall:
A very delicious and perfect sour showcasing the many tarty and sweet delicious fruits. While it is a sour, the body of the brew and characters of boysenberry preserves on toast do come out. Similarly, this reminds me similarly of what they did with Ruebarb/Windowsill and Gypsy Tart. Essentially, a dessert sour. While the sour and tart flavors are there to balance out the brew as a whole, it makes for one delicious brew if you are into sours. Definitely recommended.
Anime Corner:
Julie-su the Echidna from Sonic the Hedgehog Comics was used in this pairing to go with the label colors, the color of the beer as well as the boysenberries mainly. I have not used her in a Bruery or beer review in general and so I figured with all the colors following close to her colors I thought that this would be a very good fit for the pairing.
Sources:
http://img01.deviantart.net/4ea8/i/2011/338/2/f/julie_su_commission_by_one_dimensional_man-d4i62h1.jpg
http://img09.deviantart.net/ba38/i/2005/364/1/b/julie_su_coloured_by_tazi_san.jpg
Wild Texas Series: Donkey Lady by Texian Brewing
Rating: 5/5
Wild Texas Series: Donkey Lady by Texian Brewing is a 7.1% ABV American Wild Ale aged on Apples and Spices
Label:
A Nation, A State… A Brewery
Some believe she is a ghost, while others think she is a living creature. Either way, a bridge, on the south side of San Antonio, is known to be the home of the donkey lady. Local tales state that she will chase you and jump on your car if you’re parked there too long. If you find yourself on the donkey lady bridge, and a mysterious figure appears, smile and realize that you just witnessed a piece of Wild Texas!… Then Run!
==Introduction==
Come one, come all and see the tale of the Donkey Lady! A folklore beer as elusive as the being itself. Thanks to Aaron Mendiola, a scroll crafter of alchemic potions of yesteryear forth with to his sanctum, Beermetaldude.com, for providing this dark art from the unknown. This brew was inspired by the real tale of the Donkey Lady and seeing as this is the first time I see what this beer is about, I wanted to do some research. Apparently, people say it is a ghost while some say she is a creature that is half donkey and half human. The Donkey Lady Bridge is at the end of Jet Road before running into AppleWhite, hence the reason I think they used the apples. Her story is similar to La Llorona who lost her children although she lost her children in a fire and she became horribly disfigured. Now, Texian brewing pays tribute with this brew. Let’s see what is in store for this one! Cheers!
Aromas:
Apple, cinnamon, pie crust, Danish cream, caramel, vanilla, oak, lemon peel, ginger bread, nutmeg, allspice, oatmeal notes, cane sugar, musty grapes, tart cranberry hints, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, funky notes and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Sour Apple Pie notes, candied apples, cinnamon, tart white grapes, coriander spice, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, funky notes, Danish cream, Apple Struddel, caramel, vanilla, oak, lemon peel, orange peel, lime hints, chardonnay, biscuit bread, apple cobbler, marshmallows, banana hints, phenolic notes, cookie dough ice cream, ginger bread, nutmeg, allspice, oatmeal notes, cane sugar, musty grapes, tart cranberry hints and champagne.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with hints of apple pie and crisp sour apple notes with caramel and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste. Golden medium body, crisp, refreshing and smooth mouthfeel along with an easy drinkability.
Overall:
A perfect and unique sour! So much apple pie goodness. I have not tried anything like this before. This is not a cider but a sour and the taste and spices meld really well with this style. The other thing is that the sour aspects are not offensive. It is more of a tart than a sour. Definitely one of Texas best here and a recommend if you can find it.
Anime Corner:
Raven from Teen Titans was used in this pairing to go with the Donkey Lady on the label as she looks a lot like her. That and the cloak sets the theme that works well with Raven. I used an evil looking version of Raven too since it if fits with what the Donkey Lady is, evil!
Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Raven.(Teen.Titans).full.1837530.jpg
Juggling Walruses by The Bruery Terreux
Rating: 5.35/6
Juggling Walruses by The Bruery Terreux is a 10% ABV American Wild Ale 34% aged in Bourbon Barrels, 66% Aged in oak barrels with Black Currants.
Label:
Mysterious – Elaborate – Laborious
Commercial Description:
There were a lot of balls in play. And heavy lifting. You see, in relatively short order, Bruery Terreux had become quite robust, especially since the build out and launch on April 22, 2015. We had amassed a substantial amount of filled barrels, from seasonal releases, one-time treats and cherished smaller batch experiments. The art of the blend beckoned, and we had our pick of the litter (or would that be herd?) For such a mysterious beer that became known around the office as Juggling Walruses, Tart of Darkness was the perfect place to begin, making up the highest percentage of contributing barrels. But it wasn’t just Tart of Darkness as you’ve come to know it. About two-thirds of the barrels were wine barrel-aged Tart of Darkness; and the other third of the oak barrels from the sour stout were particularly young. Black currants were added to all these barrels, introducing a less familiar fruit to our lineup, with a darker hue and new nuances to the sour beer flavor profile.
When blended with the other oak barrel and bourbon barrel-aged beers that were carefully selected for this blend, Juggling Walruses exhibits dark fruits, roast and char on the nose, with vinous notes and oaky characteristics weaving through flavors reminiscent of midnight foraging for berries in the forest.
==Introduction==
Released to the Bruery’s Reserve and Hoarders Society, this brew is a Cuvee of different aged ales. I think the reference to the Juggling Walruses came from the fact that they had to move so many barrels around. The barrels themselves do kind of look like big walruses so with moving the barrels around are like them trying to juggle the walruses. Good Game there Bruery. Anyways, the fact that this is a sour and a bourbon barrel aged is really intriguing as there are not that many out there that are like this, except ones like Burbonic Plague which was similar. These unique beers truly show some of the best a brewery has to offer. Cheers!
Aromas:
Grape Wine notes, Milk Chocolate, Dark chocolate, dark fruit plums, figs raisins, boysenberries, Concorde grape skins, marshmallows, dark chocolate, port wine, chardonnay, raspberry liqueur, anise, hibiscus flowers, Black Currant Yogurt, Dark cherry yogurt, brown sugar and coffee notes.
Flavors:
Tart Concorde grape skins, coconut hints, oak, vanilla, caramel, bourbon, toffee, molasses, Dark fruit plums, figs raisins, boysenberries, marshmallows, smores, pecan pie, Black Currant Yogurt, Dark cherry yogurt, currant cheesecake, Milk Chocolate, Dark chocolate, port wine, wine grapes, chardonnay, raspberry liqueur, anise, hibiscus flowers, biscuit bread, coffee notes, mocha, toasted buttery bread with currant spread.
Aftertaste:
Super dark fruit medley and berries, oak, bourbon hints, rich wine notes, and funky dry finish. No alcohol in the taste despite this being 10% ABV. Dark Brown Full body, silky, smooth and effervescent mouthfeel with moderate drinkability.
Overall:
An exceptional sour. The balance of the malty bourbon and the wine sour and fruity notes work so damn well. This is an example of the way my favorite sours go. Sweet and sours. People that don’t like sours but love strong beers will get a kick out of this one. With so much going, I can see why the Bruery spent the time composing this Cuvee together. Highly Recommended.
Anime Corner:
Aisha Clan Clan from Outlaw Star was used in this pairing since I wanted to use her for a beer review for a while now but especially a Bruery one. The reasoning behind this one was based on the colors of the label but also the aspect of juggling and needing strength to carry these barrels around. Kind of the way they describe it as Juggling Walruses. Aisha also represents the colors and complexity of the beer.
Sources:
http://orig08.deviantart.net/38e6/f/2007/228/a/6/aisha_clan_clan__colors__by_ultranic_comics.jpg
http://img07.deviantart.net/8976/i/2013/248/9/8/aisha_ctarl_ctarl__clan_clan__by_jaldridge1-d6l3y51.jpg
Funky Kingston by (512) brewing
Rating: 4.5/5
Funky Kingston by (512) brewing is a 7.4% ABV American Wild Ale aged in oak red wine barrels with brettanomyces and Pediococcus .
Label:
A funky ale aged over two years with Brett & Pedio in red wine barrels
==Introduction==
A special sour brew provided thanks to my good friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. I have had brew from (512) before thanks to Aaron, like their Peach sour which was delicious. This time, it is a sour using different bacteria strains for beer souring and wine barrels so the complexity in the sour spectrum sounds like it could be phenomenal. While Brett is one of my favorites, Pedio and Lacto are some very nice strains. Generally, sours are delicious either way for me. So let’s see what this sour is about.
Aromas:
Tart grape skins, wine grapes, concorde grapes, White wine grapes, dark fruit raisin hints Stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, leathery notes, lemon peels, oak, caramel, vanilla, lactic acid, apple cider vinegar hints, funky farmhouse hay, peppercorn, mushrooms, rye bread and biscuit notes.
Flavors:
Stone fruit peaches, apricots, old mango, White wine grapes, dark fruit raisin hints, lemon peel, oak, vanilla, caramel, rye bread, tart grape skins, wine grapes, concorde grapes, rye bread, leather notes, cane sugar, honeycomb, peppercorn, funky and musty notes, mushrooms, farmhouse hay hints, vegetable hints, lactic acid, apple cider vinegar hints, wafflecone, crème brulee hints and agave nectar.
Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with somefunky notes, rich stone fruits, grapes, oak, vanilla, bready notes and farmhouse hints. No alcohol in the taste. Orange honey clear to hazy body, crisp, refreshing and musty mouthfeel alont with a moderate drinkability.
Overall:
A very good funky wild ale providing the tart fruitiness and funky farmhouse like notes along with hints of the hints of tart sourness but not super sour. Ultimately a pleasantly brew to drink with both sides of the sour and funky coming together very nicely. This brew is something that I think people that love sours and funky wild ales will come to love this one. Very refreshing at that too!
Anime Corner:
Motoko Kusinagi from Ghost in the Shell was used mainly to pair with the colors of the different flavors of dark fruits but mainly with the label for the person with the sunglasses. Another way you can also see this is what lies deep within the sour brews. If only there was some spectacles that would allow sight into what the taste buds see when trying this beer. It would be pretty crazy.
Sources:
http://img15.deviantart.net/14f7/i/2014/246/5/8/ghost_in_the_shell_by_immarart-d7xssc8.jpg
Despertado en Manzanilla by Freetail brewing
Rating: 4.5/5
Despertado en Manzanilla by Freetail brewing is a 7.3% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Chamomile and aged in oak barrels.
Label:
The first batch of Witicus at our new S. Presa digs was a lesson in brewhouse perseverance. We put it to bed in a combination of our old pub barrels that produced Ananke and Woodicus, as well as newer barrels recently relinquished from viticulture. We crossed our fingers and dreamed of Woodicus. What we got was an unexpected delight: rough-edges smoothed over, slightly tart nuances threading through and chamomile awakened in all its humble glory.
==Introduction==
Awoken in Chamomile as stated by the name was a brew that was traded to me by my friend Aaron Mendiola from BeerMetalDude.com. This one uses Freetail’s base brew, Witicus but aged in oak with some Chamomile. A very awesome sounding beer that we were able to bring to the website thanks to Aaron. There aren’t many brews out there that use Chamomile in the beers and to have this one here is very unique. For Freetail brewing, let’s see how their Chamomile beer stacks up. Cheers!
Aromas:
Stone fruit apricot, peaches, lime notes, orange peel, cane sugar, chamomile, honey, floral notes, hibiscus, peppercorn, oak, wine notes, funky notes, banana hints, strawberry hints, biscuit bread, crème brulee hints, yerba buena mint and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Honey, Chamomile, hibiscus notes, floral notes, peppercorn, oak, white wine grapes, funky notes, wheat bread, coriander spice, Stone fruit apricot, peaches, lime notes, orange peel, cane sugar, honey comb, banana hints, strawberry hints, biscuit bread, crème brulee hints, yerba buena mint, green tea and earthy notes.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with some notes of oak, chamomile, oak, wine grapes and cake sugar. No alcohol in the taste. Golden Honey colored full body, crisp, smooth, refreshing and rich mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.
Overall:
A very good beer. Some notes of the chamomile are present but mainly some complex goodness melds together into a very nice tart brew. I think fans of saisons and wild ales will dig this one. Thanks to my friend Aaron for this delicious brew and Freetail for making it. Hopefully, one day we can get Freetail beers around the west coast.
Anime Corner:
Original Bee Girl was used in this pairing as it represents the bee and the colors of the flavors and the label of this beer. Bees and bats go hand in hand like I stated a while back in my homebrew about how they relate to extracting nectar from flowers. The same nectar that coincides with the delicious nectar of this beer and the Chamomile flowers the bees get it from. So to me the bee girl was the good choice for this.
Sources:
http://www.theanimegallery.com/data/thumbs/790px/0120/tAG_120516.jpg
Muis by Phantom Carriage
Rating: 5/5
Muis by Phantom Carriage is a 6.7% ABV Wild Belgian Blonde fermented with 100% Brettanomyces
Label:
Limited Release
Batch No: 1 Bottled On: 9/2015
Tropical and Citrus Fruits dominate the palate with hints of herbal hops and a dry finish ages well. Cellating over time results in enhanced earthiness and ripe fruit.
==Introduction==
The second bottle from their initial release to the public, and one of my favorites from Phantom Carriage is here. Once they have the capacity, we will see more lead the way for the public to enjoy. This initial release was one that I wanted to bring to the site to get an idea of what Phantom Carriage is all about, especially, if you visit them in Carson, California. Phantom’s theme of the brewery is like Halloween all year long and even the names of their beers are in reference to Swedish silent scary movies or celebrities. Muis or mouse in dutch is on of the flagship beers at Phantom Carriage. My first experience with this beer was the Oud Muis which was this one but aged in oak barrels. It was my favorite when they first opened late 2014 / early 2015. The original I did not mind but this one from the bottle is my attempt to see how this on is in comparison to the Oud Muis and when I had it the first time. Let’s take a look…
Aromas:
Rich Stone fruit peaches, apricots, Rich Brettanomyces, phenolic notes, banana, clove spice, grapes, funky farm house hay, peppercorns, coriander spice, honey, tropical fruits, oaky notes, floral hop notes, lemon candy, hibiscus, grapes, tropical fruit pineapple, passion fruit and citrus oranges.
Flavors:
Rich Brettanomyces, phenolic notes, banana, clove spice, funky farmhouse hay, oranges, lemon peel, stone fruit peaches apricots, mango hints, tropical fruit pineapple, passion fruit, honey dew melon, waffle cone, honey, peppercorns, floral hop notes, lemon candy, oak, raw as the sun mature oranges, hibiscus, grapes, chardonnay notes, raspberries, coriander spice and honeycombs.
Aftertaste:
Finishes mildly dry with bretty notes, stone fruit, tropical fruit, farmhoue hay and peppercorns. No alcohol in the taste, pale to straw, light to medium body, crisp, smooth, rich and refreshing mouth feel with an easy drinkability.
Overall:
To me, this is a great example of what the delicious bretty beers are. Reminding me of White Oak from the Bruery but mainly White Sap or even the Eschatological “As Follows” from Stillwater Artisanal. Phantom Carriage is off to an amazing start bringing delicious to the public soon. While their focus is farmhouse and wild ales, many lovers of these styles will love them. Especially those that love the occult. I highly recommend you give this one a shot. Now, if they can get me a bottle made of their Sour Belgian Quadruple, sign me up!
Anime Corner:
Eileen the Crow from Blood Borne and Toujou Nozomi from Love Live! were chosen on this beer to represent the Crow Masked Plague Doctor of the label. Easy enough but still difficult to find some characters that would fit the bill. Plague Doctors like Eileen are the ones trying to help with curing the plague which are given by what? The Muis or Mice but mainly, the Rats in the medieval times. Funky farms where the rats keep warm. Stay warm with this beer!
Sources:
http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/fairytailfanon/images/5/5c/Crow2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151025162654
http://static.zerochan.net/Toujou.Nozomi.full.1934541.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/1aafe3d34053a6326d1f4ea29e2c826a/tumblr_nnvuqi4MLQ1tf5pxao1_500.jpg
Imperial Cabinet collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Jester King
Rating: 5/5
Imperial Cabinet collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Jester King is an 8.3% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with spices and aged in oak barrels
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Many things can happen when collaborating breweries come together. Like us and Jester King. We both share a deep affinity for sour and wild beers. But rather than rest on our laurels, we challenged ourselves to brew a beer reminiscent of a nearly forgotten, early 20th century cocktail, the Ramos gin fizz, employing our wildly traditional methods to do so. We began with some of the cocktail’s signature ingredients – lemon, lime and orange citrus fruits, botanicals and sweeteners (sorry, no egg whites) – and then let our collaborative brewing process run wild. The result is laden with herbal and floral notes, bright lemon and lime zest, orange blossom honey, vanilla, warm oak and comforting spices. The Ramos gin fizz is a hard cocktail to find, and when you do, it takes 10 minutes to make. Our collaboration with Jester King will be similarly elusive; however, it took nearly a year in the making.
==Introduction==
Released for the Bruery’s Reserve and Hoarders Societies, this beer would bring one of Texas best breweries, Jester King, to birth a beer that would probably just as coveted as wen Three Floyds toured last year. My friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com has sent me some very awesome stuff from Jester King and even had his wedding reception at the brewery. It is no joke that Jester King is one of the best when it comes to complex saisons and wild ales just like Jolly Pumpkin up in Michigan. So for this beer, I really want to see how The Bruery and Jester King minds bring forth something awesome. Let’s do this!
Aromas:
Funky notes, farmhouse hay hints, vinegar sour, black tea, lemonade hints, floral notes, hibiscus, roses, poppy, lavender, rich vanilla, oak, stone fruit apricots, mango, lemonade hints, biscuit bread, anise, coriander, gin hints, herbs, mint tea, yerba buena, salt, tejuino maize, peppercorns, Juniper berries, caramel, citrus, lemons, lime, Danish cream, candy sugar hints and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Lots of floral notes, hibiscus, roses, poppy, lavender, rich vanilla, oak, caramel, citrus, lemons, lime, salt, tejuino maize, peppercorns, Juniper berries, tart stone fruit apricots, honey, waffle cone, farmhouse hay hints, vinegar sour, black tea, lemonade hints, biscuit bread, anise, coriander, gin hints, herbs, mint tea, yerba buena, Danish cream, candy sugar hints, brown sugar hints and old mango.
Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with oak, vanilla, stone fruit, tart lemons and flowers. No alcohol in the taste, clear honey colored body, crisp, effervescent and refreshing mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.
Overall:
A Perfect sour. While the overall beer is a sour, some hints of fruity and floral notes do come through but just a touch to cleanse out the sourness. It was a damn fine collaboration and I feel that many people that love sours will find it’s strong herbal, vanilla and oak flavors to really pop with this one. I think some time would do wonders, cheers!
Anime Corner:
Kaguya Otsutsuki from Naruto was used in this pairing to represent what is inside the Imperial Cabinet. Reminiscent of Pandora’s Box, Kaguya was sealed long ago in the series and when the world was set into the infinite illusion of sleep by Madara Uchiha, he did not realize that he opened that very box (basically unsealed her) and thus Kaguya was back. The beer’s name and the complexity it represents goes along with the originator, Kaguya, who was basically the mother of all the Shinobi powers in the series. Sour and evil but the sweetness and complexity of the beer do showcase some of Kaguyas traits.
Sources:
https://hdwallpapers.cat/wallpaper_high_contrast/kaguya_ootsutsuki_fantasy_girl_hornes_art_high_contrast_hd-wallpaper-1823783.jpg
http://pre01.deviantart.net/ad47/th/pre/f/2014/175/9/e/kaguya_ootsutsuki_by_olggah-d7mr064.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/NARUTO.full.1748450.jpg
Humulus Terreux by the Bruery Terreux
Rating: 4.75/5
Humulus Terreux by the Bruery Terreux is a 6.3% ABV American Wild Ale with Hops and Brettanomyces
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Humulus Terreux is the type of beer that gets our stomachs tied up in knots of excitement. It’s a chance for us to experiment with both hops and yeast, creating unique, juicy & funky flavors with just these seemingly simple, earthen ingredients. Each batch of Humulus Terreux will use a different hop varietal and one of the several strains of Brettanomyces yeasts that we have incubating in our laboratory to create a one of a kind, wildly traditional bière™. The flavor possibilities are endless when combining possible hop notes of citrus, pine, flowers or grass with the barnyard funk, earth and tropics that can come from a 100% Brettanomyces fermentation. While each beer will showcase a different, distinct character, the overall result will always be dry, funky and delightfully hoppy.
==Introduction==
Obtained this one as part of the Bruery Reserve Society and Hoarders Society memberships. This one is the Bruery’s attempts at making a wild ale with lots of hops. The idea seems awesome like the wild ales and saisons that were hoppy like those from Stillwater Artisanal, Jester King and even Prairie Artisanal. My only hope is that it is the case with this one, hoppy, fruit and funky. Cheers!
Aromas:
Rich fruity citrus, grapefruit juice, tropical fruit mango, pineapple, honey dew melon, strawberry, kiwi hints, Stone fruit apricot, Peppercorns, rich saison brettanomyces, Citrus, piney, grapefruit, floral, spicy, earthy and herbal hops.
Flavors:
Citrus, piney, grapefruit, floral, spicy, earthy and herbal hops, oranges, Peppercorn, Farmhouse hay, brettanomyces, tropical fruit mango, pineapple, honey dew melon, kiwi, strawberry, funky notes, hibiscus, lavender, honey, tangerine, biscuit bread, banana hints, clove spice, coriander hints, stone fruit apricot hints, peach notes, apples, lemon candy, vanilla notes, oak, waffle cone and musty grape notes.
Aftertaste:
Finishes semi dry with funky saison notes, herbal notes, piney, grapefruit, floral hops and some stone fruit. No alcohol in the taste, Clear golden body, crisp,refreshing and smooth mouthfeel and also very easy drinkability.
Overall:
A very delicious and funky hopped Saison/Wild Ale. Drinkable by all means and still full of delicious flavor. A session type of Saison/Wild ale. I like this one because it is the kind of beer you could continuously drink many of in a session. Recommended if you love hoppy saisons or hoppy wild ales.
Anime Corner:
Sinon / Shino Asada from Sword Art Online II was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair a character that went well with the colors of the label and hops as well. Since I have not done a review from the Bruery with Sinon before, I figured this would be the best opportunity. How it relates to the beer? Well, she is a sniper so you can say the hoppy flavors are a direct hit!
Sources:
http://upload.shunwang.com/2014/0731/1406749594685.png
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DwiwfFiWaUo/maxresdefault.jpg
Collaboration Series: Confession collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
Rating: 4.75/5
Collaboration Series: Confession collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard is a 9.7% ABV American Wild Ale with Riesling Grapes
Label:
Floral – Citrusy – Mineralic
==Introduction==
Obtained from the Bruery Reserve membership, this beer was sold to the Hoarders society but was passed down over to the Reserve society. An ale that crosses into the wine territory. The last time I had a beer with Fess Parker as a collaboration, it was the Mardi Rouge/Red Tuesday/Winefication I. This was sometime last year and as I remember, the cross into the wine territory is pretty good when done right. Wineification was awesome for sure. This one, being a sour, I am sure will be delicious. Especially if you love wines or sours.
Aromas:
earthy notes, earthy funk, wine grapes, grape skins, oak, vanilla, rye bread, raspberry vinaigratte, leather, berry cheese cake hints, salt, lemon candy, tejuino, oranges, roses, lavender, hibiscus and chardonnay.
Flavors:
Riesling grapes, concorde grapes, Wine grapes, grape skins, earthy notes, earthy funk, salt, lemon candy, tejuino, oranges, tangerine, chardonnay, lemon yogurt, vinous, white wine, dessert wine hints, Stone fruit peach, apricots, pears, apples, oak, vanilla, rye bread, raspberry vinaigratte, leather, berry cheese cake hints, floral notes of roses, lavender, hibiscus and chamomile, berry seeds and dark fruit figs.
Aftertaste:
Dry leaving hints of wine grapes, earthy notes, lemon, and funky bitterness. No alcohol in the taste, Golden light body, crisp, clean, refreshing and moderate mouthfeel and a easy to moderate drinkability.
Overall:
Very good sour show casing a variety of tart fruits and funkiness. Typically, those fruity yet vinous and tart that you would find in some wines and sours. If you like sours or wine, this is a very delicious beer for sure. Sometimes, I can draw the line on some sours or some wines and well, there are many things I take from them. While some are awesome, especially the sweet sours, I can respect this one since it seems to have some kind of following. So if you get a chance and love sours, this one is worth a try atleast once.
Anime Corner:
Terra Branford from Final Fantasy VI was used in this pairing to pair with the name of the beer and the colors. Confession almost seemed like something very serious, like confessing to a crime or confessing to your conscience. In this pairing we see Terra looking with blood on her clothing as if to try to say something, like she committed a murder. In the other picture with the flash, it looks as if she is confessing to her conscience. That is what the little spark is role playing as.
Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Tina.Branford.full.184048.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Tina.Branford.full.438465.jpg
Tonnellerie Rue by The Bruery Terreux
Rating: 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.
Collaboration Series: Souren, a collaboration with The Bruery Terreux and 8 Wired brewing
Rating: 4.85/5
Collaboration Series: Souren, a collaboration with The Bruery Terreux and 8 Wired brewing is a 9.9% ABV Sour Belgian Golden with Pinot Noir Grapes.
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Souren is named for our pal Søren who runs the show down in the far-off land of New Zealand at 8 Wired Brewery. Taking the long way home after a trip to the States, Søren and his team stopped off in Placentia for a day of brewing, and we created a very California-style sour beer together. Starting with a Belgian-style golden ale base, Pinot Noir grapes were added and the beer was sent to rest in barrels at Bruery Terreux. Over the year, the complexities grew and this grapey, funky, spicy beer was born. Half Kiwi, half American, this one has a rather handsome accent.
==Introduction==
Released by the Bruery Terreux for the Reserve Society members in August 2015 after they opened their new Sour Facility. This beer is in collaboration with 8 wired which I have not tried their stuff yet but I might give them a shot now that I know of them. So this sour is supposed to cross into the realm of the wine level or so the pinot noir grapes indicate this. Sour have a special place when it comes to the wine world as some of the flavors might complimentary. It is just a thought but if not, lets just continue and give this one a shot, Cheers!
Aromas:
Rich wine grapes, funky musty grapes, Stone fruit, apricots, peaches, apples, mango hints, strawberries, dark fruit cherries, plums, prune hints, tart berries, black berry, dragon fruit, passion fruit, Tart pineapple, oak, hibiscus flowers, lavender, peppercorns and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Rich Concorde grapes, pinot grapes, wine grapes, white grapes, champagne, Stone fruit, apricots, apples, mango hints, strawberries, vanilla, toffee, lemon peel, orange peels, prickly pears, grapefruit peel, peppercorn, funky notes, farmhouse hay, dark fruit cherries, plums, prune hints, tart berries, black berry yogurt hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, Tart pineapple, oak, hibiscus flowers, lavender and white sage spice.
Aftertaste:
Tart grapes, Tart Apricots, Tart Strawberries, yogurt notes, lemon, citrus, earthy funk notes, hay hints and mild tropical fruit hints. No alcohol in the taste, Honey Golden clear light body, moderate mouthfeel, crisp, moderate drinkability,
Overall:
A very good sour! Seems like the Bruery has really been working to step up their sour expertise. I found this pleasantly wonderful with a great balance of tart fruits and sour funkiness. I am not sure how much the 9.9% ABV helps to keep stuff in check but it seems to be working because everything is pretty balanced. For those that do not like sour, this maybe a gate way into them as you will take a liking to its sweetness and then pulled in to the sour Nirvana. Highly recommended.
Anime Corner:
Nonon Jakuzure from Kill La Kill has made her way into her first appearance in a Bruery review. I chose her for this beer mainly due to her infamous Japanese phrase “Nani Sore!” Which you maybe able to tell it is close to the name of the beer. That and the fact that this beers balance is on the tart fruity and the sour funk. Nonon is the type of character that is sweet looking and hot on the outside like the sweet fruit flavors of the beer but damn, she can be rude, obnoxious and in some for rotten to the core which coincide with the sour funkiness. However, it is not to say she is a bad girl by any means as she is a supporting character to the protagonist’s sister (Ryuko’s sister Satsuki). So because the beer so delicious and balanced, she works out for this beer. Not to mention, her pink colors contrast that of the rich berries and grapes.
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/gbCVK8O.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/30/10/0a/30100aa481834244b50227e9188bd5a2.jpg
Beret by The Bruery Terreux
Rating: 5.35/6
Beret by The Bruery Terreux is a 9% ABV Imperial Sour Wit Ale brewed with spices and aged in oak barrels with raspberries.
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Beret is as artistic as those who wear its namesake cap. Our brewers developed a silky, full-bodied wheat ale which we began fermenting with our house yeast strain. To finish the fermentation, we added our collection of barnyard bacteria, intended to slowly sour the ale, bringing out a slight funk and refreshing piquancy. Finally, a small dose of pureed raspberries were added for just a hint of fruity tannins, putting the berry in Beret.
==Introduction==
This is the first time I bring forth a beer from the Bruery Terreux and it is a pleasure as well as this beer is new to their line of sours. In the past, few of the Bruery’s beers have had issues with souring where there should have been none. Due to this issue, the Bruery has decided to keep their brewing processes in two facilities. It’s bound to happen as they love to experiment and some of those experiments create beers that the world has probably never seen and are indeed world class. One facility for their regular non sour stuff and the other dedicated to sours. So here is the first brew I was able to get from the souring line. Let’s see how this one goes. Cheers!
Aromas:
Raspberries, Strawberries, cranberries, currants, Concorde grapes, Stone fruit peaches, tart apricots, white tart grape skins, orange peel, Floral notes like roses, coriander, peppercorn, banana hints, wheat bread, honey, toffee, vanilla, caramel, chardonnay, oak, marshmallows, waffle cone, brettanomyces, funky fruit, old mango, tart mandarins, lemon peel, lemon zest, biscuit bread and musty grapes.
Flavors:
Raspberries, Strawberries, cranberries, currants, Concorde grapes, Floral notes like roses, coriander, peppercorn, banana hints, Stone fruit peaches, tart apricots, white tart grape skins, orange peel, sweetened condensed milk, wheat bread, honey, toffee, vanilla, caramel, chardonnay, oak, marshmallows, waffle cone, brettanomyces, funky fruit, old mango, tart mandarins, lemon peel, lemon zest, biscuit bread, farmhouse hay hints, mushroom hints, rich sour apples, musty grapes and clove spice.
Aftertaste:
Wheat bread, stone fruits, raspberries, tart sour fruits, coriander spice leading into an oaky wine dryness. No alcohol in the taste, hazy gold clear to medium body, crisp, refreshing, mild creamy and smooth mouthfeel along with moderate drinkability.
Overall:
The abundance of tart, sour yet sweet with the really nice imperial wheat notes was a perfect combination going over that perfection mark as the beer is amplified into that full body sweetness with left over notes and not really dry. Love the strawberries in this and I really think doing more beers like this would allow people that typically don’t enjoy sours find them more appealing. This one is not overwhelmingly sour like others I have tried in the past. I would highly recommend this one.
Anime Corner:
Cammy White from the Street Fighter series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the name of the beer and the label colors. Basically her wearing a Beret but also with the style beer closer to being in the European (Belgian Sour) style and her originally from Britain. It is kind of a stretch yes but it was a good excuse to use Cammy for the first time on a Bruery pairing.
Sources:
http://orig05.deviantart.net/75d8/f/2013/074/a/7/cammy_dcwj_new_by_dcwj-d5y3cgl.jpg
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Cammy-White-Lineart-by-Lchrno-342690411
Endymion by Freetail Brewing
Rating: 5.35/5
Endymion by Freetail Brewing is an 8.2% ABV American Wild Ale aged in Wine Barrels.
Label:
In Greek mythology, Endymion was an astronomer who Pliney the Elder (the man, not the beer) credits as the first human to observe the movements of the moon. As the lover and companion of Selene, the goddess of the moon. Endymion was granted eternal sleep as to never age or die. In the same spirit we have created this wild ale, made from a pseudo-Solera process in which a barrel is never completely emptied, but rather topped off with fresh base beer whenever aged beer is extracted. While constantly evolving, the resulting blend is one that is granted in its own eternal sleep so it may live forever.
==Introduction==
Sent to me thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com. This is the second Wine barrel aged beer that I received from my friend along with Makaria. This one is not so much evil but emphasizes the ale to live forever. Freetail makes some really good beers from the many I have tried. Makaria was a similar beer to what this may turn out be. So let us see how different this one is. Cheers!
Aromas:
Lots of Dark fruits like dark cherries, raisins, prunes, strawberries, raspberries, musty wine grape notes, oak, hibiscus flowers, lavender, yogurt, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, blueberry muffins, flan hints, grape jelly, Guava hints, mango hints, molasses, leather and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Tart Dark Cherries, Rich Dark fruits like raisins, prunes, currants, dark chocolate notes, strawberries, slight wine grape notes, raspberries, vanilla, raspberry yogurt, oak, funky must hints, farmhouse hints, lemon peel, orange, hibiscus flowers, lavender, molasses, pecan pie, blueberry muffins, flan notes, guava notes, mango notes, grape jelly on rye bread, sourdough bread, concorde grapes, raspberry cheesecake, strawberry preserves, leather, brown sugar and candi sugar.
Aftertaste:
Lots of dark cherry, tart raspberries, earthy notes, flowers, oak, musty notes, wine grapes and tropical fruit hints. No alcohol in the taste, a dark body, moderate drinkability and moderate mouthfeel.
Overall:
A very delicious sour like Makaria but I think a slight nudge better since this one had more fruity flavors that worked well with the tart sour. While Makaria had a great amount of other complexities, this one has a fruitier complexity. They both have their own differences and the best part is trying to find out which one is better. You might like this one or the other better but either way, they are both great!
Anime Corner:
Remilia Scarlet from the Touhou Project was used in this pairing just like Makaria but as you can see, she is not the same person. Like the story of Endymion, Scarlet represents here the movement of the stars and moon (Seen on the wingd and the skeleton represents the death that never took place which granted Emdymion life eternal. The colors work well with the label and the representation of the dark fruits as well.
Makaria by Freetail Brewing
Rating: 5.25/5
Makaria by Freetail Brewing is a 5.7% ABV American Wild Ale aged in Wine Barrels.
Label:
Makaria is the daughter of Hades and represents a merciful death as opposed to one of misery and utter destruction. This black wild ale shares its genesis with#Ananke, a sour-mashed witbier left to evolve in a wooden tomb. This batch was brewed on Christmas Eve 2013 for release the following spring on Ananke Day 2014. Thank you all for your support of over the years and we look forward to the next step in our barrel program’s evolution at the new brewery.
==Introduction==
An awesome thank you for my friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com for providing this my way for the site. Many of the Freetail beers I have had before have been super awesome an wonderful. From La Muerta to Old Bat Rastard. They are some of the best beers out there in Texas. This one along with Endymion were given to me to show on the website for review. Specifically for Makaria, I will later see how it compares to Endymion. Cheers!
Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, plums, currants, tart raspberries, wine grapes, coffee, black tea, brettanomyces, stone fruit apricots, peach skins, tart cherries, funky must, rye bread, strawberry notes, oak, flowers, earthy notes, berry yogurt, vinegary notes, lemon peel, farmhouse hints, coriander, brown sugar, chocolate notes and lavender.
Flavors:
Tart raspberries, tart dark cherry skins, Dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, tart wine grapes, funky must, coriander, farmhouse, lots of the oak barrel, lemon peel, berry yogurt, rye bread, strawberry cheese cake, earthy notes, flowers, concorde grapes, lavender, port wine, molasses, dark chocolate, milk chocolate hints, strawberry notes, blueberry muffins and pecan pie hints.
Aftertaste:
Good amount of dark tart fruits, oak, musty notes, floral hints, hibiscus flowers and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, a dark body, moderate mouth feel and a moderate drinkability.
Overall:
A very deliciously awesome sour having a lot of tart notes and complexity than overall sweetness. This beer reminds me of a sour with lots of complexity like tart of darkness or in some cases, some of the Jolly Pumpkin beers. This one is definitely for the sour beer lovers for sure. If you like sours, this one is great!
Anime Corner:
Remilia Scarlet from the Touhou Project was used in this pairing since I wanted to fit something that defines the description in the label. Evil and tart, sour but delicious. The aspect of Hades, swift and merciful death instead of agonizing is one that is delivered in this case. The art pairs great with the bats, the colors of the flavor profiles and complexity of the beer. An in your face tart experience that is sweet and forgiving.
Sources:
http://media.animevice.com/uploads/3/39328/764098-touhou_remilia_scarlet_anime_wide.jpg
Friek by Odell brewing
Rating: 4.85/5
Friek by Odell brewing is a 6.9% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with cherries and raspberries aged in oak barrels.
Label:
FRIEK is an evolution, an imaginative amalgamation invented by our brewers. Multiple KRIEK Lambic style ales are fermented with WILD yeast and TART cherries and then moved into OAK BARRELS to age and sour taking on the CHERRY flavors. As the beer matures, FRAMBOISES (raspberries) from Schroyer Family Farms in Fort Collins are handpicked and readied for the beer. The fresh RASPBERRIES are added immediately prior to the final blending. The sweet and tart flavors MINGLE on the tongue with a sparkling dry finish.
==Introduction==
A special thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com for sending me this one. We do not see much of Odell brewing here on the west coast so to see this one for a review here on the site is an awesome opportunity. Odell makes some really delicious beers such as the Lugene, Fifty niner or tree shaker. I can definitely feel confident that this one was going to be great. Especially with raspberries and cherries. Yes Please!
Aromas:
Dark cherries, raspberries, vanilla, oak, wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, currants, caramel, brown sugar, musty notes, rose petals, lavender, Jamaica hibiscus flower drink, sweetened condensed milk notes, molasses, chocolate notes, apricots, apples and cinnamon hints.
Flavors:
Tart Dark cherries, tart raspberries, vanilla, oak, wine grapes, dark fruit plums, prunes, currants, jamaica/hibiscus flower drink, concord grapes, cranberries, funky notes, red wine grapes, sangria, apples, apricots, brown sugar, caramel, musty notes, rose petals, lavender, molasses, chocolate hints, chardonnay, champagne and sweetened condensed milk hints.
Aftertaste:
Finishes sour with tart fruits of cherry, raspberries, dark fruit, wine grapes, oak, earthy notes, vanilla and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, sipping drinkability, clear crimson red body, silky and moderate mouthfeel.
Overall:
This one turned out to be a good tart and sour yet very sweet beer. Reminds me of tart of darkness with its sweet and sour notes fighting each other for balance but ultimately being a sweet tart. I would definitely like a sweeter than tart and sour but this one really does deliver not only the sweeter part but also complexity. The beer itself is recommendable if you are able to get Odell in your area and especially if you like tart and sour beers.
Anime Corner:
Ibara sisters and their mother Teresa Rose were used in this pairing to go with the colors or the label, the cherries, the raspberries and the sour tart aspect of the beer. In the game, Ibara, the sisters are actually bosses where their mother Teresa is the last boss. They may looks really sweet but they are sour evil. Sometimes, it’s not bad to dabble in the sour and evil side of beers as well.
Sources:
http://www.pelaajalehti.com/wordpress/wp-content/2009/04/ibaraiso.jpg
Persimmon Ship collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin and Upland brewing
Rating: 5/5
Persimmon Ship collaboration by Jolly Pumpkin and Upland brewing is a 5% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Persimmons and Dragon Fruit
Label:
Combining Indiana Persimmons and Dragon fruit from Thailand? Who would concoct such a divinely subtle concoction of joy and delight? Only the spookily twisted folks at Jolly Pumpkin and Upland Brewing, that’s who. From the rolling hills of Indiana, to the twisted wrought iron gates and graveyards of Dexter, comes this wonderful blending of oak aged sour ale.
Our First Collaborative Release of 2014!
==Introduction==
I obtained this bottle at Luekensliquor.com which sells many Florida beers. While I wanted more, 1 was all I can obtain. It makes me believe they will have more soon. The fact that this was a Jolly Pumpkin beer collaborating with Upland, I had to have it. The last time I had an Upland beer was their Double Dragonfly DIPA which they are so weird with this. It shows a weird combination of Humanoid Dragonflies in their mating season. A great beer, but certainly hard to come by and hopefully is something that we get to see here in California as we typically get these beers. So if you do find it, hopefully my review will help you, Cheers!
Aromas:
Pink dragon fruit, honey dew melon, persimmons, sourdough bread, white wine grapes, funky old oranges, farmhouse hay, vegetable notes, hints of vanilla and caramel, good amount of oak, brettanomyces, plums, passion fruit, tangerines, coriander spice, flowers and lavender.
Flavors:
Persimmons, Grapefruit, Dragon fruit, passion fruit, mango, Lemons, lemon peel, white wine grapes, tart apricots, funky old oranges, plums, peaches, coriander spice, peppercorns, farmhouse hay, sour dough bread, vanilla, oak, caramel, grapefruit peel, tangerine peel, honey, pineapple, lavender, flowers, lemon grass, sour apples, herbs and old banana hints.
Aftertaste:
Dry Persimmons, Dragon fruit sweet hints, apricots, peaches, grapefruit and mango peel finishing dry.
No alcohol in the taste, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, light to medium cloudy yellow body and easy to moderate drinkability.
Overall:
A perfect collaboration with a fair amount of fruit and sour complexity despite only being 5% ABV. There isn’t many beers using actual persimmons or dragon fruit this definitely was a winner. I have not seen this one anywhere in California and hope I can get this again but online is the best bet for this crazy beer. Jolly Pumpkin knows their sours and I would love to definitely try more Upland beers if I can find them. If you love tarts sours and Jolly Pumpkin sours, go find this lost pirates treasure!
Anime Corner:
Ruby Heart from Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 and Aircraft Carrier-hime from Kantai Collection were used to represent the label and its colors. Ruby Heart, the captain of the ship in search for treasure (Upland) and it’s Ghost matie first class (Jolly Pumpkin) set sail the briny sour deep of the taste buds. We can also see the similarities in Aircraft carrier-hime where she commands above a skull sending out a barrage of what look to be pumpkins in tribute to the Jolly Pumpkins. There is so much going on here that pairs well with the beer, you are just going to have to figure it out.
Sources:
http://blogs.c.yimg.jp/res/blog-6b-a3/nikujikun/folder/136358/42/39147142/img_0?1376727320
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/369961-1500×1250-kantai+collection-aircraft+carrier+hime-kouji+%28astral+reverie%29-single-light+erotic-looking+at+viewer.jpg
Peach Sour by (512) brewing
Rating: 4.75/5
Peach Sour by (512) brewing is a 6% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with peaches and aged in oak barrels.
Label:
We produced Peach Sour using a sour mash technique. We encouraged the naturally occurring wild yeast and bacteria that come in with the organic barley and wheat to spontaneously ferment at warm temperatures over a three day period. Fermentation was completed in stainless and racked to a 1,000 gallon Feeder (large oak barrel) for aging. After being on the wood for two months, we added 200 pounds of fresh peaches and allowed it to age another 12 months before packaging it for you. We hope you enjoy!
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Special thanks to Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com for hooking me up with this local treat from Texas. This is also my first (512) brewing beer as well. So definitely an honor to try something from these guys. I see they make a variety of styles including some nice Belgian ones as well. Since this is also my first peach sour, I am kind of excited as peaches are an awesome fruit. Sweet mainly but also tart at times. So let’s try this one and see how it goes. Thanks to (512) and Aaron for this one, Cheers!
Aromas:
Rich peaches, funky oak, wine grapes, apricots, green apples, raspberry hints, lemon peel, farmhouse hay, sour musty funk, flowers, hibiscus, earthy must, dragon fruit, tangerine, rye bread, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapple, dragon fruit hints and honey.
Flavors:
Rich Stone fruit peaches, tart apricots, oranges, strawberries, lemon peel, grapefruit, wine grapes, funky oak, vanilla, honey, sour funk, acidic notes, flowers, hibiscus, orange peel, tangerine peel, green apples, rye bread, raspberry skins, teguacan (Mexican Lime and Seltzer water with spices), pineapple and hints of dragon fruit.
Aftertaste:
On the dry side with some nice peach and tart apricot notes, oak and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, light to medium body, medium drinkability, smooth and crisp mouthfeel.
Overall:
Now that is a very good tart sour! The peaches and tart apricot comes through well over the sour. While it is not super duper sour, it is still tart and sweet to some extent and somewhat tropical. I really don’t think I have ever tried a peach sour before but this one was very good. If you like sours, and live in Texas, give this one a shot!
Anime Corner:
Tenshi Hinanawi from the Touhou project series was used in this pairing since she carries the peaches in her hat. In this picture, she represents the souring and fermentation process that makes the beer a bit stronger. The evil look and fire makes the beer brew as you can see in the background, the bacteria seeps into her making become more and more evil. But evil is just as sweet if not sour.
Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/944406
Cherry Funk by Prairie Artisan Ales
Rating: 5/5
Cherry Funk by Prairie Artisan Ales is a 7.5% ABV American Wild Ale aged with cherries.
Label:
Made By People Who Truly Care From Oklahoma With Love.
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Another awesome one from Prairie Artisan Ales which I hardly get a chance to see around here in California. Thanks to Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com who lives closer to this brewery than I do to be able to get me this one. Some very special beers coming from Texas and the surrounding Southern States for sure. This one being a Cherry Sour Ale. I have tried other Cherry sours and many are more sour or tart than sweet. Let us see what this one is about.
Aromas:
Lots of Tart Cherry skins, Concorde grapes, dark cherry yogurt, stone fruit apricot, farmhouse hay, wine frapes, funky oak, vanilla, phenolic notes, biscuit bread, lemon peel, sour apple, grapefruit, earthy notes and brown sugar hints.
Flavors:
Dark Cherry Yogurt, vanilla, oak, cherry marzipan, phenolic notes, clove spice hints, wine grapes, funky notes, almonds, caramel, strawberry cheesecake, lemons, citrus, peaches, pecans, sour apples, biscuit bread, grapefruit hints, farmhouse hay, earthy notes, rhubarb pie, pineapple and brown sugar hints.
Aftertaste:
Phenolic and dark cherry yogurt linger along with some funk farmhouse hay and almond notes. No alcohol in the taste, Amber to pink full hazy body, moderate drinkability, medium mouth feel.
Overall:
A perfect sour. Not to overwhelmingly tart nor sour but yet at a farmhouse ale level with some lingering tartness but also cherry sweetness. It smells more sour than the taste leads to believe. I really enjoyed this one and it was quite the unique experience. If you can find this one, definitely try it, I highly recommended. Thanks to Aaron once again for hooking this one up.
Anime Corner:
Original artwork from gagraphic was used in this pairing to go with the color of cherry and the label where it shows the cherry stretching ad exercising. Since this beer is all about reds and cherries, I figure it would work perfectly.
No. 19 Barrel Aged Series Rufus Corvus by Avery brewing
Rating: 5.45/5
No. 19 Barrel Aged Series Rufus Corvus by Avery brewing is a 6.83% ABV World Class American Wild Ale with 65% aged in Cabernet Savignon barrels, 9% Ale aged in chardonnay barrels and 6% Zinfandel barrels.
Label:
The Sour Trinity
Pediococcus
Brettanomyces
Lactobasillicus
No. 19 An artful and massively acidic blend of two major projects and further enhanced with several orphan barrels from the corners of our barrel aging cellar. All Ale involved was barrel aged for a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 24 months.
Pucker up, buttercup!
Bottled: April 7 2014
Production: 858 Cases
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Avery Barrel Aged series definitely sells out quick here in California to the point that sometimes I miss out on such great beers. Aaron from www.beermetaldude.com introduced me to this beer. A sour using the vast variety of souring bacteria used in sour beers but then taken to another level using a variety of oak wine barrels. This was truly an honor just like that of the 5 monks. I cannot wait to try this monster and see how it goes…. wish me luck!
Aromas:
Wine grapes, port wine, funky oak, earthy notes, vinegar notes, wine and cheese party, dark fruits like plum, raisins, currants, berry skins, caramel, vanilla, lemon peel, lime, salt, dark cherry, plum sauce, port wine, chardonay, raspberries, rye bread, brown sugar hints, pecan hints and hazelnut.
Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plum, wine grapes, salt, lemon, lime peel, dark cherries, plum sauce, Concorde grapes, vanilla, port wine, chardonay, wine grapes, caramel, rye bread, stone fruit peach, pear, apples, funky, earthy notes, good cheese and wine, raspberry vinaigrette, hazelnut, smoked wood, leather, tobacco, berry yogurt, raw berry seeds, mild cheesecake notes in the back, brown sugar, pecan pie dryness, and very mild flan.
Aftertaste:
Ridiculously dry leaving only some sour notes, caramel, dark fruit skins and earthy funk. No alcohol in the taste, a puckeringly mouth feel, sipping beer, pitch brown bordering the black and purple abyss of a body.
Overall:
Very Rich and complex sour. Possibly the ultimate complex and balanced sour. Only the truest sours can be appreciated by palates with an achieved open level of taste. This is sour but it is rich beyond comprehension. Sours are only a handful of my favorites but this takes it a certain level I have not experienced before. It is like the Cardinal Poles of tasting. You have your extreme Smokey, Extreme Sweet, Extreme Bitter and Extreme sour but at the same times, the poles blend and while one pole is the most dominant, in this case the Sour pole, the other sides are so balanced that that they make the sourness be very complex. I would highly recommend this one if you love sours, especially puckering and sweet complex ones.
Anime Corner:
Battleship-Symbiotic Hime and Wo-class from Kantai Collection were used in this pairing to represent the dark void of the sours and the creatures you typically don’t see. The 2 characters and the monster in the background represent the 3 bacteria: Lactobasiliccus,Pediococcus and Brettanomyces. The colors also represent some aspects of the dark fruit and complex flavors as well. While Doing this review, I could only think of Caius Ballad’s theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8vXYBEvSow) from Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns. As the characters stumble deeper and deeper into the chaos and mainly this character being the embodiment of Chaos, it is synonymous with exploring deeper and deeper into the sour world of super complex sour beers like this one presents.
Sources:
http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2013/12/02/182227/d837c3da88727616dae561894aed45ee.jpg
Small Batch Series No. 9 Blackberry Sour by Ranger Creek
Rating: 4.9/5
Small Batch Series No. 9 Blackberry Sour by Ranger Creek is a 6.7% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Blackberries.
Label:
Our Small Batch Series is a line of seasonal single batch brews designed to be unique, interesting, and often experimental. Each one is made in small quantities and with a completely different recipe. The unique color, number, and QR code on each label identifies each batch, the details of which can be referenced on our website or by scanning the QR code with a smart phone. Small Batch Series releases are meant to age well over time, so drink a bottle now and save others to enjoy later. They will cellar best in a dark place around 50 degrees. Each batch is brewed and bottled by hand and undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Pour carefully so as not to rouse the yeast.
Description:
The 9th edition of our rare, experimental small batch releases is a Blackberry Sour. It’s a light bodied ale with juicy blackberry characteristics throughout and a distinct but pleasant tartness attributed to the lactobacillus yeast. Small Batch Series No. 9 matured in oak barrels for a year before the addition of fresh blackberries from our friends at Oak Hill Farms in Poteet, Texas. Enjoy one now and save a few to cellar for years to come as this beer will continue to mature in the bottle. Pour with care, as this beer contains live yeast from refermentation in the bottle. Cheers!
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Special Thanks to Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com for providing me this beer. Ranger Creek beers have been pretty good so far and this one is definitely tempting. The last reserve one I had was a sweet potato stout. Now this one being a Blackberry Sour ale, I hope it will be just as good as the stout or better. I like sours so I am definitely open to searching what beers like this one are all about. The best part is that it is all Texas ingredients so having a beer from another state that uses local ingredients is always a bonus.
Aromas:
Funky earthy must, dark fruits like blueberries, currants, blackberries, plums, dark cherries, caramel, vanilla, oak, tart wine grapes, berry yogurt hints, rye bread, strawberry cheesecake, hints, earthy notes,, flowers, lavender, Concorde grapes and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Lots of oak, lavender, flowers, dark cherries, caramel, tart wine grapes, lemon peels, dark fruit currants, plums, black berries, blueberry skins, Concorde grapes, blackberry yogurt, caramel, rye bread, vanilla cream, strawberry cheesecake hints, port wine hints, earthy and musty sour notes, brown sugar, blueberry muffins, underlying flan hints and pecan pie.
Aftertaste:
Caramel, Flan like hints, oak, earthy notes, tart lemon peel, multiple type of berry skins, banana bread. No alcohol in the taste, Very smooth mouthfeel and easy to drink despite being a sour. Hazy Hazel full body.
Overall:
Very good sour that is very smooth. You can really take your time with this without feeling the overpuckeringly sourness of other wild ales. There is great balance of sweet and sour as well which made me realize how kick ass this was. I really enjoy the sweet aspects of it but the sourness here is definitely keeping everything in line. I have had many sours which some were too sour and others just right. This falls into the just right category for me and should definitely be tried.
Anime Corner:
Konpaku Youmu from Touhou Series was used to represent the colors of the label and colors of the flavors such as the dark fruits, the lavender, the spices and sweetness. Her running represents how smooth the beer is and how well is drinks. Such a great pairing for this one.
Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1599665
Les Fleurs Du Mal by New Braunfels brewing
Rating: 4.8/5
Les Fleurs Du Mal by New Braunfels brewing of Texas is a 5.7% ABV Sour Hefeweizen aged on lemon grass and bottle conditioned with Texas Wildflower Honey.
Label:
The Flowers of Evil
Sans Cesse a mes cotes s’agite le demon
Good cannot exist without a little evil to define it. Right lives astride wrong destruction. Destruction creates rebirth. This beer started life as a sweet, refreshing hefeweizen last winter. After a hot open fermentation and cold winter’s breath of evil, this beautiful saur creature has bloomed to life.
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A special gem comes our way straight out of Texas from the special dark chapters of beer lore as provided by Aaron of www.beermetaldude.com. A sweet donation especially since there was only 11 cases of this beer released out to the public. New Braunfels brewing focuses on a variety of German inspired styles from what I have seen so far and the Shiva’s Tears I tried was very awesome. Now with this one, I really wanna see what this is about especially since it is a Heffeweizen that is aged as a sour, something that I have not experienced before. So let us try out and see what we can find.
Aromas:
Funky notes, lemon grass, sage spice, wine grapes, old mango, peppercorns, farmhouse hay, biscuit bread, vanilla, oak, honey, earthy notes, phenolic notes and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Lemon grass, flowers, lemon peel, biscuit bread, wine grapes, vanilla, citrus, oranges, peppercorns, funky farmhouse hay, earthy notes, old mango, pineapple, honey, oak, stone fruit tart apricots, hibiscus, toasted wheat bread, lavender, phenolic notes, mild bubble gum hints and clove spice.
Aftertaste:
Funky lemon grass, tart pineapple, earthy notes, wet hay, wheat and stone fruit apricots. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer despite the low ABV, medium to full honey colored body and medium mouthfeel.
Overall:
This beer is very good if you enjoy sours and farmhouse ales as it borderlines that tart and biscuity area that hovers over the likes of the nice French Saisons. This beer reminds me of the Carnivale Ale from The Lost Abbey as it has some notes of that but this one takes it a different direction of flavor as it is technically still a hefeweizen. I have never tried anything like it but just the ability to move a heffeweizen into other territories of style is just and amazing feat. Highly recommending this one and thanks to New Braunfels Brewing Company for making this one.
Anime Corner:
Remilia Scarlet from the Touhou Project series was used in this pairing to pair with the skulls and the flowers and how the representation of evil flowers can be seen in the form that they look pretty but when you taste them like this beer can be really deadly. Dare to take a sip?
Sources:
http://www.imgbase.info/images/safe-wallpapers/anime/touhou/7468_touhou.jpg
Funky Gold Mosaic by Prairie Artisan Ales
Rating: 5/5
Funky Gold Mosaic by Prairie Artisan Ales is a 6.5% ABV American Wild Ale dry hopped in Mosaic hops.
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
A dry hopped sour ale. Funky Gold Mosaic is a dry-hopped sour ale. We took Prairie Gold and dry-hopped it with a huge amount of Mosaic hops. The end results are tropical, sour, and an all around new beer drinking experience! This beer is great fresh, but will continue to develop as the wild yeast continues to work in the beer.
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Prairie Artisan Ales are far and few from what we get a chance to see here in California. Lucky for me, it pays to have good friends closer to the source of some of the best craft beers in the country. Aaron from www.beermetaldude.com sent me this my way and now we have this nice beer to present to the site. The closest thing I can think of a hopped sour or hopped farmhouse ale is a beer I had before from The Bruery and Smog City called Kangarue. I would wish I had that one to compare to this but let us see what I can gather from this one.
Aromas:
Rich Lemon, Grapefruit, lemon candy, floral and piney hops, farmhouse hay, musty oak, vanilla, white grapes, peppercorn, leather notes, tangerines, oranges, brettanomyces, hibiscus flowers, tropical notes like pineapple, dragon fruit, hibiscus flowers, lavender and honey.
Flavors:
Grapefruit, fresh garden lemons, lemon peel, lemon candy, white grapes, lemonade hints, piney, grassy and floral hops, vanilla, biscuit bread, Farmhouse hay, musty oak, orange, tangerines, tart apricot, sour apple, flowers, pineapple, dragon fruit peel, sage spice and peppercorns.
Aftertaste:
Lingering farmhouse hay, flowers, rich citrus grapefruit, lemon and sage spice. No alcohol in the taste, moderate drinkability, medium mouthfeel, hazy yellow body, crisp and refreshing.
Overall:
This is damn perfect beer. It is a sour that is more of a tart fruit beer with very rich citrus hitting different spectrums of lemon to grapefruit to orange and more. Definitely similar to the Kangarue but plays off more on that lemon peel candy than the citrus orange sweetness. For that reason, it does differentiate to the palate. This was just as great and just as perfect as the Kangarue and I would highly recommend it if you can find this one. Prarie Artisan keeps making some awesome beers.
Anime Corner:
Several characters from the Touhou Project series were used in this pairing to pair similarly to the label where they are pretty much rummaging and browsing through items much like the people in the label are browsing through the internet. The point I think they were trying to make with the is even though sour beers maybe ignored by some people but hop heads enjoy their IPAs, this beer will make both sides, definitely want to explore and explore more the curiosity of how the flavors give to your taste experience especially since you get the best of both worlds here, the sour and the hoppy and how they are in perfect harmony.
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/Hcld67b.jpg
Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery
Rating: 5/5
Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery is a 7.1% ABV American Wild Stout aged in Oak Barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans.
Label:
SAUERSTAUT
With a roasty aroma and a tart finish, this sour black ale is a contortion of style and flavor, creating an unexpected delight.
Tart of Darkness with Cherries & Vanilla is best enjoyed fresh for bold spice and fruit character, but my pleasantly if cellared properly.
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Released to the Preservation and Reserve Societies this fall. This beer is a variant to the publicly sold Tart of Darkness. I will be honest, while the tart of darkness is a very good sour, it does not compare to my favorite sour stout Madrugada Obscura by Jolly Pumpkin. The fact that they added the cherries and vanilla to this may actually make some kind of difference. I can only hope that this is the case. Let us see how this warrior fairs. Draw your puckeringly sour sword and get ready to take action!
Aromas:
Dark Cherry yogurt, Vanilla ice cream, caramel,Lavender, cotton candy, strawberry cheesecake, lemon peel, citrus, dark chocolate hints, blueberry skins, earthy notes, Cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, molasses, anise, licorice, lemon peel, sour funky notes, citrus, port wine hints, blue berry muffin and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Blueberries, Vanilla cream, coconut, caramel, tart wine grapes, chocolate, lavender, dark cherry yogurt, strawberry cheese cake, brown sugar, blueberry muffin, lemon peel, Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, dark fruits like prunes raisins, concord grape skins, port wine hints, oak, earthy notes and musty sour funky notes.
Aftertaste:
Tart wine grapes, oak, dark cherry yogurt hints, vanilla, coconut hints, and earthy notes finishing all fast and dry. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer, medium to full mouthfeel and with a murky amber brown full body.
Overall:
Way better than the original. I have no idea how the addition of the cherries and vanilla seem to suppress the overall ‘sour’ aspect of this beer making it more of a sweet tart. The original did not do as well as my favorite, Madrugada Obscura but tasting more sour than a balance of stout chocolate roastiness with sour aspects. This beer however, redeemed the original big time. While the chocolate aspect is there but hinted, the sweetness of cherry and vanilla change the aspect of the beer not just to make it fruity tart but also dessert like yet still puckeringly sour. Definitely recommended. So does it win against Madrugada Obscura? I guess it really depends on my mood. Chocolate coffee sour or Cherry Vanilla sour.
Anime Corner:
Saber Alter/Dark Saber from Fate/Stay Night/Hollow Ataraxia was used in this pairing since I used Jean from Claymore. Basically both represent the “Dark Knight” In the Tart of Darkness. You may not tell from the label, but a sword pierces through the cherry and in the original, there is a sword involved. The aspect of the warrior of darkness and the fact that I have used Saber in many Dark chocolate and cherry flavored beers just pushes my conviction that much further. The Dark Arts have to do with blasphemy against the church but the strange part, as holy as some organizations are, some hold deep dark secrets that the public never knows about. Tart of Darkness with Cherries and Vanilla brings that aspect of sour evil but yet sweet and forgiving aspects that are pretty damn Holy if you ask me. Think of it as the sweetness delivering the darkness of the beer from evil Either way, great beer and great pairing I think.
Sources:
https://omisyth.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/1217501555092.jpg
http://gallery.minitokyo.net/view/500829
Atomic Kangarue collaboration by The Bruery and Smog City
Rating: 5/5
Atomic Kangarue collaboration by The Bruery and Smog City is a 9.5% ABV American Wild Ale dry hopped and brewed with grapes.
Label:
HOLY SMOGOLY!
This complex ale was brewed with 2 grape varieties, fermented with brett trois, blended with a sour ale, dry hopped with Amarillo hops & bottled just for you.
We’ve been friends with the folks at Smog City for many years and getting to brew a beer with them was a dream come true. Truly, only in the world of dreams could this remarkable beer have been manifested. A Belgian-style golden ale, brewed with Semillon and Viognier grapes plus three types of hops, fermented with Brettanomyces Trois as well as our house yeast strain, then blended with a sour blonde ale and finally dry-hopped with Amarillo hops. This beer couldn’t be more complex and we couldn’t be more proud of it.
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This beer was a collaboration from Torrance local favorite, Smog City and The Bruery of Placentia. When I first heard they were doing a collaboration, I really wondered how it would turn out. As the Bruery is mainly experimental Belgian styles and Smog City IPA and variety styles. They bring forth a beer that actually uses Smog City’s best kept secret, the use of Amarillo hops which is what fan favorite, Amarilla Gorilla is based on. So since the Bruery rarely uses or plays with hops in their potent beers, a 9% doucey with hops I could only imagine how it would go. This beer was originally released to Reserve Society members and I believe will be hitting the public venues where the Bruery and Smog City beers are sold. Definitely can’t wait to try it, so let me break this caged beast for you, cheers!!
Aromas:
Oranges, citrus, lemon peel, peppercorn, vanilla, herbal, floral, piney and grassy hops, biscuit bread, honey, farmhouse hay, white grapes, white sage spice, coriander, basil, garlic notes, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple, strawberries, papaya, stone fruit like apricots, peaches, mango, herbs and spices.
Flavors:
Oranges, tangerine, white sage spice, floral notes, flowers, white grapes, brettanomyces, stone fruits like apricots, peaches, vanilla, caramel, lemon peel, citrus, grapefruit, herbal, floral, piney and grassy hops, rich biscuit bread, honey, farmhouse hay, basil, garlic notes, onion hints, dragon fruit, honey dew melon, passion fruit, pineapple, strawberries, papaya, farmhouse hay, herbs, honey, white wine grapes, musty funky notes, stone fruit apricots, peaches, old mango, coriander spice, clove spice and hints of allspice.
Aftertaste:
Tangy Oranges, Tropical fruit notes, floral hops, vanilla, herbs and spices linger. No alcohol in the taste, easy to medium drinkability, light to moderate mouthfeel, medium to light body, very crisp and refreshing.
Overall:
A perfect collaboration! Drinking more along of the Belgian Strong Pale Ale or Golden Ale, this beer definitely takes its roots and reminds me a lot of the Eschatological Ale from Stillwater if it was more sweeter with grapes and a bit more tropical. This beer is not a complete sour at all. The balance with the bitter hops and the brettanomyces helps it blend to a sweet, bitter and sour/tart tri-force of flavors.
Anime Corner:
Android 18/Lazuli from Dragon Ball Z/GT was used in this pairing to pair with the Sour Blond aspect and the colors of the beer as well as several things. Lazuli was evil in her beginnings but it wasn’t until she was in danger and was cared for by the protagonist Krillin, in which she learned to care and love. She grew sweeter and softer which eventually showed her true powers. This is reflected in the beers tropical and sweet yet bitter and sour aspect. Hey just because 18/Lazuli is sweet and awesome she still has attitude. That ain’t going away. Her stance is that of like an animal style in Kung-Fu lore. I have no idea what it is but let us call that one “The Kanagarue” Style lol. While I added Trunks in the mix, I wanted to basically show that basically, the Bruery while all powerful, a brewery like Smog City, in this case Lazuli, can bring so much more to the table and together can take the world by storm. Awesome job guys!!
Sources:
http://cfile30.uf.tistory.com/image/2123114651D44B2806EEB0
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1561469
2013 Sour In The Rye Kumquat by the Bruery
Rating: 4.5/5
2013 Sour In The Rye Kumquat by the Bruery is a 7.6% ABV Sour Rye Ale With Kumquats Added Aged in Oak Barrels.
Label:
QUAT’S NEW?
Deliciously sour, bursting with citrus peel and hints of oak from the barrel it was aged within.
Sour in the Rye with Kumquat is best enjoyed fresh for a full citrus character.
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I had this one fresh long ago at the Bruery and have not had it since. It was definitely sour, tart and citrusy back then. One year later, and let us see where this one has taken the flavors too. Cheers!
Aromas:
Lots if oranges, citrus, rye bread, oak, caramel, wine grapes, toffee, stone and tropical fruit like peaches, apricot, mango, papaya, caramel, brown sugar, funky notes and lemons.
Flavors:
Lots of oak, caramel, citrus oranges, kumquats, lychee, sour wine grapes, rye bread, tangerine preserves, sour dough bread, lemon peels, prickly pear, sour apple, dark cherries and leather.
Aftertaste:
Finish with big tart orange and rye bread notes, sourdough bread, caramel hints, oak and kumquats. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer despite the ABV, medium body with a full mouthfeel.
Overall:
Well, for starters, the sour notes have definitely fallen a bit but the tart levels definitely remain. It is a very good beer but only really if you enjoy sours. The sweetness comes through as the beer warms up so drinking it at the 45° F temperature should be ideal. I would only recommend it if you like sours otherwise this may not be a beer for you.
Anime Corner:
Panty Anarchy from Panty and Stocking was used in this pairing mainly due to the label but mainly for the flavors. You see, Panty is pretty rude and aggressive who only interest is in herself and to seduce men into bed with her. The sour aspects of the beer plus the Kumquats definitely fit the description on this one. Not to say that she doesn’t care completely as she has a sweet side sometimes and knows how to get the job done when her friends are in trouble.
Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/362559
Wild Streak by Brooklyn brewery
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
Duck-Duck-Gooze edition 2013 by The Lost Abbey
Rating: 5/5
Duck-Duck-Gooze by The Lost Abbey is a 7% ABV World Class American Wild Ale
Label:
There’s an art to corralling a bunch of ducklings A nip to turn Suzy this way or a nudge to launch little Johnny towards the water and suddenly they are all lined up ready to follow along. Or are they? This isn’t something they teach you at Mother Gooze School. You see, there always seems to be that one duckling (or two) who has an agenda all their own. At that point, all bets are of. Then mama goose loses control and her inner Devil comes out.
Blending Oak Barrels can be a lot like corralling little ducklings. Each barrel has its own personality. Some, like good little ducklings, get in line from the very beginning. Others are quite more problematic and need more nurturing. Duck Duck Gooze is made from all sorts of barrels. Some were great from the beginning while others needed more attention. Duck Duck Gooze was three years in the making. We hope you find it worth the wait
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Only released exclusively at the Lost Abbey every 3 years since 2009, this beer ha made a return this year. Last year They could not do it as they had to make way for the Ultimate Box set which was released in 2012. This beer will be slated to release in 2016 again. The beer is made with 3 sets of barrels each aging 1, 2 and 3 years apart and then blended together. I was only lucky enough to get a single bottle eligible for review here at the site. Being probably the best sour ale ever released, I will do my best to review in as much detail as my ability will allow.
Aromas are very citrusy, lemon, lime, biscuit bread, funky bitter grapes, oak, peach, pears, hints of dragon fruit, earthy must, barnyard hay, floral notes, chamomile and roses
The flavors are musty, and citrusy but some very nice sweetness and oakiness lurks. Lemon, oranges, roses, hay, biscuit bread, chamomile, sour apple, apricot, sour lemon candy, teguacan (Mexican Lime and seltzer water with spices), pineapple, musty grapes and spices.
The aftertaste leaves like lemon on a sour fruit with oak. Basically, it leaves sour but then fades into like a fruity and hay finish. Clear body, but you definitely have to take your time with it
Overall this is puckeringly Awesome. It starts off sour but as you go on and it warms up, it gets good giving some really nice fruity, citrusy and oaky taste. You really have to enjoy sours to like this one, otherwise this beer may not be for you. I think this is one of the reasons it was made this way. Having an open taste to sour helps finding good flavors in them. Jolly Pumpkin helped out for many years to find it. The good thing is that this one is more tart than pure sour. Clearly some sours may be pure vinegar taste but some beers when done very well, are exceptionally awesome, like this one.
Isabelle Proximus (Allaverdogportrush) collaboration between Allagash, Avery, Dogfish Head, Port Brewing’s The Lost Abbey and Russian River Breweries
Isabelle Proximus (Allaverdogportrush) collaboration between Allagash, Avery, Dogfish Head, Port Brewing’s The Lost Abbey and Russian River Breweries is a 7% ABV American Wild Ale. This beers is retired and no longer brewed. This information is from an old review. It is merely a reminiscent of a time when 5 brewers did a large collaboration.
Description:
AKA Belle Proximus, a collaborative effort between Tomme Arthur, Vinnie Cilurzo, Lorenzo Dabove, Rob Tod, Adam Avery and Sam Calagione.
Label:
In March of 2006 five guys-Adam Avery, Vinnie Cilurzo, Rob Todd, Tomme Arthur accompanied Sam Calagione and Lorenzo Dabove The Prince of Pajottenland through a tour a tour of Belgium’s finiest Gueze producers. Many of the mysteries of Lambic production were answered along the way. They vowed to return to the states to brew a sour beer celebrating their experiences. In November of 2006 the reunited at Port Brewing to brew Isabelle Proximus.
In this bottle, you’ll find the answers to many of the questions that were first posed along their journey near the river Senne. However, like the mysteries of lambic beers, there remains one lingering question that was left unresolved. we hope like us, the next time you’re on a pilgrimage to Brussels you’ll drop by the Empire Club and let us know whether you prefer Green or Orange….
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As a toast to the Anniversary of my blog, I take a step back and show you an old review. Back then I never had the idea of anime and beer pairings as I do now. However, I found a picture that I think would have fit perfectly with that beer from yore. Not to mention the fact, that I may have give this one a high rating as well since this beer was made with a great collaboration effort of 5 breweries. It was one awesome beer, it was drunk at its best aging state as any longer and it would have gone bad. But here it is for your reading pleasure, my review of the Isabelle Proximus.
2011 Review:
How prestigious the occasion to try a beer such as this. I never thought it be possible. A retired beer that is extremely hard to find. Where do I begin to describe this world class oddity of beerdom. The Isabelle Proximus Wild Ale is a massive collaboration of Allaverdogportrush (better known as Allagash, Avery, Dogfish Head, Port Brewing’s Lost Abbey and Russian River Breweries….wooh thats a lot. Put it simply, this beer came out in like 2006 and was only meant to age for some time. In fact it was recommended that this be consumed by this year to get the best freshness out of it. Since I will be taking a vacation soon on beer tasting to focus working out better and eating better, I decided to celebrate my new routine with this cellar treasure. Hey you only live once, so here’s to a long life and to the memories of trying awesome beers. I will be back soon, but what I will do is beer taste in moderation as well. A hobby break but not forgotten….love this hobby …Anyways…about the beer itself. This beer is made with Wild yeast. If you read any of my other postings, wild yeast is used to make these delicious beers have a more sour, winey, like flavor which compliments its already existing ingredients such as malts and hops and other awesome things. Like the Jolly Pumpkin ales . This beer however is a little more special an magical. The balance comes from tart, refreshing and citrus taste. There is some malty sweetness (Dogfish Head) to compliment and some slight bitterness (possibly from Avery or Allagash) as well as the bready goodness (Port and Russian). Story goes that owners of the breweries took a trip to Brussels in Belgium to answer the mysteries of Lambic brews. And so in this bottle that’s what is is. Truly one of the best and most collaborated brews I have ever had and a great way to try my new routine…CHEERS GUYS !!!!!
Bourbon Peach by Unity Vibration
Rating: 5/5 *Kombucha Rating
Bourbon Peach by Unity Vibration is a 7% ABV Kombucha Wild Ale brewed with peaches and aged in bourbon barrels
Label:
Our Bourbon Barrel Aged Kombucha has double the rich, delicious bourbon flavor as it ages with juicy, whole, organic peaches. This unique beverage is a culmination of the ancient process of kombucha brewing, paired with the newer brewing process of a uniquely American high gravity ale.
Reminiscent of summer campfires and refreshing swims in the great lakes, out kombucha beer is always unfiltered, raw and living. Taste the freshness and distinctive flavors you can only find with this process and unique combination
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First thing to note about this beverage, is that it is very important and I mean, VERY IMPORTANT!! to open near a sink. The moment I opened this beer, a lot of the pressure was released causing me to lose some of the liquid . Fortunately I saved a good portion of it. This the first time I try a Kombucha beer so I will try my best at reviewing this one.
Kombucha (昆布茶 or Japanese “Kelp Tea”), as referred to here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kombucha ) is a special type of effervescent fermented tea using bacteria and yeast as part of the fermentation. It was definitely effervescent since the bubbles would not stop even as type this. This sucker is really alive!! This also says it could be good for health. Well, that depends I guess. I cannot make any claims on that. Most Kombuchas are non alcoholic. This one is. So I guess it depends on the fermentation process used by Unity Vibration
Aromas of this are of mushrooms, apricot, funky notes, sourdough, vanilla, oak, peaches, lemon grass, vinegary grassy notes, pears, flowers and other fruits. The sour and funky fragrances come more across than the sweeter fruity side here.
The Flavors are… wow!… I was expecting this to be as strong as the nose. Not at all like the nose. The vinegary sour notes are only in the nose. The taste is much much sweeter with very nice tangy notes. Sweet Peaches, apples, pears, tangy cherry, sugar cubes, vanilla, slight oak, mushrooms, lemonade, grassy and vegetable notes, black tea, slight funky notes, sour dough bread, honey, peach preserves, light bourbon notes, maple syrup, brown sugar, coriander, wheat and grapefruit juice.
After taste us pretty dry leaving a little bit of a sugary plant feel. It tingles going down but easy to drink.
Overall was at awe as to how different this beer was. It somewhat defies logic in taste and aromatic expectations. They seem very different. This is a very unique forth coming creation into the craft beer movement. I am not sure if it should be categorized as beer as it falls into the realms of beer/cider/wine/tea/mead and lambics. Very unique stuff and very delicious in its own category.
Otiose by the Bruery
Rating: 4.45/5
Otiose by the Bruery is a 8.2%ABV Sour Brown Ale Aged in Oak with Guava.
Label:
Created for no purpose besides satisfying an intense craving. Pleasantly tart with tropical notes balanced by roast malt.
Description:
Defined as “serving no practical purpose”, the recipe for Otiose was developed during a rare break in the brewing schedule; a recipe we came up with to satisfy our own desires and nothing more. The result is a sour brown ale aged in oak barrels to which we added guava. Riddled with tropical notes which are balanced by it’s malty backbone, Otiose is a rich and decadent sour ale. 8.2%, Cellerable for up to 3 years.
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The fragrance of this beer are of sour wine grapes, notes of caramel, guava, lemon citrus, passion fruit, plum notes, apples, cranberry, raspberry, oak and vanilla. Aside from the sour grape wine flavor, this beer has some nice sweet notes. Flavors of pecan, guava, banana notes, cherry, raspberry, caramel, toffee, vanilla, oak, brown sugar, citrus, lemon, grapefruit, honey, some toasted rye bread and some sour funkyness. The beer is quite balanced. There is enough tart and caramel notes to make it pretty interesting. This is similar to some of the great Jolly Pumpkin ales. So if you love sours, have fun trying this one 😛
Ichigo Highway Collaboration by The Bruery and Hangar 24
Rating: 4.6/5
Ichigo Highway Collaboration by The Bruery and Hangar 24 is a 5.5% ABV American Wild Red Ale aged in red wine barrels with strawberries.
Label:
The Bruery & Hangar 24 are divided by the 15 Highway, but brought together by a shared love of experimental brews. Ichigo, meaning both “strawberry” and the numbers 1 and 5 in Japanese, is a complex, sour red ale aged with strawberries picked from the fields next to Hangar 24’s brewery. Ichigo Highway is best enjoyed fresh due to the fleeting aroma and flavor of strawberries. Best stored and cellared around 55 degrees F (13 degrees C). Ideal serving temperature is 50 degress F (10 degrees C). Best served in a tulip or wine glass.
DESCRIPTION:
Ichigo Highway is a collaborative beer that we created with Hangar 24 Brewing from Redlands, CA. The base style is a sessionable sour red ale that we aged in oak barrels along with a whopping amount of strawberries, most of which were picked from the fields besides Hangar 24’s brewery. Aged for approximately 8 months, this beer has developed a pleasant funk and a delightful acidity that is balanced by the intensely sweet aroma and flavor of the strawberries as well as a unique dryness achieved by using a sake yeast along with our house strain along with souring bacteria. Available in November. 5.5% ABV, Best enjoyed fresh due to the fleeting aroma and flavor of the strawberries
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Being an anime fan and a big fan of the show “Bleach”, I anticipated this review for a long time ago since the beer released way back when. A very hard to find beer unless you are a member of the Reserve or Hoarders Society. I was able to trade for this brew in order to bring Ichigo, the shinigami here to the stage. One of the things to note about the fragrances about this beer, is that there is alof of strong ripe strawberry aromas but also the grape wine aromas are there too as well as this sugary scent of strawberry preserves. You can also sense the funkyness and citrus like many sour beers. Some grapefruit, apricots, apples and cinnamon as well. While still tart and sour to the smell, it is also very floral too. Like hibiscus and roses. The flavors are very much sour as expected. A ton of bitter ripe strawberries, apricot, apples, sour wine grapes, lemon, grapefruit, slight cinnamon spice, wine oak funkyness, and a bit of sake and tea like flavors . You will only like this beer if you enjoy sours, let’s put it that way. I happen to enjoy some sour beers like Jolly pumpkin for example. The sweeter flavors actually start to come out as the beer warms up. Yep, aside from the name being Ichigo, if you do not like sours even if your a fan of the “Bleach” show, you may not like this one. Which then I assume that only people that like sours will like this one. It is a very good sour. It happens to be a bonus for me as I enjoy craft beers, sours, anime and “Bleach” 8)
Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore) 
