Love & Maple Syrup by State Brewing Company

Rating: 6/6

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

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

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

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

 

 

Rating: 6/6

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

Label:

Commercial Description:

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

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

==Introduction==

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

Aromas:

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

Flavors:

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

Aftertaste:

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

Overall:

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

Anime Corner:

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

 

 

Stone 21st Anniversary Hail To the Hop Thief Double IPA by Stone Brewing

 

Rating: 5/5
 
Stone 21st Anniversary Hail To the Hop Thief Double IPA by Stone Brewing is a 9.8% ABV Imperial India Pale Ale.
My friend brought this beer over to a taste session and seeing as I had not tried the latest Stone Anniversary brew, I wanted to bring this one to the site. While trying to gather as much information as I could, I decided to bring out my Astaroth statue from Shinra Banshou for this pairing as I have paired her with many of the Stone beers in the past but this was the first time I have paired her in non picture form. The brew itself was really nicely hoppy with a malty backbone and lots of berry flavors. While the tropics are not over abundant, the beer had some in there for some nice complexity. It was definitely worth try and thanks to my friend Oscar for sharing this with me.

 

2016 Ban-Anna’s Love Diablita De Leche Nectar by Nubis Sanctum Ales

 

Rating: 6.25/7
 
2016 Ban-Anna’s Love Diablita De Leche Nectar by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 10% ABV Doppel Weizenbock brewed with Bananas and Goat Milk Dulce De leche Caramel aged in White Grape Wine.
 
My homebrew from last year now 1 year and 5 months old has developed some very nice flavors! The banana is hardly there but the dark fruit and caramel shine massively. It also has some very nice gamey taste from the goat milk. Definitely even more unique than when I first had it. Still one of my best creations.
 

 

Ban-Anna’s Love Diablita De Leche Nectar by Nubis Sanctum Ales

10001197_10103117644756880_7627100034381002526_oRating: 6/6

Ban-Anna’s Love Diablita De Leche Nectar by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 10% ABV Doppel Weizenbock brewed with Bananas and Goat Milk Dulce De leche Caramel aged in White Grape Wine.

Label:
“They Say The Devil’s water it ain’t so sweet”…

Whoever said this has never tried it to begin with. Everyone has a sinful pleasure but none have ever made it a mission …

Until Anna came to bring these inner desires to manifestation the day she met with a mysterious woman who gave her a magic potion.

Since that time, Anna has had the magic touch. A simple drop or a touch from her would bring people’s most inner desires out. However, the more Anna shared, the more of her inner devil started to manifest.  She was a kind hearted devil though. Unlike the tales told.

Myth would have you believe that the root of all desserts stemmed from this very potion. Some say that what Anna drank was actually this ‘devil’s water’. Whether the mysterious lady from that day was an Angel or a Devil, the potion is enough to turn the holiest of man into a sinner.

Ingredients: Water, Malts, Hops, Bananas, Vanilla, Coronado Dulce de Leche Cajeta Caramel aged in White Grape Wine and Yeast.
12513960_10103011330775950_1825598058966416032_o (1)==Introduction==
Project #17 pays tribute to my need of making a beer similar to the Bananas Foster’s beer from Buffalo Bayou which was given to me a couple months ago by my friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com. I had always wanted to make a Weizenbock for a long time ago since the style pays tribute to the Doppel Bocks and Dunkelweizens which are some of my favorite styles from Germany. Lucky for me, the Bananas Foster was a Weizenbock. Hence where I got a crazy idea of making something similar but taking my own experimentation into consideration. Essentially, I wanted to implement Coronado Dulce De Leche Cajeta de Cabra into the mix. It is a Mexican Dulce de Leche with Caramel which was aged in White Grape Wine or what they call, Envinado. Also, since I wanted to make a beer that would go well into a beer float. The more the better to make a delicious style such as this. I don’t think the implementation of Goat Milk Caramel has ever been done in a beer so it was definitely a chance to make something unique and special. Aside from the base weizenbock extract recipe I researched, I added a lot of Crystal 40 malts which made my partial mash even bigger. With all the ingredients in place I had something very special to work with. So after a long time, basically 10 weeks of waiting and racking done, here is the brew! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Bananas, dulce de leche caramel, goat milk, vanilla, dark fruit raisins, plums, cherries, currants, piloncillo sugar one, bubble gum, stone fruit peaches, pecan pie, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Chunky Munkey ice cream, walnuts, plantains, tres leches cake, coffee cake, banana nut bread and flan hints
12801160_10103117646154080_5105050279066731204_n
Flavors:
Mexican Dulce de leche Goat Milk Caramel, vanilla, grilled bananas, clove spice, banana bread, coffee cake, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, coriander, wheat bread, rye bread, toasted rye bread, hazelnut nectar, stone fruit apricot and peach notes, leather hints, bubble gum, capirotada raisin bread pudding, piloncillo sugar cone, plantains, cinnamon hints, fruit cake, Chunky Munkey ice cream, grape wine notes, tres leches cake, flan, banana cream pie, toffee, cane sugar, rum hints, walnuts and Nutella hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishing up with bananas, goat milk dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bubble gum, earthy notes, dark fruit, flan, tres leches cake, stone fruits, coriander spice, plantains, clove spice hints, and dark cherry notes. No alcohol in the taste, Crimson Blood and Dark medium Body, smooth, creamy, syrupy and chewy mouthfeel along with moderate drinkability.
12829404_10103117647017350_7862658038835570667_oOverall:
Yet another crazy experiment done successful. This came out to be such a very delicious brew that it truly is orgasmic! I was concerned about this project big time since I got some sediment left over since there was so much banana in the brew (About 25 bananas!!) When it came to the caramel, I was concerned about how to add it to the brew in secondary since caramel the caramel is made with Goat’s milk and you could really smell it when I boiled the caramel with water. I stuck to my guns and said fuck it, all in the name of good beer and experimentation. I am so thankful that the people that have tried it so far have really liked it and even though it was a one off batch of brew, I definitely would like to make this again and proceed with other experiments as well. Hope to some day make enough for some beer enthusiasts like yourself to try some day. Cheers!
12829343_10103105966470260_6006963412419146236_o
Anime Corner: (tl;dr)
Anna Nishikinomiya from Shimoneta, Asmodeus and Astaroth from Shinrabansho were used in this beer for many many reasons. During the research to make this beer, my friend Steven Blackburn from Iowa and I joked about the scene in Shimoneta where the girl Anna infused her “love nectar” into her cookies. So we basically discussed, if this beer is to be a true dessert, it has to be so damn good like a true nectar of gods. A beer that will basically make you orgasm since it would be so rich and ddelicious Essentially, all the sweetness from the bananas and caramel would become love nectar. The fact that I combined Anna on the label with Asmodeus is a play at the beer style, a DoppelWeizenbock or Double Buck/Goat Wheat beer. It is almost like a duality, Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hide kind of thing. Also, since goats have been used in some cultures to represent devils, I think it was fitting to put both Asmodeus and Astaroth on the label as well. This and the back that I literally used a Goat’s milk caramel into the beer, just adds to how much more the ingredients paired so well with the Weizenbock. The Doppel aspect also notes the fact that the beer is a stronger or Double/Imperial beer at 10%. In this beer, the Banana aspect, you can see Anna’s name is in Banana, and the whole Diablita de Leche is a play on the words Devil’s Milk. So you can see how I related Goat and Devil there. So then the whole thing with Astaroh and Asmodeus together is the Doppel Bock. Also, Since the grain bag burned a tiny bit at the bottom, the bitter earthiness of the brew can be seen as the burning of hell fire. Oh and Anna becomes Asmodeus after too much Love Nectar. Hope I covered everything.

Sources:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/35088274/images/1411600424581.png

Devil’s Teeth by Modern Times

12647332_10103047254793930_4538680555908754526_n 12604741_10103047255627260_4974903290501772100_oRating: 5.25/6

Devil’s Teeth by Modern Times is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout/Old Ale Hybrid brewed with their House, Ethiopian and Sumatran Coffee.

Label:
70 SRM Black
60 IBU
1.024 Final Gravity

Malt:
Barley, Oats, Munich, Chocolate, Midnight Wheat, Black Barley, Aromatic Roast Barley and Biscuit Malt

Coffee:
75% Ethiopia Hambela
25% Sumatra Mandheling

Devil’s Teeth is a hybrid of an Old Ale and an Imperial Stout, two English beer styles designed to withstand long voyages and dark winters. It brings rich maltiness & robust roastiness in a thick, tongue-coating, aggressively flavorful package. To this chewy mix of old world beasts, we brought a massive dose of our house roasted Black House Blend coffee, a complimentary mix of blueberry-forward Ethiopian and chocolate-forward Sumatran coffees.

==Introduction==

Devil’s Teeth was released by Modern Times back in September 2/15. Originally, the one they had released was the Mezcal version. Unfortunately, I did not know about it and I would have to have travelled to San Diego to get it. I am glad they released the original but what made me more excited is what this beer label and the name reminded me of. I will explain this part in my anime corner section of the review but basically know it was nostalgic of something in my past. With that being said, the mix of coffees intrigues me to see what type complexities might come about from this. Cheers!

Aromas:
Flan, vanilla, fancy coffee, roasted coffee, Oatmeal cookies, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, molasses, anise, Iris cream, mocha, espresso, java, Kahlua, dark fruit raisins, boysenberries, blueberries, Lactose, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark chocolate, tobacco, brown sugar and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Super fancy coffee, Lactose, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, mocha coffee, espresso, java, Kahlua liqueur, dark chocolate, fudge cake, marshmallow smores, vanilla, caramel, honey, pecan pie, crème brulee, flan, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, molasses, anise, Iris cream, whipped cream, Oreo cookies and cream, Oatmeal cookies, tobacco, dark fruit raisins, boysenberries, blueberries, earthy hop notes, brown sugar, ginger spice, hazelnut cream and cappuccino coffee.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich coffee and mocha aftertaste followed by vanilla, marshmallows, dark fruit, caramel and pecan pie hints linger. No alcohol in the taste, Dark full body, creamy, rich, smooth and velvety mouthfeel and easy to drink despite the ABV.

Overall:
Outstanding Coffee Stout. Like drinking the actual thing or some kind of fancy blend. The fact that they managed to blend an Old Ale probably is what makes this one much more enjoyable. There is so much complexity going on here not just from the variety of coffee but even the old ale and stout blends, a Cuvee if you will. Yep, now I have to look for the Mezcal version and see how more complex that one is. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this one so go get it!.
devileye
Anime Corner:
Astaroth from Shinra Bansho was used in this pairing to go with the whole aspect of Devil and the Teeth. Also, when I first saw this beer, the name and colors reminded me of the Devil’s Eye from NES’s Willow. A weapon that can only hurt the undead and the highest stat weapon in the game. This was definitely a tribute to my childhood playing the game but also fits well with Astaroth as she is blue and red similar to the colors of the label. All and all, I had a good feeling about this beer and my feeling were right.

Sources:
http://blog-imgs-75.fc2.com/j/i/n/jingaidaisuki/af5b08f19233_09B2D7CF_blu032_R_thumb.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Asmodeus.%28Shinrabanshou%29.full.1266373.jpg

Passionate Dragon collaboration by Bottle Logic and Arizona Wilderness brewing

12592202_10103031732850030_1756055832933431593_n 12622542_10103031737051610_2900119749762959110_o 12621980_10103031737760190_3066950487845270236_oRating: 5.75/6

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ride That Goat (AKA Bokkenrijder) by The Bruery

12075071_10102848151533460_4546232723494275236_n 12006415_10102848152107310_6377618289322087643_o 12036896_10102848152930660_5322338604595341132_nRating: 6/6

Ride That Goat (AKA Bokkenrijder) by The Bruery is a 13.8% ABV Imperial Weizenbock aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
Let’s Ride!

Our version of a weizenbock starts with traditional bread, malty, and spicy flavor. Bourbon barrel-aging adds layers of vanilla and coconut.

Ride That Goat is oour spin on the classic, hearty, German wheat beer. Brewed to be bold and aged in our barrel cellar, this is a rich variation on a stellar beer style. Believe us when we say, once you Ride That Goat, you’ll never go bock.

==Introduction==

Released for Reserve society members in very small quantities Essentially, I do believe this is their Shegöat but aged in bourbon barrels. First time trying a Weizenbock that is barrel aged in bourbon. Leave it to the Bruery to make stuff like this come true. I have tried a barrel aged bock before from Schmaltz. However, knowing the Bruery’s take on bourbon barrel beer, I can only imagine this is going to be one of those beers that take stuff to another level. Let us see how true expectations really are. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Grilled Bananas with caramel dulce de leche de cabra, flan, wine notes, dark fruit raisins, plums, cherries, figs, dates,vanilla, coconut, marshmallows, almond joy chocolate, plantains, clove spice, bubble gum, banana chocolate cake, almonds, tapioca hints, Danish Cream pastry, rock candy, candy sugar, anise, rye bread, chocolate smores, cinnamon, honey and pilloncillo sugar cone.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche de Cabra Envinado (Goats Milk caramel in wine), flan, burnt sugar, crème brulee, grilled bananas, plantains, clove spice, bubble gum, vanilla, coconut, marshmallows, almond joy chocolate, dark fruit raisins, plums, cherries, figs, dates, rock candy, candy sugar, anise, rye bread, chocolate smores, cinnamon, honey, raisin bread pudding, piloncillo, citrus, coriander, toasted oak, apricot, peaches, cocada coconut candy, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, hints of milk chocolate, marzipan, cherry and banana chocolate cake, almonds, tapioca hints and Danish Cream pastry.

Aftertaste:
Lingering flavors of caramel, banana, dark fruits, bourbon, marshmallows, coconut, earthy notes, spicy cinnamon and cloves. Slight boozyness in the taste but not really detracting from any of the rich flavors, dark crimson medium to full body, silky, creamy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceeding my expectations and is now my favorite Weizenbock in the world. In a way, this beer is like taking one of their other styles, the German Dunkelweizens but taking it to a whole new level of intensity and richness that I do not think many German beers get to go to. The Bruery’s magic with using bourbon barrels proves how refined in their craft they are and this beer is no exception to that rule. This beer, I must say, was very enjoyable and I highly recommend it. Keep making the magic happen Patrick Rue, Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Astaroth from ShinraBansho was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair the colors but also the theme of Goat being represented as a horned creature. The other deal is that since the name of the beer is Bokkenrijder as well, this goes with the whole folklore of Ghosts or Demons riding a goat provided by Satan himself. In this case, Astaroth being a favorite demon girl, she fit the bill of the goat or even the goat rider. Why else does this pair with the name? Well, if it is not obvious by some of the picture, it is pretty much innuendos. Ride that Demon girl! She is strong overall represented by her strength as a Hell Army General but her sexiness comes as part of the sweet and super complex flavors of the beer.

Sources:
http://safebooru.org/images/1304/41fb394a39b755dfa830e355c81113958cd5e9f1.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm44/laminterious/furry/xfkgnt1yb3.jpg
http://k32.kn3.net/taringa/7/1/3/2/9/9/1/tensahollow/E12.jpg

Imperial Biscotti Break Natale Pretty Please With A Cherry On Top by Evil Twin Brewing

10469754_10102190595481060_6825017167401783502_nRating: 6/5

Imperial Biscotti Break Natale Pretty Please With A Cherry On Top by Evil Twin Brewing is an 11.5% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Sour Cherries.

Label:
The Holidays brings out the best in some people. However if the Holidays also is a tough one for you, this beer will definitely sweeten dark times of endless caroling and difficult domestic obligations. Did Imperial Biscotti Break also make your sugar levels rise and the bitter sweet flavors of coffee, almonds and chocolate very sentimental – this one has a sour cherry on top. Forza Imperiale.

==Introduction==

It’s approaching Christmas and what is one of the best candies to be released at this time aside from Ferrero Rocher chocolates? Well none other than the Cherry Cordials. The Chocolate covered cherries with cherry syrup. I never tried the original Imperial Biscotti break but I did the Doughnut break which was awesome. So awesome in fact, that when I saw this one on www.craftshack.com, I had to get it and check it out. Now all I have to do is see if I can find another to cellar. Either way, this is supposed to be a Christmas beer, so why not celebrate it with this dessert one. Let us find out if it really is awesome.

Aromas:
Rich chocolate cherry cordials, Dark cherry yogurt, vanilla dulce de leche caramel, milk sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgian chocolate, almonds, almond joy, almond milk, pecan pie, cherry cobbler, cherry chocolate cheese cake hints, flan, hazelnut nectar, mocha, rock candy, ginger bread, fruit cake, molasses, anise, Cherry Dr. pepper hints, anise, Irish cream, vanilla wafers and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich Chocolate and Dark cherry yogurt, dulce de leche caramel, Dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, black berries, blue berries, currants, cherry cordial chocolate, milk sugar, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgian chocolate, almonds, almond joy, almond milk, hazelnut, Raspberry preserves on rye bread, cherry chocolate cheese cake, vanilla wafers, rum hints, ginger bread, fruit cake, rock candy, candi sugar hints, mocha, Cherry Khalua, molasses, anise, earthy notes, Irish cream, brown sugar, flan, cherry cobbler, pecan pie, Dr. pepper cherry, cinnamon toast crunch in cherry syrup, coconut, biscuit bread, tobacco, leather and marshmallows.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, dark cherry yogurt, earthy notes, raspberry preserve hints, roasted coffee notes, tobacco, leather, vanilla and other dark fruit lingers. No alcohol in the taste, very dangerous. Smooth creamy and silky mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black crimson dark full body with hardly a milimeter of lacing.

Overall:
Damn, surely with this dessert they were not kidding about the cherry on top of this complex chocolate dessert of complex goodness. This reminds me of the Bourbon County Cherry Rye. The cherries do not come off as overly sweet but they are somewhat tart like cherry skins which really helps balance out the excessive sweetness and overall makes it like a fruit cake in a way. Now I really want to find another bottle of this and get more for saving as this will be the best treat for Christmas. If you can find it, it would make a great present and I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Astaroth and Asmodeus from Shinrabansho were used in this pairing since it is a Christmas beer after all but the whole Holiday coming from Evil Twin fits perfectly as they both look like each other. Mother and Daughter. What about the Cherry on top? Why that’s Asmodeus head sitting on top of Astaroth’s motherly blueberry ofcourse, HA! I really like the way this turned out in terms of the colors, the dark aspect of the beer how it is sweet but dark cherry tart in a way too. It is more than perfect.

Sources:
http://i4.pixiv.net/img72/img/cve27426/40452197.jpg

http://safebooru.org//images/1108/d5f8f143151b9b09e9bb04628fbe35a574008447.jpg?1151134

Bourbon Barrel Aged Smashed Pumpkin by Shipyard Brewing

541363_10101405104176930_1311754114_n 1234765_10101405104127030_803219720_nRating: 5/5

Bourbon Barrel Aged Smashed Pumpkin by Shipyard Brewing is a 12% ABV Pumpkin Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label: 
Our Bourbon Barrel Aged ales are brewed and carefully cellar-aged in small batches in dedicated bourbon barrels at our brewery in Portland, Maine.

Hops: Willamette, Saphir
Malts: Pale, Whole Wheat, Munich
Yeast: Top-fermenting English
Color: Honey
Aroma: Oak spiced, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon
Body: Light to medium
Finish: Warming, smooth, and velvety
IBU: 35
SRM 14.85

Recommended Serving temperature is 55 deg. Fahrenheit in brandy-style stemware. Aged over 100 days. Unlimited shelf life
___

As an added bonus last year, Shipyard released this hard to get beer along with their awesome smashed pumpkin yearly release (which to me is the “best common” pumpkin beer ever). Unfortunately, I was never able to pick this release up until recently. One of the local places had it in stock for a limited time. So as pay back for last year of missing out on this beer to review, I will spend no time wasted and get on with the show.

Aromas are of rich vanilla, whiskey, bourbon, oak, pumpkin, dulce de leche caramel, honey, squash, brown sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, maple, cinnamon, sweet potatoes, toasty coconut, chocolate hints, flan, pecans, nutmeg, coriander and citrus.

The flavors are of oak and whiskey. Vanilla, coconut, pumpkin pie, pecans, nutmeg, cinnamon, whipped creamed flan, dulce de leche caramel, sweetened condensed milk, maple, sweet potatoes, marshmallows, chocolate notes, graham crackers, pumpkin flesh in pilloncillo sugar cone syrup, milk, brown sugar, cloves, coriander, citrus and ginger pumpkin bread.

The aftertaste is oaky and sweet with pumpkin and bourbon whiskey lingering. This beer is boozy and is definitely a sipper. Do not let the moderate body fool you. The mouth feel on this is close to syrupy. YUM!!

Overall, this is way better than the original smashed pumpkin. I think I drank this way too fresh as the booze was not well hidden. It is not a problem at all as I rather enjoyed those sweet oak and whiskey notes. They compliment the pumpkin very well. This, however, needs sometime to sit in a cellar for a while in order to become exquisite or exceed expectations. Nevertheless, An awesome beer that has become on par with some of my other Barrel aged and non-barrel aged pumpkin beers I have reviewed here. 

Original Smashed Pumpkin Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/smashed-pumpkin-by-shipyard-brewing/

As follows Eschatological Ale by Stillwater Artisanal 2013

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Rating: 5/5

As Follows Eschatological by Stillwater Artisanal is a 9% ABV Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Label:
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1. To come or go after; proceed behind 2. To move along the course of; take 3. To adhere to; practice 4. To engage in (a trade or occupation); work at 5. To come after in order, time, or position 6. To occur or be evident as a consequence of 7. To grasp the meaning or logic of; understand.
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I have done several reviews on this beer and still to this day, freaking awesome beer. One of my favorite Belgian Pale Ales. The 2013 version now comes in 4 packs with a different description (Belgian Style Golden Ale vs. Eschatological Ale). The beer is pretty much the same but I think the 750ml bottle had more body too it. This still does not detract from the awesome flavors this beer provides. It is more available than ever and still… mysteriously evil and creepily delicious 😛 

2012 Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/as-follows-eschatological-ale-by-stillwater-artisanal/

Belzebuth by Brasserie Grain d’ Orge

544440_10101072548785600_1010024809_nRating: 4/5

Belzebuth by Brasserie Grain d’ Orge of France is a 13%ABV Belgian Strong Blonde Ale.

Description:
Bottle (13% abv) and can (11.8%): Filtered.
Ingredients: Water, Barley Malt, Wheat, Rice, Sugar, Hops.
Alcohol content lowered in 2002 from 15% to 13% when brewery changed name from Jeanne d’Arc to Grain d’Orge.
“The dark amber coloured Belzebub offers an intense alcohol flavour with a strong supporting maltiness.”
The 11.8% version is canned in Holland.
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When opening this little bottle you notices that there is definitely not a lot of beer. Exactly 8.4oz of it. This is the second time I try the beer and I have been meaning to do another review. It has been a couple years actually. The aromas are nice. Fragrances of honey, biscuit bread, citrus orange, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, boozy almost like a sweet bourbon, oak, pears, grapes, peaches and some raisins. The flavors are pretty sweet. Belgian yeast phenolic, grapes, caramel, pears, peaches, orange, grape jelly, possibly a strawberry, honey, vanilla, slight raisin bread pudding and quite a good amount of alcohol. While the beer does have some really nice flavors worth checking out, for some, the alcohol could be distracting a bit. It is not as balanced as it could be and it semi hides the alcohol. Regardless, you can still tell about the flavors in this one. Quite good, not the best, but still quite good. Besides, a 13% Belgian style ale from France, you cant go wrong there 🙂