Tag Archives: Avila Ales

Primavera Pils by Avila Ales

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13392197_10103320758595120_5467561537762082162_oRating: 4/5

Primavera Pils by Avila Ales is a 4.73% ABV Bavarian Pilsner.

==Introduction==
Originally brewed at the Avila Household, my friend Richard Avila wanted to create 2 beers for his son’s birthday. This one and a California Common. After talking it over, we took both of our brewing supplies and double brewed both the recipes that day at his parent’s place where he used to live. I figured, the more equipment, the faster we can get the brew day finished rather than doing one brew at a time. Thanks to my friend Richard, he has given me these homebrews for review.

This is the Bavarian Pilsner, a light clear ale that’s is more on the lager and pilsner side. This one is definitely the one for the summer. Essentially the “Lawnmower Beer” that is enjoyed by many of those that typically do not drink complex beers. Let’s have a review on it, cheers!

Aromas:
Floral notes, biscuit bread, cereal grain, honey, minor citrus hop hints, grape hints and cane sugar hints.

Flavors:
Pilsner grain, biscuit bread, cereal grain, citrus, piney hop hints, clove spice hint, honey, floral hints, lime peel, buttered toast hints, cane sugar, honey dew melon hints, mild stone fruit hints, mild grape hints, vanilla hints and peppercorn hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry and clean with hints of pilsner grain and honey. No alcohol in the taste, Golden honey clear body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouth feel and very easy to drink.

Overall:
Drinks just like a lawn mower beer. I really enjoyed this one as it was very clean and clear. Unlike the typical lager though, this one is very flavorful unlike the dry flavorless macros. The best part is that there is no homebrew taste. For as difficult as making these light styles are, my friend hit big with this one. I hope my friend Richard makes this one makes this one again but definitely this one is a winner.

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid Megurine Luka was used in this pairing as I wanted show the coming of spring as it flows in through in like a musical pattern just like the pattern of flowers that come once the winter has finished. I feel like this picture worked the best to represent the spring or primavera.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/aknjVpH.jpg

 

Vernal Equinox by Avila Ales

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13411836_10103320757492330_6612727150635739859_oRating: 4.25/5

Vernal Equinox by Avila Ales is a 5.51% ABV California Common.

==Introduction==
Originally brewed at the Avila Household, my friend Richard Avila wanted to create 2 beers for his son’s birthday. This one and a Pilsner. After talking it over, we took both of our brewing supplies and double brewed both the recipes that day at his parent’s place where he used to live. I figured, the more equipment, the faster we can get the brew day finished rather than doing one brew at a time. Thanks to my friend Richard, he has given me these homebrews for review.

I bring forth the California Common, a light ale made famous by Anchor Steam. It is not often brewed style but it is definitely a staple in the craft beer world. So let’s take a look at this refreshing beauty and see how it turns out. Cheers!

Aromas:
Honey, rye bread, caramel, toasted bread, mild orange preserve hints, pilsner grains, toasted cereal and cane sugar.

Flavors:
Biscuit bread, rye bread, citrus, piney hop notes, caramel, toffee hints, light cherry notes, brown sugar hints, cane sugar, toasted bread, mild orange preserve hints, butterscotch hints, vanilla hints, pilsner grains, toasted cereal and mild dark fruit hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with notes or citrusy, piney hop notes and rye bread. No alcohol in the taste, copper colored light body, crisp, clean, refreshing and smooth mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very delicious California Common and reminiscent of the Anchor Steam one, if not better. This one was brewed and fermented very well. There was no homebrew taste and as difficult as these beers are to make due to less complex flavors, my friend Richard made a fantastic brew. Delicious amounts of nice caramel essence that still remains loyal to the non-craft drinker and would appease anyone at a party. I hope my friend makes this recipe again. Awesome beer!

Anime Corner:
Fuu from Samurai Champloo was used in this pairing as I wanted to show some aspects of the Vernal Equinox which is at the point where the longest day of the year is the last time the sun stays up late into the nightly hours. The picture she is in represents a lot of those aspects. As the long days say goodnight.

Sources:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PltaZ59OY0U/maxresdefault.jpg

 

Monarch’s Imperial Stout by Avila Ales

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12672131_10103153468964880_93076147408653684_o 12593533_10103153468061690_4329677023538776097_oRating: 5/5

Monarch’s Imperial Stout by Avila Ales is a ~9% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Hawaiian Coffee.

==Introduction==

Brewed at my place, Nubis Sanctum, my friend Richard Avila of Avila Ales. A luscious imperial stout which was made back in November with rich Hawaiian Coffee and had aged for several months. Tribute for the beer comes with the addition of the Hawaiian coffee and the heritage of my friend’s wife, Megan Avila who is from Hawaii. The name originated from royalty as the Avila Ales label has a crown in the logo. The name of Monarch is in reference to King Kamehameha who ruled over the other islands. Overall, it was a well-fitting name for this Imperial Stout. Thanks to my friend Richard for sharing this brew and hope to try many more in the future. Cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted Coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark fruit currants, cherry hints, espresso notes, Kahlua coffee notes, toasted coconut and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, mocha, espresso hints, roasted coffee, marshmallows, graham crackers, dark fruit currants, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, Kahlua liquor, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie notes, hazelnut nectar, vanilla, caramel, toasted coconut, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, leather and tobacco notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with notes dark fruit, toasted coconut, fancy roasted coffee, earthy notes and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, creamy, smooth and silky mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect and well-made Imperial Stout. Like the Barleywine from before, this beer is one of my friend Richard’s best beers. It has everything I love from imperial stouts like the dark chocolate, dark fruits, vanilla caramel, coffee and more. It really hit home, especially I think due to the Hawaiian coffee influence on this brew, that it reminded me of my first imperial stout, Sangrileche. Granted, Sangrileche is oak aged, still, this beer has those notes I really liked and was a definite winner. I hope my friend makes this one again.

Anime Corner:
Queen Nemor of Dragon ball Ultimate Crossover wiki was used in this pairing as I wanted to use a Dragon Ball reference. Goku’s Kamehameha was named from the King of Hawaii. In the Dragon Ball universe, the rulers of his home planet Vegeta are the most common royalty that I know of. So to go with the theme of royalty and Kamehameha, I used Queen Nemor. While Nemor is the ruler of the previous Planent before Vegeta’s planet (Planet Plant), it was the closest I could do to royalty but also a bad ass looking female royal. While I do think Nemor is merely fictional or created for the purpose of introducing who ruled the saiyans before Planet Vegeta, this seemed to fit well in my mind.

Sources:
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ultimate-crossover/images/7/77/Queen_Ringo.png/revision/latest?cb=20140105074941
http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ultimate-crossover/images/7/7a/Nemor_Super_Saiyan.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140109071649

Rick’s Wrecka Barleywine by Avila Ales

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12642588_10103052861922200_959383025666913489_n 12650809_10103052862640760_5928505456712956685_nRating: 5/5

Rick’s Wrecka Barleywine by Avila Ales is a ~10% ABV English Barley Wine

==Introduction==

My friend Richard Avila created this beer back in May 2015 and let it aged for 6 months in a secondary fermentation vessel. I helped my friend that day to create my beer which was the Honey Bee Waggling Hop Bats Belgian IPA and this awesome Barleywine. Quite the task and an awesome Homebrew day in the hot summer in may it was. Fast forward several months into the holidays and we now have what I agree with my friend, his best beer yet. This awesome brew really blew me away and it definitely was all the worth the wait. Today I bring to the website, courtesy of my friend Richard, an awesome Barleywine! Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit plum, prunes, raisins, cherry notes, dulce de leche Caramel, vanilla, toffee, sweetened condensed milk, biscuit bread with orange and peach preserves, Stone fruit peach hints, brown sugar, hazelnut nectar, figgy pudding and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, sugar plum, dark cherries, raspberry notes, grape notes, port wine hints, Stone fruit peach hints, dulce de leche Caramel, vanilla, toffee, sweetened condensed milk, Toasted biscuit bread with orange and peach preserves, honey, waffle cone, marshmallows, earthy and citrus hop notes, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, hazelnut nectar, figgy pudding and flan hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with flavors of caramel, dark fruit, port wine hint, earthy notes, waffle cone, honey, vanilla and fig pudding. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Crimson light to medium body, silky, smooth and creamy mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability which for a 10% is pretty dangerous but it really is a well drunk beer.

Overall:
A perfect example and well made English Barleywine. From the different types of Barleywines I have had in the past, this reminded me of some of the better ones. This is really why I enjoyed this one. There is much malty complex goodness with a balance of mild hoppy citrus to balance things out. To date, I think this really is my friend Richard’s best brew and hope it makes an awesome return!

Anime Corner:
Rick Hunter, Dr. Jean Grant and the other characters from the Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles were used in this pairing to go along with the name of the brew. In the series, Rick would use his transforming Veritech mecha to battle. Its destructive force on enemies was massive. You can almost say this Barleywine is synonymous to the destructive force of the Veritech. It’s a wrecking machine!

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c8/ee/05/c8ee05a0da16f663e6f74ded120cddd0.jpg

Sunrise Prayer Saison by Avila Ales

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11986349_10102810040253770_889842834449884178_nRating: 4.65/5

Sunrise Prayer Saison by Avila Ales is a 6% ABV American Farmhouse Ale/Saison.

==Introduction==
Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. For the second batch, my friend Richard Avila brewed a saison. Thanks to his donation, now we can take a look at a different perspective of a different style using the same Monkish wort but made as a saison. Cheers.

Aromas:
Bubblegum, Bananas, waffle cone, honey comb Biscuit bread, vanilla, Belgian Candy sugar, oranges, citrus, lemon peel, tangerine gummy hints, clove spice, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, honey dew melon, cantaloupe, mango hints and Danish cream hints.

Flavors:
Bananas, Clove spice, Belgian bread, lemon peel, farmhouse hay, bubble gum, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, honey dew melon, cantaloupe, mango hints, white grapes, peppercorn, wafflecone, honeycomb, coriander spice, Belgian Candy sugar, oranges, citrus, lemon peel, tangerine gummy hints, vanilla and Danish cream hints.

Aftertaste:
Stone fruits, banana, coriander, clove spice, tropical hints and Belgian candy in the aftertaste.
No alcohol in the taste, clear gold straw body, smooth, crisp, refreshing and sweet mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Very awesome saison definitely close to the awesomeness of the French speaking Belgian inspired farm house ale. This beer was better than the pale ale. I am not sure if it is the original wort or the fact that part was made in a Belgian inspired brewery but the style is very delicious and reminiscent of the Saison. Great job to my friend even if the wort seemed a little off due to the way it may have been made but he managed to make it a very delicious Belgian saison. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Saber from Fate Stay Night was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair a character that has similar attire to a nun to pair with the Abbey style but also the name of the beer. In this setting, Saber prays as the sunrises in the background. The golden color of the beer pairs with the sun rays and her hair but also the flavors and the style pair with the great effort of Belgian Monasteries that brew beer in the name of the lord. Lots of work and dedication to the craft.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/390216-3342×2970-fate+%28series%29-fatestay+night-type-moon-saber-takeuchi+takashi-long+hair.jpg

Tropical Day Dream Pale Ale by Avila Ales

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11952859_10102810038562160_4813084693664417412_oRating: 4.25/5

Tropical Day Dream Pale Ale by Avila Ales is a 5% ABV American Pale Ale brewed with Citra Hops

==Introduction==
Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. My friend Richard Avila and I went to Monkish on that day to buy 10 gallons of wort each. This is the first custom batch he made using citra hops. Thanks to my friend Richard for sharing this one with me and as a tribute, I was able to bring this beer over to the website.

Aromas:
Grapefruit, lemon juice, lemon peel, passion fruit, tart apples, Stone fruit hints like peach, tropical fruit like mango, peppercorn and green tea.

Flavors:
Lots of grapefruit, citrus, lemon peel, rich passion fruit, guava, prickly pear, grassy hops, floral hops, mango, peppercorn, honey dew melon, tart apples, stone fruit peach hints, green tea, herbal notes, grape hints, papaya, pineapple and biscuit bread.

Aftertaste:
Leaving a dry finish in the taste with some residual tropical fruit notes. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy yellow medium body, crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good pale ale. While there maybe some off flavoring due to the original wort being from Monkish, I think the control in the brewing and addition of my friend’s own ingredients to the beer made it a great style. Definitely rich in the tropical aspects including the rich grapefruit and tropical fruit. The only off flavors maybe the bit of lemony tartness or the green tea or tart apple hints but overall making it a pretty wonderful experience overall for being a pale ale. It definitely surpasses the first Pale Ale I made. I think my friend definitely has a great amount of experience to get next batch the way he likes as he will have more control of the wort.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by Yuuza of DeviantArt was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair the flavors of the beer with the name. The colors representing the vast majority of tropical fruit goodness but alse the aspect of day dreaming which the mind uses to create figments of the imagination. This beer is like a dream in the sense that it tastes so rich and juicy like tropical fruits even for such a low ABV. Even in the artwork, you can see how the day dreams come to life as they are created upon the stroke of the pain brush the mind wields.

Sources:
http://orig12.deviantart.net/be4b/f/2014/023/e/1/painting_the_world_by_yuuza-d64n3cv.jpg

Honey Bee Waggling Hop Bats by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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10506912_10102665616754620_3689677893754158767_oRating: 5/5

Honey Bee Waggling Hop Bats by Nubis Sanctum Ales is an 11% ABV Belgian Trippel India Pale Ale (IPA) brewed with Arizona Wild Flower Honey. Brewed at the Avila Ales Household.

==Introduction==
11194414_10102545803476390_6429837772055191828_o
Project #7 was my take on the famous hoppy Belgian Tripel IPA, La Chouffe Houblon Dobblen IPA tripple but my take was using a variety of other ingredients such as Columbus and Amarillo hops and using Arizona Wild Flower Honey. Yes, the ABV does have a story to tell as my original gravity was supposed to keep things near the 9ish% ABV but instead went to the 11% ABV range. Literally a Triple IPA that is also a Belgian Tripple. What a Trip? Especially considering the name. Waggling and Dancing, don’t fall and “trip”now! Cheers!

This brew was born on National Homebrew Day when I brewed with my friend Richard Stan Avila of Avila Ales, one of my great friends and fellow homebrewer. A great brew in a somewhat of a collaboration as great beers are made with great friends.

Aromas:
Phenolic notes, Belgian candy sugar, Citrus, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, grassy, floral, piney hop notes, bubble gum hints, honey dew melon, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, strawberries, raspberry hints, kiwi hints, marzipan bready notes, rich honey, bananas, brown sugar and clove spices.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, clove spices, Citrus, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, grassy, piney hop notes, honey, dulce de leche caramel, phenolic notes, vanilla, Belgian Candy sugar, dark fruit plums, grapes, peppercorn, tangerine candy, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, strawberries, raspberry hints, kiwi hints, marzipan bready notes, dragon fruit hints, passion fruit, rye bread, plantains, pineapple hints, lemon hints, bubble gum, flan and sweetened condensed milk hints.

Aftertaste:
Lots of sweet caramel, tropical fruit hints, Belgian candy sugar, bananas
Slight booziness in the taste which is covered by honey and malt as it warms up, Golden Honey Amber, light to medium body, smooth crisp, syrup and creamy mouthfeel and a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
I’m well damn impressed. The fact is, I did not get the carbonation right (Still learning 😦 ) But… the beer itself was well damn amazing. The beer has lots of great flavors reminding me of the La Chouffee Dobblen IPA Tripel but taking it a step further into like a Honey and Barleywinesque territory. The fact that I used Amarillo hops most likely makes the difference in the enhanced excotic fruitiness but either way, this beer is ridiculously delicious and is something I would love to make again.

Anime Corner:
Morrigan Aensland and Q-Bee from Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior were used in this pairing because I wanted to show how the fusion of the honey and hops combine by doing a dance mainly done by bees called waggling. Do bats do the “waggle” too? Maybe, maybe not but both bees and bats are in your face enemies in some 2-D platform games that become annoying. The fact that I found this pic thought was a major tribute to some of my favorite characters to the Darkstalker series but also one of the greatest compliments to the Belgian IPA as Morrigan represents the dark fruits and hoppy goodness while combining with the floral rich honey and sweetened condensed milk and citrus provided by Q-Bee all fusing in a beer that is probably way better than the original Dobblen Trippel IPA from La Chouffe. Although I can only hope.

Sources:
http://images2.alphacoders.com/199/19960.jpg

Smashing Pumpkin Ale by Avila Ales

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10926265_10102323269386490_4691924029885868015_oRating: 4.65/5

Smashing Pumpkin Ale by Avila Ales is a 5.5% ABV Pumpkin Ale brewed with Pumpkin Flesh and Cinnamon Sticks.

==Introduction==

It is way past fall and well, were are still technically in winter but even then, when it comes to home brew, any style is great on any time of the year. My friends Richard and Megan Avila allowed me the opportunity not only to get to bring this beer to the site but also get involved in what was their first All Grain Brew process. I was glad I was able to have a very small part in the creation of this nice all grain pumpkin beer. This has inspired me to finally step up to the plate and start brewing my own beers. I will soon have a first batch to present but for the meantime, let us check this amazing fall beer. By the way home brewers, while my friend did get the original recipe from Northern Brewing, his addition of ingredients slightly tweaks the recipe so this review may help as to what to expect if you brew it similarly. Cheers!
(http://www.northernbrewer.com/…/smashing-pumpkin-ale-all-gr…)

Aromas:
Cinnamon, pumpkin, vanilla, honey, biscuit bread, sugar, citrus, ginger hints, pecans, caramel, maple and clove spice.

Flavors:
Pumpkin Flesh, Piloncillo, cinnamon, milk sugar, vanilla, honey, citrus hints, toffee, maple hints, clove spice, banana hints, peanut butter hints, sweet potato, caramel, biscuit bread, hazelnut, pecan pie, earthy hop notes, ginger bread and nutmeg.

Aftertaste:
Pumpkin flesh, cinnamon,earthy hop notes, ginger bread and honey. No alcohol in the taste, honey brown light to medium body, light creamy and crisp mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good pumpkin beer. When I first tried it at a colder temperature, you can definitely a small amount of bitterness while still tasting the pumpkin flesh and cinnamon complexity. However, once it got warmer, that is when the magic happened. The more complex flavors really started to shine and was way more enjoyable that way. Definitely a great beer to homebrew.

Anime Corner:
Lucy Heartfilia from Fairy Tale was used in this pairing mainly to pair with the pumpkin, fall and Halloween aspects that are brought from these pumpkin beers which is the obvious. While I didn’t show the smashing of pumpkins, the word smashing in English context can also be seen similar to the work awesome or excellent. If the name of the beer was smashing pumpkins, well, we can say that the smashing pumpkin is the one next to Lucy and Lucy has some smashing pumpkins. I leave you to figure that out.

Sources: http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/…/i…/4/45/LucyYummyFanart.png

Holiday Belgian Strong Brown Ale by Avila Ales

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10615512_10102208548642780_528146605221522982_nRating: 5/5

Holiday Belgian Strong Brown Ale by Avila Ales is a ??% ABV Belgian Strong Brown Ale brewed with Oak chips, Cinnamon Sticks, allspice and Star Anise.

==Introduction==
My friends Richard and Megan Avila have been busy brewing some very awesome magic potions. In September, they visited King Harbor brewing in Redondo Beach which were able to donate their equipment for my friend Richard to create a 5 gallon bucket of just Brown Ale wort. While there were many there, many would take their buckets home and customize their own recipe even further. Richard and Meg decided to go with a Belgian yeast strain for this brew. As the weeks passed, they added oak chips, cinnamon sticks, all spice and star anise to fermenting bucket which then after close to 2 months, this Belgian goodie was born. They were awesomely kind to donate some of their beer to me to do a review. One thing to note, while there may have not been a last gravity check to verify the alcohol by volume, this beer was definitely strong, complex and yet, smooth and easy to drink. A conundrum yet a masterpiece of a Holiday Ale for sure. One day, they plan to open their own business to get these awesome creations rolling and hopefully, with my reviews here, you may be enticed to try them. Cheers.

Aromas:
Mint chocolate, anise, bananas, clove spice, molasses, vanilla, oak, campfire hints, rock candy, brown sugar, coffee hints, dark fruit raisins, cherry hints, milk sugar, candi sugar, flan hints, cinnamon, ginger spice, all spice fruit cake and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Banana, clove spice, anise, molasses, Dark fruit raisins, mild prune notes, cherries currants, oatmeal cookies, coffee hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, oak, marshmallow smore hints, hints of maple, piloncillo hints, milk sugar, toasted coconut hint, biscuit bread, mint chocolate chip, honey, nutmeg, fruit cake notes, pecan pie notes, cinnamon, ginger spice, all spice, vanilla, caramel, rock candy, candi sugar, brown sugar and some flan hints.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, oatmeal cookies, anise, banana hints, clove spice, dark fruit and earthy notes linger. No alcohol in the taste, drinks way too easy yet you can tell this is strong, Pitch black brown body and a creamy.

Overall:
A perfect holiday ale ranging from a lot of sweet complex flavors with the oak bittering out the sweetness. This is a “drink and sit by the fire place” beer. My friends really nailed this one for sure. The complexity and sweetness is reminiscent of some of the best Belgian beers out there. The addition of the oak, cinnamon, allspice and Anise gives it an additional level of depth that quite possibly is what is responsible for making this one smooth as well although I can only assume at this point. I hope they brew this one again as it was the best beer yet!

Anime Corner:
Akemi Homura in Akuma form from Madoka Magica was used in this pairing because I wanted to show case several aspects about this beer including ingredients, flavors, strength and complexity. The abbey like monastery used as the background in this pairing goes well with the style of the beer and the brown colors making this a Belgian brown. The fact that she looks sweet and innocent goes with the smoothness and rich complexity of the beer. The fact that she is in Akuma form or Demon form represents the unknown aspect of the ABV. The fact that drinks super well but it is dangerous since you do feel it after just a little goes to show how truly powerful this beer is. Also, the colors represent the beers flavors and to some extent the added ingredients which gave this beer perfection.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/eY0bhFA.png

Citrus Blossom Honey Blonde by Avila Ales

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10485948_10102129191036060_803557335149010758_oRating: 4.8/5

Citrus Blossom Honey Blonde by Avila Ales is a 5% ABV Blonde Ale brewed with Citrus Blossom Honey and Fresh Garden Lemons.

Another awesome creation from my friends, Mr. Richard and Mrs. Megan Avila of Lawndale California. This is the 3rd home brew and so far one of the most enjoyable. I had the opportunity to try it and was given a growler fill to be able to bring back home for the review. This beer really hit home for the summer especially since it still hot out even though it is the fall. California, go figure right? Anyway, I was really take a step back as to how drinkable this was very flavorful that I had to take some time to analyze this one and share it with the world. So here it is, the Citrus Blossom Honey Blonde Ale, Cheers!

Aromas:
Oranges, Rich honey, vanilla, floral and pine hops, caramel, grape hints, lemon candy, lemon peel, biscuit bread, hints of caramel and chamomile.

Flavors:
Citrus, honey, flowers, lemon peel, floral and piney hops, lemon candy, honey drops, vanilla hints, caramel, grapes, dulce de leche caramel hints, chamomile hints, biscuit bread, guava hints and hints of butterscotch.

Aftertaste:
Some floral hops, citrus, lemon peel, biscuit bread and honey lingers. No alcohol in the taste, very easy to drink, smooth and velvety mouthfeel, full hazy body, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
Very damn good. Like a rich honey dessert made with oranges. The best part of this flavorful beer is that it is very smooth. Way smooth like drinking honey and lemonade on a very hot summer day. I think it is my friends’ best beer yet and I hope they definitely brew it again.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by Ozon was chosen in this pairing since I wanted to pair the color and the flavors of the beer showcasing the flowers as orange blossoms and honey. The look of summer and the refreshing aspect of the beer can be seen in the bright colors of this one.

Sources:
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/wakusoku/imgs/e/9/e927d5a8.jpg

Smore’s Chocolate Ale by Avila Ales

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10423277_10101997008969980_4500423067913299149_nRating: 4.75/5

Smore’s Chocolate Ale by Avila Ales is a 6.5% ABV American Brown Ale brewed with Cocoa Nibs.

This special recipe was brewed by my friends, Mr. Richard & Mrs. Megan Avila of Lawndale California. It was their very first brew which yielded 5 gallons. A lot of careful preparation was made to get the beer just the way they wanted it and I was honored to be the first one to do a review for them. Home brewing is a very special skill that takes time and practice like all other arts. I plan to make my own home brew soon but it is always a pleasure to review and share some of my friends creations. The lost treasure of taste and experience may not have to be so lost if you can find that your treasure is what you make it to be. Cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted coffee hints, caramel, dark chocolate, smokey notes, anise, peanut butter cup hints, clove spice, and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker notes, molasses, smokey notes and coffee. The flavors becomes stronger as the beer warms up giving ways to more milk chocolate than earthy bitterness as well as notes of bananas, clove spice hints, vanilla, pecans, caramel, brown sugar, peanut butter, mocha coffee notes, cocoa krispies and fudge cake hint.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate and milk chocolate lingers as it warms up along with subtle earthy and coffee notes notes. No alcohol in the taste, dark brown full body, easy to drink with a creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good first batch of beer. I really dig how well made it is. The cocoa nibs really compliment the other ingredients bringing forth some nice sugary and spicy flavors that typically go with when people think of smores. At the 6.5% ABV, there is a good amount of complexity and it goes to show you don’t always have to have a high ABV beer to still show some good complex flavors. While in the beginning you taste some roastiness to give it some bitterness, it is best to drink as it warms ups because that’s where you will really get the more sweeter flavors. Hope to have this dessert again the future and Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Avila for sharing this awesome beer with me.

Anime Corner:
Riza Hawkeye and Winry Rockbell from Full Metal Alchemist were used in this pairing because I wanted to capture not only the chocolate and smore characteristics of a beer as represented by the chocolate cake but also the team effort in working hard to make something very delicious. Brewing is like cooking and when you know how to cook right, brewing such delicious beers is like making a delicious cake. This may have been my friend’s first beer but to get a nice level of complexity right off the bat was pretty damn amazing. Also the colors of the label do compliment some of the background and characters.

Sources:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/AoiSora/hagaren_misc/clear-card-valentines-day.jpg