2017 Deliverance by The Lost Abbey

February 25, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Angel Share, Barleywine, Beer Hybrid, Bois Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Aged Serpent stout, brandy, Brandy Barrel Aged, Brandy Barrels, cuvee, Deliverance, Garterbelt, Imperial Stout, Panty & Stocking, Panty Anarchy, Panty and Stocking, PSG, Scanty, Scanty and Kneesocks, Scanty Daemon, Serpent Stout, Serpent's Stout, The Lost Abbey, The Lost Abbey Deliverance | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

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2017 Deliverance by The Lost Abbey is a 12.5% Angel Share (Brandy Barrel aged Barleywine) and BBA Serpent Stout (Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout) hybrid/cuvee.

Label:
Whether you’re a “Lead us not into Temptation.” or a “Deliver us from Evil” son of person matter not. The end of the world is no longer near. It’s Frigging upon us! Apocalypse. Doomsday and Armageddon have all converged on earth rendering it one gigantic volcanic lake of pestilence. Free will caught the bus out of town and Salvation can only be found in the outstretched hands of His Redeeming Angel’s. It’s sad but true. Our lots were cast long ago and Judgment has arrived. There is nothing we can do to improve our standings. They don’t offer cuts in the Line of Heaven. So stop trying to “Love thy neighbor” and join us as we kick back waiting for our souls to be fetched. In honor of civilization’s end, we put together your own personal Deliverance in a bottle. It won’t save you from Satan’s grasp. But sin tastes good. So, bottom’s up. Or is it down?

==Introduction==

Another favorite of mine. Possibly even more than the Serpent’s Stout, the Deliverance Ale. A brew I once travelled over several hours on several busses to and forth to a store that had this beer. This was my first experience with a “Double Barrel” or “Double Spirit aged” beer blend. A blend of a stout and barley wine. It was also hard to find way back then and was one of the beers responsible for my passion of collecting beer artwork along with the other Lost Abbey beers. So when they updated the label and brought it back to the marketplace, I had to bring it to the site. A pricey little bottle but in my opinion, worth all the pennies. So let’s go and embrace the amalgamation of the liquid consciencecial turmoil, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, currants, prunes, plums, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, flan, vanilla, Bourbon, Brandy, oak, Chocolate Ice cream, Cadbury cream eggs, port wine, notes, sweetened condensed milk, dark candi sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, banana sundae, Danish cream, Irish cream, capirotada raisin bread pudding, mocha and coffee notes.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, flan, vanilla, Bourbon, Brandy, oak, toasted coconut, chocolate mint ice cream, tobacco, molasses, leather, anise, rocky road ice cream, Cadbury cream eggs, port wine, notes, sweetened condensed milk, dark candi sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, banana sundae, Danish cream, Irish cream, capirotada raisin bread pudding, dark fruit raisins, figs, currants, prunes, plums, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, marshmallow chocolate smores, waffle cone, rye bread, toffee, roasted coffee, mocha, espresso, Kahlua coffee liqueur, brown sugar, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Chambord raspberry liqueur and red wine notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with toasted coconut, oak, chocolate, hazelnut, brandy, bourbon, dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, banana, dark candi sugar hints and coffee. Despite the ABV, the alcohol is not burning but the barrel oak of the spirit is greatly displayed. Dark abyss full body, smooth, cream, velvety, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Simply because I say so, this beer I consider a bucket lister. There maybe greater beers that blend 2 spirits, a good and evil spirit, but none that had some crazy influence to me when I first started reviewing beers. This beer was damn elusive at the time. In some cases, it still is an elusive beer. Regardless, this one still packing those great and rich bourbon and brandy complexities over dessert. Yes, the actual flavors of from the spirits are present while not giving alcohol in the flavor. Beers like these are ones I wish they made in 750ml bottles. Regardless, I highly recommend this double barrel aged brew, cheers!

Anime Corner:
Panty and Stocking Anarchy as well as Scanty and Kneesocks Daemon from Panty & Stocking w/ Garterbelt were all used in this pairing as it makes sense to use Angels versus Demons. Although this was the original ideal I had since I first reviewed this beer and one that I have expanded upon as I brought the beer to the site oh so long ago. That has not changed but I added more awesome pictures that work well with the pairings. So much love for the series and this beer.

Sources:
http://orig03.deviantart.net/e4da/f/2011/181/d/8/d8c4a943377c5d7258a73c5ea9a9eda6-d3kisoy.jpg
http://orig07.deviantart.net/eb8b/f/2011/134/3/2/panty_vs_scanty_by_lo_wah-d3gcxis.jpg
https://images.ttcdn.co/media/products/508428-5cc0a8ab0fdc4de8994c672cd8746854/s/tmilhouse/panty-and-stocking-0.jpeg
http://static2.fjcdn.com/comments/5072993+_3d8fb7e9b4b9a639485ec6ea921d06ad.png

2017 Mash & French Toast by The Bruery

January 16, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Cinnamon, Darkstalkers, Maple Syrup, MASH, Mash & French, nutmeg, Q-Bee, The Bruery, Vampire Savior, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2017 Mash & French Toast by The Bruery is a 13.4% ABV Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, Natural Flavors and Maple Syrup.

Label:
NO UTENSILS
We took Mash, drizzled it with more gooey barrel character and added a morning mix of spices and maple notes.

This is our bourbon barrel-aged barley wine ale, Mash, joining forces with even stickier malt-forward forces from our barrel warehouse to create the gooey-sweet profile you’d expect from a French toast-like creation. It rouses the senses with hints of caramel and rich maple character, summoning spices and warm vanilla notes.

==Introduction==

Released to the Reserve Society in 2017 with a possible release to the public. This is a new iteration for the Mash series. There have been many variations recently ranging from coffee, vanilla, coconut and now French Toast. The last time I can remember trying a French Toast like brew was when my friend Aaron Mendiola from BeerMetal.net sent me the “Brunch Money” by Armadillo Works in Texas. This one is quite unique as there aren’t many “French Toast” beers out there in general but based on the addition of ingredients in this beer, I can only tell that this is going to just like or close to French Toast as possible. Let’s take a look and see how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Cadbury Chocolate cream eggs, sweetened condensed milk, French Toast maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch, caramel, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, waffle cone, clove spice, bananas, dark fruit prunes, plums, cherry, rocky road ice cream, rum soaked raisins, toasted coconut, chocolate marshmallow smores, graham crackers, pecan pie, vanilla, oak, bourbon and flan hints.

Flavors:
Rich French Toast maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch, caramel, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, waffle cone, nutmeg, fruit cake, vanilla, oak, bourbon, rum soaked raisins, dark fruit prunes, plums, coffee cake, brown sugar, Danish cream, milk chocolate truffles, toasted coconut, marshmallow, chocolate smores, graham crackers, pecan pie, Cadbury Chocolate cream eggs, sweetened condensed milk, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rocky road ice cream hints, French vanilla, crème brulee, anise, molasses, macadamia nuts, hazelnut, flan, almonds, bananas and clove spice.

Aftertaste:
Finishes and long lingers with rich French toast, maple syrup, toasted coconut, oak, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, dark fruits and chocolate. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Dark Crimson honey medium body, smooth, creamy, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Ridiculous! This is damn exceptional! A bit boozy but will sure as hell age like a beast. Even now, I could tell, this is literally, freaking French Toast in liquid form. Granted, time will mellow out the slight alcohol from the flavor but to be honest it does not bother nor detract from the amazing flavors this already has. Yes, it is a brand new batch of barleywine right off the barrel but even so I can see how this will age awesomely. Their Mash series is definitely an amazing series and I hope to see more in the future. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Q-Bee from Darkstalkers was chosen even though the beer is made with maple and not honey. The reason I went with this because just like honey, maple syrup is just as sticky and added to breakfast items like French Toast or waffles was similarly sweet. Even the design of the label was closer to a honey comb. This and the fact that Q-Bee’s weapons are utensils, I think it worked out nicely. Bees are attracted to sweet maple syrup too!

Sources:
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn246/rise15/DarkStalkers-QueenBee01.jpg
http://i4.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2015/12/14/13/05/51/54036163_p0.jpg
http://static.wixstatic.com/media/4608b1_3287cd81593047be9f0d235008414f14.jpg_srz_1573_880_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz
http://orig06.deviantart.net/2282/f/2015/044/c/8/qbee_keyshot_mainshot_by_llazar-d8hw9w3.jpg

Mélange 10 (Mélange X) by The Bruery

December 13, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Backstreet Billiards, Barleywine, Beer Hybrid, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chiles, Cinnamon, May, Mélange 10, Mélange X, Mexican Chocolate, mole, Old Ale, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Mélange 10 (Mélange X) by The Bruery is a 15% ABV Old Ale and Barleywine Hybrid brewed with Chiles, Mexican Chocolate & Cinnamon and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
60% Bourbon barrel aged Anniversary ale and
40% Bourbon barrel aged barleywine with chilies, chocolate, and cinnamon.

A Hoarders Society competition yielded this south of the border blend of Bourbon barrel aged Anniversary and Barrel Aged Old Richland with Ancho chiles and Mexican-style chocolate.

Mélange #10 was designed by Hoarders Society members for Hoarders Society members. This barrel aged specialty is best enjoyed fresh, but may develop pleasantly if cellared properly.
==Introduction==

Released originally for the Hoarders society and then in 2016, released to Reserve society members. I had actually missed out on this one due to that reason. It does seem that a good amount of Hoarder exclusive beers have started to become available to the lower tiers as the years go in. In fact, it is getting to the point where some of the old releases will see public releases in the future. This release is definitely different as they are not using part of a stout but an old ale and barleywine. So the use of the Mexican chocolate, chilies and cinnamon will definitely make for one very unique brew. Let’s just see if it is worthy of the praise, cheers!

Aromas:
Ginger bread, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, figs, cherries, currants, stone fruit peaches, apricots, chocolate abuelita, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cinnamon, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, flan, bananas, clove spice, marshmallows, Molé spices, coconut hints, coffee cake, tobacco hints, vanilla, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, and molasses.

Flavors:
Rich chocolate abuelita, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cinnamon, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, flan, pecan pie, stone fruit peach cobbler, brown sugar, nutmeg, ginger bread, pan dulce, capirotada raisin bread pudding, ancho chile, guajillo chile, all spice, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, figs, cherries, currants, stone fruit peaches, apricots, sweet yams, pecan pie, anise, molasses, bananas, clove spice, marshmallows, Molé spices, coconut hints, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toffee, chai spice, tobacco hints, coffee cake, biscuit bread, nougat caramel, Mexican fudge cake and coconut.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich with chocolate abuelita flavors, cinnamon, ginger spice, vanilla, caramel, chile hints and coffee hints. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Dark full body, smooth, creamy, chewy and velvety mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptionally decadent brew. Not too heat wise spicy, but spicy none the less. Semi Sweet with the chocolate but because it is an old ale and barleywine blend, the complex flavors are different than any other Mexican Chocolate or Molé beer. The fact is, the different level of spices really comes out more but at the same time, it is still balanced. Definitely find this one if you can, cheers!

Anime Corner:
May from Backstreet Billiards was chosen for this pairing to go with the colors, the flavors, the ingredients and the theme of the beer. Essentially, a Molé and Mexican hot chocolate beer. Since she is a favorite character of mines for many years, I tend to bring her back with beers that correlate with Mexican heritage as she complements these beers well. Especially for a Mélange series brew, Ahuevo!

Sources:
http://s27.postimg.org/ht9xex4cj/bsb_copy.jpg

N10 Anniversary by Ninkasi brewing

October 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Imperial Stout, American Strong Ale, Ami Mizuno, Amy Mizuno, Barleywine, Critical Hit, cuvee, Imperial Maiden the Shade, Imperial Stout, Imperial Total Domination, india pale ale, IPA, Lita Makoto Kito, makoto, Mina Aino, Minako Aino, N10 Anniversary, Ninkasi, Ninkasi Brewing, Raye Hino, Rei Hino, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor moon, Sailor Venus, Serena, Serina Usagi Tsukino | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.25/7

N10 Anniversary by Ninkasi brewing is a 10% ABV American Strong Barrel Aged Hybrid Cuvee / Blend Ale.

Label:
Please See Image Below

==Introduction==

It has been quite some time since I tried a Ninkasi brew. When I first heard that they wanted to release a beer that was essentially a Cuvee of other beers in their profile, I was all for it. I figure this would be a great opportunity to see how it compares to other great Cuvees like Firestone Walker’s Anniversary ales. Essentially, they do the same process, blending different beers to create a special hybrid of a brew that can exceed expectations. This one uses 2 IPAs 2 Stouts and a Barleywine. Almost reminds me of some of the Bruery Melange beers too. So for me, that is awesome enough to bring it to the website. Let’s take a look at this monstrosity of a beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit currants, raisins, prunes, blackberries, raspberries, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, bourbon, oak, vanilla, caramel, smokey campfire, marshmallow smores, chocolate mousse, bananas, clove spice, almonds, rocky road ice cream honey, rye bread, leather, tobacco, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, strawberries, kiwis, papaya hints, guava, anise and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, bourbon, oak, vanilla, caramel, smokey campfire, marshmallow smores, chocolate mousse, cookies and cream, oatmeal cookies, citrus, grapefruit, herbal, super dank piney, grassy and earthy hops, dark fruit currants, raisins, prunes, blackberries, raspberries, mild toasted coconut, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, strawberries, kiwis, papaya hints, guava, anise, molasses, rock candy, candy sugar, Stone fruit apricot, peaches, plums, red velvet cake, chocolate oranges, coffee cake, Irish cream, port wine, bananas, clove spice, almonds, rocky road ice cream honey, rye bread, leather and tobacco.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of hoppy and malt forward flavors such as chocolate, caramel, earthy, citrus, dank grassy hops, dark fruit, tropical fruit, stone fruit, bourbon, marshmallows. Grapefruits, caramel and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Dark full body, creamy, silky crisp, refreshing and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Above exceptional! Granted, I do love certain versions of the FW beers, this one deserves to be up there as well. There was so much complexity in this one where you know it has stout and IPA characters blend so well. Some aspects remind me of the Jewbelation brews from Schmaltz brewing which uses several different types of malts and hops. It seems some American Strong beers do use that method but the blending of different beers is altogether very different and if you love American Strong ales, you will find the difference in this one. It’s awesome! I highly recommend it.

Anime Corner:
The 5 Sailor Scouts, Serena/Usagi Tsukino, Amy/Ami Mizuno, Raye/Rei Hino, Lita/Makoto Kito, Mina/Minako Aino from Sailor Moon were used in this pairing to go with the different colors of the ingredients, flavors holographic labels and the 5 beers that were used to blend this brew. Rei is the Stout, Mina is the Barrel Aged stout, Lita the Total Domination IPA, Amy the Maiden the Shade and Serena the Critical Hit. All the colors and complexity were what I was going for when I decided to go with team Sailor Moon.

Sources:
http://i.imgbox.com/FKN2Dzst.jpg
http://i99.beon.ru/static.zerochan.net/Bishoujo.Senshi.Sailor.Moon.full.1746357.jpg

Mélange 15 by The Bruery

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, Barleywine, Black Tuesday, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Claire Farron, cuvee, FFXIII, Final Fantasy XIII, Imperial Stout, Lactose, Lightning, MASH, Mélange 15, Melange, pecan pie, The Bruery, vanilla beans, walnuts | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Mélange 15 by The Bruery is is a 14.8% ABV American Strong Ale Cuvee blend of an Imperial Stout (Black Tuesday) Barleywine (Mash) and old ale (Anniversary Ale) brewed with lactose, vanilla beans, cacao nibs, walnuts and aged in Bourbon barrels.

Label:
Nuts & BBLS

We play with nuts and BBLs in this winning blend of barrel-aged beers. Designed to mimic the flavors of rocky road, this mélange took top place in our 2016 staff blending competition.

Our Mélange series is a playground for exploring flavors that cannot be achieved outside of the art of the blend or by any one beer. We had a particularly good time playing with nuts and BBLs in this winning blend of barrel-aged beers from our 2016 staff blending competition. Fueled by cheeseburgers and inspired by rocky road, we folded walnuts, cacao nibs from TCHO and vanilla into rich, bourbon barrel-aged barleywine and old ale to mimic the flavors of the rich, nutty dessert. Lactose was added to impart a marshmallow character and an extra creamy mouthfeel. We’re pretty nuts about it, and we think you will be too.

==Introduction==

Released to the public and all societies, this the first time since Mélange 3, that a Mélange series beer is released outside of the societies. What an awesome release at that. Knowing the Mélange series pretty well, they are some of the best beers the Bruery has ever released. With this one being liquid Rocky Road Ice Cream in a bottle, I can only say that this is going to be gold. How can I say that without trying it? Well, my track record for reviewing these Mélange beers has shown that they keep pushing the bar with every release and I can only push so far up the bucket list. Yes, indeed, even before I review this one, I can safely say, it is going to be a bucket lister. The best part, now the public can get their hands on as many bottles as they can. Let’s delve into this shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Chocolate Milk Shake, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, rich rocky road ice cream, rich walnuts, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, nutter butter cookies, rich nutella spread on toasted rye bread, prailine ice cream, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, currants, blackberries, figs, plums, mocha, coffee, Khalua liqueur, almond liquer, Chambord raspberry liqueur, bananas, clove spice, cookie dough ice cream, Tres Leches/3 Milks cream, sweetened condensed milk, Danish cream, flan, and crème brulee

Flavors:
Super rich rocky road ice cream, rich walnuts, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, nutter butter cookies, rich nutella spread on toasted rye bread, prailine ice cream, mocha, coffee, Khalua liqueur, almond liquer, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Chocolate Milk Shake, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, cotton candy, almond joy ice cream, salted caramel, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, currants, blackberries, figs, plums, Tres Leches/3 Milks cream, sweetened condensed milk, Danish cream, flan, crème brulee, molasses, anise, grilled bananas, clove spice, cookie dough ice cream, rocky road cheesecake and Chambord raspberry liqueur.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Rich chococaramellow nuts and Nutella remain, walnuts, dark chocolate, marshmallows, dark fruits, Danish cream, flan, bananas, clove spice, smores and sweetened condensed milk over rocky road ice cream. No alcohol in the taste despite the high ABV. Dark Crimson medium to full body, smooth, creamy, chewy, syrupy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Definitely without question, this is a major bucket lister. Since Mélange 12, I have not seen any other one top it and I honestly thing this one definitely tops that one even though the 12th was my favorite followed by the 3rd. This one just speak volumes and volumes. Like pieces of the best Black Tuesday variants like Chocolate Rain and Grey Monday are here. If you have a self-indulgence, guilty pleasure or a problem when it comes to something like Nutella or Rocky Road Ice Cream, this beer may be your devil’s water. But you know, you really have to take it all in sometimes and enjoy yourself once and awhile. Go get this bottle barrel aged and dessert beer lovers. Do it before it is gone!! You will not regret it!!!

Anime Corner:
Claire “Lightning” Farron from Final Fantasy XIII was used in this pairing to mainly go with the rich flavors of the beer although some of her colors do match with the colors of the beer. It has been a long time coming and I wanted to use Lightning in a Bruery beer but deciding which one was definitely the challenge. I wanted to choose a special occasion for a worthy beer pairing and now that I have seen what this is capable of, I set my eyes on her for this beer. A bad ass beer definitely deserves a bad ass character and art pairing.

Sources:
https://cdn.luscious.net/images/slywalker_96/457/lusciousnet_lusciousnet_1437152598845_1294766462.jpg
http://i99.beon.ru/s017.radikal.ru/i437/1507/fe/5fb4ecd4d9d3.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJ3_R8dUsAARpT1.jpg:large

2016 Mash & Vanilla by The Bruery

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Alia, Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Capcom, MASH, Mash & Vanilla, Megaman X, The Bruery, vanilla, vanilla beans, VANILLOAK | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Mash & Vanilla by The Bruery is a 13.3% ABV Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Beans.

Label:
VANILLOAK

We took our classic release, already oaky, sticky and sweet from extensive bourbon barrel-aging, and amplified that barrel character with the addition of vanilla.

This is our classic bourbon barrel-aged barleywine – kicked up a notch. We took Mash, already oaky, sticky and sweet, and amplified its barrel character with the addition of fresh vanilla beans. This vanilla prominence is complemented by the woody bourbon flavors and coconut notes that are imparted to the beer as part of its extensive maturation in oak bourbon barrels.

==Introduction==

Released to the public, this beer uses their base Barleywine in bourbon barrels which I have tried different variants of. So far, the best one of the variants was the Mash and Coconut. The other one, Mash and Coffee was awesome too. This time around, we have the vanilla version. Vanilla beers in general are awesome! In fact, when making strong vanilla beers, they typically have flavors of all sorts of sweets like sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee or flan. Essentially, when I think of the Bruery making beers with vanilla, like the White Chocolate, you know it’s gonna be awesome. Let’s see how this is.

Aromas:
Dark fruit figs, prunes, raisins, marshmallows smores, bourbon, oak, fruit cake, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, vanilla, flan, sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, Jericalla Mexican custard, banana cream pie, grilled bananas, clove spice, toffee, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rye bread, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, plantains, almond joy notes, oatmeal cookies, stone fruit plums, peach hints, brownies and cookie dough ice cream.

Flavors:
Rich Vanilla, Flan, sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, Jericalla Mexican custard, banana cream pie, grilled bananas, clove spice, toffee, dark fruit figs, prunes, raisins, marshmallows smores, bourbon, oak, fruit cake, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, macadamia nuts, hazelnut nectar, maple notes, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rye bread, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, plantains, almond joy notes, oatmeal cookies, stone fruit plums, peach hints, brownies, cookie dough ice cream, Danish cream, cheese cake, chocolate cherry cordials and chocoflan.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with smooth vanilla, Cheesecake hints, bourbon, toffee, caramel, dark fruit, oak, flan, Jericalla custard and crème brulee. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full deep brown crimson body, syrupy, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional! While I agree that I lean more towards the Mash & Coconut, this is definitely at the league or above the Mash & Coffee. So much dark fruit and flan flavors it ridiculous. This is the kind of beer that, especially since it was released to the public, you want to get several bottles of. Some to enjoy whenever and some to just cellar to see how it will do in 5, 10 or even 15 years from now. A high recommendation on this one.

Anime Corner:
Alia and Megaman X by Capcom was used in this pairing because I wanted to use her and X in a Bruery pairing and I think the colors of them fit well with beer’s label, ingredients and flavors. X would be like the original Mash and Alia by his side is the vanilla. I definitely like to go all out with the different possible pictures to pair well with the characters I choose.

Sources:
http://keichan411.deviantart.com/art/Aya-Commission-290959370
http://orig01.deviantart.net/0996/f/2007/282/b/f/bfa4cbe2d9101c4c.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d4/a3/c3/d4a3c3c667c665333f92bd364be6a530.jpg
http://img10.deviantart.net/a37a/i/2008/256/7/7/maverick_hunter_alia_by_louisblack78.jpg

2016 Colonel Kernel by The Bruery

February 26, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Colonel Kernel, corn bread, Cornwine, Legend of Zelda, maize, Sheik, The Bruery, Zelda | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

2016 Colonel Kernel by The Bruery is a 14.8% ABV Cornwine aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
BEAST OF BOURBON

Colonel Kernel is a bourbon barrel-aged barleywine-style ale with corn. Think of it as sticky caramel corn served out of a toasty bourbon barrel, but without the kernels to stick in your teeth. It’s best enjoyed while in uniform via a tulip or wine glass, unless you want an earful. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 55°F (13°C).

==Introduction==

Released to the 2015 and 2016 Reserve and Hoarders Society members, this is a brew that was made using corn. I would definitely be a skeptic about corn and beer as corn is mainly an adjunct to commercial lagers like rice. However, this is the Bruery were talking about and if they can pull off an amazing corn based brew, then I want to see it!… and try it ofcourse. With that being said, it does bring up both the sense of concern but also a sense of intrigue. How will this one do? Let’s check it out. So here it is, Colonel Kernel. Cheers!

Aromas:
Caramel Popcorn, Toffee, Butterscotch, bananas, clove spice, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, , rye bread, maple, custard, corn bread, cane sugar, bananas, almonds, pecan pie, walnuts, crème brulee and capirotada raisin bread pudding.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche Caramel, Butterscotch, toffee, bourbon, oak, vanilla, cream corn, caramelized popcorn, maize, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, almonds, pecan pie, walnuts, crème brulee, maize atole hints, capirotada raisin bread pudding, macadmia nuts, milk chocolate, oatmeal, cream of wheat, grilled bananas, clove spice, port wine, coconut hints, rocky road icecream, marshmallows, smores, hazelnut hints, rye bread, maple, custard, corn bread and cane sugar.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with caramelized popcorn notes, butterscotch, bourbon, rocky road ice cream, creamy maize atole hints, maple and dark fruits. Boozy alcohol in the taste. Dark Honey colored full body, creamy, velvety, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional brew providing a variety of complex flavors. One thing to note about this one is that it is pretty boozy. While still giving off lots of caramelized corn and sweet flavors, time will definitely do wonders for this one. Hence the lower rating. Still though, it can easily be a supreme after sometime. It proves it on its own even with the alcohol burn. I would recommend getting it for. Try one now and one to cellar to see how it fares overtime.

Anime Corner:
Sheik/Zelda from The Legend of Zelda was used in this pairing mainly for the colors of the label which also happen to be some of the colors of the ingredients and flavors like the corn, maize and the dark fruits. Mainly as corn being an elusive ingredient in craft brews mainly since it’s an adjunct, when done right, it can be an amazing ingredient to use in brews. This elusiveness is something that Sheik is. Essentially, you never knew it was actually Princess Zelda the entire time helping Link out.

Sources:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/LittleMarionette/PrincessZeldafull1153657.jpg~original
http://img12.deviantart.net/1479/i/2014/004/1/5/sheik___zelda_by_diabolumberto-d70rooo.jpg

2012 Provisions Collaboration Series: A Stein’s Throw by The Bruery and TAPS Fish House & Brewery

February 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Barleywine, Barleywine, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, Date Sugar, Dates, Granite, Hellsing, provisions, Seras Victoria, Sir Integral Wingates Hellsing, SteinBier, TAPS Fish House & Brewery, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2012 Provisions Collaboration Series: A Stein’s Throw by The Bruery and TAPS Fish House & Brewery is an 8.5% ABV Barleywine SteinBier brewed with Date Sugar & Granite.

Label:
STONE AGE

Located just 5 miles from The Bruery, TAPS is one of the country’s most awarded brew pubs. Known for their classic European beers (and delicious Sea Bass), we decided to brew something classic, yet complex by heating granite rocks to 900° F before adding them to the wort for an intense caramelization. A Stein’s throw is suitable for aging up to 2 years.

==Introduction==

It’s been more like close to 4 years since its release. I was able to snag a bottle from the Bruery through their holiday sales. I have always wanted to try this one ever since my friend Will Carranza tried it at the Bruery when he went there a couple years ago. At the time, I was not aware of the different awesome beers from them except the exclusive ones. So when I saw this rarity pop up, I had to bring it to the site. Especially since I have not had this style and the method they used with granite rocks is crazy! I would think at those high temps, would the sugars become caramelized for the yeast not to be able to ferment it? Well, maybe they have a way to blend the wort with more malt and I think that’s where the Barleywine aspect comes in. Let’s see what this is about, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, dates, figs, plums, sugar plums, currants, toasted biscuit bread, trail mix, berry granola bar, rich Caramel, dulce de leche caramel, Mexican Goat Milk Caramel (Cajeta), Toffee, Raspberry Marzipan, bananas and clove spice, burnt sugar, Stone fruit peach notes, orange preserve hints, honey, waffle cone, marshmallows, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, rock candy, figgy pudding and flan notes

Flavors:
Rich Caramel, Dulce de leche caramel, Mexican Goat Milk Caramel (Cajeta), Toffee, Dark fruit raisins, dates, figs, plums, sugar plums, currants, rich dark candi sugars, English cream, vanilla, grape notes, port wine, Stone fruit peach notes, orange preserve hints, honey, waffle cone, marshmallows, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, rock candy, figgy pudding, flan, crème brulee, malted barley, raspberries, pomegranate, toasted biscuit bread, trail mix, berry granola bar, strawberry shortcake, Mochi Sakura cakes, Raspberry Marzipan, bananas and clove spice and burnt sugars.

Aftertaste:
Lots of dark fruits, caramels, flan, dark candi sugars, bananas, honey, orange preserves toffee, fig pudding and flan. No alcohol in the taste, Rich dark honey colored full body, silky, smooth, creamy and rich mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Time has done this beer some amazing miracles. I was really blown away by how this beer was. I never tasted it back then to compare how it has age but what I have here is something that I would like to pour over some ice cream. Super damn complex and malty with come sugars that go in different directions of sweet. Not cloying but just in variety. Not sure if I can find this again but if I did, I would get several of these!

Anime Corner:
Seras Victoria and Sir Integral Wingates Hellsing from Hellsing were used in this beer pairing to pair with the burning hot granite which was used in the wort to super caramelize the beer and the collabotation. Essentially, the extreme temperatures are synonymous to the fires of hell. Also, as the wort becomes caramel and the color of the brew becomes blood red it looks like some of the colors of the artwork and the evil look of Seras as well. Seras would be like the Bruery and Taps is Integral. Combining both to come up with this masterpiece.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/456345-724×996-hellsing-alucard+%28hellsing%29-victoria+seras-integra+wingates+hellsing-walter+c.+dornez-junshi+%28junbox%29.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/415144-1530×2970-hellsing-victoria+seras-orika+nekoi-single-tall+image-short+hair.png
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/162945-1920×1200-hellsing-victoria+seras-single-highres-wide+image-blonde+hair.jpg

CebadAgua NocturnFresca by Nubis Sanctum Ales

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Barleywine, Belgian Dark Ale, Belgian Dark Barleywine, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Bleach, CebadAgua NocturnFresca, dragon fruit, Fresh Barley Drink of The Night, Home brewing, Jarrylo Hops, lychee fruit, monkish, Neliel, Neliel Tu Oderschvank, Nubis Sanctum Ales, passion fruit, tropical fruit notes | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

CebadAgua NocturnFresca by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 8% ABV Belgian Dark Barleywine dry hopped with Jarrylo 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. I purchased 10 gallons and for the second of my home brew concoction I decided to go with a heavier beer adding extra LME and some new especial hops that would give some interesting flavors. Since the idea behind this beer was something dark like the night, the name “CebadAgua NocturnFresca” is a play at the words Agua de Cebada (Barley Drink) and Nocturna Fresca (Of The Fresh Night). Essentially, It is supposed to mean “Fresh Barley Drink of The Night”. A summer’s night type of beer. A fresh, “Barleywine” with a lighter gravity to be enjoyable and full of flavors. So this is what came out of it. Let’s take a look at my final creation of the summer, cheers!

Aromas:
Cola hints, Stone fruit peaches, mango hints, apricot, apple notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla , tamarind, hibiscus, floral notes, dark fruit cherry, plums, rich prunes, raisins, figs, dates, candi sugar, currants, raspberries, blue berries, tart black berries, tropical fruit notes, prickly pear, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, spicy notes, licorice hints, anise, rock candy molasses, and anise.

Flavors:
Hibiscus flower drink, Cola hints, molasses, dark fruit cherry, plums, rich prunes, raisins, figs, dates, candi sugar, currants, raspberries, blue berries, tart black berries, Stone fruit peaches, mango hints, apricot, apple notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla , tamarind, hibiscus, floral notes, peppercorn hints, mint, chocolate hints, spicy notes, clove spice, bananas, pears, tangerine, tropical fruit notes, prickly pear, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, spicy notes, licorice hints, anise, rock candy and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruit, molasses, tamarind, spicy fruit cake, cola notes, earthy notes, pears, vanilla and other tropical fruit notes. No alcohol in the taste, crimson/bloody moon dark brown full body, creamy, smooth, refreshing, crisp and moderate mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Such a crazy beer border lining a Belgian dark strong with some character of a light Barleywine that I was able to get thanks to special hop notes I added. It is crazy to think that when I brewed this beer, it was meant as a joke and pun to the name Jarrylo as being the Mexican Soda Jarritos. Who knew this beer would turn out to be like an agua fresca/ Fruit-ade type of beer with some flavors of soda but spicy fruit galore. Writing everything I do every step of the way, trying to replicate this beer will be a challenge as it was made using large brewing equipment and grains. So I will see how it goes. For now, this is a high recommend.

Anime Corner:
Neliel Tu Oderschvank from Bleach was chosen in this beer pairing as she is the second in the whole monster brew theme. The pairing includes darkness but the colors represent the strong hop (yet not hoppy but very fruity and spicy) presence of the Jarrylo hops. These hops are not really for IPA or Pale Ale use but can be as thy give a spice characteristic. Nel, while semi-clothed but looking like a bad ass indicates the flavors of “spiciness” and the “sweetness” that the beer brings respectively. As she is an Arrancar, just like Harribel, both monster brews were definitely very enticing in their own way and I hope I can come up with the recipe again to brew them again.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/1j9znin.jpg

Proprietor’s Vintage No.001 HellDorado by Firestone Walker

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged barley wine, Barleywine, Blonde Barley Wine, Firestone Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, HellDorado, Hera, proprietor's Vintage, Puzzle & Dragons, Puzzles and Dragons, rocky road ice cream, wheat wine | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Proprietor’s Vintage No.001 HellDorado by Firestone Walker is a 13.2% ABV Imperial Blonde Barleywine/Wheat Wine Ale

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

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

We present the 2015 vintage of Helldorado, an Imperial Blonde Ale or Blonde Barley Wine. Helldorado has the lightest color of any of the beers in our barrel program but carries a great deal of interesting barrel character: vanilla, light char and amazing lavender-honey notes.

Rich boozy honey liqueur character and loads of smooth sweet toasted malt to finish. The El Dorado hops dance in the background without playing a dominant role in the flavor profile. This Blonde Barley Wine is a one-of-a-kind sipping beer built to last and will reward careful aging for years to come.

==Introduction==

One of the many components that have been used in many of the Firestone Walker Anniversary ales, they finally released this one out to the public. While it is limited, you should definitely try to get one as who knows now a days when they will release this one again. It goes without saying that such brews stay around for much longer unless they have a cult following. Even so, who really knows because now that Firestone is under the wing of Duvel, we will probably see even more and more beers come to fruition and more readily available than before. Quantity does not really seem to affect the quality of the beers especially when well handled. Take Ommegang for example, world class in Belgians for example, owned by Duvel. So yeah, this maybe a positive thing. Beers like PNC however, are harder to get as they were brewery exclusive. Anyways, let’s take a look at this one, shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Caramel, Vanilla, Banana, wheat, Banana sundae, white chocolate notes, stone fruit apricot hints, peaches, white raisins , lemon peel, coriander spice, cinnamon, Danish cream, flan, sweetened condensed milk, honey comb, dark fruit cherries, plums, raisins, bubble gum hints, coconut, bourbon, butter pecan ice cream, marshmallow, graham crackers, waffle cone, passion fruit, dragon fruit, piney and floral hop hints, honey dew melon, citrus, raw orange like the sun, rocky road ice cream, citrus flower honey, almond joy, pralines, apples, raw oranges, rocky road ice cream and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Rich Rich Banana sundae, caramel, rich vanilla, white chocolate, dark fruit cherries, plums, raisins, bubble gum hints, coconut, bourbon, butter pecan ice cream, marshmallow, graham crackers, waffle cone, passion fruit, dragon fruit, piney and floral hop hints, honey dew melon, citrus, raw orange like the sun, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, stone fruit apricot hints, peaches, white raisins , lemon peel, coriander spice, cinnamon, Danish cream, flan, sweetened condensed milk, honey comb, tangerine candy, citrus flower honey, almond joy, pralines, apples and cookie dough.

Aftertaste:
Rich coconut, Flan, Leche Nestle/Sweetened Condensed milk notes, oak, white chocolate, milk chocolate, almonds, bananas, flowers, citrus and oak. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor. Gold Crimson light to medium body, silky, smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouth feel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
One of the best Wheat Wines/ Blonde Barley wines ever! Along White Chocolate of course. Damn over the top as always with these Firestone Reserve beers. Why does every bottle of a reserve or proprietor’s series taste so exceptional? You really have to pick any of them out to really understand it. For this, yes!! Damn right it is worth the pick up. So much luscious flavors and the scary thing is that the color of it is so misleading with it’s light body. It boggles my mind how this bottle can be the way it is. The devil really is in the details, or in this case, the liquid.

Anime Corner:
Awoken Hera from Puzzle & Dragons was used in this paring as I wanted to pick a character with a class like I chose for the other reserve and proprietor’s series. The pairing was easy, just find a golden shiny devil character as HellDorado pretty much translate to Golden Hell. Easier said than done as many of the characters I looked for did not fit the bill until I found the “Awoken” version of Hera. With her Golden shine and Red Devilish looks, how could I go wrong with this pairing. She looks like a major bad ass which represents the alcohol and complexity of the beer but the sweet flavors and golden body are clearly on how “Hot” she appears in this pairing.

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLZgtnBUsAAH-Fo.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/5FIHXDU.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Wv87exg.jpg

2014 Preservation Series Oaked Old Richland by The Bruery

December 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Barleywine, barley wine, Barleywine, dragon fruit, Final Fantasy IX, Freya Crescent, Hoppy beer, Oak aged, Oaked Old Richland, passion fruit, Preservation Society, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

2014 Preservation Series Oaked Old Richland by The Bruery is an 11.1% ABV Hoppy American Barley Wine aged in Wine Oak Barrels.

Label:
Our version of an American Barleywine, Old Richland is quite hoppy with a caramel-like malt base that finishes with a hint of woodiness. Best when consumed fresh as the hop character will dimminish with age.

==Introduction==

Obtained through the Preservation Society membership which is the one that sends 3 beers quarterly. Now since this is the last one of the year and only one sent per membership, I wanted to bring this one forward as this was the last one they released for the year in general. This one is a hoppy barley wine so I assume it will be nothing like the MASH series and more of it’s own beer. The fact that they used a variety of hops (Simcoe, Centennial and Sterling) may make this one super hoppy. The aging in thw ine oak barrels may bring out some of that hidden fruitiness though. We will see, come follow me and let’s take a close look, cheers!

Aromas:
Strong herbal, floral, citrus, piney, grassy and grapefruit hops, vanilla, oak, toffee, caramel, roasted peanuts, peanut butter roast hints, smokey oak, brown sugar, old mango, pineapple, peppercorns, marshmallow smore hints, wine grape hints, almond, pecans, stone fruit apricots, rye bread, leather, passion fruit, honey dew melon and dragon fruit.

Flavors:
Citrus, Piney, Grassy, Grapefruit and floral hops, vanilla, caramel, oak, toffee, apples, smoke hints, graham cracker smores, old mango, pine apple, dragon fruit, honey, stone fruit apricots, rye bread, lemon peel, almond, pecans, earthy hops, marshmallow hints, peppercorn, floral notes, herbs, peanut butter hints, roasty peanuts, wine grapes, orange preserves, honey dew melon and passion fruit hints.

Aftertaste:
Such a bitter and hoppy finish definitive of the barley wines, caramel, oak, toffee, peanuts, vanilla, earthy, piney and citrus hops linger for a bit. No Alcohol in the taste, clear to medium amber brown body, moderate to sipping drinkability and slightly syrupy yet smooth mouthfeel.

Overall:
True to that west coast style Barley wine. Drinks almost like a malty IPA but with lots of hoppy goodness going for it. Quite frankly, I think this is the most hoppy I have ever had from the Bruery and typically, they say no to IPAs or bitter beers. Despite the fact that the wine oak is subtle due to the HOP Super Presence. You still get notes of it.. Such a great beer and best fresh too as this is possible the freshest I have had from them (hop wise). If you would like this beer, I am unsure if you need to trade for it or if they will have extras like they did with Ignis Fatuus which hopefully they will. I can definitively recommend this one if you love close to IPA hopped Barleywines.

Anime Corner:
Freya Crescent from Final Fantasy 9 was brought back for this pairing with the Bruery since she is a favorite character of mine from the series. I this pairing I tried to pair with the colors of the label but also the flavors of the beer. Freya has the perfect colors of the beer as well as the sweet caramel flavors. She is ready for battle to decimate the flavors of the palate with a barrage of sweet and Bitter hops. You can see this from the greens of her clothing which represents the hops and the reds the caramel. The Oak as seen in the armored purple version of Freya brings forth the flavors of the wine and dark fruit like characters while the floating javelins represent the onslaught of hop madness inducing the taste buds all at once and yet being alleviated by the malty sweetness which is poured in like rain.

Sources:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g289/Aevitas7/Final%20Fantasy/freya_thief.png
http://oi59.tinypic.com/veci2g.jpg

Mash & Grind by the Bruery

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

Rating: 6/5

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

Label:
TO HAVE

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Firestone XVIII Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

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

Rating: 6/5

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2014 MASH by the Bruery

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

Rating: 5.95/5

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

Label:
TO HAVE NOT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009 Birra Artigianale Draco (5 year aged) by Birrificio Montegioco

August 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Barleywine, Beertilla, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Birra Artigianale Draco, Birrificio Montegioco, Blueberries, bourbon, Draco, dragon fruit, Dragons, Dragoon, Dragoons, Final Fantasy IX, Freya Crescent, Italian Beers, Italian Strong Dark Ale, magic potion, Mirtilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2009 Birra Artigianale Draco (5 year aged) by Birrificio Montegioco is an 11% ABV Beertilla/Mirtilla/ Italian Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed with Blueberries.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Draco has a dark red color and a persistent head. It is full bodied and has a moderate level of carbonation. The nose shows a great complexity with aromas of honey, caramel and forest fruits. The hops brings out pepper and plum. The initial taste confirms the nose with notes of caramel and initial sweetness. The finish is a fine balance of hops and bitter notes. Draco is produced using a mix of select malts. The beer is fermented three times. During the second fermentation the blueberries are added along with the yeast and malt sugar. The alcoholic content obtained from the fermentation of the malt is of 8.5% by volume, while the final one is 11% by volume.
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A tribute review to an old favorite which was brewed in 2009 and kept hidden in the dungeon of Nubisanctum never to see the light of day until now. Draco has awaken and wants revenge on my palate. This was the first beer I have tried from Italy back in 2011 which had a really awesome dragon label. The fact that the beer had blueberries and a Belgian Strong Dark Ale was enough for me to definitely go out of my way to find it. I had bought 2 bottles back in 2011 and decided to keep one hidden. Back then I did not know the beer had already been 2 years old but at that time it was damn good. Trying it again 5 years later is what is definitely worth the wait in gold. If you can somehow find this amazing bottle, that would be awesome as I am not sure if this is still brewed anymore. Good Luck and Cheers!…or at least I will need it to tame this beast!

Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel covered blueberry muffin, dark fruit raisins, plum, raspberry, dark cherries, figs, raisin bread pudding, flan, bananas, clove spice, bourbon, vanilla, marshmallow, port wine, pecan pie, hazelnut, crème brulee, toffee, rye bread, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, peppercorn, rock candy, dark candi sugar, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry yogurt, wine grapes, tart currants, brown sugar, sour apples and honey.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, blueberry muffin, blueberry cheesecake, caramel sour apple, Danish cream, dark fruit raisins, tart currant skins, plums, raspberries, figs, raisin bread pudding, notes of bourbon, marshmallow, chocolate hints, graham crackers, brown sugar, flan, bananas, pecan pie, clove spice, port wine, peppercorn, toffee, rye bread, rock candy, dark candi sugar, biscuit bread, honey comb, hazelnut, wine grapes, honey, stone fruit peaches, apricots, dragon fruit, dark cherry yogurt, matured apples and dried blackberries.

Aftertaste:
Blueberries, pecan pie, caramel, earthy notes, rye bread, bananas and vanilla linger. No alcohol in the taste. Sipping yet smooth drinkability, Dark gold and amber full body, mildly syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Aged has done this old reliable some great justice. Reminding me a lot of Trois Pistoles if Trois Pistoles had gone Gold and amber. The beer has become more smooth than the last time I remember it and a lot more dark fruit forward as well but creating a greater complexity of flavors as well. It is more dangerous as well since you need to take your time with it. This elusive beer is one that was rare top favorite of my and still holds its place as on of the best despite what other reviewers say. I think the problem is that not many people have tried this beer to get to really know it. Specially if they can find a vintage one like this one. Highly recommended for sure! Just like I mentioned in my original review:

“Dragons are legendary, stories of fairy tale, but trust me they do exist and the magic brew they make is friggin’ awesome!! If you ever spot one like this…take it…it really is a nice magic potion….”

Anime Corner:
Freya Crescent from Final Fantasy IX was used in this pairing as the last since I wanted to pair what goes great with Dragons and in this case, Dragoons. Freya is a lone Dragooness having to do many deeds for her kingdom harvesting the power of the dragons. Her story is a sad one but she lives to reclaim herself in a world with turmoil and has many friends to help her. While Freya herself is on an anthropomorphic rat and not a dragon per say, she fairs well with the dragons as awesome creatures of legend and lore. Or at least in the sense of final fantasy. She not only pairs well with the beer herself in terms of the colors of the label, the flavors being ingredients and their colors but also a rarity that is much more beautiful skin deep and aged than when the original beer came out. Freya is one of my favorite Dragooness’s, Lady of the Dragons!

Sources:
http://blog-imgs-27.fc2.com/s/i/z/sizurueuphoric/freija1.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/928329

Decadence 2014 Anniversary Wheat Wine Ale by Alesmith

August 23, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 19th Anniversary, Alesmith, alesmith brewing, anniversary ale, Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Barleywine, Decadence 2014, Neon Genesis Evangelion, wheat wine, Wheat-Wine Ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Decadence 2014 Anniversary Wheat Wine Ale by Alesmith is a 10% ABV Blonde Barley/Wheat wine.

Label:
AleSmith Decadence Anniversary Ale was originally brewed in 2005 to celebrate our first decade in business. Our brewers had such a great time creating it that they decided to brew a new style each year to commemorate our anniversary.

Now, nineteen years after we started, we’re proud to present another great addition this ongoing series, AleSmith Decadence 2014 is our interpretation of a Wheat Wine Style Ale. The generous amounts of wheat used in the his beer impart a bready aroma with hints of honey, ripe fruit, and a spicy graininess. In the finish, a pleasant malty sweetness from the wheat is balanced by the addition of German and American hops. Enjoy this special brew now or age it at a cool temperature for a truly rewarding experience.
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Alesmith turns 19 and they release a wheat wine this year. Many of the past Decadence beers have been a different type of style each year. The last 2 years I have tried the anniversary beers they have been very awesome. This year is a wheat wine style. Not many breweries make this type of style. The Bruery makes one that is bourbon barrel aged and is a portion of the awesome White Chocolate. Alesmith is known for well above and beyond beers so I am curious to see how this one fares. Here’s to many more years in making really great beers, Cheers!

Aromas:
Vanilla, peppercorns, biscuit bread, rye, honey, stone fruits like peach, apricot, oranges, coriander spice, lemon peel, passion fruit, mango, vanilla and caramel.

Flavors:
Honey, grape, white raisins, biscuit bread, peppercorn, vanilla, caramel, toffee, stone fruit like peach apricot, orange peel, lemon peel, coriander spice, cinnamon, banana hints, melon, dragon fruit notes, pineapple, apples, marshmallow hints, graham crackers, brown sugar, floral hops, almonds and pecans.

Aftertaste:
Citrus, rye, biscuit bread, grape, clove and coriander spice as well as some earthy notes. Alcohol notes in the taste. Smooth drinkability despite the ABV, caramel to golden full body, medium mouthfeel.

Overall:
While this beer is very good, it is best drunk warmer to release more flavors. Despite the ABV, this one flows really well. I found myself liking this one but not as much as the previous versions Anniversary ones I have had from Alesmith mainly because it only starts to get more complex the warmer it gets so drinking it colder is not really the best thing to do. Then again it is the style too. This is a wheat wine at its prime with no alterations or aging. I would recommend a try or at least aging this one but some of the other Alesmith beers have definitely rocked harder for sure. This one is still very good though.

Anime Corner:
Asuka Langley Sohryu/Shikinami Neon Genesis Evangelion was chosen for this pairing since I wanted to show the color pairing of the beer and the way the beer flows. As you can see the beer sparkles like Asuka in the sun but be warned because the 10% creeps up behind you like the dark hands of the Eva as they try and embrace Asuka to a dark level of flavor. That and the fact that you really have to let it warm up to get the best experience.

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

Bourbon County Brand Barleywine by Goose Island

December 14, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, bourbon county, Bourbon county brand barleywine, English Barleywine, Goose Island, pecan pie, Shimma Kunoichi, World class | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.95/5

Bourbon County Brand Barleywine by Goose Island is a 12.1% ABV World Class English Barleywine aged in bourbon barrels

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Aged in the third-use barrels that were once home to Kentucky bourbon and then our renowned Bourbon County Stout, this traditional English-style barleywine possesses the subtlety of flavor that only comes from a barrel that’s gone through many seasons of ritual care. The intricacies of the previous barrel denizens – oak, charcoal, hints of tobacco and vanilla, and that signature bourbon heat – are all present in this beer. Hearty and complex, Bourbon County Brand Barleywine is a titan and a timeline; a bold, flavorful journey through the craft of barrel aging.
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This is the 3rd variety of Bourbon County brands that I have tried aside from the Cherry Rye and the Stout. Highly coveted and sought after. Just like the others, sold on Black Friday with each being very unique in their own way. Best bet to get this one is through online sources or via trade. I bring this forth to see if I can put it to the test. Both Beer Advocate and Ratebeer give it 100 overall. Lets see if this is is true.

Aromas:
Chocolate chip and dark fruit cookies, almond joy, Rich flan and pecan pie, rich chocolate, rich hazelnut, almonds, pecans, macadamia, oak, vanilla, bourbon, breme brulee, rocky road, butterscotch, toffee, custard, chocolate cake and brownie batter.

Flavors:
Very rich caramel pecan pie, bourbon, vanilla, milk chocolate, chocolate with peanuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, hazel nut, dark fruits, rich dark cherry, toasted coconut, almond joy, flan, maple, rye bread, oak, rich campfire smores, tobacco, toffee, butter scotch, custard dessert, sweetened condensed milk pudding and other complex sweets.

Aftertaste:
Lots of dark fruits, pecan pie, chocolate covered macadamia nut,bourbon notes, oak and vanilla linger. No alcohol in the taste, yet the heat is warming for the body. A sipper, but a dangerous one as it feels smooth as hell.

Overall:
Exceptionally world class and extremely good. Only reason it did not get a 6 is because the Lost Abbey Sede Vacante had other things I loved a lot about Barleywines and the fact that it taste much like the Bourbon county stout but with more emphasis on pecan pie. Is it worth the hype? Only if you can find it and afford it. If not, I have shown other beers that have been very exceptional Barleywines. Yet this one definitely comes in second best in the world for me.

Anime Corner:
Shimma Kunoichi by Genzoman of Deviantart was used in this pairing to represent the color of the label but as well as the bad assness of the beer. As with the previous bourbon county, The old west was used but the one thing I could link Feudal Japan to the Old West was the fact that there was a movie where ninjas and cowboys did go head to head. The Warrior’s Way it was called. Anyways, the strongest aspect is mainly with the colors and possibly some of the delicious flavors found in this beer.

Samael’s Oak Aged Ale (Batch #9) by Avery Brewing

November 26, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Angel of Death, Avery Brewing, Barleywine, Demons of Ale, English Barleywine, Oak aged, Oak Aged Ale, oak barrels, Samael, Samael's Oak Aged Ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.2/5

Samael’s Oak Aged Ale (Batch #9) by Avery Brewing is a 16.9% ABV English Barleywine aged in Oak Barrels

Label:
Samael is the prince of demons, the angel of death, accuser and destroyer. Filled with enmity towards man, he planted the vine, the forbidden tree of paradise. Behold his venom and vengeance, both sweet and tempting, enticing you, his spellbound victim, within his wings.

Samael’s Ale is a super-caramelly, oak aged English-style strong ale. Perhaps the least hoppy (sacrilege here at Avery!!) beer we’ve brewed, to accentuate the malt. The oak is very apparent in this rich and high gravity ale, adding additional depth and complexity with a woody and cask-like nose and a pronounced vanilla flavor on the palate. This potent ale is the second installment, along with The Beast, of our “Demons of Ale Series”.

Brewed with Rocky Mountain water, malted barley, turbinado sugar, hops, yeast, and American oak chips.
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The third and possibly the last of the Demons of Ale series from Avery that I have tried. I apparently missed out on this one some time early this year. I was able to find this at the Liquor Mart in Whittier California. While it is not often I find beers I want to try that may or may not be listed in my Wanted list, it was a reasonable price for a review. At 16.9%, that is one insane Barleywine

Aromas:
Lots or caramel, toffee, burnt sugars, brown sugar, raisin hints, black berry marmalade notes, herbs, oak, vanilla, orange notes, bourbon and rum notes.

Flavors:
Rich Oak wood, earthy notes, rich leather, rich caramel, orange and blackberry preserves, raisins, toffee, burnt sugars, flan, coconut, vanilla, maple, rich rye bread, butterscotch, cereal, french toast, flan, rum, light bourbon, brandy, rich fruit cake, chocolate cereal notes, brown sugar, and rich honey.

Aftertaste:
The finish wants to end dry but there is a maple, leather, dark fruit and rich oak aftertaste with this one. A definite sipper with some boozy notes but nothing detracting from the sweet flavors.

Overall:
Exceptionally delicious beer. Strong but full of flavor. The only thing about this beer that seems to be a strong consistent theme is the oak and partial dryness it comes with. I love that part but it is kind of dangerous as you want to keep sipping more. If you love oak aged beers and Barleywines, have at this master piece.

Anime Corner:
This is a Fallen Angel designed by cushart.deviatart.com To go along with the Samael or Samuel Archangel story, this was the perfect pairing. The hair, the wings fit the label. Also, bursting from the magma shows the oak aged and burnt wood part. The fact that the beer is sweet and ends partially dry, makes one try to drink the whole bottle. It is strong and evil, just like Samael.

Heirloom Pumpkin Barleywine by Almanac Brewing

October 21, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Almanac Brewing, American Barleywine, barley wine, Barleywine, Brandy Barrel Aged, Heirloom Pumpkin Barleywine, pumpkin ale, Pumpkin Barleywine, pumpkin pie, pumpkin seeds, Spices | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.4/5

Heirloom Pumpkin Barleywine by Almanac Brewing is a 12% ABV Barleywine brewed 50% with pumpkins aged in Brandy Barrels and 50% brewed with spices.

Label:
This is a beer made with real pumpkins. We hand-roasted over 500lbs of heirloom pumpkins from La Tercera Farms in Bodega Bay. The caramelized gourds were then added to our velvety American Barleywine and aged in brandy barrels for a year. Finally, we blended the barrel-aged beer with freshly brewed ale and added a delicate hint of pumpkin pie spices to round out this decadent autumn sipper.
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Another fine pick up from Ramirez Liquor in Boyle Heights. This came out recently but it may not last long. This is quite the conundrum of a beer. I have had pumpkin ale hybrids, like pumpkin porters, stouts, barrel aged pumpkin beers and even a pumpkin lambic. Never, have I seen a pumpkin barley wine. The should make this in a 22oz bottle instead. Oh well.

Aromas are of pumpkin in a lot of rye bread, candied sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, pumpkin pie, brandy, toasted barley, ginger bread, caramel, banana, cloves, oak, apricot, coriander, orange, honey, molasses and oatmeal. It smells very good. Almost like the Surly Seviin.

Flavors are of pumpkin, pumpkin flesh, pumpkin seeds, ginger, brandy, candied sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, toffee, pumpkin pie, rye bread, toasted barley, banana, phenol yeast, cloves, ginger bread, coriander, Candied oranges, dried apricots, oak, oatmeal, maple, pecans, molasses, sweet yams, apples, apple pie, brown sugar, pecan pie and Tamed Bastard (Arrogant Bastard with Apple Cider)

Aftertaste is of rye bread, caramel, maple, pumpkin pie and pecans. A sipping bear with the alcohol present but not too crazy harsh.

Overall, it was definitely an unexpectedly very delicious beer. It is definitely like if they took Seviin and brewed it with pumpkins. Freaking delicious rye, caramel, brandy, spicy pumpkin tasting beer. A definite second place to Rumpkin so far this year. While I do believe the barrel aging or hybridism of the styles with pumpkin may outclass the average pumpkin beer, let us not forget, the reason they are higher than the average pumpkin beer is because of that help. If we take a look at regular pumpkin beers, I still think, Good Gourd, La Parcela, Smashed Pumpkins and Pumpkins are still the winners of originality. Anyways, this incredibly delicious Pumpkin Barleywine is a must get an a very delicious one at that.

Sede Vacante Ale by The Lost Abbey

October 14, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged American Strong Ale, Angel Share, Barleywine, brandy, Brandy Barrel Aged, cognac, communion wine, dark fruits, dulce de caramel, Kos-MOS, kosmos, Pope, pope Benedict XVI, pope Francis, Sede Vacante, Sede Vacante Ale, The Holy See, The Lost Abbey, Vacant Seat, Vatican, Wine, Xenosaga | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5*

Sede Vacante Ale by The Lost Abbey is 15% ABV American Strong Ale aged in Cognac and Brandy Barrels

Label:
===Nomen.====

…………………………………………..
Eligo in Surnum Ponticem R D
meum D Card, Mattei

…………………………………………..
===Signa.===

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION(ratebeer.com)
Sede Vacante is a blend of Barleywine aged in Cognac barrels and Brandy barrel-aged Angel’s Share and at packaging came in at 15% abv. A contemplative beer with substantial depth, Sede Vacante imparts tones of dark fruit and vanilla, with a warming finish from the Cognac. The strongest beer to emerge from The Lost Abbey, portions of the beer spent almost 5 years in a barrel. Sede Vacante can be enjoyed immediately or cellared till the next Papal Conclave, however long that may be.
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Sede Vacante or “The Vacant Holy See” is used in canon law of the catholic church when the Holy See where the Pope sits is vacant. As of February 28, 2013, pope Benedict XVI had retired from being the pope. There was a period of 13 days that passed until the new pope was chose which was pope Francis. In commemoration of the election, The Lost Abbey had released this beer. This is possibly the strongest Alcohol by Volume ale released by The Lost Abbey to date. I never got around to get this beer until recently. 8 months later, now we will see what this is all about.

Aromas are of dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits, raisins, plums, dates, figs, dark cherries, blue berries, chocolate, bourbon, port wine, communion wine, vanilla, cognac, oak, brandy,

The flavors are of grapes, wine, rich dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, brandy, cognac, chocolate, dark cherries, port wine, rich pecan pie, hazel nuts, walnuts, brown sugar, flan, dark fruits, rich raisins, plums dates, figs, coconut, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, rocky road ice cream notes, anise, licorice, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate fudge, maple syrup, and chocolate wine syrup

The aftertaste is full of dark fruit, caramel, cognac, brandy and like a chocolate wine. This is sipper of a beer but something about it makes it, quite smooth. Very interesting. Take your time with this one. Alcohol present, yet not detracting from all the rich flavors at all. Very mellow indeed. By the way, no carbonation!!

*Overall this was a heavenly, rich, delicious, and awesome beer. A beer that ascends into something that is powerful. This beer can be aged for several years. Possibly even a decade or way longer. The Lost Abbey has been one of my favorite breweries out there making some awesome Belgian beers. This one is a definite representative of the church and all that is holy. For such a sweet, boozy but very smooth beer, I cannot help myself but feel that this one definitely exceeds my expectations for the Barleywine category. It is so damn close to a quadruple aged in bourbon barrels it ain’t even funny. Let’s just say it feels like mixing St. Bernardus abt 12 with Communion Wine and holy water. Thou art Blessed. Loving this one for sure and a highly recommend to those who seek this Vacant Holy See, Amen.

New Crustacean Barleywineish Imperial IPA Sorta by Rogue brewing

September 23, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged barley wine, Barleywine, Beard Beer, crab, crab beer, crabs, cream caramel, Crustaceans, Double IPA, Imperial IPA, india pale ale, IPA, john maier, New Crustacean Barleywineish Imperial IPA Sorta, orange flavors, Rogue, rogue brewing, saltine cracker, Tenchi, Tenchi Muyo, Washu, Washu Hakubi | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

New Crustacean Barleywineish Imperial IPA Sorta by Rogue brewing is a 10.8% ABV… umm well, they say it is Barleywine. You be the judge.

Label:
Dedicated to Crustaceans
The name sort of says it all. John Maier, our Brewmaster, wanted to create a beer that defied traditional style definitions. The result was a remarkably hoppy yet balanced and malty ale that quickly became a cult favorite in our Newport brewpub. But what was it? It was not quite a barley wine and not quite a double or imperial IPA. Who really cares about putting beers into narrow categories? Great beer – just drink it and enjoy.

8 ingredients: Weyermann & Bohemian Malts; Bravo, Ammarillo, Falconer’s Flight & Horizon Hops; Free Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast
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This beer was supposed to be, well the beer that the infamous Beard Beer was supposed to be based out of (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/beard-beer-by-rogue-brewing-company/). Looks like they did this one with Pacman yeast instead. Well, this should be interesting, a beer that can’t make up it’s mind. Reminds me of the Arrogant Bastard but that one is just labeled as American Strong Ale.

Aromas are of caramel, honey, citrus, ripe orange juice with pulp, earthy and grapefruit hops, pineapple, banana, a bit tropical, toffee, salt bread, almost crab cake or crab meat like? (might be kidding about the crab, might be not)

The flavors are of ripe to matured blood oranges and cream, caramel, grapefruit hops, earthy hops, bananas, saltine cracker notes, pine, pineapple, lots of coconut as it warms up, citrus, toffee, molasses, licorice, crab and crab cake notes (has to be the matured bitter orange flavors, I swear!!), apricots, matured mango, herbs, spices and lemon candy

The aftertaste is like a orange and caramel sweetness followed by bitter grapefruit and earthy to hops. This beer hides alcohol well, it is a sipper though. Not as full bodied and syrupy mouth feel.

Overall the beer is very good but indeed confusing. You want to say it is IPA tropical but the Barleywine side tells you NO! I love it because it is sweet and bitter but the more I think about crabs the more I think it taste like crabs. I like crabs. I love seafood. I love this beer. I think it would pair exceptionally. This beer reminds me of Surly SYX but not as harsh. I did a review a while back, that one was too harsh. This is what SYX should have been. Then again, I may have been hard on it as it may have needed some aging to bring up the rating. Maybe next time

Imperial Loakal Red by the Bruery

July 15, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged barley wine, Barleywine, Bruery, food, hop bitterness, imperial amber, Imperial Amber Ale, Imperial Loakal Red, imperial red, loakal Red, my bloody valentine, Naruto, Oak Aged Red, scotch whiskey, Tayuya, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

Imperial Loakal Red by the Bruery is a 12%ABV Imperial Amber/Red Ale hybrid made with 75% Red Ale and 25% Red Ale aged in oak Barrels

Label:
We took our hoppy American red ale, delightfully citrusy and full of flavor from new American Oak – and made it bigger, bolder and more exceptional. Imperial Loakal Red is best enjoyed fresh. Please store in a cool, dry place. The ideal serving temperature is 50 deg Fahrenheit (7 deg Celsius). Best served in a tulip or wine glass.
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When I first had the chance to try their Loakal Red, I was very impressed. The beer was along the lines of Troeggs Nugget Nectar and My Bloody Valentine. I was recommended to actually try the Imperial version of it. After opening the bottle the aromas were very rich. Hype aside, I would consider this to an even higher amber status than Nugget nectar and the Valentine which are harder to get.

Aromas are of very rich caramel, toffee, oak, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, citrus, grapefruit, grassy and herbal hops, honey, vanilla, coffee notes, french toast, brown sugar, cherries, mango, maple syrup, scotch, apricots, dragon fruit, coconut and pecan pie.

The flavors are close to a Barleywine, its crazy. You get lots of rich caramel flavors, vanilla, toffee, oak, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecan pie, french toast covered in maple syrup, brown sugar, citrus, grapefruit, grassy, herbal and floral hops, honey, cherries, mango, peaches, pineapple, scotch whiskey notes, slight coconut and tangerines.

The alcohol is present but the beer hides it well. You don’t feel it until alittle bit later. Quite the flavorful rich beer. The after taste keeps lingering with sweet caramel and hop bitterness. It is very pleasant. Will definitely need to get this again. This has become my new favorite amber ale. It is not often I get to try ambers but this one fits the bill perfectly as to what awesome ambers should be.

2012 Barrel Roll No.04 Hammerhead by Hangar 24

April 10, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Ameyuri Ringo, Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Barleywine, Barrel Aged, Barrel Roll, Barrel Roll No.4, bourbon barrels, caramel malts, Dulce de leche, Evangelion, Hammerhead, Hangar 24, Naruto, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Rye Whiskey, spicy aromas, tropical flavors | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.4/5

2012 Barrel Roll No.04 Hammerhead by Hangar 24 is a 13.8%ABV Barleywine aged in Rye Whiskey and Bourbon Barrels

Label:
A well executed HAMMERHEAD is smooth and dramatic. This beer is no exception. Hammerhead is a big, complex, American-style Barleywine featuring two English caramel malts and four American hops. Hammerhead’s character is enhanced by dry hopping and then aging the deep amber liquid for six months in charred oak rye whiskey and bourbon barrels. Spicy aromas spill from the glass: rich caramel, citrusy hops, bourbon and oak. Layered flavors of toffee, vanilla, brown sugar, spice and rye whiskey lead to a warm and slightly bitter finish. This is a strong ale, meant to be sipped, savored and enjoyed.

Additional Information: Hammerhead: A ¼ loop to vertical, airspeed decreases and plane appears to stall. Nose then rotates and plane descends on vertical down line and out with ¼ loop.
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This has been aging for over a year and it is the perfect time to test it’s incredibility. This was defnitely seen right upon opening the beer. This definitely reminded me of Sucaba. The fragrances are very rich of caramel, bourbon, coconuts, vanilla, almost like a chile or herbal spices, some minor hops, flan, rich oak wood, peach, apricot, possibly dark fruits and a complex aroma that is very dessert like. The flavors start very rich almost syrupy. Dulce de leche caramel, Bourbon, coconut, vanilla, earthy and grassy hops which provide somewhat tropical flavors like peach, pineapple, sweet grapefruit or a mango. Like a caramel flan that is made with crème Brulee or sweetened condensed milk over sweet peaches, raisins, black and blue berries. Other flavors I can get from this are milk marshmallow cream, brown sugar, pecan pie, walnuts, maple, graham cracker smores with chocolate. I am not really sure if this is just as good or better than Sucaba. Reason being because it has aged for another year unleashing some complex flavors that I could not find in Sucaba. Also the beer is very complex and thick bodied like some of the best out there. I honestly think that the reason has to do because I would need to let Sucaba age for another year or 2. Also, the flavors are very dead on to some of the stuff I listed. I was very very impressed.

Old Guardian Oak-Smoked Odd Year Series by Stone Brewing

March 4, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Agrias, Agrias Oaks, barley malt, barley wine, Barleywine, Barleywine-style, Final Fantasy Tactics, oak-smoked, odd year edition, old guardian, Stone Brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.8/5

Old Guardian Oak-Smoked Odd Year Series by Stone Brewing is an 11.4%ABV Barley Wine

Label: *Note this one has a very long label description
PART TWO:
It’s the Friday after Turkey Day. In the US anyhow. Not here in Belize, but I had turkey yesterday all the same. Raised in the Belize countryside by German Mennonites no less. It was delicious. Gotta respect those who are focused on doing things the right way, which more and more in this world often means with less technology rather than more. The bananas are better here, too. Mostly because they’re picked ripe and ready for local consumption, rather than pre-ripe and green to ship off to the US and other far-flung countries only to be ethylene-gassed once they arrive to finish off the ripening process. Sudden flashback of when we visited our friends James & Martin @Brewdog in Scotland for our collaboration beer a few years ago called bashah (don’t think I ever spilled the beans formally before that the name is an acronym for black as sin, hoppy as hell). We had dinner at a great little restaurant in Aberdeen that historically was a banana-hanging warehouse. Later, they ended up buying the place. We actually shot a really cool video: [link) Back to the moment and Belize. Just finished a Crime. Great way to start the last night here. Now, as tradition dictates for the OG label, I’m having some 2012 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine. Sitting at a beach bar & sharing w/John & Barbara Cheek from Oakhurst (Decatur, GA). They regularly enjoy Stone IPA at their local haunts, Steinbeck’s and The Marlay. Got to know them a little today as we were on the same little boat going out to snorkel with the sea turtles. Yes, a bit ‘touristy’ for me, as I typically head a little more off the beaten path, but hell, it was kinda cool swimming with them all the same. Swimming in the ocean made my hair quite scraggly lit’s still rather mucked up from the whole red-hair fundraiser we did back in August), and with the headband I picked up two days ago at a local shop, I’ve gotta admit that I’m looking a bit laughably trustafarian. It’s like I became an overnight pseudo-beach bum. Heh, if only. Not really my thing though, honestly. I’m a bit higher strung than that. The driven/agenda type. Gotta change the world, rather than watch it float by. But then you knew that. Save now. It’s been a ‘float’ week. Nice to visit the float lifestyle every once in a while, but I wouldn’t want to live there. Cracked a Stone Enjoy By 12.21.12 IPA just now. That’s a beer to encourage the ‘watch the world float by” if there ever was one. The aroma is certainly suggestive of that lifestyle, now isn’t it? I’ll leave it at that. Loving it. Brought two cases of assorted 22oz & 500m1 bottles on the trip. The 12.21.12 is the next-to-last, w/Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale bringing up the rear. So to speak. It’s actually not legal to bring in beer to this country as their beer laws are rather protectionist. That serves no one, except a few. Nonetheless, I swallowed my bubbling outrage as I learned this at Customs on my way in and politely asked to speak with a supervisor. I said “Hi, I’m Greg and I own a small brewery in the US, and) like to travel w/beer to share w/people I meet. I certainly don’t mind paying a duty.” He surveyed me, then the beer, then me again and decided that my two cases “didn’t represent a commercial threat” and calc’ed out a modest duty for me to pay. I did so gladly. Now I’m at the end of the visit, and reflecting on the fact that all went quite nicely thank-you- C. very-much. Thankful for the brief respite. Time to get back to it next week. Lots to do. Lots to do.

Cheers!
Greg

Ingredients: Tons and tons of barley, bountiful hops, water & yeast …and an odd dose of German oak-smoked wheat malt.
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This one is kind of odd. Taking 2 different sides. One side bitter, the other smokey. Clearly this one was genius. The fragrance of this beer lies some where in the realm of Bashah. Smokey and hoppy. Smells like earthy grass and campfire oak, citrus, caramel, toffee, barley, dark fruits, almost like BBQ pork and peppercorns. The flavors are very well balanced. Just tremendous. Sweet Caramel, roasted campfire oak wood, BBQ pork with basil, orange and spices, citrus, bread, barley, dark cherries, raisins, maple, honey, biscuit, toast bread, grapefruit, pine needles, earthy grass, slight peppercorns, molasses and some bacon :P. The aftertaste is consistent of a nice balance. The oak and bitter hops play well. Not too bitter, not too smokey. Just the right amount of ingredients to create an odd taste that is very delicious that it works so well. I can see a lot of people that enjoy smoke and hoppy beers or those that enjoy one more than the other, may come together and agree that this one works very well.

§ucaba (Abacus) 2013 Limited Release by Firestone Walker

February 27, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Abacus, §ucaba, barley wine, Barleywine, Barrel-Aged Barley wine, best beers in the world, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, bourbon vanilla, California Beers, Dulce de leche, Firestone Walker, FW, hop bitterness, malt flavors, World class, world class beers | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

§ucaba (Abacus) 2013 Limited Release by Firestone Walker is a 12.5% ABV Barrel-Aged Barley wine. Considered by many to be the best barleywine in the world. I have never tried this beer and I almost didn’t grab if it wasn’t for the fact that Total Wine had one final box. I’ve seen it in downtown L.A though. It truly is limited unfortunately. So if you can get this one, get it.

Label:
Big boozy bourbon and American oak aromas combined with soft chocolate malty undertones. Complex malt flavors framed in oak, with hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, coconut and just a touch of dark cherry. This is definitely a sipping beer, best served in a brandy snifter. This ale pairs well with dark chocolate and sturdy cheeses.

Note: Sucaba is the beer formerly known as Abacus until the Winter 2012 release.
O.G. 27 Plato
F.G. 4.7 Plato
I.B.U. 42 units
Yeast: British Ale (House)
Cases: 1500 produced
Color: 36SRM (Dark Ruby)
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Upon opening the beer, it some really nice and overwhelming fragrances. Reminiscent of some of the other barrel-aged beers I have had from FW in the past. This beer has strong aromas of bourbon and barley. Coconut, vanilla, oak, dark fruits like raisins and cherries, chocolate, coffee notes, baked bread, toffee, flan, dulce de leche caramel, bananas and marshmallow creme. The Flavors are of bourbon, coconut, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, flan, Leche Nestle (Mexican Sweetened Condensed milk), barley, lemon, toffee, raisin and pecan bread pudding, cherries, bananas, small underlying earthy hop bitterness, light citrus, honey, maple, barrel oak, campfire smores with the marshmallow, graham cracker and dark chocolate and butterscotch. The after taste stays with you for awhile so you can really take your time and enjoy it as you go. My god, I am not sure if there is any barley wine out there like this one. I have never had a barrel-Aged barley wine but this is extremely amazing. Definitely should not be passed up if you can find it. Barley wines are not my biggest favorite of styles but this is really delicious and a must get for sure.

Killer Penguin by Boulder Beer Company

January 17, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged barley wine, Barleywine, Barleywine-style, bitter grass, Boulder Beer Company, dark garnet, hidden alcohol, Killer Penguin, Penguins | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.45/5

Killer Penguin by Boulder Beer Company is a 10%ABV Barleywine.

Label:
Dark garnet red in color with undertones of candied fruit, Killer Penguin is an aggressive, full-flavored Barleywine-style ale and a perfect beer to share among friends. Once a year we release a very limited amount of Killer Penguin, making this our most rare and sought-after bottled beer.
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Hard to find little guy. The aromas are of slight pine, grapefruit and grassy hops, honey, caramel, toffee, cherries, raisins, biscuit, citrus and candied apple. The smell is not too particular hop strong but you can still tell some of it. The flavors of this barley-wine focus a little more on caramel sweetness and a little on bitter grass hops. There are some other flavors of cherry, raisins, raspberry, maple syrup, sugary biscuit bread, pineapple, apples, and butterscotch. Surprisingly smooth, easy to drink and well hidden alcohol. It is hard to believe this one being a 10% ABV, but maybe that is also what makes it special 😛

Bigfoot Ale by Sierra Nevada

January 15, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Barleywine, Bigfoot, Bleach, bold flavor, hop aroma, mild bitterness, new flavors, Sierra Nevada, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Zabimaru, Zanpakutou | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.45/5

Bigfoot Ale by Sierra Nevada is a 9.6% ABV Barleywine

Label:
Bigfoot is a beast of a beer, brimming with bold flavor from massive amounts of roasted malt and spicy hops; brewed in the barleywine style, with a rich, bittersweet body and whole-cone Pacific Northwest hops.

First introduced in the winter of 1983, Bigfoot is a cult-classic beer brewed in the barleywine style, meaning a strong, robust, bruiser of a beer with the refined intensity of a wine. Bigfoot is prized by beer collectors for its supreme cellarability. Under the proper conditions, it can age like a fine wine, developing new flavors and character as it matures in the bottle. Each new release or “expedition” is vintage dated. Collect your own and see the flavors develop and progress.
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Barleywines are the type of beer styles that that range from bitter to bittersweet and are intense in terms of alcohol, hops and complex flavors. They can also be cellared to age like wine. This beer has avery nice grassy and pinecone hop aroma, with other fragrances of caramel, lemon peel, honey, pineapple and biscuit bread. The flavors are of the nice Sierra Nevada pine cone, grassy hops at mild bitterness, pineapple, raspberry, apples, caramel, toffee, powdered sugar, cinnamon, butter on toast biscuit bread and slight boozy feel. As I said, these beers get better with age. This is probably too early in its stage but it will probably get a lot better after a while.

Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore)

Tag Archives: Barleywine

2017 Mash & French Toast by The Bruery

Mélange 10 (Mélange X) by The Bruery

N10 Anniversary by Ninkasi brewing

Mélange 15 by The Bruery

2016 Mash & Vanilla by The Bruery

2016 Colonel Kernel by The Bruery

2012 Provisions Collaboration Series: A Stein’s Throw by The Bruery and TAPS Fish House & Brewery

CebadAgua NocturnFresca by Nubis Sanctum Ales

Proprietor’s Vintage No.001 HellDorado by Firestone Walker

2014 Preservation Series Oaked Old Richland by The Bruery

Mash & Grind by the Bruery

Firestone XVIII Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

2014 MASH by the Bruery

2009 Birra Artigianale Draco (5 year aged) by Birrificio Montegioco

Decadence 2014 Anniversary Wheat Wine Ale by Alesmith

Bourbon County Brand Barleywine by Goose Island

Samael’s Oak Aged Ale (Batch #9) by Avery Brewing

Heirloom Pumpkin Barleywine by Almanac Brewing

New Crustacean Barleywineish Imperial IPA Sorta by Rogue brewing

Imperial Loakal Red by the Bruery

2012 Barrel Roll No.04 Hammerhead by Hangar 24

Old Guardian Oak-Smoked Odd Year Series by Stone Brewing

§ucaba (Abacus) 2013 Limited Release by Firestone Walker

Killer Penguin by Boulder Beer Company

Bigfoot Ale by Sierra Nevada