Tag Archives: Belgian Chocolate

4th Anniversary Unplugged Beam Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing

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Rating: 7/7
 
4th Anniversary Unplugged Beam Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing is a 12.5% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Stout brewed with Kopi Luwak/ Civet Coffee Beans, Belgian Milk Chocolate, Brown sugar and Molasses aged in Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey Barrels
Label:
Music In Liquid Form
Limited Edition Bottle 438/480
 
==Introduction==
In continuation with my previous review of the Kopi Luwak sensation from Acoustic Ales, This is the same beers as the previous Bourbon and the Wild Turkey version of the beer but this time in Jim Beam bourbon whiskey. This one seems to be even more limited. Like they only had a few barrels aging for this beer to sell. Lucky for me, Craftshack.com was able to have it and like I said before, Kopi Luwak beers are rare to come by so whenever I see one, I have to to and bring it to the site. Even if it is literally made with coffee beans that were pooped out by a furry civet/ocelot/kopi luwak. The previous beer was damn amazing! How will this compare though? Different Whiskeys and Bourbons? Let’s have a look, cheers!
 
Aromas:
Hints of what I think are definitely some kind of game. Essentially, it came from an animal, namely the Civet. Dark chocolate, bourbon, whiskey, vanilla, fruit cake, milk chocolate, dark fruits, molases, fancy coffee, espresso, marshmallow smores, rye bread, Danish cream and Irish cream.
 
Flavors:
Very Gamey kopi luwak, earthy notes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Mexican chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Piloncillo sugar cone, dark fruit currants, blue berries, currants, blackberries, boysenberries, dark cherry yogurt, marshmallows, Irish cream coffee, fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee, espresso, jamocha, java, cookies and cream, rocky road ice cream, molasses, banana, clove spice, tiramasu, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, oatmeal cookies, molasses, anise, crème brulee, flan, port wine, rye bread, brown sugar, chocolate mousse, sweetened condensed milk, cookie dough ice cream, Danish cream and chocolate coffee cheese cake.
 
Aftertaste:
Finishing with fancy coffee, gamey notes, oak, caramel, vanilla, gamey mocha, marshmallows, dark fruits, rich berries, currants, earthy notes, rye bread, tiramasu cake, banana, clove spice and Irish cream. Hint of  alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor. Pitch black darkness like where the sun don’t shine. Smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.
 
Overall:
The Civet game is real! So damn real that there was a presence of gamey notes which I cannot tell if they were from the coffee of the Jim Beam whiskey. Regardless, it was a damn fantastic beer. Way to bring in some authenticity. While the other brews I had in this series bring a mixed bag of flavors, this one does too but there is definitely some coffee flavors in there are very different. It could just be that the Jim Beam brings out the best of the coffee flavors. It really doesn’t matter, this is indeed unique nd worth the find. Check it out if you are game, I highly recommend it!
Anime Corner:
Dark Mithra or Ark Angel MR from Final Fantasy XI was chosen in this pairing to represent the cat/civet/ocelot/kopi luwak in this beer. Since the beer is more dark and pronounced with the dark arts of the gamey goodness. Regardless of that, she is vicious, like the booze driven 12% but sweet in the seductive aspect as the complexity lures you into an oblivion that you cannot come back from. Similar to my Sangrileche beers I made in the past but yeah, craziness.
Sources:
 

 

4th Anniversary Unplugged Turkey Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing

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Rating: 7/7

4th Anniversary Unplugged Turkey Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing is a 12.5% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Stout brewed with Kopi Luwak/ Civet Coffee Beans, Belgian Milk Chocolate, Brown sugar and Molasses aged in Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey Barrels

Label:

Music In Liquid Form

Limited Edition Bottle 543/660

==Introduction==

I haven’t had a Kopi Luwak Coffee beer in years. My last one I brought to the site was the Speedway Barrel aged Kopi Luwak which was one amazing beer. Fast forward to 2017 and you have Acoustic Ales making a Kopi Luwak beer. Granted I did have the regular bourbon version when I was in Pasadena California at Kingsrow Pub when I went to the Stone Store to get the Lost Abbey Collab. Anyways, I saw these puppies on craftshack.com While I definitely was open to try another Kopi Luwak beer, long behold, they had 2 to offer. I got those suckers and to little of my knowledge find out that they were limited edition. Only 660 of these were made. In…Sa…nity!! Is what I thought. While this may be hard to get, let’s see if they are worth getting, cheers!


Aromas:

Super oaky woodsy, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit prunes, plums, black berries, currants, dark cherries, Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, oak, bourbon, whiskey, toasted coconut, Fancy coffee, gamey notes, pecan pie, marshmallows, smores, brown sugar and fruit cake.

Flavors:

Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, oak, bourbon, whiskey, toasted coconut, gamey notes (Kopi Luwak?), fancy coffee, mocha, Jamocha, espresso, Khalua, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream, marshmallow, chocolate smores, fruit cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, earthy notes, dark fruit prunes, plums, black berries, currants, dark cherries, crème brulee, flan, cinnamon, bananas, clove spice, molasses, mint chocolate chip, anise, tiramasu cake, chocolate mousse, herbal notes, Irish cream Danish cream, rocky road ice cream and rum hints.

Aftertaste:

Delicious coffee, toasy oak, caramel, vanilla, gamey mocha, toasted coconut, dark fruits, beries, earthy notes, tiramasu cake, herbal hints, banana, clove spice and Irish cream. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor. This is a new bottle after all. Pitch black darkness like where the sun don’t shine. Smooth, creamy, velvety, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:

Damn, what a bucket lister! There is a difference in this than your average beer. Not just the face that it might be the poopie coffee talking but the blend of the Wild Turkey and the coffee and chocolate makes a difference. Not to mention, Belgian Choco Chocos are awesome and the fact that brown sugar and molasses in there are definitely doing something. Are they going for a semi Dark Lordish beer?! Well in either case, this beer is amazing. Civet Poop Coffee is definitely something else and if your game, I highly recommend this one!!

Anime Corner:

Carol Tea from Freedom Planet was used in this pairing as I wanted to find a cat that would go with the whole Kopi Luwak aspect of Civet Bean Coffee. Carol comes from my new favorite game freedom planet where she is a ninja. Smooth like the beer and fast as hell she burns down the highway the way the slight booziness reminds you that your dealing with a bad ass beer.

Sources:

https://cdn-enterprise.discourse.org/waypoint/uploads/default/original/2X/e/eba86bdd9f2f2c6d24cd669b55e10300b8991a53.jpg

http://zedrin.deviantart.com/art/Patreon-Reward-Carol-Tea-678488052

https://arung98.deviantart.com/art/Freedom-Planet-Carol-623518077

http://kenjikanzaki05.deviantart.com/art/Carol-Tea-Collab-668125892

http://goshaag.deviantart.com/art/Green-Cat-589855237

http://flora-tea.deviantart.com/art/Freedom-Planet-Carol-Tea-the-Wild-Ninja-Cat-614183034

 

2016 Blue BBLS by The Bruery Terreux

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13433224_10103320746279800_2640103366717163946_o 13427909_10103320746189980_9112990814529630980_n 13443287_10103320746120120_3369049914240740891_o 13394066_10103320746170020_1931009500556845568_nRating: 6/6

2016 Blue BBLS by The Bruery Terreux is a 16.3% ABV World Class Imperial Sour Stout blend (30% Tart of Darkness Sour Stout and 70% Black Tuesday Imperial Stout) aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blueberries.

Label:
Berries – Stoked – Oaked
IT’S SWELL

A sweet, sour, and fruity ale. Extended oak aging and an addition of blueberries results in a delightful vinous quality.

In brewing, BBL is the notation for “barrel,” a unit of a measurement equal to 31 gallons. This is not to be confused with an oak barrel, which typically holds nearly two BBLs of beer. Still with us? Great. Blue BBLs is best enjoyed fresh for peak fruit flavor, but may develop pleasantly with time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C). Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==

Released to the Bruery Reserve and Hoarders society, the original version of this brew was released to Hoarders a couple of years ago and since I finally had a chance to try before, I had to get this one again. With only so few variants of Black Tuesday ever released in bottles, this one is a staple just like the others. From the first time I tried it, I had fallen for this one. Reminding me similar to wineification but in blueberry form and still showcasing the flavors of the Black Tuesday along with the flavors of Tart of Darkness. So with the release under the Terreux now, let’ see how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Blueberry flan, Dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, Concorde grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, vinous grapes, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, blueberry fudge cake, bananas, port wine, chambord raspberry liqueur, rocky road ice cream, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, Belgian Chocolate, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Super blueberries, tart blueberry skins, concord grapes, blueberry flan, blueberry muffins, blueberry cheese cake, blueberry fudge cake, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, Concorde grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, vinous grapes, port wine, chambord raspberry liqueur, rocky road ice cream, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, banana notes, Irish cream, molasses, anise, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, crème brulee, pecan pie, blueberry preserves and blueberry chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Blueberries that linger forever, with flavors of the dark chocolate, bourbon, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, flan, sweetended condensed milk. Sweetness covers up a lot of the alcohol so only slight in taste but mainly sweet. Dark and Pitch black full body just like the original. Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel, and a sipping drinkability although it seems easy to drink at times like many of the dangerous yet “plug it into my veins” beers go.

Overall:
If the Draco was the Blueberry Barleywine heaven and Smashed Blueberry the Wee Heavy Porter Blueberry heaven, then this must the imperial and sour stout of blueberry heaven. It is just as delicious as I had remembered when I first tried it. I am really happy they decided to release this one again and hope they make this a staple in their variant beer blends. There is a rich amount of blueberry yogurt chocolate complexity going on in this beer that can only be understood with every sip. This one is one of my favorites along with the Black Tuesday variants and is definitely one for the list. This beer is a must have if you have not tried it. Best to all that love Blueberry Stouts.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma ½ was my girl for this beer as well as the original Blue BBLS. In the show, the main character Ranma hardly paid any attention to her even though she was the hottest girl in the show giving any man there including real men/women a boner. She was a huge representative of Amazonian women as she was huge but also very skilled kung fu master as well as a waitress. Her passion to fight for Ranma would be the kind that would destroy mountains and that is why even to this day she is one of my favorite characters of anime from back in the 90s. When I thought of Blue BBLs it not only reminded me of her being that representative of giving blue balls to others that liked her but mainly her Chinese style of hair with the little buns that looks like two blue balls. Shampoo’s strength and sweetheart of a personality but vicious for her passion is representative of the beers alcoholic strength and sweet super complexity.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Shampoo.(Ranma.½).full.875459.jpg
http://pds25.egloos.com/pds/201602/04/56/f0027756_56b3675f4c9ff.jpg
http://asha47110.deviantart.com/art/Shampoo-Ranma-FANART-D-509416937
http://orig14.deviantart.net/da6a/f/2015/142/1/a/shampoo__palette_challenge__by_animusubi-d8uapeg.png

Endless Nameless by Cigar City

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12028748_10102826618919990_8601399048560632795_o 12017422_10102826619473880_7765847507134468512_oRating: 6/5

Endless Nameless by Cigar City is a ??% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
endless.
nameless.
imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels.

==Introduction==

A name used from a hidden track off of Nirvana’s album, Nevermind. Cigar city brings this very big whale of a beer off the depths of the Grunge Rock abyss. Simply put, the Nirvana tribute beer, this beer was released as part of the El Catador reserve release. Only those in that association would be allowed to get this one. I was able to snag this bottle as soon as I saw it on www.mybeercollectibles.com. Needless to say, that sit can be super pricey but luckily I got this at a decent price. I really got it since I wanted to bring it forth to the website and see how it is. Now, on with the show.

Aromas:
Smells like Beer Spirit, or its dark soul. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German & Belgian chocolate, bakers chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, Mexican 3 leches/Three Milks cake, flan, Dulce De Leche Caramel, Vanilla, Rich Bourbon, oak, marshmallows, grahama cracker smores, molasses, bananas, crème brulee, dark raisins, dark cherries, plums, mocha coffee, Kahlua, Irish cream, agave syrup, candi sugar, rock candy, pecan pie, leather, tobacco, brown sugar and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Bananas, Flan, Vanilla, Bourbon, oak, Dulce De Leche Caramel, Mexican sweetened condensed milk, Mexican 3 leches/Three Milks cake, molasses, hazelnut nectar, tobacco, leather, rye, maple syrup, dark cherries, currants, plums, blueberries, raspberries, dark cherries, coconut pie, mocha, crème brulee, toffee, brown sugar, cotton candy, choco flan, candi sugar, rocky road icecream, almond joy, Kahlua, Irish cream, agave syrup, Yoohoo Chocolate Milk Shake, Chocolate cake and chocolate cheese cake.

Aftertaste:
Long lingering dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, crème brulee, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, hazelnut, dark cherries, marshmallow, pecan pie, coconut pie, bananas, bourbon notes and chocolate cake. Slight booziness but super subtle to keep stuff balanced and not detract from the flavors, beyond the endless and nameless darkness of the abyss body, smooth and sipping drinkability, silky, velvety and syrupy mouth feel.

Overall:
Essentially, this is the Black Tuesday of Cigar City and the East Coast. So many reminiscent flavors of Black Tuesday but leaning more toward milk candies and desserts. Either way, this is ridiculously balanced with the amount of complexity and alcohol. This is definitely a world class beer and a must get to add to your collection of super whales. A Nirvana whale is one beast of a while to collect for a special occasion.

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill (one of my top 4 anime girls) was used in this pairing to pair mainly with the name of the song and the meaning behind it as well as the darkness the beer represents. In the series, Ryuko had to deal with turmoil and darkness. This beer represents that very chaos and attitude in her heart when stuff was not going well in her life during the sad parts of the show. She pulled through ofcourse! She didn’t lose her way! Just like the frustration Kurt Cobain felt as they said fuck it when recording Lithium! And created the song. The beer is dark as the endless abyss with no name.

Sources:
http://static.tumblr.com/3a0b53c0f68bfa5cdf6c584209ffd8f7/9dd108p/eSmn9wfk0/tumblr_static_cq0y11ev48owsg4ksow8okscc.jpg

Espiritu Obscuro by Mill Valley Beerworks

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11754511_10102702346353210_6199801891950033876_oRating: 6/5

Espiritu Obscuro by Mill Valley Beerworks is a 9.2% Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with spices and aged in Four Roses Casks.

Label:
Dark Belgian-style ale brewed with spices aged in Four Roses bourbon casks.

==Introduction==

Espiritu Oscuro or Dark Spirit is definitely what this was the carbonation started to have a mind of its own and really come alive. The beer was literally going insane even after I carefully poured it from the glass as you can see from the picture, it started to rise out of the glass making me think the foam was literally going to overflow. Ice cream Float Dark Belgian almost. The aroma was super complex which I will explain in more detail. I have never tried anything from Mill Valley but looking visually as to what I have experienced so far, I am pretty damn impressed. Now lets take a Dive into the dark soul of the beer shall we?

Aromas:
Supreme Dark fruit super chocolate explosion!! Dark fruit raisins, black cherry, figs, plums, prunes, dark cherries, boysenberries, blackberries, pomegranate, dark chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, rocky road ice cream hints, cinnamon dulce de leche caramel, flan and 3 leches/ 3 milks cake, Coffee, Mocha, black cherry yogurt, tobacco, leather, rye bread, molasses, rock candi, dark Belgian candi sugar, beet sugar, flan, pecan pie, clove spice, bananas, plantains, bourbon, marshmallows, vanilla and molasses.

Flavors:
Rich dark chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, Dark fruit raisins, black cherry, figs, plums, prunes, dark cherries, boysenberries, blackberries, pomegranate, Coffee, Mocha, black cherry yogurt, tobacco, leather, rye bread, molasses, rock candi, dark Belgian candi sugar, beet sugar, flan, pecan pie, clove spice, bananas, plantains, bourbon, marshmallows, chocolate smores, rose petals, oak wood, whiskey, rock candy, Belgian sweet bread, pilloncillo, vanilla, rocky road ice cream hints, cinnamon dulce de leche caramel, flan and 3 leches/ 3 milks cake.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits like cherries, prunes, figs, rich coffee and mocha notes, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, tobacco, bourbon, caramel, dark chocolate, cherry yogurt and marshmallows. No alcohol in the taste, dark like the antimatter of a black hole in space full body, sweet, creamy, silky, syrupy, velvety and very smooth mouthfeel and damn easy to drink for some unholy reason.

Overall:
WOW, this beer reminded me so much of Black Damnation III Black Mes it wasn’t even funny. For a pint bottle, I really want to get several of these now. For being my first beer from Mill Valley Beerworks, this is so damn amazing. They really have created a really unique beer that I am really not sure I could recreate but damn as well I will try. With super rich complexities at such the low 9.2% ABV, I have to figure it out. For the mean time you better make DAMN SURE that you get this beer as it is a killer and damn loveable and tremendous.

Anime Corner:
Kiryūin Satsuki from Kill La Kill was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to show something that looked like the fizz I got from the beer along with the dark fruit colors. The funny part about Satsuki which is Ryuko Matoi’s sister is that she has everyone kneeling before her might! An aura of light always shines upon her and is cast over the on lookers who dare defy her. Yet, if you were to take the opposite and stab the darkness of this beer with the light, you will still find Satsuki there as shown in this artwork, She shines supreme among the darkness to uncover the complexities of this beer and bring them to your unworthy tastebuds!

Sources:
http://img11.deviantart.net/57c3/i/2014/313/9/e/clear_cut__kill_la_kill___by_hatsoff_designs-d84ibb3.jpg

Blue BBLS by The Bruery

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11539161_10102689867775380_4459820175359433840_o 11013619_10102689868369190_7373646105113154523_oRating: 6/5

Blue BBLS by The Bruery is a 15.9% ABV World Class Imperial Sour Stout blend (Tart of Darkness and Black Tuesday) aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blueberries.

Label:
IT’S SWELL

A sweet, sour, and fruity ale. Extended oak aging and an addition of blueberries results in a delightful vinous quality.

In brewing, BBL is the notation for “barrel,” a unit of a measurement equal to 31 gallons. This is not to be confused with an oak barrel, which typically holds nearly two BBLs of beer. Still with us? Great. Blue BBLs is best enjoyed fresh for peak fruit flavor, but may develop pleasently with time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C(. Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==

Released to the Hoarders society members in 2014, this elusive beer caught my eye a while back when I heard what this one was all about. The mere covetedness and the the fact that I got a small sip of this one last year left me wanting more so I was left with Blue Balls, umm I mean Blue BBLs. Either way, I was able to find someone that had it but was in Canada. So basically, this beer took a long trip from California to Canada and back here to California and will forever live in the infamy of the interwebs as an awesome anime review. So while being a Reserve Society member, Hoarders beers tend to be a slight step above what we get but sometimes I could care less bu in the case of this one, I was no stranger to a new Black Tuesday variant blended with Tart of Darkness and then aged again in bourbon with Blueberries. Quite the damn conundrum. If this is anything like Smoking wood or better, the we might have ourselves a gracious winner here.

Aromas:
Chocolate Blueberries, Blueberry flan, Blue berry cheese cake, blueberry preserves, blueberry muffins, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, concored grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, piloncillo sugar cone, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, milk chocolate, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake, port wine and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Blueberry cheese cake, Blueberry chocolate truffles, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, piloncillo sugar cone, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, milk chocolate, blueberry preserves, blueberry muffins, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, concored grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, banana notes, blueberry flan, cinnamon, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake, port wine, rocky road ice cream, double chocolate mousse and vinous grapes.

Aftertaste:
Rich Blueberry lingers for infinity along with the gracious bourbon, deep dark chocolate, port wine notes, dulce de leche caramel, oak, dark fruits to the max, molasses and toffee. Sweetness covers up a lot of the alcohol so only slight in taste but mainly sweet. Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel, Dark and Pitch black of the 5th and 6th dimensions full body and a sipping drinkability although it seems easy to drink at times like many of the dangerous yet “plug it into my veins” beers go.

Overall:
The epitome of blueberry heaven!. This beer should be in the Weekday Serries on the fact that combining Black Tueday and aging it in bourbon barrels again with the Tart of Darkness and blueberries is a supreme beer. The sour aspects are lowered down but still traceable tart goodness here and there. A beer orgasmic enough to satisfy even though the name would imply that you would be left feeling tempted to have more but the truth is, the name is name really implies that you really wanna try it but you can’t unless you find it through trades.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma ½ was my girl for this beer. In the show, the main character Ranma hardly paid any attention to her even though she was the hottest girl in the show giving any man there including real men/women a boner. She was a huge representative of Amazonian women as she was huge but also very skilled kung fu master as well as a waitress. Her passion to fight for Ranma would be the kind that would destroy mountains and that is why even to this day she is one of my favorite characters of anime from back in the 90s. When I thought of Blue BBLs it not only reminded me of her being that representative of giving blue balls to others that liked her but mainly her Chinese style of hair with the little buns that looks like two blue balls. Shampoo’s strength and sweetheart of a personality but vicious for her passion is representative of the beers alcoholic strength and sweet super complextity.

Sources:
http://asha47110.deviantart.com/art/Shampoo-Ranma-FANART-D-509416937
http://orig14.deviantart.net/da6a/f/2015/142/1/a/shampoo__palette_challenge__by_animusubi-d8uapeg.png

La ManzArcángel Chapter 2: Mālum Ex Machina by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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11406383_10102665597019170_9079363880870840017_oRating: 4.65/5

La ManzArcángel Chapter 2: Mālum Ex Machina by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 13% ABV Belgian Trappist Honey Crisp Apple Cider made with Organic Blue Agave Syrup and Mexican Cane Sugar.

==Introduction==
11200932_10102545811011290_3535862612140122927_o
Project#8 is the return of my original recipe for the Belgian Cider made with Blue Agave Syrup and Trappist Yeast but using Honey Crisp Apple Cider and Mexican Cane Sugar/ Azucar Morena. The idea for the name came from the original Holy Cider theme that I was going with and in essence since I was going to use the left over Trappist yeast cake that I had left from the Blinding Lunar Currants Cider. In essence, the second chapter is a play at the word for Apple and Evil and Latin ‘Mālum’. Yes, it seems there is dual meaning here. Although, this cider is supposed to be Holy, it should be more Godly than anything but can a God be pure? Well, It’s like comparing apples and oranges so lets find out. Cheers!

Aromas:
Sour Apples, peppercorn, citrus, honey, brown sugar, grape hints, dark fruit hints, Belgian phenolic notes, vanilla, dulce de leche, cherry notes, and piloncillo.

Flavors:
Tart Sour apple notes, grape hints, apples, pears, agave hints, strawberry notes, rich citrus, orange notes, lemon peel, brown sugar, cane sugar, banana hints, clove hints, pineapple hints, Stone fruit peaches, apricot hints, peppercorn, floral notes, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, toffee, pilocillo hints, toffee, pecan pie hints and plantains.

Aftertaste:
Tart and sweet finish, sugary apple remnants, banana notes, clove spices, honey, vanilla, pears. Chardonay hints, clove spice, hazelnut, berries and brown sugar. Slight boozyness in the taste but not as much as the original, Gold and brown Hazy body, sipping drinkability and a slight crisp and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
A slight mark above the original as the booziness has become more subtle but the complexity of it takes another direction from what the original did. It seems like it is more in the sweet yet tart taste which is most likely from the use of the yeast cake and the fact that there was some hints of the Black Currant cider in the yeast cake as well. All and all, it was mainly as way to see how the yeast cake can flourish even after the initial cider has completed. I think what I will do for next time is ferment the regular cider and then use the yeast for another cider but then any additives will be in the secondary. Either way, I really love how this one came and and definite on the honey and banana citrus edge.

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from the Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in this pairing to go with the Belgian Cider as I wanted to use something that had to do with something Holy as it is a Belgian Monk themed cider and similarly, I wanted to do something like the saint. The Spanish name was give as it uses the Agave Syrup as I mentioned before. For lightning, she became a messenger of God, a holy knight of God in the series. Lightning returns in Chapter 2 holding the very power of God from the apples. She is not quite evil (which could be said something about the tartness about the taste) but because she is closer to God, she has no human emotions as she remains neutral. The strength of the cider to be something above of what it used be could be seen Godly. Thankfully, this cider is not evil and it is deliciously and holy goodness.

Sources:
https://financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/lightning-returns.jpg?w=940

Árcáná collaboration by Stillwater Artisanal and Hof ten Dormaal

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11140213_10102529147475150_1425696609151541691_o 11169573_10102529150848390_9219584283902674075_oRating: 4.85/5

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

Label:
None!

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

La ManzArcángel by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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1540429_10102488535761350_3943524118295874068_o 10956465_10102488535771330_6750717636772418979_o 11037509_10102488558266250_4701078086080888783_oRating: 4.5/5* Cider rating

La ManzArcángel by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 13% ABV Belgian Trappist Cider made with Organic Agave Syrup and Brown Cane Sugar.

==Introduction==
10993113_10102405138974180_2515712064596118947_o
Project # 4 was my first attempt at creating a cider using 100% Apple Cider, Organic Agave Syrup, Brown Cane sugar and Trappist yeast. The name derives from a combination of the word Manzana for Apples in Spanish and Arcángel. Basically the Apple Archangel. The original idea came from trying to replicate Crispin’s The Saint which is made similarly but with maple syrup. While I could not get the recipe exactly, I decided to make my own by using Organic Agave syrup. There were the results so let us see where my crazy experiment went.

Aromas:
Apples, honey, brown sugar, phenolic notes, vanilla hints, dulce de leche caramel hints, mild cherry notes and grapes.

Flavors:
Dark fruit hints plum, peaches, grape hints, apples, pears, strawberry, cherry hints, brown sugar, cane sugar, agave hints, banana hints, clove hints, pineapple, citrus, Stone fruit peach and apricot hints, peppercorn, floral notes, vanilla, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel hints, toffee and pecan pie hints.

Aftertaste:
Slight dry finish with good sugary apple remnants, pears, berries, banana, clove spice hints, caramel, vanilla and chardonay. Slight boozyness in the taste, Gold Hazy body, sipping drinkability and a slight crisp and creamy mouthfeel.


Overall:
While I found this one very good, I still couldn’t help that the yeast pretty much ate the majority of the sugar but because it was this Belgian liquid yeast, it did not leave it dry. The problem I realize was that I had used a high gravity Trappist yeast instead of a low gravity one making this reach the 13% ABV mark. I felt it was pretty high for a cider and was concerned about the product being too boozy. However, after trying it when it was carbonated, it came out just fine. The weeks it took to bottle conditioned mellowed out the alcohol and really let some of the cider play well with the ingredients. This cider can use some aging for sure to see where it will be at several years later. For now, I was pretty impressed with the results either way and hope the next cider project becomes awesome.


Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from the Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in this pairing to go with the Belgian Cider as I wanted to use something that had to do with something Holy as it is a Belgian Monk themed cider and similarly, I wanted to do something like the saint. The Spanish name was give as it uses the Agave Syrup as I mentioned before. For lightning, she became a messenger of God, a holy knight of God in the series. The fact that I found an artwork where she is holding what appears to be an apple as well as the fact that she has the angel wings and is close to God, well, it couldn’t get any closer to exactly what I was looking for in this pairing. The fact that it became 13% ABV and the fact that she became just as powerful as God in the series, it represented the strength of the cider and well really well.


Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Save-my-soul-435626707

Lips of Faith Series Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout collaboration by New Belgium and Perennial Artisan Ales

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13236_10102170754153240_3832030654306923420_nRating: 5/5

Lips of Faith Series Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout collaboration by New Belgium and Perennial Artisan Ales is a 9% ABV Belgian Imperial Stout.

Label:
Dessert is best poured. And the brewers at Perennial agree. So for our next Lips of Faith release we dreamt up a beer that would bring together chocolate sweetness, Belgian yeast, deeply roasted malts and just the right shake of salt to pour a creamy stout worthy of a cherry on top.
___

It surely has been a while since I have done a Lips of Faith series beer. That and the fact that I have not seen many out and I recently just Gruit so you will most likely see a review of that one soon as well. This time New Belgium does a collaboration with Perennial which is something we do not often get here in the west coast so seeing them with NB making a Belgian Stout is simply amazing. I can only hope that what comes out of this is pure epicness. The Belgian Stout is a rare feat that I have only seen few do and do it great. The fact that we have Perennial involved, I can only hope for the best. The Lips of Faith series has been awesome for so many years hitting some great craft hits. I just hope this one is a hit too. Well, let us see, cheers!

 

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherries, clove spice, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian chocolate, biscuit bread, vanilla, caramel, banana hints, smokey notes, soy sauce, oak notes, earthy notes, anise, molasses, soy sauce and coriander.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Oatmeal cookies Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherries, currants, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, mint chocolate chip, anise, licorice, molasses, bananas, clove spice, coriander spice, rye, oak notes, smokey notes, soy sauce hints, rye bread, BBQ hints, earthy notes, salt notes and leather hints.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with an anise, chocolate, raisins, earthy notes, salted plum sauce, caramel and hints of oak. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black body, creamy and smooth mouthfeel, moderate drinkability.

Overall:
This beer reminded me of the Ommegang Art of Darkness, Shiva’s Tears or a Smokey Dubbel. This was perfect mainly since I love Belgian Chocolate Stouts and the chocolate and mild smokey notes works wonders here. I have yet to try Perennial Artisan Ales but what they and New Belgium have brought forth is very amazing. If chocolate was truly made to have small bit of salt, it seems to work as it is more balanced the way it is. I would highly reach this one out if you like smokey hinted chocolate beers.

Anime Corner:
Original demon character was used in this pairing to pair with the aspect of sweet Belgian chocolate and monk beers which are typically holy that drive away evil. The fact that a devil/demon girl is eating the chocolate is like tainting or in this case salting the Belgian chocolate. It necessarily is not a bad thing as you can see she does look innocent and she does have some Angelic traits, it is just that salting or tainting a Belgian chocolate introduces some awesome pleasures to the palette that enjoys just a little more than the average sweet chocolate. Some people don’t like pure sweet and this goes to balance flavors out. So it seems to work. That and the fact that some of the colors she has do match with some of the colors from the the label.

Sources:
http://oi59.tinypic.com/2w556xy.jpg

Couverteur by the Bruery

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10371987_10101867880514440_2404305962623761860_n 10393841_10101867880888690_6381496531178042283_nRating: 5.25/5*
*NOTE: Please be advised that this beer was removed from production due to lactobasillicus found in the beer. This review rating was set at the time beer was fresh!

Couverteur by the Bruery is an 8% ABV Belgian Dubbel brewed with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.

Label:
Couverteur is a Belgian-style dubbel that has been fermented with cacao nibs and vanilla beans adding a layer of chocolatey complexity to the malt rich ale. Couverteur is best enjoyed fresh. Please store in a cool, dry place. The ideal serving temperature is 50° F (7° C). Best served in a tulip or wine glass.
___

The name I believe is in reference to Belgian Chocolates, a type of Belgian Chocolate brand or something that is Coveted. I could not find much information on the name but this information I found definitely seems to find the description. As part of the preserve or reserve society too, this beer can be obtained from the Bruery’s online store. This would the be time to sign up if you want to try out this beer. A Belgian Dubbel with cacao nibs and vanilla? Starting to remind me of Seme De La Vita Tripel, except that one has pistachio and vanilla beans. Either way, let us see just how sweet this beer can be.

Aromas:
Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate Yoohoo, Milk chocolate powder, dark fruits like raisins and prunes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, cherries, candi sugars, toffee, pecan pie, tootsie rolls, bananas, clove spice, biscuit bread, peanut butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Flavors:
Milk shake Chocolate, dark cherry, dark fruit raisins, prunes, vanilla, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow, cinnamon, peanut butter hints, dulce de leche caramel, candi sugar, pecan pie, toffee, tootsie rolls, bananas, clove spice, biscuit bread, brown sugar, nutmeg, all spice and wafflecone.

Aftertaste:
Chocolate Vanilla, caramel, dark fruit hints and biscuit bread with a somewhat dry finish. Easy to moderate drinkability, no alcohol in the taste and medium mouthfeel.

Overall:
Simply amazing!! Definitely getting that extra credit with the whole tasting closer to chocolate aspect as it goes. The Dubbel is there but the chocolate and vanilla does lend the extra hand to remind you that yes, this is a chocolate dubbel. The beer is very good and I have to say I like it because of the chocolate. If you do not like chocolate or at least more natural chocolate flavors, then this beer may not be the one for you and you want to try a different dubbel. For those that love chocolate and dubbels, this is a real treat!!

Anime Corner:
Etna from Disgaea makes a return into the beer pairings because I wanted to do something for her in terms of pairing her with a Bruery beer and also to the fact that she fits the bill in terms of the label and the overall sweetness of chocolate and vanilla that the beer has to offer. While the ABV is not over the top or super duper complex, it is still very rich for what it is and as the picture shows, Etna, quite like Couverteur explodes with rich flavors.

Sources:
http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/characters/11/33671.jpg
http://s3-ak.bebo.com/image/4234498863a12957633498l.jpg

Stochasticity Project QUADROTRITICALE by Stone Brewing

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10441159_10101858705715810_4876471314237031046_n 10432500_10101858706544150_7077210683661572428_nRating: 5.2/5

Stochasticity Project QUADROTRITICALE by Stone Brewing is a 9.3% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with triticale grain.

Label:
STOCHASTICITY
STO-KAESTI-CITY
There is no happenstance or coincidence. Dumb luck is a fallacy and randomness a commonly accepted mistruth. Much of what seemingly falls into place and seems so natural is a result of Stochasticity, a concept embraced and exalted by this special and unpredictable series of beers, where exotic notions, ingredients and ideas coalesce at an interesting and often unexpected endpoint.

Stone Stochasticity Project QUADROTRITICALE
Trappist ales as we know them have a proud lineage dating back nearly a century. Rather than follow the footsteps of the monks who forged the quadrupel—the warmest and darkest of monastery offerings—we aimed to test its inherent makeup. In doing so, we added triticale, a hybrid grain combining the pleasant flavor of wheat with the elemental durability and spice of rye, to breathe new life into the malt bill. Because of this, this reimagined brew comes across differently than its classic Belgian predecessors, and beautifully so. Lower in sweetness, but rich with flavors mirroring dried fruit, it’s a modern interpretation of one of the most historically sacred styles on Earth.

Malt Varieties – Pilsner Malt & Flaked Triticale
Belgian Yeast – Ardennes Strain
Special Ingredients – Dark Candi Sugar
___

A Stone Quadruple?! YES PLEASE!! I never say no to my quads, on of my favorite styles of Belgian beers. This guy I picked up at Ramirez Liquors on Olympic Blvd near Downtown in East LA. Something tells me I really will enjoy this. I am not sure If I have had a Quad with Triticale, but let’s see how this one goes. Now I have never had this grain, at least to my knowledge but it was something that was used in Stone Vertical Epic 10.10.10. A fun note for the Star Trek fans was that quadrotriticale was the name of a 4 leaf clover hybrid grain composing of wheat and rye which was used in the episode “The Trouble with Tribbles” and also had a blueish color. This one you can definitely get as it will see national distribution. So yeah, come get this one and cheers!

Aromas:
Bananas, Clove spice, bubble gum, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, figs, dates, rye bread, herbal notes, peppercorns, molasses, papaya, dark cherries, Belgian chocolate, candi sugars, brown sugar, coriander, anise, nutmeg and kiwis.

Flavors:
Rich Bananas and dulce de leche caramel, rye bread, notes of Belgian yeast phenolics, Dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, raisin bread pudding, grapes, dark cherries, Belgian chocolate, brown sugar, candi sugars, peppercorns, tropical fruits like papaya, kiwis, persimmon and dragon fruit notes, molasses, anise notes, coriander spice, blackberry preserves on rye and hints of port wine.

Aftertaste:
Belgian phenolic bananas, cherries, peppercorns, dragon fruit, rye bread, raisins and dulce de leche caramel linger for a little bit but then ends kind of dry. No alcohol in the taste. A moderate drinkability beer with full mouthfeel even if the beer is dark but clear. There is also a smooth component to it which makes it drinkable too.

Overall:
A damn great beer that I enjoyed more than expected. It is a quad with a variety of flavors and more fruitier than caramel based really which is pretty awesome. It ain’t no Forgotten Island but it is definitely a delicious little quad and dangerous too. I can definitely drink several of these but it would be bad as I would get wasted. I think the beer may age despite the clearness and really the ABV will make it so. This beer also reminds me of the Dogfish Head Sah Tea too, interesting. Highly recommended especially since it will be distributed to all Stone chains, you have no excuse not to try this one!

Anime Corner:
Original Artwork by NKMR8 or Nakamura Eight was used in this pairing for several reasons. I wanted to capture the bad assness of a quad beer as well as the fact that some of the Stone beers I have paired, especially Arrogant Bastard, have been bad ass Samurai, Ninjas or Demons of sort. A quad by Stone is something I have never tried before so I really wanted to pair with something that would pair with the fruit flavors, the colors of Star Trek’s Quadrotriticale and the overall badassness this beer brings. The aspect of the Abbeys and Trappist may not be very visible at first but just like when I did Stickee Monkee, honor and commitment is part of what monks do. The Samurai follows the code of Bushido and are very honorable members of society. While their ideas of the spiritual beliefs may differ from other monks, the Samurai meditates as well and prays to serve society.

Source:
http://static.zerochan.net/NkmR8.full.1420609.jpg

 

Box of Chocolate by Charleville microbrewery of Sainte Genevieve, Missouri

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1503458_10101626310707270_169726805_n 995287_10101626310343000_1954598898_nRating: 5.65/5

Box of Chocolate by Charleville microbrewery of Sainte Genevieve, Missouri is a 10% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with Chocolate. 

Label:
It’s Difficult to express Love’s nuances, much like the complexity of this Belgian style Chocolate Quad. You Might use a Box of Chocolate to express your love, we use it to demonstrate our passion for great beer.
___

Only available, from what I can tell, at the wine and cheese online store, (Google this one). A small price for what I have never seen in my life. A Chocolate Quad? Well, aside from the Bruery who makes chocolate rain and possible chocolate indulgence by Ommegang may be the closest to what a Belgian Chocolate Quad could be like. Well, enough pondering and on the review!

Aromas:
Sweet, Milk, bakers and dark chocolate, dark fruits, raisins, plum notes, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, vanilla, clove spice, brown sugar, mild anise, molasses and hazelnut.

Flavors:
Lots of chocolate flavors ranging from sweet, milk, dark, fudge and bakers, chocolate covered cherries, vanilla, raisins, plums, prunes, brown sugar, bananas, dulce de leche caramel, clove spice, anise notes, underlying earthy notes, mild coffee, marshmallow, waffle cone, hazelnut, almonds and candy sugar.

Aftertaste:
The aftertaste leaves with chocolate covered raisins, bananas, caramel, vanilla and earthy notes. Hidden alcohol through and through with a sipping drinkability level.

Overall:
A beer that exceeds expectations and maybe more perfect than some of my other perfect beers, but the one thing about this, which I don’t complain but you have to be aware, is that the chocolate does take over some of the more complex Belgian qualities. I don’t really care about this little aspect because you can tell the quadrupel is still there, it is unique and I don’t think there is a quad quite like this one. Fucking amazing straight out of a little microbrewery in Missouri. 

Anime Corner: SPOILER ALERT
T-elos from Xenosaga was used for this pairing not so much for the labels but for 2 reasons. The flavors of Chocolate, cherries (on her forehead piece), dark fruits, vanilla, caramel and others and the Belgian Quad aspect. The reason for the Belgian quad aspect is because it leads back to the Abbeys of Belgium and how they were represented Holy and Christian inspired. T-elos was the original cyborg vessel that would inhabit the resurrection of Mary Magdalene in the Christian influenced Xenosaga series. Ofcourse, she eventually fuze with the perfect vessel, Kos-mos but anyways, that is the most I can link a Belgian quad to Abbeys, to Christianity to Xenosaga and to T-elos and at the end, this pairing. Her name means purpose, ends or goals, so if the overall purpose of the beer is to meet a unique Belgian inspired Chocolate Quad then, Bravo!

Firestone XVI Sixteenth Anniversary Ale (1 year later) by Firestone Walker

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1424553_10101488277137650_1745197429_n 1451454_10101488276239450_930836238_n 1459304_10101488277496930_1457209677_nRating: 5.8/5 * This version has been aged for 1 year since it’s release

Firestone XVI Sixteenth Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker is a 13% ABV American Strong Ale combining several blends of beers all into this fine master piece. I had saved an extra bottle from last year to present during the time that the 17th anniversary was to be released. It was stowed away for the entire year. I will not go into much detail about the label or the strategy guide as I literally wrote a book on reviewing this beer last year. This year the 17th anniversary is around the corner and will be heading to many stores all over. Therefore, I will try and pick up a bottle to bring forth a review. Hopefully better or as good as last year’s review which you can check out on the link below. 

Link the last year’s Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/firestone-xvi-sixteenth-anniversary-ale-by-firestone-walker/

Today, I want to go over the evolution and differences that I will try and pick up from last year to see what may have changed or reviewed from last years. First thing I can already tell is that it feels boozier from last year. Could have possibly grown to a 14 or 15% ABV. The difficulty in this review is trying to get the development from last years and how the strategy guide is useless here as I cannot tell which of the individual blends has developed more as the complexity has gone beyond my understanding. Either way, cheers and wish me luck.

Developed Aromas are of more dark fruits, more chocolate covered raisins, dulce de leche caramel, rich vanilla, coffee, smokey undertone, dark cherries, agave nectar, rocky road ice cream, ferro rocher chocolate pecan pie, bigger amounts of oak, bourbon, tequila, coconut, a wine grape character, chunky munky banana and cherry ice cream and kahlua coffee

Flavors have developed into more of rich rock road icecream with pecans, coconut, marshmallows, whiskey, agave tequila, wine hints, agave nectar, dark cherry yogurt undertone, raisins, dark and lighter fruits like peach and mango, caramel, kahlua chocolate, almond joy chocolate, banana chunky munky, smokey oak, vanilla, mocha frappuccino notes, more danish cookies, more leche nestle, maple, pecan pie and other complex flavors. 

Aftertaste is of dark fruit, chocolate, roasted coffee beans and distinct liquor booziness. Nothing that is overwhelming or burning. In fact, it almost feels like the beer has mellowed out and gotten a bit smoother too. A definite sipper still though, this is a heavy ABV beer.

Overall:
More spectacular than before. You will get more enhanced flavors like stronger dark fruit and chocolate flavors along with a bigger booziness that plays well with others. You can tell there is a difference in the liquors as well, like the tequila and bourbon. I would definitely recommend it if you missed out on last years as this one was made with PNC. This year’s is made with Velvet Merkin, so I will definitely try my best to bring that beer forward here. Definitely a pick up if you can get it.

Anime Corner:
This is Shiba’i Chuutatsu from the Battle Vixens Series is the main Spoiler Alert Villain, goes by Kentei Spoiler Ends. This character, while deceiving others to be handicap, has no remorse towards others, much less her own comrades in the series. The dragon tatoos on her arms glow as she powers up her chi. She is actually very powerful when she unleashes her dragon stage. Oh yeah, she can play guitar too, go figure.

In the last beer review, I posted most of the cast of Battle Vixens “Ikki Tousen” but I also posted one of Sonsaku Hakufu, the protagonist of the series who also has the spirit of the Dragon. I have only seen he first half of the series but I understand it is her destiny to stop the villain. In both pictures here I wanted to show 2 abstracts. In the first picture I wanted to show how some of the colors of the label fit Hakufu in the picture. The cast of the series is supposed to represent the different beer blends that go into making this beer. In this beer review, we can see how they have “developed” or most of them. The colors of Shiba’i’s outfit were perfect for the label but in contrast with the development of the beer’s dark fruit, chocolate and dark cherry flavors, I wanted to show how the powerful this character was. Also, her hair is pink so that’s another fruit like cherry. You be the judge

Take the Black Stout collaboration by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

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1382812_10101435699803050_1709517878_n 1375745_10101435699798060_796599398_n 1381171_10101435699823010_1410032006_nRating: 4.5/5

Take the Black Stout collaboration by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is a 7% ABV Belgian Dark Ale brewed with licorice root and star anise.

Label:
A stout as dark at the winters that once engulfed Westeros, as robust as the men who swear their oaths at the weir wood tree. Chocolate and caramel sweetness are balanced by hop bitterness. Roasty, woodsy notes, and an earthy finish.

Pour slowly so as to not disturb the yeast sediment, but with enough vigor to create a luxurious head and release the rich bouquet.
___

The second release of Game of Throne series of beers is one that is a Belgian Stout. One of my favorite styles. Ommegang decided to brew many of these so make sure to pick this one up before it is gone. Also, even if this could be a gimmick, similarly like the last beer, you can never go wrong with Ommegang beers.

Aromas are similar to a Black Ale, with fragrances of chocolate, licorice, chocolate, caramel, dark fruit, roasted malt, peppercorns, earthy hops, fudge brownie, incense, oak and brown sugar.

The flavors are of roasty and lightly smoked malts, dark chocolate, anise, mint, licorice notes, cola, dark fruit, raisins, plums, clove spice, caramel, earthy hops, pepper, oak, plums, espresso and mocha

The aftertaste is of sweet chocolate, earthy bitterness, dark fruit, and brownie notes. This is a full bodied beer so it is best enjoyed sipping. As it warms up, the beer becomes more balanced. Initially it was pretty roasty but as it warmed up, stuff started to fit together.

Overall this is a very good beer. If you watch the show this may be more enjoyable. I actually do not watch it, but I like good beers and this one is good stuff. Looking at the label with the tree, all dark, woodsy and deep roots in the earth, the flavors make a lot of sense. Might go with Lord of the Rings movies too, who knows. Belgian beer lovers and even those that don’t like licorice will like this one.

Artwork:
Mohshinobi: http://mohshinobi.deviantart.com/

Chocolate Indulgence (2012 New Label Version) by Ommegang brewing

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548317_10101133234650640_121298062_n 533263_10101133228602760_1098229231_n Rating: 5.5/5

Chocolate Indulgence (2012 New Label Version) by Ommegang brewing is a 7% ABV Belgian Stout brewed with Real Belgian Chocolate

Label:
Chocolate Indulgence offers a thick tan head of foam resting atop of the rich onyx-hued liquid. The aroma immediately speaks of dark chocolate and dark malts. The gentle herbal notes of perle hops compliments the darker aroma notes, making the ale savory to all the senses
___

I have had this beer last year. The 2007 version which was Ommegang’s 10th anniversary beer. I loved the way the beer was back then so when I hear it was re-released, I had to try it fresher to taste the difference. The aromas are of dark chocolate, sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, slight toasted barley, dulce de caramel, coffee, some dark fruits like plum and raisins, banana and hazelnut bread, cloves and spices. The flavors are fresher than the last time I tried the 2007 version. You really get a great amount of chocolate covered raisins on coffee hazelnut bread dipped in banana pudding all layered with dulce de leche caramel. That is the just of it but to pin point this with individual terms, we get very rich dark, sweet and milk chocolate, raisins, prunes, plums, slight cherry notes, bananas, hazelnut, coffee and mocha bread, brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon, slight peppery spices and smoked barley flavor to even out all the sweetness. Ommegang makes some of the best beers in the world. This beer just happens to be perfect into the category of my favorite Belgian Stouts like Thirteenth Hour, Buffalo Stout, Art of Darkness and many others. I have never tried it fresher but it does seem that the chocolate does fade a bit over time to give way to a more complex smokey and dark fruit flavors. Which is not bad at all, but what can I say, I’m cuckoo for cocoa beers. I already gave a 5/5 rating to the original but I think really enjoyed the greater chocolate flavor of the fresher version of this beer. It is way too amazing for words. Even when it warms up, the chocolate becomes very abundant and very pleasurable. No wonder its called Chocolate Indulgence.

2007 version review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/chocolate-indulgence-by-ommegang/

Trois Pistoles by Unibroue

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392735_10101113207505200_2137198974_nRating: 6/5 *This and St. Bernardus are my top favorites in the world, so please advise as it maybe bias or ambiguous to your decisions… never the less, this one still world class and a common beer at that.

Trois Pistoles by Unibroue of Canada is a 9%ABV Belgian Strong Dark Ale. The ultimate in best beers in the world at a very common distribution.

Label:
Trois-Pistoles is a remarkably mellow dark ale. To complement its aroma of ripe fruits, it has a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on like old port wine
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Enough said, this has been one of my favorite beers ever since I started this hobby. I’ve had this beer over and over again. In fact, this beer can age for at least 7 to 9 years. So definitely will do another review then.

The aromas are of Dulce de leche caramel, Belgian bread, dark cherries, figs, plums, raisins, pears, apples, apricots, chocolate port wine, grapes, vanilla, pecans pie, candi sugar, almost like a coca cola scent, rum, earthy, brown sugar, and whole sugar cone. The flavors are just epic!!… A major rush plum, cherry, raisins, dark and sweet chocolate, port wine, raisin bread pudding, dulce de leche caramel, Belgian bread sweetness, candi sugars, rum and some maple notes. The ale is almost like a Rum and coke but if they were baked in a chocolate cake with fruits and lots of caramel all over and ofcourse the cake batter was made with port wine. While I have had other extremely awesome beers that are super rare and hard to find, this one never let me down, even since the beginning. That is why this beer and St. Bernardus will always have that special place in my heart. This is a world class beer, look it up its awesome!

2011& 2012 Reviews: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/trois-pistoles-by-unibroue/

 About the Legend: http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/18/history

Trois Pistoles (Three Coins) is named after a small village of Quebec. Founded over 300 years ago, Trois Pistoles gave birth to several legends, including one about the Black Horse. It involved a local bishop who conjured up a good devil (appearing in the form of bridled black steed) to haul large brick stones to construct a new church. When someone accidentally removed the bridle, the black horse suddenly vanished just as the last remaining stone was to be set. This stone is still missing, as can be seen when visiting the local church.

choklat by Southern Tier Brewing

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400133_10100981949781730_1726044407_nRating: 5.5/5

choklat by Southern Tier Brewing is an 11%ABV Imperial Stout brewed with chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, chile chocolate oh yes and CHOCOLATE PRIME!!! Imagine Chocolate rain toned down enough by alcohol but also with adding some bitter-sweet chocolate into the concoction. You get this beer. One of the most Chocolatey beers I have ever 

had D:….aside from chocolate rain ofcourse.Label:
“the ancients called it ‘food for the gods’“ The Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, unfolds a complex web of mystery around a beverage known as xocoatl (ch-co-atle). At Southern Tier, we’re not surprised that hieroglyphs of the ancient Maya depict chocolate being poured for rulers and gods. Even through the many voyages of Columbus, the mystical bean remained nothing more than a strange currency of the native peoples. Moving through centuries, the circular journey of cacao has been realized in our brewing house, encompassing the complexity of the darkest, bitter-sweet candy together with the original frothy cold beverage of the ancient Maya to bring to you our Blackwater Series Choklat Stout. We have combined the finest ingredients to tempt your senses & renew the power & interrelation of history in every bottle. 

Alc. 11.0% by vol.
27o plato
195o L
2-Row barley
Caramel 60 malt
barley flakes
chocolate malt
bittersweet Belgian chocolate
kettle hops: chinook & williamette

This is one of the ultimate tributes in chocolate history right next to chocolate rain!! While Chocolate Rain reaches flavors in the 10th dimension, this reaches somewhere near there…maybe the 5th dimension of flavor. So what is this stout like? If chocolate milkshake with cinnamon, cocoa powder, and that sweet sweet chocolate soda I had in Iowa along with chocolate syrup and dark bitter chocolate and chocolate with a little bit of chili spicy but so faint it only contributes to the bitter-sweet then this is the flavors you have. Some Espresso coffee mocha lingers with caramel and vanilla too. Damn… This is another Diabetes bottle :X….but it is so good!!!! IF you ever had a beer where you had to dig to find the flavor or something that wasn’t easily defined in terms of flavor….well look no further….this beer will help. You don’t even have to taste it to know it has strong chocolate odor. If you do taste it though….you’re done!!…this is a massive dessert here…you may not stop drinking it…careful though :P… You probably have not lived a “Chocolate Lover’ life if you have not tried this beer…