20th Anniversary Ale by Ommegang

October 12, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged 20th Anniversary Ale, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Bourbon Barrel Aged, FF9, FFIX, Final Fantasy IX, Freya Crescent, Ommegang brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

20th Anniversary Ale by Ommegang is an 11.5% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

==Introduction==

This one totally came from left field. I wasn’t until I found it at QualityLiquorStore.com that I stumbled upon this one. The last time I tried and reviewed an Anniversary ale from Ommegang was the XV edition. Ommegang is one of my favorite breweries. Back when I first started beer reviews in 2010, The Three Philosophers which was introduced by my friend Chino was a beer I loved so much, that I wanted to try more of Ommegang’s beer. Fast Forward to this day and they have become one of my favorite Belgian inspired breweries out there. Their brews are just like Belgian ales its crazy. Granted, they are owned by Duvel, but just the better. The beers from them have been some of my all time favorites and to this day, of the common 3 best beers in the world, Three Philosophers is one of my favorites! So let’s take a look at their bourbon barrel aged Dark ale. This is such a great opportunity as I don’t think I have ever had a bourbon barrel aged beer from them. Let’s see, cheers!!

Aromas:
Rich bananas, clove spice, phenolics, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian chocolate, dark fruits, fruit cake, dark candi sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, marshmallow smores, ginger bread, flan, waffle cone, hone, bourbon, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, apples, peppercorn, dark candi sugars and raisin bread pudding

Flavors:
Super rich dark fruit, raisins, plums, figs, cherries, blueberries, currants, burnt sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, Dark candi sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, marshmallow smores, ginger bread,
cola, molasses, anise, mint, rock candy, tiramasu coffee, dark chocolate, Belgian chocolate, milk chocolate, bananas, clove spice, phenolics, stone fruit peach, apricot, mango, port wine, raisins bread pudding, grapes, cane sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, butterscotch, rye bread honey, coriander hints, bourbon, oak, almond joy chocolate, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, peppercorn spice hints, candied apples, maple syrup hints, waffle cone, raspberry and dark cherry chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich dark fruits, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, oak, stone fruit, vanilla, bananas, anise, rocky road ice cream, chocolate and port wine hints. No alcohol in the taste despite the high ABV. Dark Amber brown full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Alot of the rating for this beer comes from the love I have for this brewery. The makers of some of the best Belgian inspired brews that even one of their commons, the Three Philosophers, is among one of my top common 3 beers in the world. This one almost feels like a throw back to Art of Darkness, a Belgian Dark Strong ale that I had so long ago and one that I still have aging hoping to one day open once again. Essentially, if they took that beer and aged it in Bourbon, it would be this. Heck if Unibroue took Trois Pistoles and aged it in bourbon, it be close to this too. It is definitely an exceptional brew that is very rich in dark phenolics I love in Belgians along with what I love from the bourbon barrel aged brews. If you love Belgians and BBA brews, you can’t go wrong with this amazing masterpiece!

Anime Corner:
Freya Crescent from Final Fantasy IX/9 was used in this pairing as I was mainly going for a somewhat medieval feel like many of the brews from Ommegang give the feel of. Since this was a special occasion, I wanted to use her just like I did one of my favorite dragon beers, the Italian Monteggioco Draco. There isn’t much in terms of colors to tribute but an awesome character to an awesome beer!

Midnight Autumn Maple by The Bruery

August 26, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Autumn Maple, Belgian Dark Ale, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Cowboy Bebop, Faye Valentine, Maple Syrup, Midnight Autumn Maple, Spices, The Bruery, vanilla, yams | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Midnight Autumn Maple by The Bruery is a 9% ABV Imperial Belgian Dark ale brewed with Yams, maple syrup, vanilla and spices.

Label:

Darker Times

==Introduction==

It’s been years since I tried the original Autumn maple so when I saw they were releasing this one, I had to bring it to the site. The same recipe but adding Midnight wheat definitely is sure to add some nice dark tones to the beer. Possibly in the realm of dark fruit or chocolate possibly. Let’s have a look at this new treat. Cheers!

Aromas:

Ginger bread cookies, prunes, dark candi sugar, burnt sugar, pumpkin flesh, sweet potatoes in maple syrup, milk sugar, dark chocolate and ginger bread cookies.

Flavors:

Dark candi sugar, molasses, dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, maple syrup, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, banana bread, pumpkin flesh, sweet potato pie, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger bread cookies, cookies, burnt sugar and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:

Finishing with some anise notes, dark fruits, ginger bread cookies, cinnamon, banana bread and pumpkin pie. No alcohol in the taste, dark brown full body, smooth, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:

An exceptional beer! Definitely better than the original with the dark fruit and anise notes creating some very very delicious fall flavors that definitely are not replicated by the original. This one is a huge step up and I highly recommend it!

Anime Corner:

Faye Valentine from Cowboy Bebop was used in this pairing since this is the first time I used her in a Bruery pairing. The pairing works so damn well with the colors of the label but as you can see, the colors of dark fruit are also paired with her. It was a very nice pairing in my mind.

Sirens’ Song by Ommegang brewing

March 3, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Ariel, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Disney, Figs, Ommegang, Ommegang brewing, Raisins, Siren, Sirens, Sirens' Song, The Little Mermaid | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

Sirens’ Song by Ommegang brewing is a 9% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with Figs and Raisins.

Label:
Where heaven met earth and stayed awhile

To revel in life’s sweet Music

Ancient mariners braved the Aegean, holds laden with figs and raisins. They faced great storms, monstrous sea creatures, and merciless pirates. But all paled compared to the Sirens, whose enchanted songs drifted to sea and drew the sailors to their end.

Our dark ale, Sirens’ Song, pays homage to the lost cargos, with figs and raisins added to the brew kettle. The resulting beer is dark, mysterious, and as irresistible as the Sirens’ seductive song.

Roasted malt and burnt sugar aromas lead, followed by flavors of dark fruit and notes of dark caramel. The finish is smooth and balanced with subtle bitterness.

==Introduction==

Ommegang has been one of my favorite Belgian style breweries making great beers including one of my top 3 favorites in the world, Three Philosophers. They recently released this new Belgian Dark Strong brewed with figs and raisins. While Belgian yeast, candi sugars and the right malts and hops can create great complexity similar to these fruits, adding them brings about other unique complexities. So I can definitely see how this may actually elevate the beer to higher levels of flavors. Let’s see who this dark ales does, cheers!

Aromas:
Banana phenolocs, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, dark fruits of raisins, prunes, currants, figs, dates, plums, raspberries, dark candy sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, rock candy, rye bread, molasses, pecan pie, hazelnut, stone fruit peaches, apricots and cinnamon.

Flavors:
Super dark fruits of raisins, prunes, currants, figs, dates, plums, raspberries, pears, apples, Banana cream pie, Banana sundae, dark chocolate notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, cloves, anise, coriander, stone fruit peaches, apricots, cinnamon, peppercorn, dark candy sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, rock candy, rye bread, molasses, pecan pie, hazelnut, pralines, peanut clusters, marzipan, toffee, apple pie, peach cobbler, peach preserves and port wine.

Aftertaste:
Finishing up with rich dark fruits, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, stone fruit, bananas, dark candy sugar, clove spice and marzipan notes. No alcohol in the taste. Full Crimson body. Smooth, creamy, and velvety mouthfeel and a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptional dark Belgian with so much dark fruit complexity. The figs and raisins actually did make a difference enhancing the beer, which I can only assume the base was already delicious. The phenolic and banana flavors really stand out wonderfully almost making this more of a banana and dark fruit dessert. It has been a long time since I have tried a new Belgian from Ommegang and trying these new beers are always pleasant. I highly recommend this one to those that love dark Belgians.

Anime Corner:
Ariel from Disney’s the Little Mermaid as well as original Siren and mermaid characters were chosen for this pairing as it was the obvious choice to go with the name of the beer and the label colors. It was something that I felt should have been easy but I also wanted to give a pairing to the name which is the Song of the Siren and there for it shows Ariel singing. While Sirens and Mermaids differ in how much more of a fish they are and other characteristics, some mermaids can be seen as sirens. So I think it worked out just fine.

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2016-11-26-874085.jpeg
http://img13.deviantart.net/77cc/i/2016/113/8/c/headphone_girl_reborn_by_sakimichan-d9zz8ea.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/233346-1542×2000-the+little+mermaid-ariel-sakimichan-long+hair-single-tall+image.jpeg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/393181-1500×985-the+little+mermaid-disney-ariel-u-min+%28artist%29-long+hair-single.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/509203-905×1280-the+little+mermaid-disney-ariel-cian+yo-long+hair-single.jpg

Super Bashah (Black As Sin Hoppy As Hell) of the Stone Berlin Groundbreaking Collaboration Series #3 by Stone & Brew Dog

February 25, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Bankai, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Black As Sin Hoppy As Hell, Black Belgian Double India Pale Ale, black ipa, BrewDog, Dark Rukia, Imperial Black IPA, Kuchiki Rukia, Rukia, Rukia Devil, Rukia Kuchiki, Rukia Succubus, Stone Berlin, Stone Berlin Groundbreaking Collaboration Series, Stone Brewing, Super Bashah | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Super Bashah (Black As Sin Hoppy As Hell) of the Stone Berlin Groundbreaking Collaboration Series #3 by Stone & Brew Dog is a 10% ABV Black Belgian Double India Pale Ale.

Label:
Series 3 of 14

Glorious mayhem always ensues when Stone Brewing and BrewDog team up to brew a beer. Mix a lifelong metalhead known for having an occasionally aggressive attitude toward the panel with self-professed punks notorious for brewing hardcore beers and pushing the boundaries at full-throttle pace…and this hopped-up headbanger was a no-brainer. Part imperial stout, part Belgian abbey ale and all IPA, this style-smashing hybrid is a supercharged version of the BrewDog / Stone bashah original from 2009. BASHAH: Black As Sin. Hoppy As Hell. This Berlin mash-up will no doubt suffice in satiating those who crave intensity and a pummeling of flavor. Any ringing in your ears from the cacophony should subside within a few days. Probably.

SPECIAL INGREDIENTS
Chocolate Malt & Belgian Yeast

Tasting Notes: Paradoxical in style, roasted malts dominate until the herculian hops and sweet Belgian yeast takes over.

Aroma: Funky dark fermented fruits muddled with citrus and some sweetness.

BBQ duck tacos, bacon-wrapped figs, shiitake mushroom risotto, baklava

Our dream to be the first American craft brewery to independently build, own and operate a brewery in Europe has become a reality. Located in a historic 1901 building, our state of the art brewhouse and destination restaurant in the Mariendorf neighborhood is a true thing of beauty! As promised, we invited some of our best friends in craft brewing to create an exceptional series of celebratory beers. We hope you enjoy the international camaraderie that went inot making these fourteen truly groundbreaking collaborations!

MIT STOLZ GEBRAUT IN BERLIN

==Introduction==

In 2014, Stone was raising money to open a brewery in Berlin, Germany. It would be the first time an American craft brewery would open up a business in Europe. For Germany who has Bavarian laws on the beer making process, craft beer would no coincide with their laws. However, Stone being some crazy arrogant bastards were able to make their way into the market and were successful to open up shop. At the time, I had donated money on promised collaborations with different breweries. Mainly some of the ones I like such as Brew Dog, Lost Abbey, The Bruery, Surly and even Devil’s Gate/Will Wheaton. So, with the donations I made in that year, I was wondering if I would ever see a return on my investment. Long behold, Stone contacted me to inform that they were going to release the beers and so today I bring Super Bashah.

Super Bashah was based on BASHAH which Stone did a collaboration with Brew Dog years ago and it was a memorable beer. That is why when I heard they were doing a collaboration again for the tribute of the new brewery I wanted to bring this one to the site, new and improved, super BASHAH. So thankfully, here it is. Now, these beers will be available at Stone Stores but I do not know if they will see distribution. That is why I suggest possibly visiting Stone or trade for one, as they will be sold to the public. Let’s have a look at Super BASHAH!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, smokey oak, roasted coffee, espresso roast, leather, tobacco, bananas, clove spice, anise, molasses, Citrus, grapefruit, piney, floral, herbal, dank garlicky hops, vanilla, biscuit bread, stone fruit peach, apricot, Belgian candy sugar, rock candy, burnt sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, funky farmhouse, Dulce de leche caramel and lots of dark fruit.

Flavors:
Citrus, grapefruit, piney, floral, herbal, dank garlicky hops, vanilla, biscuit bread, Tropical dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, guava, papaya, strawberry, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, smokey oak, roasted coffee, espresso roast, coffee cake, charred malt, Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, blackberries, raspberries, prunes, port wine, leather, tobacco, Dulce de leche caramel, bananas, clove spice, anise, molasses, flan, crème brulee, stone fruit peach, apricot, Belgian candy sugar, rock candy, burnt sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, mushrooms, funky farmhouse hay and phenolics.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with dark chocolate, tropical fruit, dark fruit, stone fruit, caramel, roasted barley, dank fruity and earthy hops. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch black, 5th dimensional dark abysmal body, super smooth, creamy, refreshing, crisp and velvety mouthfeel along with a very easy drinkability despite the ABV.

Overall:
Ridiculous! Bashah! How is this beer possible? Ridiculous smoothness, ridiculously easy to drink and super well done. I think the complexity and the Belgian Dark helps this one be hoppy but not super bitter. This was a very well made beer and worth my investment in the sponsorship of the Berlin Brewery. Of the new ones that have come from Berlin, I love them all so far but this one I love even more. Reminded me so much of Stillwater’s Folklore to another level. I definitely and highly recommend this one to those who love Black IPAs and Dark Belgians.

Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach as a devil/succubus was originally used on the original beer of BASHAH so naturally, she would make a return for Super BASHAH. The original reason to use this version of Rukia was to go well with the gargoyle of Stone. Since that time, Rukia has gone through many epic changes in the series and has gotten stronger. So displaying many of her different changes including BANKAI and the Chinese Kunfu Martial artists, I felt worked great for this special occasion of a pairing.

Sources:
http://img13.deviantart.net/5462/i/2009/297/3/9/devil_rukia_by_gray_fullbuster.jpg
https://secure.static.tumblr.com/9f8bc91c0564907fa4475f421e00aaef/ixaiiuk/68ro4hkc6/tumblr_static_tumblr_static_3yucn8jlqa68gk8o8gggs0csc_640.jpg
http://img04.deviantart.net/12dd/i/2011/283/e/9/rukia_kuchiki_by_makiilu-d4cgr5y.png
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/e6/56/83/e65683423c8c79d756a12284884c5efe.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CV7-g3rUkAMD6Os.jpg
http://static4.fjcdn.com/comments/3092012+_ad09936c9f232b886c3cafbd768cc4ed.png
http://img15.deviantart.net/ef21/i/2013/011/9/8/halloween_rukia_by_escarter-d5r5ko4.png
http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/4213/249937769.13f/0_19c10e_768cd38_XL

Home Brewing Project #27 Enchanter De L’ambroisie Du Crépuscule by Nubis Sanctum Ales

December 20, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged anise, Belgian Dark Candi Sugar, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, bitter orange peel, Dark Candi Sugar, Enchanter De L'ambroisie Du Crépuscule, Golden Syrup, Legend of Zelda, LOZ, Midna, Nubis Sanctum Ales, The Bewitching of Twilight's Ambrosia, Trois Pistoles, Twili Midna, Twilight Princess, Unibroue, Willow | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Home Brewing Project #27 Enchanter De L’ambroisie Du Crépuscule by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 9% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with Golden Syrup, Dark Candi Sugar, Anise and Bitter
Orange Peel.

Label:
Enchanter De L’ambroisie Du Crépuscule
The Bewitching of Twilight’s Ambrosia

Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with Golden Syrup, Dark Candi Sugar, Anise and Bitter
Orange Peel.

Magic is the bloodstream of the universe. Forget all you know, or think you know. All that you require is your intuition. ~High Aldwin. Willow The Movie

Across time, people have sought for many gifts such as the Philosopher’s Stone, the Holy Grail, Pandora’s Box, Excalibur or even the Necronomicon. Yet, mankind as curious and as ignorant as they may be, have never laid eyes on such things.

Myth, Legends and Folklore seem to have a way of providing wonder to those who seek the power of knowledge from the unknown. Yet many do not know of the Twilight Princess’ potion. Definitely something that came not from such tales but from other dimensions. For you don’t need to search over the ages and realize you have something special in hand.
Cheers!

Ingredients: Water, Hops, Malt, Dark Candi Sugar, Golden Syrup, Anise, Bitter Orange Peel & Belgian Abbey Yeast.

==Introduction==

Project #27 was inspired by the need to create my second mos favorite beer in the World, the Trois Pistoles. Yes, it is a somewhat common Belgian Style from Canada, but when I first started my craft beer journey, this was one of the brews that had quickly became the best beer I have ever had. Later on, I would try many more Belgians like that of St. Bernardus 12abt and Three Philosopher’s and even Judgment Day from Lost Abbey. Yes, this beer has been an important staple in my journey through craft beer that the day I finally decided was versed in the brewing arts, I could make a delicious clone of the fabled Trois Pistoles. In tribute to the original, I had given it a French name which means, The Bewitching of Twilight’s Ambrosia. The reason for the name I will describe in detail in my anime section but just know, this was for a very magical brew. Now that I have it ready for the site, let me tell you a story about it. Also, to commemorate the occasion, I will also give my thoughts on the side to side comparison of the Trois Pistoles to my version of the brew. Join me in the art of darkness, cheers to all!

Aromas:
Anise, dark candi sugar, rye bread, mild port wine, mild cola hints, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, peppercorn hints, Belgian chocolate, vanilla, piloncillo sugar cone, clove spice and banana hints.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, anise, rich dark candi sugar, sugar cane, piloncillo sugar cone, rock candy, bananas, clove spice, molasses, orange notes, coriander hints, port wine hints, raspberry, cola, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, grapes, brown sugar, pecan pie, Belgian chocolate, mild coffee hints, coffee cake, raisin bread pudding, stone fruit peaches, ripe apricots, peppercorn spice, maple hints, apples, butterscotch, tangerine preserves, rye bread, sweetened condensed milk, honey and waffle cone.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich dark fruits, dulce de leche caramel, stone fruit, vanilla, earthy notes, anise, mild citrus, chocolate and port wine hints. No alcohol in the taste. Dark Amber brown full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Enchanter De L’ambroisie Du Crépuscule (Left) Vs. the Original Trois Pistoles (Right):
The aromas between them is definitely different. It has more of the cola and port wine forward along with what I believe is their specialty house yeast. Mines breaths more of the anise, citrus and dark candy sugar and mild port wine. The flavors are nearly identical except for the Trois Pistoles which leans more toward that port wine, chocolate, and cola flavor and mines leans more toward citrus, anise, dark candy sugar, mild cola, chocolate and dulce de leche caramel. The colors are nearly identical even under the light but Trois Pistoles is slightly darker. Carbonation is more on mine but head retention is greater on the Trois Pistoles. The aftertaste is more of that specialty chocolate, cola and port wine house yeast flavor but both end on strong Dark candi sugar.

Overall:
While I do believe my beer is on its own a perfect example of a Belgian Dark, I still agree Trois Pistoles is much better. It is definitely their in house yeast and specialty spices as well as the “on lees” process which definitely gives them only a slight edge over mine. I really, really loved how close this was to Trois Pistoles. It was definitely a better brew just on its own that when I took it out of the fermentor to bottle, it was practically ready to drink. Everything about this beer from the specialty yeast and rich dark fruit flavors matched to that of Trois Pistoles. Specialty house yeast they use of course is hard to find but it is definitely that which I consider that beer to be one of my top in the world right next to St. Bernardus 12 ABT. Am really happy with how this turned out that it is definitely up there with my best brews I have ever made, right next to my Belgian Quad, Sangri Leche, Diablita Del Leche, Raging Passion Lactus Raspear Dragons and others. A recipe worth brewing several times over. Now if I can only get a hold of their house yeast.

Anime Corner:
Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess was the chosen character for this pairing as I wanted to use a character that was both dark and mysterious but also magical and in essence. A dark sorceress but also into the whole nun/monk aspect which would fit with the Belgian abbey style of beers. The story of Trois Pistoles reflects the use of the Lucifer to do God’s biding in the creation of the creation of Our Lady of Snow’s church. Lucifer, in the form of a horse which was bridled and made to carry stones for the construction. This was carried out by a priest who summoned it to do the work. Unfortunately, a worker released it feeling sorry for it and the beast horse disappeared and the church was never finished. In my pairing, Midna wears the chains like that which the horse wore but her appearance similar to that of the dark version of the Virgin Mary also represented the church and its ties to the Vatican. Essentially, in Zelda, Midna is not an evil character, she just looks that way. She helps pay that tribute to the Trois Pistoles brew in the dark magical potion which is still as holy as the ambrosia of gods, hence the name, The Bewitching of Twilight’s Ambrosia.
Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CskbYxBWIAA0Sg4.jpg
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/LtIYhP7FvNFFJmYSrV1JyyKN5mRHlegqU8LXSFrgz3PC5IgfYHRWIlLiEUJWzZcV.jpeg?w=1600&v=He_jk21e3WjlLrtL2pS3ga-vFLrqcKOjJg8NBtoyk34%3D
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/13276149709785426563.JPG?w=1600&v=9J0FQMJeEqwM7xulHoNYFEdGzyaKatPppRtXB2r2ehQ%3D
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/ecadd-midnahoneymoonb2.jpg

9 Ladies Dancing by The Bruery

December 8, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 9 Ladies Dancing, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, cacao nibs, coffee, Lactose, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Naruto, Overwatch, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, Twelve Beers of Christmas, Twelve days of Christmas, Twelve Days of Christmas series, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

9 Ladies Dancing by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed with cacao nibs, vanilla, coffee and lactose.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

The Ninth Verse of Our Twelve Beers of Christmas series dances with flavors inspired by tiramisu. Happy Holidays!

Here’s a pick me up for the latest verse in our Twelve Days of Christmas series. Inspired by flavors and ingredients found in tiramisu, including ladyfingers, 9 Ladies Dancing mimics the Italian dessert by whipping together flavor combinations and layers of its own. This includes notes of vanilla, chocolate and coffee – clearly the leading ladies in this rich, dessert-like beer.

==Introduction==

The Bruery has recently released their latest Christmas beer to the public and should be hitting many distribution areas publicly where they sell The Bruery beers. An Italian dessert inspired beer huh? I still can’t believe it has been so long and in four more years, the Christmas beer saga comes to a conclusion. Every year they release amazing beers. What I find intriguing though is that they use some of the ingredients that I used in my Sangri Leche beer. These are the Lactose, Coffee, Vanilla and Cocoa Nibs. Plus, it’s a Belgian Dark Strong so that makes me think about the flavors. But why wait, let’s see how it is, cheers!

Aromas:
Belgian candi sugar, rock candy, piloncillo sugar cone, sugar plums, capirotada raisin bread pudding, dark fruit prunes, raisins, dark cherries, coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, lactose, Bananas, clove spice, tiramisu, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, honey, maple syrup and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Rich Coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, lactose, Bananas, clove spice, Tiramisu pastry, flan, dark fruit prunes, raisins, dark cherries, Belgian candi sugar, rock candy, piloncillo sugar cone, sugar plums, capirotada raisin bread pudding, butterscotch, rye bread, toffee, Dulce de leche caramel, ginger bread man, Danish cream, Irish cream, crème brulee, Kahlua Liqueur, stone fruit peaches, peach cobbler, apricots, peanut butter, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, honey, maple syrup, biscuit bread, tobacco hints and sweetened condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with coffee, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, stone fruit, pecan pie and toffee. No alcohol in the taste, dark crimson amber full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Very Exceptional brew! I can honestly say this did remind me of 2 creations I made. The Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell which was a Belgian Golden stout with the same ingredients as this one as well as the partial ingredients used in Sangrileche Belgian Stout. Using Coffee, Vanilla and Cocoa nibs does come through when used well and can make many beers even more decadent and complex. Which makes me believe that it may add the necessary complexity or in some cases dominate the flavors of the rest of the beers. In this instances, it balanced out made for one awesome complexity. Definitely get this holiday brew, cheers!

Anime Corner:
Naruto Girls, Mahou Shojo girls and Overwatch girls were all chosen for this pairing to essentially be the 9 ladies dancing. Every year I try to find pairings that match the number of gifts from the Christmas song. It is does get difficult at times but other than going with the theme, there really isn’t anything else specific that matches the pairing unless you can infer some of the colors do match.

Sources:
http://65.media.tumblr.com/734581b30e3a75e6baa874e38f85afec/tumblr_njv7tlkmns1t5cwh1o5_1280.jpg
http://orig11.deviantart.net/4944/f/2016/246/5/c/ladies_of_overwatch_by_minacream-dagbj56.jpg
http://www.theanimegallery.com/gallery/image:185903/

20th Anniversary Ale by Weyerbacher

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 20th Anniversary Ale, Azure Revolution, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Coriander, Selvaria Bles, star anise, Valkyria Chronicles, weyerbacher | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

20th Anniversary Ale by Weyerbacher is an 11% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale Brewed with Coriander and Star Anise.

Description:
Weyerbacher is turning 20 this year! How do we celebrate 20 years of bold and innovative beers? With the release of our 20th Anniversary ale!

Our 20th Anniversary brew is a Belgian-Style Dark Ale weighing in at 11% ABV. It’s malty with notes of caramel, raisins and berries, as well as subtle hints of coriander and star anise.

==Introduction==

Weyerbacher is a brewery I wish I had more beers to try from. We do not get these beers in the west coast but for the brews I have been able to get from them have all been phenomenal. My favorite of the brews is the Blasphemy. One of the best Quadrupel ales that I would consider as one of my top beers. This brew was like a Dark Fruit and pecan pie in a bottle. So since I had the opportunity to bring more Weyerbacher beers, I decided to bring their 20th anniversary ale. In the theme of Belgian beers which I see they like to take, it would be a great honor and addition to review it. Let’s have a look.

Aromas:
Dark fruits like black cherries, currants, raisins, plums, figs, dates, raspberries, butter pecan ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, flan, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, chocolate, pecan pie, buttery Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, bananas, clove spice, port wine, raspberry chambord, apples, rye bread, cinnamon and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like black cherries, currants, raisins, plums, figs, dates, raspberries, leather hints, cinnamon hints, coriander spice hints, bananas, clove spice, stone fruit peaches, pears, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, chocolate, pecan pie, buttery Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, Belgian candi sugar, port wine, raspberry chambord, apples, rye bread, anise, molasses, blackberry preserves, dragon fruit hints, brown sugar and butter pecan ice cream, sweetened condensed milk and flan.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits and dulce de leche caramel linger with a slight sweet port wine and earthyness. No alcohol in the taste. Dark crimson body, moderate to sipping drinkability, velvety, syrupy and bold mouthfeel with a very rich and smoothness.

Overall:
A perfect Belgian Dark strong. So much of what I love from Belgian beers. Bananas, dark fruit, candi sugars and more! They even managed to have some of those pecan pie flavors that I loved from the Blasphemy. I can only assume it is the special yeast strain that they are using. Either way, this is the stuff of great beers and I highly recommend you to look for this one!

Anime Corner:
Selvaria Bles from Valkyria: Azure Revolution was used in this pairing mainly for the colors of label but also fits with the somewhat dark theme of beers presented by Weyerbacher. The colors just caught my eye and seems it would work overall.

Sources:
http://cdn3.dualshockers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Valkyria-4-2.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUPVDTIUwAEdWYo.jpg:large
http://www.51modo.cc/upload/kindeditor/image/20151120/20151120165055_66986.jpg