Tag Archives: Belgian Stout

Cherry Top Belgian Stout by Garage Brewing

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Rating: 6.5/7

Cherry Top Belgian Stout by Garage Brewing is a 9.2% ABV Belgian Stout brewed with Cherry and Vanilla and aged in Bourbon Barrel Aged.

Label:

==Introduction==

I once saw they were making this one a while back yeah, as soon as I saw it and got my hands on it, it was going to be put on the website. My love for Belgian stouts has been a long time coming and with Garage Brewing coming up with some barrel aged magic and some nice adjuncts to the styles, it is something that I really want to share here on the site. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:

Chocolate Milkshake, cherry chocolate, banana sundae, butterscotch, brown sugar, banana, hazelnut nectar, oak, marshmallow smores, banana, cherry yogurt, dark fruit raisins, fruit cake, prunes, plums, cherry cola, dark cherries and pecan pie.

Flavors:

Rich cherry chocolate cordials, dark candy sugar, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian chocolate, cherry cola, bourbon, oak, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, rye bread, molasses, anise, banana sundae, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Dark Cherries, Cherry Yogurt, chocolate milk shake, sweetened condensed milk, butter scotch, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, fruit cake, brown sugar, Pancho Pantera cherry choco milk shake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate flan, rocky road ice cream and tootsie roll chocolate.

Aftertaste:

Finishes with rich cherry chocolate cordials, banana sundae, milk shake, bourbon, oak, flan, vanilla, marshmallow, rocky road ice cream, and dulce de leche caramel. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Dark crimson full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:

Freaking amazing! I swear, I had to stop myself from finishing the whole bottle in a sitting. It is very damn smooth and super easy to drink. I think aside from their first release of the Cherry Milk stout, this is the next big winner for me. It is amazing and I definitely recommend this highly to those that love Belgian stouts!

Anime Corner:

Amy Rose from the Sonic series was used in this pairing as a return to the original cherry stout pairing I did with the Dark Amy rose. Now the difference is with showing a different side of her with the barrel aged an vanilla aspects being complemented by her different cosplays.

Bourbon Barrel Aged 8 Maids A Milking by The Bruery

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15418474_10103811533293690_5448965158180780174_oRating: 6.25/7

Bourbon Barrel Aged 8 Maids A Milking by The Bruery is an 13.7% ABV Belgian Imperial Milk Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

This is what happens when eight maids lay down in bourbon barrels for a year: a rare display of darker, velvety chocolate notes to 8 Maids-a-Milking, the eighth beer in our 12 Days of Christmas series.

This is 8 Maids-A-Milking, the eighth beer in our 12 Days of Christmas series, aged in bourbon barrels for about a year. The Belgian-style imperial milk stout emerges this holiday season with deeper, richer, darker milk chocolate notes, along with amplified roastiness and ripples of caramel, coconut and vanilla character. Drink alongside the 2015 release to revel in the udderances achieved through barrel-aging.

==Introduction==

Released to the Reserve and Hoarders society. This beer is based on the original 8 Maids A Milking which was released in 2015. The original was very damn delicious. The Belgian Imperial Milk Stout isn’t something that is always brewed. The last time I had one was when I made the Trappist Milk Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels which was the Oblivixen’s Maelstrom. I had recalled there were some flavors of the Bruery’s 8 Maids a Milking in that beer but ofcourse mines was amped up several degrees with barrel aging and different ingredients. Now that we have the barrel aged version of what I think is one of the Bruery’s best Christmas beers, let’s have a look and see if this is worth finding, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich oak, bourbon, vanilla, marshmallows, toasted coconut, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugar, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Yoohoo chocolate, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses and bananas.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, vanilla, oak, bourbon, toasted coconut, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugar, Stone fruit peach hints, peach preserves, apricots, mango, lychee fruit, rocky road ice cream, bananas, clove spice, milk sugar, rock candy, pistachio ice cream, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Yoohoo chocolate, peanut butter notes, cocoa krispies, hazelnut nectar, mocha, roasted coffee notes, marshmallow smores, cookie dough ice cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses, mints, anise and toasted rye bread.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with oak, bourbon, milk sugar, chocolate, dark fruit, stone fruit, mocha, marshmallow smores, vanilla, caramel, earthy notes and coffee cake. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, super smooth, creamy, frothy, very rich and creamy mouthfeel, with a drinkability that does not equate to its ABV.

Overall:
Holy shit, this is a real mind blow! The original was one of my favorite Belgian Milk Stouts aside from my own creation. This barrel aged version is even more insane. You get the great barrel aging flavors that the Bruery’s process gives and still get a lot of the original but definitely enhanced into a new level of oblivion. The chocolate milk, toasted coconut, dark fruit and caramel goodness is really over the top. If you do decide to get this one, definitely get several of these, you won’t regret it!

Anime Corner:
Ryoko Hakubi, Ayeka Masaki, Washu Hakubi, Ryo-Ohki, Mihoshi, Sasami, Kiyone Makibi and Nagi of the Tenchi Muyo in Tokyo series were included in this pairing to represent the 8 maids-a-milking. Tenshi Masaki and the other characters are not one of them as I included Ryo-Ohki who is a girl and is Ryoko’s spaceship but also is in love with Tenchi and well, all of them are Tenchi’s harem so Tenchi is in the picture by default just like the previous beer review. They are his 8 maids-a-milking. Not literally I hope but they all work the farm in the Tenchi Muyo series while there are no Space havocs about ofcourse.

Sources:
http://todoanimes.com/img/animes/fondos/382.jpg

Homebrewing Project #26 Chochronicles of Flantasia in the Bananatrix by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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15002306_10103708108487830_282534169356019834_oRating: 3.75/5
 
Homebrewing Project #26 Chochronicles of Flantasia in the Bananatrix by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 4.46% ABV Belgian Sweet/Milk Stout brewed with Bananas, Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.
 
Label:
None
 
==Introduction==
14195328_10103536645311410_4405160716846672082_o
Project #26 came from my friend Julio’s idea to create a Banana and Chocolate stout. I have used bananas and chocolate in other beers before so what I did was I pulled a page from one of my old recipes. I minimized the used of bananas to a few unlike what I did with Ban-Anna’s Love Nectar. Since I wanted to make something drinkable as well, I ended using enough ingredients to make a basic milk stout that would not be too high in alcohol. In order to bleed the chocolate and banana through I added the cocoa nibs and bananas along with little bit of flavoring and the vanilla beans. The vanilla beans would represent a more of a flan aspect to the beer as I am using lactose but also along with chocolate, it would be a banana choco flan like beer. The choice in yeast was made since I wanted to go with banana and dark fruit like clovey flavors. I know I could of used a heffeweizen yeast which may have been more suited for this because of the enhanced banana flavors but I figure I try this out first since I already have the bananas in this beer. So let’s see how well this came out. Cheers to my friend Julio for coming up with the idea. Cheers bro!
 
Aromas:
Bananas, Bubble gum, clove spice, Mexican chocolate, vanilla, dark fruit raisin hints, piloncillo sugar cone hints, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, anise, molasses, toffee, caramel and tobacco hints.
 
Flavors:
Rich Bananas, flan hints, bubble gum, clove spice, dark fruit raisins, currants, cherries, crème brulee hints, coffee notes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Mexican chocolate hints, piloncillo sugar cone, coffee cake, tobacco hints, anise, molasses and pecan hints.
 
Aftertaste:
Finishes with a roasty coffee and earthy bitterness with lingering clove, vanilla, chocolate and banana. No alcohol in the aftertaste, dark murky medium body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a moderate drinkability.
 
Overall:
A pretty delicious beer. While I think it is not my best brew, I can definitely tell where I can change some things. For starters, I would need to make this one an imperial. The beer came out a little too light for its complexity. It seems a lot of the flavors are forward but then the aftertaste is bitter. It is possible this is due to the Belgian strain. I think I would definitely change it by going with more malt to make it an Imperial Milk stout and definitely go with the German Heff strain for next time. Overall, I think it is worthy of another go and definitely grows as it gets warmer.
 
Anime Corner:
This original character, which I do not remember where I got the picture from, was the best thing I could think of as a form of reaction to the way this beer is supposed to be. The idea was the banana chocolate flan aspect that definitely fit with the ingredients paired perfectly with the reaction of deliciousness. While the results of the beer were not quite what I had hoped for, the overall idea was there and is definitely something I will work for once I redo the recipe. I really want that look of amazement in people’s reaction when they try the beer. We will see…
 
Sources:

Verbum in Tenebris by Save the World brewing

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13315409_10103297375624780_7754062790014740956_n 13335540_10103297375619790_8022862562523083178_nRating: 5.25/6

Verbum in Tenebris by Save the World brewing is a 7.5% AVB Belgian Double Milk Chocolate Stout aged in cocoa nibs and peppermint.

Label:
Verbum In Tenebris (Word in the Darkness)
Our Belgian style double milk chocolate stout was aged with cocoa nibs and peppermint, resulting in deep aromas and rich flavors of chocolate, hints of mint and roasted coffee. It is full bodied with malt sweetness at the beginning and a lingering rich medium dry finish.

Enjoy this Dark silky delectable ale!
Try pairing with roasted and grilled meats, rich cheeses, and all deserts, especially ice cream. Goes especially well with love!

==Introduction==

Obtained this one via trading from my friend and fellow beer reviewer, Aaron Mendiola at BeerMetalDude.com. This is the second beer I review from the up and coming Save the World brewing. The Quadruple with the brett I first had from them was downright amazing! So naturally, with the next beer I get to try being a Chocolate Milk Stout and a Belgian Imperial style too, well, I really am hoping this one is just as delicious or way better than the first one I had. Let’s a look now, cheers!

Aromas:
Anise, molasses, brown sugar, Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, Fudge chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, marshmallows, port wine, Belgian Candy sugar, smokey oak, earthy hop notes, vanilla, leather, tobacco and mint chocolate chip hints.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, Fudge chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk Sugar, port wine, Belgian Candy sugar, smokey oak, roasted coffee notes, earthy hop notes, vanilla, leather, tobacco, anise, licorice, molasses, mint chocolate chips, pillow mints, dark fruit cherries, raisins, plums, currants, raspberry, figs, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, mocha, graham crackers, marshmallow smores and double chocolate cake with cherry cordials and Raspberry Chambord syrup.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with raspberry, dark cherry yogurt hints, dark fruits, rich chocolate, earthy notes, mint, molasses, tobacco, smokey notes and port wine. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black body, smooth, creamy, silky and velvety mouthfeel with a moderate mouthfeel.

Overall:
Definitely exceeding some of my expectations. The beer is just like the great Belgian Stouts I have had in the past but the lactose and chocolate with the peppermint really take things up a notch and into another realm for sure. The complexity added by the ingredients gives a lot of the flavors that I really enjoy, especially the chocolate. This one is a high recommend from me especially if you can find it.

Anime Corner:
Celty Sturluson from Durarara!! Was used mainly as the Word the darkness and the colors in the label. She doesn’t really have a face, but a helmet so you wonder, how can someone without a face make words. If the words do come, they are definitely from the darkness as depicted in the picture pairing.

Sources:
http://img1.reactor.cc/pics/post/full/Celty-Sturluson-Durarara!!-Anime-2942251.jpeg
http://blog-imgs-79.fc2.com/j/i/n/jingaidaisuki/20150724055223297.jpg

8 Maids A Milking by The Bruery

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12339169_10102947566026020_8027343341976235757_oRating: 5.5/6

8 Maids A Milking by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Belgian Imperial Milk Stout.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

The Eighth Verse of Our Twelve Beers of Christmas saga celebrates with a rich & creamy Belgian-style imperial milk stout. Happy Holidays!

8 Maids-A-Milking is suitable for aging up to 5 years (soon after the release of 12 Drummers Drumming) when cellared properly.

==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. I was unable to see if there was any special ingredients used in this beer to make it unique from the last aside from being an Imperial Milk Stout but much love Milk Stouts so typically, these beers may fit the Christmas or Holiday times. Overall, this set of Twelve days of Christmas beers have been very good overall but I would definitely like to see what this one is about. So let us take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, plums figs, tres leches cake, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses, Rich Milk Chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, flan, bananas, clove spice, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, roasted coffee notes, marshmallow smores, cookie dough ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, Stone fruit peach hints and cocoa powder.

Flavors:
Rich Milk Chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, Dark fruit raisins, plums figs, flan, bananas, clove spice, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, milk sugar, rock candy, candi sugar, cocoa powder, Yoohoo chocolate drink, peanut butter, cocoa krispies cereal, hazelnut nectar, mocha, roasted coffee notes, marshmallow smores, cookie dough ice cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses, mints, anise, Pistachio Ice cream, oatmeal cookies, Stone fruit peach hints, apricots, mango, lychee fruit and toasted rye bread with peach preserves.

Aftertaste:
Sweet, milk sugar, chocolate, dark fruit, stone fruit, mocha, vanilla, caramel, earthy notes and fancy coffee cake lingers. No alcohol in the taste, dark abysmal full body, super smooth, frothy, very rich and creamy mouthfeel, with a drinkability that does not equate to its ABV.

Overall:
Divinely rich and perfect milk stout. So much Belgian, so delicious I had to buy several of these. This might be their best Christmas beer yet. The milk and chocolatey stout flavors really do stand out big time. Despite this being a bigger ABV beer, it is really hard to tell where the alcohol is. The bruery will be releasing this one for the holiday season so definitely do yourself a favor and get this one, I highly recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Ryoko Hakubi, Ayeka Masaki, Washu Hakubi, Ryo-Ohki, Mihoshi, Sasami, Tsunami and Tokimi of the Tenchi Muyo series were included in this pairing to represent the 8 maids-a-milking. Tenshi Masaki is not one of them as I included Ryo-Ohki who is a girl and is Ryoko’s spaceship but also is in love with Tenchi and well, all of them are Tenchi’s harem so Tenchi is in the picture by default. They are his 8 maids-a-milking. Not literally I hope but they all work the farm in the Tenchi Muyo series while there are no Space havocs about ofcourse.

Sources:
https://hdwallpapers.cat/wallpaper_1600x1200/tenchi_muyo_ayeka_sasami_mihoshi_kain_ryoko_1600x1200_hd-wallpaper-27878.jpg

Oblivixen’s “Sangri-Leche” Maelstrom by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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12241409_10102914064772800_3962771018234040976_n 12115468_10102914069029270_2808360420569496945_n 1980004_10102914068470390_8290442064902862522_oRating: 6/6
 
Oblivixen’s “Sangri-Leche” Maelstrom by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 13% ABV Belgian Imperial Peanut Butter Milk Stout brewed with Dark Matte’rs Unicorn Blood Coffee, Organic Black Cherry syrup, Cocoa Nibs and vanilla beans oak aged in Dragon’s Milk Beer Barrel Bourbon.
 
Label:
Belgian Imperial Peanut Butter Milk Stout brewed with Unicorn Blood Coffee, Organic Black Cherry syrup, Cocoa Nibs and vanilla beans oak aged in Dragon’s Milk Beer Barrel Bourbon.
 
Long ass description for a beer that has been sitting aging for more than 6 months in the dark recesses of another dimension. Yes, this beer comes from a realm of reality where the liquid itself transports your senses to an existence that not even the collapsed stars of the universe dare to peek their event horizons at. You said, “screw it, it’s just a beer” and after your first sip, now you entered the unknown dimension. There, you meet with the Foxy Vixen that helps you on your journey back home, but once you realize that you never sensed the alcohol in the first place since you were too busy indulging in the sweet Godly Ambrosia of a dessert this is. Well, it was clear as day that it was too late and in the darkness of unimaginable oblivion you remain. Don’t worry though, I am sure your next astral exploration across the quantum will be more successful. For now, just remember, a sip at a time and you’ll be fine.
 
Ingredients: Water, Malts, Dark Matter’s “Unicorn Blood Coffee”, Lactose Milk Sugar, Belgian Dark Candy Sugar, Cane Sugar, Peanut Butter, Organic Black Cherry syrup, Cocoa Nibs, Vanilla Beans, Oak Aged “Dragon’s Milk Beer Barrel Bourbon”, Monastery/Trappist yeast, RBY Monk’s yeast and Abbey Yeast.
 
==Introduction==
 11154816_10102516153086010_3356839740307646426_o
Proeject# 6 One of the craziest things I have ever done in my life. Yes, a real mad science experiment of a beer. After brewing 5 different beers and learning the process of aging and higher gravity beers, I decided I take a huge gamble and create a beer that was along the lines of some of the best high gravity barrel aged beers I could ever find. Yes, I am talking about Black Tuesday, Dark Lord Imperial Stout, Creme Brulee, Like is Like…, Firestone Walker Parabola and even Thirteenth Hour Belgian Stout. I figured if I could make something like that, I would definitely learn so much more about brewing extravagant beers.
 
So why the name Sangri Leche and Maelstrom? Maelstrom since the beer is pretty scary as a storm that is a portal to another dimension. “Sangri-Leche” meaning Bloody Milk came as a tribute to using Unicorn Blood Coffee and Milk sugar as it is part milk stout as well. Mainly though, it was suggested by my friend Richard Stan Avila after one of the episodes from our favorite show: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XONh38l6p8Q)
 
I started this project in April 2015 and aged the beer until today, Friday November 13, 2015. (Yes I made it so dramatic). So the day has finally come and after so much work of mashing, heating. Boiling, fermenting, pitching, siphoning, aging and bottling (Thanks to my friend William Carranza of El Borracho Hombrewing for helping me bottle the beer), I finally bring forth a beer that may actually be up there with some of the greats. I give you, my Frankenstein brew. Let’s take a look and analyze this monster, cheers!
 
Aromas:
Super Rich Black Cherry, Raspberry Chambord, Dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, plums, figs, Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, Milk Shake, Rich Fudge Chocolate cake, port wine, bananas, clove spice, Hazelnut nectar, Walnuts, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate, toasted coconut hints, bourbon, oak, dulce de leche caramel, peanut butter, fancy coffee, roasted coffee, Mocha, Kahlua coffee Liqueur, flan, milk sugar and choco flan.
 
Flavors:
Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Milk Shake, Chocolate Cheese cake, Chocolate Mousse, Oreo cookies and cream, cocoa crispies, vanilla, rich oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, Mocha, roasted Coffee, fancy coffee, Kahlua coffee liqueur, Dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, plums, figs, peanut butter, coconut, Hazelnut nectar, Walnuts, pecan pie, bananas, clove spice, dark candi sugar, rock candy, capirotada raisin bread pudding, chocolate flan, tres leche cake hints, sweetened condensed milk, lactose milk sugar, Chocolate cookie dough, rocky road ice cream, Dark Fudge Chocolate cake, port wine hints, rich raspberry Chambord and more.
 
Aftertaste:
Lingering rich flavors
Despite the strong ABV, there is no alcohol in the taste. Dark Abyss Full Body from another dimension with a thin layer of bloody crimson, very damn smooth, creamy, velvety, syrupy, bloody and rich body and easy to drink although it should be a highly sipping beer.
 
Overall:
I really can’t believe I made this. I really can’t believe how exceptional and over the top this beer turned out to be. I have only few people who have tried it to thank for telling me how ridiculously special this beer was. In a way, I am extremely happy with the results. In another way I am sad that because I spent so many resources and time, I only have such a damn small batch of the beer to share with close people. I just hope maybe one day this beer can win a home brewing competition. The alcohol while high, is ridiculously masked by ridiculous complex flavors. It came out sweet and dessert like but it is still a super heavy hitter. That is why I feel it can really compete with the likes of even the most craziest of High gravity and coveted Whales. This monster is my baby and I am proud to have made this, my best beer ever! (At least until I can top it one day or make more!)
 
Anime Corner:
Krystal Fox from Star Fox was used in this pairing to represent the Vixen from the label description. She is only know as Oblivixen as it is a play at Oblivion (Unconscious or Unaware) and Vixen (female fox). The beer was so damn complex and dark like the vast infinite space and the vastness of the unknown that her being from Space or even another dimension made sense in my mind. Sweet on the outside she is, but deep in darkness and bloody she be. All good though, just remember this is only either a breakfast cup of coffee or a mind blowing dessert. All in all, it existence still baffles me. As the description says, you’ll be infinitely oblivious as you drink this. It will be all wort it.
 
Sources:
http://pre09.deviantart.net/812d/th/pre/i/2013/248/8/a/krystal_solar_mission_by_luigiix-d4osgaj.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/84/d7/23/84d723a908ff2a926838d76afd1d9523.png
https://41.media.tumblr.com/07892147fd31b195cfd9702471ae4b8d/tumblr_nnuw31YZyf1slf9f5o1_500.jpg
 

 

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

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

Dark Night of the Soul by Monkish brewing

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10447530_10101935635453000_3295597037562605673_nRating: 5.75/5

Dark Night of the Soul by Monkish brewing is an 11.1% ABV Belgian Imperial Stout.

So far few in between and yet another favorite style of beer comes forth and takes me back to why I really love these types of beers. The Belgian imperial stout is one that doesn’t come that often and for the ones that I have tried, simply some of the best I have ever tried. Monkish from Torrance California released this special batch of beer that is only sold at the brewery and is very limited. Only 50 cases made, so yeah. If this beer does good, they may one day decide to release it again. Until then, I bring it forth to you for review. Cheers!

Aromas:
Pecan pie, Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, coconut, marshmallow smores, oak, anise, molasses, brown sugar, hints of rum, port wine, dark cherries, vanilla, black currants, raisin bread pudding, hazelnut nectar and banana hints.

Flavors:
Black currants, Pecan pie, dark fruits like raisins, plums, dark cherries, figs, Belgian, dark and milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, cocoa powder, port wine hints, rum hints, hazelnut nectar, banana hints, raisin bread pudding, clove spice, anise, molasses, oak, marshmallow smores and coconut hints.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, dark fruits, earthy spice, pecans and caramel linger for a little bit. No alcohol in the taste despite the fact that this is a sipping beer. It also has some smooth chocolatey creaminess to it. It has a full mouthfeel and it has a pitch black body.

Overall:
Right next to Seme De La Vita, this is my new favorite offering from Monkish. It is extremely exceptional! It really does remind me about how unique the Belgian Stout style can really get. This is one of the best examples for sure. Highly recommended if you can get this one or trade for it.

Anime Corner:
Saber Alter/Dark Saber from Fate Stay Night was used perfectly in this pairing because I wanted to show something in regards to a Dark Night, Evil Soul as well as pay tribute to the monasteries like the theme Monkish brings forth. The colors represent the flavors of the beer and her dark evil power the ABV. She is very dangerous as you will want to drink the whole thing in one sitting, but just like the best beers ever, it must be respected and enjoyed wisely.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/1637555

2013 Serpent’s Stout by The Lost Abbey

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1654447_10101659994000680_1743785428_n 1653412_10101659995482710_476630824_nRating: 5/5

2013 Serpent’s Stout by The Lost Abbey is an 11% ABV World Class Belgian Imperial Stout.

Label:
From the beginning of time, it was so decreed, “From the this Tree of Knowledge, you shall not eat this fruit”. Soon enough, the Serpent slithered through the Garden convincing Eve to taste the nectar from this forbidden fruit. Once bitten and shamed, she then tempted Adam. Together, their actions brought Original Sin upon our world.

Discontent to rest on his laurels the Serpent continued his cunning ways bringing forth more temptations. Ultimately, he foisted upon the world his own Serpent Stout – a liquid so dark and viscous that all who tasted soon fell victim to this evil incarnate. Some turned to false prophets seeking advice. None of it mattered. Each struggle revealed the battle between Good and Evil. And now that you are holding a bottle of this liquid, it is certain he has tempted even you… So, welcome to our Darker Side of Life – home of the Serpent Stout’s Original Sin and the tastiest beers known to man.
___

When it comes to drinking craft beer, sometimes you always find your self going back to some of the beers that started it all. This evil brew of sin was the original and first Belgian Imperial Stout that I have ever tried. Back in 2010 when I first started getting into collecting beer labels, this was one of the most artistic ones that I have tried from the Lost Abbey, and was one of my top favorites. A beer like this something that you really don’t forget. To many people, they all have a special set of beers sometimes they always want to go back and try. For me, this so called “blood of Christ” was something evil, dark, special and delicious. I try once more after those many times I tried it oh so long ago! It is a common here in California and in some places too. Sometimes, you just gotta go back.

Original Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/serpents-stout-by-the-lost-abbey/

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, currants, plums, figs, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, roasted coffee notes, earthy hops, toffee, mild mocha, graham crackers, smores, brown sugar and molasses.

Flavors:
Dark, milk, bakers and fudge chocolate, roasted coffee beans, dark fruits like raisins, currants, plums, dulce de leche caramel, eathy hops, vanilla, brown sugar, molasses, toffee, mocha, graham cracker smores, flan, tobacco, oak, candy sugars, anise, raisin bread pudding soaked in chocolate syrup and coffee.

Aftertaste:
Earhy notes, oak, dark chocolate, coffee, dark fruits and caramel. No alcohol in the taste with a sipping, yet scary, smooth drinkability. I am not kidding, this is is why this beer is so evil. It goes down smooth like hell even with a syrupy mouthfeel. 

Overall:
Perfect example of one of the best Belgian Imperial Stouts. This beer was so good back then, I am currently aging one for a couple of years to come still. By then, I am sure it can sure fly above the “more than perfect/exceeding expectations” ratings. Even for a bottle as early as this, it is still damn great complex beer. One of my top favorites and a highly recommended stout. 

Anime Corner:
Ichigo Kurosaki and Fade to Black Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach were the perfect pairing back then when I did a review for this beer still continuing the tradition are used to pair the Adam and Eve label. The aspect of Adam and Eve relate to Rukia ad Ichigo since Rukia was possessed by evil twins and Ichigo tries to fight Rukia to try to save her from the possession. As you can see in the picture where Rukia attacks Ichigo, it is synonymous with Eve trying to lure Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. Crazy idea I had back then but damn it works. Hell, Serpent’s Stout is pitch black like the “Fade to Black” version of Evil Rukia. Definitely one of the best pairings I have for one of the original beers that started me into craft beer. Cheers!!

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/

Allagash Bourbon Barrel Black by Allagash brewing

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533992_10101395283597450_1145893645_n 1175423_10101395282349950_383455296_n 1175213_10101395281546560_1309066990_nRating: 5.75/5 *Bring on the chocolate

Allagash Bourbon Barrel Black by Allagash brewing is a 9.2% ABV Belgian Stout aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels

Description (Beeradvocate.com):
Our Belgian Style Stout, Black, aged for one year in bourbon barrels. The toffee,chocolate and coconut nose is followed by a smooth bitter chocolate and bourbon flavor. The finish is dry, roasted and warming. 
___

First heard of this one several months ago. It was believed that back then this would only be released in small quantities from Portland Maine. Not very many online places will ship this. Some will depending on where you live. I hope we can expect more as the time comes. As I mentioned in other reviews about Belgian Stouts, these tend to be some of my favorite styles of beer. Allagash Black was very good after the many times I have tried it. Now for a Barrel Aged version? Well, we shall see how seductive this one is.

Aromas are of coffee, caramel, mocha notes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, raisins, oak, bourbon hints, vanilla, slight coconut aroma, pecans, dark fruit, fudge brownie notes and cherry hints

The flavors are of rich milk chocolate, dark chocolate, coffee, mocha, pecans, hazelnut spread, dulce de leche caramel notes, bourbon notes, slight oak and smokey notes, vanilla, dark fruits like cherries, raisins, plums, chocolate cake batter, brownies, coconut notes, spicy cloves, anise and almond joy chocolate

The aftertaste leaves with a nice chocolate brownie sweetness along with smoke and oak notes to keep stuff balanced. Not in the realm of super strong barrel aged beers but the alcohol is super hidden. Definitely a sipper and meant to be enjoyed for a while

Overall, the beer freaking great. The bourbon, although subtle, brings forth new flavors as well brings about stronger flavors, especially the chocolate and caramel. The flavors get more complex as the beer warms up. Similar to the Folklore Pappy Van Winkle, this beer brings a whole lot to the style. The beer just starts to give out a great amount of coconut, chocolate, dark fruits, bourbon and caramel as it warms. Goes to show, that even for a barrel aged beer under 10% ABV, might be worth the price.

Original Allagash Black Review
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/allagash-black-by-allagash-brewing/

Barrel Noir by Almanac Beer Co.

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1170843_10101327420101440_28549060_n 934688_10101327419647350_833143809_n 996568_10101327418494660_1307572163_n
Rating: 5.6/5*

Barrel Noir by Almanac Beer Co. is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout with 50% Belgian Dark Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels and 50% American Imperial Stout

Label: 
This oak-aged ale is our love letter to bourbon barrels. Barrel Noir is a sumptuous, inky ale that celebrates the velvety texture and subtle heat that only Kentucky charred oak can impart. Born from a blend of American imperial stout and Belgian-inspired dark ale aged in bourbon barrels, this rich brew can be paired with braised beef dishes and dark chocolates. Enjoyed best in front of a warm fireplace.
___

There are very few Belgian Stouts out there that can take beers to new levels. The style is simply one of my top favorites. Some of these beers are coveted while others are easier to find. Today, I try this one which has been partially aged in bourbon barrels. Many of the ingredients are farm grown locally. So a lot of them are fresh. Upon opening the beer, I knew was another awesome special chocolate beer.

Aromas are of rich milk chocolate, dark chocolate, coconut, bourbon, vanilla, dark fruits, dulce de leche, flan, marshmallows, espresso coffee notes, brown sugar, candi sugar and sweet Belgian bread notes

The flavors are of very rich milk chocolate, rocky road ice cream, pecans, walnuts, almond joy chocolate, coconut cream, vanilla, raisins, prunes, hints of minor cherry and raspberry notes, bourbon, oak, hints of Kahlua, dulce de leche caramel, flan, chocolate cake with brownie batter and minor earthy bitterness to balance it all out.

Aftertaste leaves with nice chocolate, coffee cake and minor earthy notes along with a bit of vanilla. The alcohol is not too fondly present and makes it nice. Very hidden. 

Overall, this beer is simply amazing. Sweet to a not too overwhelming level, yet so many flavors and to a certain point, moderate drink-ability. This beer is a fusion of a bourbon barrel aged quad and an imperial stout which is not something that is done often. So I really think that the right level of brewing fusion is what really makes it outstanding and different from others. The dominating characters that each part brings to the table is simply exquisite. I love chocolate beers, so the extra points in rating are for those awesome awesome chocolate flavors but also because it works so well. A must try for anyone that is a stout and Belgian beer fan. If they ever make this in larger bottles and more available, that would be the best!!

*Overwhelming with milk chocolate, yet not to the super sweet level and enough to give great complexity

Darkest Hour (Batch#1) by Anchorage brewing

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295671_10101200101124690_1541296746_n 379702_10101200102262410_51995720_nRating: 5.5/5

Darkest Hour (Batch#1) by Anchorage brewing is a 13%ABV Belgian Imperial Stout aged in French oak Pinot Noir and Rye Whisky Barrels fermented as a Imperial Stout/ Tripel Hybrid

Label: 
Triple Fermented.

Ale brewed with Summit hops. First with a Belgian yeast second in Pinot Noir and rye whisky barrels. And Finally in the bottle with a wine yeast for natural carbonation.

The hour of darkness is one of slumber for most. There are those, however, that do their best diabolical work when left to their own devices in the dark underworld. These creatures toil silently and mysteriously, transforming their subjects into an alluring liquid that, by the light of day is as dark as the night, but with truly enlightening qualities when beholden by those in search of good things.

Such is the case with the mighty Saccharomyces as it converts the complex sugars of Anchorage Brewing Company’s The Darkest Hour, into brooding, almost dangerous Belgian Style Imperial Stout, borne of complex malts, subtle, but distinctive hops and a stern command from the master’s hand that all things that come to life must be good. From the dark depths of the oak awakes this mighty brew that at 13 percent alcohol gives pause to the mortals of lesser fortitude.

Sip deeply, but imbibe slowly, lest you succumb to the dark powers of this melancholy brew with deep, rich flavors. Drink in the darkness if you must, but edge closer to the fire if one’s kindled nearby. The Darkest Hour will fill your palate and your mind with things you may not have considered before. At Anchorage Brewing Company, we bid you good thoughts with the help of our newest creation.
___

Been waiting a while for this release. It is not often that a rich Belgian chocolate desert such as the Belgian Imperial Stout is brewed. Being one of my favorite hidden styles is something I sure as hell do not pass up. Some examples of the style is the Buffalo Stout, Allagash Black, Stillwater Artisanal Folklore, Great Divide Belgian Yeti, Stone Belgo Anise RIS, Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence, Maui Aloha B’ak’tun, Elysian Omen, Ommegang Art of Darkness, The Lost Abbey Deliverance, Samuel Adams Thirteenth Hour Stout and to some extent, Trois Pistoles and Black Tuesday/Grey Monday/Chocolate Rain/Melange 3.

Aromas star off very similar to Black Tuesday but dwell in the in the Trois Pistoles zone. There is whiff of a lot of chocolate followed by grape wine, Bourbon, vanilla, Dulce de leche chocolate, raisins, flan, toffee, dark cherries, plums, oak, molasses, anise, coconut, black currants, raisin bread pudding, hazelnut, pecan pie, musty grapes and dates. The flavors are a lot like a wine. In fact, the beer seems closer to a wine to some degree. Like a sweet chocolate wine booziness. However, it also reminds me a lot of The Lost Abbey Deliverance. This is really cool as Deliverance only comes in a 330ml bottle. Quite the difference :D. You can still tell this is a Belgian Stout though. It has flavors of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, wine grapes, raisins, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, walnuts and pecan pie, flan, whisky, vanilla, currants, cherries, coconut, oak, slight smokiness, raisin bread pudding, light mocha, molasses and slight anise. The after taste leaves with like a dry walnut and grape chocolate taste. Pretty fancy stuff but not to the flavors of Black Tuesday. It smells awesome but if you don’t like wine, it may not be for you. I don’t mind this at all. It really is a different type of style. It is almost as if Trois Pistoles added more chocolate and leaned more toward the Pinot Noir than the Port Wine instead. Definitely worth the pickup. I enjoyed this one a lot.

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/

Allagash Black by Allagash Brewing (1 year Aged)

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486427_10101095685090260_2105219987_nRating: 5/5

Allagash Black by Allagash Brewing is a 7.5% ABV Belgian Stout. This version I aged for about a year until the right time to try it.

Description: 
Allagash Black, our new Belgian style stout, is brewed with German 2 row barley, Torrified wheat and oats, balanced by a large addition of Belgian dark candi to give the Black a full and silky mouthfeel. Roasted malts give this stout its classic chocolate, toast and malty taste, and contribute to chocolate notes and a hint of roasted coffee in the aroma. The Black is fermented with a Belgian yeast strain and refermented in the bottle with the methode champenoise to make this beer truly unique. Availability: 750 ml bottles, 5.17 gal kegs ABV: 7.5% Original Gravity: 1.072 Recommended Serving Temperature: 55°F Recommended Cellaring Temperature: 55°F
___

This is the second time I try this beer. The first time I tried it was about a year ago. I saved a bottle to let it sit for about a year to see if the levels would intensify. Oh man did they now. Upon opening the bottle there was an immediate rush of caramel and vanilla fragrant smoked. Some aromas of chocolate coffee, mocha, some pecan and caramel bread, some minor aromas of dark fruits and apples. The flavors are of bitter dark chocolate, roasted coffee, slight smokiness, bananas, molasses, boysenberry pie, some coffee cake, dark tart cherries, plums, raisins, figs, dry apricots, some dulce de leche caramel, some vanilla, candi sugar, earthy hop and citrus taste. This beer reminds me a lot of Folklore by Stillwater Artisanal in that it is still a very good Belgian stout but with some smokey aspects to it. Although, Folklore had a little more of a dark saison aspect as well. More smokey and bitter than 13th hour Stout but it makes up for that with the rest of the flavors which are awesome. A very awesome beer and one to have many a times. The Abyss doesn’t come out all the time but I would say if this was barrel aged, you would have Deschutes The Abyss.

2012 Review:
Allagash Black, the brew that is so similar to 13th hour but more bitter chocolate than. The Belgian Style Stout is brewed with 2 Row barley, torrified wheat, oats, both roasted and chocolate malt and a generous portion of dark caramelized candy sugar. There is definitely a silky mouth feel as stated in the description. Almost like velvet Merlin. The brew has a lot of reminiscent chocolate/coffee bread taste like the 13th. There is also hints of caramel vanilla, citrus, raisins, figs, cherries and dried apricot. Even if the base overwhelmed is malty bitter sweet chocolate, as I go through this brew it definitely lets out a lot of other complex flavor due to the Belgian bready yeast here. Step into this beer…if you dare…it looks evil but very delicious and lovely and good :). Just like the pic of Midna. You never know what you will find in this brew. Also the bitterness of this beer does remind me of the Old Rasputin hoppy bitterness. Allagash does a great job of balancing the complexity of this brew with that of malty sweet, bready complex, and hoppy bitterness. Surely some one that likes Stouts, Belgian, and hoppy ales will surely, like this complex creation. Looks sorta plain and dark from the outside but they have always said, it is the inside that counts. So give this one a try and take a step into the dark…or black side of the ale world. 😛

Aloha B’ak’tun by Maui brewing

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522731_10101089985212860_2041559936_nRating: 4.45/5

Aloha B’ak’tun by Maui brewing is a 7%ABV Belgian Stout brewed with chocolate, cinnamon and chipotle.

Label: 
Change is the only constant in life; and this year has been marked with exiting changes. Staff moving on, new staff joining our team and construction plans for the new brewery (Yes, still on Maui). Our final limited release of the year celebrates change and bids aloha to our friends new and old. 

This Belgian stout is brewed with chocolate, cinnamon, and chipotle. It pours deep black with ruby highlights. Layered with roasted malt character hints of bittersweet dark chocolate, clove, cinnamon and subtle peppery notes in the nose. 

The year is ending, the world is not. Raise your hand and toast with us to all the great things to come. Look forward to four new limited releases in 2013.
Mahalo Nui Loa. 

‘Okole Maluna,
Garrett 
___

Belgian Stouts are some of my favorites. So when I found this one I had to get it. The fragrances are are roasted coffee, bakers and dark chocolate, bready notes, raisins, slight peppercorns, mild pepper, tobacco, molasses and slight caramel. The flavors are mainly of coffee, dark chocolate, slight tobacco, smokey (in the glass), dulce de leche caramel (mainly when in the can), bready notes, raisins, slight chocolate covered cherries, slight peppery notes of chipotle but hardly enough to detect heat at all. I tried it both out of the glass and the can. Frankly, it taste better out of the can than in the glass. I guess like heady topper, certain things taste better when out of certain containers. Although after letting it sit for a while in the glass, the flavors like that of the can were there. All and all, an awesome beer, very good Belgian stout but kind of not as full flavor impacting like Thirteenth Hour or Buffalo Stout. Still, great pick up and one I would try again 🙂

Folklore by Stillwater Artisanal (2013)

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 71717_10101051880669670_606677221_nRating: 5/5

Folklore by Stillwater Artisanal is an 8.4%ABV Belgian Strong Dark Mythic Tradition Ale. This is the second time I try this brew and yes… the beer is quite legendary. A favorite of mine from the Stillwater Artisanal line.


Label:

Human history is filled with myths and legends that shape and define our culture. Rituals, celebrations, gatherings.. whatever. One thing that’s for sure, is we enjoy a proper shindig. So let’s get the stories flowing and share a little ’Folklore’. A bracingly deep ale, built dark and rich with an elegantly lean body, accompanied by heady aromas of Belgian yeast, earthy hops and gently kissed by a wisp of smoke.

—— 

There is a good amount of smoke and roasted notes in the fragrance. Chocolate, sweet bread, grapes, raisins, cherry, caramel, champurrado, port wine, floral spices and peppercorns. The flavors are of a dark saison leaning toward Belgian Chocolate Stout. Mocha Coffee, dark and bakers chocolate, dark cherries, raisins, caramel dulce de leche bread, earthy hop bitterness, port wine, champurrado and a glaze of honey smoke. The aftertaste is left with lingering bread, plum and chocolate sweetness. Simply fantastic. A Rauch Black Saison/ Belgian Sweet Chocolate Stout hybrid. Evil looking, almost macabre and so good for the taste.. and the soul..
2012 Review:
Have you ever wondered if there was an ale out there that people talk about it in myths in legends? Well maybe not beer. More like actual historical and cultural myths and legends. Folklore Mythic Tradition Ale by Stillwater Artisanal (gypsy/gangster) brewer for me is such a beer. Well mainly because I have been looking for this beer for a while. LOL but seriously, the ale is a respective tribute to the human history and how with the myths and legends that people tell define what people cultures are. Whether it be through traditions of rituals, gatherings or any form of celebration within the cultures, one thing for sure is, it is about being social and sharing stories. This brew has both good and evil written all over. It is what is awesome about the our cultures that we have both elements to bring about awareness as well as a guide as to how lead ones life through decisions. Tribute to this super fine ale. This is a Belgian yeast beer with earth hops, roasted malts and smokey oak flavor. Chocolate, cherry, plum and caramel bread overwhelms the palette with minor pine bitterness that lingers after. This ale drinks like a stout but it is not heavy like a stout. It flows well. There also seems to be some floral notes in here as well. There is also a bit of sourness too it that stays after but then is immediately replace with sweet and bitterness after every sip. Wish they would sell more Stillwater Ales here in California. Beer aside, the art is very detailed and well rich. This bottle, like the Stateside Saison or any of the other Stillwater beers is worth collecting on its own. An awesome find, legendary and mythical at that because if you ever find it, then you know the story of this ale was true >:)