Tag Archives: Belgian Strong Ale

White Chocolate Grand Cru by Six Rivers Brewery

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14542462_10103596942510340_487049530732521544_oRating: 5/5

White Chocolate Grand Cru by Six Rivers Brewery is a 10.2% ABV Belgian Strong ale brewed with Humboldt Chocolate White Chocolate Nibs, Valencia Orange Peel, Maris Otter 2 Row Malt, and German Hellertau Hops.
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Label:
Brew #4000

Description:
A Belgian Tripel brewed with all imported malts, Domestic hops light Belgian candi sugar, Valencia orange peel & white chocolate

==Introduction==

A Tripel with white chocolate? YES! For as little as we get to see white chocolate beers, I always like to bring them to the site as I love white chocolate. This time, a beer that uses white chocolate nibs. I do not know how White Chocolate nibs are made as white chocolate in essence is not really chocolate. It does not contain chocolate but cocoa butter, milk sugar and in some instance vanilla. White chocolate nibs on the other hand, unless they are using white chocolate pieces, there is a rare set of white chocolate nibs according to article here (http://www.mediaite.com/food/eric-ripert-rare-white-cocoa-nibs/) that states: white cacao beans “are mutations that happen when trees are left undisturbed for hundreds of years,” resulting in a “more mellow-tasting, less acidic chocolate” that happens to be “extremely expensive.” So, if Six Rivers is actually White Cacao nibs, which I don’t have enough research to prove, then it would make for one of the rarest beers in the world! That being said, I lean toward this being white chocolate chunks really. Either way, for the love of white chocolate, let’s have a look at this beer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruits, peaches, plums, apricots, oranges, white chocolate, peppercorn, tropical fruit mango, pine apple, honey dew melon, kiwi, tangerines, lyche fruit, papaya hints, cane sugar, phenolic notes of bananas, honey, tres leches/ 3 milks, milk sugar, pears, apples, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, flan and marshmallow.

Flavors:
Orange peel, Belgian Candy sugar, coriander, White chocolate notes, peppercorn, Stone fruit peaches, plums, apricots, biscuit bread, vanilla, white grapes, grapefruit hop notes, tropical fruit mango, pine apple, honey dew melon, kiwi, phenolic notes of bananas, Danish cream, wheat bread, tangerines, lyche fruit, papaya hints, cane sugar, sweetened condensed milk, flan, marshmallow, honey, tres leches/ 3 milks, milk sugar, pears, apples and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of stone fruit, earthy and citrucy hops, orange and tangerines, white chocolate notes and Danish cream. No alcohol in the taste, golden light body, crisp, refreshing, smooth and velvety mouth feel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect and very delicious Tripel. The compliments of orange and white chocolate fits very well. Reminding me similar to the White Chocolate Ale which was an American Wheat Ale by Sonoran Brewing, this one is more into the phenolic and Belgian candi sugar kind of brew and ofcourse, the style is Belgian. It fits very well almost reminding me of the Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell beer I made but without the coffee and replace it with orange peel. I really enjoyed this one and suggest you get this one if you love Belgian styles.
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Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto was used in this pairing since I love white chocolate like I love Temari. She is one of my favorite characters, but mainly since I love using her in White Chocolate beers ever since The Bruery’s version, I like to bring her to these reviews. Also, the fact that in some of her attire, she looks like a Japanese Buddhist monk, she fits well with the aspect of Monks and Belgian Tripels. Not to mention the fact that the colors overall of the beer and the label fit so damn well.
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Sources:
http://t07.deviantart.net/Ringte-dv1dUrqS7E6Qv0nQ-6aE=/fit-in/700×350/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre06/5822/th/pre/i/2014/352/a/6/temari___sunagakure_by_dicenete-d8ackud.jpg
http://jonin-temari.ru/uploads/posts/2013-01/1359541928_temari_by_juniorbunny-d51lhsj.jpg
http://img13.deviantart.net/ae78/i/2016/001/2/7/temari_by_abremson-d9mai57.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/–yapFBGgEug/VQyp5zLgnJI/AAAAAAAABAA/9VMwtTm3Tzo/w600-h846/IMG_6260.JPG

Decadence 2015 Anniversary Ale by Alesmith

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11222560_10102814079603880_1279039058618758890_o 11144902_10102814080038010_7589212990532613751_oRating: 5/5

Decadence 2015 Anniversary Ale by Alesmith is a 10% ABV Belgian Strong Red/Amber.

Label:
AleSmith Decadence Anniversary Ale was originally brewed in 2005 to celebrate our first decade in business. Each year since, our brewers had commemorated our anniversary with a special beer of a new style. Now Ten Years after brewing our first beer of the Decadence series, We’re proud to present another hand-forged addition, Alesmith Decadence 2015.

In the spirit of traditional Belgian brewing we’ve departed from style-constraints to bring you a fresh take on the popular European style, the Belgian Amber. This big, complex, amber-hued ale was brewed with a substantial amount of Belgian and European malts that complement the spiciness imparted by Belgian abbey yeast. The result is a perfect balance between rich, toasty maltiness, Belgian Candi sugar and the light, floral profile of European hops. Enjoy this hearty Belgian-inspired brew now or age at a cool temperature to increase its complexities.

==Introduction==

Happy 20th Anniversary to Alesmith and many years to come. Whenever I think of beers that are like The Bruery or Cigar City, you know, really rich in flavor profile, I think of of of San Diego’s finest. Alesmith is one of the faves in San Diego among Stone, Lost Abbey, Belching Beaver and others. Alesmith has been grown little by little and will surely be something more some day. They already distribute to many places. I think one of the reasons they are awesome because they can take styles of beer to higher heights (and in some cases, higher alcohol) than others. So this time, they rolled out a Belgian Amber. The last time I tried this style was with the Ommegang Game of Thrones beer which was very good. However, let’s really look at this one and see how it compares or if it surpasses. I don’t know! Either way, Cheers!!

Aromas:
Rye bread, clove spice, banana hints, biscuit bread, stone fruit peaches, apricots, dark fruit figs, raisins, raspberries, cherries, Dulce de leche caramel, peppercorn, peanut butter hints, pecan pie, floral notes, waffle cone, vanilla, Danish cream brown sugar, cinnamon, flan hints dragon fruit and old oranges.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, Bananas, clove spice, rye bread, biscuit bread, dark fruit figs, raisins, raspberries, cherries, peppercorn, stone fruit peaches, apricots, toffee, apples, honey, pecan pie, floral hop notes, waffle cone, vanilla, Danish cream, brown sugar, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon hints, marzipan, flan hints, butterscotch, old oranges, peanut butter hints, dragonfruit and mango hints.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruit, stone fruit, earthy notes,vanilla, rye bread, peanut butter hints and orange candy zest finish. No alcohol in the taste, ruby red crimson light to hazy body, silky, creamy, chewy mouthfeel and a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A Perfect Amber that is so damn rich with lots of the rich Belgian flavors that I like plus so much more. Reminding me of the Ommegang Game of Thrones as I thought but this one is way more rich. So many of the flavors are amplified more and are more complex. Maybe not up to the Flanders styles but damn, this is very Belgian-inspired. I think if you love Belgians, make sure to give this a shot. Might be the best Belgian Red I have ever had!

Anime Corner:
Ignis from Jingai Makyo was used in this pairing since I wanted to get a powerful red girl to pair with the red Belgian. Ignis complements the beer in the color, the style, the alcohol and so many other things. I am not sure if the the Rooster and The Lion represent something related to Iginis but in a way it does. Red like the roosters crest and brave like the lion. Holy shit, I think Alesmith really had something magical going on with this beers. Awesome stuff!!

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Ignis.(Jingai.Makyo).full.891901.jpg
http://www.interbutt.org/plog-content/images/sfwmaybe/wallpapers/minitokyo.anime.wallpapers.jingai.makyo_192130.jpg

Grand Cru by Rodenbach of Steenhuffel Belgium

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992999_10101358398191100_635887340_n 1185481_10101358398121240_606586928_nRating: 5.09/5

Grand Cru by Rodenbach of Steenhuffel Belgium is a 6% ABV World Class Flanders Red Ale aged in oak vats. Composed of 33% “young” ale and 67% ale matured for two years

Label: 
Rodenbach Grand Cru is an exceptional Belgian ale known as Flemish Red Brown Ale. It enjoys a special status in Belgium as a “Traditional Regional” product. A mixed fermentation ale, Rodenbach is matured in oak vats, giving this ale a signature sweet-sour taste and intense bouquet with a very long after taste like a Grand Cru wine. Rodenbach Grand Cru is a blend of “young” ale (33%) and ale that has matured for two years (67%).
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While looking for the old Lips of Faith New Belgium Grand Cru, I was recommended to get this one instead as it was highly recommended by one of the personnel at the store. I have had may experiences with Grand Crus and those have become a progressing favorite style of mine as I try more. When I read this was a Flanders ale or Flemish Red brown I was was kind of surprised. At first I thought, well, most grand crus are red or brown in color but a lot of Belgian Strong Dark Ales or even Quadruples. At that point I realized, this I had to see. To my surprise, this was not a sour beer at all, it was more delightful

Aromas are of wine grapes close to funky beer, but then I got a rush of greater dark cherry yogurt fragrances as well as dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toffee, apples, pears, buttery biscuit, butterscotch, raspberries, cherry cobbler, cherry pie, figs, raisins and brown sugar.

The flavors was definitely not what I has presumed. You don’t get much sour notes, but instead more tangy cherry notes and more fruit driven flavors like apples, apricots, raisins, figs, wine grapes, raspberries, tart cranberries, currants and black berries. You also get dulce de caramel, vanilla, cherry cobbler, cherry pie notes, oak wood, light lemon dash, earthy spices, and Black cherry yogurt.

The aftertaste is caramel sweet and cherry tart with some nice light acidic and bready notes. Not your typical sour at all. Dark crimson blood body yet pleasing to drink.

Over all, I was highly impressed. This is the first time I try a Flanders that was not more tart to sour flavored. This is the sour noted beer that many of those people that love fruity beers but don’t like sours would absolutely love. Now I see why its simply amazing. Leave it to Belgium to create the best beers in the world. If they can take a lighty funky beer and make it compete with the quads and dark strongs as “Grand Crus”, that has got to be Godly.

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.
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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

SeVIIn Anniversary Ale by Surly Brewing

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972030_10101265131737820_1140015423_n 992784_10101265133803680_1906668729_n 970772_10101265137027220_1406577916_nRating: 5/5

SeVIIn Anniversary Ale by Surly Brewing is a 12.5%ABV Belgian Strong Ale brewed with Rye, Oats and Wheat.

Label: 
Get Surly
Seven years! It seems not that long ago that I was delivering beer and Todd Haug was splitting a 30-barrel batch between kegs and cans. Now we’re planning a new brewery that will brew more beer in a week than we sold in our first year.
The idea behind our anniversary line-up of beers was to give Todd, Surly’s head brewer free rein to use whatever ingredients and methods he wanted to brew the beer. This year’s bottle artwork is a one-of-a-kind illustration collaboration between Todd and local artist Brent Schoonover. Here’s to Seven, and many more.
-Omar Ansari

Continuing our quest to despoil and desecrate conventional beer styles, we’re raiding Trappist traditions to produce this Belgian Style Ale brewed with Rye, Oats and Wheat. Our first beer EVER brewed with Wheat! Belgian yeast creates classic clove-spiced banana aroma and flavor. Dry hopping brings floral and citrus aromatics to the biscuity-smooth malt body.
-Todd Haug
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So another year comes and this time Surly is trying to make mends by releasing their anniversary ale in the way of the Trappist monks. Ofcourse, Surly being Surly, always has a scheme. Though, Trappist ye may be, your colors and Soul can clearly be seen as tainted.

Aromas of this beer are like a Belgian Pale Ale but with Rye. Sweet bread, caramel, toffee, herbal hops, citrus oranges, candi sugar, wheat, rye, funky notes, peppercorns, honey, apples, floral notes and slight oakyness.

The flavors are of caramel, wheat, rye bread, honey, Oatmeal, candi sugar, dulce de leche caramel, orange, raisins, plums, bananas, apples, clove spice, peppercorns, herbal and floral hop notes, dried apricot marmalade on biscuit bread, pears and a small bit of wine grape notes. 

The alcohol can be noticeable but just a bit. It is not strong in the sense that it affects the flavors of the beer but only adds along the way to remind you, hey, this is a 12.5% ABV. The crazy part is that it still felt pretty drinkable to me. That is where you could fall into danger. Take this only in moderation and share with others. While it is a great and deliciously sweet, bitter and only tad funky, it will creep up fast and take over. You are dealing with sinister powers here. Their previous anniversary ales proved it. The conspiracy of the Trappist styles is hidden within the flavors of each sip. Is this an Evil beer? Well, you be the judge.

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.

Bourbon Barrel Aged 4 Calling Birds by The Bruery

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545212_10100984460819590_2004368584_nRating: 5.25/5

Bourbon Barrel Aged 4 Calling Birds by The Bruery is a 14.8%ABV Belgian Dark Ale Brewed with spices and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
The fourth verse of our “Twelve Beers of Christmas” saga incorporates ginger-like spice into a rich and robust dark ale. Happy Holidays!
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This is a barrel aged version of the original 4 calling birds. Haven’t tried the original but this one is still awesome, maybe even better :P. The aromas immediately are of strong vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, coconut and banana crème pie, bourbon, raisins, cherries, holiday fruit cake, some chocolate and coffee cake. The flavors are pretty complex with a major solidification of Bourbon, Vanilla, matured Banana, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, gingerbread, fruitcake with dark fruits like plums raisins, cherries, a bit of apple, hazelnuts, pecans, dark chocolate and and some citrus. The aftertaste is a lot like banana and raisins with some good bourbon and vanilla still there. The alcohol is well hidden, yet do take your time with this. While it is very delicious, it is past the 10%ABV and quite hefty in alcohol. An 8oz serving would suffice and save some for later :). Good flavor is hard to come by. Some beers meet or exceed expectations. For me, this one exceeded them quite a bit. If you can find it…fuck yeah!!!

Bran Reserva by Birrificio Grado Plato Montigioco

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546426_10100965798843340_465557322_nRating: 5/5

Bran Reserva by Birrificio Grado Plato Montigioco of Italy is a 8.5%ABV English Porter aged in Barbera Wine Barrels to become a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. They take their Bran Raven ale and age it for several months

Description:
Produced a Bran aging for 10 months in barrels (ex Barbera Bigolla Walter Massa). In the glass is black, impenetrable, with foam cappuccino color, the nose coexist roasting (with a scent reminiscent of cocoa paste) and notes derived from aging in wood (reminiscent of balsamic vinegar). In the mouth it is very divided: on one side the obvious toasty, cocoa, soy sauce, and secondly the acidity. Long in the mouth, the tannins in the finish shows the wood and a slight astringency of roasting. Beer very complex, difficult, for lovers of strong emotions. Serving suggestions: hard to match, recommended after a meal, maybe (if you want) with a big cigar.
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I don’t smoke so the Cigar might be a no go here ;). .The flavors are of vanilla, wine grapes, banana, dulce de leche bread, possibly a flan, sweetened condenced milk (Leche Nestle), raisins, butterscotch, lemon, cherries, blackberries, sour apples, peach. minor tart, vinegary and Jolly pumpkin style funky notes, oak wood, The after taste is like raisinettes, those chocolate covered raisins and coffee. Despite being somewhat tart and somewhat funky, this is pretty amazing. Lots of sweeter and rich flavors verlap the sourness. The little bit of sourness does not last and disappears soon and leaves some awesome sweet flavors. This is the Third beer I try from Italy’s Birrificio Montegioco. None of their beers have disappointed me at all and possibly this one and the Draco are my favorites from the 3. This is a must try if you can find it. It is the type of beer that steps into the realms of the Wine and becomes Neo from the Matrix…quote the raven…Forevermore…

Finding this in a specialty shop or online and is also considered to one of the 100 beers to try before kicking the bucket: http://www.complex.com/city-guide/2012/12/100-beers-to-try-before-you-die/grado-plato-montegioco-bran-reserva

Art of Darkness by Ommegang *6 month version

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Rating: 5/5 *6 month version2012 (6 months later)

Art of Darkness by Ommegang is an 8.9% Belgian Dark Ale. What can I say, this is the third time I try this beer. I enjoyed it so much I took 2 bottles and started to aged them. I have one aging right now but decided to try the 6 month version. As I had mentioned before, this one is on my list of favorite beers ever. Reminding me of the Thirteenth Hour Stout. Taste more like Stout if it was hybrid with Troise Pistoles and St. Bernardus. Now the thing is, now the chocolate and dulce de leche bread are pushing through further and further. Looks like maturation is starting to make the ABV higher but also bringing forth more sweetness along side with the dark Belgian fruits like the plums, raisins, prunes and cherries. I will probably hold off on this beer for several years and see where it goes. 2012 (Earlier Review)

So it comes down to this huh?? Dabbling with things that should not be dabbled with. But what can one achieve with finding something beyond the taboo of brewing?? Well if anything, hope you don’t get cursed along the way >:)… So for those that may not want to dabble in darkness… I took it upon myself to try this beer before it hit the stores. In fact this beer isn’t even set to release until April 2012. Let’s just say I got the hookups. This is … Art of Darkness Belgian Dark Ale. It is a brew at 8.9% ABV made by Ommegang brewing. A homage to the dark arts of brewing some of the best dark beers in the world. A la Troise Pistoles, Thirteenth Hour Stout, Terrible, St Bernardus 12, Westvleteren, etc. Baler and wheat malts combine with flaked oats, Ommegang yeast and noble hops. Even though the beer is has no secret ingridients like eye of newt or special incantations. The theory is simple, the flavor is complex and delicious. I think I shoul start by mentioning that this beers is much like the Thirteenth hour stout, devils chocolate cake/bread.It follows vanilla and faint grassy citrus bitterness. The sweetness overwhelms both the the after taste and the boozy alcohol feel.Some raisins and licorice flavors are present in there as well. Overall it wants to fit somewhere in the middle of the triangle that composes the best beers in the world for me, Trois Pistoles, St. Bernardus abt 12 and Thirteenth hour. However, it does go toe to toe with the Three philosophers as well except one is cherry bread and the other is chocolate. This Devil’s water is damn sweet, and if you would want to dable at this fine masterpiece…well…good luck >:]

Art of Darkness by Ommegang

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So it comes down to this huh?? Dabbling with things that should not be dabbled with. But what can one achieve with finding something beyond the taboo of brewing?? Well if anything, hope you don’t get cursed along the way >:)… So for those that may not want to dabble in darkness… I took it upon myself to try this beer before it hit the stores. In fact this beer isn’t even set to release until April 2012. Let’s just say I got the hookups. This is … Art of Darkness Belgian Dark Ale. It is a brew at 8.9% ABV made by Ommegang brewing. A homage to the dark arts of brewing some of the best dark beers in the world. A la Troise Pistoles, Thirteenth Hour Stout, Terrible, St Bernardus 12, Westvleteren, etc. Baler and wheat malts combine with flaked oats, Ommegang yeast and noble hops. Even though the beer is has no secret ingredients like eye of newt or special incantations. The theory is simple, the flavor is complex and delicious. I think I shoul start by mentioning that this beers is much like the Thirteenth hour stout, devils chocolate cake/bread.It follows vanilla and faint grassy citrus bitterness. The sweetness overwhelms both the the after taste and the boozy alcohol feel.Some raisins and licorice flavors are present in there as well. Overall it wants to fit somewhere in the middle of the triangle that composes the best beers in the world for me, Trois Pistoles, St. Bernardus abt 12 and Thirteenth hour. However, it does go toe to toe with the Three philosophers as well except one is cherry bread and the other is chocolate. This Devil’s water is damn sweet, and if you would want to dabble at this fine masterpiece…well…good luck >:]

Bashah (Black As Sin Hoppy As Hell) Collaboration between Stone and BrewDog

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ImageRating: 4/5

Bashah!!…Does not compute…It is a collaboration between Brewdog and Stone Brewing company. It is a 8.6% ABV Black Strong Belgian Dark fused with a Double India Pale. It is my response to the what ifs in terms of beer fusions. Mixing my favorite style a Belgian Dark Strong Ale with a Double IPA. My answer for an Imperial Stout and Belgian Dark Strong ale came with Sam Adams 13th hour Belgian stout long ago.

Bashah is the other end of the spectrum. What if you took the arrogant and hoppy bastard or the Ruination of stone and you added some dark Belgian bready yeast not to mentions BrewDogs influence with malts that add that chocolatey and coffee like flavors. Smooth and hoppy bitterness. Hard to find this beer is, hard to find meaning as stated in the label. There is no real meaning to any of this…Beer is here….Bashah…Bashah Bashah….literally it works…there is no reason for such combinations to work…sweet bitterness I should say….but they do ..and they work damn well. Aged for those added oaky and bourbon notes as well… Not to be mistaken though..those that are not worthy should probably leave this one for a more enlightened soul. Those who believe is that gut feeling shouldn’t let this beer pass by as it is a rarity as well…Delicious…fulfilling and complex. Just plain…doesn’t make sense…but its there :P…..Thanks dudes at Stone and Brewdog for this one B-)