Tag Archives: black berries

Vindictive II by The Bruery

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Rating: 7/7
 
Vindictive II by The Bruery is 16.1% ABV American Imperial Stout blended with juice from Zinfandel grapes and Arroyo Grande Valley Wine.
California is renowned for producing some of the greatest zin and stouts in the world. We combine that pride and passion in this varietal of our Black Tuesday imperial stout, blended and fermented with juice from Zinfandel grapes from Old Potrero vineyard, a sustainable, dry-farmed, old vine vineyard in the Arroyo Grande Valley American Viticultural Area, thanks to our friends at Field Recordings Wine. After maturing for nearly a year in medium toast New American Oak puncheons, this release vanquishes the boundaries between wine and beer in a full-bodied foray of dark fruit, berries, jam, oak and spice.
Super complex Beer and Wine fusion. Love this version for the year!

2016 Vindictive collaboration by Sans Liege Wines and The Bruery

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15800568_10103862625624250_368950837240379288_oRating: 6/6

2016 Vindictive collaboration by Sans Liege Wines and The Bruery is a 14.9% ABV Black Tuesday (Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels) with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes aged in New American Oak Puncheons

Label:
A NEW ERA

If some of the best wines are blends of several grape varieties, imagine what could be achieved when applied to beer. This Black Tuesday varietal is a blended and fermented with must from 75% destemmed and 25% whole cluster Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes from Sans Liege. After nearly a year in oak, this release vanquishes the boundaries between wine and beer.

==Introduction==
15732051_10103862625604290_5099112247120442860_o
Released to Hoarders and Reserve society as a single bottle, this version of their Wineification/Mardi Rouge, in the Bruery’s attempt to wineify beer, is the latest in the series. After trying Wineification I, II and III, this was essentially IV. However, it looks like they amped up their wine game by using different species of grapes and instead of French Oak Barrels they are using New American Oak Puncheons. This is definitely going to be something else I am sure. The previous iteration have tought me that it is possible to blend and create a wine/beer hybrid and based on what I had heard about this one it looks like they might have actually successfully made it. Heck, even their mini commercial for it shows all the other beers praise this one as the new god among beers. Let us see if the hype is real and see just how much closer they truly are to the wine beer hybrid. Cheers!
15776967_10103862625364770_5128732234571066951_o
Vindictive Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIyIR324QNM

Aromas:
Rich oak, Dark fruit figs, raisins, plums, prunes, currants, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, wine grapes, Concorde grapes, white grapes, port wine, chocolate, vanilla, sangria, green apples, stone fruit apricots, dulce de leche caramel hints, brown sugar and fruit cake.
15731898_10103862625569360_3317603946441918868_o
Flavors:
Very rich oak, wine grapes, red grapes, Concorde grapes, peppercorns, flowers, hibiscus, dark fruit figs, raisins, plums, prunes, currants, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, strawberries, port wine, red wine, sangria, bourbon, vanilla, rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, chocolate mousse, mocha, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, Chambord Raspberry, white grapes, sauvignon blanc, stone fruit peach, green apples, gamey meat notes, blood hints, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, flan, piloncillo sugar cone, brown sugar, fruit cake, graham crackers, bananas, cherry cola, almonds, rye bread and leathery notes.
15723382_10103862625519460_2822893731750904531_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing super dry, rich oak for days, dark fruit, gamey meat hints, stone fruit and fruit cake. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Dark Crimson and Deep Blood Red clear body under certain lighting. Smooth, rich, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.
15723491_10103862625464570_5757499043054655199_o
Overall:
The only reason this beer is not a bucket lister but is still up there with the best ones like Black Tuesday, Winefication I,II and III, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and the other Melangè brews and days of the week series is because it is still exceptionally supreme. The gripe is mainly that it really is super super dry. The other Winefications were not as dry and the flavors linger. I also totally understand that in order to finally meld the borders between beer and wine (which this achieves it phenomenally) is that you have to make a beverage that pleases both sides. This is the key! Now I understand why people love their wine and can differentiate themselves from beer drinking. I appreciate the love there is for wine because there are many I love especially meads and heavy ciders. For me though, super dry is something I am not used to. I can actually start to appreciate why sommeliers and wine connoisseurs have the jobs they do. Its hard to review wine the drier it becomes. Granted I can still review this one well, but with lots of dryness involved to not be able to discern flavors as fast as you can with beer, it truly is a challenge. That’s why I highly recommend this one to beer and wine lovers alike. This one is even more unique than the one’s in the past. It kicks ass!
15777040_10103862625389720_6456251400222280137_o
Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill makes a return once again to pair with many of the different aspects of the beer. This time, in the fourth installment, I am using her third and most powerful form, the Golden Hair/Super Saiyan-esque Senketsu Kisaragi form just like I did with Wineification III. While the alcohol is lower, the brew is definitely hit the marks on wine. Ryuko is one of my favorite characters in Anime right next to my other top 3 (Kos-mos, Yoruichi and Temari). The reason I did not use her second “Junketsu” form was due to the fact that I never got around to putting the beer to the site, although I did have Winefication II at the Bruery’s Black Tuesday party. Like the original installment of Winefication, the colors pair perfect with Ryuko’s hair, the background, her eyes and her outfit as well. If this was a candidate for Mardi Rouge (Red Tuesday) then even more the reason to use her for this pairing. This time around, I found an awesome picture of Ryuko with a cloak. A cloak to represent the extra oak and grapes to get the beer to that wine level even more. The complexity of the flavors showcases her unpredictable characteristics. She always has a plan up her sleeve. She is deadly and sexy which best describes how smooth the beer goes down. The beer is dark but it is a blood red dark as you get closer to finishing the glass. Her suit Senketsu (Fresh Blood) describes this as she needs to let senketsu take some of her blood in order to unleash a higher power. Perfect for that red wine aspect and the color as I mentioned earlier. Heck, even the gamey meat like flavor is proof of blood in this beer. Ryuko is strong and tough minded, but she does have her sweet,warm hearted and loving side which she shows to the people she cares about. The sweet chocolate and berries is what best places this category. Her Kisaragi form is what is new from Wineification III and being that it is her ultimate form, there was no doubt why I wouldn’t use that form once again here. Take it easy with her though, you won’t find one like her again, maybe. Especially since people only got 1 bottle. Either way, it will be a very memorable experience.
15732572_10103862625394710_7259356748277523694_o
Sources:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P8xlGMmI-Q8/VhgpvCfIIMI/AAAAAAAEYfo/sMWS8Rq02ow/w1156-h1700/heels%2Bkill_la_kill%2Bmatoi_ryuuko%2Bsakimichan.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Rvm3bFP.jpg
http://img15.deviantart.net/47fd/i/2016/224/c/7/ryuko_matoi___final_form__by_phasechan-dadmlef.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eRF7kiu.jpg
https://www.filepicker.io/api/file/jCgJq2a5SK65v4QQGPda

Crackberry by Bishop Cider Company

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14560058_10103605755868300_3117435089830840374_oRating: 5/5

Crackberry by Bishop Cider Company is a 6% ABV Hard Apple Cider made with Cranberries and Black Berries.

Label:
Just one sip and you’re hooked

Stripped of all other nonsense

Crackberry is a perfect pairing of flavors tart and sweet, joining forces to create a colorful, well-balanced cider. Frankly, we’re over the moon for it.

You probably remember William Wallace as the fearless Knight who bared it all in the name of Scottish Independence. Ultimately, He failed to save his own skin. But he did successfully lead the rebellion against England.

That’s worthy another round no?

==Introduction==
14500314_10103605755778480_6600645756003688498_o
Fuck yeah! A cider from Texas! Special thanks to my friend and fellow beer review brother, Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com for sending this one my way. I think this is the first cider I try from Texas. One with a combination of berry definitely sounds awesome and at 6% ABV, I can only assume it will be very refreshing. Bishop Cider makes ciders with no artificial flavors as shown on the site and the label. Pure apples and fruits. So I definitely can enjoy this one. Let’s see how it goes, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark fruit berries, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, passion fruit hints, dragon fruit hints, stone fruit peach hints, sweet grapes, white grapes, vanilla, apples and sangria.

Flavors:
Rich cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, grapes, lychee fruit, apples, caramel, candied apples, raspberry yogurt, Fruit punch, Kool-aid hints, Concorde grape skins, chardonnay, white wine, white grapes, passion fruit tartness, dragon fruit, sangria, stone fruit peach and apricot.

Aftertaste:
Finishes sweet and semi dry with lingering fruit punch and mixed berries and apple flavors. No alcohol in the taste, ruby red clear body, crisp, refreshing and clean mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
Supremely deliciously perfect cider. No flavor too stronger than the other and yet quite the little complex drink and very balanced. One thing that is dead on is that this major fruit punch to the face. It is crazy how the flavors can be distinct and complex with this one. Some ciders don’t get too complex when it comes to flavors but this one is very well made. There is a lot of love put in this one. I highly recommend it if you can find it.
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Anime Corner:
Cammy White from Street Fighter was used in this pairing as I wanted to get a character that was close to the colors of the beer label and William Wallace. Cammy fit the bill well since she is from the United Kingdom and she has all the colors. Also with the Mooning of the Scottish Army she fits even more since she is always displaying her rump. She also has war paint as well so that goes well with the William Wallace war paint.
14556524_10103605755758520_2771030909908312939_o
Sources:
http://orig01.deviantart.net/3027/f/2016/232/5/f/cammy___street_fighter_v_by_scrappy195-daempvr.jpg
http://static1.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_large/14/147508/5213444-cammy+(2).jpg
http://img0.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/Cammy-White-Street-Fighter-Игры-Zakusi-3171368.jpeg
http://i.imgur.com/TyKLFq6.jpg

Wineification III (Mardi Rouge III?) collaboration with The Bruery and Fess Parker winery and vineyard

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10904020_10102980550235400_4842001533505751421_o 1277920_10102980552660540_7398598994541288382_o 10294242_10102980553633590_470895339559153184_n 10258891_10102980556168510_9971908535562134_o
Rating: 6/6

Wineification III (Mardi Rouge III?) collaboration with The Bruery and Fess Parker winery and vineyard is a 19% ABV Black Tuesday Imperial Stout with Grenache Grapes 91% Aged in Bourbon Barrels and 9% aged in French Oak Barrels

Label:
WHO’S COUNTING!
The Rues and the Parkers are back at it again! In this third rendition of Wineification, they continue to vanquish the boundaries between wine and beer, combining their brains and brawn with a blend of juicy Rodney’s Vineyard Grenache grapes with The Bruery’s Black Tuesday Imperial Stout.

===Introduction===
A new version of Wineification has arrived to Reserve and Hoarders members. Last year, we did not get Wineification II but since I wanted to pair Ryuko with her Junketsu form (evil Ryuko) it was okay. I would later have a chance to try it at the Black Tuesday party and may do a review of those beers at a later time. It sure has been a damn busy year for me as I have barely had a chance to finish my reviews and well even add all the beers I have tried and jotted down notes for. I really am behind but it happens especially since I like to dedicate my time to homebrewing. Either way, I said to myself, when it comes to these beers like Black Tuesday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain, Wineification and other variants like Melange 3 or 12, Mocha Wednesday, Grey Monday and other Black Tuesday Cuvees, there is always damn time. As for this release of Wineification using different types of grapes, let’s see how it goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Port wine, red wine, concorde grapes,fancy wine notes sweet condensed milk, flan, crème brulee, dark, milk, Baker’s, Belgian and German chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, Chambord raspberries, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, port wine, red wine, grapes, dark cherries, raisins, figs, dates prunes, blue and black berries, currants, bananas, bourbon, oak, leather, toasted coconut, mocha, pecan pie, hazelnut, rocky road ice cream, candi sugars, agave, rich chocolate mousse and fudge cake in wine.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, plums, blue berries, currants, grapes, dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, Bourbon, oak, toasted coconut, red wine, port wine, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, tootsie roll chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, crème brulee, toffee, butterscotch, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, sweetened condensed milk, rum notes, grilled caramel bananas, plantain, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, Mocha, leather notes, rye bread with black berry jelly spread, pecan pie, agave notes, candi sugars, brown sugar, rock candy, rocky road ice cream, almond joys, chocolate mousse, cherry cola, hazelnut, chocolate fudge cake and blueberry cobbler cheesecake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing only mildly dry unlike the original and lingering lots of delicious flavors. Milk and Dark chocolate, Port wine, fudge cake, dark fruit berries and sweetened condensed milk. There is hardly any sense of harsh alcohol in the taste even for that 19% ABV. They did their homework. Crimson Dark yet medium body, syrupy, velvety and creamy mouthfeel and a sipping beer, there is a smoothness about it that makes it very dangerous and as you will want to keep drinking it. Take your time with it, this beer is meant to be savored, enjoyed and well loved!

Overall:
Exceptionally ridiculous. Is there anything the Bruery can’t do when it comes to making all sorts of Black Tuesday Cuvees or what? This beer is definitely more on the wine side but also balances out with the bourbon imperial stout goodness. Think of this as the connoisseurs’ ambrosia making the ultimate in Wine/Beer/Liquor hybrid. Like the Black Tueday, Chocolate, White Chocolate, Cacaonut, Grey Monday, Mocha Wednesday, Melange 3 and 12 and many of their other blends, I highly highly recommend this one if you can get it!!
740168_10102980556852140_6177688005345678105_o 885129_10102980558853130_1417515365305867194_o
Anime Corner:
No doubt, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill makes a return once again to pair with many of the different aspects of the beer. This time, in the third installment, I am using her third and most powerful form, the Golden Hair/Super Saiyan-esque Senketsu Kisaragi form. The different aspects of this year’s beer from the label, the flavors, the ingredients and especially the alcohol (going from the 14%ABV to 19% ABV) all represent this beer very well. Ryuko is one of my favorite characters in Anime right next to my other top 3 (Kos-mos, Yoruichi and Temari). The reason I did not use her second “Junketsu” form was due to the fact that I never got around to putting the beer to the site, although I did have Winefication II at the Bruery’s Black Tuesday party. Like the original installment of Winefication, the colors pair perfect with Ryuko’s hair, the background, her eyes and her outfit as well. If this was a candidate for Mardi Rouge (Red Tuesday) then even more the reason to use her for this pairing. The alcohol content represents her will power and strength and now that she is on the third form, even more! The complexity of the flavors showcases her unpredictable characteristics. She always has a plan up her sleeve. She is deadly and sexy which best describes how smooth the beer goes down but deadly since it has the really high ABV. The beer is dark but it is a blood red dark as you get closer to finishing the glass. Her suit Senketsu (Fresh Blood) describes this as she needs to let senketsu take some of her blood in order to unleash a higher power. Perfect for that red wine aspect and the color as I mentioned earlier. Ryuko is strong and tough minded, but she does have her sweet,warm hearted and loving side which she shows to the people she cares about. The sweet chocolate and berries is what best places this category. Her Kisaragi form is what is really new to this beer and being that it is her ultimate form, there was no doubt why I wouldn’t use that form. Take it easy with her though, you won’t find one like her again, maybe. Either way, it will be a very memorable experience :3

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/eRF7kiu.jpg
http://i3.egv.cc/img/i.egv.cc/i/feti/mji/mji-kaikyaku_675.jpg
http://blog-imgs-65.fc2.com/d/g/d/dgdg875/anime_wallpaper_Kill_la_kill_Matoi_Ryuko_swordwaltz_mk2-13778181.jpg
https://fanart.tv/fanart/tv/272074/showbackground/kill-la-kill-5389cb01bf479.jpg

Wineification (Mardi Rouge?) collaboration with The Bruery, Fess Parker winery and vineyard and Saarloosons of Los Olivos California

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1509123_10101743510777390_1417578047_n 10171241_10101743511720500_1244157497_nRating: 6/5

Wineification (Mardi Rouge?) collaboration with The Bruery, Fess Parker winery and vineyard and Saarloosons of Los Olivos California is a 15.7% ABV Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout brewed with Syrah Grapes and aged again in French Oak Barrels

Label:
QUE SYRAH!
There is more and more talk these days about the”winefication” of beer. We decided to plunge straight into the deep end, working with two of our great wine making friends from the central coast to create this stunning blend of late harvest Syrah grapes and our imperial stout. The combination is unlike anything that you’ve likely had before and represents a glinmpse into the future of craft beer. Best stored and cellared around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) in a cool dark place,
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Best place to explain this beer is similar to that of the rarity of Mocha Wednesday. Wineification, or what I believe is Mardi Rogue or close to it (Harvest Syrah vs. Petite Syrah grapes) is a beer that may have been released instead of Mardi Rouge to the expensive Hoarders Society. This beer literally costs an arm and a leg, or atleast to trade it does. Let’s just say, that we have to be thankful for having fans of the site as well as those who are willing to trade for several beers. You people rock!!

I have been looking to try this beer as I have tried many of the Black Tuesday variants and close to it that have focused on many levels of well, different and even if they are rare, they have become my top favorites exceeding my expectations. I can only assume that this will do the same.

Aromas:
Sweet milk and dark chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, crème brulee, Chambord raspberries, port wine, red wine, grapes, dark cherries, raisins, figs, dates prunes, blue and black berries, currants, bananas, bourbon, oak, leather, toasted coconut, mocha, pecan pie, hazelnut, rocky road ice cream, candi sugars, agave, rich chocolate mousse and fudge cake in wine.

Flavors:
Bourbon, toasted coconut, red wine, port wine, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, crème brulee, toffee, butterscotch, rum notes, caramel bananas, plantain, dark fruits like figs, raisins, prunes, plums, blue berries, rich grape flavors, dark cherries, black berries, Chambord raspberries, currants, oak, leather notes, rye bread with jelly spread, pecan pie, agave, candi sugars, brown sugar, rocky road icecream, chocolate mousse, cherry cola, mocha, hazelnut, chocolate fudge cake, marshmallows.

Aftertaste:
Interesting enough, while it is very complex and rich, the aftertaste comes up dry leaving you wanting to drink more. Some of the chocolate, wine, berries and fudge cake of linger for a bit. There is hardly any sense of harsh alcohol in the taste. Despite having a syrupy mouthfeel and being a sipping beer, there is a smoothness about it that makes it very dangerous as you will want to keep drinking it. Take your time with it, this beer is meant to be savored, enjoyed and well, loved!

Overall:
Taking this to the Wine side gives Black Tuesday something that is incredibly different. Exceeding my expectations without any doubt. This beer reminds me of a what if scenario where Black Tueday mixes with one of those rich berry Avery beers like the Mephistopheles or The Beast or Samael beers but ofcourse, with the wine aging. There is nothing sour about this beer, everything is as complex as maybe some of those fancy wines should be, but the best part is that this is not wine, it is a beer and one that even the best wine connoiseur may actually appreciate. I don’t like the idea of thinking of beer as wine, but in the sense beer outclassing wine, you better damn believe it. Like the Black Tueday, Chocolate, White Chocolate, Cacaonut, Grey Monday, Mocha Wednesday, Melange 3 and so forth, I highly highly recommend this one if you can get it!!

Anime Corner:
No doubt, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill was chosen for this pairing to pair with many of the different aspects of the beer. The label, the flavors, the ingredients the alcohol and especially since she is one of my favorite characters in Anime right next to my other top 3 (Kos-mos, Yoruichi and Temari). I have yet to pair a Bruery beer with her and what a way to seize the opportunity but to use a beer that is super rare and delicious indeed. The colors pair perfect with Ryuko’s hair, the background, her eyes and her outfit as well. If this was a candidate for Mardi Rouge (Red Tuesday) then even more the reason to use her for this pairing. The alcohol content represents her will power and strength, The complexity of the flavors showcases her unpredictable characteristics. She always has a plan up her sleeve. She is deadly and sexy which best describes how smooth the beer goes down but deadly since it has the really high ABV. The beer is dark but it is a blood red dark as you get closer to finishing the glass. Her suit Senketsu (Fresh Blood) describes this as she needs to let senketsu take some of her blood in order to unleash a higher power. Perfect for that red wine aspect and the color as I mentioned earlier. Ryuko is strong and tough minded, but she does have her sweet,warm hearted and loving side which she shows to the people she cares about. The sweet chocolate and berries is what best places this category. Take it easy with her, you won’t find one like her again, maybe. Either way, it will be a very memorable experience :3

Backyard Rye Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island

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1520827_10101561182295130_779222728_n 993745_10101561181960800_352237998_nRating: 6/5

Backyard Rye Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island is a 12.7% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Mulberries, Boysenberries and Marionberries and aged in Rye Whiskey barrels

Label:
This Bourbon County release is Inspired by the berries our brewers first remember eating from the trees in their backyards. Full of the dark, spicy, and pleasantly sweet flavors, this trio of berries nicely compliments the flavors imparted from barrel resulting in a smooth, jammy stout perfect for sipping on your back porch.
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The 5th variety of the Bourbon county series I try. One with lots of berries. Like many beers, this one is coveted as well and released on Black Friday. If you want to get this one, you will have to trade or find it online. Either way, just like the other Bourbon Counties, they are a must try, even if once.

Aromas:
Deep dark chocolate covered cherries, raspberries, black berries, dark fruits, subtle bourbon, vanilla, oak, caramel, boysenberry preserves on rye bread, marshmallows, cherry flan, mocha, coffee, rocky road ice cream dark cherry and rocky road ice cream, bananas, toasted coconut and rich fancy berry desserts

Flavors:
Liquid chocolate raspberry bliss! Lots of raisins, dark cherries, boysenberries, black berries, blue berries, currants, dark chocolate, oak, marshmallow, raspberry cheesecake, banana split, lots of berry preserves on rye bread, toasted coconut, cherry chocolate cake, vanilla, rich caramel, flan, blackberry jam, molasses and more complex flavors as it develops

Aftertaste:
Slightly tart raspberries, chocolate, bourbon notes, coffee, vanilla and oak, but mainly the combination of all the berries is what truly lingers. No alcohol in the taste, a sipper, yet smooth and dangerous like the previous.

Overall:
Damn exquisite like its brethren. This on is more berry forward. Distinguishing the berries is difficult but doable. Either way, I think I love this even more than the regular BCBS. Like the “Life is Like..” beer, this would the berry mash up equivalent. Damn good and damn well worth getting if you can find this and love fruit beers.

Anime Corner:
Lily Salvatana from the Tre Donne Crudeli “Outlaw” Django was used in this pairing to represent once again, the old west in Bourbon county but also the colors and aspects of the beer. The berries found for this beer were found in a back yard. Most people in their backyards would practice shooting which is what she is doing . Her hair color is the representative of the berry flavors as well as the colors she wears, more flavors.

Black & Blue by Dogfish Head

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999069_10101295878895270_1465842618_nRating: 4.25/5

Black & Blue by Dogfish Head is a 10% ABV Belgian Golden Ale brewed with Black raspberry and Blueberry puree.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION (ratebeer.com)
Black & Blue is golden Belgian Ale made with over 300 lbs of fresh blackberries and blueberries. With a deep purple full body and a long-lasting lacy pink head, this ale is both attractive and delicious! It is tart and fruity, like our brewers! The subtle bitterness of Hallertau and Saaz hops shines through the fruit forward flavor and sets the palate aglow. (30 IBUs). This tasty brew has smooth but noticeable alcohol warmth. Belgian yeast gives this brew a characteristically dry spicy finish. The beautiful interplay of fruit, spice, and alcohol is complimented by a soft malt profile, and a high level of carbonation.
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Aromas are of grapes, biscuit bread, raspberries, blueberries, wheat, cherries, citrus, peach, apples, coriander spice and strawberry jam.

The flavors are of lots of tart black and blueberries, wine grapes, apple, apricots, biscuit bread, wheat, apples, citrus, coriander spice, bananas on toast with strawberry jam, and clove notes.

Pretty sweet, fruity and tart beer. Hard to sense the alcohol. It is one of those beers that hides the alcohol very well. The beer almost feels sorta like a wine in the after taste but leaves a good amount of very nice residual banana and fruit on bread.

Overall, for people that like wine or fruit beers, this is very nice. What makes it that more delicious is the Belgian yeast strain which gives it that nice clovey, banana bread like flavors through out the beer. 

Certainly this does very good in comparison to other fruit beers. Except for maybe their Forte beer and the awesome Montegiocco Draco which is brewed with lots of Blueberries and makes is actually taste like a blueberry muffin. Anyways, that is another beer in a past review. Still, this beer does very well for itself. It is one of those beers that I would go with if I am in the mood for a fruit beer. Unless its chocolate and fruit, then that would be something else altogether

Vinaceous by Hangar 24

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528400_10101066242268910_581437599_nRating: 4.75/5

Vinaceous by Hangar 24 is an 8.7%ABV Local Fields Series Old Ale brewed with Red Wine Grapes and aged on French oak

Label:
The first beer in our Local Fields Series, Vinaceous was created to combine the best characteristics of wine and beer. Brewed in the style of an English Old Ale, this beer deviates from tradition with an ample addition of freshly crushed Mourvedre grapes from Temecula. Vinaceous pours a deep burgundy color and boasts flavors of rich malt, brown sugar, dark berries and a touch of oak in the finish. Additional Information: As with each beer in our Local Fields Series, we looked to local growers for inspiration. For Vinaceous, we obtained some Mourvedre grapes from our friends at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. Wilson Creek has been producing outstanding wines in Southern California since 1996. We anticipate that this joint venture will further demonstrate the exceptional qualities of artisan wine and craft beer and how they can work harmoniously together.
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A wine and Beer hybrid. Old Ales, as I have stated in previous reviews are a historic recipe going way back to 100’s of years. Adding to a wine and aging makes this beer pretty historic in itself. The aromas are of wine, caramel, grapes, raisins, capirotada bread pudding, some chocolate notes, oak and barley character. The flavors are or raisins, caramel, fruit cake, wine grapes, capirotada, pecans, oak, black berries, currants, brown sugar, peach, pear and lots of toffee. It was an interesting mix of flavors. Some reaching towards the wine and some towards the beer. Overall it was pretty good and worth getting. I actually was able to find this in downtown L.A. I had left it alone and when I came back it was gone. I asked the store if they still had it. Luckily they had one stashed in the back. If it wasn’t for that I would not be doing this review :P. Definitely try it out if you can find it. I am not a wine connoisseur but this is very exquisite. I once tried such a hybrid with the Noble Rot from Dogfish head. But this one is more of a full bodied beer. I like this one better 😛

La Corriveau by Le Bilboquet

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486221_10100988348673300_1230825162_n 547030_10100988350364910_788662313_n 483930_10100988349317010_88185805_nRating: 5/5

La Corriveau by Le Bilboquet is a 5.5%ABV Oatmeal Stout. This beer is based on the story of Marie-Josephte Corriveau or La Corriveau as she’s know in Quebecois Folklore. She was sentenced to death by hanging in chains and cage by a British court marshal for the crime of murdering her second husband. Legend has it that she haunts people at cross roads… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-Josephte_Corriveau

Label:
Du haut de sa potence, la Corriveau vous regarde déguster une bière noire aux arômes d’expresso et de chocolat noir. Sa robe profonde est coiffée d’une crème riche et onctueuse qui cache une amertume tranchante, digne des idées noires qui hantaient l’esprit de cette meurtrière légendaire.

Translation:
Hanging from the gallows, La Corriveau watches you as you are savoring this black beer with espresso and ark chocolate aromas. Its deep color is topped with a rich and unctuous cream that hides a sharp bitterness, worthy of the gloomy ideas that haunted this legendary murderer’s mind.
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This is quite the good beer coming from Canada. Eerie tribute but damn good beer. Aromas are of coffee and chocolate with a lot of dark fruits like raisins, blue berries, black berries, tart cherries, wine grapes, oatmeal, caramel, roasted coffee, and a little bit of vanilla. It is quite potent and interesting fragrance. The flavors have another unique story to tell. The flavors are of sweet and dark chocolate covered grapes, cherries, raisins, blue and black berries, raspberries, mocha coffee, whipped cream, oatmeal cookies with cherries and toast covered in fig jelly. The aftertaste leaves with these nice coffee and caramel notes. Berries covered in chocolate dipped in coffee and mocha is a major emphasize. I am not sure if it is the Oatmeal sugars which provide the unique smoothness and special sugar which give it such a berry like sugary flavor but this is just too good. Maybe the legend is true. The sorts of flavors with a stout that was not made with certain indicated ingredients…just..supernatural stuff. Amazing Stout and a must try….I think all beers are enchanted and full of magic…take your taste buds to levels beyond reasoning.

Elysian Wasteland

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Rating: 4.75/5

This is a series from Elysian, The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse. “The End is Beer”
Beer#6 (June) Wasteland is a 6.8% ABV Saison/Farmhouse ale made with dried Elderflowers and French Saison yeast

Wasteland, in reference to the apocalyptic event, is what will the result of a nuclear winter during the end of the world if caused by wars. The sun will not shin through killing everything on earth making it well..a wasteland…will there be survivors after 12-21-2012? If so, will there be anyone that will help each other out or will it just be survival of the fittest. Such would be the cruelty of fate for man’s true corruption bloom…ElderFlower Saison speaks…

This is pretty damn good sweet saison. Saisons have been some very good mystical, herbal, bread and sweet beers made with all sorts of botanicals at times. This one made with Elderflowers. The stuff that makes blue, black, and red berries. Hence forth, a brew that taste like flowers, bitter blue or black berries, apples, pineapple, raw peppers, coriander, lots of farmhouse herbal sweet bread, jasmine tea, biscuit, bubble gum, brown sugar and the way roses smell this tastes. Quite the floral little beer and a damn good saison. People that enjoy saisons will like this one..