Big Ricc by Tallgrass brewing

15068991_533616046834502_8434255671058745180_oRating: 5/5

Big Ricc by Tallgrass brewing is a 10.5% ABV Russian Imperial Stout with Coffee and Chocolate.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Big RICC: Russian Imperial Stout with Coffee and Chocolate

Several years in the making and hitting shelves for the first time in October 2015, Big RICC is large and in charge. A big, bold Russian Imperial Stout, Big RICC rolls in at 10.5% ABV and packs a punch.

Tasting notes: Bold coffee flavor and aroma with strong chocolate notes. Pours jet-black. Subtle dark fruit flavors. Dark roasted grains. Slight, “warming” alcohol presence. Full-bodied and great for sipping.

Awards: Silver Medal, Coffee Beer Category, 2014 U.S. Open Beer Championship

==Introduction==

The name Big Ricc reminded me a lot of the Big Riggs commercial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCW1QaOH1Y8) made by James Rolfe A.K.A The Angry Video Game Nerd. This brew was gifted to me by my good friend and fellow beer review brother Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com.Many of the brews you are seeing are part of a special Tall Grass Brewing shipment he sent to me. This one definitely intrigued me because of the ingredients and the ABV. You definitely do not see many 10% ABV beers in cans and this definitely reminds me of Ten Fidy. Let’s see how this is, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, cherries, prunes, black berries, tobacco, molasses, anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German chocolate, milk chocolate, roasted coffee, hazel nut nectar, pecan pie, mocha, chocolate chip cookies and Danish Cream.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German chocolate, milk chocolate, roasted coffee, mocha, roasted barley, earthy hop notes, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, cherries, prunes, black berries, Danish cream, cherry chocolate cake, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, hazel nut nectar, tobacco, molasses, anise, banana hints, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, rye bread and chocolate chip cookies.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with dark chocolate, roasted coffee, mocha, vanilla, marshmallow smores, caramel, dark fruits, earthy hops and rye bread. No alcohol in the aftertaste. Pitch black delicious full body, smooth, creamy, silky and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability

Overall:
Damn perfect Russian Imperial Stout! Definitely up there with the Ten Fidy cans. Very robust and full flavor forward, just like I love my Russians stouts. I don’t have much bad to say about this beer other than I can definitely drink a couple of cans of these and especially with the ABV, it almost feels like this one can be cellared for a very long time and can definitely get better with age. I sincerely hope that if you see this one, definitely get it, I highly recommend it.
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Anime Corner:
Blake Belladonna from RWBY was chosen in this review as I wanted to choose a character that went well with dude riding the motorcycle and is dark like the beer. Blake on the bike was definitely a good choice to go with this beer especially since her colors match well with the dark chocolate and dark fruits for example.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/ihagGpR.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yMVX7Vu.jpg

2015 Oude Tart with Boysenberries by the Bruery Terreux

12592657_10103044456701330_5322660447860274125_n 12622038_10103044458043640_2603204298765894825_oRating: 5/5

2015 Oude Tart with Boysenberries by the Bruery Terreux is an 8.3% ABV Flemish Red Ale aged in Oak barrels with boysenberries.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Oude Tart is a Flemish-Style Red Ale aged in red wine barrels for up to 18 months. This version has had boysenberries added for the final stages of barrel-aging. In fact, there are over two gallons of boysenberry purée per barrel. The final compilation is pleasantly sour with hints of leather, dark fruit, tart boysenberries and toasty oak. While the Flemish-style red ale is one of the more classic beer styles that we make, it’s not a style that you can find too often in the United States. Originating in style from the Flanders region of Belgium, near the French border, this dark, sour ale has roots deep in brewing history and predates most of the ales that have become popular in contemporary culture. We’re doing our best to keep the tradition alive by brewing and aging this beer here on the west coast.

==Introduction==

Another brew that was part of the December released for the Bruery Preservation society was this one. A variant of the Oude Tart with Boysenberries. I have tried the one with cherries and it was damn phenomenal. Now with Boysenberries, I am hoping this one is just as awesome. Many of their sours are good especially when doing fruit variants. While Jolly Pumpkin sours have always been my favorites, the Bruery has surprised me with some of their sours as they are able to find a nice balance at times so it is not supremely sour. Let’s see how this one is. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit currants, raisins, boysenberries, blueberries, raspberries, Concorde grape skins, vanilla, caramel, toffee, rye bread, lemon peels, hibiscus, hazelnut hints, brown sugar, pecan pie, Danish hints, wine grapes, port wine, tobacco, blackberry yogurt, boysenberry preserves, leather hints, molasses and oak.

Flavors:
Rich tart Concorde grape skins, vanilla, caramel, toffee, rye bread, lemon peel, hibiscus flowers, Dark fruit currants, raisins, boysenberries, blueberries, raspberries, Leather, oak, molasses, earthy notes, Danish hints, wine grapes, port wine, tobacco, blackberry yogurt, boysenberry preserves, cheese cake notes, pecan pie, brown sugar and hazel nut notes.

Aftertaste:
Super dry finishing with dry notes of wine, earthy notes, dark fruit boysenberries, dark cherries, oak, and musty notes No alcohol in the taste, full rich crimson and magenta body with a creamy, effervescent and medium mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Just like the Oude Tart Cherries, I was amazed by this one. A nice variant to the original show casing other complex flavors that come from using the different fruit. I think that is the best thing about variants and using different ingredients, the change of ingredients enables other complex flavors to come to being. With that being said, if you are a fan of sours or Oude Tart in general, you maye want to grab this one or trade.

Anime Corner:
Yang Xiao Long and Blake Belladonna from RWBY were used in this pairing as I have used Yang for the original Oude Tart so since her friends compose of different colors that I think would pair with the variant, I chose Blake as the boysenberry variant. This is since boysenberries are dark and purple, similar to black berries. I have used Ruby Rose when they used the Cherries, so depending on what is next, I have more characters to pair.

Sources:
http://orig11.deviantart.net/b52d/f/2014/044/9/a/9a82b1f04bd29690ca3325b6ab20388a-d769v9r.png
http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.roosterteeth.com/uploads/images/fb561c24-2cf9-4026-b748-d793cf2e541e/original/2027241-1442774116514-image.jpg

 

Firestone XIX Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

12615647_10103031727465820_1406669557122795520_o 12440373_10103031728024700_5229079361288118900_oRating: 6/6

Firestone XIX Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker is a World Class Strong Multi-liquor Barrel Aged Style Hybrid Blend Ale.

Description: (Please Click On The Strategy Guide/Letter From Firestone Walker and the Box)
12496296_10103031722361050_6412024599174687965_o 12473638_10103031723418930_5881348404028584889_o 12540521_10103031726637480_9097707703514118758_n
==Introduction==

Another awesome entry in the list of Firestone Anniversary beers. These beers have been very massive Cuvees mixing in several notable entries in their list of awesome beers. Usually a mix of more than 6 beers would go into one and trying to figure it out would be like a crazy strategy game. This year however, they only mixed in 4 brews. While still awesome, I wonder how taking a step back may improve the perception of the taste in this one. The brew will either be as complex as the others before it or it will be just as close as the fusion may have given rise to newer flavors. Only one way to find out.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, currants blackberries, prunes, raspberries, rich marshmallows, chocolate smores, oatmeal cookies, oreo cookies and cream, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, Rocky Road Icecream, clove spice, grilled bananas, vanilla, bourbon, rich oak, toasted coconut, almond joy chocolate and flan.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, clove spice, grilled bananas, vanilla bourbon, rich oak, toasted coconut, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream, almonds, walnuts, hazelnut nectar, rich marshmallows, chocolate smores, oatmeal cookies, oreo cookies and cream, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, currants blackberries, prunes, raspberries, piloncillo, dark candy sugar, rock candy, tres leches cake, flan, sweetened condensed milk, rye bread, molasses, anise, whiskey, brandy notes, chocolate cherry ice cream, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, fudge brownies, Irish cream coffee, port wine and capirotada raisin bread pudding.

Aftertaste:
Super complex aftertaste with rich flavors of Bourbon, brandy, maple syrup, rocky road ice cream, oatmeal and oreo cookies, rich dark fruits, oak, marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, banana cream pie and mild earthy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, crimson pitch black body, silky smooth, creamy, velvety and slightly syrupy mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Extremely exceptional! Even though they used only a composition of their best 4 beers, this turned out to be very complex still. While the craziness to dissect isn’t as crazy as their other beers and to see what flavors came from what and so forth, this one expands on the bit of complexity each brings and well, goes insane. Doesn’t make much sense right? But that’s essentially how I see it. Either each flavor is enhanced as it complements like flavors but also some flavors may have changed with the fusion. As a result, even at its coldest it will evolve to other flavors as it warms up. Just another delicious find you should look for.

Anime Corner:
Ruby Rose, Yang XiaoLong, Weisse Schnee and Blake Belladonna from RWBY were used in this pairing as I wanted to represent the 4 beers that were used to make up this beer, Parabola=Ruby, Stickee Monkee=Yang, Velvet Merkin=Weisse and Bravo=Blake. Ruby is Parabola as she is the leader of the bunch but also the name is like the shape of her scythe. Yang is the Stickee Monkee as she, like monks and shaolin monks alike, is versed in the inner strength and martial arts. Weisse is Velvet Merkin as she uses swords and magic to summon. Blake is Bravo like Brave and Courage as she is shy but can be very passionate about what she does. Altogether, make the team that is this beer,

Sources:
http://ww2.sinaimg.cn/large/810c16d6gw1ej5nlt2bigj215o0pogw2.jpg
http://pds25.egloos.com/pds/201408/22/30/d0142330_53f6ebb8997ba.jpg

Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout by Abita brewing

11050777_10102435245330800_1409193212595980515_oRating: 5/5

Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout by Abita brewing is a 6% ABV Milk/Sweet Stout brewed with Espresso Dolce Beans.

Label:
Abita Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout combines the rich flavor of roasted coffee with a full-bodied stout. Pale, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts create a dark color and intense flavor. Willamette hops balance the malt flavors, while natural milk sugar and oats add sweetness. During the cold brewing process, espresso dolce beans from PJ’s Coffee are added for a natural coffee flavor.

==Introduction==

Obtained this beer from Ramirez liquor in Boyle Heights California. I think this beer reached many Abita distributions. It was something interesting that caught my eye so I decided to give it a shot and see what it has to offer. I don’t think I have ever reviewed an Abita beer before even though have always wanted to try purple haze. I might give that a shot some time soon. For now let’s take a look a this one.

Aromas:
Rich coffee, espresso, mocha, fancy coffee, milk chocolate, Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, dulce de caramel,toasted rye bread, dark raisin notes, lactose milk sugar, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream hints, frappuccino, flan hints, Irish cream, toffee, fancy coffee, whipped cream, steamed milk and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Espresso coffee, roasted coffee, mocha, Milk chocolate, Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, dulce de caramel, coconut hints, toasted rye bread, dark raisin notes, lactose milk sugar, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream hints, frappuccino, flan hints, Irish cream, toffee, fancy coffee, whipped cream, steamed milk, peanut butter hints, pecan pie, brown sugar, cinnamon, hazelnut nectar, molasses and vanilla cream.

Aftertaste:
roasted Coffee, espresso, caramel, vanilla, milk sugar, dark chocolate and Earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, easy to drink and pitch black body.

Overall:
This one is a perfect milk stout. Lots of coffee and milk complex flavors. I was not sure what to expect from this and honestly I have not had a Macchiato before to say this is a true Macchiato beer but in terms of being a coffee milk stout, this one is pretty damn outstanding and would highly recommend this if you are able to find it.

Anime Corner:
Blake Belladonna from RWBY has made a return to the coffee beer scene as she did an epic representation of a certain BBA Kopi Luwak coffee beer before. She represents the super complex aspect of the coffee but as she relaxes drinking her Macchiato coffee, she has not much to worry about. This beer represents just leaning back having your breakfast and getting ready for the day.

Sources:
http://41.media.tumblr.com/0536ce008aaf98de0d4e90e001d51f49/tumblr_njk5wglKuv1qfb777o1_1280.jpg

Bourbon Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout by Alesmith

1464687_10101529208266340_55161898_n 1450803_10101529208071730_433594671_n 1456662_10101529208066740_1669304208_n 936042_10101529208156560_551553138_nRating: 6/5*

Bourbon Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout by Alesmith is a 12%ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Kopi Luwak Coffee beans and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label: 
Kopi Luwak is one of the world’s most expensive and rare coffee varieties. The beans are specifically selected for their ripeness and quality by the Civet, a small jungle marsupial that feeds off the fruit of the coffee cherry. They are then gathered by humans from the jungle floors of Indonesia, throughly cleaned, and sun-dried. A precise roasting by San Diego’s Ryan Bros. Coffee leads to extremely aromatic and exceptionally smooth final product that complements this barrel-aged imperial stout amazingly well. Good to the last dropping!
___

So there you have it, to put it bluntly, it is basically an already world class stout made with coffee beans that have been pooped out by the Civet cat and then barrel aged the whole thing. Considering this was hard to get, the price of a cup of just the coffee by itself would put the price of this beer to shame. Yet, the flavors are most likely very unique to even the coffee by itself that the palette understanding of the complexity would cause a tongue would send signals to the brain causing a mind blow division by zero. Even if the concept of Civet poop coffee sounds disgusting, one must have an open mind. This is really clean beer too. Anyway, enough of that, on with the review

Aromas:
Straight out of the bottle, uniquely rich pecan pie, bakers chocolate, really fancy coffee, hazelnut, Irish cream, dark fruit, a type of boozyness that smells like cantaloupe, dark and milk chocolate, flan, mocha, java, espresso, Kahlua, dark cherries, floral notes, oak, vanilla, bourbon, coconut, bananas, rocky road ice cream notes

Flavors:
Chocolate covered cherries, really fancy coffee, Kahlua, pecan pie, rocky road ice cream, rich java, mocha, earthly bitter notes, flan notes, bananas, vanilla, caramel, marshmallows, bourbon, oak, floral notes, Irish cream notes, dark fruits, bakers chocolate, dark chocolate syrup, roasted coffee beans, black berries, herbal spicy notes, rum notes, oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies and more flavors I cant make out.

Aftertaste:
Finishing off with layer of roasted fancy coffee, minor earthy possibly off flavor (LOL could be the poop ;)), caramel, chocolate, dark fruit, berries, bourbon, herbal cherry and spices as well as some bourbon. A big sipper with the booziness not detracting from the rich complex but more like it plays well

Overall:
*Bar none, the best coffee imperial stout ever!! I have tried the Mikkeller Beer Geek Weasel Cognac and this one beats it big time. Who knew Civet poop bean coffee could be so good. One of the reasons why this coffee is so great is because the process or digesting these beans causes the impurities and bitterness of coffee to be removed leaving beans that are more appealing, except for the poop part ofcourse.. That gets cleaned off thoroughly (I hope O_O). Definitely world class adding another depth of character that is hard to describe even with the barrel aging part itself for sure. Lots of extra credits here. 

Anime Corner:
Blake Belladonna from RWBY is one of the main characters from the show with a reserved and sometimes antisocial personality. She carries a lot of burden on her shoulders rom her past. She is a Faunus, which are humanoid people with some animal traits. In the show, people may be prejudice against the Fauni as they consider them thieves. While Blake is a good person, she believes the people may be misunderstood seeing how the actions of some of the bad Fauni may give the overall race a bad rap. This part of her history can reflect the cruelty from some of the people who may abuse the Civets they harvest the coffee beans from. It is wrong to abuse some of the animals, but I am hopeful that the beer this was made from did not abuse any of those animals. While fighting, Blake is perceived almost like a ninja, a fast paced ninja. In relation to this beer, she is black like a stout, fast enough to meet the name “speedway stout”. She looks like a black cat which some Civets, even though marsupials, kind look like cats. The red background in the pictures is used to explain some of those dark berry flavors. The bourbon is in her eyes which have seen many things but remain strong and determined.

In the last 2 pictures, Symphony City Kitty by petite-emi.deviantart.com I used to represent the Civet. In weird sort of way I sort of artistic way, I saw this picture as the Civet releasing the berries. The blue background of the Civet may represent the astonishment of the delicious flavors from the coffee beans, either that or the Bullshit of humanity represented by the cities that a small portion of places actually don’t obey animal rights. I really hope the coffee beans picked for this beer were harvested in respect to these creatures. Which leads to the last piece of work where Symphony flicks the cigarette to represent disgust at animal abuse, but also looking very classy as in saying “here is your fancy coffee made from my poop, while I stand here looking classy and awesome, you sick bastards!!” 

Anyways, if you can see any more artfulness in these pieces let me know. While I am against animal abuse, I really hope they harvested these beans with respecting the animals. Otherwise, I’d definitely feel like a hypocritical bastard for drinking this. It is an extremely good beer though. I do Thank you Civets of the world.