Rating 6/6
2017 Grey Monday by The Bruery is an 20% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Hazelnuts.
The malty milkshake of Gods is only comprehensible to the ones that know the pure bliss…… This one brings all living creatures out to the yard….
Original Review: https://animebeers.com/2016/12/02/2016-grey-monday-by-the-bruery/
2016 Grey Monday by The Bruery is an 19.8% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Hazelnuts.
I had done a reviewed this one in the past so this year, I am leaving it to a previous review to take care of the recommendation. Each year it is more awesome and the ABV seems to climb higher and higher. Cheers!
https://animebeers.com/2015/06/25/2015-grey-monday-by-the-bruery/
Rating: 7/5
Mélange 12 by Bruery is a 16.8% ABV American Strong Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Beans, Cacao Nibs and Hazelnuts.
Label:
NUTSO!
A curious amalgam of barrel-aged beer seeping with notes of burnt marshmallows and toasty nuts.
Mélange No 12 is best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor, but may develop pleasantly if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 50°F (10°C). Best enjoyed with friends and served in a tulip glass.
Mélange #12 is a uniquely debonair blend of some of our favorite strong ales that have been allowed to age gently in bourbon barrels for an average of nearly 22 months. Once these barrels were carefully selected to blend, we chose to enhance the beer and barrel flavors with three of our favorite ingredients: cacao nibs, vanilla beans and hazelnuts.
==Introduction==
Melange #12 released to Reserve Society and Hoarders society alike is a blend of several different beers that are undesclosed but based on the previous melange versions, they include, Black Tuesday, the Anniversary beers, White Oak and others I am sure as this is what Melange 3 composed of and the sequential Melange ones expanded from this other blends. I made a careful decisions as this beer comprises of many of the components that make up the Weekday brews such as Chocolate Rain, White Grey Monday, possibly Wineification, Cacaonut and Chocolate Rain. So I had no doubt that this would disappoint in any way. A Cuvee ambrosia of heavenly delight? Perhaps, let’s check this one out, cheers!
Aromas:
Dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate smores, graham crackers, White Chocolate, mocha chocolate, Flan and Mexican sweetened condensed milk,Rich Hazelnuts, pecan pie, almond milk, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, walnuts, prailines, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream, butterscotch, toasted coconut, almond joys, cocada Mexican coconut candy, piloncillo sugar cone, banana split ice cream with cherries, port wine, rum notes, stone fruit mango hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, buttery nutella and so much more!
Flavors:
Pure Flan and Mexican sweetened condensed milk,Rich Hazelnuts, pecan pie, almond milk, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, walnuts, prailines, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, Dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate smores, graham crackers, White Chocolate, mocha chocolate, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream, butterscotch, toasted coconut, almond joys, cocada Mexican coconut candy, piloncillo sugar cone, banana split ice cream with cherries, port wine, rum notes, stone fruit mango hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, buttery nutella, Mexican Duvalin candy, chocolate chip cookie dough, Danish cream, Bear claw doughnut, mousse chocolate, marzipan and more.
Aftertaste:
Super rich nutella, toasted coconut, white chocolate, port wine, Belgian chocolate, bourbon, oak, hazelnut nectar, tropical dragon fruit hints and passion fruit amongst other heavenly sweets. No alcohol in the taste, Dark yet Crimson Medium to Full body, sipping drinkabaility and Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
Overall:
The best of the best and exclusive of elusive beers with no way of getting another unless they make this once again or you trade. It was definitely a special occasion as I tried this one. If they ever release as much of Melange 12 as they do of Melange 3, I am buying every single one!! This beer is like you took the alittle bit from each of the Bruery’s best beers and made a Cuvee. Basically, there is notes of Chocolate Rain, Grey Monday, Melange 3, Cacaonut, White Chocolate, Black Tuesday, Wineification and their anniversary beers and combined it to make this liquid Gold! Aging for 22 months is ridiculous but it is surely something that is truly unique and amazing. If you have the opportunity to get this one, do it!!!
Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto, Kos-Mos from Xenosaga, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach as being my favorite anime characters always get the best pairings in some of the beers I truly feel are deserving of that ‘Heavenly and Godly Ambrosia’ Liquid status as with many of the beers I have tried, this one to me captures what I feel is the best of the Bruery which are many of the Weekday beers into one. I once did a pairing with them doing Melange 3 except at the time, it was jusr Kos-Mos, Temari and Yoruichi. Ryuko from Kill la Kill had not come out and it wasn’t until later that I really loved her character in the series as she was a major bad ass. So I was glad I was able to pair them with this heavenly bliss of a beer. Melange 3 multiplied by 4 is Melange 12 so it makes the perfect pairing!
Rating: 6/5
2015 Grey Monday by The Bruery is an 18.6% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Hazelnuts.
Label:
JUST ONE SHADE
Originally brewed for a molecular gastronomy dinner at Beachwood BBQ, this decadent version of Black Tuesday is brewed with Oregon grown, roasted hazelnuts.
Grey Monday is just the beer you need to kickstart your week and is meant for sharing with family and friends in your time of need. It will age gracefully for many decades of economic fluctuations. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 55°F (13° C) Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.
==Introduction==
Behold! One of the Bruery’s finest has returned making its way to the Bruery’s Reserve and Hoarder’s Societies as well as some public samplings on tap at the Bruery (if they still have some). I am sure this beer will see the preserve society soon enough like Chocolate Rain, Black Tuesday and White Chocolate but for now, the beer is a damn highly sought after item that is not sold in stores and can only be obtained by a friend of a friend and a trade with a loop and a grapevine. So seek it out as I don;t have to tell you twice about this one. While this may actually be my last review of this beer as to not to be repetitive with the coming years, just know this is prize way ahead of time. So go now and find it but for now, Cheers!
Aromas:
Super Chocolate Milk shake, nutella, Rich hazelnut nectar, Rich Chocolate cocoa powder wafer cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates, grilled bananas, french vanilla ice cream, toasted walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, crème brulee, dulce de leche caramel, dark cherries, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, toasted coconut, brown sugar, bourbon, whiskey notes, sweetend condensed milk, flan, pecan pie, prailines, maple syrup, bourbon, chocolate mousse, chocolate cheesecake, honey, toffee, rocky road ice cream, smores, marshmallows and the list goes on and on!
Flavors:
Super Chocolate Milk shake, Rich hazelnut nectar, Rich Chocolate cocoa powder wafer cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates, grilled bananas, flan, pecan pie, prailines, maple syrup, bourbon, chocolate mousse, chocolate cheesecake, honey, toffee, rocky road ice cream, smores, marshmallows, anise, bananas, plantains, cinnamon toast crunch, nutella, french vanilla ice cream, toasted walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, crème brulee, dulce de leche caramel, dark cherries, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, toasted coconut, brown sugar, bourbon, whiskey notes and sweetend condensed milk.
Aftertaste:
Rich chocolate milkshake, hazelnut nectar, dark chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, dulce de leche, sweeteneded condensed milk, crème brulee, nutella, macadamia nut and pecan pie. Boozy! Especially if you do not drink this at room temperature. Take your time, let it settle to mask that alcohol with the complex flavors. As before, this is very dangerous too as it is a very very smooth but sipping beer with a silky and syrupy mouthfeel oh yeah and lets not forget the inter-dimensional pitch dark color that cannot be perceived by regular eyes.
Overall:
This year’s version caught me way off guard. From the moment I took a wiff, I was like holy chocolate hazelnut milkshakes! LOL Rukia’s milkshake brings all the boys to the yard! By Rukia I mean the girl I used in this beer pairing from last year’s. I go further into detail below but for those who truly seek a wonderment above some of the regular beers out there, The Weekday Beer Series from the Bruery definitely takes a turn for the supreme and luciously and diabetical sweet “pour this on your next dessert” type of flavor side. I could ramble more about the greatness which is Grey Monday, but I think I have done enough and enough is enough when I say, put this beer on your bucket list NOW!!!
Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach in her prestigious and beautiful Bankai form awaits the light of the new Monday, the Grey Monday. She is on the horizon displaying her new power and rightfully so as her character has gone through many many struggles. Throughout the entire series, she is second to the protagonist and while yes this may be a spoiler for many, she does make it. She achieves a form that takes her to new heights of existence. Rightfully so, as powerful in ABV as this beer is, it is also sweet, just like sweet little Rukia. Rukia, just like Grey Monday, evolve into great heights of where only few beers can take people. The sweet nectar of gods like this can only be bestowed on the few, like Rukia who trained with gods, literally, she now holds her own against the final threats of the series. As the series comes closer and closer to the end, this new form will unleash its fury of absolute 0 degrees Kelvin. Only the next day that comes can melt the ice and melt one’s heart as they try this beer.
Sources:
http://deohvi.deviantart.com/art/Bleach-570-Rukia-s-Bankai-436885263
http://th01.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2014/148/1/f/hakka_no_togame__rukia_by_rikamello-d7k391v.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1693368
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/037/8/3/bleach_567___rukia_ice_queen_by_hikarinogiri-d75avwk.png
Rating: 6/5
2014 Grey Monday by the Bruery is an 18.5% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Hazelnuts.
Label:
JUST ONE SHADE
Originally brewed for a molecular gastronomy dinner at Beachwood BBQ, this decadent version of Black Tuesday is brewed with Oregon grown, roasted hazelnuts.
Grey Monday is just the beer you need to kickstart your week and is meant for sharing with family and friends in your time of need. It will age gracefully for many decades of economic fluctuations. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 55°F (13° C) Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.
___
So we meet again, the once lost Grey Monday which I had tried in 2012 and now I was able to get a Reserve bottle in 2014 from the Bruery. That is the only place you can get this unless you do a trade. Along the lines of Black Tuesday, Chocolate Rain, White Chocolate, Wineification/Mardi Rouge, Mocha Wednesday, Melange 3 and many more, Grey Monday stands in one of the highest categories of beers that I have ever tried. It is very ridiculously delicious just like all the variants before it. Before I continue to review this great beer once again, I may be biased as I already know it is a great beer and definitely one that is highly recommended. Cheers!
Aromas:
Very Rich Milk Chocolate, dark chocolate, pralines, pecan pie, Rich Hazelnut nectar, Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, flan, bourbon, maple syrup, honey, chocolate cheesecake, toffee, vanilla, oak, crème brulee, french vanilla ice cream, toasted walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashew, nutella, marshmallows, toasted coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon toast, bananas, anise, smores, rocky road ice cream and more.
Flavors:
Rich Hazelnut nectar and chocolate on grilled bananas with flan, pecan pie, pralines, maple syrup, honey, chocolate cheesecake, toffee, dark cherries, strawberry, peach, dark fruit raisins, plums, anise, currants, chocolate port wine notes, almond joy, crème brulee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, chocolate chip cookie dough, toasted coconut, marshmallow and graham cracker smores, cinnamon toast, anise, brown sugar, chocolate milk shake, fudge cake, and mocha, all with some scoops of french vanilla ice cream.
Aftertaste:
Rich hazelnut nectar, oak, vanilla, bourbon, chocolate, pecan pie, cherry, flan, maple and caramel just linger and linger infinitely. So Good that you will take your time with it or at least try to. The alcohol is quickly masked by the complex flavors that you don’t even taste it. This is very dangerous too as it is a very very smooth but sipping beer with a silky and syrupy mouthfeel.
Overall:
No surprise here, my expectations were met and the extra credit chart went through the roof. I knew this was gonna be just as good as when I first tried. I have no idea how the Bruery does it. They are crazy to make these beers so delicious. They surely defy and truly show just how far a beer can go. Were talking past the liquor and wine category, has evolved into what it was meant to be. I sincerely hope you can try this beer or any of the other Bruery beers like Black Tuesday.
Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach in her prestigious and beautiful Bankai form awaits the light of the new Monday, the Grey Monday. She is on the horizon displaying her new power and rightfully so as her character has gone through many many struggles. Throughout the entire series, she is second to the protagonist and while yes this may be a spoiler for many, she does make it. She achieves a form that takes her to new heights of existence. Rightfully so, as powerful in ABV as this beer is, it is also sweet, just like sweet little Rukia. Rukia, just like Grey Monday, evolve into great heights of where only few beers can take people. The sweet nectar of gods like this can only be bestowed on the few, like Rukia who trained with gods, literally, she now holds her own against the final threats of the series. As the series comes closer and closer to the end, this new form will unleash its fury of absolute 0 degrees Kelvin. Only the next day that comes can melt the ice and melt one’s heart as they try this beer.
Sources:
http://stingcunha.deviantart.com/art/Bleach-570-Rukia-s-Bankai-436885263
http://www.zerochan.net/1681342
Rating: 5/5 *Kombucha Rating
Bourbon Peach by Unity Vibration is a 7% ABV Kombucha Wild Ale brewed with peaches and aged in bourbon barrels
Label:
Our Bourbon Barrel Aged Kombucha has double the rich, delicious bourbon flavor as it ages with juicy, whole, organic peaches. This unique beverage is a culmination of the ancient process of kombucha brewing, paired with the newer brewing process of a uniquely American high gravity ale.
Reminiscent of summer campfires and refreshing swims in the great lakes, out kombucha beer is always unfiltered, raw and living. Taste the freshness and distinctive flavors you can only find with this process and unique combination
___
First thing to note about this beverage, is that it is very important and I mean, VERY IMPORTANT!! to open near a sink. The moment I opened this beer, a lot of the pressure was released causing me to lose some of the liquid . Fortunately I saved a good portion of it. This the first time I try a Kombucha beer so I will try my best at reviewing this one.
Kombucha (昆布茶 or Japanese “Kelp Tea”), as referred to here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kombucha ) is a special type of effervescent fermented tea using bacteria and yeast as part of the fermentation. It was definitely effervescent since the bubbles would not stop even as type this. This sucker is really alive!! This also says it could be good for health. Well, that depends I guess. I cannot make any claims on that. Most Kombuchas are non alcoholic. This one is. So I guess it depends on the fermentation process used by Unity Vibration
Aromas of this are of mushrooms, apricot, funky notes, sourdough, vanilla, oak, peaches, lemon grass, vinegary grassy notes, pears, flowers and other fruits. The sour and funky fragrances come more across than the sweeter fruity side here.
The Flavors are… wow!… I was expecting this to be as strong as the nose. Not at all like the nose. The vinegary sour notes are only in the nose. The taste is much much sweeter with very nice tangy notes. Sweet Peaches, apples, pears, tangy cherry, sugar cubes, vanilla, slight oak, mushrooms, lemonade, grassy and vegetable notes, black tea, slight funky notes, sour dough bread, honey, peach preserves, light bourbon notes, maple syrup, brown sugar, coriander, wheat and grapefruit juice.
After taste us pretty dry leaving a little bit of a sugary plant feel. It tingles going down but easy to drink.
Overall was at awe as to how different this beer was. It somewhat defies logic in taste and aromatic expectations. They seem very different. This is a very unique forth coming creation into the craft beer movement. I am not sure if it should be categorized as beer as it falls into the realms of beer/cider/wine/tea/mead and lambics. Very unique stuff and very delicious in its own category.
Rating: 5.55/5*
Very Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing is an 11.5% ABV World Class Imperial Stout blended with equal parts of Blaecorn Unidragon and Vampire Slayer both aged in bourbon barrels.
Label:
Hoppy Feet guy extinguished evil via a sharp stake through an undead chest. Now, Blaecorn Unidragon, full of fury, has expelled another bloodsucker from Earth. We hate vampires, but love Vampire Slayer, which we blended in equal parts with Blaecorn Unidragon, bourbon barrel aging the mix to beget Very Angry Beast.
___
I have been following this series carefully since the first release of the awesome Blaecorn Unidragon. Both Blaecorn and Vampire slayer very awesome beers as well as the Porcine Unidragon. When they aged the Blaecorn Unidragon and blended it with basic vampire slayer, that was awesome within itself. Now both are blended for the ultimate concoction.
Aromas are of deep bourbon vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, flan,coconut, dark chocolate, graham crackers, bit of rocky road ice cream, sweet milk chocolate, pecans, almond joy, mocha coffee, toffee, butterscotch, chocolate cake and some dark fruit notes.
The flavors are of bourbon, lots of nice warm bourbon (not overwhelming boozy, just sweetnes) and oak flavors, vanilla, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, coconut, marshmallows, raisins, butterscotch, almond joy, not as big on the rocky road as the smell but some notes are there. There are also flavors of black berries, possibly dark cherry notes, dulce de leche caramel notes, graham crackers, earthy hops, fudge brownies, more bakers chocolate that sweet milk chocolate, almost semi sweet but the flavors seems to work. Some other flavors are of mocha, honey glazed ham notes and brown sugar.
After taste is a litle boozy leaving very nice residue of vanilla, coffee, chocolate, bourbon and minor smokey notes. While the beer can be boozy later on after several sips, it is quite the smooth beer. Take heed though, while it is easy to drink it will hit. This dynamic duo of Femme Fatale (Obviously referencing the art ) shows no mercy
Overall it was quite an overwhelming experience in many aspects. Beers that go over the 5 rating seem to be beers that usually are Chocolate extreme or amazingly sweet or caramel extreme or just something that is way out of the ordinary in terms of flavor. This beer, while it may not have reached the heights of chocolate, the concoction of the bourbon, the coffee notes, dark fruit notes, buttery caramel, vanilla rich, the oaky and let us not forget the chocolate, is what set the score for me. Really great job by Clown Shoes brewing in bringing this amazing beer to the hands of many. Salute to you and Cheers!!
———-
Blaecorn Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/blaecorn-unidragon-russian-imperial-stout-by-clown-shoes-brewing/
Vampire Slayer Review:https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/vampire-slayer-by-clown-shoes-brewing/
Angry Beast Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/angry-beast-by-clown-shoes/
Porcine Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/porcine-unidragon-by-clown-shoes/
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
Rating: 5.75/5*
Barrel Aged Siren Noire Heavy Seas Uncharted Series 2013 by Clipper City Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate and aged in Bourbon Barrels
Label:
Siren Noire
Rich and velvety, this smooth brew owes its full body to healthy additions of imported specialty grains. The roasted malt flavors of coffee yield to notes of mocha, fig, and raisin – and Belgian cacao nibs impart a decadent chocolate nuance. Bourbon barrel aging finishes by adding tones of vanilla. An unparalleled flavor experience
Uncharted Waters explores the unique changes that happen to beer when exposed to wood. Each beer showcases a robust style, carefully matched with a wood treatment to showcase a range of complex flavors. Vintage dating encourages further exploration on the aging process. As much about the voyage as the destination we hope you enjoy these beers in the spirit in which they were brewed.
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So I got this on whim. I wanted to get the Holy Sheet Belgian ale they had but unfortunately for me it may already be to late. Well, better luck next year I guess. Anyways, I found this one and I wanted to try as it was a Barrel Aged beer and from a brewery I have never tried before. So I decided to give it a try and damn, what a treasure it was as soon as I opened the bottle.
Aromas exploded with a great ton of coconut, chocolate, marshmallows, almonds, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de caramel (Rocky road fragrances), flan, mocha coffee notes, deep java, frappucino,
The flavors are way too damn close to rocky road ice cream and coffee to put it as best as possible. Bitterness is definitely like an earthy and it is also oaky slightly. Flavors are are of milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, toasted coconut, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, vanilla, marshmallows, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, chocolate cheese cake, flan, crème brulee, mocha, frappucino and chocolate fudge brownies
The Aftertaste leaves off sweet with nice chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, flan and mocha notes. No alcohol presence and the flavors are complex and intense, I am surprised how they could develop these very nice flavors from such an ABV.
Amazingly enough, while it is not strong with the alcohol, it has a lot of sweet flavors. This is too damn good. I wish I could get this beer more frequently. This is really good. If you are lucky enough to find it and live Bourbon Barrel Aged beers, go get this right away. Coffee flavored Rocky Road ice cream in liquid form.
*I am a chocolate beer fanatic, so the rating maybe a bit bias but I swear, this is like rocky road ice cream in liquid form. Maybe not to the Parabola level but enough to notice. Oh, and Lots of nice coffee to go with it too
Rating: 5.25/5 *Rating based on ciders reviewed and compared so far only
Bird on a Wire by Crispin Cider Company is a 6.9% ABV Blended Hard Cider aged in Bourbon whiskey casks with Tupelo Honey.
Label:
Authentic American alt.country cider. Not forever, just for now.
Dances across the palate, like a band playing and people swayin’. Spend some time, wait a minute. Set it free.
Blended using 4 unique apple-wines aged in both rye and Bourbon American whiskey barrels. Apple-wines fermented with:Irish Stout yeast, Belgian Trappist yeast,Sake yeast and our original Colfax Classic.
The final blend is finished with Tupelo Honey aged in Bourbon barrels and a lingering open-mouthed kiss of fresh-pressed apple juice.
Balanced and very smooth, toasted oaktannins, whiskey notes, with soft rye spice, cask-woody vanilla and cinnamon.
Blended straight from whiskey barrels.Give a solid bottoms-up tilt and swirl to disperse sediment evenly and best enjoy whiskey aromas and unique bouquet.
Enjoyed at cellar temperature, 50/55F.With or without 1 or 2 ice cubes. Age-worthy.
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Regardless of being a Coors subordinate, they make some hell good ciders. So far I have reviewed the ciders fermented in Irish Stout yeast and Trappist yeast, the latter being my favorite. Now I think I have a new favorite with this one.
First aromas that come as soon as you open the bottle is whiskey and rich stuff at that. It is followed by that bourbon vanilla sweetness, caramel, coconut, rye bread, cinnamon, apple, honey, oak, spices and brown sugar.
The flavors are of cider apples, whiskey, bourbon vanilla, oak, slight coconut notes, dulce de leche caramel flan notes, honey, crème brulee, white wine, champagne, brown sugar, cinnamon, french toast with apple butter, rye bread and cinnamon, bear claw doughnut with apples and cinnamon, and apple pie with rich caramel.
No doubt about it, a little at that, but still freaking amazing. Really brings about great Cask/Barrel aged goodness as some of the best bourbon liquors and bourbon aged beers can bring but in cider form. Who knew cider can deliver a good level of craft in its own way. I gotta find more of these bottles. They need to make 22oz. Bottles of this or even make like a 6 pack. This would make for a great cider for people to try for those that are skeptical of trying the Craft Cider side of beverage connoisseurship.
Rating: 4.8/5
White Oak by The Bruery is a 11.5% ABV Wheat Wine blend consisting 50% of “Mischief” Belgian Pale Ale and 50% of the “White Oak Sap” Wheat Wine aged in bourbon barrels. This is the base of the awesome “White Chocolate” Ale which I reviewed some time last year.
Label:
Vivid caramel-esque, coconut-like and vanilla-ish flavors blanketed in a crisp yet robust wheat ale. White oak is suitable for aging up to two years when cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55 deg F (13 deg Celcius) in a dark place.
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This beer is the original form of the pre-White Chocolate. I first tried it several days ago and I had to grab a bottle to do a review.
Aromas start off with a Belgian bread and Saison notes. Smells like matured citrus fruits, orange, mango, lemons, vanilla, bananas, cloves, caramel, bourbon, oak, biscuit bread, honey, coconut, some minor floral and funky notes.
The flavors consist of vanilla, oak, bourbon, caramel, citrus, notes brettanomyces, banana, matured orange, lemon peel, apricots, mango, toasty coconuts, very subtle pineapple, wine grapes, honey, maple, biscuit bread, waffle cone, clove spice, coriander, herbal and floral hops like the Belgian Pale Ale. The after taste is definitely citrus, bourbon, wine and cheese party. Flavors are kind of all over the place but it surely is a different beer. When Imagine how the Vanilla beans and the Cocoa Nibs were added and barrel aged some more, a minor amount of the base flavors were hidden to give way to a much more sweet white chocolate flavor. Now that, is the best part I remember about the other beer which is the part that really confuses me. How is is that when you add the vanilla and cocoa nibs and age it, it creates something simply extraordinary. Alas, that is the mystery and the glory of the brewing process.
As being the base component of the White Chocolate, I can see why this beer reminds me a lot of the Bourbon and Barrel Aged Stone beers I have had before. Similar to the Red Wine Saison du Buff or the Double Bastard Bourbon Barrel Aged beer. Those beers were really different. More to the wine and cheese party after taste which morphs which gives confusion to the taste buds, but in a very nice way.
White Chocolate Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/white-chocolate-by-the-bruery/
Rating: 7/5* This is quite ridiculous of a beer which exceeds expectations, maybe way too much.
Melange 3 by The Bruery is a 15.5% ABV Barrel-Aged Blended Ale Dark & Delicious (Black & Tan). Basically, it is a fusion ale of Black Tuesday, White Oak wheat wine and Papier Old Ale.
Label:
A unique blend of Black Tuesday, White Oak Sap, and our Anniversary ales. Extended barrel aging lends flavors of vanilla, spice, and rich caramel.
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If you haven’t heard about this beer, go get it now before it is gone. I kid you not. I didn’t have to be part of their preserve, reserve, or even hoarders society. Either that, or the Bruery was graceful enough to share this magnificent brew. If you live in California, GO NOW!!!…. get this beer
I already specified the greatness that was Black Tuesday and even the greatness that was their Anniversary Ale Fruet and basically White Chocolate was their White Oak wheat wine with cocoa nibs so essentially what you have here is an ale that combines the best of 3 of my most hard to find beers that blew me away all in a single blend. In fact, this was one of those kick the bucket beers that is a favorite of Patrick Rue, founder of the The Bruery. I wouldn’t be this exited about a beer if I didn’t realized that I was able to get my hands on this so easy. I still couldn’t believe it when I ordered it on the site. Well anyways, enough rambling. On to the Review.
The aromas are pretty much of the charts. Ill try to sum up the complexity of this beer as best I can since the flavors of this beer are ridiculously rich. Yes another “Diabetes in a bottle” beer. Fragrances of Hazelnut, rich dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sweet chocolate, bananas, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, rich toasted coconut, bourbon, vanilla, dark fruits, raisins, flan, crème brulee, wheat, leche nestle and just a lot of sugar.
The flavors are of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sweet chocolate, Kahlua, white chocolate, wine grapes, chocolate covered cherries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, bourbon oak, wheat, coriander, honey, wine grapes, apples, Port wine, flan, choco flan, chocolate cake, cake batter, toffee, brown sugar, raisins, licorice, marshmallows, smores, graham crakers, cherry coke, Belgian bread, biscuits and more intense sugary and heavenly bliss….over 9000.
Talk about a ridiculously smooth beer. This is very smooth, mellow to the point where you cannot detect the alcohol. This beer is like combining Trois Pistoles, St. Bernardus 12, Three Philosophers, Black Xantus and Barrel aging all that and it comes out like a drink from the 4th dimension, maybe higher. My god, if my taste buds could bleed, they would bleed simply because the beer has taken me to the upper echelons of craft beer Nirvana. This is ridiculous. If I would drink this beer everyday I would probably never try anything else. However, because I finally tried this, I can go in peace. It is hard to believe but this is definitely a bucket list beer without a doubt. People have to try this out and the best part, you don’t have to stay and camp out for the night to get a bottle of this. Get it while it last and it is no longer offered to the public. I got this bottle without hesitation. I almost thought they would second guess my orders since I was not a preserve or reserve or craft whore society member. I got this straight from the source and I was surprised it was sent. This beer is sold or traded after market so if you are not lucky to be able to find this beer but are able to be have it shipped and bought online, I recommend this one full heartedly. Bull shit aside, This beer is worth every penny.
Rating: 5.8/5* Aged for 2 years, so the ABV is probably higher but the complexity is what gives it the high score.
2011 Barrel Roll No. 3 Pugachev’s Cobra by Hangar 24 is a 16.5%ABV Russian Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
Label:
PUGACHEV’S COBRA: The brainchild of Victor Pugachev — not for the faint of heart. Pilot suddenly raises the aircraft nose to near vertical before dropping back to attack mode. Get ready for an assault on your senses with PUGACHEV’S COBRA, an intense Russian Imperial Stout. This rich, black beauty with a thick caramel head is bursting with aromas of chocolate, vanilla, oak, bourbon, licorice and dark fruits, while flavors of chocolate-covered plum, sweet malt, bourbon, and roasted coffee explode on your pallet. Three different dark roasted malts and rich maple syrup are combined in a truly unique brewing process to create complexity and depth. Once fermented, it’s then aged for eight months in freshly emptied bourbon barrels. This powerful concoction is designed to be enjoyed now with friends or cellared to perfection and savored in the years to come.
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As recommended by my friend Julio who once had it on tap about a year ago. Been looking high and low for this piece of treasure to finally be able to do a review. Time to suit up and lift off into the heights of amazing flavors. How will it do with the other great imperial stouts out there?
Upon opening the bottle, the aromas are very good. Definitely on par with some of the greats, maybe even better! Rich bourbon, vanilla, oak, sweet milk and dark chocolate, brownie batter, coconut, banana, hazelnuts, dulce de leche, crème brulee, coffee, mocha, maple, hints of dark fruits like raisins, apples and smokey wood. The flavors are very amazing. Heat of Bourbon flavor but low booziness, vanilla, bananas, coconut, dulce de leche caramel, raisins, Kahlua coffee, rum and very rich chocolate almost to the side of Black Tuesday but more focus on bourbon than chocolate yet still very strong with the chocolate. There are also flavors of flan, licorice, molasses, chocolate cake, chocolate syrup and whiskey. This one is very very good. The flavors are very rich and the bourbon flavor is amazing. Not the booziness but the actual oakyness and vanilla of it. No Joke, this beer was definitely near the top. A must get if you somehow are lucky to find it. I had to look online for this one unfortunately. Now next time it is one tap, that I will have to see. But you also have to realize, this has been aging FOR 2 YEARS!! so the much fresher version may not provide the strength and complexity. So get one now and save the other for later. Go get this beer!!
Rating: 5.45/5
Samuel Smith’s Yorkshire Stingo is a 9%ABV English Strong Ale aged in oak casks
Label:
Some of the oak casks at Samuel Smith’s date back more than a century with the individual oak staves being replaced by the Old Brewery coopers over the years. Gradually the casks soak in more & more of the character of the ale fermented in stone Yorkshire squares. Yorkshire Stingo is aged for at least a year, matured in these well-used oak casks in the brewery’s underground cellars deriving fruit, raisin, treacle toffee, Christmas pudding and slight oaky flavours, before being further naturally conditioned in bottle. Allow time for east to settle before opening then pour gently.
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This is probably considered England’s best strong ale in the world. It definitely showed it as I have never seen a barrel aged English beer at something as high as 9%ABV. The aromas are amazing. It is the very same English malt aroma but now with that bourbon, vanilla, caramel, oak, chocolate and coconut fragrance. Wow is what I would describe the scent of this beer. Other aromas of dark fruits like raisins, black and blue berries, biscuit bread, honey, apples and somewhat like barley wine. The flavors are of oak, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, strong marshmallow creme, slight coffee, slight coconut, slight flan, slight bourbon, apples, dark fruits like plums, black berries, blue berries, raisins, cookies and cream, sweet raisin and pecan bread pudding, cinnamon, flan, some what creme brulee, walnut and hazel nut creme. It is an over the top, exceptional beer. I think if it was found often, I would definitely pick it up over and over again. You can’t beat this as it goes in par with some of the best barrel aged beers out there. This beer along with organic chocolate, oatmeal stout and winter welcome are some of my favorites from this brewery along with Goblin King from Wychwood are my favorites from England. Brewdog I won’t include in the Great Britain mix as they are another Scottish story all together 😉
Rating: 5.75/5
Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout 2012 by Cigar City Brewing is an 11%ABV Imperial Stout Aged on cacao nibs, ancho and pasilla chiles, cinnamon and Madagascar Vanilla Beans. This was released in March 2012 so it is almost exactly 1 year of aging.
Label:
In Mayan mythology, Hun Hunahpu was the father of the Mayan hero twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque. Hun Hunahpu, along with his brother Vucub Hunahpu, was tricked by the Dark Lords of the underworld and slain. Hun Hunahpu’s corpse morphed into a cacao tree, his head becoming a cacao pod, which in typically awesome mythology fashion, spit upon the hand of a young maiden named Xiquic who promptly became pregnant with the hero twins. The twins would ultimately grow up to avenge their father and uncle and defeat the Dark Lords and ascend to the heavens to become the moon and sun
We brew Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout once a year and release it only at the brewery. We will continue to do so until the end of the cycle.
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Rated to be the 4th best Imperial Stout in the world. 100% world class. This version is aged almost exactly 1 year. I can only assume this is like a response to Dark Lord de Muerte from the Three Floyds as it is brewed with chiles also. Never the less, this is something special. Aromas immediately rush the nose several inches from this liquid of gods. Fragrances of Very strong Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, Khalua, Chocolate Abuelita, chile spices from the ancho and pasilla, some vanilla, coffee, strong bourbon, vanilla, flan, cinnamon, champurrado, dulce de leche caramel, molasses, piloncillo sugar cone, oak, cherries and alittle bit of coconut. The flavors are of smokey roasted pasilla and ancho chiles but without the heat, dark chocolate, Khalua, coffee, chocolate abuelita, mole, champurrado, cherry, raisins, prunes, molasses, vanilla, small amount of earthy bitterness, cinnamon sticks, ginger bread, alittle bit of dulce de leche, piloncillo sugar cone, tamarind, oak wood and maple syrup. Initially, the chile spices would take over but then as the beer got warmer, it let a massive amount sweet chocolate flavors pull through with vanilla and cinnamon dancing all over. A delicious beer that is truly world class. While it definitely surpasses a great amount of world beers, I believe it is really preference based. While this one is very sweet and has the spiciness to cancel out the over powered sweetness, many people will find this appealing over more “Diabetes in a bottle” types like Dark Lord, Black Tuesday, Grey Monday or Chocolate rain (some of my ultimate favorites). For me I like the extra sweetness in some beers, but this has so much flavor of my culture written all over, fragrance and taste alike. In terms of Chile beer Imperial Stouts, hands down, The best in the world Chile beer right next to the Dark Lord de Muerte.
Rating: 5.25/5
§ucaba (Abacus) 2013 Limited Release by Firestone Walker is a 12.5% ABV Barrel-Aged Barley wine. Considered by many to be the best barleywine in the world. I have never tried this beer and I almost didn’t grab if it wasn’t for the fact that Total Wine had one final box. I’ve seen it in downtown L.A though. It truly is limited unfortunately. So if you can get this one, get it.
Label:
Big boozy bourbon and American oak aromas combined with soft chocolate malty undertones. Complex malt flavors framed in oak, with hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, coconut and just a touch of dark cherry. This is definitely a sipping beer, best served in a brandy snifter. This ale pairs well with dark chocolate and sturdy cheeses.
Note: Sucaba is the beer formerly known as Abacus until the Winter 2012 release.
O.G. 27 Plato
F.G. 4.7 Plato
I.B.U. 42 units
Yeast: British Ale (House)
Cases: 1500 produced
Color: 36SRM (Dark Ruby)
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Upon opening the beer, it some really nice and overwhelming fragrances. Reminiscent of some of the other barrel-aged beers I have had from FW in the past. This beer has strong aromas of bourbon and barley. Coconut, vanilla, oak, dark fruits like raisins and cherries, chocolate, coffee notes, baked bread, toffee, flan, dulce de leche caramel, bananas and marshmallow creme. The Flavors are of bourbon, coconut, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, flan, Leche Nestle (Mexican Sweetened Condensed milk), barley, lemon, toffee, raisin and pecan bread pudding, cherries, bananas, small underlying earthy hop bitterness, light citrus, honey, maple, barrel oak, campfire smores with the marshmallow, graham cracker and dark chocolate and butterscotch. The after taste stays with you for awhile so you can really take your time and enjoy it as you go. My god, I am not sure if there is any barley wine out there like this one. I have never had a barrel-Aged barley wine but this is extremely amazing. Definitely should not be passed up if you can find it. Barley wines are not my biggest favorite of styles but this is really delicious and a must get for sure.
Rating: 5/5
Crooked Line Series Sea Legs by Uinta Brewing is an 8%ABV Baltic Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels
Label:
Complex and drinkable, Sea Legs delivers flavors of roasted malt and chocolate. Sea Legs was aged in Bourbon Barrels for nearly 12 months adding toasted vanilla and bourbon notes to the flavor profile. This Medium-bodied Baltic Porter has a complex malt profile and mild hop bitterness. With a hidden ABV of 8%, Sea Legs is a siren of a beer.
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An evil beer that draws in the craft beer treasure explorers of the 7 seas of flavor. This siren mistress tackles the olfactory senses with fragrances of vanilla, oak, chocolate, cherries, molasses, bread, walnuts, pecan pie and somewhat herbal or hoppy. The taste buds are tainted with awesome cursed flavors of bourbon, oak, milk chocolate, vanilla, wine grapes, cherries, molasses, caramel, burnt coconut, earthy hops, pecan pie, slight bready notes, some herbal notes like a basil as well as some nice slight spicy notes. While not being extremely overwhelming alcohol wise, this is dessert in a bottle. It is rich and delicious. Extremely pleasant in every form. It is not your usual porter or barrel aged beer. Some seductive qualities that may only be found in the deep darkness of flavor. I really do not think they were kidding when they said this was the siren of beers.
Rating: 5.9/5 (2013 2 year aged)
Blasphemy (2 year aged edition) by Weyerbacher is an 11.8% Trappist Belgian Quadruple/Quad Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels. I found a 2011 bottle last year (based on the bottled date) and aged it for close to a second year. So this is a 2 year old aged quad. The ABV is probably higher, in the 13-15% maybe
Label:
Blasphemy is our award winning QUAD aged in bourbon barrels. But not overaged, so we’ve picked up gentle vanilla oaky notes which complement rather than supercede the complex qualities that already make QUAD such an incredible beer.
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Based on the label… another year of aging may probably make it more complex. In fact, some beers with ABV’s (except some hoppy IPAs, lagers, some pilsners and others) above 9% can age nicely. Some can age for as much as 10 to 15 years. I was not gonna risk this one too much although technically I could have >:). Upon opening the beer, it explodes with complex aromas of pecan pie, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, hazelnut pecan pie crust, whipped cream, buttered toffee, bananas, coconut, oak and a ton of dark fruits, wine characters and even champagne like characters. IS this really a quad? The flavors are very orgasmic to say the least. I took this beer into the upper echelons of craft beer flavors. In the past year when I first reviewed this beer, I made it a top 10 favorite. Well, now it just butted its face into the territory of my top favorite beers in the world. It is butting heads with St. Bernardus, Trois Pistoles, Chocolate Rain, Black Tuesday and Grey Monday. For a beer to meet such a rich completion is just too good to be true. The beer envelops the taste buds with with strong complex flavors of Dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, hazel nut honey, walnuts, capirotada, vanilla ice cream, waffle cone, Irish cream, bananas, coconut, oak wood, butterscotch, bourbon, cherries, dark fruits like raisins, plums, blue and black berries, wine grapes, port wine, champagne flavors like apples, peaches, pears and some graham crackers and marshmallows. The only thing missing is chocolate although I could have swore some notes in there… maybe … maybe not. But then it would be a Belgian Stout aged in Bourb-… oh wait…lol. The beer is quite heavy in flavor and the alcohol can only be savored with the rest of the flavors and not diminish from the other rich flavors. A mind blowing experience!! Well at least for me. Way better than last years review. Well played Weyerbacher, well played…..
2012 Review:
Rating: 5/5
Blasphemy!!!! is what they will be saying…Blasphemy!!!. How could you drink, Weyerbacher’s 11.8% ABV Quadruple ale!! is what they will say. Yes you will be expelled from the rights to eternal salvation…yes you will be kicked out of society…yes you will be disowned and abandoned….but never fear…maybe this time you can make your mind straight and pursue something you really want out of life. No one should lay and die…life is about giving it your all!!
This is what I thought at first try. I didn’t even know this was gonna be like this. I am a major fan of Quadruple fermented ales. This one adds to one of my easy favorites. How did this happen you say? Well, it happened at the first sip. I got a ton of bourbon, whiskey caramel angel share like flavor along with a pecan pie. Yes a PECAN Pie. Adding vanilla, caramel, raisins, bananas, cherries and other dark breads, fruit and other complexities…… WOW….I have had many good beers that I am super thrilled about but this one just waltz into my cathedral of top ten beers, took a drunken piss all over…made me clean it…and said …”I’m the new fucken beer in these parts”. How could I say no…DAMN Little bitch!!!.. (Remembers the Raven’s Nevermore of Edgar Allan Poe). Let me just say one thing about this beer, aside from tasting like pecans and pecan pie with sweet dark fruits, The devil really is in the details. The 11.8% ABV is masked way too well. Like there is no burn or bitterness to it. How could this be from a beer that is not well known? Sorry to those that do not understand extremely good beer….Our taste may differ, but while one drinks to justify his social habits …another works in the arts of taste, art and experience….and social…depending if I see the same point of view ofcourse. My Belgian Beer Brethren will not be disappointed by this one. Whether the alcohol, the devil or the beer talking, whether Blasphemous or not…I have to tell you…this one beer is supreme!!
Rating: 5.75/5
Cherry Rye Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Beer Co. is a 13.7% ABV Imperial Stout aged in rye whiskey barrels with whole cherries
Label:
Our brewers love experimenting with their beer almost as much as they love drinking it. This unique blend, aged in rye whiskey barrels with loads of whole Michigan cherries, is the one they are proud to finally let you share with your friends at home – or not. After your first sip, you’ll agree, this beer has some real stones.
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I once did a review under the Original 2008 Bourbon County Stout (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/bourbon-county-brand-stout-vintage-2008-by-goose-island/) and I found it to be freaking amazing. So in 2012 they decided to release this variant which was super hard to find. I already know this is gonna be good and I highly recommended it you find it. Now on to the Review. The aroma of this amazing beer is of coconut, vanilla, whiskey, oak, flan, dulce de leche caramel, walnuts, rich dark and milk chocolate, cherry, cranberries, coffee, mocha, . The flavors are like a cherry pie or tart cherry cobbler with caramel made with chocolate dipped cherries, cinnamon, rich dark, milk and sweet chocolate syrup, pecans, raisins, coconut, vanilla, flan, oak, bourbon, coffee, whipped cream, Mexican vanilla crème filled sweet bread with vanilla cherry and chocolate pudding. The aftertaste leaves a sweet chocolate cherry trail with coconut, bourbon, vanilla and leche nestle (Mexican Sweetened Condensed Milk). No alcohol trace and no Boozy burn off of this one. I almost wanted to chew this beer as it truly is a dessert in a bottle. It is an extremely delicious world class beer. I know that Goose Island is an AB-InBev bought craft brewery but politics about beer aside, this is a new guy that stepped into the ranks of best beers in the world. I think I just liked this beer so much because it was so close to Grey Monday and Chocolate Rain it was not even funny. Just like the pictures above with Haruko, It will blow your mind!!!
Rating: 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!!!
Rating: 6/5 * Final Review of 2012*
Grey Monday by The Bruery is an 18.6% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Hazelnuts. Essentially, this is the Black Tuesday Variant but made with Hazelnuts. Black Tuesday along with it’s cousin, Chocolate Rain are one of my most favorite Chocolate beers ever. They may not be the highest in the world but they certainly rated higher in my opinion. While St. Bernardus abt 12 and Trois Pistoles covers my most favorite Belgian/ World beers ever. Mainly this cover covers my ultimate chocolate beer sweet tooth. This is like a very special chocolate liquid of the gods.
Label:
Originally brewed for a molecular gastronomy dinner at Beachwood BBQ, this decadent version of Black Tuesday is brewed with Oregon grown, roasted hazelnuts.
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The ABV on the label said 18.6% however, at the tasting rooms in The Bruery they have it at 19.2%. Chocolate Rain was about that much, maybe more. This year’s Black Tuesday is in the 19 something as well. Anyways, on to the review 🙂
Grey Monday is hard to get. You have to basically go out of your way to get it so for those that want to seek this on out, be ready to climb over a good amount of obstacles. If your lucky, you may find it online though. So immediately after you open the beer is an massive explosion of extremely rich chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, cherries, plums, pecans, hazelnut, and caramel. Like literally, you can smell how sweet and nutty this is. Aromas are just that rich. Just like I said about Chocolate Rain. Basically Diabetes in a bottle. Also a note to the wise. Take your time and do not consume in one sitting. 1 small 8 ounce glass or less is best. Nectar of gods should be taken lightly and savored to the best ability and saved some for later or for friends. I decided to drink this on Monday 31st as being the last beer of 2012 I review :). So I figure why not. Upon trying it I was taken to the boozy world chocolate nirvana. Immediately I was surrounded by flavors of very strong milk, dark, sweet chocolate, chocolate covered raisins and tart cherries, rich mocha, rich dulce de leche caramel, rich sweetened condensed milk (Mexican Lechera), flan with pecans, almonds, walnuts, Bourbon, vanilla, raisins, port chocolate, Chambord Raspberry in chocolate cake, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, chocolate cheesecake with maybe some macadamia nuts and well lots of burnt sweet caramelized sugars and cocoa. There is also an underlying banana nut bread with cherry and chocolate, vanilla and caramel hazelnut in the aftertaste. This beer is pretty deep and it takes grasp of the spirit. You would probably be done in one sip. The Oak Bourbon is present but no burn, just a small level of intensity for this super giant megaton fusion super saiyan of an ABV beer. Certainly one of the greats and nothing less. World Class in its own special way. The Grey Monday, The Black Tuesday and The Chocolate Rain. I love Trois Pistoles and I love St. Bernardus abt 12, but just as Chocolate Rain has taken me above and beyond this has taken me to another level of rich hazelnut, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, dark fruits and oak bourbon vanilla heaven.
Rating: 5.5/5
Bourbon Barrel Aged Wee Heavy by Ale Smith brewing is a 10% ABV Wee Heavy/Scotch Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels. This is a recent 2012 release.
Label:
Great American Beer Festival 2008 “Small Brewing Company of the Year”
This Barrel-Aged version of our Scotch-Style Ale is matured in premium bourbons barrels for at least one year to add layers of complexity to its rich, malty flavor profile. Notes of Vanilla, Oak, and Bourbon from the Barrels combine with the beer’s profile of caramel and toffee to make an utterly unique beer we think you’ll love. Enjoy it now or let it mature in the bottle for years to come. Serve in a goblet at 50-55 degrees.
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Wee Heavy beers are pretty good. I once enjoyed a Sam Adams Wee Heavy which probably does not come close to the awesomeness of this on. I still have to try the original of this but I figured when I saw my chance to get this one I take it. The fragrance coming of the beer in the glass is pretty sweet. Bourbon, Vanilla, plums, caramel, licorice, molasses, butterscotch and possibly some chocolate as well. The flavors are freaking phenomenal. So the first thing I notice is there is really not a lot of burning alcohol for being a “Heavy” ABV beer. The flavors flow of Bourbon, vanilla, caramel, toffee, Blueberry Cheesecake, flan, Dulce de leche and Sweetened Condensed Milk (Leche Nestle), raisins, butterscotch, blackberries, boysenberries, sugar coconut crème pudding, Chocolate Mousse, oak, walnuts and like a Jaggermeister Licorice sweetness. I remember some of the very good notes reminiscent of the original wee heavy I have tried which was a Sam Adams version but this is amplified to over 9000 times in complexity and flavor. I exaggerate ofcourse but when it comes to some of the best beers in the world, this is certainly one of them and I can’t explain it enough. It is just delicious. Now… I am sure this will pair great with a nice dessert 😛
Rating: 5/5
Smoking Wood by The Bruery is a 13% ABV Smoked Imperial Rye Porter Aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels.
Label:
Smoked Imperial Rye Porter aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels. A rich porter layered with rye spiciness and earthy smoke, caramel-like flavors, roasty malt and oaky deliciousness.
Brewed with beachwood and cherrywood smoked malt, and aged in rye whiskey barrels, Smoking Wood is a delicious demonstration of what wood has to offer when it comes to beer. This imperial smoked porter is brewed with a hefty amount of rye malt, contributing to a full body and light spiciness. Toasty oak, caramel and vanilla flavors balance the smokiness, contributing to an intense yet refined flavor profile. This is one of our favorite beers at the moment, we hope you agree.
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For smoked beers, I hear this one was phenomenal. The aromas are of whiskey or a bourbon, vanilla, caramel, smokey notes, campfire, bacon, some rye bread, minor coffee, chocolate and raisins. The flavors are of dark and milk chocolate, campfire, bacon, BBQ Ribs, whiskey, Jack Daniels Honey, scotch, vanilla, caramel, mocha, maple syrup, oak, coconut, minor flan notes, brown sugar, sourdough bread, plums, cherry, walnuts and pecans. This beer turned out to be fantastic. While it has a high ABV, the flavors prevent too much burn. You can kind of tell that it is strong but not to an overwhelming point. In fact, the smoke and sweet flavors take care of that. Ofcourse, do not drink this in one sitting. You will get wasted. Try some and save it for later. For people that do not like smoked beers might find this one pretty appealing and pleasant.
Straffe Hendrik Heritage 2011 by Brouwerij Straffe Hendrik / De Halve Maan of Belgium is a 11% ABV Oak Aged Quadrupel Ale. I have tried their original, the Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel II but this taken into beer levels that truly take a person into taste realms of extraordinary proportions.
Label:
When I got this at Ramirez Liquor in Boyle Heights, the dude told me that they go this shipment on a wooden crate. He advised that something like this is pretty special so hopefully the ale was just as special as well. I was pretty much sold. Upon first opening the beer, there was a major amount of complexity even in the aromas of the beer. I could smell the wine and bourbon oak just screaming along with the sweet dulce de leche and pecan pie notes. I got this scent that reminded me of the way barrel aged Saison Du Buff or Escondidian 15th PA was from stone. Something really complex and fancy. Trying this and discovering bit by bit what this tasted like was not gonna be an easy task. So at first sip, it was right there. The wine grapes, bourbon vanilla, dulce de leche caramel biscuit bread , pecan pie, dark fruits like plum or a raisin, bitter sweet berries like currants, blackberries, strong wooden oak and earthy notes, apricots, apples, bananas, fancy wine cheese and coconut. Alcohol is a paradox to find. It gets you, but it gets you at the subconscious level. Drinking this is not for the meek of beer palates. It is something quite different that should only be tried if you are ready for it. The flavors are everywhere and it is a game of butterfly catch. Digging into the taste complexity of the experienced beer connoisseurist. Still, if you are a Belgian Beer lover and want to experience something quite unique, give this a go.
I realized because it had been aging since 2011, this was gonna be something truly special. Many Barrel aged beers give off certain flavors of oak and vanilla that is almost like coconut. Some wine barrels give off wine and sour grape flavors. This beer seems to give off both. Just the mere fact that it was their Quadrupel II that was aged literally took the beer taste to another dimension. If there ever existed a St. Bernardus or Trois Pistoles oak barrel aged beers, it would jump what I would consider the best beer in the world in terms of complexity into something greater. The original quadrupel of theirs was close to a 5 in review. Now this actually exceeds it for me. May not be into the levels of sweetness that I enjoy, but the level of completely that drives it there. Highly recommend it if you can find this one. Ramirez Liquor has it in stock but only for a limited time and limited amount.
Rating: 5.75/5
Sexual Chocolate by Foothills is a 9.75% ABV Russian Imperial stout aged in Bourbon barrels. If a beer was like having sex, maybe the flavor and aroma would be so good it would make some orgasm….maybe..lol. This is a beer you take your time with. Too fast would make you pass out. LOL!!
Label:
Rating: 5/5
Black Tuesday by The Bruery is an 18.2% ABV Imperial Stout. SHIT…just as I was typing this information about Black Tuesday, all of a sudden Facebook goes down..LOL conspiracy…>.>…oh well.. I am still reviewing this for the people…yes… GOLD it is….Still I can’t help wonder if there was a reason for this or just a coincidence…either way….here it is…
Label:
Did I wait??? no… I did not… I did not wait to get this… I had some sources…but I go it anyways…This is the answer to Dark Lord Imperial Stout…for California…This cannot be beer…beer has some form of alcohol. I cannot sense any alcohol..EXTREMELY SMOOTH!!!….All I sense if pure chocolate, chocolate, dark chocolate, mocha, roasted coffee, bourbon, vanilla, burnt sugar, cherry, sweet plum and raisin, sugar glazed just for fun, oh yeah and more sugar. A smokey sugar honey glazed ham with glazed over more sugar. WOW…. just ..wow….it really is the end here…diabetes in a bottle..wonder what people will say…it will be the crash of 2012 but many will be like …none ..none of this matter… either that or just go insane….as for me…just chill here…hangout and relax…Stouts lover…. Extremely sweet beer chocolate lovers with well… palate of smoke…go find this..this beer survives economical, social, natural and any hardships you can think of. Damn it all!!! I like this even better than Dark Lord Imperial….take in with EXTREME CAUTION…save the rest for later
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