Stone Berlin Groundbreaking Collaborations 07 Züper Magik w00tstout collaboration by Drew Curtis, Greg Koch and Wil Wheaton

Rating: 7/7

Stone Berlin Groundbreaking Collaborations 07 Züper Magik w00tstout collaboration by Drew Curtis, Greg Koch and Wil Wheaton is a 10.1% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Hazelnuts, Pecans & Almonds and partially aged in Whiskey Barrels

Label:
Series 7 of 14

==Introduction==
In 2014, Stone was raising money to open a brewery in Berlin, Germany. It would be the first time an American craft brewery would open up a business in Europe. For Germany who has Bavarian laws on the beer making process, craft beer would no coincide with their laws. However, Stone being some crazy arrogant bastards were able to make their way into the market and were successful to open up shop. At the time, I had donated money on promised collaborations with different breweries. Mainly some of the ones I like such as Brew Dog, Lost Abbey, The Bruery, Surly and even Devil’s Gate/Will Wheaton. So, with the donations I made in that year, I was wondering if I would ever see a return on my investment. Long behold, Stone contacted me to inform that they were going to release the beers and so today I bring Züper Magik w00tstout.

The magic that is the same magic, bloodstream of the universe that flows and keeps existence afloat has granted me a chance to bring this beer here to the site. Ever since Stone wanted to make special batch of w00tstout, I was all in. W00stout, like many of my favorite stouts, has inspired me to make a blend using their original recipe with a Dark Lord and original twist giving way to Sangrileche 2 which was a special homebrewed batch of oak aged amazing beer. One that to this day seems to develop more and more. Heck, even the original Belgian Stout Sangri leche 2 still sits aging into newer heights. This special super magical space aliens and leprechauns riding unicorns of a beer was definitely something I didn’t expect to be released this year. The addition of all sorts of nuts to the original recipe definitely swings towards the infinity part of special collaborations that I don’t even think they have literature, comics or even elder scrolls on. Doesn’t matter though, we’re about to dive in and experience the magic first hand. Visit a local Stone Liberty Station or the main local brewery for a chance at this one, cheers!

Aromas:
Ddark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, oak, hazelnut necar, pecan pie, marzipan, almond joy coconut, rocky road ice cream notes, nutella, dark fruit cherries, raisins, currants, blue berries, raspberries, fruit cake, Khalua liquer, toffee, butterscotch, coconut, tiramasu, cherry corials, licorice, oreo cookies, flan, dark candi sugar, rock candy,blueberry muffins and ginger bread.

Flavors:
Super nutty chocolate bliss, nutter butter, Cocoa Krispies cereal, chocolate nutella, marzipan, mazapan, peanut butter, pecan pie, almond joy, cookie dough, chocolate chip cookies, hazelnut nectar, maple syrup, tiramasu, fancy coffee, banana split, dark fruit cherries, raisins, currants, blue berries, raspberries, raspberry Chambord, blue berry muffin, cherry cordials, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, chocolate mousse, bourbon and whiskey notes, chocolate smores, sangria notes, licorice, molasses, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, crème brulee, three milks/3 leches cake, stone fruit peach, old mango hints, earthy notes, Khalua liquer, toffee, butterscotch, coconut, rocky road ice cream, cinnamon notes, dates, Pancho Pantera chocomil, rye bread, oatmeal raisin cookies, oreo cookies and cream, smokey oak notes and dark candy sugars.
|

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich notes of dark fruit, banana, super mixed nuts, almond butter, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, cashew milk, dark chocolate, oak hints, whiskey notes, earthy notes, roasted barley notes, wine notes and much more! No alcohol in the taste despite the 10% ABV, pitch black darkness supreme body, smooth, silky, creamy, velvity, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Heilige Scheiße!!! This is crazy crazy crazy. It has the original in spirit for sure but the mixing of all sorts of nuts into the beer makes for one extremely nutty brew that is on that level of nutella and more. Maybe it is just the wait I had to go through but this beer sure seems to be casting spells not just on the current verse of existence but even the theoretical verse of the quantum, essentially, the veil above reality. Crazy nuts makes anyone nuts. But I’m sure it would be welcomed by the masses who love the original w00tstout.

Anime Corner:
Mari Illustrious, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sohryu Langley/Shikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion were used for this iteration of W00tstout just like I have used them before in the past. This time around though, I wanted to show some extravagant to complement not only some of the German side like when they dressed up in the green synonymous with Oktoberfest but also some superstitious art like with them on what appears to be a tarot cart. I have used them in man iterations of W00tstout but this time, some of these are a bit different and out there. Kind of what I wanted in terms of showing what is so Zuper and Magikal!

(Double Tasting) 2017 & 2016 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout by Stone Brewing

August 10, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged 2016 w00tstout, 2017 W00tStout, abuelita chocolate, Aisha Tyler, Aliens, arrogant bastard, Assimilate, Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, beer collaboration, beer geeks, Beer Hybrid, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Stout, bourbon barrels, caramel pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, Collaboration beers, dark chocolate, Drew Curtis, Evangelion, Fark.com, flan, Geek Beer, Greg Koch, Hop Heads, Imperial Stout, Mari, Mari Illustrious Makinami, mocha coffee, Neon Genesis Evangelion, pecan pie, quadruple, Rei, Rei Ayanami, rye bread, rye toast, sci fi, Star Trek, star trek the next generation, Star Wars, Star Wars beer, Starwars, Stone, Stone Beers, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout, Stone Ground Chocolate, The Borg, Toasted Coconut, toasted pecans, toasted rye bread, w00tstout 2.0, w00tstout 3.0, w00tstout 4.0, w00tstout 5.0, wheat, Wil Wheaton, Xenomorphs | Leave a comment

(Double Tasting)
Rating: 6/6 2017 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout 5.0
Rating: 6.35/7 2016 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout 4.0

2017 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout 5.0 (5th year release) collaboration is a 13% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with rye, pecans, wheat, hops, awesome (beer + sci-fi) *geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in bourbon barrels.

2016 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout 4.0 (4th year release) collaboration is a 13% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with rye, pecans, wheat, hops, awesome (beer + sci-fi) *geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in bourbon barrels.

When Trekkies and Starnerds unify, you got some borg assimilation of flavors that cab only be complete in the dark side. Just like the previous years, the flavors get way better with age bringing more dark fruit out in place of banana split flavors. Both cases, very Epic!

Past Review:
https://animebeers.com/2016/08/02/double-review-2016-stone-farking-wheaton-w00tstout-4-0-and-2015-farking-wheaton-w00tstout-3-0-1year-aged/

2016 Dodie by The Bruery

September 13, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, bourbon, cherries, Disney, Dodie, Grape must, Jessica Rabbit, orange zest, Spices, The Bruery, Who Framed Roger Rabbit | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Dodie by The Bruery is an 11.7% ABV American Strong Ale aged in bourbon barrels with grape must, cherries, orange zest and spices.

Label:
HOTSY TOTSY

Dodie is inspired by a classic New York concoction and shares a nickname with Grandma Rue, who was keen on the ritzy drink.

It’s time to dip the ill with Dodie. With no giggle juice on its rap sheet, it’s a dandy recreation of the profile of a classic Manhattan cocktail – from the grain (rye, wheat and barley), bourbon barrel -aged character, and blend of 20+ spices and grape must for bitters-eque and vermouth-like notes. Fancy a garnish? Cherries and orange zest come out as your kisser hits the glass.
==Introduction==

Released to the Bruery Reserve Society. I didn’t think too much about this beer at first since I had no idea what it is about and yet the Bruery always surprises with their full on experimentations. Once I saw what it was I was definitely intrigued. A beer based on a mixed drink. Reminded me of the L’deracola (Cola flavored beer) or the El Roble (Margarita based beer). They always come up with great beers and definitely are an inspiration to homebrewing. It is because of their willingness to experiment that I have taken it upon myself to make my own experimentations. Let’s have a look at this one though and see what it has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, capirotada bread pudding, brown sugar, wine grapes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, orange zest, coriander, bananas, clove spice, coconut, chocolate orange creamsicle, cherry cordials, cherry cobbler, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, English toffee, Danish Cream, brown sugar, marshmallows, smores chocolate, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream, cinnamon, fruit cake, allspice, nutmeg, chai tea and coffee cake.

Flavors:
Bananas, clove spice, coconut, Rich dark cherries, orange zest, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, coriander, ginger bread, cinnamon, fruit cake, allspice, nutmeg, chai tea, green tea ice cream, dark chocolate, marshmallows, smores chocolate, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream, chocolate orange creamsicle, cherry cordials, cherry cobbler, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, English toffee, Danish Cream, Dr. pepper notes, cherry cola, mocha, molasses, anise, mint, licorice, tangerines, coffee cake, capirotada bread pudding, and lots of brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich flavors of dark fruits, cherries, oranges, pecan pie, oak, marshmallow, bananas clove spice, vanilla and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, Blood Crimson clear body, smooth, creamy and velvety body along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptionally awesome. I have had different mix drinks in the past and while I still have yet to try a Manhattan, this is pretty damn delicious. Almost as if it was what they were going for. Either way, it was enough for me to try to seek this one again. Spicy rich, fruity, citrucy and nutty, this one a highly recommended brew from me.

Anime Corner:
Jessica Rabbit from Disney’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit was chosen for this beer for many aspects such as beer color, label and theme. Essentially, this beer was made to mimic the Manhattan cocktail drink. As such, Jessica wears a cocktail dress and the movie, while it took place in Los Angeles, the theme seems very similar to New York in the 1920’s. While her character comes off as seductive like the flavors of the beer, the strength of the beer mimics her sense of justice to help Roger out in the movie. A childhood classic, now tribute with a brew.

Sources:
http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/980/555/aa7.jpg
http://yayahan.com/images/made/uploads/images/jessica_600_866_s.jpg
http://cs323416.vk.me/v323416272/62b8/kKMVMto_-YA.jpg

(Double Review) 2016 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (4.0) and 2015 Farking Wheaton W00tstout (3.0) (1year aged)

August 2, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 2015 W00tStout, 2016 w00tstout, abuelita chocolate, Aisha Tyler, arrogant bastard, Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, beer collaboration, beer geeks, Beer Hybrid, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Stout, bourbon barrels, caramel pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, Collaboration beers, dark chocolate, Drew Curtis, Evangelion, Fark.com, flan, Geek Beer, Greg Koch, Hop Heads, Imperial Stout, Mari, Mari Illustrious Makinami, mocha coffee, Neon Genesis Evangelion, pecan pie, quadruple, Rei, Rei Ayanami, rye bread, rye toast, sci fi, star trek the next generation, Star Wars, Star Wars beer, Starwars, Stone, Stone Beers, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout, Stone Ground Chocolate, Toasted Coconut, toasted pecans, toasted rye bread, w00tstout 2.0, w00tstout 3.0, w00tstout 4.0, wheat, Wil Wheaton | 1 Comment

Another year has come to the release of the awesome and ultimate Beer Geek Beer, the W00tstout. This beer has been a beer I always look forward to every year in which I compare the previous year to the current release. While I really love this one, I am not sure how long I will keep doing these double reviews but one thing is for sure, I will be doing a special review when I end up brewing the recipe myself. I actually got a hold of the recipe and may create my own version of W00stout. Anyways, I have last year’s version which is the 2.0 combined with the 1.0 recipe. This year’s version is a take back to the first recipe, the W00tstout 1.0 which is released as 4.0. These beers are readily available for a limited time. So let’s take a look at the newest release and see how it stands to the previous year. Cheers!

====2016 Farking Wheaton W00tStout

2016 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout 4.0 (4th year release) collaboration is a 13% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with rye, pecans, wheat, hops, awesome (beer + sci-fi) *geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
Has it been three years since we introduced the world to w00tStout? about a dozen years ago, I had the pleasure of getting to know Wil Wheaton when he reached out as a fan of our beers. Over the years, we kept plotting to brew a beer, and it finally came together in 2013. We brought mutual friend Drew Curtis (founder of fark.com) aboard to round out a three-way collaboration. The imperial stout you’re holding contains wheat (Wil pretty much insisted and we paid tribute to Drew’s Kentucky roots by adding pecans to the mix and partially aging the beer in bourbon barrels. The result? Nothing short of serendipitous. This is release No. 4 of our decadent staple of Hop-Con, our annual July celebration of all things geeky, and goes back to the original recipe and process we started with in 2013.

We were honored to work with Amanda Conner, who lent her illustrative talents for the creation of this year’s w00tstout art in exchange for our donation to The Hero Initiative (heroinitiative.org), a charity organization that provides retirement funds for golden-age comic book artists. She’s worked on countless comics and characters over the years, including Gargoyles, Vampirella, Power Girl, Silk Spectre, and Harley Quinn. She’s also co-creator of Gatecrasher and had her art recently featured on The Big Bang Theory. We also had the honor of working with her husband, Jimmy Palmiotti, who helped with the creative process. He’s known for so many things that you either know him or or a quick web search will give you far more insight than could fit on this bottle.

Cheers! Greg

“This beer ages well. Cellar yours and in the smuggling compartment of a Corellian YT-1300 light freighter-or suitable cool and dark space in space. Pull it out to share on Life day with family or friends, either at the feast table or under the Tree of Life.
GREG KOCH, Stone Brewing CEO & Co Founder

“For When you absolutely, positively, must go to the Dark Side, this is a good stand-in”
DREW CURTIS, Fark.com Creator & Patent Troll Killer

“Hokey marketing and ancient fizzy beers are no match for a good w00tstout by your side”
WIL WHEATON, Actor & Web Celeb

===
Aromas:
Dark Chocolate, Bananas, clove spice, Hazelnut, Dark fruits like raisins, prunes, figs, dates, dark cherries, port wine, toasted coconut, pecan pie, milk chocolate, Chocolate Mousse, vanilla, rye bread, butterscotch, toffee, brown sugar, licorice, mint, molasses, chocolate oatmeal raisin cookies, cinnamon hints, coconut hints, almond joy, old mango, mild stone fruit peach, pears, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel and Banana Sundae.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Mousse, German Chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dates, currants, dark cherries, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, bananas, clove spice, banana split ice cream, fig pudding, earthy notes, mint, toasted wheat bread, rye, old mango, mild stone fruit peach, pears, molasses, licorice, mocha, Kahlua liqueur, roasted coffee, vanilla, bourbon hints, dulce de leche caramel, butterscotch, chocolate oatmeal raisin cookies, cinnamon hints, coconut hints, almond joy, rocky road ice cream and mild sangria hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with chocolate, rye, vanilla, caramel, dark fruit, molasses, and toasted wheat with pecan and almond buttery hints. Mildly boozy taste but not detracting from the flavors, pitch black full body, syrupy, smooth, velvety and creamy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
The new edition is essentially the original. Supremely decadent and amazing as ever. While being mildly boozy, this one is one that is probably better aged but even as is, it never ceases to amaze me. With the rich dessert flavors of a Stout with quad notes and banana sundae goodness, it has inspired me to make it on my own. Not only for the ultimate beer geek and fan of Star Wars but for those that love strong dark stouts too. As every year, supremely and highly recommended.

======2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout

2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (3rd year release but now 1 year aged as of 2016) collaboration is a 13% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with rye, pecans, wheat, hops, awesome (beer + sci-fi) *geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in bourbon barrels then blended with W00tstout 2.0 and all aged in bourbon barrels once again. W00t!

Label:
Wil Wheaton first called us in 2004 ask if it’d be OK for him to put the Arrogant Bastard logo on his blog’s website (back when people still asked permission to do such things), and I just so happened to answer the phone (back when I still answered the main line sometimes). Since he was so damn enthusiastic about our beers, I said ‘Sure, no problem,’ all the while thinking ‘Hmmm…this guy’s name sounds familiar.’

Months later, in a serendipitous turn of fate, I reached out to our 10,000th email newsletter subscriber…drumroll…Wil Wheaton. Since his gigs in the iconic Stand By Me and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wil has become quite the renaissance man, adding author, w00tstock innovator, and homebrewer to his resume. His enthusiasm for the fermentable arts and our beer was such that after many occasions of sharing grog over the years, we decided it was time to brew in collaboration.

It was a no-brainer for us to choose Drew Curtis—who many know as the twisted mind behind Fark.com—as our third cohort. Drew was an old friend of Wil’s that I had serendipitously met (when he saw me and told me, ‘Dude, I love your beer) and enjoyed many beers with at the famous TED conference three years in a row. The beer you hold before you is an imperial stout made with wheat (Wil pretty much insisted), and we also paid tribute to Drew’s Kentucky roots by adding rye and pecans to the mix and partially aging the beer in bourbon barrels. The result? Nothing short of serendipitous.”

In celebration of the third brewing of this annual offering, we added to the mix a version of last year’s vintage that we aged in bourbon barrels for a year. Consider it a superhero version of this sudsy staple of Hop-Con, our imaginary titled annual July W00tstout release event!

Brought in to put a personalized stamp on this year’s edition of w00tstout was famed comic-book cover artist Dave “The Reverend” Johnson. The Elsner Award winner, known for his work for DC Comics and Vertigo series “100 Bullets.” created the fine art for this bottle in exchange for out donation to The Hero Initiative (heroinitiative.org), a charity organization that provides retirement funds for golden-age comic book artists.

======
Aromas:
Dark fruits of raisins, plums, figs, dates, cherries, currants, blackberries, blueberries, prunes, dark candy sugar, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, bourbon, pecan pie, almond joy, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, bananas, clove spice, brown sugar, whipped cream, crème brulee, bourbon, tobacco, leathery notes, bourbon soaked fruit cake, walnut pie, marzipan, sangria, cinnamon, ginger bread, rocky road ice cream, praline ice cream and mint chocolate chips.

Flavors:
Super Dark fruits of raisins, plums, figs, dates, cherries, currants, blackberries, blueberries, prunes, boysenberries, rich banana split on a boysenberry cobbler, hazelnut nectar, clove spice, toasted wheat bread, rye bread, dark candy sugar, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, bourbon, pecan pie, almond joy, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, Jamoca Ice cream, Praline ice cream, licorice, molasses, earthy notes, mint chocolate chip ice cream, oatmeal cookies, sweetened condensed milk, flan, cinnamon, brown sugar, whipped cream, crème brulee, bourbon, tobacco, leathery notes, fruit cake, port wine, sangria and marzipan.

Aftertaste:
Rich Dark fruit raisins, prunes, figs, currants, cheeries, bananas, port wine, sangria, caramel, vanilla, rocky road and milk chocolate, hints of bourbon and oak. No alcohol in the taste, Full body with a pitch black body, Syrupy, velvety, creamy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkablity.

Overall:
Awesome Dark fruit sauce! The Cuvee of 2.0 and 1.0 make for one beer that is essentially more dark fruit forward that it was when I first had it. I expected no less from this one but damn, there was just so much deliciousness I was not ready for. Belgian stout/quad and chocolate notes to the umpteenth power. The fact that the booze dissipated too also gave way to a much greater complexity. Just like I have done several times, saving a couple of bottles for aging is definitely worth it and I recommend you do the same.

Anime Corner:
Mari Illustrious, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sohryu Langley/Shikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion were used in this year’s pairing of 2016 W00tstout and 2015 W00tstout. Just like the last several year, I wanted to represent the 3 collaborators Wil Wheaton, Drew Curtis. Greg being Asuka from the original Mari being Wil and Drew is Rei. In this Star Wars version of the beer I wanted to pay tribute with some crossover Evangelion artwork where Shinji’ Ikari’s dad is the the Gargoyle. Yes the characters seem to be mixed around but they are still characters for the original brew pairings. It has been along time coming with these awesome Geek beers and hope more to come. Great Job and Cheers to all Sci-Fi, Anime and Beer fans out there!

Sources:
https://i.warosu.org/data/tg/img/0211/60/1350453426412.jpg
http://orig13.deviantart.net/11cf/f/2016/045/3/6/evangelion_wars_by_lord__opal-d9rr47t.jpg
https://k41.kn3.net/taringa/2/2/1/8/2/2/60/kairack/C41.jpg?6429
https://36.media.tumblr.com/44f806c1176f847e2742a37097620c30/tumblr_o05z4xmQUN1v39f3co1_1280.jpg

Rating: 6/6 2016 W00TSTOUT
Rating: 6.25/7 2015 W00TSTOUT

Firestone XIX Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

January 22, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 19th Anniversary, anniversary ale, Beer Hybrid, Blake Belladona, bourbon, cuvee, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Firestone XIX, FW, Ruby Rose, Rwby, Strategy guide, Weisse Schnee, World class, world class beers, Yang Xiao Long | Leave a comment

Rating: 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)

==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

(Double Review) 2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout and Stone W00tstout 2.0 (1year aged)

July 17, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 2015 W00tStout, abuelita chocolate, Aisha Tyler, arrogant bastard, Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, beer collaboration, beer geeks, Beer Hybrid, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Stout, bourbon barrels, caramel pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, Collaboration beers, dark chocolate, Drew Curtis, Evangelion, Fark.com, flan, Geek Beer, Greg Koch, Hop Heads, Imperial Stout, Mari, Mari Illustrious Makinami, mocha coffee, Neon Genesis Evangelion, pecan pie, quadruple, Rei, Rei Ayanami, rye bread, rye toast, sci fi, star trek the next generation, Stone, Stone Beers, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout, Stone Ground Chocolate, Toasted Coconut, toasted pecans, toasted rye bread, w00tstout 2.0, wheat, Wil Wheaton | Leave a comment

It has been ages since I have done a double review. However, this type of review is no exception. This is actually a pretty damn special type of double review that gains the notoriety every year. Meaning, people and all beer geeks love W00tStout. It is just plain and simple. This year, I bring for the W00tstout 2.0 that was aged for 1 year and the 2015 W00stout which, to my surprise, was a blend of the W00tstout 2.0 with the original recipe. Talk about supreme epicness right there. So I decided to dissect both of these individually and come to terms as to which one I love the most. The newer one that is a blend of the old one or the older one. So let’s check these babies out, cheers!

2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout Review
2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (3rd year release) collaboration is a 13% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with rye, pecans, wheat, hops, awesome (beer + sci-fi)*geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in bourbon barrels then blended with W00tstout 2.0 and all aged in bourbon barrels once again. W00t!

Label:
Wil Wheaton first called us in 2004 ask if it’d be OK for him to put the Arrogant Bastard logo on his blog’s website (back when people still asked permission to do such things), and I just so happened to answer the phone (back when I still answered the main line sometimes). Since he was so damn enthusiastic about our beers, I said ‘Sure, no problem,’ all the while thinking ‘Hmmm…this guy’s name sounds familiar.’

Months later, in a serendipitous turn of fate, I reached out to our 10,000th email newsletter subscriber…drumroll…Wil Wheaton. Since his gigs in the iconic Stand By Me and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wil has become quite the renaissance man, adding author, w00tstock innovator, and homebrewer to his resume. His enthusiasm for the fermentable arts and our beer was such that after many occasions of sharing grog over the years, we decided it was time to brew in collaboration.

It was a no-brainer for us to choose Drew Curtis—who many know as the twisted mind behind Fark.com—as our third cohort. Drew was an old friend of Wil’s that I had serendipitously met (when he saw me and told me, ‘Dude, I love your beer) and enjoyed many beers with at the famous TED conference three years in a row. The beer you hold before you is an imperial stout made with wheat (Wil pretty much insisted), and we also paid tribute to Drew’s Kentucky roots by adding rye and pecans to the mix and partially aging the beer in bourbon barrels. The result? Nothing short of serendipitous.”

In celebration of the third brewing of this annual offering, we added to the mix a version of last year’s vintage that we aged in bourbon barrels for a year. Consider it a superhero version of this sudsy staple of Hop-Con, our imaginary titled annual July W00tstout release event!

Brought in to put a personalized stamp on this year’s edition of w00tstout was famed comic-book cover artist Dave “The Reverend” Johnson. The Elsner Award winner, known for his work for DC Comics and Vertigo series “100 Bullets.” created the fine art for this bottle in exchange for out donation to The Hero Initiative (heroinitiative.org), a charity organization that provides retirement funds for golden-age comic book artists.
—–

Aromas:
Rich chocolate, rich banana split, rich Dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, sangria, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, flan, macaroons, toasted coconut, mocha coffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, banana notes, hazelnut, rye bread, butterscotch, toffee, licorice, brown sugar, molasses, pear, dark cherry and port wine.

Flavors:
Danish cream, hazelnut nectar, sweetened condensed milk, Rich Banana Split, Kahlua, dark and milk chocolate, molasses, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dates, mocha coffee, port wine, rye pie crust, bourbon, butterscotch, buttered praline ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, bananas, clove spice, fig pudding, raisin bread pudding, coriander spice, earthy notes, hints of mint, wheat toast, oatmeal cookies, flan cinnamon and whipped cream..

Aftertaste:
Rich Banana split, rocky road and milk chocolate, Dark fruit raisins, cherries, plums, prunes, hints of bourbon, port wine, oak, caramel and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, Syrup mouthfeel with a sipping drinkablity and pitch black appearance with not much head retention.

Overall:
I have no idea how crazy this year’s version would get. Somehow, with the Cuvee blend of the W00tStout 2, the beer became more of a chocolate banana split and pecan pie forward beer. This is actually a great thing. Save several bottles of this one as who knows what this will be like when comparing it to the Super W00t when they release it from Berlin. For now, just know this year takes the best of both the original and W00tstout 2.0 and takes it to another level! W000000tttt!!

W00tstout 2.0 (1year aged) Review
Stone W00stout 2.0 (1 year aged) collaboration by Drew Curtis, Aisha Tyler and Wil Wheaton brewed at Stone brewing is a 13.5% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with flaked rye, wheat, pecans, hops, Stone-Ground Chocolate, awesome (beer + sci-fi)*geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels.

Label:
In 2013, our CEO and Co-founder, Greg Koch, invited two respected fans of craft beer, brewing and all things Stone to develop an intense, inventive beer capable of not only delivering immense ﬂavor, but also serving as a ﬁtting, singular celebration of über-level enthusiasm. Self-proclaimed geeks in a number of arenas, the duo of thespian and renaissance man Wil Wheaton and Fark.com online news guru Drew Curtis proved up to the challenge, calling on their personal backgrounds to devise an imperial stout brewed with ﬂaked rye, wheat and pecans that was partially aged in Kentucky Bourbon barrels. Shortly after being released, this creation—dubbed “w00tstout” in honor of w00tstock, Wil’s annual tribute festival to cross-genre geekdom—became an instant cult classic.

Despite the fact that Greg spent the ﬁrst half of 2014 on an international walkabout-style sabbatical, Wil and Drew were invited back to Stone to put a new spin on this threesome-borne beauty. All they needed was a third conspirator, and for that, they called on friend and fellow geek, Aisha Tyler. An actress, talk show host, comedian and author with a ﬂair for individuality, she brought an entire new dimension to the brew day, just as the stone-ground chocolate the trio added to the original w00tstout recipe added delicious depth to the beer.

A personalized stamp was put on this year’s edition of w00tstout by comic artist Dave Gibbons. The co-creator of the Watchmen series worked up the fine art for this bottle in exchange for a donation to The Hero Initiative (www.heroinitiative.org), a charity organization providing retirement funds for golden-age comic book artists.

He thought his super power to point out the obvious was the most useless “power” ever, until he realized many people don;t see that which is plain as day.
Drew Curtis is…Captain Obvious!

Limbs unwieldy and lank are her lithe tools of destruction. Years of Bradbury (and corrective lenses) gave her laser vision. Where once she stumbled into peril, now she springs toward it, headlong.
Aisha Tyler is…Lady Temerarious!

Flashes of his destiny occurred in his youth, but it wasn’t until he uploaded his consciousness to the digital realm, that his powers were revealed. Now, he brings hops and hope to a thirsty world.
Wil Wheaton is…The Mercene-ary!
___

Aromas:
Very dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, dates, Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Kahlua, Rich Bananas, toasted coconut, pecan pie, mocha coffee, molasses, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, port wine hints, rye bread, vanilla, oak, bourbon, butterscotch, hazelnut nectar, clove spice, earthy hop notes, mint, wheat toast, raisin bread pudding, rich chocolate banana split sundae, flan, sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, pecan pie, coconut, flan, sweetened condensed milk, dark, bakers, milk, Abuelita and Belgian Chocolates, Very Rich dark fruits like prunes, raisins, figs, dark cherries, black currants, grapes, almond joy chocolate, raisin bread pudding, Danish cream, Chocolate eclair, chocolate moose, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal, hot fudge sundae, mocha coffee, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, licorice, port wine hints, rye pie crust, bourbon, oak, hazelnut nectar, butterscotch, clove spice, vanilla, hazelnut nectar, whipped cream, crème brulee, brown sugar, wheat toast with nutella, mint and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits, Banana split sunday, flan, dark cherries, milk and dark chocolates, pecan pie, whipped cream, bourbon, oak, caramel, earthy hops and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer, syrupy mouthfeel and pitch black appearance with hardly any head retention such as the previous.

Overall:
I can honestly say, time has done miracles for this version of the beer. Along with the rich dark chocolates that come about, the rich dark fruits are more forward along with an even bigger and richer banana split and nutty flavor. The richer combination of the dark fruits and chocolates reaches some of the Belgian Quad notes and Belgian Stout notes stronger than it did last year. I highly recommended bringing this one out of the cellar if you have it as trying them both side by side, I could tell I love this one even more for its chocolate and dark fruit forward goodness but yet, I love the other one for its Banana split goodness. W00t!!!

Anime Corner:
Mari Illustrious, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sohryu Langley/Shikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion were used in this years pairing of W00tstout and W00tstout 2.0. Just like last year, I wanted to represent the 3 collaborators Wil Wheaton, Drew Curtis and the addition of Aisha Tyler which to Greg’s Place last year. Now that Greg’s back, we can use them interchangeably as you can see Greg being Asuka from the original and Mari being Asisha cheering on their hard work. Don’t worry, Drew is and Wil are there as well, kinda lol. Great Job and Cheers to all Sci-Fi, Anime and Beer fans out there!

Sources:
http://www.bankoboev.ru/…/Bankoboev.Ru_evangelion_3_devushk…
http://www.zerochan.net/full/661580
http://konachan.com/…/Konachan.com%20-%20154543%20sample.jpg

Rating: 6/6 2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (3rd Edition)
Rating: 6.2/7 W00tstout 2.0 (1 year aged)

Exponential Series Big Bad Baptist by Epic brewing

May 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, american whiskey, Big Bad Baptist, bourbon, chocolate abuelita, Claymore, cocoa nibs, Coffee Beans, dark chocolate, Epic Brewing, Exponential Series, Galatea, milk Chocolate, Mocha, mocha coffee, roasted coffee, whiskey barrels, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

Exponential Series Big Bad Baptist by Epic brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with cocoa nibs and coffee added and aged in whiskey barrels.

Label:
Release#44
You are holding something special-one of only a few thousand bottles released. Intrigued? Visit www.epicbrewing.com to explore this limited brew’s precise details.

==Introduction==
I obtained this one online at craftshack.com. This beer seemed very intriguing from the couple of times I saw it. I definitely wanted to pick it up as it reminded me of a Belgian stout but also the whole whiskey barrel aged coffee and chocolate aspects were appealing. This is my first beer from Epic brewing. Their line of beers really do seem intriguing in general so I hope to find some more. Cheers!

Aromas:
Very Roasted coffee, mocha, espresso, dark chocolate, mocha coffee, milk chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de lechecaramel, cinnamon, dark fruit, smokey notes, dark Belgian candi sugar, oak, anise, molasses, mint, chocolate abuelita, piloncillo sugar cone and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich mocha coffee, espresso, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, plums, fig notes, anise, molasses, mint, chocolate abuelita, piloncillo sugar cone, dark Belgian candi sugar, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, cinnamon, ginger spice, rye bread, whiskey notes, almond joy, fudge brownies, coffee cake, peppery spices, smokey notes and marshmallow smores.

Aftertaste:
Rich mocha and fancy coffee lingers, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, darkfruit hints and earthy notes. Despite the ABV, there is little to no alcohol in the taste, dark full body, creamy, syrupy, smooth and silky mouthfeel, sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceeding some expectations for sure. For that love coffee and chocolate mocha beers, this one hits many of those sweet teeth. The barrel and bourbon are there but subtle as coffee does seem to cover it but this is still very rich and complex despite this and for its complexity and the chocolate notes I definitely think it is world class. If you are not into coffee, this may not be for you. Highly recommended either way.

Anime Corner:
Galatea from Claymore is shown here as a nun and the white eyes go perfectly with the baptist. It is easy to see why I chose Galatea. With the whole baptist thing and holy beings, I used Galatea as a nun in this case since she is powerful and holds a strong magic. Just like this beer. She is a big bad nun!

Sources:
http://safebooru.org/images/601/ab45d6ad085b471aed384f611ac768a62aef51f3.jpg?606145

2014 Black Xantus by Humboldt Brewing

March 22, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, Asmodeus, Black Xantus, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Firestone Walker, Jobella Coffee, Mexican Coffee, oak barrels, Shinra Banshou, Wine Barrels | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2014 Black Xantus ((SPECIAL BIRTHDAY REVIEW)) by Humboldt Brewing is an 11% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Mexican Jobella Coffee Beans and aged in Bourbon and Wine oak barrels.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION:
Black Xantus is a rare bird and the first new release from Nectar Ales in Years. It is the First ever “big-beer” to be released under the Nectar Ales line. Barrel aged for 6 months in combination of Bourbon, retired Firestone Union and wine barrels and Infused with fair-trade, organic coffee from local roaster Jobella. Rich bourbon and coffee aromas greet the senses. Complex chocolate and tobacco flavors fill the palate. This beer displays a full-bodied mouth-feel and an overall balanced presentation. It would be a perfect pairing to rich chocolate desserts.
Style: Imperial Java Stout IBUs: 50 Color: Black ABV: 11%

==Introduction==

As with my birthday from last year, I saved a newer bottle of Black Xantus jut for the occasion. Black Xantus is one of my favorite beers that got me into trying different craft beers. I would explain the story behind this beer but it is better explained in my last years birthday review: https://animebeers.com/2014/03/22/2010-black-xantus-special-birthday-re-review-by-humboldt-brewing-brewed-at-firestone-walker/ . So rather than break down into details, let us see what the 2014 version of one of my most favorite beers has turned out to be. Another birthday has come and hope for many years of anime beers! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark fruits like dark cherries, raisins, plums, blackberries, Rich mocha coffee, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, vanilla, oak bourbon, flan, choco flan, dark chocolate, Kahlua, roasty notes, milkshake, port wine notes, hazelnut, marshmallow smores, fudge cake, rocky road ice cream, sweetened condensed milk on bananas, pecan pie, brown sugars, chocolate chip cookies and almond joy.

Flavors:
Rich Black Cherries, Black Cherry yogurt, dark fruits like raisins, plums, dates, blackberries, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake,roasted coffee grains, mocha, espresso, chocolate abuelita hints, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, port wine, coconut, marshmallows, graham crackers, roasted coffee grains, mocha, espresso, chocolate abuelita hints, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, port wine, coconut, marshmallows, graham crackers, molasses. Sweetened condensed milk, Tres Leches cake, anise and mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruits linger along with roasted coffee mocha, vanilla, dulce de leche, flan, bourbon, Black cherry yogurt, dark chocolate and an earthy like finish. No alcohol in the taste even if 11% ABV. Smooth, creamy, syrupy and silky mouthfeel, pitch black Center of a Black Hole dark body and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Should already be in the World Class category! Next to the best coffee beers in the world, this is outstanding and in many categories, simply dominating. This beer can age forever or drink fresh. It seems fresh you get more of the fresh cherry and chocolate forward while the older version is more dark fruit and oak goodness. With its new label, still the same Black Xantus that I fell for long long ago. These are the types of beers I always go back to, like Trois Pistoles and St. Bernardus Abt 12. Also, this is was beer that made start doing anime beer pairings so if the crazy idea didn’t come from taking pictures, I probably wouldn’t be writing about anime and beers in general. Well, hope we have many more pairings and many more years to go. Cheers everyone!

Anime Corner:
Asmodeus from Shinrabansho is the daughter of Asutarotto from that same card series. Though she may be a demon, she is of pure heart, but though evil women be, this can be said for even the utmost good. She was used in the first pairing of art work that made me try out different beers. Her main relation to Black Xantus has to do with her colors which pair with the Black Xantus background of the Blue Moon and the blue night sky. Xantus, being the humming bird, she rises to impart the great flavors of complex dark fruits, cherries, coffee, chocolate, bourbon and more into the beer. In this pairing she is kicking back and relaxing. That is pretty much what happens after 4 years of just laying down. She gazes into the soul of those who court her and while she may seem seductive and sweet in nature (Like a Rose which the Xantus drinks) she will bring forth a dangerous smite! But… only because she loves you… So basically, be careful with Asmodeus, take her in a sip at a time and don’t take her head on, cuz she may come back with vengeance. Cheers!

Sources:
http://asset-7.soup.io/asset/7112/6946_709f_960.png
http://pic02.nijie.info/nijie_picture/140_20121031015616.jpg

Chronology:6 by The Bruery

March 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, Barrel Aged, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Chrono Crusade, Chronology 6, Chronology:6, coconut macaroons, Dulce de leche, milk Chocolate, Rossette Christopher, The Bruery, tick tock | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/5

Chronology:6 by The Bruery is a 16.5% ABV American Strong Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels for 6 months.

Label:
TICK TOCK
6 Months Oak-Aged Ale
This bourbon barrel aged ale is the first in a chronologically aged series that will be released at six month intervals for a fascinating view of evolution.

Our Chronology series is an experiment with time. A single beer will aged in bourbon barrels and be released 6, 12, 18 and 24 month periods. Delicious while fresh, but existing to taste side by side upon each subsequent released as time moves forward.

==Introduction==

The Bruery released the series as stated above to the Reserve Society. They will release one every six months accordingly and people can figure out how it changes over time. This will be an interesting challenge as it will require me to go back and compare what I reviewed in the past and see what has changed, what has been added. I have done something similar with regular beers and then barrel aged in different spirits. This will be different though. So let’s take a look at how this one is shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, oak bourbon, milk chocolate, almond joy chocolate, chocolate truffle ice cream, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, piloncillo sugar cone, apples, peaches, waffle cone dark fruit cherries, raspberries, plums, figs, raisins, honey, bananas, clove spice, Danish cookies, cookie dough ice cream, maple, crème brulee, capirotada bread pudding, sweet potato, pecan pie, coconut macaroons, marshmallows, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, pecan pie, and maple syrup.

Flavors:
Rich coconut, Rich dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, coconut macaroons, marshmallows, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, pecan pie, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, plums, figs, raisins, honey, bananas, clove spice, Danish cookies, cookie dough ice cream, maple, crème brulee, capirotada bread pudding, sweet potato, milk chocolate, almond joy chocolate, chocolate truffle ice cream, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, piloncillo sugar cone, apples, peaches, waffle cone and Belgian waffles on maple syrup.

Aftertaste:
Rich vanilla, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits, piloncillo sugar cone, dulce de leche caramel, coconut hints, rich oak and earthy notes. Mild alcohol in the taste, dark crimson full body, sipping drinkability, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
This is obviously top notch stuff and exceptional. The fact that they are releasing every 6 months is pretty insane. I almost wish I did not only get one was a vertical of this would have been awesome. Even if they make barrel aged beers with different recipes, even their new stuff is supremely exceptional. If you can find this one and you love barrel aged beers, get it as you can’t go wrong.

Anime Corner:
Rossette Christopher from Chrono Crusade is used in this pairing since I wanted to represent a character that is a bad ass and is involved with time itself. Fortunately, a lot of the colors used in the beer label work well with Rossette’s colors. A match made in anime beer heaven. This beer is like that for sure. I will have to figure the rest of the beers as they come in the series as they may or may not have the same colors.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/22268-1024×768-chrono+crusade-rosette+christopher-long+hair-single-blonde+hair-twintails.jpg

2014 The Off Label Series – Perpetual Peace by No Label Brewing

February 24, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Ghost in the Shell, GITS, Motoko Kusinagi, No Label Brewing, Perpetual Peace, Scotch Ale, scotch whiskey, The Off Label Series, Wee Heavy | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.85/5

2014 The Off Label Series – Perpetual Peace by No Label Brewing is an 11.62% ABV Wee Heavy/Scotch Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Wee-Heavy
Aged in Bourbon Barres, The Tannins complement the malty sweetness of the beer, while adding vanilla notes. Fans of Bourbon will love this beer.

==Introduction==

Straight out of Katy Texas, a special thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola from www.beermetaldude.com who sends me this awesome little gem, a bourbon barrel aged wee-heavy. The Scotch Ale or Wee Heavy is a style of beer that is not common but the many I have tried, there is yet to be one that I don’t like. It is an uncommon style but very delicious and one that is bourbon barrel aged is even more uncommon. So when I saw this, I was super stoked to try it. This is my first label from No Label Brewing and hope it is not the last as this one seems super promising. So let us see what some of Texas finest have to offer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, banana notes, clove spice, bourbon, oak, marshmallows, smores, flan, smoked peat, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, raisin bread pudding, pecan pie, molasses, scotch whiskey, anise, almond joy, cookie dough, cookies and cream, brown sugar, toasted coconut and macaroons.

Flavors:
Bananas, clove spice, dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, cherries, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, espresso, raisin bread pudding, scotch whiskey, bourbon, oak, hazelnut nectar, macadamia nuts, pecan pie, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconuts, macaroons, cookies and cream, vanilla, fudge brownies, earthy notes, smoked peat, butterscotch, molasses, anise, licorice hints, choco flan, brown sugare, marshmallows smores, rye bread, espresso hints, graham crackers, cinnamon hints and almond joy chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Banana notes, scotch whiskey, marshmallows, caramel, vanilla, anise, clove spice, dark fruits, toasted coconut, oak and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Smooth and creamy mouthfeel, easy to drink despite the ABV and a dark coffee full body.

Overall:
I enjoyed the hell out of this one. This beer to me was ridiculously drinkable and very complex. Lots of the bourbon and oak along with the chocolate and all the sweet dark fruit and scotch flavors. I would probably drink this all the time if I could find it but then I wouldn’t be very sober now would I. Totally worth the find and recommendation if you can find it.

Anime Corner:
Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex was used in this pairing to go with the label colors as well as the different colors of the flavors and ingredients I could detect in this beer. No label brewing works with Motoko Kusanagi as she is an augmented-cybernetic human and most likely didn’t have a name in the beginning. Also, the perpetual peace has to do with the struggle not only to keep the peace as a member of the Public Security Section 9 but also to come to terms with who and what she is. The beer is strong and smooth which represents her abilities as a tactician and intelligence but also the sweet flavors represents how much of a sweet heart she is even is she seems like a cold robot mainly.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/PGP6Ptk.jpg
http://superherowallpapers10.net/wp-content/uploads/images/2c/ghost-in-the-shell-4.jpg

The Peace That Money Can’t Buy Anniversary Ale by Clown Shoes

January 21, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 'Merica, 5th anniversary ale, American Flag, anniversary ale, Belgian Quad, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Quad, Candi Sugar, clown shoes, Clown Shoes Brewing, Dulce de leche, The Peace That Money Can't Buy | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5

The Peace That Money Can’t Buy Anniversary Ale by Clown Shoes is an 11.5% ABV Belgian Quadrupel aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
We’ve been making beer for five years. There have been a few challenges, but here we are. This bourbon barrel aged Belgian Style Quadrupel Ale commemorates our anniversary, even as we look to the future and know that we cannot rest. Please join us as we work for and search for the kind of peace in life that money can’t buy.

==Introduction==

Clown Shoes has been one of those breweries that have been slowly taking over the world of craft beer, but for the good! They celebrate their 5th anniversary with the release of a bourbon barrel aged quad. The Belgian Quadrupels are one of my favorite styles of beer. Each time clown shoes releases a beer, it comes paired with some of the best artwork out there. Many breweries stand on the great beers they make but when making great beers and great artwork with it, it makes such a win-win combination that it boggles the mind. With this released, I am happy to have found, I bring you the review in hopes you may want to give this one a shot. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruits like cherries, plums, raisins, prunes, dates, currants, vanilla, slight oak, bourbon hints, chocolate hints, dulce de leche caramel, flan hints, brown sugar, dark candi sugar, banana notes, clove spice, cinnamon, ginger spice, stone fruits like apricot, flan, sweetened condensed sugar,anise, port wine hints, rock candy, leather notes, rye bread, tobacco and earthy grains.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruits like prunes, plums, dates, raisins, tart raspberries, cherries, currants, oak, bourbon, pecan pie, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate notes, candi sugar, rock candy, leather, tobacco, earthy grain notes, clove spice, ginger spice, banana notes, flan, sweetened condensed milk, rye bread, molasses, anise, whiskey notes, butterscotch, port wine notes, concorde grapes, apples, peaches and slight tart apricots.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruit, vanilla, dulce de leche, oak, boarbon notes, stone fruits, flan notes, port wine, leather and dark candi sugar lingers for a bit. No alcohol in the taste, creamy mouthfeel, dark gold and crimson medium body and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceeding my expectations for a Belgian Quadrupel by a good amount. The Belgian Quad is one of my favorite styles of beer out there and rarely is it barrel aged. For the ones I have tried barrel aged, there are many of the best. This one falls in somewhere definitely as it is more than a regular quad for sure. So even while it is not the best Barrel Aged Quad it is a high rating one with the Barrel aging processes exceeding the regular quad flavors. This is the first I have had a quad from Clown shows and needless to say, it is very awesome! As the beer warms up, more of the hints of tart and dark fruit evolve into a more sugary dessert. I would highly recommend this one and hope Clown Shows the best as the future holds more great and exciting beers!

Anime Corner:
While looking for a good anime pairing that had something in relation to the American Flag or American tradition in general, I could only find these 2 original characters. The name is the peace that money cannot buy. It took a very long time before people started to agree with one another in history and while there may still be conflicts amongst nations, one thing is for certain, people try to get along for the most part here in the USA. The Cowgirl and the Native girl represent 2 sides that had conflict in the nation’s early history but today for many people, these differences are now absolved. While the world could be a better place if everyone got along, it is not the case yet. One day, that true peace where people get along like these 2 in the pairing will come true and we are slowly getting there. That, will be the true peace that money cannot buy. For now, let us rejoice in the love for beer and for others, the love for anime! As for the samurai sword, well, it just looks awesome!

Sources:
http://konachan.com/image/baf459ce72eb1324085ab6238edefd19/Konachan.com%20-%2041079%20animal%20blue_eyes%20gemini_sunrise%20gloves%20hat%20horse%20red_hair%20sakura_taisen_5%20sword%20weapon.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/37/11/e3/3711e34ef7ed6742884fe52973b5f7ca.jpg

The Belly Rub collaboration by Project Co-op Brew and Sleepy Dog Brewing

December 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 101 Dalmatians, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Belgian Tripel, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Disney, Project Co-op brew, rye bread, Sleepy Dog Brewery, The Belly Rub, Tripel, white wine grapes | 2 Comments

Rating: 5.45/5

The Belly Rub collaboration by Project Co-op Brew and Sleepy Dog Brewing is a 10% ABV Belgian Tripel aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
You know that satisfying good feeling you get when your belly gets rubbed? Yeah… like that. So go ahead have a sip, sit back, paws up, and say, “hahh haahh haah.”

==Introduction==

I have over looked this beer many times and did not really bother to get although I really liked the label. There was always something else I wanted to try but recently I saw it again and I thought to myself, I have to get it now or miss the chance. I said screw it! So here we are with the little dalmatian on the label. Looks like Disney may have over looked this one as the little puppy resembles one of the 101 dalmatians. Disney selling beer? Nah, no way! Anyway, here you have it. This Belgian Triple is aged in Bourbon Barrels. I have not tried many Tripels aged in Bourbon so trying this I hope it is as awesome as some of the other great BBA beers I have tried in the past. Let’s try out this one shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit apricots, peaches, plums, mango, white raisins, white wine grapes, peppercorn, biscuit bread, rye bread, butterscotch, Danish cookies, graham crackers, bourbon, marshmallow, brown sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, sweeteened condensed milk and brettanomyces possibly from the oak.

Flavors:
Rich Stone fruit Apricots, Peaches, old mango, apples, pine apple, guava hints, Biscuit bread, Oak, Bourbon, vanilla, caramel, honey, phenolic notes, bananas, sour white wine grapes, orange preserves on rye bread, brettanomyces hints, waffle cone, graham crackers, brown sugar, pecan pie hints, sweetened condensed milk hints, butterscotch hints, buttery Danish cookies, White Raisins, floral notes, lemon peel, peppercorn hints, citrus, farm house hay hint, marshmallow, coconut hints, dried plums, Pilloncillo Sugar cone and cane sugar.

Aftertaste:
Apricots, White Wine grapes, caramel, waffle cone, bourbon hints, Danish cookies, honey, citrus and biscuit bread lingers. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy Golden medium body, moderate and creamy body and moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A bit over the perfect mark. This beer is pretty pleasant allowing a good amount of honey and stone fruit sweetness along with the mild tart citrus and apricot notes and more. Something about the aging process or maybe the type of bourbon used here pairs it well to unleash the rich Stone fruit flavors. I would definitely recommend this as this thing oozes with a lot of Stone fruit flavors and oak. A great tripel and the bourbon barrel aging just does its wonders.

Anime Corner:
Original Dalmatian Girl by Hirano Katsuyuki was chosen for this pairing to go with the little cute dalmatian puppy. It really looks like a Disney character. Also, trying to find something that would pair with the label was hard to find. Not only could I hardly find a cute anime girl but a Dalmatian one at that. I only found it in one place but you can see how well it pairs especially as she approaches the beer. The beer gives a Belly rub from the inside and definitely please man’s best friends search for great beer. I am not sure if dogs drinking beer is good, but it seems to make them happy. Overall very cute

Sources:
http://boostfire.deca.jp/illust/illust48.jpg

Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard by Stone Brewing

November 4, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Strong Ale, arrogant bastard, Arrogant Bastard Ale, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard, bourbon barrels, Erza Scarlet, Fairy Tail, king of beers, Stone Brewing, You are Not worthy | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard by Stone Brewing is a 7.8% ABV American Strong Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Quite Refined, Unlike you.

I did not give you permission to pick me up, let alone drink me. Nor do I intend to. Being groped as you mutter to yourself taxes my patience. Pardon? You think you’re the only one who can hear that scattered cacophony of “thought” racing through your head? Ah, ’twere that true. While I am a master of social complexities and articulate thought, clearly you are not. I am the embodiment of unparalleled intellectual and artistic heights. You, on the other hand, bring the baggage of preconceived notions that serve only to distract.

Yet, I’ll give you one chance: Aspire to free your mind. Use a crowbar if you must. Approach me with openness, unsullied by your irrelevant “life experience.” Alternately, set me down and leave me the hell alone.

Yes, yes, I know. You don’t have to put up with this. You’re a tiger. Grrr. You go get ’em. Go tweet or otherwise enlighten the starved-for-your-opinion world of your precious insights about me. Thrill yourself imagining your three, 300 or 30,000 followers hanging on your every word. I’m sure they must. OMG, they’re waiting for you to tell them the thought you had just now.

Now close your mouth and either set me down or do your worst. What’s that? You’re going to drink a fizzy yellow beer out of spite? You got it. Self-flagellate all you like. Proclaim your unworthiness to whoever will listen, scamp.
___

Behold!! You are in the presence of the return of the true King/Queen of Beers. It’s long return from slumber after a long time of not being reviewed now graces the unworthy with a might of Bourbon and Oak. While There have been other variants taking advantage of the Double Bastard and Lukcy Bastard Barrel Aged, this is the truest return of the Arrogant Bastard since my first review of the regular beer oh so long ago (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/arrogant-bastard-ale-by-stone/). This beer comes in a special Stone 4 pack including the other 3 Bastards, Arrogant, Double and Lukcy. You may as well get the quad of arrogance now before they sell out or just keep going without ever knowing what could have been… cheers!!

Aromas:
Bourbon, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, burnt sugar, toasted coconut, citrus, piney, grapefruit, earthy and grassy hops, vanilla, marshmallows, pine nuts, almonds, roasted peanuts, wooden oak, campfire, graham cracker smores, tobacco, leather, apples, stone fruit apricot hints, some tropics like dragon fruit and passion fruit hints.

Flavors:
Rich Toffee, Bourbon notes, earthy, piney, grassy, grapefruit hops, dulce de leche caramel,honey, dragon fruit, vanilla, hop soaked marshmallows, oak, rye bread, apples, stone fruit apricot, passion fruit hints, citrus, lemon peel, butterscotch, leather, tobacco, roasted burnt peanut butter hints, brown sugar, campfire oak, smores and sour raspberries.

Aftertaste:
Rye bread, toffee, caramel, earthy hops, grassy, citrus and grapefruit peel, oak and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, deep crimson Amber in body, medium drinkability and smooth yet bitter mouthfeel.

Overall:
A tad more perfect than the already perfect Arrogant Bastard. While this is Bourbon Barrel Aged, the Bourbon helps compliment the awesome sweeter flavors but the beer is still pretty damn aggressive and delicious. They should really consider selling this one individually but the fact that it comes with the other ones including the Lukcy which is the Cuvee (Grand Bastard Cru) at a reasonable price may actually make this one worth getting. You be the judge. LOL like the Arrogant Bastard says “It’s Not Expensive, You’re just Too Cheap!”

Anime Corner:
Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail was used in this pairing because I wanted to find another Bad Ass Red Head like I did with Baiken from Guilty Gear. Erza brings everything that has to do with this beer. The label, the colors, the flavors, the bitterness, the attitude, the arrogance and the dominance. Let us start with how she puts her arm to the side and looks straight into your soul like a bad ass giving off that look of pure bitter arrogance. Her hair spikes up like the wings and horns of the gargoyle. The dark surrounding with the crimson represents the flow of beer as I spends it’s time aging in the Bourbon to someday be released as such which was the Return of the King of Beers. Today is a Good Day!

Sources:
http://wallpapersinhq.com/images/big/fairy_tail_erza-1475314.jpg

2009 Birra Artigianale Draco (5 year aged) by Birrificio Montegioco

August 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Barleywine, Beertilla, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Birra Artigianale Draco, Birrificio Montegioco, Blueberries, bourbon, Draco, dragon fruit, Dragons, Dragoon, Dragoons, Final Fantasy IX, Freya Crescent, Italian Beers, Italian Strong Dark Ale, magic potion, Mirtilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2009 Birra Artigianale Draco (5 year aged) by Birrificio Montegioco is an 11% ABV Beertilla/Mirtilla/ Italian Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed with Blueberries.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Draco has a dark red color and a persistent head. It is full bodied and has a moderate level of carbonation. The nose shows a great complexity with aromas of honey, caramel and forest fruits. The hops brings out pepper and plum. The initial taste confirms the nose with notes of caramel and initial sweetness. The finish is a fine balance of hops and bitter notes. Draco is produced using a mix of select malts. The beer is fermented three times. During the second fermentation the blueberries are added along with the yeast and malt sugar. The alcoholic content obtained from the fermentation of the malt is of 8.5% by volume, while the final one is 11% by volume.
______

A tribute review to an old favorite which was brewed in 2009 and kept hidden in the dungeon of Nubisanctum never to see the light of day until now. Draco has awaken and wants revenge on my palate. This was the first beer I have tried from Italy back in 2011 which had a really awesome dragon label. The fact that the beer had blueberries and a Belgian Strong Dark Ale was enough for me to definitely go out of my way to find it. I had bought 2 bottles back in 2011 and decided to keep one hidden. Back then I did not know the beer had already been 2 years old but at that time it was damn good. Trying it again 5 years later is what is definitely worth the wait in gold. If you can somehow find this amazing bottle, that would be awesome as I am not sure if this is still brewed anymore. Good Luck and Cheers!…or at least I will need it to tame this beast!

Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel covered blueberry muffin, dark fruit raisins, plum, raspberry, dark cherries, figs, raisin bread pudding, flan, bananas, clove spice, bourbon, vanilla, marshmallow, port wine, pecan pie, hazelnut, crème brulee, toffee, rye bread, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, peppercorn, rock candy, dark candi sugar, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry yogurt, wine grapes, tart currants, brown sugar, sour apples and honey.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, blueberry muffin, blueberry cheesecake, caramel sour apple, Danish cream, dark fruit raisins, tart currant skins, plums, raspberries, figs, raisin bread pudding, notes of bourbon, marshmallow, chocolate hints, graham crackers, brown sugar, flan, bananas, pecan pie, clove spice, port wine, peppercorn, toffee, rye bread, rock candy, dark candi sugar, biscuit bread, honey comb, hazelnut, wine grapes, honey, stone fruit peaches, apricots, dragon fruit, dark cherry yogurt, matured apples and dried blackberries.

Aftertaste:
Blueberries, pecan pie, caramel, earthy notes, rye bread, bananas and vanilla linger. No alcohol in the taste. Sipping yet smooth drinkability, Dark gold and amber full body, mildly syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Aged has done this old reliable some great justice. Reminding me a lot of Trois Pistoles if Trois Pistoles had gone Gold and amber. The beer has become more smooth than the last time I remember it and a lot more dark fruit forward as well but creating a greater complexity of flavors as well. It is more dangerous as well since you need to take your time with it. This elusive beer is one that was rare top favorite of my and still holds its place as on of the best despite what other reviewers say. I think the problem is that not many people have tried this beer to get to really know it. Specially if they can find a vintage one like this one. Highly recommended for sure! Just like I mentioned in my original review:

“Dragons are legendary, stories of fairy tale, but trust me they do exist and the magic brew they make is friggin’ awesome!! If you ever spot one like this…take it…it really is a nice magic potion….”

Anime Corner:
Freya Crescent from Final Fantasy IX was used in this pairing as the last since I wanted to pair what goes great with Dragons and in this case, Dragoons. Freya is a lone Dragooness having to do many deeds for her kingdom harvesting the power of the dragons. Her story is a sad one but she lives to reclaim herself in a world with turmoil and has many friends to help her. While Freya herself is on an anthropomorphic rat and not a dragon per say, she fairs well with the dragons as awesome creatures of legend and lore. Or at least in the sense of final fantasy. She not only pairs well with the beer herself in terms of the colors of the label, the flavors being ingredients and their colors but also a rarity that is much more beautiful skin deep and aged than when the original beer came out. Freya is one of my favorite Dragooness’s, Lady of the Dragons!

Sources:
http://blog-imgs-27.fc2.com/s/i/z/sizurueuphoric/freija1.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/928329

(Double Review) Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (1 year aged) & Stone W00stout 2.0 collaboration by Drew Curtis, Aisha Tyler and Wil Wheaton

July 23, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged abuelita chocolate, Aisha Tyler, arrogant bastard, Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, beer collaboration, beer geeks, Beer Hybrid, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Stout, bourbon barrels, caramel pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, Collaboration beers, dark chocolate, Drew Curtis, Evangelion, Fark.com, flan, Geek Beer, Greg Koch, Hop Heads, Imperial Stout, Mari, Mari Illustrious Makinami, mocha coffee, Neon Genesis Evangelion, pecan pie, quadruple, Rei, Rei Ayanami, rye bread, rye toast, sci fi, star trek the next generation, Stone, Stone Beers, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout, Stone Ground Chocolate, Toasted Coconut, toasted pecans, toasted rye bread, w00tstout 2.0, wheat, Wil Wheaton | Leave a comment

It has been a while since I have done a double review. Most of my double reviews involve one regular beer and one spirit aged beer. This time around I wanted to do something special for the w00tstout anniversary and the tribute of the w00tstock/HopCon which is today at Stone Brewing. Today I review a 1 year aged version of the w00tstout and the newest release, w00tstout 2.0 which the difference is that it has stone crushed chocolate. You can get this in many beer stores that sell specialty craft beers and specially Stone Beers. The price is a bit higher than the previous years but I believe the ingredients and the the way it differs from last years could actually be different. So I will find out today which one will be the better deal. A 1 year version of w00tstout or the latest release with added ingredients and stronger Alcohol by Volume. Let us go and check it out. Cheers!!!

Original Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/07/21/stone-farking-wheaton-w00tstout-collaboration/

Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout Review
Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (1 year aged) collaboration is a 13% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with rye, pecans, wheat, hops, awesome (beer + sci-fi)*geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in bourbon barrels.

Greg Koch @stonegreg CEO & Co-founder, Stone Brewing Co. & Beer Seek

“Being a geek isn’t about what you love; it’s about how you love it. I’m a sci-fi geek, a disruptive technology geek, and a tabletop game geek. I’ve been lucky to do lots of work in those fields, but this is the first time I got to be a professional beer geek, and it was awesome.”

Wil Wheaton | @wilw Actor, Homebrewer & Professional Seek

“Beer tastes like my website…all over the map, but I’ve never met a beer I didn’t like.”

Drew Curtis | @drewcurtis Founder, Fark.com & News Geek
_____

Aromas:
Very rich Dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, sangria, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, flan, macaroons, toasted coconut, mocha coffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, banana notes, hazelnut, rye bread, butterscotch, toffee, licorice, brown sugar, molasses, pear, dark cherry and port wine.

Flavors:
Very Rich dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dates, mocha coffee, Kahlua, dark and milk chocolate, molasses, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche coffee, port wine, rye pie crust, bourbon, butterscotch, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, bananas, clove spice, fig pudding, raisin bread pudding, coriander spice, earthy notes, hints of mint, wheat toast, old mango, pears and oatmeal cookies.

Aftertaste:
Dark raisins, old cherries, plums, prunes, hints of bourbon, port wine, oak, caramel and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, the booze is far more hidden. Syrup mouthfeel with a sipping drinkablity and pitch black appearance with not much head retention.

Overall:
The flavors have gotten better and develop a more dark fruit character than the previous w00tstout. The beer exceeds my expectations a little more than last years. The stronger Quad like flavors take over more of the Imperial Stout flavors. The only way to really find this one now is to trade for it.

Anime Corner:
Mari Illustrious, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sohryu Langley/Shikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion made a return in this version of the W00tstout from last year because I wanted to represent the 3 collaborators Wil Wheaton, Drew Curtis and Greg Koch in this fine piece. While the beer is based on sci-fi, a great sci-fi anime and its characters was the perfect choice in my mind to pair with one of the geekiest beers ever seeing as Neon Genesis is a world renowned anime. So cheers to all sci-fi and anime fans alike and celebrate the communities…W00t!!

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2013-07-15-592967.jpeg

W00tstout 2.0 Review
Stone W00stout 2.0 collaboration by Drew Curtis, Aisha Tyler and Wil Wheaton brewed at Stone brewing is a 13.5% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with flaked rye, wheat, pecans, hops, Stone-Ground Chocolate, awesome (beer + sci-fi)*geek ideologies with a 1/4 of it aged in Kentuck bourbon barrels.

Aromas:
Rich Bananas, dark fruit raisins, figs plums, dates, toasted coconut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Kahlua, pecan pie, mocha coffee, molasses, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, port wine hints, rye bread, vanilla, oak, bourbon, butterscotch, hazelnut nectar, clove spice, earthy hop notes, mint, wheat toast, raisin bread pudding, banana split sundae, flan and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, pecan pie, coconut, dark, bakers, milk, Abuelita and Belgian Chocolates, dark fruits like prunes, raisins, figs, almond joy chocolate, raisin bread pudding, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal, hot fudge sundae, mocha coffee, licorice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, licorice, port wine hints, rye pie crust, bourbon, oak, hazelnut nectar, butterscotch, clove spice, vanilla, hazelnut nectar, whipped cream, crème brulee, flan, brown sugar, wheat toast with nutella, mint and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Bananas, dark cherries, milk and dark chocolates, pecan pie, whipped cream, bourbon, oak, dark fruits, caramel, earthy hops and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer, syrupy mouthfeel and pitch black appearance with hardly any head retention.

Overall:
WOW! The addition of the chocolate somehow took the beer to the next level. Even at its freshest point here, its taste extremely amazing. It is almost like a Banana split beer. Somehow, the fusion of Imperial Stout and Quad seems very close to the Stickie Monkee from Firestone Walker. The balance of this beer is also pretty ridiculous. Less boozy tasting than the first w00t and not as dark fruit forward as the 1 year aged one I also reviewed today. Simply ridiculous and delicious making this one extremely exceptional. This beer is world class already. I Highly Highly Recommended!! Get several bottles and I will see you next year after I age one of these for a year. W00t!

Anime Corner:
Mari Illustrious, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sohryu Langley/Shikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion were used in this years pairing of W00tstout. Just like last year, I wanted to represent the 3 collaborators Wil Wheaton, Drew Curtis and and this time the addition of Aisha Tyler. This time wanted to have Aisha take Greg’s place. As you can see from last year’s pairing, the colors are different but also, you can tell some of them have traded places with the anime characters. Along with scifi, Evangelion brings giant robot humanoids. This addition is synonymous with bringing the flavor balance that may have not been in the last beer. As you can see in one of the art pairings, one robot per character so everything is equal and just as bad ass as the last beer but still taking it to another level. Great Job and Cheers to all Sci-Fi, Anime and Beer fans out there!

Sources:
https://yande.re/sample/e87d0f51b9862ca10b223f546054ab9d/yande.re%20232423%20sample.jpg
http://33.media.tumblr.com/68b377c323245b4bfb0657c24de29291/tumblr_mydkomFyV81soko9to1_1280.jpg
Rating: 5.95/5 (Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout)
Rating: 6/5 (W00tstout 2.0)

2010 Black Xantus ((SPECIAL BIRTHDAY RE-REVIEW)) by Humboldt Brewing, brewed at Firestone Walker

March 22, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, Asmodeus, Black Xantus, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Firestone Walker, Jobella Coffee, oak barrels, Shinra Banshou, Wine Barrels | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/5* One of my first gateway beers, certainly one of my top favorites.

2010 Black Xantus ((SPECIAL BIRTHDAY RE-REVIEW)) by Humboldt Brewing, brewed at Firestone Walker, is an 11% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Mexican Jobella Coffee Beans and aged in Bourbon and Wine barrels. Cellared for 4 years.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION:
Black Xantus is a rare bird and the first new release from Nectar Ales in Years. It is the First ever “big-beer” to be released under the Nectar Ales line. Barrel aged for 6 months in combination of Bourbon, retired Firestone Union and wine barrels and Infused with fair-trade, organic coffee from local roaster Jobella. Rich bourbon and coffee aromas greet the senses. Complex chocolate and tobacco flavors fill the palate. This beer displays a full-bodied mouth-feel and an overall balanced presentation. It would be a perfect pairing to rich chocolate desserts.
Style: Imperial Java Stout IBUs: 50 Color: Black ABV: 11%
___

Today is my birthday and as a special treat, I wanted to do a re-review the first blog post I did long ago. Black Xantus is one of my favorite beers that got me into trying different craft beers (Aside from Lost Abbey and Arrogant Bastard) and was one which also got me into collecting beer labels. The first time I tried it was Christmas eve in 2010 after I had saved the this beer for about 1 year and was one that was told to be paired with chocolate dessert. I had saved it in remembrance of my departed mother. Back then when I tried it, it was so damn rich and paired so well with chocolate cheesecake that I knocked out for a bit. Even before the days of Black Tuesdays, Grey Mondays, super barrel aged chocolate beers, this one was one of my special ones. Hence the reason it sits to this day in the center of my beer bottle collection in the wall. I did not know much about barrel aged beers back then but after trying so many different beers but this was still my most favorite. So today, I bring here a bottle, aged for 4 years, to remember my mom and the day she gave birth to me. Today I am 31 years old, the age at which my mom had me. So bringing this beer out makes this even more the special occasion.

Cheers!!

Aromas:
Rich coffee mocha, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, dark cherries, dark raisins, plums, blackberries, vanilla, oak bourbon, flan, choco flan, dark chocolate, milkshake, port wine notes, hazelnut, marshmallow smores, fudge cake, rocky road ice cream, sweetened condensed milk on bananas, pecan pie, brown sugars, chocolate chip cookies, Kahlua, roasty notes and almond joy.

Flavors:
Cherries, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, roasted coffee grains, mocha, espresso, chocolate abuelita hints, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, port wine, coconut, marshmallows, graham crackers, dark fruits like dark cherries, raisins, plums, choco flan, crème brulee, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, rocky road ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, almond joy, banana notes, reminiscent of chocolate cheesecake, fudge cake, Kahlua, brown sugar and mild anise.

Aftertaste:
Roasty coffee lingers along with the sweet vanilla and caramel bourbon with the cherry and chocolate and finishing earthiness. No alcohol in the despite this thing is probably at 15% ABV after 4 years. A sense of smoothness with a sipping quality a thick almost syrupy mouth feel. Excellent!

Overall:
Right next to Mocha Wednesday is what this is, one of the best mocha chocolate coffee beers out there. After 4 years, it still grew into some great complex stuff. There was no doubt in my mind why this was my favorite in 2010 and the other years I tried it and certainly no doubt why even today, it doesn’t fail to amaze me. Sometimes, when it comes to beers, it is always best to remember where you started. I started trying different beers back then and if it wasn’t for this and beers like Trois Pistoles and St. Bernardus 12abt, I might as well have missed out on Beer, the lost treasure of taste and art!!

Anime Corner:
Asmodeus from Shinrabansho is the daughter of Asutarotto from that same card series. Though she may be a demon, she is of pure heart, but though evil women be, this can be said for even the utmost good. She was used in the first pairing of art work that made me try out different beers. Her main relation to Black Xantus has to do with her colors which pair with the Black Xantus background of the Blue Moon and the blue night sky. Xantus, being the humming bird, she rises to impart the great flavors of complex dark fruits, cherries, coffee, chocolate, bourbon and more into the beer. In this pairing she is kicking back and relaxing. That is pretty much what happens after 4 years of just laying down. She gazes into the soul of those who court her and while she may seem seductive and sweet in nature (Like a Rose which the Xantus drinks) she will bring forth a dangerous smite! But… only because she loves you… So basically, be careful with Asmodeus, take her in a sip at a time and don’t take her head on, cuz after 4 years she may come back with vengeance. Cheers!

2011 Project Bourbonic Plague by Cascade Brewing

February 7, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged bourbon, Cascade Brewing, dark chocolate, Midna, oak barrels, sour grapes | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2011 Project Bourbonic Plague by Cascade Brewing is a 12% ABV North West Style Sour ale aged in oak barrels and spices.

Label:
This NW style sour ale is a blend of spiced Double Porters that were aged in Bourbon and Wine Barrels for 18months before aging on dates and spices for up to an additional 12 months. This hand-packed and bottle conditioned sour ale should be served at 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
___

Obtained from bringonthebeer.com and a rare specimen at that, this ale is a conundrum and a hybrid all of its own. I have not had a sour aged in wine oak and bourbon and let alone one aged in wine as well. Lots of work and preparation time spent in this little complex gem.

Aromas:
Red Wine, dark chocolate, dark fruits of raisins, cherries, plums, blue berries, currants, dates, caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, coconut, funky sour grapes, port wine, cinnamon, fruit cake, flan, almond joy, fudge brownie, brettanomyces, stone fruits like apricot, peaches and lychess, molasses, fancy wine aromas, flowers and other stuff, damn.

Flavors:
Rich flow of crazy complexity! Red wine, sour grape notes, Chocolate covered currants, tart dark Cherries, raisins, plums, prunes, blue berries, black berries, dates, apples, apricots, pears, oak, vanilla, bourbon, coconut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, fudge brownies, peaches, flan, cinnamon, brown sugar, fruit cake, rye bread, dulce de leche caramel, coffee and mocha notes as it warms up, key lime pie, hints of peppercorn, mild brandy and more sweet stuff.

Aftertaste:
Lingering wine and bourbon, caramel, mild sour notes, raisin bread, tart cherries and sugar. NO alcohol in the taste, surprisingly and also moderate to sipping drinkability. Yes this is pretty smooth surprisingly.

Overall:
The best sour ale I have ever had aside from my favorite sour like Jolly Pumpkin’s Madrugada Obscura. Most sours don’t exceed my expectations but damn, this is just above and beyond! The flavors are really complex where at some point you feel like sour tart cherries, then wine, then sweet chocolate, then bourbon then caramel, then flan, then… damn! This should not even be categorized as a major sour beer as it really is more than that to the point where people that do not love sours will find some kind of crazy appreciation for this poison in a bottle, that’s, this is just the poison you need. At some points I thought this felt like Chocolate Rain if it went sour…lmao!!

Anime Corner:
Midna from Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess and Dead Master from Black Star Rock Shooter were the perfect poisons I mean pairings for this beer. The colors as well as the magic Midna uses like casting a spell is what is used to make this liquid death very tasty. Same for the Dead Master in her dark green castle background. Midna is another favorite character of mine as well so the pairing did the beer justice in show casing several aspects of witchery, the plague and medieval times too. Dead Master represents the aspect of death which the bubonic plague brings.

2013 Quingenti series Batch no. 9 Punishment by Stone brewing

January 28, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Oak Kentucky Bourbon Barrels, bastard ale, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, jalapeño, Lilith Aensland, Morrigan Aensland, punishment, Stone Brewing, Stone Crime, Stone Punishment | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.2/5

2013 Quingenti series Batch no. 9 Punishment by Stone brewing is a 12.0% ABV Chile beer which consist of Double Bastard ale brewed with chile peppers and aged in American Oak Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Punishment was born as Double Bastard Ale – a heavy, bitter, beast of a beer. It was already not for the timid, but with the addition of jaw-dropping quantities of freshly harvested local peppers, including mid-level-heat red and green jalapenos and ultra-hot black nagas, Caribbean red hots, Moruga scrorpions and fatalis, it morphed into a truly punishing brew.

Leads with ultra-hot and fruity chile flavors along with subtler green jalapeño notes. Intense caramel, butterscotch and bourbon flavors make a strong appearance mid-palate, and the beer finishes with a long-lasting, fiery after burn.

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For a lover of spicy foods, this is even more fucking scary than crime. I saved this bottle for several months, always looking at me, always taunting me, awaiting until the day I picked it up and reviewed. I looked at it always flipping the finger very time I closed the fridge. Today I decide to bring this one forth for a review and this may or may not be a mistake. Either way, I will try my damnest to give it a good review and pursue the fires of this hell to see what I find. Wish me luck :S.

Aromas:
Lots or fruit spices and intense hot chile aromas like habanero, piquin, jalapeño, flower notes, caramel, toffee, mild brown sugar, mild vanilla, oak, bourbon, mild marshmallow hint, cucumber, citrus, tropical fruit, but overall just lots of scary spices of different peppers.

Flavors:
Lots and lots of habanero and jalapeño pepper heat, but as I dug deeper, I could taste the hidden bastard of citrus, caramel, bourbon, oak, pizza, fancy cheese, grapefruit, herbal tea, flowers, marshmallow, very mild dark bitter chocolate cocoa plant, cucumber, toffee, old mango, minor tropics and brown sugar near the finish

Aftertaste:
Lots of oak and pepper heat. The bourbon and caramel fade quick. You are too busy trying to play down the heat to even look into finding any alcohol in this which is not detectable or my taste buds are numb. It is a very major sipping beer.

Overall:
Fuck!! It’s hot, but even for chile heads, its drinkable. Even for me who loves chiles and thought this would be a very bad idea, I think there was definitely enough sweetness to counter the heat or atleast keep some of it at bay because I could still taste some complexity. Although, the Chili comes quick with no remorse. If you do not like super hot, you will not like this beer. Ir’s tough to crack the code but if you play with this liquid fire, you will find somethings that are good about it. Do not try to finish this in one sitting, it is not worth finishing it all at once if your taste buds go numb after a couple of sips. Savor the pain, but enjoy!

Anime Corner:
Lilith and Morrigan Aensland as well as the original Artwork by Sang-heun Nam were used to pair this unholy liquid hell to show off many aspects of punishment in different context. In the first part you see a girl being punished forever having to write and write and write, lol reminds me of me trying to come up with good review pairings and explanations. As you can see, she is being punished while the stone gargoyle is kicking back sipping on expensive drink, lol I hope its beer. Then you see Lilith and Morrigan in the background tending to his every need. The second pairing shows Morrigan and Lilith in what looks to be like fire and brimstone, either resembling eternal punishment or just the suffering of the heat of how damn hot this beer is. So yea, this what I came up. Can you find any other ways Punishment pairs with these artworks?

Dark Seas Bourbon Barrel Aged by Mission Brewing

December 31, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged bourbon, bourbon barrels, dark chocolate, Dark Seas, Russian Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5* Last Review of 2013

Dark Seas Bourbon Barrel Aged by Mission Brewing is 11.25% ABV Russian Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
This limited-edition version of our Russian Imperial Stout has been aged for 20 months in Four Roses whiskey barrels. It features Dark Seas’ obsidian, viscous and astoundingly roasty smooth-drinking charms, all taken to new eights from the aging process. Aromas of milk chocolate and bourbon give way to luscious notes of malted milk balls, cocoa, oak and whiskey. An especially spirited version of Dark Seas with softer edges, vanilla hints and barrel-aged complexity.
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Picked this one up at Ramirez Liquor and is also being sold at Uncle Henry’s in Downey California. This beer will see many of the Mission distribution networks so it should be available in many places. I have tried the original back in 2012 but back then, I really did not have a system of ranking. I am sure I would have gave that one a 5 as I really liked that one. Now with the release of this one, I could think of no better way to ring in the new year with a treat like this one.

Aromas:
Milk and dark chocolate, Bourbon, vanilla, oak, flan, dulce de leche caramel, currants, port wine, dark fruits like cherries, earthy but mild hops, brown sugar, marshmallow smores and raisins.

Flavors:
Bourbon, whiskey, vanilla, oak, marshmallows, toasted coconut, milk and dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, rocky road ice cream notes, smores, plums, brown sugar, molasses, Kahlua, mocha, dark fruits, chocolate cake, bakers chocolate and brownies.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with notes of the dark chocolate, mild cherry, raisins, caramel, earthy hop notes and currants. The bourbon does not linger. Very smooth-drinking, very creamy, no alcohol in the taste and dangerously delicious.

Overall:
Very delicious beer exceeding the expectations of the original by a great amount. The best part is that it is VERY SMOOTH as hell. No lingering alcohol and very pleasant with nothing over powering and there seems to be enough sweet and bitter balance with everything just smooth sailing.. The Calm before the Storm per say. Makes me wonder if I am still drinking an 11.25% ABV beer, WOW. People that love this one or love Barrel-aged beers will definitely love this one even more.

Anime Corner:
Franco il Nero (Cyan hair), Donne Annonime (Blonde hair), Lily Salvatana (w/ glasses and captain hat) from Outlaw Django Tre Donne Crudeli were chosen for this pairing as a way to salute the end of the year as Franco is saluting in the picture like if she was playing the role of a captain but also because I chose Franco and Donne in the original review. I chose them because pirates relate to the label and the dark seas beer. Pirates carry guns and these two were on the shore of the beach as if they were stranded off at sea. That was my reasoning from it. Now as for the Dark sea aspect, I show you the last pairing which is the one with the girl at sea with the ships coasting the dark seas. Awesome stuff.

2012 Review of the NON Barrel-aged version:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/dark-seas-russian-imperial-stout-by-mission/

Firestone XVII Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

November 28, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged American Strong Ale, anniversary ale, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Brandy Barrel Aged, Brandy Barrels, Bushido, Double DBA, Firestone Walker, Firestone XVII, Muv-Luv Alternative, Parabola, Samurai, Strategy guide, total eclipse, Velvet Merkin, Yui Takamura | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.79/5* (Just like last years version, more difficult to explain. Strategy guide included)

Firestone XVII Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker is a 13.3% ABV Strong Multi-liquor Barrel Aged Style Hybrid Blend Ale

Description:
“We blended together 220 oak barrels and seven different beers creating something truly complex and exceptional.” – Brewmaster Matt Brynildson
Bravo / Aged in Bourbon and Brandy Barrels / 30% of Final Blend
-Imperial Brown Ale

Sticky Monkey / Aged in Bourbon and Whiskey Barrels / 25% of Final Blend
-English Barley Wine Brewed with Mexican Turbinado (brown) Sugar

Velvet Merkin / Aged in Bourbon Barrels / 15% of Final Blend
-Traditional Oatmeal Stout

Parabola / Aged in Bourbon Barrels / 15% of Final Blend
-Russian Imperial Oatmeal Stout

Double DBA / Aged in retired Firestone Union Barrels / 8% of Final Blend
-Double strength English Pale Ale

Helldorado / Aged in Bourbon and Brandy Barrels / 4% of Final Blend
-Blonde Barley Wine Brewed with Buckwheat Honey

Wookey Jack / 100% Stainless Steel / 3% of Final Blend
-Black Rye India Pale Ale

XVII ABV: 13.3%
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This year’s batch is very special using. The strategy guide is even longer since they had winemakers assist with the project to get the right types of blends in constructing this beer. Holy shit is all I can say about the information of how much work and effort it took to make this.

Aromas:
Chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, brandy, port wine notes, dark cherry, raspberry, coconut, oak, caramel, toffee, oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies, banana notes, marshmallow, rocky road ice cream, Mexican piloncillo, pecans, hazelnut, raisin bread chocolate pudding, flan, bourbon, rich brandy, candied apples, smoked wood, hint of tropics but very small and other complex fragrances. Crazy part is that it kept changing as the beer got warmer.

Flavors:
Big Vanilla, toasted coconut, almond joy, toffee, caramel, dark chocolate, espresso, Barley wine, rye bread, flan, hazelnut, pecan pie whiskey, brandy, bourbon, chocolate, rich chocolate chip cookies on rocky road ice cream with cherries, strawberries, hazelnut, ferro rocher chocolate, pecan pie, special oak wood, oatmeal, maple, peach notes, pear, anise, mint, rich rye bread, butterscotch, brown sugar, marshmallows, tropical notes as it got warmer, and lots of other complex flavors. Damn, I ran out of lives, gonna have to start at the last save point.

Aftertaste:
Finishing off with like nice chocolate, port wine, maple syrupy notes, dark fruit oatmeal chocolate chips, marshmallows and oaky vanilla. Boozy notes here an there but everything plays well with the flavors

Overall:
Every year much more complex, much more exceptional. Does it beat out it’s predecessor XVI? Well, yes and no. By that I mean, let is age for a while. You see, the early XVI did not but damn, XVI 1 year later was doing complex virtuoso rock solos around my palette. Do not let that fool you though finding the complexities is difficult even if you have Tequila added like when XVI had PNC, “holy shit nice” is what I was tasting. Parabola by itself wins over all of them only because of the extra chocolate push into into the 6/5 range for extra credit for me. XVII was able to get super close to XVI 1 year later and actually beat the younger age one especially because of the Velvet Merkin complexities to have a hug back up. Magic maybe the bloodstream of the universe like Merkin is the bloodstream of this powerhouse beer. Longer strategy guide and all, this beer still kicking your ass .

Anime Corner:
Yui Takamura from the series Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipe is used in this pairing to show the hard work and dedication that was used to make this beer. Also, the colors of her armor are close to the colors of the beer label and box. Along with her companions, they represent the selections of individual beers that were selected in order to bring this beer blend into fruition. The colors may also be used to represent the dark fruit flavors, brandy, bourbon, chocolate and others. The Strength of the alcohol and the hard work are also represented by the Bushido code she follows as a samurai.

Bourbon Barrel Aged Autumn Maple by the Bruery

November 26, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Autumn Maple, Belgian Brown Ale, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Aged Autumn Maple, bourbon barrels, Maple Syrup, Pumpkin, Queen's Blade, Risty, Spices, The Bruery, Trick or Treat, yammy, yams | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5

Bourbon Barrel Aged Autumn Maple by the Bruery is a 13% ABV Belgian Brown Ale Brewed with Yams, Spices and Maple Syrup then aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
TRICK OR TREAT

We don’t need pumpkins in out beer! Bog, bold, spicy and oh so yammy.

This decadent, barrel aged version of our spiced brown ale is suitable for aging up to five years when cellared properly.
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Available from the Bruery store directly. I have reviewed the original Autumn maple last year and I loved it!. Now in Bourbon? Well, I could easily give this one more credit as it was a perfect beer.

Previous Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/autumn-maple-by-the-bruery/

Aromas:
Maple Syrup, bananas, Belgian yeast, cloves spice, toast bread, rye, dark fruits, coconut, bourbon, yams, sweet potato pie, cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg, vanilla, graham crackers, marshmallows and oak

Flavors:
Rich Bananas, clove spice, Belgian yeast, Yams, sweet, buttery caramel popcorn, candy corn, toffee, maple syrup, pancakes, bourbon, toasted light coconut, marshmallows, graham crackers, vanilla, butterscotch, Nutella on toasted rye bread notes, dark fruits, raisins, fig notes, Mexican whole cane sugar cone, milk and cooked sugary pumpkin

Aftertaste:
Finishing with maple syrup, yam, milk, banana, bourbon and dark fruit notes. A sipper with the bourbon not detracting too much from the flavor and not being harsh. Heavy, yet drinkable and delicious

Overall:
Exceptionally awesome! While some bourbon barrel aged beers may take away a little bit from the flavor or may be too harsh, this one play very well with all the delicious flavors. If you loved the original Autumn Maple, this one will most likely blow you away. Perhaps, the second best pumpkin like offering this year with no doubt. Awesome!

Anime Corner:
Risty from the Queen’s Blade series is a busty and buff looking strong woman with a heart of Gold. She is Bandit like Robin Hood, stealing money from the Rich and using it to provide food and shelter for poor and starving war orphans. Like the last Autumn maple, I used Risty as her colors best represent the Fall and the beer label. If you notice the old review, she is very joyous and in this version, she looks like a war bad ass. I did this represent her true strength that sweetness that is released from those Bourbon Barrels. Even if she seems vicious, as in the strength of this beer but, just like the original, she is still kindhearted with a heart of gold. You can also associate yams and maple to her colors as well. Even dark fruit colors peek from the tips of her hair.

Smokestack Series Bourbon Barrel Quad (BBQ) by Boulevard Brewing

October 17, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, BBQ, Belgian Quadruple, boulevard brewing, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Quad, bourbon barrels, cherries, Dark Cherries, dulce de caramel, Quad, Quadrupel, quadruple, Smokestack Series, The Sixth Glass, wine and cheese party, wine grapes | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.35/5

Smokestack Series Bourbon Barrel Quad (BBQ) by Boulevard Brewing is an 11.8% ABV Belgian Quadrupel divided into 16% ale and 84% aged in bourbon barrels with cherries

Label:
Based loosely on the Smokestack Series’ The Sixth Glass, this abbey-style quadrupel is separated into a number of oak bourbon barrels where it ages for varying lengths of time, some for up to three years. Cherries are added to make up for the “angel’s share” of beer lost during barrel aging. Selected barrels are then blended for optimum flavor. The resulting beer retains only very subtle cherry characteristics, with toffee and vanilla notes coming to the fore.
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Limited release of this beer and I was able to find this one online on many of the supporters beerpulse.com has. I heard great things about this beer. Not only is it a quad, which is one of my favorite styles of beer, but also bourbon barrel aged. It is essentially the Sixth Glass in bourbon barrels with cherries

Aromas cherries, rich vanilla, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, pecans, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, oak, wine grapes, port wine, good cheese and wine, flan, cinnamon, rye bread, earthiness, bananas, clove, funky notes and brandy

Flavors are of cherries, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, wine grapes, oak, dark fruits, raisins, figs, bananas, flan, brandy, good wine and cheese, cinnamon, brown sugar, candied sugar, dark cherries, pecan pie, walnuts and tart raspberry

Aftertaste is like a wine and fancy cheese glazed with dark fruit spread on rye bread. Oh yeah, and bourbon too. A definite sipper with alcohol presence but not present in the flavor.

Overall, the beer is freaking great. Fancy and delicious. It does not taste like BBQ but I am absolutely certain it sure pairs marvelously with a BBQ Chicken or Pork dinner. This is delicious as hell. Boulevard makes some awesome beers and I have only had the privilege to try few as they are from Colorado. Many will come soon. As far as this beer goes, it is definitely recommended. Yes it passes the extra credit course!!

Alaska’s Most Wanted Series: Berserker by Midnight Sun Brewing

October 10, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Alaska beers, Alaska's Most Wanted, Berserker, Berserker Imperial Stout, bourbon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, dark chocolate, Fate Stay Night, Imperial Stout, Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels, Maple Syrup, midnight sun brewing, Oak aged, oak barrels, Ramirez Liquor, Saber, world class beers, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.35/5

Alaska’s Most Wanted Series: Berserker by Midnight Sun Brewing is a 12.7% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with maple syrup & molasses all aged in oak bourbon barrels

Label:
Vicious and viscous, this menacing brew pours opaque black with a creamy maduro-colored head. Its aroma offers seductive whiskey, chewy red wine, dark fruit and lavish tobacco. Berserker Imperial Stout invades your taste buds with in-your-face flavor. Weighing in at almost 13% alcohol by volume, Berserker is completely out-of-control. Give it a good fight.
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This is the first time I try this very epic beer. I heard great things about this beer and long behold, Ramirez Liquor had this in stock for review. Depending as to how this turns out, I think I will grab another bottle although I doubt there will be anymore left. Regardless, if you are able to find this beer just get it.

Aromas are of strong dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mocha, dark fruits, raisins, plums, strong with pecan and hazelnut notes, marshmallow, almonds, toasted coconut hints, flan, forward bourbon, rich caramel, toffee, maple syrup, oak, vanilla, molasses, licorice, anise, fudge cake and brownies

Flavors are of rich velvety maple syrup oak, bourbon, vanilla, dark chocolate, molasses, raisins, dark cherries, black berries, wine grapes, port wine, caramel, marshmallows, toasted coconut, roasted coffee notes, pecans, hazel nut, campfire oak and a banana notes.

The after taste leaves with a bit of bourbon, roasted notes, berry notes, maple sweetness and roasted coffee bitterness. Definite sipper and has a moderately boozy alcohol presence but does not detract from the flavors. In fact it seems to be what adds the extra complexity to this beer. Although the bitterness may also take a little bit from it.

Over this is pretty kick ass and awesome. This beer is lovely and syrupy focusing a lot on the bourbon, oak, maple and berry flavors but also focuses on roasted bitterness. It is not bad but some people that may want more sweetness or super duper complexity will be left wanting more as the bitterness may get in the way. I like bitterness on this though. It surely does not disappoint. It does exceed my expectation points and gets some extra credit, but not the chocolate level of supreme that I enjoy in these types of beers. Still a freaking great beer.

Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore)

Tag Archives: bourbon

Stone Berlin Groundbreaking Collaborations 07 Züper Magik w00tstout collaboration by Drew Curtis, Greg Koch and Wil Wheaton

(Double Tasting) 2017 & 2016 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout by Stone Brewing

2016 Dodie by The Bruery

(Double Review) 2016 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (4.0) and 2015 Farking Wheaton W00tstout (3.0) (1year aged)

Firestone XIX Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

(Double Review) 2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout and Stone W00tstout 2.0 (1year aged)

Exponential Series Big Bad Baptist by Epic brewing

2014 Black Xantus by Humboldt Brewing

Chronology:6 by The Bruery

2014 The Off Label Series – Perpetual Peace by No Label Brewing

The Peace That Money Can’t Buy Anniversary Ale by Clown Shoes

The Belly Rub collaboration by Project Co-op Brew and Sleepy Dog Brewing

Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard by Stone Brewing

2009 Birra Artigianale Draco (5 year aged) by Birrificio Montegioco

(Double Review) Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout (1 year aged) & Stone W00stout 2.0 collaboration by Drew Curtis, Aisha Tyler and Wil Wheaton

2010 Black Xantus ((SPECIAL BIRTHDAY RE-REVIEW)) by Humboldt Brewing, brewed at Firestone Walker

2011 Project Bourbonic Plague by Cascade Brewing

2013 Quingenti series Batch no. 9 Punishment by Stone brewing

Dark Seas Bourbon Barrel Aged by Mission Brewing

Firestone XVII Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

Bourbon Barrel Aged Autumn Maple by the Bruery

Smokestack Series Bourbon Barrel Quad (BBQ) by Boulevard Brewing

Alaska’s Most Wanted Series: Berserker by Midnight Sun Brewing