Tag Archives: Brettanomyces

Surly Eleven by Surly brewing

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Rating: 6/6

Surly Eleven by Surly brewing is a 10% ABV Belgian Quadrupel Wheat Wine hybrid brewed with Brettanomyces

Label:
Eleven! I guess that makes us old, in “Minnesota Brewing Years”. Is it time to grow up, yet? Hope not. “What’s next?” is a common question around the brewery- not an easy question to answer, but one thin’s for sure, we’re never going to stop pushing. This year’s art by Adam Martin looks to the past, the present, and the possibilities of the future. See you drinking.

Omar Ansari

We brewed this beer in honor of two-faced Janus who peers both ahead and behind. A Belgian-style Quad Ale honors the past while 100% Brett-fermented wheat beer looks towards the future. Blended together, Eleven exists in a purely liminal space

Jerrod Johnson & Ben Smith, Head Brewers
==Introduction==

Eleven years of Surly! It had been crazy for many of the beers I have tried from them since their 3rd Anniversary. In fact, their love of the occult and awesome beer labels is what got me into trying their beers. While I typically do not see many of the common beers they offer, I usually try and get their specialty ones. This one I bring is a hybrid of a Wheat/Blonde Barley Wine and a Belgian Quadrupel. With the addition of Brettanomyces, I’m sure would give the already complex brew a nice doze of funky goodness. Let’s see how it is, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit prunes, figs, raisins, plums, dates, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peppercorns, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, anise, molasses, piloncillo sugar cone, fruit cake, brettanomyces funk, Belgian candi sugar, dulce de leche caramel, bananas and oak.

Flavors:
Farmhouse hay, brettanomyces funk, Belgian candi sugar, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, clove spice, coriander, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peppercorns, floral flavors of roses, hibiscus, lavender, oranges, lemon peel hints, orange preserves, grapefruits, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, anise, molasses, piloncillo sugar cone, fruit cake, dark fruit prunes, figs, raisins, plums, dates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, butterscotch, toffee, rye bread, pan dulce, capirotada raisin bread pudding, port wine, raspberry Chambord, dark cherries, strawberry cheesecake, trail mix, maple notes, oaky notes and cookie dough ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich in dark fruits, brettanomyces, wine grapes, chocolate, pecan pie, earthy notes, oranges, wheat bread, Belgian candi sugar and bananas. No alcohol in the taste. Full murky brown and crimson body, smooth, creamy, and chewy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Surly definitely hits it out of the park with their amazing brews! Definitely one that is exceptional show casing many of the awesome caramel, banana and dark fruit traits from both the wheat wine and quadruple but with the brett it goes into some nice funky, stone fruit flavors and even some berry and ice cream like flavors. Yes it was definitely unexpected for sure! It was one that I really enjoyed and once I would recommend highly to those in search of this one. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Demencia from Villanous was chosen in this pairing mainly since I wanted to include a character that kinda fit the whole past and the future thing going on with the dinosaurs. Her lizard cloak fits with the dinosaurs but seeing as Surly has also made some crazy beers with occult artwork, having a demented character like Demencia was the Rockin’ way to go!

Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Demencia-685109933
http://admenika.deviantart.com/art/Demencia-683025209
http://klevinkeeni.deviantart.com/art/Villainous-Dementia-Demencia-687654547
http://polkadot-creeper.deviantart.com/art/Dementia-681788432
http://ryumi-gin.deviantart.com/art/Demencia-685219185
http://illiniguy34.deviantart.com/art/Demencia-Fan-Art-685444213
http://scamwich.deviantart.com/art/Dement-To-Be-687166579
https://www.deviantart.com/art/Villainous-Demencia-682443971

2016 Saixon by The Bruery Terreux

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13427866_10103320742667040_4660205668404547932_n 13442342_10103320742657060_2122406810301567050_n 13391517_10103320742642090_3489653207712928268_oRating: 4.25/5

2016 Saixon by The Bruery Terreux is a 6.7% ABV Belgo-German Saison/Farmhouse ale brewed with Hallertau, Opal and Mandarina Bavarian Hops and Brettanomyces

Label:
Crisp – Spicy – Worldly
Saixon is a saison – not a typo. But it’s different. The saison style traces its origin back to Wallonia, the predominantly French-speaking (and bordering) region of Belgium. We asked ourselves what the style would be like if the pendulum swung East and took root closer to the German border of Belgium. And then we brewed it. Presupposition meets new inspiration in this Belgo-German hybrid. In addition to the dry, crisp and funky notes you’d associate with the classic saison style – and the wildly traditional use of Brettanomyces, Saixon also features three generations of German hops: old school (Hallertau Mittlefruh), second wave (Opal), and new school (Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc). Santé? Prost? Cheers!

==Introduction==

Released to all societies including some to the public at the Bruery’s online store (the bruerystore.com), this is the bruery’s attempt at a Farmhouse Ale/ Saison but using German hops. It is a different take on the rustic style that many including myself enjoy very well. German beers have a very special place for me and to have a German inspired saison is a great way to take stuff into a new realm for both countries to complement. With that being said, let’s see how this one is, cheers.

Aromas:
Peppercorn, stone fruit apricot, plum, mango notes, funky farmhouse notes, mild tropical notes, vanilla, waffle cone, banana hints, citrusy, grassy and herbal hops, floral notes and mild clove spice.

Flavors:
Funky farmhouse hay, banana, clove spice, farmhouse hay, peppercorn, sea salt, floral hibiscus, chamomile, waffle cone, biscuit bread, lemon peel, stone fruit apricot, plum, mango notes, oranges, citrusy, grassy and herbal hops, white grapes, vanilla, honey, mint, coriander spice, basil, tropical fruit hints of pineapple, passion fruit and dragon fruit.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with stone fruit notes, lemon peel, spicy, herbally, hoppy and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, golden hazy medium body, crisp, refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good saison show casing a lot of the crisp and clean tasting flavors of the German hops with the rustic Belgian inspired flavors of the saison. Something that is not super complex or super funky but right down the middle of the road and yet very different. Definitely worth a try.

Anime Corner:
Matsumoto Rangiku from Bleach was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the colors of both Belgium and Germany. The Orange and yellow from her hair and the black of her Hakama. It was a simple choice as the beer is Belgian and German inspired and since I haven’t used Matsumoto in a beer pairing in a long time, I figure it was about time then.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/ZW20MtI.jpg
http://76.72.168.19/images/2015-04-12-726521.jpeg
http://static.zerochan.net/full/19/33/19169.jpg

Chupacabra Quinceañera by the Bruery Terreux

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13316950_10103281749759140_3453602818388126404_o 13255991_10103281750233190_3946465978524773394_n 13301427_10103282253649340_5714876946355370780_o 13315305_10103282254397840_1811624254576320416_nRating: 5/5

Chupacabra Quinceañera by the Bruery Terreux is a 4.9% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Brettanomyces.

Label:
Lupulo-¡Escalofriante!-Tropical

Commercial Description:
Chupacabra Quinceañera is a refreshing 100% Brett-fermented blonde beer bursting with clean tropical aroma from the unique brett strain used for fermentation. These notes are complemented with the subtle use of Simcoe and Amarillo hops, which add layers of tangerine and passionfruit. It’s quite the party.

==Introduction==

Available to Reserve and Hoarders Society members of the Bruery, this beer was something I wanted to try since last year when it was released in the tap room. An original pilot batch by Sean Flannery which was made using Brettanomyces Bruxellensis Trois which is a strain that give the beer tropical flavors rather than barnyard funk. The name of Chupacabras Quinceañera or the Sweet 15th of the Goat Sucker was made as a tribute to creating a beer with mythical brett strains. In 2013, they made one with another mythical strain and called it Werewolf Barmitzvah. I never did get a chance to try Chupacabra Quinceañera and now that it is here, let’s present her to the site. A wild ale with Brettanomyces but how will it differ from the other Bretty beers. Some with citrus, orange and saison funks or even tropical notes. Let’s take a look at how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, piney, floral and grassy hop notes, biscuit bread, hibiscus flowers, lavender, roses, tropical fruit pineapple, honeydew melon, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, prickly pears, stone fruit peaches, apricot, lemon peel and tangerine gummies.

Flavors:
Lots of tropics and funk, pineapple, honeydew melon, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, prickly pears, citrus, piney, floral and grassy hop notes, peppercorn, farmhouse hay, stone fruit apricot, peaches, tangerine gummies, white raisins, wine grapes, oranges, lime peels, banana notes, clove spice, barnyard funk, vanilla, oak, butterscotch hints, biscuit bread, hibiscus flowers, lavender, roses, lemon grass, basil, Danish cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with tropical notes, stone fruits, farmhouse hay, citrus, piney and floral hops. No alcohol in the taste, clear golden body, crisp, refreshing, effervescent mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A perfect tarty and bretty tropical sour with lots of delicious flavors. Even on the light side, it is flavorful displaying many of the flavors I would love from even Saisons even though it is sour. The use of variant Brett strains gives me ideas for the day I ever make a saison of my own. Tropical flavors are awesome! This one is a definite high recommendation for this that like light crisp sours with lots of bretty and tropical flavors.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland from Darkstalkers was used in this pairing to represent La Chupacabra Quineañera. The reason I chose her is since she is depicted as a younger person, but being a Succubus, she is actually older than she looks. Also since she is a creature of the night, the whole aspect of Chupacabra, or goat sucker, she is a sexual blood sucker. Like her, this beer is very alluring in the flavor profile but do not fall for the tricks as you may meet your doom. Ah who cares, you already started drinking anyway.

Sources:
http://img05.deviantart.net/cb03/i/2014/266/a/e/lilith_aensland_wallpaper_by_jaksonstoker-d809i3x.png
http://static.zerochan.net/Lilith.Aensland.full.309888.jpg
http://blog-imgs-45.fc2.com/a/n/i/animehiroi/14101162.jpg
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/darkstalkers/images/7/7d/Capcom1708.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130530095225

Apocalypse by Save The World brewing

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13268312_10103279205842170_8220026744772173974_o 13246441_10103279206440970_8542075624614353038_oRating: 5/5

Apocalypse by Save The World brewing is a 9% ABV A Wild Belgian Quadruple with Brettanomyces.

Label:
Our quad is a tasteful spin on the monastic quadrupel ale. the aroma and flavors are a complex balance between dark fruits and sweet malts with traces of chocolate and caramelized sugar. It is full bodied with hints of brett and warmth. Savor this deep and flavorful ale now and later! Try pairing with hearty roasted or grilled meat dishes, aged cheeses, and a variety of desserts.

==Introduction==

Thanks to my friend Aaron at BeerMetalDude.com for sharing this brew with me. This is the first beer I try from Save The World brewing of Marble Falls, Texas. I love Belgian Quadruples and they are one of my favorite styles. My first brew plunge into the homebrewing complexity to making a more complex beer other than simple extract was a Belgian Quadruple which many people enjoyed and it was one of the ones that I really worried over, spent time taking care to make sure it wasn’t a disaster. So yeah, Quads are an essential part of me when it comes to beers. A Quad with Brettanomyces though, that is something I have never heard of before. I have tried a sour quad before but not one with brett. In the back of my mind, I think this definitely major potential to be something unique, so let’s see how it goes with this, Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruits peaches, peppercorns, floral notes of hibiscus, lavender, Belgian Candy sugar, bananas, clove spice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit plums, figs, dates, raisins, currants, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, coriander spice, brown sugar, citrus and farmhouse hay.

Flavors:
Rich meld of Dark fruit plums, figs, dates, raisins, currants, Stone fruits peaches, Belgian Candy sugar, bananas, clove spice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, chocolate, vanilla, oak, Funky notes, farmhouse hay, brettanomyces funk, wine grapes, old oranges, peppercorns, floral notes of hibiscus, lavender, mango, guava, pineapple, sour apples, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, coriander spice, brown sugar, turbinado sugar, sugar cane, honey dew melon and dragon fruit.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with funky forward notes, dark fruit, stone fruits, caramel, chocolate, funky brett, wine grapes, old oranges, citrus and floral notes. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy golden brown full body, smooth, creamy, effervescent and slightly chewy mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Who knew a quad could taste so complex and different when introducing some wild strain of brettanomyces into the mix. You get the aspects of Dark fruit complexity meeting the funky bretty, citrus and stone fruit flavors from like a saison and well, you have a perfectly unique beer. I really enjoyed this one big time and would gladly have it again. If you live in Texas, this should be a major on your list especially if you love both Belgian Quads and Saisons.

Anime Corner:
Terra/Tina Branford and the entire cast of Final Fantasy 6 were used in this pairing to go with the aspect of saving the world but mainly apocalypse. The FF6 series was a very awesome series showing something that happened in their world that was apocalyptic and it was up to the few to stand up in arms against evil. They literally saved the world. Terra is essentially the main protagonist and a total bad ass with her wielding Atma Weapon which essentially is a lightsaber. This picture doesn’t have the weapon but I have yet to find such a bad ass picture of Terra though. So I went with this one.

Sources:
http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/367408984874769806/50CFB02EDF3291E1787E7180794F2C171C461F90/

BroadAcres by Phantom Carriage

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12622451_10103052882071820_8656491043863944424_oRating: 3.5/5

BroadAcres by Phantom Carriage is a 3.9% ABV Berliner Weisse

Label:
Bright Acidity highlights lemon notes & Effervescence with a quenching dry finishages well cellaring over time results in a more layered sour with increased funk.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at the Phantom Carriage bottle release. While this is one I had not tried during my visits to Phantom Carriage, I wanted to get it so we can bring it to the site. This would be something you may want to consider if you are ever at the brewery or even happen to find it at the local market if they get them distributed. For this being a Berlinerweisse, there can definitely be some nice tart notes and knowing Phantom Carriage which focuses on the sour beers, we can assume it’s going to be nice and tart! Cheers!

Aromas:
Super funky notes, brettanomyces, stone fruit tart apricots, honey, peppercorn, coriander, wheat, sour lactic notes and cane sugar.

Flavors:
Tart stone fruit peach, wheat bread, honey, funky barnyard hay, salt, lemon candy, lemon peel, cane sugar, brettanomyces, bubblegum hints, banana hints, clove spice hints, lactic sour notes, cereal grain and citrus notes.

Aftertaste:
Super dry finish with hints of wheat, funk and stone fruits. No alcohol in the taste. Light Pale Strawlight body, crisp, refreshing and effervescent body with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
A pretty good beer. For being light and generally not very complex, the rich tart and fruity flavors make up for it. Typically, Berliners are the styles that usually are good to relax on a hot day. Basically if you love sours but want something light, then this is the beer for you. I would say it is worth a try for sure.

Anime Corner:
Dead Master from Black Rock★Shooter was used in this pairing to with the Skull label and anything that has to do with being scary in relation to what it is Phantom Carriage does that is awesome.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Dead.Master.full.1934896.jpg

Funky Kingston by (512) brewing

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12615161_10103044302220910_421076015921817763_oRating: 4.5/5

Funky Kingston by (512) brewing is a 7.4% ABV American Wild Ale aged in oak red wine barrels with brettanomyces and Pediococcus .

Label:
A funky ale aged over two years with Brett & Pedio in red wine barrels

==Introduction==

A special sour brew provided thanks to my good friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. I have had brew from (512) before thanks to Aaron, like their Peach sour which was delicious. This time, it is a sour using different bacteria strains for beer souring and wine barrels so the complexity in the sour spectrum sounds like it could be phenomenal. While Brett is one of my favorites, Pedio and Lacto are some very nice strains. Generally, sours are delicious either way for me. So let’s see what this sour is about.

Aromas:
Tart grape skins, wine grapes, concorde grapes, White wine grapes, dark fruit raisin hints Stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, leathery notes, lemon peels, oak, caramel, vanilla, lactic acid, apple cider vinegar hints, funky farmhouse hay, peppercorn, mushrooms, rye bread and biscuit notes.

Flavors:
Stone fruit peaches, apricots, old mango, White wine grapes, dark fruit raisin hints, lemon peel, oak, vanilla, caramel, rye bread, tart grape skins, wine grapes, concorde grapes, rye bread, leather notes, cane sugar, honeycomb, peppercorn, funky and musty notes, mushrooms, farmhouse hay hints, vegetable hints, lactic acid, apple cider vinegar hints, wafflecone, crème brulee hints and agave nectar.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with somefunky notes, rich stone fruits, grapes, oak, vanilla, bready notes and farmhouse hints. No alcohol in the taste. Orange honey clear to hazy body, crisp, refreshing and musty mouthfeel alont with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good funky wild ale providing the tart fruitiness and funky farmhouse like notes along with hints of the hints of tart sourness but not super sour. Ultimately a pleasantly brew to drink with both sides of the sour and funky coming together very nicely. This brew is something that I think people that love sours and funky wild ales will come to love this one. Very refreshing at that too!

Anime Corner:
Motoko Kusinagi from Ghost in the Shell was used mainly to pair with the colors of the different flavors of dark fruits but mainly with the label for the person with the sunglasses. Another way you can also see this is what lies deep within the sour brews. If only there was some spectacles that would allow sight into what the taste buds see when trying this beer. It would be pretty crazy.

Sources:
http://img15.deviantart.net/14f7/i/2014/246/5/8/ghost_in_the_shell_by_immarart-d7xssc8.jpg

Muis by Phantom Carriage

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12493996_10103015414751630_2233228911201772324_o 12400804_10103015415550030_8884824561872788311_n 934035_10103015416942240_7904827274544360287_nRating: 5/5

Muis by Phantom Carriage is a 6.7% ABV Wild Belgian Blonde fermented with 100% Brettanomyces

Label:
Limited Release
Batch No: 1 Bottled On: 9/2015
Tropical and Citrus Fruits dominate the palate with hints of herbal hops and a dry finish ages well. Cellating over time results in enhanced earthiness and ripe fruit.

==Introduction==

The second bottle from their initial release to the public, and one of my favorites from Phantom Carriage is here. Once they have the capacity, we will see more lead the way for the public to enjoy. This initial release was one that I wanted to bring to the site to get an idea of what Phantom Carriage is all about, especially, if you visit them in Carson, California. Phantom’s theme of the brewery is like Halloween all year long and even the names of their beers are in reference to Swedish silent scary movies or celebrities. Muis or mouse in dutch is on of the flagship beers at Phantom Carriage. My first experience with this beer was the Oud Muis which was this one but aged in oak barrels. It was my favorite when they first opened late 2014 / early 2015. The original I did not mind but this one from the bottle is my attempt to see how this on is in comparison to the Oud Muis and when I had it the first time. Let’s take a look…

Aromas:
Rich Stone fruit peaches, apricots, Rich Brettanomyces, phenolic notes, banana, clove spice, grapes, funky farm house hay, peppercorns, coriander spice, honey, tropical fruits, oaky notes, floral hop notes, lemon candy, hibiscus, grapes, tropical fruit pineapple, passion fruit and citrus oranges.

Flavors:
Rich Brettanomyces, phenolic notes, banana, clove spice, funky farmhouse hay, oranges, lemon peel, stone fruit peaches apricots, mango hints, tropical fruit pineapple, passion fruit, honey dew melon, waffle cone, honey, peppercorns, floral hop notes, lemon candy, oak, raw as the sun mature oranges, hibiscus, grapes, chardonnay notes, raspberries, coriander spice and honeycombs.

Aftertaste:
Finishes mildly dry with bretty notes, stone fruit, tropical fruit, farmhoue hay and peppercorns. No alcohol in the taste, pale to straw, light to medium body, crisp, smooth, rich and refreshing mouth feel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
To me, this is a great example of what the delicious bretty beers are. Reminding me of White Oak from the Bruery but mainly White Sap or even the Eschatological “As Follows” from Stillwater Artisanal. Phantom Carriage is off to an amazing start bringing delicious to the public soon. While their focus is farmhouse and wild ales, many lovers of these styles will love them. Especially those that love the occult. I highly recommend you give this one a shot. Now, if they can get me a bottle made of their Sour Belgian Quadruple, sign me up!

Anime Corner:
Eileen the Crow from Blood Borne and Toujou Nozomi from Love Live! were chosen on this beer to represent the Crow Masked Plague Doctor of the label. Easy enough but still difficult to find some characters that would fit the bill. Plague Doctors like Eileen are the ones trying to help with curing the plague which are given by what? The Muis or Mice but mainly, the Rats in the medieval times. Funky farms where the rats keep warm. Stay warm with this beer!

Sources:
http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/fairytailfanon/images/5/5c/Crow2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151025162654
http://static.zerochan.net/Toujou.Nozomi.full.1934541.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/1aafe3d34053a6326d1f4ea29e2c826a/tumblr_nnvuqi4MLQ1tf5pxao1_500.jpg

Humulus Terreux by the Bruery Terreux

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12313649_10102947562438210_5803307053146635889_n 12342802_10102947564888300_7780885391054252771_nRating: 4.75/5

Humulus Terreux by the Bruery Terreux is a 6.3% ABV American Wild Ale with Hops and Brettanomyces

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Humulus Terreux is the type of beer that gets our stomachs tied up in knots of excitement. It’s a chance for us to experiment with both hops and yeast, creating unique, juicy & funky flavors with just these seemingly simple, earthen ingredients. Each batch of Humulus Terreux will use a different hop varietal and one of the several strains of Brettanomyces yeasts that we have incubating in our laboratory to create a one of a kind, wildly traditional bière™. The flavor possibilities are endless when combining possible hop notes of citrus, pine, flowers or grass with the barnyard funk, earth and tropics that can come from a 100% Brettanomyces fermentation. While each beer will showcase a different, distinct character, the overall result will always be dry, funky and delightfully hoppy.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one as part of the Bruery Reserve Society and Hoarders Society memberships. This one is the Bruery’s attempts at making a wild ale with lots of hops. The idea seems awesome like the wild ales and saisons that were hoppy like those from Stillwater Artisanal, Jester King and even Prairie Artisanal. My only hope is that it is the case with this one, hoppy, fruit and funky. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich fruity citrus, grapefruit juice, tropical fruit mango, pineapple, honey dew melon, strawberry, kiwi hints, Stone fruit apricot, Peppercorns, rich saison brettanomyces, Citrus, piney, grapefruit, floral, spicy, earthy and herbal hops.

Flavors:
Citrus, piney, grapefruit, floral, spicy, earthy and herbal hops, oranges, Peppercorn, Farmhouse hay, brettanomyces, tropical fruit mango, pineapple, honey dew melon, kiwi, strawberry, funky notes, hibiscus, lavender, honey, tangerine, biscuit bread, banana hints, clove spice, coriander hints, stone fruit apricot hints, peach notes, apples, lemon candy, vanilla notes, oak, waffle cone and musty grape notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes semi dry with funky saison notes, herbal notes, piney, grapefruit, floral hops and some stone fruit. No alcohol in the taste, Clear golden body, crisp,refreshing and smooth mouthfeel and also very easy drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious and funky hopped Saison/Wild Ale. Drinkable by all means and still full of delicious flavor. A session type of Saison/Wild ale. I like this one because it is the kind of beer you could continuously drink many of in a session. Recommended if you love hoppy saisons or hoppy wild ales.

Anime Corner:
Sinon / Shino Asada from Sword Art Online II was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair a character that went well with the colors of the label and hops as well. Since I have not done a review from the Bruery with Sinon before, I figured this would be the best opportunity. How it relates to the beer? Well, she is a sniper so you can say the hoppy flavors are a direct hit!

Sources:
http://upload.shunwang.com/2014/0731/1406749594685.png
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DwiwfFiWaUo/maxresdefault.jpg

Philly Taco collaboration by Perennial Artisan Ales and Cigar City

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11741222_10102702401218260_335119000852031248_o 11760163_10102702401512670_6351712286714849013_n 11709935_10102702402435820_4565757349796078411_o 11009979_10102702401996700_8504143778359797296_nRating: 3.85/5

Philly Taco collaboration by Perennial Artisan Ales and Cigar City is a 7% ABV Belgian Brown Ale conditioned Brettanomyces.

Label:
The idea for Philly Taco arose from some ravenous late night hunger after our breweries teamed up for an event during Philly Beer Week in 2014. There is only one suggested food pairing for this beer. Go to Lorenzo’s, get a slice, and walk down to Jim’s on South St. Order a cheesesteak, preferably whiz wit, and roll that baby up.
Enjoy.

==Introduction==

One of the most prestigious and sought after breweries create a collaboration that is well, a midnight munchy liquid fest. I have no words for this but my wallet and mind acted on their own and now we have here is a beer that was brewed in the style of some crazy munchy inspiration. An party party late night beer whose recipe came to be during an after hour, graveyard shift hunger inspired session of brainstorming. Lots of Tacos, Pizza and Philly cheese steaks were consumed that night I’m sure!

Aromas:
Strong brett notes, peppercorn, funky cheese notes, earthy and herbal hops, basil, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar, Italian herbs, chocolate, rich biscuit bread, rye bread, caramel, cola hints, black IPA dark roast, coffee hints, tropical fruits of old mango, apricots, dark fruit figs, raisins, prune hints, rich clove spice, smoked oak notes, black IPA dark roast and coffee hints.

Flavors:
Italian herbs, chocolate, rich biscuit bread, rye bread, caramel, funky cheese notes, earthy and herbal hops, basil, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar, cola hints, black IPA dark roast, coffee hints, tropical fruits of old mango, citrus, dark fruit figs, raisins, prune hints, rich clove spice, smoked oak notes, rich rye bread, rich clove spice, peppercorn spice and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with a funky, herbal, earthy and malty dryness. Super thick dark brown full body, thick, creamy, smooth and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A very decent beer on the really weird side. The oddest thing about this beer is wanting to pair with some pizza, Philly cheese steak and other junk foods. Just like the overall theme of this beer represents, I couldn’t stop thinking about how the crazy flavors and ingredients used to make this beer seem to scream Philly cheese and pizza and to some degree, tacos in general. One of the oddest beers I have tried and one that I would recommend a try at least once to understand its weirdness. Not bad, but you better have something to pair with this fast!

Anime Corner:
Washu from Tenchi Muyo, Callen and C.C. from Code Geasse were used in this pairing to pair with the whole range of foody aspects starting with Washu and what looks to be tacos although it could be some other delicious dish. Callen and C.C. eating pizza combining themselves together is similar to the way the philly cheesesteak and the pizza are rolled into a taco. Taco Glory and pink tacos… I will leave that to the imagination. CC and the pizza and the taco… ummm..ok… that is enough!! Also, the liquid is from a juicebox, well, Don’t get any taco saucy ideas now. Carl’s Jr. used to have a quote saying: If it doesn’t get all over the place, it doesn’t belong in your face. We were young when that commercial aired, thanks Carl’s Jr for ruining our childhood! LMAO!!

Sources:
http://www.angelfire.com/wa/twizzlestix/images/washu9.jpg
http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/951/794/c26.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/hbodx0O.jpg
http://cfs11.blog.daum.net/image/1/blog/2008/10/02/00/42/48e39a553ffb9&filename=1001(43).jpg

Funk-N-Delicious series Bleuet by Oceanside Ale Works

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11041805_10102445816950190_2069116886595484632_nRating: 4.85/5

Funk-N-Delicious series Bleuet by Oceanside Ale Works is a 6% ABV Lambic/Belgian Sour Blonde aged in oak barrels with blueberries.

Label:
Barrel Aged Bueberry
Pajottenland style Blebet

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION:
Funk-n-Delicious Bleuet is a blonde ale, spontaneously fermented with wild airborne yeast. It is then transferred into Gwerztremainer barrels for a secondary fermentation, of which Brettanomyces is the majority. This “Brett” gives the beer its distinct “funky” characteristic. Once the “Velo de Flor”of yeast drops into suspension, it is transferred into Johannesburg Riesling barrels with fresh blueberries to age, until the desired balance of “funk” fruit and filigree is achieved. Enjoy!

==Introduction==

Mark Purciel, owner at Oceanside Ale Works graces his presence to the site with a new creation that will be hitting stores soon as part of his Funk-N-Delicious series. Previously on tap only, this bottle has only seen a few hands and today, thanks to Mark’s generosity, we present to you, the Bleuet, a blueberry sour lambic.

I have tried a variety of different blueberry beers, some more complex than others, some sweet and one time, a blueberry sour. Today, I get to try a blueberry sour lambic. It isn’t the same as a blueberry sour as lambics tend to have fruit flavors give a helping hand with an amount of sweetness making the drink more of a tart instead. With that being said, let’s take a look at we have here.

Aromas:
Very rich fragrances of blueberries, flowers like lavender, hibiscus, peppercorn, white grapes, tart raspberries, strawberry cheesecake, vanilla, oak, grapefruit, sugar cane, Belgian phenolic notes, banana hints, green apples, lemon peels and some stone fruit peaches.

Flavors:
Rich lemon peel, citrus, sour white grapes, concorde wine grapes, blueberry yogurt, strawberry cheese cake, tart fresh raspberries, black currants, vanilla, oak, sugar cane hints, farmhouse hay, bretty funk, tart green apples, stone fruit peaches, coriander spice, grapefruit, Belgian phenolic notes, banana and flowers like lavender and hibiscus.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with the sweet blueberries lingering, tart raspberry, vanilla, stone fruit and oak. No alcohol in the taste, easy to moderate drinkability, light clear golden body and a smooth, crisp and refrshing mouthfeel.

Overall:
Another great example of the lambic style. This one came out to be very good. Drinking this one cold engages the sour blond characteristics but as it warms up, the blueberries and rich fruit and flowers take over melding with the existing flavors showing that this is really just a tart drink and not a head on sour. It is light and drinkable with a lot of complexity going on. Something that can be drunk in several sittings as you definitely want to enjoy this. I highly recommend this one if you like mild sours with nice fruity flavors and especially if you love bluberries! This lambic has not come out yet but will see the public sometime soon. Keep an eye out at https://www.facebook.com/OAWBREW or https://www.facebook.com/dudewheresmyoawbeer to see the release date.

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid Luka Megurine was used in this pairing as I wanted to do something with blueberries. After looking at so many different pictures, they were not clicking with me. It wasn’t until I found this one and looked at it and said, this is the one. Luka presenting the blueberries represents the love that goes into making this lambic. By not being hidable, it goes to show that they made a lambic that truly is blueberries and you don’t need to find them as they are already there. This is not a typical sour, it is a fruit forward tart. Her colors represent the complexity of the lambic inviting the other fruity flavors like the strawberries, raspberries, the flowers and other awesome complexities.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/106614

No. 19 Barrel Aged Series Rufus Corvus by Avery brewing

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10433107_10102152760827010_5207325096843776489_nRating: 5.45/5

No. 19 Barrel Aged Series Rufus Corvus by Avery brewing is a 6.83% ABV World Class American Wild Ale with 65% aged in Cabernet Savignon barrels, 9% Ale aged in chardonnay barrels and 6% Zinfandel barrels.

Label:
The Sour Trinity
Pediococcus
Brettanomyces
Lactobasillicus

No. 19 An artful and massively acidic blend of two major projects and further enhanced with several orphan barrels from the corners of our barrel aging cellar. All Ale involved was barrel aged for a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 24 months.

Pucker up, buttercup!

Bottled: April 7 2014
Production: 858 Cases
___

Avery Barrel Aged series definitely sells out quick here in California to the point that sometimes I miss out on such great beers. Aaron from www.beermetaldude.com introduced me to this beer. A sour using the vast variety of souring bacteria used in sour beers but then taken to another level using a variety of oak wine barrels. This was truly an honor just like that of the 5 monks. I cannot wait to try this monster and see how it goes…. wish me luck!

Aromas:
Wine grapes, port wine, funky oak, earthy notes, vinegar notes, wine and cheese party, dark fruits like plum, raisins, currants, berry skins, caramel, vanilla, lemon peel, lime, salt, dark cherry, plum sauce, port wine, chardonay, raspberries, rye bread, brown sugar hints, pecan hints and hazelnut.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plum, wine grapes, salt, lemon, lime peel, dark cherries, plum sauce, Concorde grapes, vanilla, port wine, chardonay, wine grapes, caramel, rye bread, stone fruit peach, pear, apples, funky, earthy notes, good cheese and wine, raspberry vinaigrette, hazelnut, smoked wood, leather, tobacco, berry yogurt, raw berry seeds, mild cheesecake notes in the back, brown sugar, pecan pie dryness, and very mild flan.

Aftertaste:
Ridiculously dry leaving only some sour notes, caramel, dark fruit skins and earthy funk. No alcohol in the taste, a puckeringly mouth feel, sipping beer, pitch brown bordering the black and purple abyss of a body.

Overall:
Very Rich and complex sour. Possibly the ultimate complex and balanced sour. Only the truest sours can be appreciated by palates with an achieved open level of taste. This is sour but it is rich beyond comprehension. Sours are only a handful of my favorites but this takes it a certain level I have not experienced before. It is like the Cardinal Poles of tasting. You have your extreme Smokey, Extreme Sweet, Extreme Bitter and Extreme sour but at the same times, the poles blend and while one pole is the most dominant, in this case the Sour pole, the other sides are so balanced that that they make the sourness be very complex. I would highly recommend this one if you love sours, especially puckering and sweet complex ones.

Anime Corner:
Battleship-Symbiotic Hime and Wo-class from Kantai Collection were used in this pairing to represent the dark void of the sours and the creatures you typically don’t see. The 2 characters and the monster in the background represent the 3 bacteria: Lactobasiliccus,Pediococcus and Brettanomyces. The colors also represent some aspects of the dark fruit and complex flavors as well. While Doing this review, I could only think of Caius Ballad’s theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8vXYBEvSow) from Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns. As the characters stumble deeper and deeper into the chaos and mainly this character being the embodiment of Chaos, it is synonymous with exploring deeper and deeper into the sour world of super complex sour beers like this one presents.

Sources:
http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2013/12/02/182227/d837c3da88727616dae561894aed45ee.jpg

Fifty Niner by Odell Brewing

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10360769_10102152758426820_265313859018849441_nRating: 4.85/5

Fifty Niner by Odell Brewing is a 10% ABV Belgian Golden Ale brewed with Brettanomyces.

Label:
Brett or Bust! 1859 was the peak of the Colorado Gold Rush. Prospectors and dreamers, later dubbed 59ers, journeyed across the land with the hopes of striking it rich. In that spirit of adventure, Fifty Niner is a Golden Ale aged on oak staves and bottle conditioned with Brettanomyces, a yeast as wild as the new frontier. The lustrous golden brew shines with hints of lemon zest and pear accentuated by a rich vanilla and almond oak character and a subtle earthy spiced pineapple Brett finish.
___

Odell brewing is something we hardly get to see here in California, especially this beer. Thanks to Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com I was able to bring this to the website for a review. So far, all the beers I have had from Odell have been really good and guessing by the way this is made, I can only assume an awesome experience. So let us dig into this review and see what flavors we can unearth.

Aromas:
Honey, caramel, vanilla, pecans, almonds, oak, funky notes, tropical mango, pineapple, stone fruit apricots, peach cobbler, vanilla, floral notes, peppercorns, sage spice, wine grapes, brettanomyces funk, guava notes and sugar cane.

Flavors:
Peach cobbler, caramel, dark fruit dates, stone fruit apricot, plums, pineapple, mild funk, farmhouse hay, peppercorns, oak honey, vanilla, almonds, pecan pie, citrus, flowers, sugar cane, sage spice, tropical fruit like papaya, kiwi, earthy and musty notes, biscuit bread, rye bread, wine grapes, brettanomyces funk, and guava.

Aftertaste:
Leaving rich citrus, honey, peppercorn, funky notes and tropical sweetness. A small amount of booziness in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Light to medium body, sipping drinkability as well as mildly syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good and sweet brettanomyces ale and the fact that it is a Golden ale too clashes with the rich tropical goodness of what both have to offer. It is almost like a funky tropical old and exotic fruit dessert. Alot going on here that makes this one very delicious. I would definitely recommend this one if you like Belgian styles like Golden Ales and to some degree, Saisons or just both styles.

Anime Corner:
Nami from One Piece was used in this pairing to pair with the colors of the label but also the aspect of being in a cave digging up gold or at least finding gold. The main difference between the treasure seeking pirates and a Gold miner is the fact that you may or may not keep your findings. In this case, you can make this Golden liquid yours!

Sources:
http://cs.sankakucomplex.com/data/47/c4/47c448853afbbd261a1715fd43ee7b80.jpg?3771852

Golden Orchard by the Bruery

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10646638_10102061170699360_7126153443141740833_n 10411253_10102061171358040_795011783153060593_n 10418862_10102061172490770_7773483770548582506_nRating: 5/5

Golden Orchard by the Bruery is a 9.1% ABV Belgian Golden Ale brewed with brettanomyces.

Label:
NEWTON’S BREWTON

This Belgian-style golden ale was fermented with brettanomyces. The result delivers fresh, fruity tones like wandering through an open Orchard.

Golden Orchard was fermented with both our house yeast as well as a strain of brettanomyces. After months of bottle conditioning, the yeast lent a delightful flavors of fresh cut apples to the beer and inspired its name. Golden Orchard is best enjoyed fresh, but may evolve pleasantly over time if cellared properly.
___

Currently sold to the Reserve Society but maybe released to the public soon, or at least I hope as I cannot confirm. This beer was an addition to the September 2014 release of beers. I have never heard of this one in the making. It seems like some are just released at random times which they don’t mention. They once made a beer called White Orchard from what I remember but I never tried it. They also made a Black Orchard long ago. But those beers are long and gone. This one is probably a revival of the white orchard. Either way though, I will put it on review to see how good it goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich golden apples, red apples, peppercorn, biscuit bread, citrus, vanilla, honey, flowers, Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, guavas, dragon fruit, stone fruits like peaches, apricots, manzanita sol apple soda, apple pie, cinnamon, waffle cone, bananas, clove spice, brown sugar and fruity brett.

Flavors:
Rich gala golden apples, Honey, vanilla, Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, guavas, dragon fruit, stone fruits like peaches, apricots, pears, red apples, sour green apples, manzanita sol apple soda, peppercorns, fruity brettanomyces, caramel, biscuit bread, bananas, clove spice hints, flowers, apple pie, cinnamon hints, citrus, waffle cone and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Leaving the palate with a dry golden apple, biscuit, vanilla, stone fruit and tropical residue with a bit of tart bitterness. No alcohol in the taste, light to medium body, crisp, refreshing, easy to drink and smooth despite the ABV, light to medium body.

Overall:
Extremely exemplifying the style. The fact that this beer is very fruit forward of a Belgian almost to the point of like drinking an actual golden apple pie or apple soda, is damn good. Nothing watery at all either, the yeast and bready phenols makes it straight like an apple pie but not as much cinnamon. This is very good. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Nega Satsuki Kiryūin from the Kill La Kill OVA was used in this pairing to show the aspects of the Golden apple flavors as well as the red and green apples. Golden Orchard is basically her representative that pairs well with the colors of the label, the aspects of the beer flavor, aromas and ABV strength yet smoothness. While Nega Satsuki was no match for the original or her sister, just like certain flowers that only bloom at certain times, she was the epitome of awesome before her final withdraw into oblivion. Oh well, she did kinda look like a super saiyan!

Sources:
http://33.media.tumblr.com/9aacf1c28a959b37bb51df2710042c34/tumblr_nbmos9D9g31sqqtwzo1_1280.jpg
http://33.media.tumblr.com/d4d7660d609e97a742fed47e06f057b4/tumblr_nbfslhQbSw1qilx2mo2_500.jpg

Wild Streak by Brooklyn brewery

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10462657_10101879188772600_356812906587811258_nRating: 5.25/5

Wild Streak by Brooklyn brewery is a 10% ABV American Wild Ale aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
There was a time when all beers were aged in wood and yeasts ran wild and converted together. Modern brewing is wonderful, but sometimes a little converting is a fine thing. Brooklyn Wild Streak is our barrel-aged Belgian-inspired golden ale enlivened by the earthy funk of wild yeast called Brettanomyces. It’s particularly great with cheeses and game meats. Oh, go ahead. You know you want to.
___

Special thanks for Aaron at www.beermetaldude.comfor hooking me up with this one. While this is not from Texas, Brooklyn brewery stuff is hard to come by here in California. This is the second one I ever get a chance to try. I like a lot of wild ales but this one is with bourbon barrels. So I expect this one to be sweeter than sour.

Aromas:
Lots of stone fruit like peaches, apricot, lychee mango, citrus, vanilla, oak, bourbon, honey, waffle cone, musty grape notes, good cheese, biscuit bread, butterscoth, floral notes, peppercorns, white grapes, coriander spice, pears, apples, coconut hints, brettanomyces funk and candi sugar.

Flavors:
Old peaches, apricots, apples, plums, lychee, mango hints, citrus, vanilla, oak, bourbon, waffle cone, honey comb, coconut, brettanomyces, peppercorns, coconuts hints, apples, pears, coriander spice, white grapes, barnyard hay, good cheese hints, biscuit bread, butterscotch, floral notes, candi sugars, peach cobbler and hints of flan.

Aftertaste:
Peach cobbler, peppercorns, oak, citrus, musty white grapes and bourbon hints. No alcohol in the taste but a sipping beer. This one is quite refreshing despite the ABV.

Overall:
Very delicious and exceeding a little bit I must say. This one reminds me a lot of Curieux except tart fruit character as well as the stone fruit is more present than that souring aspect. A more closer to a Belgian Golden Ale than a sour. Of course, with the complexity of the bourbon barrels and brettanomyces and you really have a great beer. No sure why it is rated low in some instances but this one is off the chain!

Anime Corner:
Zone-Tan from the Zone Archive series was used in this pairing as I wanted to complement some of the colors of the label but also the fact that a wild streak is is something that has devious or violent tendencies. Despite her being nice and sweet, she holds in a lot of power and can be very unforgiving. The beer shows characteristics of being a sweet beer but it has some tart notes and just the bourbon character elevates it to some devious tendencies itself. Much like Zone-tan, Wild streak is a very delicious and sweet beer despite being a super utter sour.

Sources:
http://sarikyou.deviantart.com/art/Zone-Tan-Wallpaper-342124123

MischMishMish by The Bruery

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10291768_10101795749076420_970305752491464130_nRating: 5/5

MischMishMish by The Bruery is an 8.8% ABV Belgian Strong Golden Pale Ale brewed with Apricots.

Label:
MAKE NO MISHTAKE
Fermented with brettanomces and infused with sweet apricots, this ale offers flavors and colors as golden as a California summer.

After brewing one of our fruited sour ales, we found ourselves with a few too many leftover apricots in the fridge. Rather than starting a smoothie company, we decided to create this unique take on the popular Belgian-style golden ale. The addition of apricots strikes a lovely balance with our fruity house yeast, yielding a delightfully mishmishchieveous ale. Mischmishmish is best enjoyed fresh.
___

Want to talk about rarity and limited edition? How about limited quantity? So much that the only people that got this beer at 1 bottle per person limit were from the Hoarders and Reserve society between April and May 2014? How about that for exclusive? Well, it is a pain in the ass but I really wanted to do a review on this beer just because I wanted to see if it was truly worth a damn. Yes, even such a short ass supply of beers like these shouldn’t even phaze the masses as I am sure they have tried something like or extremely similar to this. Then again, we won’t find out until we try right? Well, I will do my best to break this one down and see what I can compare it to. This beer is a mix of Filmishmish and Mischief from the Bruery with lots of apricots. While I wish I could share this with many enthusiast around the world, just like Spiderman in Family guys once said and the fact of what life is, “Everyone only gets One!” and in this case, the members 😦 .

Aromas:
Pureed Apricot Central, biscuit bread, caramel, vanilla, peaches, stone fruit, lychee, peppercorns, farmhouse yeast, brettanomyces, honey, peppercorns, oak, citrus, lemon, peach preserves, plum cherry, mild wine funky hints, sugar cone, mild grape hints and waffle cone.

Flavors:
Lots of very rich sweet and Tart apricots, peaches, biscuit bread, vanilla, honey caramel, lemon, citrus, peppercorns, vanilla, oak, plum, cherry, farmhouse yeast, wine grape hints, wet hay, peppercorns, hints of mushroom, peach and apricot preserves on rye, waffle cone, bananas, stone fruits, lychees, guava notes, clove spice and bananas.

Aftertaste:
A bit Apricot, biscuit bread, and caramel with a very dry finish. No alcohol in the taste. A moderate sipping beer yet crisp and refreshing with a medium mouth feel.

Overall:
While the beer is powerful with the apricot notes and well is very delicious, I do think that many can find something similar. This beer is no longer a sour and is more of a fruit beer than anything. A bready apricot fruit beer. Truly one for the summer if by some miracle you can get this beer. I can honestly say though, there are still some greater apricot tasting beers out there that you can find for sure.

Anime Corner:
Sakura Igawa from Taimanin Asagi is the younger sister of Asagi Igawa whos is an anti demon kunoichi. She was chosen for this rare beer as since her colors fit perfectly for with the label and the flavors. This is kind of her first appearance but generally her first solo appearance so it was perfect in that aspect. Mischief tends to be a Belgian Golden Ale which is usually related to demons as you can tell from the tail in the label. She is a ninja that fights demons so it makes sense. Basically, if we look at flavors, she is the sweet apricots that quenches the demons in the Filmishmish so removing all the sour notes leaving more sweet and tart notes instead. Good stuff for a super rare beer. Like a 1 in 100 random encounter…..

The Remix Project Babylonian Style Ale collaboration between Stillwater Artisanal and Omnipollo

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10178113_10101781314717990_8186096366954031421_n 10001324_10101781313809810_8724957686727551839_nRating: 4.5/5

The Remix Project Babylonian Style Ale collaboration between Stillwater Artisanal and Omnipollo is a 6% ABV Farmhouse/ Saison.

Label:
Inspired by the artistry and assertiveness of Omnipollo’s Nebuchadnezzar, I decided on a demure approach. Expressing the lovely hop profile of the original & tying it together with farmhouse yeast and Brettanomyces for a fruity, funky fiesta ;7
___

Nebuchadnezzar is already Omnipollo’s double IPA but when introduced to these new things such as brettanomyces & farmhouse yeast, well, looks like some evil stuff a la Belgian Pale Ale starts to happen. Not sure how the ABV was lowered if it was a DIPA but oh well. I got this bottle at the wineandcheesplace.com for those that would like to get this one. Usually where I get my evil and yet elusive Stillwater beers.

Aromas:
Rich herbal hops, peppercorns, barnyard hay, honey, basil, mint, yerba buena, biscuit bread, lavender, hibiscus flowers, citrus, lemon, buttery popcorn, mango, garlic, coriander, old papaya, peach, apricot and grape.

Flavors:
Lots of herbs, yerba buena, garlic, peppercorns, grassy and grapefruit hops, biscuit bread, funky brettanomyces, musty grapes, biscuit bread, honey, mild caramel, peaches, apricots, papaya, buttery notes, citrus, lemon, hibiscus, oranges, pinapple, barnyard funk, hay, coriander spice and vanilla.

Aftertaste:
Herbal, citrus and dank garlic notes with honey in the finish. No alcohol in the taste yet a moderate to sipping beer. Despite the 6%, it has a medium mouth feel but still very crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
A very good DIPA/ Saison/ Belgian Pale Ale that is really very herbal. If you like really dank hopped and herbal IPAs and also love saisons, this may be a dream come true. For me, while I really enjoyed the variety that this delicious beer had to offer, Eschatological is my go to from Stillwater in terms of Strong BPAs since I like more citrus, tropical and orangey like characters. Nevertheless, this is an awesome beer and worth a try for sure.

Anime Corner:
Original Demon Girl and Aldra from Queen’s Blade were used in this pairing to signify the essence of the aggressive evil brettanomyces that indulge the very essence of the hops. The reason why Belgian Pale Ales are made, they are beers tainted either by hops or in this case, by brettanomyces since it is a DIPA being attacked. I wanted to find a pairing that fits the label and well something that Stillwater wanted to showcase with what happens when you add brettanomyces and farmhouse yeast to a Double IPA, Liquid Chaos!

Saison De Lente by the Bruery

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1960084_10101705271095020_900169924_nRating: 4.25/5

Saison De Lente by the Bruery is a 6.5% ABV Farmhouse Ale/Saison.

Label:
SPRING TIDINGS

Golden in color with a fresh hoppiness and a wild and rustic Brettanomyces character, this saison of Spring is perfect for warmer weather and Easter celebration.

Our Spring Saison will evolve over time; clean and hoppy when fresh and drier, with earthy, wild notes when aged up to two years. 
___

So of the many Bruery beers that I have tried, this seasonal is one that I have yet to try. I wanted to get this one going before I miss the season. It is sold everywhere they sell the Bruery stuff and it is easy to find. So without further ado, on the review.

Aromas:
Peach notes, oranges, flowers, apricots, banana hints, peppercorns, clove spice, coriander, wet hay, farm house funk, lemon zest, biscuit bread, earthy hop notes, wheat bread and honey.

Flavors:
Peppercorns, flowers, citrus, mild mango, peach, bananas, lemon zest, clove spice, coriander, wet hay, earthy hops, honey, biscuit bread, wheat, mild caramel and vanilla.

Aftertaste:
Citrus peppercorn, wheat bread, lemon zest, bitter flowers and earhy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, easy to moderate drinkability, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
Very good Saison but not typically the best I have ever had. A very good example of the style with some very nice flavors. For me personally, since I have had other saisons like the Stillwater ones who primarily focus on saison, this like a nice gateway to the saison style.

Anime Corner:
Remelia Scarlet from Touhou project was used in this pairing because I wanted to show something that compliment’s this beer’s aspect of spring. The birth of the birds coming to life in the spring ready to take on the the work and being released from the eggs show case this instance. Some of the colors from Remelia also pair the beer label well too. Can you see any other cool things about this beer that works well?

Tumescence collaboration by The Bruery and Bottlelogic brewing

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IMAG5969 IMAG5968Rating: 4.4/5

Tumescence collaboration by The Bruery and Bottlelogic brewing is an 8% ABV Saison/Farmhouse Ale brewed with Mangoes, Raspberries, Herbs and spices.

Label:
RAGING HAPPINESS

This saison was brewed with brettanomyces, mangoes & raspberries and a selection of herbs and spices for extra enjoyment.

The OC beer community is growing quickly and luckily it is filled with amazing people. We had a lot of fun brewing this experimental ale with our old friends who are now our new neighbors. Best enjoyed fresh, but may pleasantly evolve over time if cellared properly
___

The first collaboration of the year for The Bruery and maybe for Bottle Logic. This was a february release for the Reserve society but will also be released for the preserve society and possible to the markets soon next month. A saison is a delicious style of beer brewed in the French speaking parts of Belgium, or so I heard. They are very prominent by many breweries and even my favorites are from Stillwater Artisanal. So, for the brewery to make one with mango, this I had to see.

Aromas:
Mango, peppercorns, hibiscus, raspberries, grapefruit and herbal hops, citrus, coriander spice, strawberry, cilantro, lemons, biscuit bread, brettanomyces funk, stone fruits like apricots and peaches and apples.

Flavors:
Lots of flowers, spices, mango, grapefruit hops, tart raspberries, peppercorns, stone fruit apricots, peaches, sour apple, sage, grapes, funky brett, biscuit bread, farmhouse hay, lemongrass, cilantro herbs, pineapple, strawberry, chamomile and hibiscus.

Aftertaste:
Citrus, herbs, spices, mild mango, tart raspberry, herbal and grassy hops. There is no alcohol in the taste. This is moderate drinking beer.

Overall:
If you love saisons, you may love this very delicious beer. At some points, the herbs were pretty sharp but I think that was the point when they needed to balance out the sweeter tropical notes of the beer. In this sense, it is not as sweet as other saisons but the bitter flowers, spices, herbs and some sweetness of the tropical fruits do come together nicely. 

Anime Corner:
Ignis from Jingai Makyō was chosen to for the pairing of Tumescence for the label, beer colors and flavors. Tumescence is actually the word for inflammation of something. In this case, Ignis representing the raspberries and Mango fights off the demons of the living Brettanomyces to maintain a place in the beer so that it does not sour out and shows the tropics a bit more. The surrounding red of her hair and the red of the background really shows the raspberry and mango aspects of the beer. Can you see any other art of this luminescent beer that pairs with the artwork?

Saint’s Devotion by The Lost Abbey

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526927_10101095686682070_1742354079_nRating: 4.75/5

Saint’s Devotion by The Lost Abbey is a 6.66%ABV Belgian Pale Wild Ale brewed with Brettanomyces.

Label: 
It’s an unassuming road leading to the priory. Here, off the corner of two intersecting roads, dedicated monks have been making beer for over 150 years. It’s always been a simple life — the kind that requires they brew only enough to sustain the activities of their monastery. In the silence of passing seasons, they pray, they brew and retire in solitary existence behind the sheltering walls. They live a most interesting life. Most likely one we couldn’t sustain.
Nearby, each summer, the trellised fields spring to life as rows of resinous green cones are trained toward the heavens. Rumor is some monks love these hops and being surrounded by budding yellow aromas and the leafy pungent fields inspired them. Since we aren’t sensible enough to locate our brewery near hop fields, we can only offer this blond ale in celebration of our Abbey brethren and their steadfast Devotion.
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The last time this beer was released years ago. Way before I got into beer tasting or any thing related to craft beers. This year it was released in small batches. For those that never tried this one. I’ll admit, I have yet to try the regular Devotion, which I will be getting soon. So being a big fan of The Lost Abbey beers is no excuse. The aromas are very sweet. Cane sugar, flowers, vanilla, pilloncillo sugar cone, caramel, flowers, peaches, apples, honey, biscuit bread, orange marmalade, slight mango and herbs. The flavors are a bit different. Some vanilla, sugar cane, caramel, and honey, peaches, citrus and mango are still there. Although since this is a Pale and Wild ale, there is some hoppy, grassy, and rich grapefruit bitterness and some funky grape wine sourness as well. Nothing too detracting from the ale but balances out the sweetness. Some other flavors like peppercorns, prickly pear, papaya and banana notes. As you let the beer sit, some more grapefruit sweet, sour and bitter flavors come out. This was quite good and got way better as I let it sit. So now there is no reason to not try the regular. Although the regular may not taste like this awesome one, I am sure it will still be Holy…

Ron And The Beast Ryan collaboration by Evil Twin Brewing and Jolly Pumpkin

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262982_10100969380445780_390181023_nRating: 4.75/5

Ron And The Beast Ryan collaboration by Evil Twin Brewing and Jolly Pumpkin is a 7% ABV Saison/ Farmhouse Ale brewed with honey 

Label:
n Denmark we have a lovely tradition for funky beer, and what you have here is certainly no exception. This is a never before seen collaboration between Ron and the Beast Ryan. A fluffy and precious Saison-style ale brewed with a beautiful yeast called Brettanomyces. It may sound like a true fairytale, but don’t be fooled by it’s cute appearance.
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Quite floral saison here. Aromas of honey, botanicals, bread, flowers, orange citrus, herbs, barnyard hay and spices. The flavors are kind of funky like a Belgian Ale, but it is a saison. Flavors of honey, biscuit bread, wine grapes, a touch of lemon, grapefruit, apples, peaches, wild yeast bread, wheat, coriander, herbs, rose petals and hibiscus. The after taste is floral sweet with some hoppy bitterness but not a lot. This Saison is worth trying although other saisons that may come close are like the Stillwater Stateside or the Anchorage Love Buzz. Still an awesome beer to try 🙂

 
 
 

Bitter Monk by Anchorage Brewing

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549533_10100936371396180_197145515_nRating: 5/5

Bitter Monk by Anchorage Brewing is a 9%ABV, 100IBU’s, Belgian Double India Pale Ale Brewed with Brettanomyces and aged in French oak Chardonnay Barrels. Yes, this is fancy as hell. Considered to be the best Belgian Pale Ale in the world by BeerAdv and RateBeer. Well let’s see what all the fuss is about.

Label: Ale brewed with Apollo and Citra hops. Dry hopped in the barrel with Citra hops. Triple Fermented – First in French oak loudres with a Belgian yeast, second in French oak Chardonnay barrels with brett, and finally in the bottle with a third yeast for natural carbonation.

“Deep within the tortured aberrations of a monk’s mind there lay a concept of a Holy Grail of beer — a beer oft imagined but never tasted, strived for but never achieved. It’s Belgian heritage manifested in its yeasty complexity, softened and rounded in its cooperage Francais and made to sparkle like the stars first seen by his distant predecessor, Dom Perignon.

Bitter Monk Belgian Double IPA is such a beer. Redolent of citrusy hop bittering and massive malt infusion, this is a beer to ponder, to sip, and, even for a monk, to dream. Why then is the monk so bitter? What provokes that sly smile? What is he wearing under that flowing robe? A triple-fermented beer gives three times the mystery. Remember, anything worth doing is worth over doing. Nothing exceeds like excess. Even for the cloistered. And what rough monk, his hour come round last, slinks slowly toward Brussels to be reborn.”
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First of all, you have Emperor Palpatine on the label….LMAO!!…Only thing I can find to pair this with is Stocking’s Darkside (From Panty and Stocking Anime, Angel turned Demon) to reflect the sinfulness of the monk/Sith Lord over here. 

Immediately from the fragrance, no holds bar. This was the Stillwater As Follows take to another unholy level. Even that beers is scary as hell :S (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/as-follows-eschatological-ale-by-stillwater-artisanal/) There are fragrances of hops, citrus, banana, musty hay, like a Saison a la Stillwater, flowers, hibiscus, roses and pine. The flavor is much more wilder than “As follows”. Much, much more, wilder. Lime, lemon meringue pie, herbs, spices, grapes, wine, chardonnay, some tart and Jolly pumpkin funk but not to make this a sour ale at all, hints of peach, apple, mango pineapple and other tropical fruit but it is only hints because they do not overwhelm like the regular DIPAs go. Grassy, pine and grapefruit bitterness are hinted but covered up by the Belgian yeast. Flowers like Roses, Hibiscus and honey as in the flavor of Love Buzz (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/love-buzz-saison-ale-by-anchrage/). I would assume if you take Stillwater’s of Love and Regret and mixed it in with As Follows and aged it you would have this. This is truly another level of Belgian IPA. This is crazy evil beer. Goes to prove a beer doesn’t have to be dark (appearance) to prove that it is evil. Saison, BPA and wild ale lovers will like this one.