2017 Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS) by Founders [End Of 2017 Review]

December 31, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Canadian Breakfast Stout, Canadian Stout, CBS, Chocolate, coffee, Disgaea, Etna, Founders, Founders Breakfast Stout, Founders Brewing, Maple Syrup, Maple Syrup Barrels, World class, world class beers, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7* Final 2017 Review

2017 Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS) by Founders is an 11.7% ABV World Class Canadian Imperial Stout brewed with chocolate, coffee and aged in Maple Syrup Bourbon Barrels.

Description

Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS) is the epitome of why we launched the Backstage Series: to bring some of our most sought-after beers, which have been available primarily at the taproom or at a few select events, to a much larger audience.

Canadian Breakfast Stout is an Imperial Stout brewed with a blend of coffees and imported chocolates, then aged in spent bourbon barrels that have most recently been aging pure Michigan maple syrup.

==Introduction==
It has been a long time since I have done a proper review as I have been busy with other life tasks. Nevertheless, while I still posts beer reviews here on the site even if small. The lack of tl;dr has really been due to my other projects. Even so, I wanted to finish the year with a proper review of a beer that many have been considering a whale of a whale. A whale so rare, it is definitely still in the top 20 (13^th as of 12/31/2017). The Founders CBS has been a beer that goes way back before I even started trying all sorts of craft beers. A beer that had not been brewed for years until recently. With the return of that beer, it was actually available in a bigger quantity this time around so many could try this rarity of whales. So much so, that I made it the beer I finish the year with. A tradition I typically have been doing for a long time. So even while I do still post my reviews even in short, there will still be times I get a little more involved for the sake of the audience that still loves my wordy reviews. So that that said, cheers to a new year of beers! Happy 2018 and many more years to come!!

Aromas:

Maple syrup for days, rich complex chocolates, dark fruits, bourbon, molasses, mint chocolate chip, anise, tobacco, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toasted coconut,mocha, doughnuts, mocha, tiramsu, chocolate cake, fruit cake, flan, sweetened condensed milk, esspresso, oak, and slight bacony.

Flavors:

Punch in the face super chocolates, dark, milk, bakers, milk shake, German, Mexican Hot, Belgian, Mousse, tootsie roll, dark fruit cordials, raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, marrionberries, cranberries, Khalua Liqueur, mocha, mild bacon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, Danish, Irish cream, roasted coffee, jamoca ice cream, marzipan, rocky road ice cream, almond joys, marshmallows, chocolate smores, toasted coconut, maple syrup, pancakes, waffle cone, tiramasu, capirotada raisin bread pudding, figgy pudding, dulce de leche, borrachitos Mexican candy, Rum, oak, bourbon, molasses, tobacco, leather, cream filled doughnuts, sweetened condensed milk, flan, crème brulee, triple chocolate cake, chocolate trufles, toffee and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:

Aftertaste is maple and chocolate for days, mocha, Tiramasu, waffle cones, oak, bourbon, Marshmallow, variety chocolate box, leather, tobacco, borrachitos candy, dark fruits, rich dulce de leche, mint, rich mocha for days and rocky road ice cream. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black abyss full body, smooth, creamy, syrupy, chewy and velvety and sludgy mouthfeel. Sipping drinkability for sure. This is a huge whale!

Overall:

Wow!!!!! This beer means business. No joke, no down play, this beer is truly on the level of greats as Dark Lord, Black Tuesday, that recent MXYZPTLK beer I had from bottle logic and so many other great stouts. Heck, while I did make a homebrew similar to this, this one is on its own level. While I loved so many of the maple syrup stouts I have had before, this one takes leaps and leaps and just keeps going. Definitely the right beer to end the year with and if you can find or trade for it, make sure you get it. A true bucket lister!

Anime Corner:

Etna from the Disgaea series was used in his pairing since the days of the Midnight Brunch Arrogant Bastard, a Maple and Coffee bourbon barrel Strong Ale. That beer had left such an impact that I wanted to bring her for this one. Her colors compliment the red of Canada as it comes in the form of the flag, the mounties and the very maple syrup itself. Sweet, Dark, and intriguing is what makes all the qualities fit with this rarity of a whale.

Raspberry Truffle Abduction by Pipeworks Brewing Company

December 28, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Aliens, American Imperial Stout, Chocolate, fbi, Pipeworks Brewing, Raspberries, Raspberry, Raspberry Truffle Abduction, strawberry smiggles, Yoko, Yoko Littner, Yoko Ritona | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Raspberry Truffle Abduction by Pipeworks Brewing Company is a 10.5% ABV American Imperial Stout brewed with Raspberries.

The story goes, the Aliens want those Raspberry/Strawberry Smiggles and they want them back. This beer is essentially Chocolate covered raspberries and more!!

Neapolitian Dynamite collaboration by Stone Brewing, Abnormal Beer Co, Paul Bisckeri and Patrick Martinez

September 1, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Abnormal Beer Co, American Imperial Stout, Chocolate, coffee, Napoleon Dynamite, Neapolitan Dynamite, Neopolitan, Patrick Martinez, Paul Bisckeri, Rwby, Stone Brewing, Strawberries, vanilla, Vote For Pedro | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Neapolitian Dynamite collaboration by Stone Brewing, Abnormal Beer Co, Paul Bisckeri and Patrick Martinez is an 8.5% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberries and Coffee.

Label:

==Introduction==

Quite possibly, the next Xocoveza, or so I have heard, this beer was totally unespected. The last time I had a Neapolitan beer, aside from the Lost Abbey collab Stone did which was really close to Neapolitan ice cream, is the Neapolitan Bourbon Barrel Milk Stout from Saugatuck brewing. Granted that beer was so damn amazing, I wouldn’t think I would see another Neapolitan beer for a while. Man was I wrong. So much so that when I saw they were having it release soon, I had to take a 2 hour mission on the bus to Pasadena to get this beer and bring it to the site ASAP! Yes, it is the 1^st of September 2017 and I’ll be one of the first reviewers of the beer before it hits the public. So aside from the enticing label and the fact that this is supposed to mimic Neapolitan Ice cream, let’s have a deeper look, cheers!

Aromas:

Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers chocolate, chocolate Abuelita Mexican chcoolate, vanilla, chocolate doughnut glaze, strawberries and cream, roasted coffee, Irish cream coffee, strawberry and chocolate milk shake, fruit cake, dark fruits, roasted barley and spicy earthy notes.

Flavors:

Neapolitan Ice cream galore! Dark semi sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raspberries, currants, raisins, cherries, strawberries, chocolate dipped strawberries, triple chocolate cake, chocolate, fancy coffee, roasted coffee notes, roasted barley, Danish cream, Irish cream, steamed milk, honey, maple syrup, toasted coconut hints, malted strawberry chocolate milk shake, chocolate glazed strawberry cream filled doughnuts, spiced coffee, clove spice, bananas, anise, dark fruits, hazelnut nectar, flan, three milks/3 leches cake, cookie dough ice cream and cotton candy.

Aftertaste:

Finishes with Doughnut notes, strawberry chocolate cordials, vanilla cream, Mexican chocolate, earthy hop hints, banana notes, fancy coffee, cotton candy, fruit cake and dark fruits. No alcohol in the taste. Pitch black dark body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:

Damn decadent and exceptional. It is not a sugary caramel bomb but damn, that balance of dark chocolate with the roasty coffee flavors is closely tying even some Doughnut flavors into the already blissful Neapolitan Ice cream flavors this thing gives. Holy jeebuzz, this is too damn amazing. So much so that one could possibly drink the whole bottle in one sitting. Oops! But that’s what happens with liquid ice cream/pastry beers like these. Make sure you get several, I highly recommend this one!

Anime Corner:

Neopolitan from RWBY makes a return to the Stone side mainly since she is the only character that is literally, the embodiment of Neapolitan Ice Cream, hence, her nick name of Ice Cream Girl. There really isn’t much to explain why she fits this beer so well. About the Dynamite thought, this girl has huge sass for being the silent type, she really can make things go BANG!!!

2017 Beer Camp Across the World Raspberry Sundae Ale collaboration with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and The Bruery

August 11, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged banana split, cacao nibs, Chocolate, Gurren Lagan, Lactose, Milk Sugar, Raspberries, Raspberry Sundae, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagan, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, The Bruery, vanilla beans, Yoko, Yoko Littner, Yoko Ritona | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2017 Beer Camp Across the World Raspberry Sundae Ale collaboration with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and The Bruery is an 8%ABV Golden Ale brewed with raspberries, cocoa nibs, vanilla beans and lactose.

Description:
Together we’re brewing a riff on the flavors of the classic raspberry ice cream sundae. This beer features raspberry, cocoa and vanilla, in addition to lactose (an unfermentable sugar) that adds a richness and a sweetness, helping to blend and meld the flavors of this ultra-complex beer together. It’s been a true pleasure to work with artists at The Bruery using ingredients and techniques outside of our normal wheelhouse.

Like the Hoarders Cuvee 2016 but light. Major raspberry cream, banana notes and white chocolate. Why is this only made once?!?! Make More!! Needless to say, there needs to be more of this for sure. Great awesome Red Velvet cream beer with Banana and chocolate making it a lot like a banana split.

Peanut Butter Latte from Belching Beaver

June 18, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Belching Beaver, Chocolate, coffee, Golden Stout, Naruto, peanut butter, Peanut Butter Latte, Temari Sabakuno | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Peanut Butter Latte from Belching Beaver is a 5% ABV Golden Stout brewed with Coffee, Chocolate and Peanut butter.

Label:
People love our Peanut Butter Milk Stout, and this time we put a fun twist on our classic. Thomas brewed up a milk stout that is golden in color, a real sensory trip, and loaded it with coffee and chocolate.

Then we kicked it up a notch by peanut-butterizing (is that a word?) the beer for a real treat for Winter months. Tom said, “A Peanut Butter Latte, that sounds great!” Perfect to sip on chilled nights and early mornings. We hope you enjoy this new adventure in brewing as much as we do.

==Introduction==

A White Stout?! And a Peanut butter one at that! The style is a pretty rare with the use of coffee, pale malts, and lactose gives the style some of the flavors of actual stouts but the appearance is golden like other beers. It is kind of a trick of the senses. Many of the golden stouts I have had before have been that, tastes like a stout, looks like a pale or golden beer. This one however, is the first one I have ever seen that uses other ingredients like peanut butter. While I cannot include the Red Velvet Stout from Ballast Point as a contender for Golden Stout as it is the same style but with red instead of gold, this is only for a beer that is golden in appearance. In fact, the style is awesome that I once took a shot in the dark and made a Golden Belgian Stout myself which turned out to be awesome. Anyways, the fact that this is the first of its kind it is definitely an intriguing one. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich peanut butter mocha, coffee, Danish cream, milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, toffee, tiramisu, Cadburry Cream eggs, Frappuccino, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, flan, sweetened condensed milk, nutter butter cookies, cookie dough ice cream, mazapan, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, butterscotch, whipped cream and dark fruits.

Flavors:
Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies, Reese’s Pieces, vanilla, caramel, rye bread, biscuit bread, sweetened condensed milk, flan, marshmallows, chocolate marshmallow smores, white chocolate, whipped cream, Irish cream, Danish cream, Milk Chocolate shake, Milk chocolate, Bakers chocolate, cherries, strawberries, butterscotch, almond milk, cashew milk, steamed milk, almond joy, marzipan, peanut brittle, nutter butter cookies, cookie dough ice cream, mazapan, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, mocha, Cadbury cream egg notes, maple syrup, hazelnut nectar, nutella, rocky road ice cream, frappuccino, stone fruit hints and captain crunch peanut butter cereal.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of sweet flavors of chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, marshmallow, peanut brittle, mazapan, caramel, Irish cream, mocha, white chocolate, and cookie dough ice cream. No alcohol in the taste, gold and clear body, smooth, creamy, velvety and refreshing mouthfeel along with an extremely easy drinkability.

Overall:
Ridiculously pastry of a beer! Peanut Butter Tiramasu essentially. I am not sure what it is about the coffee or the fact that it is a different style but still a milk stout, it takes what I loved about the original Peanut Butter Milk stout and amps it up to a higher level. Many people that love the Peanut Butter milk stout will definitely find this one to be a step above. Lots of dessert and nutty flavors and a lot of complexity. I highly recommend it and this one is a bucket lister in my book.

Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from the Naruto Series was used in this pairing since I would typically use one of my favorite characters to pair with a special beer that seems worthy. For this one, the blonde color of the stout for being a stout but a golden stout, pairs with Temari’s blonde hair. While Ninjas are quick and deadly, this beer is so sweet and smooth, you won’t notice anything until you finish the bottle in one sitting. Also, since ninjas are great at stealth, for this looking like a regular beer but tasting like a stout is a mind blow!

Sources:
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-blazing/images/8/80/Portrait-0289.png/revision/latest?cb=20170211021007
https://i.pximg.net/img-original/img/2016/03/09/19/56/15/55714339_p0.jpg
http://aikawaiichan.deviantart.com/art/Temari-Card-04-664655975
http://salojazz.deviantart.com/art/Temari-naruto-shippuden-664122563
https://i.pximg.net/img-original/img/2014/01/23/15/20/27/41129113_p0.jpg

That Orange Wrapper by Four Sons Brewing

June 10, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, Chocolate Stout, Four Sons Brewing, Kill-LA-Kill, peanut butter, Peanut butter Chocolate stout, Ryuko Matoi, That Orange Wrapper | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

That Orange Wrapper by Four Sons Brewing is an 8.6 % ABV Imperial Stout brewed with peanuts and chocolate.

Label:
Brewed with peanuts and chocolate, producing a luxurious mouthfeel followed by a decadent finish.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at Mr. K’s Liquor in front of the Bruery. I have never heard of this one but seeing as it was a peanut butter beer, I had to bring it to the site. Peanut Butter beers are something of a guilty pleasure for me and the more I find them, the more I want to bring them to the site to compare to other peanut butter brews. 4 sons has been a definite hit for me especially after the many I have tried from them like the Coco, their Anniversary brew and the Up on the Roof. That is why when I saw this one I had to bring it to the site. I definitely wanted to see how good their peanut butter beer was. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Chocolatey Peanut butter, roasted peanuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, Reeces Peanut butter cups, Peanut brittle, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, earthy hop notes, captain crunch peanut butter cereal, Cocoa Krispies, chocolate cake, rocky road ice cream, molasses, dark fruit currants, cherries, prunes, raisins, brownie batter, roasted coffee, mocha, espresso, vanilla, caramel and cookie dough.

Flavors:
Rich Reeces Pieces and Reeces Peanut butter cups, Peanut brittle, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, earthy hop notes, captain crunch peanut butter cereal, Cocoa Krispies, dark fruit currants, cherries, prunes, raisins, rye bread, molasses, anise, tobacco notes, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, chocolate mousse, fudge and peanut butter cake, brownie batter, roasted coffee, mocha, espresso, vanilla, caramel, roasted peanuts, rocky road, cookie dough and peanut butter ice cream, flan, toasted coconut hints, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, cashew hints, nutter butter cookies, peanut butter cheesecake and double chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with unsweetened peanut butter flavor and roasted and earthy peanuts, lots of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, dark fruit, vanilla, caramel and cookie dough ice cream. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, smooth, creamy, chewy and velvety mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Damn succulent! The peanut butter chocolate in the finish truly lasts for days. While I still love many of the other peanut butter beers I have had in the past, this one is damn insane. Like if they actually melted Reese’s peanut butter cups into the beer. It is insane! It is not a diabeetus cloying sweet beer but actually an earthy and roasty, real peanut butter taste. They really hit the nail on the head with this one and I highly recommend it!

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill was used in this pairing mainly for the colors of the beer. I know she is mainly Red and Black but under the certain lighting, she can have some orange to her. That and I loved this beer so much, I brought one of my favorite anime girls to the site again. In a way, Senketsu (The sentient living clothing she wears) is almost like the wrapper holding the sweetness together.

Sources:
http://img00.deviantart.net/b3d5/i/2013/327/d/c/kill_la_kill_hq_render_ryuuko_transformed_fanart_by_oneexisting-d6vbeuj.png
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/816/877/fb4.jpg
http://static.acgdb.com/i/6f233a5bd2c651d3d4ca9ea64bb0590c89b167b5/wma1920/acgdb.com-6f233a5bd2c651d3d4ca9ea64bb0590c89b167b5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qRXrWtP.jpg

Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter by Stone brewing

June 2, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chocolate, Imperial Porter, Krystal Fox, Lactose, milk Chocolate, Milk Porter, Red Wine Barrels, Reposado Tequila Barrels, Star Fox, Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter by Stone brewing is a 9.6% ABV Imperial Sweet/Milk Porter brewed with lactose and chocolate aged in Bourbon, Reposado Tequila and Red Wine Barrels.

Description:
Tasting Notes: Malty nose, with lots of chocolate and red wine barrel coming through strong on the aroma. First sip is big red wine barrel again, along with soft malt sweetness, milk chocolate, and tons of vanilla from the bourbon barrel. The tequila barrel comes through mid-palate and on the aftertaste, along with flavors reminiscent of a chocolate covered tart cherry. This is a full bodied, flavorful dessert beer, great for beer lovers who also love chocolate and red wine together!

==Introduction==

Sold only on draft/crowler at this time from the brewery or Stone Stores. I obtained this one when I went to pick up the Stone and Lost Abbey collaboration they did in Berlin from the Stone Pasadena store. While I found this interesting by name, it wasn’t until I found out more about it and tried it that I was sold to get a whole crowler and bring information on what this beer is all about. The fact that it is a triple barrel aged milk porter was definitely something I wanted for sure. The best part sometimes is that Stone doesn’t limit what they have to offer (Not Including the Quingenti Series) when it comes to one offs that are on tap and are typically an awesome treasure that may not hit the public. Few are so lucky but for those I do find, I will try to bring them to the site. Now, let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cranberries, pomegranates, dark cherries, tobacco, leather, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, Port wine, oak, bourbon, vanilla, toasted coconut, Marshmallow smore, Tequila, Agave, Mezcal, Vampiro, Sangria, piloncillo sugar cone, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, burnt chocolate, coffee, mocha and Kahlua coffee liqueur.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, burnt chocolate, coffee, mocha, Kahlua coffee liqueur, sour funk, wine grapes, toasted coconut, Marshmallow smores, smokey oak, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche chocolate, toffee, BBQ notes, Tequila, Agave, Mezcal, Vampiro, Sangria, piloncillo sugar cone, Port wine, Dark fruit raisins, prunes, cranberries, pomegranates, dark cherries, licorice, anise, molasses, banana, clove spice, burnt sugar, rock candy, tobacco, leather, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar and flan notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of oak, smokey and funky, rich earthy chocolate, bourbon, tequila, caramel, dark fruits, wine and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Super complex and supremely exceptional beer showcasing notes from all the different barrels that I love beer aged with. The wine oak barrel provides it an overall tartness but works so damn well with the other complex flavors and barrels. It is a mix of sweet and tart with mild smoke and oaky goodness. I hope they release this to the public but for now, I highly recommend this one if you can get it on tap at Stone or one of their Stone Stores.

Anime Corner:
Krystal Fox from Star Fox was used in this pairing mainly for the colors or dark fruits and the dark smoothness. There really wasn’t too much else other that I really wanted to pair such an awesome rare beer with my favorite Star Fox vixen. Like the Sangrileche beer I made in the past, this beer is as dark as space!

Sources:
http://cs8.pikabu.ru/post_img/big/2017/01/21/11/1485027491260964489.png
http://orig09.deviantart.net/a072/f/2015/246/a/3/krystal_pinup_by_sallyhot-d9873qx.jpg
https://img.fireden.net/v/image/1445/66/1445667801724.png
http://68.media.tumblr.com/3ac1ef6ef81e753e1fb77afaf10fe9dd/tumblr_olvxv6EotA1s2m89po2_1280.jpg

Stone Enjoy By 02.14.17 Chocolate & Coffee IPA by Stone Brewing

February 7, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate, coffee, Double India Pale Ale, Double IPA, Enjoy by, Enjoy by series, Erza Scarlet, Fairy Tail, I Heart Chocolate, I Heart Coffee, I Heart Hops, india pale ale, IPA, Stone Brewing, Stone Enjoy By 02.14.17 | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

Stone Enjoy By 02.14.17 Chocolate & Coffee IPA by Stone Brewing is a 9.4% ABV Double India Pale Ale brewed with Chocolate and Coffee.

Label:
Brewed to Enjoyed Within 37 days

It’s not unusual to see pronouncements of “I Heart Hops,” “I Heart Chocolate” or “I Heart Coffee” throughout #socialmedia, printed on T-shirts and, natch, emblazoned on coffee cups. Over the past couple of decades we have helped add “I Freaking Heart IPAs” to that lexicon. Today, passionate people can’t imagine a world without all of the above. For this special edition, we added chocolate and coffee to make this devastatingly fresh IPA even more seductive to the palate. We humbly suggest that you use this libation to proclaim your love for someone… and we suggest that someone be you. Loving yourself is exactly what this libation is all about. Love now; remember forever.

A Rich Decadent IPA to Fall in Love With Now!

==Introduction==

Originally reviewed 1/19/2017 to meet within the 37 day mark, I brought this limited time beer to the site for the love of the original Mocha IPA. Essentially, I believe this is similar except it is a much fresher version and possibly different ingredients. While the other one says it is made with Cacao Nibs and this one says chocolate, depending on the type of chocolate would actually make the beer overall different. Heck, even the coffee too if they used a different type of coffee. Regardless, the Enjoy By series has been amazing overall for the many beer releases and now with this one, let us see what this is about. In time for Valentine’s day.

Aromas:
Grapefruit, piney, citrus, floral, grassy and garlicky dank hops, coffee, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, tiramisu, mocha, cherry, oranges, rye bream toffee, honey, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, tangerine gummies, rye bread, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie hints, and chocolate orange creamsicle notes.

Flavors:
Tiramasu pastry, vanilla, mocha, coffee, java, milk chocolate, chocolate mousse, Yoohoo Chocolate drink, Grapefruit, piney, citrus, floral, grassy and garlicky dank hops, dark cherry, biscuit bread, tropical fruit mango, tangerine gummies,dragon fruit, honey, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, cookies and cream, Jamoca ice cream, caramel, toffee, rye bread, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, chocolate orange creamsicle, lactose, milk sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate cherry cordial, hopped coffee cake, crème brulee, Irish cream, Danish cream, maple syrup hints and green tea ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with notes of coffee, mocha, chocolate, vanilla, cherry, green tea ice cream, citrus, earthy and piney hops, tropical notes and cookies and cream. No alcohol in the taste, Golden clear body, smooth, creamy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and very easy to drink.

Overall:
Definitely above exceptional. Lots of chocolate and coffee mix very well with the tropical flavors of the already awesome Enjoy By series. Many may think this may not work but I really enjoyed this one. With the brewing method they used to make this one and possibly since its “fresh”, this brew is definitely way above the Mocha IPA. It is more flavorful and as a result, higher ABV. I really hope this one is released again. Regardless, this one I highly recommend. Get it before Valentine’s day.

Anime Corner:
Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to pair a strong and hoppy beer with a strong character that pairs with the colors of the label and Valentine’s day. While I have mainly used Morrigan in these Enjoy by Beers, this different beer called for a change using a character who is bad as and arrogant like the brews from Stone. Awesome sauce.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Erza.Scarlet.full.2051049.jpg
http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2015/12/30/866911/big_thumb_2fb4f290648a6984954e353def4373b7.jpg
https://k60.kn3.net/taringa/2/7/4/6/4/3/47/demonslayer77/095.jpg

Hazelutely Choctabulous by Rogue brewing

February 2, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Asuka, Asuka Langley, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Shikinami Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, Candy Bar, Chocolate, Chocolate Stout, cuvee, hazelnut, Hazelnut Brown Nectar, Hazelutely Choctabulous, Neon Genesis Evangelion, nutella, Rogue Ales, rogue brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/6

Hazelutely Choctabulous by Rogue brewing is a 5.7% ABV American Cuvee of 60% Hazelnut Brown Nectar brewed with Natural Flavor and 40% Chocolate Stout brewed with Chocolate.

Label:
Candy Bar In A Bottle

Dedicated to Seb and Chris
For years, our hardest core local fans have been drinking a blend of Chocolate Stout and Hazelnut Brown Nectar, they say it takes like a chocolate candy bar. we have taken these two absolutely fabulous beers and fused them together to create Rogue Hazelutley Choctabulous, dark and decadent with a rich nutty flavor up front followed by a chocolate truffle finish. We’re thrilled to share our little secret with the world.

Brewed Using 2 Ingredients:
Hazelnut Brown Nectar & Rogue Chocolate Stout.
14.5° Plato 75 IBU 75.3AA 74°L

==Introduction==

Hazelnut Brown Nectar has been one of my top favorite brews since I first started trying different craft beers. Even to this day, If I see it on the taps or on the store, I definitely get it. When I first heard they were releasing a Chocolate version of the Hazelnut Brown by combining the 2 recipes of beer, this was something I did not want to miss out on. A candy bar in liquid form. There have been many nutty chocolate beers especially hazelnut chocolate beers that I have tried before. However, with this one, I will have to remember and compare to the original Hazelnut nectar to see if I love this one as much as the Hazelnut Brown Nectar or even more. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, chocolate mousse, Ferrero Chocolate, Nutella hints, mocha, coffee, biscuit bread, vanilla, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallow hints, pecan pie, and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich Nutella flavors, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, pralines, marzipan, mazapan, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, chocolate mousse, Ferrero Chocolate, Chocolate Truffles,
cashew butter, peanut butter, butterscotch, toffee, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, chocolate smores, toasted coconut hints, hints of rocky road ice cream, dark fruit raisin notes, banana, cherry hints, apricot hints mocha, coffee, java and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, dark fruit hints and toffee. No alcohol in the taste. Dark medium to full body. Smooth, velvety and creamy mouthfeel and easy drinkability.

Overall:
While it is no Grey Monday, this beer is insane! It mainly gets the praise from me since I was such a fan of the original in the beginning that this takes it a bigger step above. I think while the beer is not super rich, it still has all the flavors of chocolate and hazelnut that will not overwhelm the average beer drinker. Personally, I would go with Grey Monday but that beer is night today in comparison. Even so, as a tribute to the original, I highly recommend people try this one and I hope to get this one again!

Anime Corner:
Asuka Langley Shikinami Soryu from Neon Genesis Evangelion was chosen to return for this brew as I chose her to be the one in the original Hazelnut Brown Nectar. The idea was that she represents a punch of flavors and hair hazelnut colored hair represented the colors of the beer but also the flavors. Since this one impacts a greater flavor profile, it would only make sense to make her comeback hitting much harder than before.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3a/58/2d/3a582d9edeb185d5603593bf4857a66a.jpg
http://k37.kn3.net/taringa/1/2/4/2/4/0/03/marduk5233/723.jpg?3917
https://wallpapers.wallhaven.cc/wallpapers/full/wallhaven-411474.jpg
http://pm1.narvii.com/6102/ad6ccd4128b194f3e01e8a12bfbea0743aed3532_hq.jpg

Cherry Chocolate Milk Stout by Garage Brewing Co.

February 2, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Amy Rose, Cherry Chocolate, cherry juice, Chocolate, Dark Amy Rose, Garage Brewing Company, Milk Stout, Naruto, sakura Haruno, Sonic The Hedgehog, Sweet Stout, tart cherry juice | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Cherry Chocolate Milk Stout by Garage Brewing Co. is a 7.1% ABV Sweet/Milk Stout with Chocolate and Tart Cherry Juice

Label:
We believe in making out fresh craft beer from only the finest ingredients. And guess what? It’s a perfect way to end any meal or an evening of indulgence. No need to order dessert with this flavor combination. Flavor: Sweet Milk chocolate, Cherry; Aroma: Mocha, Dark Fruit; Balance: Rich; Body: Full.

==Introduction==

I first saw this one on a social media post by Garage Brewing a while back. Being a fan of fruit beers and especially the love I have for their Marshmallow Milk stout, I had to bring this one to the site. I have had a ton of cherry beers to the site especially the ones I have made home brewing myself. Much like raspberries or blueberries, beers like that have a home here. So with that being said, I was really excited to see if this one had what it takes to compare with the best cherry stouts I have had in the past. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, tootsie roll chocolate, chocolate milkshakes, Dark fruit cherries, dark cherries, tart cherry skins, raisins, prunes, currants, blueberries, strawberry cheese cake, cherry yogurt, chocolate cherry cordial, butterscotch, brown sugar, banana and hazelnut nectar hints.

Flavors:
Sweet & Tart Cherries, Dark Cherries, Cherry Yogurt, Chocolate cherry cordials, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, tootsie roll chocolate, choco flan, Dark fruit cherries, raisins, prunes, currants, blueberries, strawberry cheese cake, marshmallow smores, chocolate cherry cake, Pancho Pantera cherry choco milk shake, bananas, butterscotch, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, fruit cake, pecan pie, brown sugar, anise, molasses and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich with cherry cordials, milk chocolate, flan, vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, dark fruit and dark cherry yogurt notes. No alcohol in the taste. Dark full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional beer! Very much like a cherry chocolate sweet and tart cordial. The beer is semi sweet and semi tart. A good balance of complex flavors all around. The best part too is that I think those that do not drink craft beer may really dig this one. So this may actually entice more people to drink craft beer. Just goes to prove, Garage is doing some amazing beers. The fact that this is a lot like a cherry cordial is the reason I provided the score I did. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Dark Amy Rose from Sonic the Hedgehog series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair the colors of dark cherry with a girl similar to Sakura Haruno, which Amy Rose comes to mind. Although, since this was essentially like a chocolate cherry cordial but not to the level of the Bruery’s BBL Cordial, I brought Amy. Essentially, tart dark cherry chocolate cordial light and yet still full of rich flavors.

Sources:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rVtou3oCbV4/maxresdefault.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A8twpTcSTdc/WA9WqtE8G4I/AAAAAAAACxk/yorUZBQviKECzGF5swMR_TFGZHqaisMFQCJoC/w1024-h1219/tumblr_o4r8ra6bPk1uk1hd1o1_1280.png
http://img12.deviantart.net/3708/i/2015/214/d/0/amy_rose_pinup_by_proboom-d93u6do.jpg

Nitro Red Velvet by Ballast Point

February 2, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, Ballast Point, Beets, Chocolate, Golden Stout, natural flavors, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Oatmeal Stout, Red Velvet, Red Velvet Cake, Red Velvet Stout | 1 Comment

Rating: 5/5

Nitro Red Velvet by Ballast Point is a 5.5% ABV Golden Oatmeal Stout with Beets, Chocolate and Natural Flavors added.

Commercial Description:
This stout takes the cake.
Our Red Velvet oatmeal stout is a mind-bending beer. Like the cake that inspired it, the deep red color comes from beets, which add a rich, earthy character that complements the chocolate flavor and aroma. The foamy head of the nitro pour is our “icing”, adding a creamy smoothness to the mouthfeel. But this liquid dessert still finishes like a beer – not sweet, but just as satisfying.

==Introduction==

It has been a very long time since I tried a Red Velvet Cake like beer. In fact, the only one I can remember was the Red Velvet from Buffalo Bayou brewing that my friend Aaron Mendiola from BeerMetal.net provided me with. That one was damn amazing and one I would have greatly love to get again. Now with Ballast Point creating their own, I feel like this would be supremely interesting. First and for most is the color. They took a pale golden stout and with the beets were able to get a red stout color. Something I have not seen before. Finally, the chocolate and other flavors would the stout flavors and mouthfeel. Let’s take a good look at how this turns out, Cheers!

Aromas:
Vanilla, chocolate, toffee, caramel, brown sugar, red velvet cake notes, raspberry cheesecake notes, coffee notes, cinnamon, Danish cream and dark fruit.

Flavors:
Rich red velvet cake, chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla, toffee, dulce de leche notes, white chocolate, dark fruit raisins, cranberry, cherry, fruit cake, cinnamon, Danish cream, beet juice hints, Irish cream notes, strawberry shortcake notes, raspberry cheesecake notes, roasted coffee notes, lactose, flan notes, brown sugar, pecan pie, cherry cordial notes and sweetened condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of notes of vanilla, chocolate coffee, dark fruit notes, earthy hops and white chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, Ruby and Magenta clear body, smooth, creamy slightly thin but slightly velvety mouthfeel and very easy to drink.

Overall:
Now that’s insane. This is damn liquid Red Velvet cake!! I think if it was more full bodied and richer it would be much higher in my opinion. Although this being nitro and smooth gives points as well as this being very unique. Enough to be not just a perfect beer but exceptional. Regardless, this beer is one I want to get more of whether on tap or on bottles. Red Velvet beers are hugely uncommon so this is something you definitely want to get. I highly recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Asuka Soryu Langley Shikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion was used in this pairing as I wanted to get a pairing that would fit the whole feast fit for a king/queen theme. I have used 2 of these of pictures before but I had to bring them back as well as an additional one with Asuka wearing the crown and the eye patch. Not only does it fit with the king on the label but the Ballast Point theme of Fish and Pirates. A pirate king/queen. That and the whole red theme is all over with Asuka.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/JboO4Cq.jpg
http://arhivach.org/a_cimg/?h=462d7471529bfb9a650cf676aea4ea28

2016 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing

December 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Ark Angel Mithra, Ark Angel MR, Big Hugs, Chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, christmas beer, coffee, coffee company, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, dark chocolate, dark fruits, Dark Matter Coffee, fancy coffee, Final Fantasy XI, half acre, half acre brewing, Imperial Stout, Kisha, mecha hugs, Mithra, Spices, spicy aroma | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/6

2016 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Matter Coffee

Description:
This beer is a thug. Big and chock full of tender embrace.

A specialty brew. Grab it when you see it. 10% ABV.

…Big Hugs has grappled with natural order and twisted the pillars of existence. While you hang in the balance, steal time to sit steady and spill this black rumble into your center. Big Hugs Imperial Stout is liquid char scraped from the bowels of eternity, soaked with the free spirit of an adolescent feline. Heed him and rejoice.

The time has come to release our annual homage to the accidentally violent, disastrous fly swatter we call Big Hugs. In its 8th year, Hugs has managed to break through the worm hole and find itself up against the real monsters – human kind.

==Introduction==
As a huge fan of this crazy Kaiju Cat, I feel it is my duty every year to bring forth news of the return of a monster. A giant cat that can only suit its feels with hugging and massively destroying to the human race. Of course, he is loved by many. Who wouldn’t? Which makes me wonder how he would fare against Godzilla. To be honest, they would just be the best of friends. Who knows, maybe Big Hugs is Godzilla’s cat and no one knew it. Regardless, this one is one that you have to embrace. Take it on like a quest of dragons…err… cats. Like previous years, I hope to bring the beer to the site. Even if it is just the basic one. I think they do something different every year. Also, since I bought this years Dark Matter Coffee with Pink Himalayan Salt, I wonder if it will actually have that. Although, there is a version like that already. Anyways, let’s take on this Catastrophe!, Cheers!

Aromas:
Chocolate milk shake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, fudge chocolate, roasted coffee, mocha, fancy coffee, espresso, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, currants, dark cherries, blueberries, coconut hints, tobacco, molasses, anise, leather, toffee, pecan pie, mild peanut butter and banana hints.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Baker’s Chocolate, German Chocolate, salted dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toasted coconut hints, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, currants, dark cherries, blueberries, roasted coffee, mocha, fancy coffee, espresso, vinous grape notes, Kahlua Liqueur, brownies, pecan pie, bananas, malted chocolate, chocolate mousse, oatmeal cookies, smokey notes, anise, port wine, earthy notes, cookie dough ice cream, pecan pie, toffee, rock candy, salted chocolate, tobacco, leather, brown sugar, fudge chocolate, hazelnut nectar and pralines.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich with caramel, sea salt, vanilla, dark chocolate, peanut butter, Fancy Coffee roast, spicy coffee complexity earthy notes and dark fruits. No alcohol in the taste, Dark like the abyss of nothingness dark body, Smooth, velvety and creamy mouthfeel and almost easy to drink despite the ABV.

Overall:
I find it very interesting that this version of Big Hugs, while very exceptional and delicious as always, it had some salty notes like that of the Salted Chocolate version of the beer. It is interesting because the actual coffee does have Pink Himalayan salt, yes, the little baggie in the pictures. Makes wonder if they did use the same coffee as they did in the past years or if this is a new blend. Needless to say, still one of my favorite beers and the salty notes surely does add some complexity to the beer. Now while I did love this one, I am sure the variants are even better ofcourse. This one should still be seeked though as it is the original. Here watch this Cat Video from them to find out why you need this beer in your life. LOL Cheers!

Big Hugs from Meredith Anderson on Vimeo.

Anime Corner:
Ark Angel MR or evil Mythra from Final Fantasy XI was used in this pairing as I used her in the last pairing. The original idea had to do with the whole Big Hugs. Since she is a gray cat lady with crimson eyes, it would have fit with the Mecha Hugs Label from back in the day. The fact that she is an Ark Angel, she fits even more perfect with the evil Big Hugs and the whole Big Hugs as she squeezes the orange Mythra representing the colors of the original Big Hugs cat.

I also included original character Kisha the furry cat (character created by Kisharra of DeviantArt.com) as her color represent Christmas. This beer is released for Christmas so I figure this would work out since I found a picture of her hugging another furry cat on Christmas. Also, with that sensual stare, who wouldn’t want to hug up against a warm cat. Ofcourse, just like Big Hugs, big cats in real life are dangerous, just like the ABV on this one.

Sources:
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/564b9-chp6jf56bks039cj.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OqDjeY-4Tco/VkYAtgys6-I/AAAAAAAAdq4/8PD6QB9JRlM/w1602-h895/furry-%2525D1%252584%2525D1%25258D%2525D0%2525BD%2525D0%2525B4%2525D0%2525BE%2525D0%2525BC%2525D1%25258B-furry-art-furry-feline-1828652.png
http://tbib.org/images/3267/1b28a1e0f2f2b5d828c92ed0744d0309599c850f.png
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_E5x9oEAUbI/WAyX6gKIN6I/AAAAAAAACyQ/KpGw1qUkCCg3qGdScYywQgg-VgZ2YTSWACJoC/w1044-h1980/AYvf2nGehqw.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2qwyCtD.jpg

Lizard of Koz by Founders brewing

December 12, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Blueberries, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chocolate, Founders Brewing, Imperial Stout, King of Fighters, KOF, Leona Heidern, Lizard of Koz, Metal Slug, SNK, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Lizard of Koz by Founders brewing is a 10.5% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Blueberries, Chocolate and Vanilla aged in Bourbon Barrels.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This one is near and dear to our hearts. Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki wanted to make the birthday of his little sister, Liz, a special one. So he did what he does best and brewed a stout using a few of her favorite ingredients: fresh Michigan blueberries, rich chocolate and vanilla aged in bourbon barrels to round out those beautiful flavors. Liz was floored and we think you will be too.

==Introduction==

Founders does not release many barrel aged brews but the ones they do release are bad ass! KBS and Backwoods Bastards are no exceptions to these rules as both are world class beers. This one comes towards us like bat out of hell or a Godzilla rising out of the water ready to start a fight with some bitch ass monsters. Oh wait, it is a lizard on the label. The name Lizard of Koz can have many meanings. Koz as in the 7th division head priest or according to the urban dictionary, a word you can use any way you want and it will still make sense. The only thing that makes sense right now is this brew review so let’s show the world what this blue berry radiation from Godzilla’s spines is all about, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Blueberries, vanilla, bourbon, oak, caramel, anise, molasses, dulce de leche caramel, brown sugar, cinnamon, coffee cake, Kahlua liqueur, dark fruit raisins, blueberries, currants, pomegranates, raspberries, blueberries cheese cake, blueberry marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate and toasted coconut hints.

Flavors:
Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, dark fruit raisins,blueberries, currants, pomegranates, raspberries, blueberries cheese cake, blueberry marshmallow smores, blueberry mint ice cream, anise, molasses, tobacco hints, bourbon, oak, pecan pie, bananas, coffee cake, Kahlua liqueur, fruit cake, licorice hints, maple syrup, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, cookie dough ice cream, Danish cream, steamed blueberry milk, blueberry yogurt, blueberry preserves on toasted rye bread, mocha, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee and toasted coconut.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich dark fruits, blueberry yogurt, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, bourbon, banana hints, marshmallows, Danish cream and brown sugar. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Another Barrel aged bucket lister hitting the list right next to BBA Smashed Blueberry by Shipyard and Birra Artigianale Draco by Birrificio Montegioco. This one definitely lets the blueberries, chocolate and vanilla drive the point forward long with a rich complexity provided by the base beer and the bourbon oak. They were for going for a damn decadent rich blueberry dessert and damn, the achieved gold! This literally hits you flat on your face with rich flavors. I highly recommend you get this one!

Anime Corner:
Leona Heidern from SNK’s King of Fighters/Metal Slug series was chosen not only because they relased a bad ass brew, but because sometimes you just need a bad ass character to make a bad ass representation. Leona gives the manliest of men blue balls not just by her looks but by kicking the shit out of her opponents and them saying thank you and coming back for more. Leona don’t take shit from no one and just like this beer is ridiculous, so is she. Can you really dominate this brew? Good fucking luck!!

Sources:
https://k61.kn3.net/taringa/2/7/8/2/1/0/95/zangetsuariel/8DB.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/bc/5f/59/bc5f59ab5c12b200f5caba427e38a594.jpg
https://cdnb3.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/003/013/155/large/mu-hyeon-seong-.jpg?1468492529
https://yt3.ggpht.com/-o9yX4hZJKRY/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAA/Pimj5zsj1fg/s900-c-k-no-mo-rj-c0xffffff/photo.jpg
http://img0.reactor.cc/pics/post/king-of-fighters-Игры-leona-heidern-taroimo-(00120014)-3340752.png

Big Ricc by Tallgrass brewing

November 17, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Big Ricc, Big Rigs, Blake Belladona, Chocolate, coffee, Russian Imperial Stout, Rwby, Tallgrass Brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

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

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

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

Overall:
Damn perfect Russian Imperial Stout! Definitely up there with the Ten Fidy cans. Very robust and full flavor forward, just like I love my Russians stouts. I don’t have much bad to say about this beer other than I can definitely drink a couple of cans of these and especially with the ABV, it almost feels like this one can be cellared for a very long time and can definitely get better with age. I sincerely hope that if you see this one, definitely get it, I highly recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Blake Belladonna from RWBY was chosen in this review as I wanted to choose a character that went well with dude riding the motorcycle and is dark like the beer. Blake on the bike was definitely a good choice to go with this beer especially since her colors match well with the dark chocolate and dark fruits for example.

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

2016 Quingenti Millimitre series Batch No. 1 OAKMEAL Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels by Stone brewing

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 12th anniversary, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stou, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chocolate, Darkstalkers, Hsien-ko, Kentucky Bourbon, lei-lei, OAKMEAL, Oatmeal Stout, Quingenti Millilitre Series, Stone Brewing, Vampire Hunter, Vampire Savior | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Quingenti Millimitre series Batch No. 1 OAKMEAL Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels by Stone brewing is an 11.4% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Stout aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Brewed December 5, 2015
Originally inspired by recipes of two Team Stone members, Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout became an instant classic. The onyx-hued beer also proved to be an ideal barrel-aging specimen, thanks to its rich, thick mouthfeel and chocolate-heavy flavors and aromatics.

INTHEMASH: Pale, Caramel, Dextrine, Black and Chocolate Malts, Roasted Barley & Flaked Oats
IN THE BOIL Summit Williamette, Galena and Ahtanum Hops & Chocolate-heavy

UNFILTERED AND AGED
7 Months in American Oak Kentucky Bourbon Barrels

IBU: 43 ALC/VOL 11.4% Bottled July 2016

CELLAR NOTES
An already magnificent beer’s mouthwatering recipe of unsweetened chocolate, flaked oats and dark-roasted malts is made even more deliciously complex care of oak barrels that previously nurtured bourbon. These amazing vessels impart oak and coconut-like flavors upfront while accentuating the silky smooth midpalate with oak vanillin notes. The finish is long and intense, with layers of chocolate and oak vanillin. You might be tempted to lick the glass for every last drop of this delectable adult confection.

==Introduction==

It has been a while since I had some of the beers from Stone’s Quingenti Millimitre series and this one I could not pass up. Especially, since it was available in local and online stores. Essentially, they take their 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, which I tried several months back at my friend Richard’s house, and then they age it. The original beer was delicious but the fact that they barrel aged it was something I just thought is amazing. I think almost every beer that I have tried barrel aged is definitely leagues above the original beer. Not always, but it is common for it to happen. Let’s see what this one has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Marshmallows, chocolate smores, oak, whiskey, bourbon, toasted coconut, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, oreo cookies, Danish cream, cookie dough ice cream, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, flan, pecan pie, piloncillo sugar cone, grilled bananas, capirotada raisin bread pudding, hazelnut nectar, ferrero rocher Chocolate, roasted coffee, mocha, molasses, tobacco, leather, anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates and Mexican Chocolate.

Flavors:
Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, Mexican Chocolate, marshmallows, chocolate smores, oak, whiskey, bourbon, toasted coconut, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, oreo cookies, Danish cream, cookie dough ice cream, earthy hop hints, dark fruit raisins, prunes, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, flan, pecan pie, piloncillo sugar cone, grilled bananas, capirotada raisin bread pudding, hazelnut nectar, molasses, tobacco, leather, anise, ferrero rocher Chocolate, roasted coffee and mocha.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich oak Bourbon soaked dark fruit chocolate chip raisins oatmeal cookies on whipped cream and earthy and vanilla ice cream. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV or the oak bourbon notes, pitch black dark full body, smooth, creamy, chewy, and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional and supremely delicious liquid chocolate cookie in a bottle. This beer so much cookie goodness that it reminded me of the Velvet Merkin from Firestone Walker. So much smoothness and chocolate, it’ll blow your mind. I almost wish they sold this one on tap and growler fill as 500ml is not enough for this one. Definitely need to try this again but for the price I think it is worth having once. I highly recommend this brew to those that love barrel aged beers and chocolatey goodness.

Anime Corner:
Lei Lei Hsien-Ko from Darkstalkers was used in this pairing because I wanted to use her in a beer. It has been a very long time and I think she fits with this beer as well as a spirit lies in the oak that used to contain a bigger amount of a spirit. By spirit I mean bourbon. There really isn’t much to say other than how the colors can compare to the complex flavors or how sweet and innocent she looks like the sweetness contained in this bottle.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/rLjZhPB.jpg
http://k34.kn3.net/taringa/4/F/B/F/B/8/JoCYoG/AB8.jpg

Blackwater Series Choklat Oranj by Sourthern Tier

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, blackwater series, Bleach, Chocolate, choklat, Choklat Oranj, Imperial Stout, natural flavors, orange peel, Southern Tier, Yoruichi, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Blackwater Series Choklat Oranj by Southern Tier is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate, Orange Peel and Natural Flavor.

Label:
Color: BLACK Body: HEAVY. Bitterness: MODERATE. Pair: roasted or smoked foods, chocolate desserts. Store: Dark upright, <48°F | Serve: Snifter

The Blackwater Series first made waves when we introduced Choklat in 2007. Through experimentation and willingness to venture into the unknown, our quest to brew the perfect stout has continued ever since.

Our love for dessert-like beers has led us down interesting paths – from the classic fusion of coffee and chocolate in Mokah to the rich vanilla and lactose sugar Creme Brulee – and now here to Choklat Oranj.

ORANGE YOU GLAD?

The flavors of oranges and chocolate have been a sweet treat for millenia, it’s fitting that these kindred spirits should meet in this way.

Enjoy Choklat Oranj in a snifter on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a float. Cheers!

25° plato; 2-row malt; caramel malt; debittered blackmalt; chocolate malt; orange peels; bittersweet Belgian Chocolate; columbus hops; natural flavor.
42° F

==Introduction==

Just when I finished with a Southern Tier Blackwater series beer, Salted Caramel, I was graced with this one. Chokolat Oranj? Like Chocolate and Orange beer? There have been plenty of chocolate orange sweets I have tried before but an actual chocolate orange beer, I think I have not. This is a great idea for a beer and as always, the Blackwater series being more desserts than beer, it surely is great. Let’s take a look and see if this one can hold its own, Cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, Tangerine preserves, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, orange chocolate shake, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coriander spice, peppercorn spice, mocha, coffee cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, Fruity Pebbles note, creamsikle, Rocky road ice cream, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, Baileys Chocolate and Orange Irish Cream.

Flavors:
Super Rich Chocolate covered orange dessert, Fruity Pebbles, creamsikle, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, Citrus, Tangerine preserves, rye bread, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, orange chocolate shake, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coriander spice, peppercorn spice, mocha, coffee cake, Danish cream, orange tang, chocolate mango, marshmallows, chocolate smores, graham crackers, earthy hops, Rocky road ice cream, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, Baileys Chocolate and Orange Irish Cream, Danish cream pastries, hazelnuts, peach cobbler and Tres Leches/3 Milks cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots or orange citrus, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, marshmallow smores, hazelnut nectar and earthy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, super dark pitch black body, smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Another awesome exceptional and supremely delicious beer. Like those Chocolate Orange balls, this is that special dessert but in liquid form. Sometimes I wish Southern Tier had released some stuff out here in the West Coast. Although I have seen a few of their beers like Crème Brulee and Mokah in one specialty store, I would like to see more in many stores. These beers are like what Belching Beaver and Brew Rebellion is to us here in the west. There is a world of flavor fusions that they can come up with. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was chosen in this pairing because she is one of my favorite anime characters but I also chose her mainly to pair with the label and ingredient colors of the beer. In which case, the orange and black it well with her attire and the chocolate dark fruit aspects as well. Her unleashing using her God of Thunder II version is how I felt that this beer experience was. This beer unleashed so much awesome stuff. I also like how in one of the pics, the God of Thunder lightning is orange like the oranges used in the beer as well.

Sources:
http://img01.deviantart.net/0a39/i/2015/059/6/3/bleach_fan_art____yoruichi_shihoin_by_djinay-d8jw01y.jpg
http://rocky-ace.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-Shihouin-615735590?q=gallery%3ARocky-Ace%2F26324613&qo=7
http://img12.deviantart.net/7e0a/i/2016/043/2/4/shihoin_yoruichi_by_guilhermessj-d9rhb4u.png
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-429536105
http://charaero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/shihouin_yoruichi-bleach-004.jpg
http://img08.deviantart.net/1daa/i/2016/055/1/3/bleach_663___shunryuu_kokubyou_senki_yoruichi_by_arteemis-d9sz5cp.png

Seasonal Sneak by Cigar City brewing

October 4, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate, cigar city, Cigar City Brewing, Guilty Gear, Guilty Gear Xrd, Jack-O' Valentine, pumpkin ale, Seasonal Sneak, Spices | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Seasonal Sneak by Cigar City brewing is a 7% ABV Chocolate Pumpkin Ale with Spices added

Label:
An insidious beast that Seasonal Sneak. A few days here. A week there. Before you know it you are hanging a Christmas stocking on your Jack o’ Lantern and hiding painted eggs in the pumpkin pie. But there is no use fighting. Be still and let the cold claw of Seasonal Sneak seize your palate with a tumult of chocolate, pumpkin, and spice flavors. Label designed by Foursixsix

==Introduction==

Talk about an evil Bugs Bunny! So it is finally the fall and out comes the pumpkin spiced beers. I have become to like some and other seem just the same. This on the other hand, intrigued me. Aside from the awesome artwork with a crazy Halloween on Christmas Bugs Bunny on the label. It makes me wonder if the purpose of this beer is to combine the fall flavors with holiday ale flavors. I might be looking too much into it but let’s have a look at this one. Cheers!

Aromas:
Bumpkin flesh, butterscotch, cinnamon, toasted pumpkin seed, coriander, clove spice, peppercorn, dark Chocolate, Cocoa Nibs, Chocolate Abuelita, Ginger bread, cummin, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dates, piloncillo sugar cone, green tea, mint, chai spice, Mexican Ponche caliente “Hot Holiday Punch”, cane sugar, grapes, fruit cake, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, citrus, lemons, hazelnut nectar, tobacco, apple pie and apple cider.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Nibs, Chocolate Abuelita, Ginger bread, cummin, nutmeg, pumpkin flesh, butterscotch, cinnamon, toasted pumpkin seed, coriander, clove spice, peppercorn, sangria, tequila notes, oak, wine grapes, cucumber, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, citrus, lemons, hazelnut nectar, tobacco, apple pie, apple cider wassail, Mexican Ponche caliente “Hot Holiday Punch”, cane sugar, grapes, fruit cake, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dates, piloncillo sugar cone, green tea, mint and chai spice.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with herbal and spicy notes of mint, chai, Mexican Hot Punch, piloncillo sugar cone, dark chocolate, pumpkin flesh, wine grapes, nutmeg, ginger bread, cinnamon and hot apple cider. No alcohol in the taste, crimson dark light to medium body, smooth, creamy, velvety and silky mouthfeel,

Overall:
Perfect and complex and yet so damn unique. It is definitely like something you would have closer to the end of the fall, like in Thanksgiving more than Halloween although the complexity is scary enough to give it the something worth being scared about. With a lot of unique chocolate flavors and spices, it is definitely also a unique pumpkin beer which is not the same as any other pumpkin beer I have tried in the past. Cigar City really surprises with their beers often. I would highly recommend you find this one for the season, especially for the evil Bugs Bunny.

Anime Corner:
Jack-O’ Valentine from Guilty Gear Xrd was used in this pairing to go with the theme of Halloween and the Jack O’ Lantern look from Jack-O. The colors of her also complement the evil Bugs Bunny and the overall label colors as well as the flavors of the beer. The name of sneaking works well too as her appearance with the pumpkin head, as she is trying to scare on screen, is almost like she sneaked up and it was unexpected.

Sources:
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OGnaA8cMy2k/maxresdefault.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/7916dcf9032cbb6ac70b684ea0a3f7fc/tumblr_o1oq3qnJ5R1rctu9po1_1280.png
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pJ8HOchf_eE/Vnwg5V5sYPI/AAAAAAAAARM/Zfs80B0MVvA/w426-h435/15%2B-%2B1

Nuckin’ Futz by Track Seven brewing

September 28, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, Blazblue, Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, cream ale, Imperial Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Porter, Imperial Porter, Lactose, makoto nanaya, Nuckin' Futz, peanut butter, Reese's Peanut Butter cup, Track Seven brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Nuckin’ Futz by Track Seven brewing is a 7.3% ABV Imperial Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Porter brewed with lactose, chocolate and peanut butter.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This creamy and crazy ale takes our Burnt Fog Smoked Porter recipe, drops the smoked malt and adds peanut butter, chocolate and lactose sugar. The combination produced a creamy peanut butter cup of a beer fitting of a celebration and capable of easing the winter doldrums. Nukin’ Futz was brewed for our 3rd anniversary on New Year’s Eve but will continue as an occasional release.

==Introduction==

I first tried this beer at the first BeerBumz beer session when I was introduced to the group by my friend Augie Escobedo. We went to his friend’s house and many brought different beers. I brought my home brew which I am glad many loved. Someone had brought this one in and I had remembered so that when I finally saw a bottle of this for sale, I had to get it and bring it to the site. This is the first beer I try from Track Seven in Sacramento and what a great way to start. I will look for their other beers too. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, peanut butter, vanilla, marshmallows, peanut butter chocolate smores, lactose milk sugar, Irish cream, walnut pie, praline ice cream, cashew butter notes, candi sugar, chocolate mousse, molasses, chocolate mint, earthy hop notes, Nutter Butter cookies, hazelnut nectar, Reese’s peanut butter cup hints.

Flavors:
Rich Nutter Butter cookies, Hazelnut nectar, Reese’s peanut butter cup, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut brittle, pecan pie, coffee cake, mocha, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry yogurt, vanilla, marshmallows, peanut butter chocolate smores, lactose milk sugar, Irish cream, walnut pie, praline ice cream, Peanut butter Chocolate Truffle turtles, Almond butter, cashew butter notes, candi sugar, chocolate mousse, molasses, chocolate mint, earthy hop notes, Mazapan, fruit cake and chocolate bananas.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with peanut butter chocolate sweetness, dark fruit hints, earthy hop hints, vanilla, smores, and pecan pie hints. No alcohol in the taste, Dark crimson medium body, creamy, velvety, smooth and mild mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional, and awesomely delicious brew. Extra credit for this one goes because of the fact that to me, they really hit high marks with this one since I like nutty beers and this one is exactly that, super nutty and chocolatey. That and I was hooked when I first tried it back then. It may not seem like much at first glance but wait till you try it. Definitely give this one a shot and grab a couple!

Anime Corner:
Makoto Nanaya from Blazblue was paired perfectly with this beer because not only did I want to show the label colors, but she is a nutty girl. She is a squirrel and squirrels love nuts. Heck she goes crazy for them. Either way, with the rich flavors of peanut butter that are given from this beer, I couldn’t think of any other awesome characters to pair this beer with.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/WUK5n34.jpg
http://orig13.deviantart.net/c90d/f/2011/203/a/6/makoto_by_exaxuxer-d41ahxf.png
https://67.media.tumblr.com/3e4adc336517c2ebb9cb33324be8d426/tumblr_neyepzKTQ31rxmk5uo3_1280.png
http://img.chikubeam.com/images/2015/12/30/blazblue02-151230-11.jpg

Mexican Speedway Stout by Alesmith brewing

May 28, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Alesmith, alesmith brewing, alesmith brewing co, Bleach, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Imperial Stout, Mexican Coffee, Mexican Speedway Stout, Speedway Stout, Tequila, Tequila Barrel Aged, Tequila Barrels, Yoruichi, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Mexican Speedway Stout by Alesmith brewing is a 12% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Mexican Coffee, Chocolate and Cinnamon aged in Tequila Barrels.

Label:

==Introduction==

Alesmith has been releasing many great beers over the years and many great variants of their speedway stout ranging from Kopi Luwak coffee, Jamaican Coffee, special spirits and even collaborations. This year, they released something that immediately hit me. The Mexican Speedway Stout aged with the uncommon liquor for aging, Tequila. Tequila barrel aged beers are pretty uncommon unlike Bourbon. The inspiration of that aging process is what inspired me to make my Belgian Quadrupel aged in Oak Tequila. So basically, whenever I hear of great beers made Tequila, I go out of my way to try and get them even if I have to trade. The firs Tequila barrel aged beer was a Barley wine made from Cucapa brewing in Mexicali, Mexico. Since then I have not found that one beer again and definitely made it a form of a mission to try and find those brews that are Tequila aged. I never would of thought Alesmith would release one especially one done similarly to the Xocoveza from Stone. Let’s see how this one goes, cheers!

Aromas:
Cafe Con Leche, Roasted coffee notes, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, blackberries, Jaliscan Jerricalla, burnt sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, Tequila, Mezcal, agave lechugilla nectar, oak, flan, crème brulee, 3 leche/ 3 Milks cake, coffee cake, mocha, java, steamed milk, milk sugar, marshmallows, toasted coconut, rocky road ice crea, dulce de leche, dulce de cabra envinada/ goat milk caramel, cajeta caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate mousse, bakers chocolate, chocolate abuelita, German Chocolate, Belgian Cholate, mole, almonds, Marzipan, Danish cream and bananas.

Flavors:
Cafe Con Leche, fancy coffee, roasted coffee notes, mocha, java, steamed milk, milk sugar, marshmallows, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate mousse, bakers chocolate, chocolate abuelita, German Chocolate, Belgian Cholate, mole, cinnamon, cajeta caramel, dulce de leche, dulce de cabra envinada/ goat milk caramel in wine hints, flan, crème brulee, 3 leche/ 3 Milks cake, Jaliscan Jerricalla, burnt sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, Tequila, Mezcal, agave lechugilla nectar, oak, Kahlua liqueur, dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, molasses, anise, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, campfire smokey hints, Danish cream, Irish cream, Marzipan, fruit cake, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Champurrado, bananas, clove spice, churros, ginger bread and Lechera sweetened condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich notes of chocolate abuelita, Kahlua liquer, cinnamon, tequila oak, agave, dark fruit, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, flan, toasted coconut, earthy notes and hazelnut. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, pitch black abyss body, creamy, velvety, silky, syrupy, chewy and viscous mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
No doubt, a bucket lister. It’s like they took Xocoveza, Mole Ocho and Tequila Sombrero to a whole new level. The influence of the might that is Speedway Stout just works with it providing a diversly rich array of coffee, chocolate and sweet Mexican Tequila flavor. You kind of just lose yourself in its greatness. Speedway Stout has come out in so many great variants that this on sits right up there with Alesmith’s best. It sure is a beer that is a must get for fans of the Mexican Stouts and especially, Tequila Barrel aged beers.

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was used in this pairing because she is one of my 4 favorite girls and I had remembered I did a special edit to a picture of hers for the World Cup back in 2006. What a surprise that 10 years later, it would make the perfect for this new beer to go with the Mexican Flag. Aside from the Jersey pairing well, Yoruichi has obtained 2 new powerful forms in the manga and now that I present her in a beer pairing, especially one of this caliber, I wanted to pair with those super forms. The Goddess of Thunder Yoruichi, though you be a cat, how you complement the Aztec Goddess Tlaloc who is Quetzalcoatl’s part ally in the skies almost resembling a dragon as well. Yup, Yoruichi is one bad ass character.

Sources:
http://arteemis.deviantart.com/art/God-Of-Thunder-590320394
http://img1.reactor.cc/pics/post/Shihouin-Yoruichi-Bleach-Anime-nanao-(mahaya)-3070867.jpeg

2015 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing

February 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Ark Angel Mithra, Ark Angel MR, Big Hugs, Chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, christmas beer, coffee, coffee company, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, dark chocolate, dark fruits, Dark Matter Coffee, fancy coffee, Final Fantasy XI, half acre, half acre brewing, Imperial Stout, mecha hugs, Mithra, Spices, spicy aroma | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/6

2015 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Matter Coffee

Description:
This beer is a thug. Big and chock full of tender embrace.

A specialty brew. Grab it when you see it. 10% ABV.

==Introduction==

Another year, another installment of the great and mighty Big Hugs. Every year since I first had it I have tried to get a hold of this one. I have missed some installments in the past but each year is something different but similar to the previous beer. Big Hugs the Cat started off with hugging giant buildings but he moved on to hugging other things and having to fight other giant monsters. This time, a giant snake. Since they released the beer, Dark Matter also released a special Coffee as well which are the coffee beans that were aged in the same beer. Essentially, more ingredients for future beers. Anyway, let’s have a look at this, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich mocha, Fancy roasted coffee, espresso, Vanilla, Caramel, Milk Sugar, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, bakers chocolate, German Chocolate, brownies, peanut butter, pecan pie, rock candy, toffee, Bananas, clove spice, vinous grape notes, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, currants, coffee cake and pecan pie notes.

Flavors:
Rich Vanilla, Caramel, Milk Sugar, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, bakers chocolate, German Chocolate, Mocha, Fancy roasted coffee, espresso, vinous grape notes, java, Kahlua liqueur, Dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, currants, dark cherries, blueberries, brownies, peanut butter, pecan pie, rock candy, toffee, Bananas, clove spice, herbal notes, tobacco, leather, smokey notes, walnuts, pralines, cinnamon, earthy notes, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream, anise, port wine, vinous grape notes, chocolate fudge, cherry and coffee cake, chocolate mousse, malt chocolate and coffee milk shake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich with vanilla, caramel, chocolate, peanut butter, Fancy Coffee roast, spicy coffee complexity earthy notes and dark fruits. No alcohol in the taste, Dark like the abyss of nothingness dark body, Smooth and creamy mouthfeel and almost easy to drink despite the ABV.

Overall:
What can I say about this beer that I have not mentioned before. There is a reason I get this beer every year and even implemented dark matter coffee into my homebrews. Their stuff is the stuff of craft beer legend. With the recipe using the Coffee, it elaborates so many deep dark complex, fruity yet chocolatey, caramely and other sweets of the sweets goodness. As every year I try this, I highly recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Ark Angel MR or evil Mythra as well as Dragoon Mithra from Final Fantasy XI was used in this pairing as I used her in the last pairing. The original idea had to do with the whole Big Hugs. Since she is a gray cat lady with crimson eyes, it would have fit with the Mecha Hugs Label from back in the day. The fact that she is an Ark Angel, she fits even more perfect with the evil Big Hugs and the whole Big Hugs as she squeezes the orange Mythra representing the colors of the original Big Hugs cat. This beer as you stare at the dark yet determined Dragoon Mithra which represents victorious version of Big hugs in the under label, she wears that Snake like it was a dragon armor… a victory well suited.

Sources:
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/564b9-chp6jf56bks039cj.jpg
http://cdn-images.9cloud.us/220/lusciousnet_247-mithra-sliver_647660714.jpg
http://76.72.168.19/images/2010-01-24-238064.jpeg

Barrel Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout by Saugatuck brewing

January 21, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barrel Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chocolate, Double Barrel, Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels, Milk Stout, Neapolitan, Rwby, Saugatuck brewing, Strawberries, Sweet Stout, vanilla, Woodford Reserve | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Barrel Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout by Saugatuck brewing is a 6.5% ABV Sweet/Milk Stout brewed with chocolate, vanilla and strawberries double barrel aged in Woodford Reserve and Heaven Hill bourbon barrels.

Commercial desription:
Barrel Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout, a full-bodied milk stout with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry added during brewing……the beer you know and love now aged in a mixture of Woodford Reserve and Heaven Hill Barrels for 9 months.

==Introduction==

A while back my friend Aaron had mentioned something about a Neapolitan ice cream beer that I wanted to try out. I was unable to find it until I checked www.mybeercollectibles.com and saw this one for a very small price. I figured I go for it as I don’t think I would have found it anyways. The idea of a Neapolitan ice cream and beer was mind blowing. It is an idea that makes me want to actually make a recipe like this. Anyway, let’s see what this brew has to offer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Milk shake, Neapolitan ice cream, cotton candy, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shake, marshmallows, hazelnut nectar, almond joy, pecans, cookie dough, Danish cream, Glazed and cream filled doughnuts, crème brulee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, graham crackers, Irish cream coffee, spiced coffee, bananas, clove spice, cinnamon, pecan pie, Double Chocolate fudge cherry cake, flan, three milks/3 leches cake, brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk.

Flavors:
Rich Neapolitan ice cream, crème brulee, cotton candy, raspberries, cherries, coffee cake, steamed milk sweetened condensed milk, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shake, marshmallows, hazelnut nectar, almond joy, pecans, cookie dough, Danish cream, Glazed and cream filled doughnuts, oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, graham crackers, Irish cream coffee, spiced coffee, bananas, clove spice, cinnamon, ginger hints, molasses, anise, Double Chocolate fudge cherry cake, flan, three milks/3 leches cake, dark fruit raisins, currants, and more.

Aftertaste:
Leaves with rich chocolate, milk shake, vanilla, strawberries, dark fruit, mild spicy notes, oak and bourbon hints. No alcohol in the taste. Dark full body, smooth, velvety and creamy mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Like an unbelievable frothy Neapolitan ice cream. Whatever they did to get this beer to be like Neapolitan, they did it. It is literally a liquid ice cream. There’s so much flavor goodness, so much its crazy. This is definitely a must try and worth the money. I think though they should have made this one a 22oz bottle though. Now with that being said, I have to figure out how to make this brew a reality and brew my own recipe. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Neapolitan from RWBY was the obvious choice in this pairing. She is technically one of the Antagonists of the series. Her sweet stare is only that, sweet. She along with Cinder are evil. She is kind of the psychotic one. I am not sure what she has to do with the beer in terms of her personality but for characteristics, she is all over this beer, colors, flavors, label and all.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/QfsJfFY.jpg
https://41.media.tumblr.com/8d951887d7d5d68095365932a6497d3f/tumblr_nef85kXQhb1ti0udjo1_500.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/d36f1644c0d226c607a936d2f4025b92/tumblr_nf7dwbfXvk1s5wms6o1_1280.jpg

2015 Death By Coconut by Oskar Blues

December 24, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Bankai, Bleach, Chocolate, coconut, coffee, dark chocolate, Dark Rukia, Death By Coconut, Ichigo, Ichigo Kurosaki, Kuchiki Rukia, Oskar Blues, Rukia, Rukia Kuchiki | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/6

2015 Death By Coconut by Oskar Blues brewing is a 6.3% Irish Porter aged on desiccated coconut and dark chocolate.

Label:
Pass. Dash. Hit.
Coconut Chocolate Choconut
Pack It In. Pack it out.

==Introduction==

The previous incarnation of this beer was collaboration with Shamrock brewing. Oskar Blues has always released some really fine beers like the Dale’s Pale Ale, Ten Fidy, Mama Yella Pils and Old Chub. With the release of a coconut beer, people went ballistic. Luckily for the masses, Oskar Blues was able to provide enough for the crazy demand. So you too can enjoy this one as it is most likely sold where they sell Oskar Blues beers. Cheers!

Aromas:
Super Rich, Almond Joy, Coconut, Rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, toasted coconut macaroons, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, Cocada Mexican Coconut candy, vanilla, flan, marshmallows, coconut milk, almond milk, Danish cream, anise, molasses, lactose, Irish cream, tootsie roll candies and chocolate cake.

Flavors:
Ridiculously toasted coconut, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, marshmallows, coconut milk, almond milk, Danish cream, Cocada Mexican Coconut candy, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, rich almond joy chocolate, crème brulee hints, dark fruit cherries, marzipan, hazelnut nectar, coconut bread, rye bread, anise, molasses, lactose and chocolate coconut milk shake.

Aftertaste:
Rich toasted coconut candy remains, rich dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, pecan pie, hazelnut and cherry hints. No alcohol in the taste, deep dark body, creamy, smooth, velvety and chewy mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Quite possibly, the best Coconut porter ever! So much chocolate coconut and coffee goodness that is very apparent all around from the rich aromas to the flavors. They really outshined themselves. It is no wonder why a lot of their beers seem to hit my exceptional meter often. They really do brew with magic. I highly recommend this one and it is a must try!

Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach was used in this pairing as the show relates to death but also how Rukia is like an equivalent to the Soul Reaper White Princess. Colors of the coconut represent her and the dark chocolate is the darkness of death. So swift and luscious! Ichigo Kurosaki is in there too just cuz he’s a bad ass. Essentially, these are some of their ultimate forms and what a better way to pair with the ultimate coconut porter!

Sources:
http://76.72.168.19/images/2013-01-26-554320.jpeg

The Arbre Series: Light Toast, Medium Toast and Alligator Char by The Bruery (Triple Review)

September 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Alligator Char, Arbre, Arbre series, Beachwood, Chocolate, dark chocolate, Imperial Stout, Light Toast, Medium Toast, milk Chocolate, Oak, Oak aged, oak barrel, oak barrels, Raven, smoke, smokey, Teen titans, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Introduction:
The Arbre series as described by Patrick Rue, is a series of Imperial Stouts that have been aged in different types of oak barrels ranging from 45 second toast of the barrel all the way to completely charred. This series was released in August 2015 for the Reserve and Hoarders society. Today, I bring these forth to explain the story of each individual beer taking a whole lot of time and concentration trying to come up with what flavor experience hides within each one. This is the first time I do a triple review and well, I realize this will take me several hours to do. The thing is, this type of review took me a couple of days of trying a couple of sips at a time trying to recall each beer and how it was the same and what intricate parts were different. Essentially, this introduction is technically the last touches as the body of the review holds all my notes. It is not an easy task just to look at the most apparent flavors and try to find the complexity beneath each sip of these three beers but it was a task well endeavored. So let’s see what all these beers are all about, Cheers!

Arbre Light Toast
============
Arbre Light Toast by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Stout aged in light toasted oak barrels.

Label:
RAISE A TOAST!
The Arbre Series explores the flavors contributed by various levels of oak toast in barrels from out friends at Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, KY.

The Arbre Series is an exploration of barrel toast. This lightest variation reveals young nutty notes of oak as well as raisins and a slight smoke.

Aromas:
Light smoke, BBQ hints, leather hints, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, light oak notes, leather, tobacco, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherry, blue berries, wood plant, bourbon hints, coconut, almond joy chocolate and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, light oak notes, leather, tobacco, rye, light beachwood, light marshmallow notes, graham crackers, molasses, anise, bacon hints, BBQ, mild smoked wood, bourbon hints, coconut, brown sugar, almond joy chocolate dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherry, blueberries, wood plant, caramel, vanilla, minor hints of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate milk shake.

Aftertaste:
Dry oak, earthy notes, light toasted oak, rye bread, milk chocolate, BBQ hints, and wood plant like finish. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A very good toasty Imperial stout. The Wood is definitely young as it imparts a light plant like flavor with a dry oaky finish. A pretty good beer especially for this that do not like a lot of oak in their beer. Also, the alcohol level is well hidden and does not detract anything from the beer. Definitely worth the try for light smoke and oak lovers.

Arbre Medium Toast
================
Arbre Medium Toast by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Stout aged in medium toasted oak barrels.

Label:
RAISE A TOAST!
The Arbre Series explores the flavors contributed by various levels of oak toast in barrels from out friends at Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, KY.

The Arbre Series is an exploration of barrel toast. This medium variation show cases a strong smokey depth and caramelization.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, cherry hints, currants, anise, molasses, soy sauce, oak barrel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, leather, rye bread, smokey hints, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, beachwood, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon hints, coconut, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, chocolate brownie and plum sauce.

Flavors:
More caramel forward, soy sauce, and roasted marshmallow flavor than the original flavors, still some dark fruit cherry, raisins, molasses, anise, Milk chocolate, richer dark chocolate, oak notes, leather, tobacco, rye, beachwood, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon hints, coconut, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, vanilla, marshmallow smores, whiskey notes, sweet potato pie, back wrapped dark chocolate and chocolate burnt brownie.

Aftertaste:
Semi dry finish with the BBQ, smoked notes, caramel, dark fruit, soy sauce, earthy notes, oak, rye bread and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious beer that is better than the light one as the medium toast introduces some newer sweeter flavors of soy sauce, molasses and caramel but also enhances the original flavors of the light version of the beer. An enhanced smokey experience a slightly higher level of sweet and smokey levels make this one the next greater beer. The level of oak if a bit higher than before so if you do not like smoke or oaked beers, maybe this may not be for you.

Arbre Alligator Char
============
Arbre Alligator Char by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Stout aged in charred oak barrels.

Label:
RAISE A TOAST!
The Arbre Series explores the flavors contributed by various levels of oak toast in barrels from out friends at Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, KY.

The Arbre Series is an exploration of barrel toast. This heaviest char variation reveals a heavy dose of smoke, vanilla and molasses.

Aromas:
Roasted coffee, smoke,leather, tobacco, rye, beachwood, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon hints, toasted coconut, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, Abuelita chocolate brick, molasses, soy sauce, dark fruit cherry, raisin, blueberries, currants, port wine hints, hazelnut nectar, sweetened condensed milk, flan, clove spices, bananas, campfire wood, dark fruit cherry, raisins, blueberries, currants, raspberry, port wine hints, hazelnut nectar, almond joy chocolate and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Smoked wood, campfire wood, rich dark chocolate, leather, tobacco, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, Abuelita chocolate brick, vanilla, caramel, molasses anise, soy sauce, dark fruit cherry, raisins, blueberries, currants, raspberry, port wine hints, hazelnut nectar, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream, leather, tobacco, rye, beachwood, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon hints, toasted coconut, smoking wood, brownie batter, butterscotch, sweetened condensed milk, flan, clove spices and bananas.

Aftertaste:
Syrupy burnt chocolate notes, smokey burnt oak, BBQ sauce hints, vanilla, dark fruits, earthy notes, hazelnut nectar, molasses and toffee lingers. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
The exceptional charred oaked one releases even more complexity. I think of the 3, overall I really like this one. Trying each is almost like a build up beer. Something I don’t think I have ever done before nor have a taken a careful analysis of each to be able to do 3 at a time, side by side comparisons. While this one is the one I like the most, the more charred and oaked flavors may not be for everyone so if you love charred, oaked and smoked beers, this is a king type of beer. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Raven from Teen Titans graces these three Bruery pairings with dark and hell delights. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos! Are the words that grace each of the three beers, all unique and delicious. Since she was born half human, half demon it fits the beers in terms of her powers ranging from light being the more gentle human and sweet side as we can see in the beer pairing and the flavors but then you can see as she slowly goes higher in power, so does the fire. Burning with rage until reaching the third beer which is where she is in control of her full powers, we can see that at the Alligator charred stage, lots more burning more than oak flavors appear signifying that of a demon burning in hell or in this case, the beer. The aspect Arbre being that of trees fits with the night appearance of the beer as the Ravens linger in the night and so does Raven herself.

Rating: 4.5/5 Light Toast
Rating: 4.85/5 Medium Toast
Rating: 5.25/6 Alligator Char

Sources:
http://www.hdwallpapers.in/walls/raven-HD.jpg
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141201001048/ssb/images/thumb/5/59/Teen_Titans_Raven_.jpg/1280px-Teen_Titans_Raven_.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/1055635#full
http://images-cdn.moviepilot.com/images/c_fill,h_995,w_640/t_mp_quality/u0jjzwntnjn2nkdomdu5/4-og-s-who-could-kill-mkx-shinnok-in-mortal-kombat-506228.jpg

2014 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing

January 10, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Ark Angel Mithra, Ark Angel MR, Big Hugs, Chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, christmas beer, coffee, coffee company, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, dark chocolate, dark fruits, Dark Matter Coffee, fancy coffee, Final Fantasy XI, half acre, half acre brewing, Imperial Stout, mecha hugs, Mithra, Spices, spicy aroma | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

2014 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Matter Coffee

Description:
This beer is a thug. Big and chock full of tender embrace.

A specialty brew. Grab it when you see it. 10% ABV.

==Introduction==

This is the second time I try this beer and this time it is at its freshest. Thanks to www.mybeercollectibles.com for helping me obtain this one as this one is nowhere to be found here in California. Although, from what I remember in the last time I reviewed this beer, it was awesome aged. This beer is still hard to find unless you live near Chicago or can trade for it. Either way, let us see how well the fresher one does here.

Label: https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/c74e2-bighugs2014_over-final.jpg

Aromas:
Fancy roasted coffee, espresso, Mocha, Java Kahlua, vinous grapes, dark fruits like raisins, prunes, plum hints, dark cherry, blackberry, currants, deep dark chocolate, hazelnut nectar, rock candy, Danish Cookies, oatmeal cookies, spices like ginger, herbal notes, brownies, peppercorns and tobacco.

Flavors:
Mocha, Fancy roasted coffee, espresso, vinous grape notes, java, Kahlua, caramel, vanilla, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, hazelnut nectar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, molasses, walnuts, pecan pie, toffee, brownies, rock candy, peanut butter, Danish cookies, oatmeal cookies, peppercorn, tobacco, leather, smokey hints, brownies, spicy notes, herbal hints, complex coffee notes, earthy notes, dark cherry, black berries, and prailines.

Aftertaste:
Fancy Coffee roast, spicy coffee complexity earthy notes, caramel, dark chocolate and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, Smooth and creamy mouthfeel, almost easy to drink despite the ABV, Dark like the abyss of nothingness dark body.

Overall:
Damn, every time I try a different roasty variant from different companies such as Dark Matter or Portola Labs, they always have some really complex stuff. Like the fact that the coffee world is on its own level, just mixing it with some of these beers makes them that much more complex. Also the fact that this makes this one is just that much of an exceeding expectations kind of beer is just phenomenal. I really think the fresher the beer is better as you get more of the coffee complexity than what I did with the 2 year aged one. It is rather strange but I really feel like this was the case with this one.

Anime Corner:

Ark Angel MR or Evil Mythra from Final Fantasy XI was used in this pairing as I used her in the last pairing. The original idea had to do with the whole Big Hugs. Since she is a gray cat lady with crimson eyes, it would have fit with the Mecha Hugs Label. The fact that she is an Ark Angel, she fits even more perfect with the Cat Angel of Death and the whole Big Hugs as she squeezes the orange Mythra representing the colors of the original Big Hugs cat. This beer is evil, Feline Evil.

****Update****:
Just like the surprise toy in the cereal boxes or the special prizes they have on those McDonalds cups, Peel the original label to get so much Win in this awesome label behind the Original. Yeah I really didn’t catch this until later. YAY BigHugs!! See, Ark Angel MR and regular Mithra are great friends!

Sources:
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/564b9-chp6jf56bks039cj.jpg
http://oi62.tinypic.com/29zu35v.jpg

Chocolate Hazelnut Porter (CHP) by Heretic brewing

January 9, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, Chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, Chocolate Hazelnut Porter, CHP, dark chocolate, hazelnut, Heretic brewing, milk Chocolate, Naruto, Tayuya | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.65/5

Chocolate Hazelnut Porter (CHP) by Heretic brewing is a 7% ABV American Porter brewed with natural flavors.

Label:
Chocolate hazelnut Porter was the very first beer I entered in competition. It took 3rd place and gave me feedback on what I could do to improve. This sparked my passion for using competition to improve my brewing. The next time it took 1st place and eventually a Best of Show award. This is just something wonderful about the combination of rich chocolate and toasty hazelnut. When I started Heretic, people asked when we would release Chocolate Hazelnut Porter, but we had to be patient. Like that first award winning beer, I had to make sure the one in this bottle was perfect before we could release it. Many brews and tastings later, I am proud to offer you this rich, chocolaty, nutty, dessert in a glass. -Jamil Zainasheff

==Introduction==

I’ve seen some of the Heretic beers around but this one really caught my attention. I rally like sweet beers so chocolate hazelnut really sounded like an awesome mix. This would probably remind me of the Rogue Hazelnut Nectar, I thought. So I picked it up and brought it for a review here on the site. If you have tried this one let me know what you think, but here is what I think, let us take a look shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, hazelnut, brown sugar, mocha hints, smokey notes, roasted coffee, graham cracker, peanut butter hints, caramel, molasses and dark fruit hints.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter hints, hazelnut, roasty coffee notes, pecan pie, marshmallows, smokey notes, graham cracker, oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, caramel, vanilla, mocha hints, notes of dark fruit raisins, dark cherry hints, brown sugar, molasses and anise.

Aftertaste:
Earthy notes, roasted coffee, hazelnut, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla and pecan pie hints. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, dark full body and moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good beer which showcases a lot of sweet complexities but also emphasizes a roasty and smokey like character that balances it out over all. As it warms up, more of the sweeter chocolate and hazelnut flavors do tend to come out more frequently. While the beer is not as super complex and rich as other beers it still has enough to get things going and mainly still be considered a very nice dessert beer that would pair with other desserts. A must try.

Anime Corner:
Tayuya from Naruto was chosen in this pairing to pair with the motto of the beer. Release your Inner Heretic. There is a hidden evil yet deliciousness about the beer, but Tayuya has been used in several pairings to express something evil hidden. Some of the beers I have used to pair with Tayuya have been bitter or smokey in a sense as she brims with the hidden fires of her cursed form which you can see what it looks like. Sweet on the outside but dark and roasty on the inside. The beer kind of fits as the flavors of Chocolate and Hazelnut are presented in the beer and then shift into the roasty and smokiness to balance everything out.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/1331583#full
http://static.zerochan.net/Tayuya.full.626165.jpg

Horchata Imperial Stout by Belching Beaver

November 17, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Belching Beaver, Betterman, Caramel, Chocolate, Cinnamon, coffee, Horchata, Horchata Imperial Milk Stout, Horchata Imperial Stout, Imperial Milk Stout, Milk Stout, Milk Sugar, Sai Hinoki, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Horchata Imperial Stout by Belching Beaver is a 9% ABV Imperial Milk Stout brewed with Horchata flavors.

Label:
Hecho En Vista , CA.

Made for our 2nd anniversary beer. Our Horchata Imperial Milk Stout is a salute to our over the border brothers who are making some fine craft beer. One of our brewers “Ivan the Terrible” lives in TJ and commutes to start his shift here at 2:00AM. He is also in charge of making our casks. When he made this Horchata with our own Milk Stout, we thought it was fantastic. Troy brewed it as an Imperial Stout and we just love it. Thought you might too. Notes of Coffee, Chocolate and Cinnamon.

-Tom
___

Belching Beaver has been making some crazy and delicious beers starting with the Peanut Butter Milk Stout. That beer is possibly one of the best Peanut butter beers ever. This time, they released an Horchata one and and to be honest, this just sounds way too good to be true. Even far fewer are there any Horchata beers out there and all the ones I have tried are very delicious. So let us see how this version does. Salud!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, mocha, churros, milk sugar, rice pudding, dark fruit raisins, cherries, brown sugar, molasses, dulce de lecher caramel, toffee, ginger bread cookies, flan, pecan pie, almond milk, earthy notes, Kahlua, hazelnut, molasses, mint, anise and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate abuelita, Rich Horchata notes, chocolate churros, Dark fruit raisins, cherries, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, mocha, chocolate mousse, chocolate truffles, roasted coffee, flan, sweetened condensed milk lechera, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, tapioca, Khalua, anise, molasses, chocolate cherries, toffee, milk sugar, ginger bread, almond milk, pecan pie, burnt sugar, hazelnut, brown sugar and rock candy.

Aftertaste:
Horchata, milk sugar, cinnamon, rice pudding, chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, mocha, roasty notes and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, should be a sipper but drinks way too easy, full black body.

Overall:
Damn… just simply damn… So much Horchata and chocolate flavors here and the crazy part is that it drinks very smooth too since it is still a milk stout. The crazy thing is that it is crafted as an imperial so you really cannot tell the alcohol even though it is heavy. Definitely exceeding my expectations and being one of the best close to Horchata beers just like the other great Horchata beers I have tried before.

Anime Corner:
Sai Hinoki from Betterman was used in this pairing since hair colors pair with the colors of the label and the Mexican flag. Also, there is a version out there of Horchata that is made in Oaxaca called Horchata con Tuna y Nuez and the colors make the Horchata have a pink layer and the nuez is the walnuts. Adding fruit makes it like an Horchata cocktail. So that fits the flavors of the beer somewhat and the hair color as well. The fact that she is next to some kind of ancient ruin holding some kind of gem represents the indigenous roots of the beverage in terms of the ancient civilization, the label’s animal on the flag and the fact that this dessert is a rich treasure just like that gem she holds.

Sources:
https://sites.google.com/site/aquahds/1182929665276.jpg

Stone Smoked Porter with Chocolate & Orange Peel by Stone brewing

November 15, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, Chocolate, Chocolate & Orange Peel, dark chocolate, Marvel, orange peel, Psylocke, Smoked Porter, Stone Brewing, Stone Smoked Porter, X-men | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Stone Smoked Porter with Chocolate & Orange Peel by Stone brewing is a 5.9% ABV American Porter brewed with Chocolate & Orange peel.

Label:
We decided early on that we wouldn’t do seasonal beers for the sake of doing seasonal beers. Summer ales and winter lagers certainly have a ring to them. Big-beer focus groups prove consumers get a kick out of them, and macrobrew marketing analysis suggest they sell well. But for us, beer comes first, much as Stone Smoked Porter came first. Actually, it came second—oddly enough, in the form of a seasonal. Our co-founder and original brewmaster, Steve Wagner, thought it would be an innovative, warming creation suited for winter…and it was. Legend has it Greg’s mom agreed. But rather than relegating fans to nine peat-smoked-porterless months and building revenue-generating fervor for the cold season, we made it a year-round release. Nowadays, we brew a trio of tasty takes on this smoky, sultry vanguard. But the closest they come to being “seasonals” is that they are enhanced with seasonally driven ingredients such as vanilla bean and chipotle peppers. This version, released in the literally gray area separating sunshine and snowfall, incorporates dark chocolate and dried orange peel, making for a semisweet, citrus-nuanced porter that comes across like a break-apart chocolate orange enjoyed by a campfire. It’s not a seasonal—it’s just a phenomenal beer, regardless of the time of year. Throw out the calendar and enjoy.
___

Stone has been coming out with some interesting beers lately. The Stone Smoked porter variants have been some that taste pretty good and really go down well. Nothing too overwhelming but nice notes and flavors. Now this one being their 2014 Fall release, it is interesting as I do not see how chocolate and oranges can work together especially since this one is light to moderate on ABV. Then again I have been surprised many times. Let us take a look and see. You can get this one where ever they sell stone beers now.

Aromas:
Campfire, smoked peat, dark chocolate, orange peel, orange zest, coffee, molasses, caramel, toffee, brown sugar and earthy notes.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, oranges, citrus, orange peel, orange creamsicle hints, vanilla hints, caramel, earthy bitterness, smokey notes, molasses, campfire hints, smoked peat, roasted coffee hints, brown sugar, coriander spice, soy sauce and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Smokey, chocolate, citrus, earthy and vanilla dry notes. No alcohol in the taste, easy to moderate drinkability, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and dark body but can see crimson light pass through.

Overall:
A very good solid beer. It maintains itself as a porter with smoked notes but the chocolate and citrus orange flavors lend some sweetness too it. I really does seem to work well after all. Smokey and sweet work together to give this chocolate orange creamsicle flavor through and through. It drinks rather easy and smooth making this almost a gateway beer unless the extra bitter smokey notes make it hard but they are rather tame in comparison to other smokey beers I have had. This is actually pretty welcoming really. Some people may really like this.

Anime Corner:
Psylocke from Marvel’s X-men was used in this pairing to pair with some of the colors of the label but mainly since this is the first time I use her in a pairing. She has been long over due wanted to present her bad assness with a new beer here. The characteristics of her hotness translate to the smoothness of this beer while still maintaining sweet flavors. The smokey aspects of the beer would represent the dangerous side of her. She works with the mind so the taste actually is good despite the fact that you really do taste the oranges and chocolate smokey notes. They seem to work really well here.

Sources:
http://i2.pixiv.net/img44/img/jinbei-nit/31663215.jpg

Smore’s Chocolate Ale by Avila Ales

August 21, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Brown ale, Avila Ales, Chocolate, chocolate smores, cocoa nibs, Full Metal Alchemist, Lawndale, Mr & Mrs. Richard Avila, Riza Hawkeye, Smore's Chocolate Ale, Winry Rockbell | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Smore’s Chocolate Ale by Avila Ales is a 6.5% ABV American Brown Ale brewed with Cocoa Nibs.

This special recipe was brewed by my friends, Mr. Richard & Mrs. Megan Avila of Lawndale California. It was their very first brew which yielded 5 gallons. A lot of careful preparation was made to get the beer just the way they wanted it and I was honored to be the first one to do a review for them. Home brewing is a very special skill that takes time and practice like all other arts. I plan to make my own home brew soon but it is always a pleasure to review and share some of my friends creations. The lost treasure of taste and experience may not have to be so lost if you can find that your treasure is what you make it to be. Cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted coffee hints, caramel, dark chocolate, smokey notes, anise, peanut butter cup hints, clove spice, and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker notes, molasses, smokey notes and coffee. The flavors becomes stronger as the beer warms up giving ways to more milk chocolate than earthy bitterness as well as notes of bananas, clove spice hints, vanilla, pecans, caramel, brown sugar, peanut butter, mocha coffee notes, cocoa krispies and fudge cake hint.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate and milk chocolate lingers as it warms up along with subtle earthy and coffee notes notes. No alcohol in the taste, dark brown full body, easy to drink with a creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good first batch of beer. I really dig how well made it is. The cocoa nibs really compliment the other ingredients bringing forth some nice sugary and spicy flavors that typically go with when people think of smores. At the 6.5% ABV, there is a good amount of complexity and it goes to show you don’t always have to have a high ABV beer to still show some good complex flavors. While in the beginning you taste some roastiness to give it some bitterness, it is best to drink as it warms ups because that’s where you will really get the more sweeter flavors. Hope to have this dessert again the future and Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Avila for sharing this awesome beer with me.

Anime Corner:
Riza Hawkeye and Winry Rockbell from Full Metal Alchemist were used in this pairing because I wanted to capture not only the chocolate and smore characteristics of a beer as represented by the chocolate cake but also the team effort in working hard to make something very delicious. Brewing is like cooking and when you know how to cook right, brewing such delicious beers is like making a delicious cake. This may have been my friend’s first beer but to get a nice level of complexity right off the bat was pretty damn amazing. Also the colors of the label do compliment some of the background and characters.

Sources:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/AoiSora/hagaren_misc/clear-card-valentines-day.jpg

Raven’s Eye (New Label) by Eel River Brewing

August 20, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged bakers chocolate, black currants, Chocolate, chocolate pecans, dark fruits, Eeel River, Eel River Brewing, Emeralda, Emeralda Kasim, espresso coffee, Imperial Stout, Organic Beer, Raven's Eye, Russian Imperial Stout, Xenogears | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Raven’s Eye (New Label) by Eel River Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Organic Russian Imperial Stout.

Label:
A bold creamy Stout with hints of dark chocolate and espresso balanced by an aroma reminiscent of chocolate, molasses, and plums.

If you think Raven’s Eye Stout is good now, we recommend aging it. Its characteristics become more complex over time, meaning it only gets better with age.
___

Raven’s Eye Stout has a special place in my heart next to Black Xantus. Back in 2010, when I started to try some craft beers and started to get appreciation for labels, I decided to get this one along with some other beers I had not tried before. This stout stuck out to me even before I started trying the Lost Abbey stuff back then. After several times of trying it, I realize why it was the cousin of the Black Xantus. IT was because while it was not bourbon barrel aged like that one was, it offered similar flavors of the Russian Imperial Stout but with dark fruit flavors. I grew very fond of this one. While it is not sold as often as I like, it is a treat to find it. I picked this one up at Ramirez Liquor when I saw the new label finally came out. So definitely I said to myself, I have to bring this one back! So here it is, once again with the new label. Cheers!

Previous 2012 Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/12/ravens-eye-redux-by-eel-river-brewing/

Aromas:
Roasted Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Mocha, dark fruits, pecans, hazelnut nectar, rich currants, dark cherry, caramel, anise, earthy roasted notes, molasses, brown sugar and hints vanilla.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruits like raisins, currants, dark cherry, mocha, coffee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, pecans, Irish cream, bakers chocolate, fudge cake, molasses, anise, hints of oak, earthy roasted notes, sweet toffee, marshmallow smores and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee bitterness, dark fruits, dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel and earthy hints. No alcohol in the taste, moderate to sipping drinkability, creamy mouth feel but smooth and full pitch black body.

Overall:
Still the greatly awesome beer that I remember. Definitely more dark fruit forward this time around with a good balance. The same beer I had since 2011 still great and in some cases better than the previous times I tried it. The dessert beer next to the Black Xantus and not so barrel aged but yet still up there with great complex flavors for a Russian Stout.

Anime Corner:
Emeralda Kasim from Xenogears was used in this pairing as I used her in many of the Raven’s eye pairing in the past. Her colors seemed to work well with the label of the beer and the green organic aspect of the beer. The colors of her were representative of the taste in terms of the chocolate flavors and more. While her eyes are like the sun and hazel, they show a glimmer of crimson like the eye of the raven as well. She is this beer and the solitude that it represents. Forevermore….

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/334009#full
http://www.zerochan.net/1143296#full

Mogli by Caldera Brewing

May 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, bakers chocolate, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Cacao Chocolate Porter, Caldera brewing, Candi Sugars, Chocolate, Chocolate Porter, Imperial Porter, Mogli, oak barrels, White Chocolate, World class, World Class Imperial Porter | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Mogli by Caldera Brewing is an 8.5% ABV World Class Imperial Porter Aged in Oak Barrels with Chocolate.

Label:
Caldera’s “Mogli” was inspired by the loss of a dear friend. This is a chocolate, oak-aged Imperial Porter. Mogli is complex, sweet, chocolatey, big and full of unconditional love! Sit, Stay, roll over, cookies? Malt beverage brewed with natural flavor. If ever in Ashland, Oregon, come by and check out the Caldera Tap House. Located 31 Water Street.

Served in a 10 ounce wine glass. Malts: Premium Two Row, Crystal, Munich, Brown, Pale Chocolate, Chocolate, Dark Belgian Candi Sugar, Natural Chocolate, Bourbon-Soaked Oak Spirals; Hops: Galena, Willamette; ABV: 8.5%, IBU: 55, SRM: 55.0
___

From the Caldera Kettle Series ~ Limited Small Batch Release, Mogli is a beer I have been passing up for the longest time. I guess it wasn’t until recently when I read the label that this beer was made for the loss of one of the brewer’s pet that I was like awe man, this is cute. I definitely had to try it. Now, without further ado, here is Mogli!

Aromas:
Rich Milk, dark and bakers Chocolate, chocolate yoohoo, plantain bananas, rich vanilla, blackberries, blue berry muffins, hints of oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, cocoa powder, cocoa krispies, peanut butter, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, dark fruits figs and dates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, hints of coconut, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow, white chocolate, mocha and notes of Kahlua.

Flavors:
Very Rich Milk, dark, bakers and Yoohoo Chocolate covered blueberries, blackberries, Chocolate Cheese cake, Banana Flan, maple grilled plantains, White Russian, White Chocolate, rich vanilla, oak, bourbon, blueberry muffins, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs and dates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, marshmallow, oatmeal cookie dough, rocky road ice cream, oreo cookies, peanut butter, cocoa krispies, cocoa powder, chocolate cordial cherries, fudge cake, coffee cake, brown sugar and rum.

Aftertaste:
Lingering rich chocolate, banana and dark fruit complexities with hints of vanilla and caramel. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer with a smoothness that can be described like drinking chocolate milkshake. Medium mouthfeel and very creamy.

Overall:
HOLY SHIT! I love this beer! I definitely have a new favorite. Who would have thought that for beer that is not as coveted as many other well known beers, that this one literally takes the cake, or atleast a huge chunk of chocolate cake. I got this beauty at Ramirez but I have seen it in many places like total wine. I believe they release this almost every year so without a shadow of a doubt, a highly recommended must try. I think what really does this one in is the chocolate and the other ingredients it shows it is made from.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by Saintversa and allinix of Deviant art were used in this pairing mainly because of the colors and the label. Blue Green or Teal is my favorite color but I mainly wanted to show a black canine as I am unable to find many good pictures to pair these beers with. I take a gut feeling and usually take a perspective when choosing these. In terms of chocolate and dark beer, I felt this was perfect because I wanted to show guilty pleasure and unconditional love, in whatever form it may be for the loss of a pet. Hence why the canine anthropomorphic pictures are hard to see. Especially since anthropomorphic I guess in the “Furry world” (Don’t quote me on this, I am not a Furry) is the dividing line between man and animal or maninal. Essentially I am trying to say how pets are part of a family and we love them as such. Either way, this beer is very special and pleasant that you have to try it!

Smokestack Series Chocolate Ale by Boulevard Brewing

March 5, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Strong Ale, boulevard brewing, Chocolate, chocolate cake, cocoa puffs cereal, dark chocolate, Korra, Legend of Korra, milk Chocolate, Smokestack Series, Voodoo Doughnut Pretzel Raspberry & Chocolate Ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Smokestack Series Chocolate Ale by Boulevard Brewing is a 9.1% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with cocoa.

Label:
One of the brightest stars in a city filled with culinary treasures, Christopher Elbow has world wide reputation for handcrafted masterpieces. His sweets are distinguished by their use of unusual, sometimes surprising ingredients, and that adventurous spirit has left its print on this special ale. The aroma is given over to earthy, fruity, cocoa, with just a hint hops. Smooth layers of dark chocolate intertwine with threads of caramel, vanilla, and nutty malt as the flavor warms and rounds to a bitter sweet finish.
___

Picked this up at the local Ramirez Liquor in Boyle Heights California. Chocolate ales are something that definitely bring my attention. I cannot help it as they really are my favorite types of beers. Sometimes there is a Bias for chocolate beers in my reviews, but you can definitely tell. So take it with a grain of salt and try them for yourself to decide. As far as this beer goes, I was surprised by the color. This was not your typical dark beer.

Aromas:
Citrus, dark chocolate, rye bread, dark chocolate, caramel, very mild earthy hops, cinnamon, peanut butter, vanilla, bananas, clove spice, cocoa crispies cereal, hazelnut, pecans, tootsie roll, brown sugar and molasses.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, champurrado flavor, bakers chocolate, caramel, candi sugar, cinammon, earthy spices, bananas, cloves, chocolate cake, peanut butter hints, rye bread, mild flan notes, cocoa crispies or cocoa puffs cereal, citrus, mild dark fruits, tootsie rolls and white chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Chocolate, mild bittering earthy hops in the finish but mainly cinnamon and caramel linger. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer with a medium mouth feel.

Overall:
A perfect beer but you definitely need to let it warm up to get richer chocolate flavor. It is very different at first because it falls somewhere between the colors of chocolate rain and white chocolate from the Bruery (Beer Color only). A light brown per say. The flavor is not as exceptional but it falls somewhere in the middle in terms of beer color because although I was expecting a darker beer, the lighter beer aspect still lets the chocolate shine in this beer which was very surprising. This beer is not specifically chocolate but you can tell chocolate is still there. My extra credit can only do so much for the chocolate in this beer but it may not be enough to exceed my expectations like other chocolate beers. Still recommended and worth a try.

Anime Corner:
Korra from the Legend of Korra was used in this pairing because while fits in the style of my favorite character, Yoruichi, I wanted to portray an in between chocolate and white chocolate type of beer. Her wearing the outfit from Kill La Kill shows the strength of the beer as it warms up. The more she shines the more she becomes powerful. Chocolate is sexy so she definitely shines in that aspect too . This is a rare release too so she is a very rare character sometimes in these reviews .

Voodoo Doughnut Pretzel, Raspberry & Chocolate Ale by Rogue brewing

December 3, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate, Doughnut, Peanut Butter & Banana Ale Voodoo Doughnut, Pretzels, Raspberries, rogue brewing, Voodoo Doughnut, Voodoo Doughnut Pretzel Raspberry & Chocolate Ale, Voodoo Doughnuts | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Voodoo Doughnut Pretzel, Raspberry & Chocolate Ale by Rogue brewing is a 6.75% ABV Brown Ale brewed with Pretzels, Raspberries and chocolate. The next in line variant of the Voodoo Doughnut series. Another Homer Simpson beer

Label:
Dedicated to Tres & Cat Daddy, The Rogues of Voodoo Doughnuts

A Collision of Crazies.

They say the third time’s a charm, and this time the collision of crazies created a Pretzel, Raspberry & Chocolate ale inspired by Voodoo Doughnut’s Voodoo Doll doughnut. The Voodoo people say the magic is in the hole. We think it’s also in the bottle.

14 Ingredients: 2-Row, Munich, C120, Chocolate, Black, Kiln Coffee & Rogue Farms Dare™ and Risk™ Malts; Rogue Farms Rebel Hops; Pretzels, Raspberry Extract, Chocolate, Pacman Yeast & Free Range Coastal Water.

Specs:
13.5 deg PLATO
31 IBU
73 AA
78 deg Lovibond

Pairing:
Doughnut, Dessert
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Another awesome beer by Rogue, this time, made with chocolate, raspberries and pretzels. I was able to find this from Rogue’s website directly but they may actually be shipping across the nation just in time for the holidays.

Aromas:
Lots of raspberry notes, caramel, milk chocolate, doughnut, maple, This one definitely hits a lot of Jelly doughnut fragrances, rye, sugary raisins, hazelnut hints, pretzel bread notes and pecan pie

Flavors:
Pretzel and lots of chocolate come more forward with the rich raspberries riding along through out the beer, roasted coffee, earthy hop presence, mocha, hazelnut, doughnut hints, caramel, raisins, raspberry jelly doughnut, maple, pecan pie, tootsie roll,vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, blueberry yogurt notes, and cherry hints. Gets more flavorful as it warms up.

Aftertaste:
Finishing the beer, you get lots coffee and roasty bitterness with the chocolate and raspberry notes still lingering as well as the buttery pretzel bread notes. No alcohol in the taste and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
It is a great beer (At least to me)!! I would like to say I enjoyed this one way more than the original and possibly as much or a step up from Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Banana Ale Voodoo Doughnut. This one is way more like a liquid doughnut with roasted coffee. This is a breakfast in a bottle and what made it perfect in my opinion was the way the raspberries balanced themselves with the chocolate and doughnut flavors. This was a dessert just on its own. Also, the ABV is not overwhelming. If you did not enjoy the previous 2, this one may or may not make your day. Worth a try I say

Anime Corner:
The artwork used to pair this beer had to do with many different aspects. It mainly has to do with Voodoo dolls and desserts. The colors of each of these artworks can pair just about everything from the colors of the label, the beer bottle and even the flavors of the beer. Notice the doughnut in the artwork 😛?

2013 (Brewcifer) Darkness by Surly Brewing

November 8, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged banana mango, Brewcifer, Chocolate, dark chocolate, Dark Lord, Darkness, Khalua, Kill-LA-Kill, Lord of Darkness, Maple Syrup, Naruto, raisin bread pudding, Russian Imperial Stout, Ryuoko Matoi, sakura Haruno, Satan, Surly Brewing, Surly Darkness 2013, sweet darkness, The Seven Deadly Sins, World class, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.55/5 *

Darkness by Surly Brewing is a 10.3% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout

Label:
Brewcifer Lord of Darkness

From the depths of the Brewhouse he arises! Enveloped in raging flames, his shadowy visage commands submission to the dark nectar in his goblet. Brewcifer holds before you a massively opaque black brew with notes of chocolate, coffee, dried tart cherries and raisins. The thick body of this Russian Imperial Stout finishes sweet, with a piney resinous hop character.

Brewcifer commands that you enjoy this creation in a tulip glass, to capture the complex aromas and flavors. Brewcifer would suggest that you share with a friend. Brewcifer doesn’t want you to be a jerk.

Each year, we select a different artist to create a Darkness-inspired monstrosity. This year’s fiery creature is from the dark imagination of local artist Josh “Jawsh” Lemke.

Omar Ansari Todd Haug
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Happy National Stout Day 😀 !! I Was able to find this one online, special thanks to Ben for hooking me up with this one. A contribution that is well appreciated here at brewerianimelogs. This evil brew comes all the way from Minnesota. The beer is a response to 3 Floyds Dark Lord RIS. Surly has made some of the best Midwest beers ever. I have tried several of their special releases and the majority have been very outstanding. This is the first time I try this and may consider picking this one up for future reviews if I like it.

Aromas:
Deep rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, , earthy hops, roasted coffee, dark fruit notes, vanilla, toffee, caramel, that special sweet raisin bread pudding, surly yeast, dark cherries, hints of spices, anise, currants, chocolate cake, walnuts, hazelnut, some tropical essence like a hint of grapefruit and piney hops, chocolate covered mango notes, brown sugar and molasses.

Flavors:
Very good dark chocolate, piney, earthy hops, chocolate covered mango, vanilla, caramel, toffee, delicious rye bread, dark fruits raisins, dark cherries, currants, coffee, mocha, Kahlua notes, molasses, raisin bread pudding, tart raspberry skins, anise, pecan pie notes, brown sugar, cherry Dr. Pepper syrup notes, maple syrup, molasses, peaches and cream

Aftertaste:
Sweet,bakers dark chocolate, mild tropical and earthy hop aftertaste with lots of berries, dark fruits and syrupy mango linger. No alcohol what so ever in the taste, dangerously smooth and easy to moderate drinkability. Scary stuff

Overall:
Exceptionally epic and delicious example of the style. Goes to show that not all great beers have to be bourbon barrel aged to exceed expectations. This one does its own, with no extra help. The interesting part is how the hop flavors come to play along exceedingly nice with the stout flavors. Almost saying, I am just as important as the rest of you sweet chocolate goodness. Lends a very hefty hand. You get more sweeter tropical notes as the beer gets warmer. That is where it becomes it’s best. Highly recommend it if you can get this one online or lucky enough to know where to get it or have someone who can hook it up. This devil’s water is insanely sweet and I honestly wish they would sell this year round. Would definitely be one of my favorite Russian Imperial stouts that were not Barrel aged. Definitely meets that World Class qualification.

*This beer gets the extra credit for exceeding my expectations and it did it without the help of barrel aging

Anime Corner:
Ryuoko Matoi is a character from the Kill-La-Kill series. A fierce and ruthless character who shows no fear when it comes to finding her father’s killer. Her outfit and and personality best fits the label as well as the name, Darkness, although since the beer is pretty sweet, it is a part of her personality that makes her self conscious of her body while fighting.

Second character is Satan from the series The Seven Deadly Sins from Nitro Plus. She obviously fits the brewcifer label for her being and her colors. While she is passionate about war against good, she has a weakness for cute animals which is best represented by Darkness flavors being so sweet, mysterious, smooth and appealing.

The Third character is a demonic form of Sakura Haruno from the Naruto series. While she never has this form, canonically, it is a fan art that best fit the beer in terms of the label, demon look, pink hair for the dark cherry flavors and the sharp green eyes which reflect the out-pour of the tropical hops notes within the stout

Vanilla Oatis by Ninkasi Brewing

October 27, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate, milk Chocolate, Nia Teppelin, Ninkasi, Ninkasi Brewing, oatmeal cookies, Oatmeal Stout, pecans, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, vanilla, vanilla beans, Vanilla Oatis | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.45/5

Vanilla Oatis by Ninkasi Brewing is a 7.2% ABV Oatmeal Stout brewed with Vanilla Beans

Label:
A delicious Oatmeal Stout with just enough hops to balance the copious quantities of dark roasted malts, oatmeal for a creamy smooth drinkability, and whole vanilla beans for a rich complexity. To achieve this higher level of decadence, we added whole vanilla beans to the final stage of fermentation – the same process we use to dry hop a beer.
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Ninkasi brewing has been popping up in California really recently. They have been releasing some nice beers worth trying. So far, this is the second beer I try. I will pick up more as I can but so far everything is going pretty good.

Aromas are of Milk Chocolate, caramel, mocha, hints or raisins and dark fruits, earthy hops, oatmeal cookie notes, coffee, roasted barley and oats, pecans, dark cherry notes and walnuts

Flavors are of Vanilla, roasted oats, milk and dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, earthy hops, hints if dark cherry and raisins, notes of nutty pecans and and walnuts, caramel, mocha, roasted oats and notes of oatmeal cookies

The after taste is roasty and bitter with just enough vanilla beans to maintain and balanced finish. Moderate drinkability with no alcohol presence

Overall, the beer is very good. Without the Vanilla beans to keep everything in check, the roasted notes and earthy hops would most likely over power the beer. If not for the Vanilla, it be a decent stout but the vanilla beans just make it way more delicious. Worth trying once.

Anime Corner: This is Nia Teppelin from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagan. In the show, she had not revealed her this true form to her friends and this was because this form (Anti-Spiral) of hers was hidden dormant until the second half of the series. In this form, she was brainwashed and had to do everything the anti-spiral threat told her to do including lead the world to destruction. The beer comparison is complemented not just the label to her colors in the artwork, but the Vanilla it self. Just like the vanilla is used to keep stuff in check for the rest of the roasted character of the beer, Her will and love (Vanilla) for the main character Simon, allowed her to break control of the anti-Spirals hold and regain her consciousness back keeping her self balanced and in full control. At that point, she went back to her friends to help fight off the anti-Spiral threat

the GreatER Pumpkin Heavy Seas Uncharted Waters series 2013 by Clipper City Brewing

October 24, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, almond joy, Bourbon Barrel Aged, butter scotch, Chocolate, Clipper City, Clipper City Brewing, coconut, Heavy Seas, pumpkin ale, pumpkin flesh, pumpkin pie, pumpkin seeds, the GreatER Pumpkin, uncharted series, Uncharted Waters, Uncharted Waters series | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.2/5

the GreatER Pumpkin Heavy Seas Uncharted Waters series 2013 by Clipper City Brewing is a 10% ABV Imperial Pumpkin ale brewed with spices and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
As fall approaches and thoughts turn to Halloween, we roll out the Great’ER Pumpkin. A coppery ale with forward notes of vanilla oak and flavors of Autumnal spice, the ale is brewed with actual pumpkin and imported English malts. Pairs well with turkey legs, sweet potatoes, and an evening looking at the stars…

Uncharted Waters explores the unique changes that happen to beer when exposed to wood. Each beer showcases a robust style, carefully matched with a wood treatment to showcase a range of complex flavors. Vintage dating encourages further exploration on the aging process. As much about the voyage as the destination we hope you enjoy these beers in the spirit in which they were brewed.
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Available this season in certain places. Online, if you live in California. This is the 3rd beer I try in the Uncharted Waters series and the 3rd Clipper Brewing beer overall. All have been pleasantly awesome. This is their Bourbon pumpkin beer. I have tried many pumpkin beers with ranges of many different flavors. When they start to get into the Barrel Aged category, they become very awesome and generally, something very awesome and different. Some key BBA pumpkin beers have been able to surpass my expectations while the regular ones are still the best at what they do individually.

Aromas of this beer are loaded with oak, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie, pumpkin flesh, coconut, chocolate, bourbon, coriander spice, ginger bread, fruit cake, flan, brown sugar and cloves

The flavors are of pumpkin flesh, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, vanilla, oak, caramel, nutmeg cinnamon, bourbon, coconut, light matured banana, clove spice, milk, chocolate notes, rice pudding, piloncillo (Mexican hard sugar cone), raisin ginger bread, flan, brown sugar, butterscotch, graham crackers, pumpkin flavored almond joy and pumpkin rocky road ice cream.

After taste leaves very nice pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, banana, clove spice, chocolate hints and bourbon notes. Good luck finding the alcohol in this one. The beer is not full bodied yet it is a sipper.

Overall, an awesome Barrel aged pumpkin serving. Almost on par with Uinta Oak Jacked, although this one has less mature banana notes white this one takes the pumpkin and bourbon and plays with them extremely well. Heavy Seas series makes some damn good beers. Need to get me some more. Although online. If you can get this beer, have at it. If not, take Oak Jacked. These beers are similar, except while one focuses on banana notes, this one got the coconut and chocolate going for it. The extra credit well deserved here. Something about their brewing process gives some delicious chocolate. So far the 3 beers I have had from this series has shown me this. Why? Could be my senses playing tricks. Regardless, very awesome beer.

Decadence 2013 Anniversary Lager by Alesmith

October 16, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Alesmith, Annie Leonhardt, attack on titan, Caramel, Chocolate, Decadence, Decadence 2013, Doppelbock, Figs, German Doppelbock, German Lager, German lager yeast, German style, liquid bread, liquid trailmix, toffee | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Decadence 2013 Anniversary Lager by Alesmith is a 10% ABV German Doppelbock Lager

Label:
AleSmith Decadence Anniversary Ale was originally brewed in 2005 to celebrate our first decade in business. Our brewers had such a great time creating it that they decided to brew a new style each year to commemorate our anniversary.

Now in our eighteenth year, we bring you yet another addition to this legendary series. AleSmith Decadence 2013 is a classic German-style Doppelbock that follows the ancient brewing tradition of Bavarian monks. Originally called “Liquid Bread,” this style is characterized by a rich malt backbone that showcases notes of bread crusts and subtle hints of chocolate . A German lager yeast balances these flavors with a clean, full-bodied finish. Drink this meal in a glass now or cellar it for years to come.
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Another glorious year for Alesmith and their over the top great ales. Cheers to you guys!! There has not been any review that I have had from them that has been bad. Everything I have had so far is either great or exceptionally exceeding expectations. Now to their 18th anniversary they release the German Doppelbock. A style of dark German beer which already, I have yet to get a bad review from. This style is simply remarkable. Now made by Alesmith? Well, we shall see

Aromas to start give a very nice toffee, caramel, biscuit, dark fruit raisins, banana, clove spice, figs, earthy notes, chocolate, rye bread, blackberry marmalade hints and hazelnut.

The flavors are very rich in toffee, dark raisins, cherries, plums, dulce de leche caramel, dates, figs, bananas, clove spice, rye bread, hazelnut, chocolate notes, boysenberry marmalade, cinnamon, gingerbread, fruit cake, apricots, earthy bitterness, pecans, grapes, anise and molasses.

The aftertaste is fruity, nutty and minor spicy. Almost like trail mix in a bottle, without the salt. Where is the Alcohol? Wow this is drinkable for a 10% ABV. Holy shit smooth!!

Overall I was very impressed. This is a great beer. It is very close to the quadruple beer style. It’s supposed to be made as a lager but in the German style. This is very befitting of the season, you know, Oktoberfest and the Fall and what not. People have to get this, it is a must try. Especially since it taste like trail mix!. If I would drink this at Oktoberfest, I would definitely need to carried home as I would not be able to taste the alcohol and this would cause me to get drunk quick. I am still waiting to taste the alcohol and well, feel it, but I know it will creep up very soon here.

Capricho Oscuro Batch 5 by Cigar City Brewing

October 7, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged American Strong Ale, Barrel Aged, best beers in the world, brandy, Brandy Barrel Aged, Capricho Oscuro, Capricho Oscuro Batch 5, Chocolate, Cigar City Brewing, coconut, cognac, dark chocolate, dark fruits, flan, Hot Blooded Foreign Stout, Legend of Zelda, Majora, Majora's mask, milk Chocolate, Oak aged, oak barrels, Puppy’s Breath Robust Porter, Winter Winter Warmer, World class, World Class American Strong Ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Capricho Oscuro Batch 5 by Cigar City Brewing is a ??% ABV World Class American Strong Ale

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION (Ratebeer.com)
This beer is a blend of at least five different beers, including Hot Blooded Foreign Stout, Puppy’s Breath Robust Porter, and several vintages of Warmer Winter Winter Warmer. These beers were aged in some cognac and brandy barrels before being blended together.
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Hard to come by, looked and looked for this piece of barrel aged treasure all over. Hard to get. Impossibly rare? Maybe, not as much as other but still it was hard to come by. This beer seems very good but very evil and mysterious. Without an ABV to gauge it, I am pretty much lost in the dark as to how strong this one is that it is kind of scary. Perfect art pairing with Majora from Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask. Anyway, if you manage to find this one, choose wisely.

Aromas are of rich dark fruits like raisins, prunes, figs, dates, dark cherries, raspberries, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, pecans, coconuts, vanilla, cognac, brandy, notes of Hunnapu like the spiciness of it, caramel flan, chocolate cake, dessert wine, port wine, rocky road ice cream, almond joy and maple

The flavors are of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, brandy, cognac, dark cherries, raisins, figs, prunes, toasted coconut, hazelnuts, pecan pie, flan, port wine, rocky road ice cream notes, almond joy notes, caramel, vanilla, toffee, raspberries, maple, molasses, anise, slight smokiness, leather, tobacco, bourbon, Cordial Cherries and chocolate covered raspberries

The aftertaste is pretty complex leaving trails of sweet caramel, chocolate, oak, brandy, cognac, dark fruits and a bit of port wine. This beer is a definite sipper. The alcohol is noticeable but very pleasant and warming. The alcohol only brings the rich flavors above and it is nothing harsh.

Overall this is an amazingly delicious beer, exceeding exceptions. I cannot guess the ABV from the taste which is scary but also good that it comes in a small bottle to sample. Definitely like some of the best beers in the world. Close to Melange 3, close to Black Tuesday, Grey Monday and even some of the other Bruery anniversary ales. What can I say about CCB, other than it is “The Bruery of the East Coast” making some of the best beers in the world possible like many champions. If you can find this, definitely get it.

Raven’s Eye (Redux) by Eel River Brewing

September 12, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged bakers chocolate, black currants, Chocolate, chocolate pecans, dark fruits, Eeel River, Eel River Brewing, Emeralda, espresso coffee, Imperial Stout, Organic Beer, Raven's Eye, Russian Imperial Stout, Xenogears | 1 Comment

Rating: 5/5

Raven’s Eye (Redux) by Eel River Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Organic Russian Imperial Stout

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
A rich roasty brew with a deep “espresso” character. Originally brewed for the Imperial Court in Russia, this stout is a warm festive drink made with the cold Russian Winters in mind. This complex stout is brewed with a combination of nine domestic and imported malts. Only the finest Pacific Northwest hops are used to provide the perfect balance in our award winning beer.
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I have reviewed this beer in the past and have tried this atleast several times. To me, this was, and will always be, Black Xantus Evil cousin. I decided to another review before the release of the new label (http://www.eelriverbrewing.com/sites/eelriverbrewing.com/files/ravens_0.jpg). This is the same beer that I enjoy so long ago when I first started trying different beers and it has made a nice comeback this year.

Aromas roasted coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, pecans, hazelnut nectar, bits of dark fruits like currants, raisins, caramel, licorice, earthy hops, brown sugar and molasses

The flavors are of rich sweet Irish cream like coffee, hazelnut nectar, mocha, rich currants, raisins, dark cherries, pecans, walnuts, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, molasses, slight licorice notes, slight oak flavors, vanilla, caramel, chocolate fudge brownies with caramel on top, pecans, cherry and raisin syrup, earthy hop bitterness near the end and sweet toffee.

The aftertaste leaves stronger with coffee, chocolate and dark fruit with a slight bitterness at the end. This beer is moderate to sip drinkability, heavy but smooth. Deliciously balanced. No alcohol presence anywhere

Overall, I don’t have to say it, this is a great beer. One of my old time favorites and still around after 2 years. It is one of those over looked beers that really should not be. Truly one of the best dessert beers our there. It will always be the cousin of the Black Xantus, the unbarrel aged epic lore. Feels like visiting and old relative

2011 Review: (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/ravens-eye-imperial-stout-by-eel-river/)
Black Xantus cousin…Second time trying the Raven’s Eye Imperial stout by Eel River brewing. One of the very few breweries who have the USDA Certified Organic Trademark. Also one of the best Organics I have ever tried. How is this the Black Xantus cousin (Aside from being another dark bird)? or in a sense, why does it seem similar at least to me? Well this stout is a Coffee dominant chocolatey stout just like it. However, other than being less strong, there are more other flavors that Black Xantus does not have that are actually worth trying. There are flavors of Hazel nut, mocha, bread, dark fruits, caramel, milk texture, and some minor hoppy taste. Will it be good for you to try?? Well only if your into stouts and sweet bitter coffee ones. I sure enjoyed it myself that I had to do a ROUND2 review as the last time I tried it was sometimes last year. Will you actually find something delicious in this beer or will you say to this …Nevermore!! >:)..You be the judge. It is a California brew found at Bevmo

Raspberry Brown by Lost Coast Brewery

September 6, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Brown ale, caramel malts, Chocolate, chocolate dessert, dessert, Lost Coast Brewery, Luka, Luka Megurine, natural raspberry flavor, Raspberry brown, raspberry flavor, tootsie pops, Tootsie Rolls, vocaloid | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.2/5

Raspberry Brown by Lost Coast Brewery is a Brown Ale brewed with natural raspberry flavor

Label:
Brown Ale with natural raspberry flavor. A chocolate Brown Ale with the essence of ripe red raspberries, made with malted barley, chocolate and caramel malts, hops, and natural raspberry flavor. Raspberry Brown is perishable. Keep refrigerated and drink when fresh.
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Bottled 04/26/2013. May not be as fresh, but I will give it the benefit of a doubt. You see, I picked this up for review because during one of my outings when trying different beers, I came across this one. I have had other Lost Coast beers but have not had a chance to put these on my blog. They are are pretty good beers. This one was very rich in raspberry

Aromas are of chocolate, rich raspberry tootsie rolls, caramel, toffee, pecans, hazelnuts and brown sugar.

Flavors are of dark chocolate, raspberries, bitter coffee notes, caramel, tootsie rolls and tootsie pops, hazelnuts, cherry candy, biscuit bread, butterscotch, buttered toast, pecans, milk chocolate notes and toffee.

Aftertaste is kind of like tootsie rolls and remains for a bit before fading, easy to drink, sweet mostly.

Overall, I liked this beer on what it was meant for. A sweet chocolate dessert. Maybe not super complex like some of the more awesome raspberry or cherry beers (Yes I am looking at you Bourbon County Cherry Rye :P) but it gets the job done. When I first drank this I liked the sweetness of it, maybe not the complexity but the sweetness. It is no overpowering but easy to drink with mild to moderate flavors. To me it was very good and I am sticking with it. Creamy, fruity, sweet and mildly velvety. Delicious stuff if you choose to see it that way. Love my sweet beers .

Genghis Pecan by Clown Shoes brewing

August 19, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate, chocolate biscuit, clown shoes, Clown Shoes Brewing, Genghis Pecan, Ghengis Khan, hazelnut coffee, pecan pie, pecan pie porter, pecans, Porter, sweet toffee, toasted pecans | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.6/5

Genghis Pecan by Clown Shoes brewing is a 7%ABV Pecan Pie Porter brewed with roasted pecans

Label:
Our new Pecan Pie Porter no longer uses extract, but rather brown sugar and pecans roasted by friends at The Gallows in Boston. Buddy Hadry, a rep at Bella Vista in PA, gave me the name for this beer, the second Pecan beer now that he has named. Thank you, Buddy!
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What does pecans have to do with Genghis Khan? I have no clue, other than the last name rhymes with pecans. Pecan pie or pecan flavored beers are some of my favorite notes that I find in many beers that I try. One made with pecans, well let’s see how good it is.

Aromas are of hazelnut, pecans, roasty coffee, brown sugar, spices, biscuit bread, nutmeg, cinnamon and chocolate

The flavors are of pecan notes, some hazelnut, coffee, pecan pie, walnuts, nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, caramel, dark chocolate, biscuit bread or pie crust, molasses, butterscotch and a bit of nutella on rye.

The aftertaste is sweet, toffee and biscuity with alittle bit of roasty notes The beer is not super heavy but moderate to drink with silky mouthfeel

Overall the beer does not a super strong pecan pie flavor like I get in a lot of bourbon barrel aged beers and quads but it still has some pecan, nutty and bready flavors. Also very nice drinking. For some reason, the biscuit, nutty and buttery feels reminds me of some notes I got from trying a Far Tire. Ofcourse, this one is way better than Fat Tire (Imperial Fat Tire?). Well regardless, this was very delicious and enjoyable. Don’t expect to be blown away by pecans and pie, but the notes and buttery nut bread are strong here

Big Hugs 2011 edition by Half Acre Brewing and Dark Matter Coffee Company

August 19, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Ark Angel Mithra, Big Hugs, Chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, christmas beer, coffee, coffee company, collaboration, Collaboration Beer, dark chocolate, dark fruits, Dark Matter Coffee, fancy coffee, Final Fantasy XI, half acre, half acre brewing, Imperial Stout, Mithra, Spices, spicy aroma | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.2/5

Big Hugs 2011 edition by Half Acre Brewing and Dark Matter Coffee Company is a 10%ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Matter Coffee

Description:
This beer is a thug. Big and chock full of tender embrace.

A specialty brew. Grab it when you see it. 10% ABV.
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Hard to find, but aged for 2 years, this is Big Hugs. Looks like a nice kitty that wants to give a loving Christmas embrace, but in reality, it’s intentions are difficult to tell. Many have lost and have fallen victims to it’s temptations (either willfully or by bloody force). Opening this beer, it definitely smelled way different than other stouts to begin with.

First thing I noticed in the aromas were that there was a good amount of dark fruits and molasses. The beer has developed nicely. Above it are the rich cola like aromas followed by super dark chocolate, fancy coffee, a peppery and spicy aroma, possibly nutmeg notes, vanilla, caramel, toffee, brownie and hazelnuts

The flavors are like a rich fancy coffee with spices, Kahlua notes, vanilla, hazelnut, bakers and dark chocolate, hazelnut, raisins, molasses, walnuts, toffee, brownies and spices but not heat wise, definitely something else (must be the fancy coffee)

The aftertaste is roasty, semi sweet dark chocolate, spicy and a touch boozy. ABV has probably increased to a 11% or 12%. The mouth-feel is moderately syrupy so this one is definitely a sipper.

Overall, age has done this one wonders. Either that or the beer has always tasted this nice. Regardless, it was definitely interesting, different and kinda creepy.

Barrel Aged Siren Noire Heavy Seas Uncharted Series 2013 by Clipper City Brewing

July 27, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged bakers chocolate, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Stout, bourbon barrels, bourbon vanilla, cacao nibs, Chocolate, chocolate coconut, chocolate fudge brownies, Clipper City, Diabetes in a bottle, Fate Zero, Fate Zero Assasin, flan, Heavy Seas, Imperial Stout, malt flavors, Mexican Flan, restaurants, Siren Noire | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/5*

Barrel Aged Siren Noire Heavy Seas Uncharted Series 2013 by Clipper City Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
Siren Noire
Rich and velvety, this smooth brew owes its full body to healthy additions of imported specialty grains. The roasted malt flavors of coffee yield to notes of mocha, fig, and raisin – and Belgian cacao nibs impart a decadent chocolate nuance. Bourbon barrel aging finishes by adding tones of vanilla. An unparalleled flavor experience

So I got this on whim. I wanted to get the Holy Sheet Belgian ale they had but unfortunately for me it may already be to late. Well, better luck next year I guess. Anyways, I found this one and I wanted to try as it was a Barrel Aged beer and from a brewery I have never tried before. So I decided to give it a try and damn, what a treasure it was as soon as I opened the bottle.

Aromas exploded with a great ton of coconut, chocolate, marshmallows, almonds, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de caramel (Rocky road fragrances), flan, mocha coffee notes, deep java, frappucino,

The flavors are way too damn close to rocky road ice cream and coffee to put it as best as possible. Bitterness is definitely like an earthy and it is also oaky slightly. Flavors are are of milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, toasted coconut, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, vanilla, marshmallows, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, chocolate cheese cake, flan, crème brulee, mocha, frappucino and chocolate fudge brownies

The Aftertaste leaves off sweet with nice chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, flan and mocha notes. No alcohol presence and the flavors are complex and intense, I am surprised how they could develop these very nice flavors from such an ABV.

Amazingly enough, while it is not strong with the alcohol, it has a lot of sweet flavors. This is too damn good. I wish I could get this beer more frequently. This is really good. If you are lucky enough to find it and live Bourbon Barrel Aged beers, go get this right away. Coffee flavored Rocky Road ice cream in liquid form.

*I am a chocolate beer fanatic, so the rating maybe a bit bias but I swear, this is like rocky road ice cream in liquid form. Maybe not to the Parabola level but enough to notice. Oh, and Lots of nice coffee to go with it too

Bier De Chocolat by Almanac Beer Company

July 21, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Almanac Brewing, American Porter, Bier De Chocolat, Chocolate, chocolate mocha coffee, cocoa nibs, Farm to Bottle, Porter, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.6/5

Bier De Chocolat by Almanac Beer Company is a 5.5%ABV American Porter

Label:
Our Robust Porter is brewed with hand-roasted cocoa nibs from Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco and organic Ivanhoe Hops grown in Clear Lake, California. Rich flavors of roasted malts and chocolate hints of smoke and vanilla makes this beer the perfect pairing for Texas-style smoked brisket, chicken mole and Dandelion’s dark chocolate.
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This is my first take at an Almanac beer, never had one before but from what I can see of their labeling, they take pride in Farm raising beer ingredients and making beer. Good stuff and fresher than what others may provide.

Aromas of this beer are of lots Dark and milk Chocolate, mocha, coffee notes, vanilla cream, earthy hops, caramel and molasses.

The flavors are of rich dark and milk chocolate, earthy hop bitterness, mocha, coffee, vanilla notes, caramel, brownie batter and a slight bit of smoke.

The after taste is a little bitter but the vanilla and chocolate carry this one along very nicely. Could your more chocolate, but that’s just me being picky as I love chocolate beers that are more closer to chocolate than anything.

This one does a great job of giving enough chocolate but not being overly sweet and detracting from the already good flavors of roasted coffee and earthy hops. Definitely a nice pick up for chocolate porter lovers.

Chocolate Indulgence (2012 New Label Version) by Ommegang brewing

April 12, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Art of Darkness, belgian beers, Belgian Chocolate, Belgian Stout, Belgium, best beers in the world, Bleach, Buffalo Stout, Chocolate, chocolate indulgence, cuckoo for cocoa beers, hazelnut coffee, leach, Ommegang, Ommegang brewing, Sout, Stout, Thirteenth Hour, Yoruichi, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

Chocolate Indulgence (2012 New Label Version) by Ommegang brewing is a 7% ABV Belgian Stout brewed with Real Belgian Chocolate

Label:
Chocolate Indulgence offers a thick tan head of foam resting atop of the rich onyx-hued liquid. The aroma immediately speaks of dark chocolate and dark malts. The gentle herbal notes of perle hops compliments the darker aroma notes, making the ale savory to all the senses
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I have had this beer last year. The 2007 version which was Ommegang’s 10th anniversary beer. I loved the way the beer was back then so when I hear it was re-released, I had to try it fresher to taste the difference. The aromas are of dark chocolate, sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, slight toasted barley, dulce de caramel, coffee, some dark fruits like plum and raisins, banana and hazelnut bread, cloves and spices. The flavors are fresher than the last time I tried the 2007 version. You really get a great amount of chocolate covered raisins on coffee hazelnut bread dipped in banana pudding all layered with dulce de leche caramel. That is the just of it but to pin point this with individual terms, we get very rich dark, sweet and milk chocolate, raisins, prunes, plums, slight cherry notes, bananas, hazelnut, coffee and mocha bread, brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon, slight peppery spices and smoked barley flavor to even out all the sweetness. Ommegang makes some of the best beers in the world. This beer just happens to be perfect into the category of my favorite Belgian Stouts like Thirteenth Hour, Buffalo Stout, Art of Darkness and many others. I have never tried it fresher but it does seem that the chocolate does fade a bit over time to give way to a more complex smokey and dark fruit flavors. Which is not bad at all, but what can I say, I’m cuckoo for cocoa beers. I already gave a 5/5 rating to the original but I think really enjoyed the greater chocolate flavor of the fresher version of this beer. It is way too amazing for words. Even when it warms up, the chocolate becomes very abundant and very pleasurable. No wonder its called Chocolate Indulgence.

2007 version review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/chocolate-indulgence-by-ommegang/

Fade to Black (Volume 4 Rocky Mountain Black Ale) by Left Hand Brewing

March 26, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Black Ale, Chocolate, Fade to Black, Left Hand Brewing, Metallica, metallica song, Volume 4 Rocky Mountain Black Ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Fade to Black (Volume 4 Rocky Mountain Black Ale) by Left Hand Brewing is a 6.5%ABV Black Ale

Label:
Brewed on the Banks of the Mighty St. Vrain. Fade to Black. The time of the year when the light fades away. Brewed for the darkness, Fade to black speaks in Volumes.
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Like the Metallica Song, Fade to Black. This one I had to try as it looked interesting. Fragrances are of slight smokey and creamy chocolate, a little hoppy, alittle bit spicy but not too much and some slight caramel fragrance. What the smell cannot cover, the taste makes up for it. The flavors are of light bitter chocolate, slight earthy hops, some slight caramel, anise, molasses, slight Italian herb like spice but more sweeter than smokey and a chocolate cake like sweetness possibly from the yeast. Interestingly enough, for a smokey beer, it has a nice balance of sweet, bitter and smoke. The beer got better as it warmed up too. In fact, some more bakers chocolate seem to come out as it got warmer which is rather surprising as it is different from the initial taste. The bitterness and smokeyness still stays in the aftertaste so it won’t get too sweet. I now think they weren’t kidding when they say, it fades to black… of into the sweet darkness of taste experience. Definitely worth a try for sure. It is also not too overwhelming so it is easy to moderate level of drinking feel.

Aloha B’ak’tun by Maui brewing

March 11, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Aloha B’ak’tun, belgian beers, Belgian Stout, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, cham-cham, Chocolate, chocolate caramel, chocolate covered cherries, coffee chocolate, dark chocolate, Maui Brewing, okole maluna, Samurai Shodown, sweet caramel, tam-tam, Thirteenth Hour | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.45/5

Aloha B’ak’tun by Maui brewing is a 7%ABV Belgian Stout brewed with chocolate, cinnamon and chipotle.

Label:
Change is the only constant in life; and this year has been marked with exiting changes. Staff moving on, new staff joining our team and construction plans for the new brewery (Yes, still on Maui). Our final limited release of the year celebrates change and bids aloha to our friends new and old.

This Belgian stout is brewed with chocolate, cinnamon, and chipotle. It pours deep black with ruby highlights. Layered with roasted malt character hints of bittersweet dark chocolate, clove, cinnamon and subtle peppery notes in the nose.

The year is ending, the world is not. Raise your hand and toast with us to all the great things to come. Look forward to four new limited releases in 2013.
Mahalo Nui Loa.

‘Okole Maluna,
Garrett
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Belgian Stouts are some of my favorites. So when I found this one I had to get it. The fragrances are are roasted coffee, bakers and dark chocolate, bready notes, raisins, slight peppercorns, mild pepper, tobacco, molasses and slight caramel. The flavors are mainly of coffee, dark chocolate, slight tobacco, smokey (in the glass), dulce de leche caramel (mainly when in the can), bready notes, raisins, slight chocolate covered cherries, slight peppery notes of chipotle but hardly enough to detect heat at all. I tried it both out of the glass and the can. Frankly, it taste better out of the can than in the glass. I guess like heady topper, certain things taste better when out of certain containers. Although after letting it sit for a while in the glass, the flavors like that of the can were there. All and all, an awesome beer, very good Belgian stout but kind of not as full flavor impacting like Thirteenth Hour or Buffalo Stout. Still, great pick up and one I would try again 🙂

Board Meeting by Port Brewing

February 24, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged a Scarlet, Board Meeting, Brown ale, brown ales, brown sugar, Caramel, Chococlate, Chocolate, chocolate caramel, cocoa nibs, coffee cake, coffee chocolate, Erza Scarlet, Fairy Tail, Hazelnuts, Milk, Port Brewing, sweet flavors, TCHO Cacao nibs | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.8/5

is an 8.5%BV Brown Ale brewed with Coffee and TCHO Cocoa nibs

Label:
It’s 6 AM and you have two appointments on your calendar for today. A Board of Directors meeting at 10 AM requires your attention. But Last night you got the call signaling a dawn patrol session this morning. Surf is out of the west and the swell is building. A morning stop for a cup of Joe on the way to the ocean’s edge has you fueled. Early morning surf report on the radio indicates clean conditions up and down the coast. A Parking lot surf check at the break confirms the conditions are perfect.

All systems go and your first board meeting of the day looks promising. You trade a neoprene wet suit and a brisk ocean paddle knowing full well later you’s be surrounded by stodgy old men and fussy women sitting in over stuffed leather chairs reviewing corporate minutes as the smell of pastries and burnt coffee hang in the air. It’s a scene that repeats itself year after year . But none of this bothers you anymore. Life taught you early on not all board meetings are created equal.
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New from Port Brewing comes a brown ale unlike some of the brown ales I have had before. This beer is more full bodied like a porter or a stout. But I guess in terms of brown ales I would have to look and see how it would differ. The aromas are of coffee, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, earthy notes, and brown sugar. The flavors are great. It is not as bitter as a porter or a stout in terms of hops and smokeyness. This lets flavors of bakes chocolate, dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, caramel, biscuit bread, coffee cake, brown sugar, hazelnut, berries, figs, and other sweet flavors shine through. The bitterness is very little as it is mostly from the coffee. This beer was so good it was hard not to stop drinking it. It is pretty drinkable and the aftertaste is sweet and nutty. Quite frankly one of the best brown ales I have had in a while. Aside from hazelnut nectar. This is going to be a new beer that will appear regularly. Brown Ale fans will love this one and those that do not like Brown Ales will start to love the style with this one

Cherry Rye Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Beer Co.

January 18, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged best beers in the world, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, bourbon vanilla, cherries, Cherry Rye Bourbon County Brand Stout, Chocolate, chocolate coffee, coffee chocolate, dipped cherries, FLCL, Fooly Cooly, Goose Island, goose island beer, Haruko, Haruko Haruhara, Imperial Stout, Rye Whiskey, Whiskey | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/5

Cherry Rye Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Beer Co. is a 13.7% ABV Imperial Stout aged in rye whiskey barrels with whole cherries

Label:
Our brewers love experimenting with their beer almost as much as they love drinking it. This unique blend, aged in rye whiskey barrels with loads of whole Michigan cherries, is the one they are proud to finally let you share with your friends at home – or not. After your first sip, you’ll agree, this beer has some real stones.
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I once did a review under the Original 2008 Bourbon County Stout (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/bourbon-county-brand-stout-vintage-2008-by-goose-island/) and I found it to be freaking amazing. So in 2012 they decided to release this variant which was super hard to find. I already know this is gonna be good and I highly recommended it you find it. Now on to the Review. The aroma of this amazing beer is of coconut, vanilla, whiskey, oak, flan, dulce de leche caramel, walnuts, rich dark and milk chocolate, cherry, cranberries, coffee, mocha, . The flavors are like a cherry pie or tart cherry cobbler with caramel made with chocolate dipped cherries, cinnamon, rich dark, milk and sweet chocolate syrup, pecans, raisins, coconut, vanilla, flan, oak, bourbon, coffee, whipped cream, Mexican vanilla crème filled sweet bread with vanilla cherry and chocolate pudding. The aftertaste leaves a sweet chocolate cherry trail with coconut, bourbon, vanilla and leche nestle (Mexican Sweetened Condensed Milk). No alcohol trace and no Boozy burn off of this one. I almost wanted to chew this beer as it truly is a dessert in a bottle. It is an extremely delicious world class beer. I know that Goose Island is an AB-InBev bought craft brewery but politics about beer aside, this is a new guy that stepped into the ranks of best beers in the world. I think I just liked this beer so much because it was so close to Grey Monday and Chocolate Rain it was not even funny. Just like the pictures above with Haruko, It will blow your mind!!!

Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Banana Ale Voodoo Doughnut by Rogue Brewing

November 28, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged breakfast, Chocolate, chocolate banana, chocolate peanut butter, dessert, memphis mafia, Orihime, Peanut Butter & Banana Ale Voodoo Doughnut, Riruka, rogue brewing, Rukia | 2 Comments

Rating: 5/5

Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Banana Ale Voodoo Doughnut by Rogue Brewing is a 5.3% Fruit Beer brewed with Chocolate, Peanut butter and Bananas. LOL Yeah this is different but awesome. A Homer Simpson type of beer I’m sure. This is the Variant of the original Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale and recent release from Rogue.

Label:

A Collision of Crazies Rogue Ales has again collided with Voodoo Doughnut to create Chocolate, Banana & Peanut Butter Ale! This unique artisan creation contains a baker’s dozen ingredients including chocolate, banana and peanut butter to match Voodoo’s “Memphis Mafia” doughnut- a nod to Elvis’ entourage.
2-Row, C-150, C-175, Carafoam Special II & Chocolate Malts; Rogue Farms Revolution & Independent Hops; Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Banana; Pacman Yeast and Free Range Coastal Water
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Initial smell was very enticing. Strong smell from the chocolate, peanut butter and bananas. Hints of vanilla and caramel are in the aromas as well. There is also a smell of like cherry glaze. Almost like walking into the Doughnut shop type of pastry smell. The Initial taste is somewhat smokey and grassy but all that dissipates as soon as the rest of the flavors take over. Milk Chocolate, peanut butter, banana bread, vanilla, caramel, maple, campfire graham cracker and marshmallow notes, brown sugar, raisin, cherry, definitely like this butterscotch after taste. They definitely worked hard to make this beer taste like a doughnut. The smokeyness is only there to balance out the sweetness. This beer has many notes but it is not overly sweet. The balance works very well towards its favor. It is not too much in alcohol and managed to hit a lot of pleasure notes in the taste buds. Got this one directly from Rogue so the distribution should be hitting Bevmo and other specialty liquor stores soon. Go and pick this up, its quite interesting and delicious…lol but don’t take my word for, judge for yourself.

choklat by Southern Tier Brewing

November 2, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Chocolate, Black Water Series, cacao nibs, Chocolate, choklat, dark chocolate, Imperial Stout, milk Chocolate, Southern Tier | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

choklat by Southern Tier Brewing is an 11%ABV Imperial Stout brewed with chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, chile chocolate oh yes and CHOCOLATE PRIME!!! Imagine Chocolate rain toned down enough by alcohol but also with adding some bitter-sweet chocolate into the concoction. You get this beer. One of the most Chocolatey beers I have ever

had D:….aside from chocolate rain ofcourse.Label:
“the ancients called it ‘food for the gods’“ The Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, unfolds a complex web of mystery around a beverage known as xocoatl (ch-co-atle). At Southern Tier, we’re not surprised that hieroglyphs of the ancient Maya depict chocolate being poured for rulers and gods. Even through the many voyages of Columbus, the mystical bean remained nothing more than a strange currency of the native peoples. Moving through centuries, the circular journey of cacao has been realized in our brewing house, encompassing the complexity of the darkest, bitter-sweet candy together with the original frothy cold beverage of the ancient Maya to bring to you our Blackwater Series Choklat Stout. We have combined the finest ingredients to tempt your senses & renew the power & interrelation of history in every bottle.

Alc. 11.0% by vol.
27o plato
195o L
2-Row barley
Caramel 60 malt
barley flakes
chocolate malt
bittersweet Belgian chocolate
kettle hops: chinook & williamette

This is one of the ultimate tributes in chocolate history right next to chocolate rain!! While Chocolate Rain reaches flavors in the 10th dimension, this reaches somewhere near there…maybe the 5th dimension of flavor. So what is this stout like? If chocolate milkshake with cinnamon, cocoa powder, and that sweet sweet chocolate soda I had in Iowa along with chocolate syrup and dark bitter chocolate and chocolate with a little bit of chili spicy but so faint it only contributes to the bitter-sweet then this is the flavors you have. Some Espresso coffee mocha lingers with caramel and vanilla too. Damn… This is another Diabetes bottle :X….but it is so good!!!! IF you ever had a beer where you had to dig to find the flavor or something that wasn’t easily defined in terms of flavor….well look no further….this beer will help. You don’t even have to taste it to know it has strong chocolate odor. If you do taste it though….you’re done!!…this is a massive dessert here…you may not stop drinking it…careful though :P… You probably have not lived a “Chocolate Lover’ life if you have not tried this beer…