Tag Archives: Claire Farron

2017 Dark Lord Imperial Stout by Three Floyds brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

 

Rating: 7/7

2017 Dark Lord Imperial Stout by Three Floyds brewing is a 15% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Matter’s Blood Lord/ BBA Unicorn Blood Coffee, Mexican vanilla, and Indian sugar.

Description:
Dark Lord is a gargantuan Russian Style Imperial Stout, with a reverse cascading head that starts out billowing the color of burnt oil like the Dark Lord rising from the black primordial beginnings. Its resonant vinous aroma has been described as cherries, sweet malt, molasses, burnt currants, plums with a port wine alcohol undertow. Mochachino notes buried within. Motor oil consistency, hellishly smooth yet divinely burnt and vinous. The first sip coats your palate with a palatial charred fruit and chocolate blanket. Alcohol burn wiggles its way down your throat with a thick body.

==Introduction==

The time has come again! The presence of the Dark Lord has come again. Every year, or atleast when I get a chance, I love bringing this beer to the site. Since 2011, I have considered this one, the best Russian Imperial Stout I had ever tasted. While there are many players out there that have since overtaken the Dark Lord and many drinkers considering this one as one huge soy sauce bomb, I for one embrace what this beer has to offer even to this day. There aren’t many beers quite like this one and I think it can still hold a huge candle even to the greats of today. Let’s have a look at this one for old time sake, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark Fruits, molasses, soy sauce, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, brown sugar, maple syrup, peanut butter, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, rum notes, Irish cream coffee, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, vanilla, port wine, raspberries, dark cherries, smokey notes, hazelnut nectar and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Rich molasses, soy sauce, Rich dark cherries, burnt candi sugars, flan, crème brulee, peanut butter, richa dark chocolate, German chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, Belgian chocolate, rich bananas, plantains, banana split, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, cocoa crispies, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, raspberries, port wine, , Danish cream, Danish chookies, English cream, Cadbury chocolate cream, Mexican Abuelita hot chocolate syrup, Black cherry pie, blood pie, fruit cake, churros, chocolate empanada, rocky road ice cream, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, vanilla, choco maple, walnuts, marzipan, dulce de leche caramel, brown sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, milk chocolate oreo cookies, marshmallows, chocolate mousse, rum hints, smokey hints, Irish cream notes and Jamoca ice cream

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich mocha, dark fruit, chocolate, port wine, caramel, soy sauce, pilloncillo sugar block, toasted coconut, smokey notes, and vanilla. No alcohol to be found here, dark abyss hyper dimensional full body, ketchup syrup consistency, smooth, chewey, oily and velvety mouthfeel along with a ridiculously easy drinkability that is only worthy of ninjas. 

Overall:
Existentially bucket listed! While I have not tried any variants except for Dark Lord De Muerte, this beer keeps coming back as a reminder as to what some of the best imperial stouts in the world should be. People may hate and call this one a soy sauce bomb, but even if it is hinted, well, so it is with many other dark beer and especially those that dare to tread into the dark strong territory like some of my favorite Belgian Dark Strongs and Stouts. Yes, This beer series was one of the basis for crafting my own barrel aged experimental homebrews using the same Dark Matter Coffee and to my surprise, they ended up being so damn close, especially Sangrileche 1 and 2. The amazement of this beer is the fact that it is so damn strong and yet so damn drinkable and a sinfully endless pleasure of pure multi dimensionally palatable complexity. I can taste things that are only unique to this beer. IF you are able to trade for this one or are lucky to go Dark Lord Day, do yourself a favor and go toe to toe with the dark lord of beers… it was meant to be!! 

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in the previous versions of the Dark Lord and this is the second time I bring the new Dark Lord… Miriam, from “Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night” which is the new upcoming Kickstarter series by Koji Igarashi (Godfather of the Castlevania series). Based on the progress, artwork and tribute to the castlevania games, Miriam seems like a major bad ass. The game is set to release sometime in 2018 but like the previous time I used Miriam, I figure I pair her with the unholy World Class Dark Lord Imperial Stout. Her colors are a good representative of the gothic but also the occult mysteries and the straight up powerful.

Sources:
https://cdnio.luscious.net/slywalker_96/457/lusciousnet_lusciousnet_1437152598845_1294766462.jpg
https://colemono.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/iga.jpg
https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/013/270/588/6dba1fe9e91ddb5c70949778d05337d3_original.png?w=639&fit=max&v=1470277036&auto=format&lossless=true&s=832f8b008fe4dd58ce15905db6958cb4
http://i.imgur.com/U6MuVV9.jpg
http://orig11.deviantart.net/ef35/f/2016/306/b/c/bloodstained__ritual_of_the_night_by_phillydelphy-dan1vwe.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/j9Fk2yV.jpg
https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/005/456/991/9fdd0517e9265b218087d7fd68d498c5_original.png?w=639&fit=max&v=1456871947&auto=format&lossless=true&s=f58957150f40be98063eba70d98fb047
https://i.imgur.com/qXeOdzx.jpg

 

Homebrewing Project #23 La Manzarcangel Chapter 3: SangriTinieblas De La CazaVampiros by Nubis Sanctum Ales

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

14567446_10103600135481600_7304399825454323003_oRating: 6/6

Homebrewing Project #23 B by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 10% ABV Belgian Trappist Apple Cider brewed with Burnt Dark Candy Sugar and Arizona Wild Flower Honey Oak Aged in Flor De Caña Gran Reserva 7 Rum.
14556540_10103600135571420_4113862111799306973_o
Label:
Sangritinieblas De La CazaVampiros
“The Vampire Slayer’s BleeDarkness”

My Name is Miriam and I am a 3rd generation Vampire Slayer from La Legión De Los ManzArcángeles or “The Legion Of The Applarcangels” This… is my story… I come from a holy land of pure sauce, Cideraven; sent on a mission from God to destroy the Malum, or demon apples from Eden.

The Malum spread its evil across this world after the unveiling of the Garden of Eden. Draining purity and morale from the souls of the living like vampires ravenous for blood. Having trained for years under my master Claire Farron, I have taken it upon myself to destroy all Malum since her disappearance fighting Malum Ex Machina, the snake and leader of the Malum.

After many agonizing battles, I was blessed to find my master at last. Unfortunately the Malum still persist. I leave you this liquid made from the cleansed Malum to protect and purify your soul. Til we meet again…

Chapter 3 Ends.

Ingredients: Water, Apples, Burnt Dark Candi Sugar, Wild Flower Honey, French Oak, Flor De Caña RumGran Reserva 7 & Trappist Yeast

==Introduction==
14543893_10103600135471620_2540072513832109733_o12525292_10103180656081680_4759683152053800969_o
Just in Time for HALLOWEEN!!!! Project #23 comes from an original recipe inspired by Crispin’s 15 Men Rum Aged Cider with Wild Flower honey and dark candi syrup. I reviewed the cider long ago and so loving that cider, I wanted to create my own. Coming up with a recipe which in the end, ended up being a partial mead/melomel and way darker than the one Crispin made got me thinking. If their cider came out clear and mines came out dark, did they really use Dark Candi sugar? It almost seems illogical to as I love Crispin’s ciders and that one was amazing. My recipe was first brewed in April 2016 and bottled in September 2016 after aging for 4 months. Although, the oak was sitting in Rum since February. I came to the conclusion today that what I actually had made was something very special and mines would be even more flavorful than that Crispin version I had tried. This I had to prove to myself so I had finally let it sit for about a month bottle conditioning now ready to present this beast I have created. Cheers!
14570719_10103600135556450_2553565923992182662_o
Aromas:
Rich vanilla, oak, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dulce leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, sweet wine grapes, cherries, marshmallows, waffle cone, honey comb, chocolate smores hints, rocky road ice cream hints, molasses, hazelnut nectar, walnuts, almond joy notes, pecan pie, fruit cake, brown sugar, apple pie, rum hints, ginger ale and rich sangria.

Flavors:
Rich Vanilla, flan, crème brulee, oak, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, sweet caramel and candied apples, chocolate, honey, port wine, sangria, sweet wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, black berries, cherries, currants, raspberries, Belgian dark candi sugar, coconut hints, Malibu rum hints, cinnamon, fruit cake, ginger ale, dark chocolate hints, milk chocolate hints, agave hints, peppery hints, coriander spice hints, bananas, clove spice hints, Concorde grape, Danish cream, Turkish delights, ambrosia, apple pie, rocky road ice cream hints, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar, walnuts, almond joy notes and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Finishes somewhat dry with the rich oak, rum, honey, dark fruits, chocolate, rock candy, fruit cake, cinnamon, port wine, flan, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, apple pie and rocky road hints. No alcohol in the taste, but that ABV sneaks up! Dark Crimson, blood red clear body, crisp, soft, smooth, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.
14543876_10103600135551460_850547043953860732_o
Overall:
Literally, the best cider I have ever made and to much of the ciders I have had, the best cider I have tried. I really think things start to kind of blend in with the wine and mead category but it blends so damn well into this dark oblivion and bringing in the rum and Belgian Candi Sugar just takes it to another level. The aging process changed this cider into something I would never have imagined. With a wine like appearance and taste that is so damn complex, especially for a cider, I really feel I made something really wonderful. Something that I think I will definitely try to make again.
14566234_10103600135461640_2715776031374699346_o
Anime Corner:
Miriam, from “Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night” which is the new upcoming Kickstarter series by Koji Igarashi (Godfather of the Castlevania series). Based on the progress, artwork and tribute to the castlevania games, Miriam is literally a bad ass!! I know this game won’t be released until 2018 but I figured I wanted to pair her with this. She is damn perfect!! Just look at this cider. It is Rum aged and her outfit is similar to that of European royalty but also a captain of pirates. It is made with Flor de Caña or Cane Flower Rum. Essentially representing the roses that surround Miriam. The cider is dark crimson blood red so it fits the theme not only for a dark and bloody cider but also the Castlevania series and Koji’s vision of an awesome tribute game.
14556799_10103600135646270_29398353329010499_o
Sources:
http://40.media.tumblr.com/0b13732a8486fe83ea1e0c17240659cc/tumblr_no751qv3xO1s2ut1zo6_1280.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CE1G2sxWEAABEKc.jpg:large
http://orig10.deviantart.net/b7fe/f/2015/141/3/c/bloodstain12_by_phamoz-d8u6ybd.jpg
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/3493771155782837701.jpg?v=TvlqMZT9g_j78u6zUBvoddAO_Kx-CsMn-2eaeEye8ts%3D

Mélange 15 by The Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

14568160_10103598592493760_667678100762519923_nRating: 7/7

Mélange 15 by The Bruery is is a 14.8% ABV American Strong Ale Cuvee blend of an Imperial Stout (Black Tuesday) Barleywine (Mash) and old ale (Anniversary Ale) brewed with lactose, vanilla beans, cacao nibs, walnuts and aged in Bourbon barrels.

Label:
Nuts & BBLS

We play with nuts and BBLs in this winning blend of barrel-aged beers. Designed to mimic the flavors of rocky road, this mélange took top place in our 2016 staff blending competition.

Our Mélange series is a playground for exploring flavors that cannot be achieved outside of the art of the blend or by any one beer. We had a particularly good time playing with nuts and BBLs in this winning blend of barrel-aged beers from our 2016 staff blending competition. Fueled by cheeseburgers and inspired by rocky road, we folded walnuts, cacao nibs from TCHO and vanilla into rich, bourbon barrel-aged barleywine and old ale to mimic the flavors of the rich, nutty dessert. Lactose was added to impart a marshmallow character and an extra creamy mouthfeel. We’re pretty nuts about it, and we think you will be too.

==Introduction==
14589731_10103598592344060_3902476259253180339_o
Released to the public and all societies, this the first time since Mélange 3, that a Mélange series beer is released outside of the societies. What an awesome release at that. Knowing the Mélange series pretty well, they are some of the best beers the Bruery has ever released. With this one being liquid Rocky Road Ice Cream in a bottle, I can only say that this is going to be gold. How can I say that without trying it? Well, my track record for reviewing these Mélange beers has shown that they keep pushing the bar with every release and I can only push so far up the bucket list. Yes, indeed, even before I review this one, I can safely say, it is going to be a bucket lister. The best part, now the public can get their hands on as many bottles as they can. Let’s delve into this shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Chocolate Milk Shake, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, rich rocky road ice cream, rich walnuts, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, nutter butter cookies, rich nutella spread on toasted rye bread, prailine ice cream, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, currants, blackberries, figs, plums, mocha, coffee, Khalua liqueur, almond liquer, Chambord raspberry liqueur, bananas, clove spice, cookie dough ice cream, Tres Leches/3 Milks cream, sweetened condensed milk, Danish cream, flan, and crème brulee

Flavors:
Super rich rocky road ice cream, rich walnuts, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, nutter butter cookies, rich nutella spread on toasted rye bread, prailine ice cream, mocha, coffee, Khalua liqueur, almond liquer, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Chocolate Milk Shake, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, cotton candy, almond joy ice cream, salted caramel, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, dark fruit raisins, figs, dark cherries, currants, blackberries, figs, plums, Tres Leches/3 Milks cream, sweetened condensed milk, Danish cream, flan, crème brulee, molasses, anise, grilled bananas, clove spice, cookie dough ice cream, rocky road cheesecake and Chambord raspberry liqueur.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Rich chococaramellow nuts and Nutella remain, walnuts, dark chocolate, marshmallows, dark fruits, Danish cream, flan, bananas, clove spice, smores and sweetened condensed milk over rocky road ice cream. No alcohol in the taste despite the high ABV. Dark Crimson medium to full body, smooth, creamy, chewy, syrupy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Definitely without question, this is a major bucket lister. Since Mélange 12, I have not seen any other one top it and I honestly thing this one definitely tops that one even though the 12th was my favorite followed by the 3rd. This one just speak volumes and volumes. Like pieces of the best Black Tuesday variants like Chocolate Rain and Grey Monday are here. If you have a self-indulgence, guilty pleasure or a problem when it comes to something like Nutella or Rocky Road Ice Cream, this beer may be your devil’s water. But you know, you really have to take it all in sometimes and enjoy yourself once and awhile. Go get this bottle barrel aged and dessert beer lovers. Do it before it is gone!! You will not regret it!!!
14500265_10103598592334080_758328508315411265_o
Anime Corner:
Claire “Lightning” Farron from Final Fantasy XIII was used in this pairing to mainly go with the rich flavors of the beer although some of her colors do match with the colors of the beer. It has been a long time coming and I wanted to use Lightning in a Bruery beer but deciding which one was definitely the challenge. I wanted to choose a special occasion for a worthy beer pairing and now that I have seen what this is capable of, I set my eyes on her for this beer. A bad ass beer definitely deserves a bad ass character and art pairing.
14524352_10103598592339070_7929679189880665045_o
14543749_10103598592483780_3353564524856114803_o
Sources:
https://cdn.luscious.net/images/slywalker_96/457/lusciousnet_lusciousnet_1437152598845_1294766462.jpg
http://i99.beon.ru/s017.radikal.ru/i437/1507/fe/5fb4ecd4d9d3.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJ3_R8dUsAARpT1.jpg:large

Kum Together by El Borracho Homebrewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1150873_10103117638559300_3886264520300131288_nRating: 4.75/5

Kum Together by El Borracho Homebrewing is a 4.3% ABV American wheat ale brewed with kumquats, lemon zest and coriander.

==Introduction==

Another brew that I was able to get from my friend and fellow homebrewer, William Carranza. This brew idea came up as he had received several Kumquats as a gift and the idea of experimenting with different ingredients. Coming up with the name was based on using words that related to the work Kumquats. Yeah it would have been so easy to just give it an innuendoes name but something not to offend the weak, he got another name. So The Beatles song “Come Together” came to mind and so he named it, Kum Together. A wheat ale in the style of the Americas which already likes to add citrus to their beers enhanced the style since no additional fruit would be needed to make this one good. Let’s take a look, Cheers!

Aromas:
Coriander spice, Kumquats, lemon hints, strawberry hints, Grapefruit, citrus and piney hop notes, cane sugar, stone fruits, vanilla hints and tropical fruits.

Flavors:
Grapefruit, citrus and piney hop notes, Oranges, Kumquats, Orange preserves on wheat, tangerine gummies, kumquat peels, lemon peels, coriander spice, mild fruity pebbles notes, strawberry notes, raspberry jelly on rye bread, vanilla, caramel, stone fruit peaches, apple hints, mango hints, lychee candies, guava notes, prickly pear tuna, dragon fruit notes, passion fruit hints and cane sugar.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with notes of coriander, tangerine gummies, grapefruit hops, stone fruit, citrus, lemon peel, Kumquat notes and tropical fruit hints. No alcohol in the taste, Golden honey colored light body, crisp, clean, refreshing and smooth mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very delicious brew. Tasted so good like orange and tropical candies that it was difficult for me to see which ingredient or combination thereof imparted the greatest contribution to these sweet flavors. It was definitely enjoyable and close to a Pale Ale but definitely and American Wheat. Very refreshing and hope to enjoy this one again. Cheers Will!

Anime Corner:
Claire “Lightning” Farron, Kain, Jecht, Vaan from the Final Fantasy series were used in this pairing as I wanted to go with a band theme similar to what my friend chose for the name of the brew, a Beatles Tribute. Other than the colors of the characters representing the flavors, ingredients and colors of the brew, I couldn’t think of anything else that would pair with the brew other than this being awesome artwork and how the brew flows well like the music.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/CYS3I9a.jpg

Guardian Double Stout by New American Brewing of Ankeny, Iowa

by tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

859370_10102989069527670_8759049514683767056_oRating: 4.75/5

Guardian Double Stout by New American Brewing of Ankeny, Iowa is a 9% ABV Imperial Stout.

Label:
Guardian Double Stout is made with large amounts of two-row malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley, and flaked oats. Chocolate and roasted characters dominate the flavor, supported by hints of coffee. Despite its intensity, Guardian’s creamy mouthfeel makes it very smooth and surprisingly easy to drink. This beer ages well and can be enjoyed for years to come.

==Introduction==

Another brew obtained while I was at my trip to Iowa. This time, an Imperial Stout from Ankeny in Iowa. Ankeny is the city north of Des Moines and south of where I went to college at Iowa State University. Thanks to my friend Steve, I was able to get the beer over here to the website. I was looking for several beers from Iowa to take to the site and this one caught my eye as I love Imperial stouts and this one seem to be awesome. So let’s see if my choice was an adequate one.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry, roasted coffee notes, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, hazelnut nectar, anise, molasses, tobacco, leather, brown sugar, graham crackers, cinnamon and earthy notes.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry, hazelnut nectar, roasted coffee notes, mocha, flan, crème brulee, espresso, vanilla, caramel, earthy notes, anise, molasses, tobacco, leather, rye bread, brown sugar, graham crackers, peppery notes, cinnamon hints and milk shake.

Aftertaste:
Dark Chocolate, roasted coffee notes, vanilla, earthy notes and dark fruit. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Very delicious stout reminding me of the very delicious double stouts that are primarily dark chocolate flavored with the roasted coffee notes. It may seem like an average Imperial stout but this beer definitely has the flavors I usually enjoy from Imperial stouts. It would be hard to go wrong this one so yeah, give this one a shot!

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron from Final Fantasy XIII to take the place of the guardian in this brew. Using dual Lightnings it complements the aspect of this being a double stout. The colors also complement the colors of the label and the flavors with pink being representative of the dark cherries in this beer as an example. Other flavors can be seen as well.

Sources:
http://img08.deviantart.net/1561/i/2014/239/e/b/the_branded_savior_by_limbonix-d7wyfle.png

La ManzArcángel Chapter 2: Mālum Ex Machina by Nubis Sanctum Ales

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

11406383_10102665597019170_9079363880870840017_oRating: 4.65/5

La ManzArcángel Chapter 2: Mālum Ex Machina by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 13% ABV Belgian Trappist Honey Crisp Apple Cider made with Organic Blue Agave Syrup and Mexican Cane Sugar.

==Introduction==
11200932_10102545811011290_3535862612140122927_o
Project#8 is the return of my original recipe for the Belgian Cider made with Blue Agave Syrup and Trappist Yeast but using Honey Crisp Apple Cider and Mexican Cane Sugar/ Azucar Morena. The idea for the name came from the original Holy Cider theme that I was going with and in essence since I was going to use the left over Trappist yeast cake that I had left from the Blinding Lunar Currants Cider. In essence, the second chapter is a play at the word for Apple and Evil and Latin ‘Mālum’. Yes, it seems there is dual meaning here. Although, this cider is supposed to be Holy, it should be more Godly than anything but can a God be pure? Well, It’s like comparing apples and oranges so lets find out. Cheers!

Aromas:
Sour Apples, peppercorn, citrus, honey, brown sugar, grape hints, dark fruit hints, Belgian phenolic notes, vanilla, dulce de leche, cherry notes, and piloncillo.

Flavors:
Tart Sour apple notes, grape hints, apples, pears, agave hints, strawberry notes, rich citrus, orange notes, lemon peel, brown sugar, cane sugar, banana hints, clove hints, pineapple hints, Stone fruit peaches, apricot hints, peppercorn, floral notes, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, toffee, pilocillo hints, toffee, pecan pie hints and plantains.

Aftertaste:
Tart and sweet finish, sugary apple remnants, banana notes, clove spices, honey, vanilla, pears. Chardonay hints, clove spice, hazelnut, berries and brown sugar. Slight boozyness in the taste but not as much as the original, Gold and brown Hazy body, sipping drinkability and a slight crisp and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
A slight mark above the original as the booziness has become more subtle but the complexity of it takes another direction from what the original did. It seems like it is more in the sweet yet tart taste which is most likely from the use of the yeast cake and the fact that there was some hints of the Black Currant cider in the yeast cake as well. All and all, it was mainly as way to see how the yeast cake can flourish even after the initial cider has completed. I think what I will do for next time is ferment the regular cider and then use the yeast for another cider but then any additives will be in the secondary. Either way, I really love how this one came and and definite on the honey and banana citrus edge.

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from the Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in this pairing to go with the Belgian Cider as I wanted to use something that had to do with something Holy as it is a Belgian Monk themed cider and similarly, I wanted to do something like the saint. The Spanish name was give as it uses the Agave Syrup as I mentioned before. For lightning, she became a messenger of God, a holy knight of God in the series. Lightning returns in Chapter 2 holding the very power of God from the apples. She is not quite evil (which could be said something about the tartness about the taste) but because she is closer to God, she has no human emotions as she remains neutral. The strength of the cider to be something above of what it used be could be seen Godly. Thankfully, this cider is not evil and it is deliciously and holy goodness.

Sources:
https://financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/lightning-returns.jpg?w=940

2015 Dark Lord Imperial Stout by Three Floyds brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

11113041_356045367924905_1557706926414358837_o 10931163_356045481258227_8161204827214375838_n 11206668_356045557924886_4495112891230454187_oRating: 6/5

2015 Dark Lord Imperial Stout by Three Floyds brewing is a 15% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Matter’s Dark Blood Coffee, Mexican vanilla, and Indian sugar.

Description:
Dark Lord is a gargantuan Russian Style Imperial Stout, with a reverse cascading head that starts out billowing the color of burnt oil like the Dark Lord rising from the black primordial beginnings. Its resonant vinous aroma has been described as cherries, sweet malt, molasses, burnt currants, plums with a port wine alcohol undertow. Mochachino notes buried within. Motor oil consistency, hellishly smooth yet divinely burnt and vinous. The first sip coats your palate with a palatial charred fruit and chocolate blanket. Alcohol burn wiggles its way down your throat with a thick body.

==Introduction==

The Lord of the Stouts is back this year and this time using a different coffee at that. A coveted beer ever since it’s conceptions in the dark murky barrels of the Three Floydian dark depths. Every year it is something different, something special along with their barrel aged variants and this year, their hot sauce and Dark Matter coffee “Dark Blood”. I am not sure if “Dark Blood” was the actual coffee in this one but they did make it using a left over Cognac Dark Lord Barrel. Either way, every year this one is a coveted one and somehow it has become a crazy mission of mine to be able to get this one. So I bring it forth for your analysis in hopes that you will seek out the dark one too!! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Dark, milk, sweet, bakers, German, Belgian and Abuelita chocolate syrup, Rich Fancy coffee, roasted coffee, espresso, java, mocha, Khalua liqueur, dark fruit raisins, rich black cherries, plums, figs, currants Danish cookies, English cream, walnuts, pecan pie, cocoa crispies, port wine, oreo cookies, coconut, marshmallows, chocolate mousse, rum hints, cinnamon, walnuts, hazelnut nectar, flan, brown sugar, Irish Cream and bananas.

Flavors:
Rich Cherries, Rich Dark chocolate, Rich fancy coffee, mocha, peanut butter, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, port wine, milk, sweet, bakers, German, Belgian and Abuelita chocolate syrup, Kahlua coffee liqueur, apples, molasses, brown sugar, pilloncillo sugar, flan, vanilla, maple, burnt candi sugars, rich bananas, Danish cookies, English cream, walnuts, pecan pie, cocoa crispies, Black Cherry pie, Irish cream coffee, smokey notes, soy sauce, oreo cookies, coconut, marshmallows, chocolate mousse, rum hints, cinnamon, walnuts, hazelnut nectar, chocolate empanada, churron hints and rocky road ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Very Rich mocha, dark cherry, currants, molasses, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, fancy coffee, khalua liqueur, vanilla, dulce de lecher caramel, coconut, port wine, dark fruits and a grip of sugar! No alcohol in existence! Syrupy, very smooth, soy sauce like and oily mouthfeel like it’s brethren before it and sugar blasting coating the whole mouth. Easy to drink despite it’s ridiculous ABV and its dark abyss, 5th dimension darkness full body with a color that cannot even be perceived by human eyes!

Overall:
Each Year’s version of Dark Lord is definitely different. This one is definitely more coffee forward of a beer. However, as I drank more and more, it took me to the land of chocolate!! la la la la la la la la…..oh umm yes, so where was I? This beer beer rules and it seems each year there seems to be a variant. I can’t help wonder about how close this taste to my special beer that will be ready in November 2015. ObliVixen’s Sangri-Leche Maelstrom. Oh yes, ever since I started home brewing, I wanted to make a crazy beer like this and may other I have loved. But anyway enough of me, This is definitely a change from the one from last year. It is freaking awesome and definitely more forward in the cherry and coffee chocolate department. Extremely and Highly recommended!!

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in the previous version of the Dark Lord but this time I brought a new Dark Lord… Miriam, from “Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night” which is the new upcoming Kickstarter series by Koji Igarashi (Godfather of the Castlevania series). Based on the progress, artwork and tribute to the castlevania games, Miriam seems like a major bad ass. I know this game won’t be released until 2017 but I figured I wanted to pair her with an awesome beer like the World Class Dark Lord Imperial Stout. Her colors are a good representative of the gothic but also the occult mysteries and the straight up powerful.

Sources:
http://40.media.tumblr.com/0b13732a8486fe83ea1e0c17240659cc/tumblr_no751qv3xO1s2ut1zo6_1280.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CE1G2sxWEAABEKc.jpg:large
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gAz3SAm6Mw8/maxresdefault.jpg

La ManzArcángel by Nubis Sanctum Ales

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1540429_10102488535761350_3943524118295874068_o 10956465_10102488535771330_6750717636772418979_o 11037509_10102488558266250_4701078086080888783_oRating: 4.5/5* Cider rating

La ManzArcángel by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 13% ABV Belgian Trappist Cider made with Organic Agave Syrup and Brown Cane Sugar.

==Introduction==
10993113_10102405138974180_2515712064596118947_o
Project # 4 was my first attempt at creating a cider using 100% Apple Cider, Organic Agave Syrup, Brown Cane sugar and Trappist yeast. The name derives from a combination of the word Manzana for Apples in Spanish and Arcángel. Basically the Apple Archangel. The original idea came from trying to replicate Crispin’s The Saint which is made similarly but with maple syrup. While I could not get the recipe exactly, I decided to make my own by using Organic Agave syrup. There were the results so let us see where my crazy experiment went.

Aromas:
Apples, honey, brown sugar, phenolic notes, vanilla hints, dulce de leche caramel hints, mild cherry notes and grapes.

Flavors:
Dark fruit hints plum, peaches, grape hints, apples, pears, strawberry, cherry hints, brown sugar, cane sugar, agave hints, banana hints, clove hints, pineapple, citrus, Stone fruit peach and apricot hints, peppercorn, floral notes, vanilla, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel hints, toffee and pecan pie hints.

Aftertaste:
Slight dry finish with good sugary apple remnants, pears, berries, banana, clove spice hints, caramel, vanilla and chardonay. Slight boozyness in the taste, Gold Hazy body, sipping drinkability and a slight crisp and creamy mouthfeel.


Overall:
While I found this one very good, I still couldn’t help that the yeast pretty much ate the majority of the sugar but because it was this Belgian liquid yeast, it did not leave it dry. The problem I realize was that I had used a high gravity Trappist yeast instead of a low gravity one making this reach the 13% ABV mark. I felt it was pretty high for a cider and was concerned about the product being too boozy. However, after trying it when it was carbonated, it came out just fine. The weeks it took to bottle conditioned mellowed out the alcohol and really let some of the cider play well with the ingredients. This cider can use some aging for sure to see where it will be at several years later. For now, I was pretty impressed with the results either way and hope the next cider project becomes awesome.


Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from the Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in this pairing to go with the Belgian Cider as I wanted to use something that had to do with something Holy as it is a Belgian Monk themed cider and similarly, I wanted to do something like the saint. The Spanish name was give as it uses the Agave Syrup as I mentioned before. For lightning, she became a messenger of God, a holy knight of God in the series. The fact that I found an artwork where she is holding what appears to be an apple as well as the fact that she has the angel wings and is close to God, well, it couldn’t get any closer to exactly what I was looking for in this pairing. The fact that it became 13% ABV and the fact that she became just as powerful as God in the series, it represented the strength of the cider and well really well.


Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Save-my-soul-435626707

Happy 2nd Anniversary Brewerianimelogs! + No. 22 Barrel Aged Series 5 Monks by Avery brewing Review

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

10580230_10102027159822430_3593632871374419105_nRating: 7/5

No. 22 Barrel Aged Series 5 Monks by Avery brewing is a 19.39% ABV World Class Belgian Quintuple/Sextuple Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
So yeah, it’s MUCH bigger and bolder than a quad. But the term “sextupel” seems inappropriate alongside a congregation of monks, so quintupel it is.

Bottled July 17 2014
Production 874 Cases
___

Today marks the 2nd Anniversary of Brewerianimelogs and I am very happy for all my readers and fans. Thank you all for the liking the site and reading my reviews. I did a special on my 1st Anniversary long ago that is definitely worth the read if you want to know about my story and the site: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/10/17/happy-1st-brewerinanimelogs-anniversary/

As for being the the 2nd Anniversary of my website, I had to go with a special beer. Now this beer was given to me by my friend Aaron Mediola at www.beermetaldude.com in Texas and it was something that he was able to get for me at the last minute as I was unable to get it since it ran out in my local places here in California. So definitely a special thanks to Aaron, Cheers Brother!

Right next to Chocolate Rain but not including beers past 20% ABV, this is the strongest Belgian Strong Dark Ale I have ever come across or even the strongest beer for that matter. I expected nothing less from Avery. The Quintuple and Sextuple is an extremely rare style to come by. The only thing that I have tried that comes close to this style is possible Barrel Aged Quadruples (Straffe Hendrix 2011 Bourbon Barrel Aged Quad II) or even the Judgment Day Quad Aged in Oak with Cherries (Cuvee De Tomme). So for one to come out and say, this beer is a brand new style, I’ll be damned if we don’t see it here on Brewerianimelogs, the lost treasures of taste and experience. So for the special occasion, I really had to dig hard for the art work and what I really like and well, I really had to see if this beer was going to be up to expectations. I will be skeptical at first but at the same time it doesn’t help that the Belgian Quadruple is my favorite beer style ever or the fact that the Quintuple is like a 4th dimension to my 3rd dimension perspective on taste. I don’t know what to expect but wish me luck. Thought this tiny bottle of potion you may be, another existence and possibility will my senses thus see… Cheers!!

Aromas:
High dose of Rock Candy, Dark Candi Sugars, Brown Sugars, Oak, Agave like nectar, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, cherries, Belgian chocolate dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate notes, banana cream pie, cherry pie, pecan pie, hazelnut, almond joys, honey, highly spirited liquor notes like brandy, rum, bubble gum, plantain, tres leches flan, leather, ginger bread, all spice, molasses, rocky road ice cream, flan, crème brulee, all spice, clove spice, rich banana splits, cookie dough, fruity preserves, toasted coconut, mocha, currants, port wine, grapes, agave nectar, graham cracker smores, marshmallows, chocolate truffles and boozy sugars enough to give one a sugar coma with just a whiff.

Flavors:
Extreme dose of dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, raspberries, bourbon, dulce de leche rich caramel, vanilla, oak, tres leches, banana cream pie, plantain, clove spice, grilled bananas, rock candy, candi sugars, pecan pie, flan, crème brulee, toffee, leather, tobacco, toasted coconut, bubble gum, brown sugar, agave nectar, molasses, ginger bread, all spice, nutmeg, hazelnut nectar, almond joy chocolate, Belgian chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, rocky road ice cream, cookie dough, mocha, Kahlua hints, Chocolate truffles, marshmallow chocolate graham cracker smores, honey, fudge cake, cheese cake, velvet mousse, French vanilla ice cream, rye bread, biscuit bread, kiwi preserves, concord grapes, cherry pie, currants, port wine, chocolate chips, hints of brandy, hints of rum, hints of bubble gum, yum yum yum!!

Aftertaste:
Pecan pie, caramel, vanilla, bananas, dark fruits, leather notes, oak, port wine, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and rich sugary syrup lingers. Despite level of ABV, there is nothing about the alcohol that detracts from any of the flavors. This is a syrupy thick beer. Sipping drinkability, Full mouthfeel, pitch black body, hardly any head retention.

Overall:
Quite possibly, the Best Belgian Quad/Quint/Sext in existence I have ever tried. Westvleteren and St. Bernardus 12 ABT, this is certainly taking the lead guys. The saddest part about this beer is the fact that it is going to be so rare, limited and at only 12oz. It really makes me wish I had way more of this to the point where I did not want to let the last drops leave. They are a part of my soul now. I spent an entire 2 hours trying to figure out this beer as best I could and I am sure I missed some notes. I think that is how complex this beer was as the temperature kept changing. Even for 12 ozs, this was definitely a Vatican lost scroll of a relic or the holy grail of beers. This comes so far into the Bruery’s territory it ain’t even funny. If this was a 750ml, I would be dangerously in trouble. Extremely Highly recommend you get a bottle of this saintly beer. Not for those who cannot drink a highly potent beer! And Finally, to my friend Aaron, Thank you brother, this really hit on many levels. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Sora, Cloud Strife, Aya Brea, Lightning Claire Farron and Noctis Lucis Caelum from Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy VII, Parasite Eve, Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XV respectively were the 5 chosen monks in this beer pairing. These characters have been some of the highest most popular characters in JRPG history and thus an anime pi cure with all 5 of them was something I could not deny was the perfect pairing. If you remember correctly, I have used some of these characters in some of the best beers, like Claire in Dark Lord and Aya in Hellfighter from Texas. They relate to the beer in bad assery but also in the strength and complexity that even I cannot fathom. I guess being a big fanboy, it was just the right road to take with this one. The colors, and location pair with the flavors, the label, and more. So much to describe here, you figure it out, that is your homework!!

This beer also reminds me of the hardest battle in Final Fantasy history, the 5 Judges in Final Fantasy XII. This battle was just as hard as me trying to figure out everything this magic potion/elixir had to offer…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6jPS7cFr5o

Sources:
http://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com/de697965d76e0231109b6fadac1048e7/http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad32/dekimbae/sora-vs-cloud-strife-vs-lightning-vs-aya-brea-vs-noctis-lucis-caelum-5612-1.jpg

 

2014 Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout by Three Floyds

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10255644_10101815517999340_4694846060425875063_n 10325727_10101815518233870_7864157040672492585_n 10347809_10101815518488360_9110480316137595532_n 10337699_10101815518578180_8368349720754483393_nRating: 6/5

The one and only…2014 Dark Lord by Three Floyds is a 15% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Matter Unicorn Blood Coffee.

It’s been a while, but we meet again, the Lord of all Imperial Stouts, the darkest of the dark, the sweetest and most luscious of all. The last time I tried this beer was back in 2012, and I could still remember how syrupy and delicious this damn beer was. Like just by having it in presence was like something out of the ordinary. This beer’s recipe uses Dark Matter Unicorn Blood Coffee which is an insane name. I am sure it will add a crazy new complexity to beer. Good luck finding this beer, I wish you the best. How did I get my hands on this one? Well you see ..uhh…. hehehe ….

Aromas:
Super Rich dark, milk, chocolate, extremely fancy coffee, dark cherry liquid sugar, yogurt, Kahlua, dark fruits like plums, apples, currants, molasses, brown sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, flan, maple syrup, burnt candi sugars, vanilla, Unicorn blood coffee, peanut butter, pecan pie, walnuts, hazelnut, chocolate cake and more.

Flavors:
Very very rich milk, dark, sweet, bakers, German, Belgian and Abuelita chocolate syrup, Kahlua coffee liqueur, dark cherry puree, really fancy Unicorn blood coffee, Irish coffee, molasses, vanilla syrup, maple syrup, brown sugar, burnt candi sugars, bananas, coconut milk, cocoa crispies, flan, cinnamon, flan, peanut butter, mocha, walnuts, pecan pie and a complex variety of dark sweets!

Aftertaste:
Dark Cherry, yogurt, milk chocolate, vanilla, coconut, dulce de leche caramel, maple syrup, molasses and lots of sugar seems to lingers forever not in the palette, but in the soul !! Syrupy as all hell and yet, very fucking smooth and extremely dangerous. I’m not even kidding, you can’t even sense the alcohol. I can easily drink this on its own and be like bring me more without even knowing what the hell happens next. Holy Shit!

Overall:
Who needs Bourbon Barrels or any special barrels for that matter. This beer is one of the best beers in the world hands down. This brings back memories to the day I first tried this. Syrupy as all hell with like a soy sauce or oil consistency with the flavors hitting all the best sweet tooth a hearts content can only find. The hype is pretty real and while Black Tuesday has its origins of some of the most chocolate aspects, this one holds it in the cherry, coffee and chocolate department with Kahlua. Oh yeah , did I mention, no barrels to amp it’s flavors. It is pretty ridiculous on its own. The hardest part is figuring out how it compares to other beers. Without the barrel aged aspect, how can you compare where the deliciousness comes from. This Devil’s water is sweet as hell… Now, if I can only have more!

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in the previous version of the Dark Lord along with some of the other awesome Final Fantasy characters, however I wanted to make her the focus of the beer as before. Lightning is a fucking bad ass! She’s kicked ass in many aspect of the Final Fantasy universe and just like cloud strife, she has cold side but also a very sweet side (Rich sweetness and Super Hidden ABV). Lightning is a complex character set with emotions ranging from very conservative and self conscious due to the guilt she felt for losing her … well, you will have to play the game. Let’s just say, her complexity and turmoil make her enough to bring about the chaos of how different the beer is to others. You really have to see for yourself to see what this entails. The added picture is of a beast warrior which if you know the artist, please let me know who to credit as I do not know. Yet it fits the whole dark lord aspect.

Noel de Calabaza by Jolly Pumpkin

by tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

ImageNoel de Calabaza by Jolly Pumpkin is their Belgian Strong Holiday Ale. Brewed in tradition for the holidays and truly good at that. While a lot of the character of JP beers have a sour/tart flavor that overwhelms at times, this one is rather smooth and sweet. The lemony zest, cherry, and apple that comes from the JP tart goodness compliments the other flavors well. The biggest character is the Belgian yeast and spice that comes through. Almost like a pumpkin banana bread flavor to the taste. Surely other flavors like brown sugar, toffee, a little vanilla, minor bourbon, and roasted chocolate is there too. At 9% alcohol, you don’t feel it at first, but you do feel it a bit later. After I poured the rest of the bottle, the bottom sediment was really hard to remove. Added a little water and stirred the bottle for quite a while. Eventually it all gave way. It was all the yeast that had settled. Even with a little water, it tasted like pumpkin pie. It was so good to the last drop. What a way to end the year. After trying all the JPs beers so far I have to admit, JP will be one of my all time favorite brewers along with Lost Abbey/Port Brewing, Stone, St. Bernardus, Unibroue, Dogfish Head, Brewdog, Three Floyds and Ballast Point. In the new year I will be sure to give newer beers a test 😛