2017 High West Barrel Aged Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company

Rating: 6/6

2017 High West Barrel Aged Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company is a 12% ABV Imperial Porter aged in High West Whiskey

 

Our Ballast Point Victory at Sea Imperial Porter is a bold, smooth brew with just the right amount of sweetness. We infused this robust porter with whole vanilla beans and San Diego’s own Caffe Calabria coffee beans. The subtle roasted notes and minimal acidity of the cold brewed coffee, balances perfectly with the sweet caramel undertones of the malt, creating a winning combination for your palate.

 

Awesome oak and vanilla whiskey goodness

Love & Maple Syrup by State Brewing Company

Rating: 6/6

Love & Maple Syrup by State Brewing Company is a 9.1% Imperial Stout Bourbon aged Coffee Beans and Michigan Maple Syrup.

Imperial Stout w/ 2nd Craft Bourbon Aged Coffee Beans & Michigan Maple Syrup, 9.1 % Our latest Breakfast themed Stout starts with a delicious Imperial base that is taken to the next level 
with 80 lbs of 2nd Craft’s finest Bourbon aged and conditioned Colombian Coffee Beans. We then add
a healthy amount of Pure Michigan Maple Syrup from BLiS, Oaky bourbon, dark chocolate and espresso
hit big in the nose and on and the palate finishing into sweet, sappy maple heaven. Rich and up front yet
walking the fine line of balance. Enjoy and love one another.

Maple maple everywhere…. So much breakfast goodness to drink!

Peanut Butter Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company

Rating: 5/5

Peanut Butter Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company is a 10% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with peanut butter, coffee and vanilla.

This version is without the chocolate – just Peanut Butter.

Wave ever it is I think I sea🌊.. Becomes a tootsie roll🍫 to me.. Lol that and peanut butter

Basic Bitch Pumpkin Spice Latte by El Borracho brewing

Rating: 5/5

Basic Bitch Pumpkin Spice Latte by El Borracho brewing is a 6.5% ABV Pumpkin Ale brewed with Coffee Beans, spices and lactose.

Brewed with lots of pumpkin spice, lactose and coffee beans.

Thanks to my friend William Carranza for sharing another awesome homebrew. This one definitely takes the pie. Chocolate abuelita & pumpkin

2017 Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by Three/3 Floyds and The Bruery

Rating: 7/7

2017 Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by Three/3 Floyds and The Bruery is a 14.4% ABV Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans Added.

Label:
A Collaboration with our friends at the Bruery. An invigorating ale aged in Bourbon barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans Added.

==Introduction==
25734449_10104979618351870_640982678921449234_o26023906_10104979617812950_7527705355504231613_o26025981_10104979617957660_1120533100905282092_o
I finally got my hands on the Three Floyds edition of one of my all time rare favorites, the Rue D’Floyd. A collaboration from the unthinkable coming together to create something out of this world. The original from the Bruery is the one I got a chance to try in 2014 and finally again in 2017. It was a beer that many loved but people thought it would have a problem aging. Even so, The beer proved to last the times. I cannot say the same about the Floyd D’rue since that one was not rereleased since 2014. Nevertheless, I never got a chance to try Three Floyds version of the same beer. In this iteration, it looks like they dropped the coffee and that is why Dark Matter is not involved. Will this still stand the test like the one I had from the Bruery? Well, let’s find out and take a crazy journey into the unknown.

Aromas:
Lots of dark fruits, port wine, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, roasted barley, hazelnut nectar, vanilla, bourbon, oak, banana sudae, Chambord Raspberries, sweetened condensed milk, roasted barley notes, coffee notes, burnt sugar, oatmeal cookies, almond, fruit cake, chocolate turtles, funky grape notes, tobacco and leather.

Flavors:
Super rich tart cherries, dark cherries, tart wine must, dark fruit currants, raisins, blue berries, raspberries, pomegranate, bourbon, marshmallows, nutella, hazelnut nectar, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut, burnt sugar, molasses, marzipan, mazapan, walnuts, prailines, cherry cordials, pecan pie, port wine, wine grapes, Chambord Raspberries, sweetened condensed milk, roasted barley notes, coffee notes, tiramasu, Khalua coffee liqueur hints, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, fudge chocolate, cherry chocolate cake, mocha, banana cream pie, Banana sundae, cinnamon, crème brulee, white chocolate, oatmeal, tobacco, leather, rye bread, chocolate turtles, chocolate mousse and cherry cheese cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with Dark cherries, oak, bourbon, dark chocolate, cherry cordials, raspberries, tart wine grapes, Nutella, vanilla, caramel, mocha, pecan pie and banana split cherry sundae. No alcohol here or anywhere despite the ABV. Pitch black and abysmal body. Very smooth, mildly chewey, velvety, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel. Sipping drinkability and definitely meant to be enjoyed.

Overall:
This beer reminds me of the Perennial and Fremont Barrel aged Unicorn tears but if you made it slightly more tart. I cannot say if the tart was due to its aging or if this really was what they were going for. So why did I give it a 7? Cuz fuck it that’s why! No but seriously, this semi sweet semi tart complexity gives this beer some crazy appealingness to it. For those that enjoy the various spectrum of beers should definitely have this one too. Especially the Bruery one!

Anime Corner:
Ramona Flowers from Scott Pilgrim VS. The World and welcoming back, Haruko Haruhara from Fooly Cooly/FLCL were brought in this pairing because they are 2 sides of the same coin. So Ramona’s aesthetics similarly complements Haruko’s and since I used Haruko for the Bruery version, Ramona is the Three Floyds version. East Meets West essentially, Manga Vs. Comics, Ying and Yang so to speak. 2 versions of the same beer created by both brewers. In this iteration though, the aspect of Ramona having so many girlfriends and having some personal issues reflect that of Haruko’s very animated and out there personality. Just like this beer is the tart, the other is more sweet, both insane in the head and who wouldn’t want to hook up with these babes. However, they are dangerous as fuck! 

Bruery Version: https://animebeers.com/2017/01/16/2017-rue-dfloyd-collaboration-between-3three-floyds-dark-matter-coffee-and-the-bruery/

Homebrew Project #33 6 To Midnight Coffee & Cream by Nubis Sanctum Ales

 

Rating: 5/5

Homebrew Project #33 6 To Midnight Coffee & Cream by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 10% ABV Imperial Cream Ale brewed with Blood Lord Coffee Beans by Dark Matter Coffee, Vanilla Beans and Lactose. 

Homebrewed for my friends Cesar Molina & Jeanette De La Luz wedding on 9/3/2017.

The special project was brewed in collaboration with my friend Oscar Pacheco and Cesar Molina with an inspiration to the Coffee and Cream Ale we had tried on our many trips to the Tijuana B.C. Craft Beer Scene in Mexico. For the special occasion of his wedding, Julio/Cesar entrusted me to come up with an original recipe that would be a cream ale with coffee similar the Coffee and Cream. The recipe was something I had not brewed before and would become one that was created by us. Starting with an Imperial Cream Ale recipe, I started by envisioning what would be the cream side or additional cream. That’s when I brought up the lactose addition. Vanilla would add an enticing sweetness which was provided by Oscar in which we aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon for a month before added to the finished product. We also went through a collection of many of my favorite Dark Matter Coffee beans like the Big Hugs and Unicorn Blood Coffees until Julio decided to use the Blood Lord coffee. It was the same coffee they made by aging the beans in Barrels that once contained 3 Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout. The very same bourbon barrel aged coffee I used in my previous iteration (Home brew Project #29 SangriLeche Chapter: 2 – Hey You, Wanna Buy Some ChocoW00tCherries?!!?) which used w00tstout as the inspiration. 

Moving on, the beer was a major success showcasing many of the rich flavors from the original Coffee and Cream Ale, but at a higher ABV and more flavor intense profile ranging from Coffee, Vanilla, sugar cream, oak notes, stone fruit, dark fruits, creme brulee, flan, tiramsu and much much more. The beer was such as hit that it was the first to run out at the wedding despite being the higher in alcohol content. It was definitely a victorious moment in homebrewing collaboration for me and my friends and something that I’m sure Julio and Janette will never forget. Surely though, I will have to brew it again!

 

 

4th Anniversary Unplugged Beam Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing

 

Rating: 7/7
 
4th Anniversary Unplugged Beam Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing is a 12.5% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Stout brewed with Kopi Luwak/ Civet Coffee Beans, Belgian Milk Chocolate, Brown sugar and Molasses aged in Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey Barrels
Label:
Music In Liquid Form
Limited Edition Bottle 438/480
 
==Introduction==
In continuation with my previous review of the Kopi Luwak sensation from Acoustic Ales, This is the same beers as the previous Bourbon and the Wild Turkey version of the beer but this time in Jim Beam bourbon whiskey. This one seems to be even more limited. Like they only had a few barrels aging for this beer to sell. Lucky for me, Craftshack.com was able to have it and like I said before, Kopi Luwak beers are rare to come by so whenever I see one, I have to to and bring it to the site. Even if it is literally made with coffee beans that were pooped out by a furry civet/ocelot/kopi luwak. The previous beer was damn amazing! How will this compare though? Different Whiskeys and Bourbons? Let’s have a look, cheers!
 
Aromas:
Hints of what I think are definitely some kind of game. Essentially, it came from an animal, namely the Civet. Dark chocolate, bourbon, whiskey, vanilla, fruit cake, milk chocolate, dark fruits, molases, fancy coffee, espresso, marshmallow smores, rye bread, Danish cream and Irish cream.
 
Flavors:
Very Gamey kopi luwak, earthy notes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Mexican chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Piloncillo sugar cone, dark fruit currants, blue berries, currants, blackberries, boysenberries, dark cherry yogurt, marshmallows, Irish cream coffee, fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee, espresso, jamocha, java, cookies and cream, rocky road ice cream, molasses, banana, clove spice, tiramasu, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, oatmeal cookies, molasses, anise, crème brulee, flan, port wine, rye bread, brown sugar, chocolate mousse, sweetened condensed milk, cookie dough ice cream, Danish cream and chocolate coffee cheese cake.
 
Aftertaste:
Finishing with fancy coffee, gamey notes, oak, caramel, vanilla, gamey mocha, marshmallows, dark fruits, rich berries, currants, earthy notes, rye bread, tiramasu cake, banana, clove spice and Irish cream. Hint of  alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor. Pitch black darkness like where the sun don’t shine. Smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.
 
Overall:
The Civet game is real! So damn real that there was a presence of gamey notes which I cannot tell if they were from the coffee of the Jim Beam whiskey. Regardless, it was a damn fantastic beer. Way to bring in some authenticity. While the other brews I had in this series bring a mixed bag of flavors, this one does too but there is definitely some coffee flavors in there are very different. It could just be that the Jim Beam brings out the best of the coffee flavors. It really doesn’t matter, this is indeed unique nd worth the find. Check it out if you are game, I highly recommend it!
Anime Corner:
Dark Mithra or Ark Angel MR from Final Fantasy XI was chosen in this pairing to represent the cat/civet/ocelot/kopi luwak in this beer. Since the beer is more dark and pronounced with the dark arts of the gamey goodness. Regardless of that, she is vicious, like the booze driven 12% but sweet in the seductive aspect as the complexity lures you into an oblivion that you cannot come back from. Similar to my Sangrileche beers I made in the past but yeah, craziness.
Sources:
 

 

4th Anniversary Unplugged Turkey Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing

 

Rating: 7/7

4th Anniversary Unplugged Turkey Kopi Luwak by Acoustic Ales Brewing is a 12.5% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Stout brewed with Kopi Luwak/ Civet Coffee Beans, Belgian Milk Chocolate, Brown sugar and Molasses aged in Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey Barrels

Label:

Music In Liquid Form

Limited Edition Bottle 543/660

==Introduction==

I haven’t had a Kopi Luwak Coffee beer in years. My last one I brought to the site was the Speedway Barrel aged Kopi Luwak which was one amazing beer. Fast forward to 2017 and you have Acoustic Ales making a Kopi Luwak beer. Granted I did have the regular bourbon version when I was in Pasadena California at Kingsrow Pub when I went to the Stone Store to get the Lost Abbey Collab. Anyways, I saw these puppies on craftshack.com While I definitely was open to try another Kopi Luwak beer, long behold, they had 2 to offer. I got those suckers and to little of my knowledge find out that they were limited edition. Only 660 of these were made. In…Sa…nity!! Is what I thought. While this may be hard to get, let’s see if they are worth getting, cheers!


Aromas:

Super oaky woodsy, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit prunes, plums, black berries, currants, dark cherries, Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, oak, bourbon, whiskey, toasted coconut, Fancy coffee, gamey notes, pecan pie, marshmallows, smores, brown sugar and fruit cake.

Flavors:

Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, oak, bourbon, whiskey, toasted coconut, gamey notes (Kopi Luwak?), fancy coffee, mocha, Jamocha, espresso, Khalua, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream, marshmallow, chocolate smores, fruit cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, earthy notes, dark fruit prunes, plums, black berries, currants, dark cherries, crème brulee, flan, cinnamon, bananas, clove spice, molasses, mint chocolate chip, anise, tiramasu cake, chocolate mousse, herbal notes, Irish cream Danish cream, rocky road ice cream and rum hints.

Aftertaste:

Delicious coffee, toasy oak, caramel, vanilla, gamey mocha, toasted coconut, dark fruits, beries, earthy notes, tiramasu cake, herbal hints, banana, clove spice and Irish cream. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor. This is a new bottle after all. Pitch black darkness like where the sun don’t shine. Smooth, creamy, velvety, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:

Damn, what a bucket lister! There is a difference in this than your average beer. Not just the face that it might be the poopie coffee talking but the blend of the Wild Turkey and the coffee and chocolate makes a difference. Not to mention, Belgian Choco Chocos are awesome and the fact that brown sugar and molasses in there are definitely doing something. Are they going for a semi Dark Lordish beer?! Well in either case, this beer is amazing. Civet Poop Coffee is definitely something else and if your game, I highly recommend this one!!

Anime Corner:

Carol Tea from Freedom Planet was used in this pairing as I wanted to find a cat that would go with the whole Kopi Luwak aspect of Civet Bean Coffee. Carol comes from my new favorite game freedom planet where she is a ninja. Smooth like the beer and fast as hell she burns down the highway the way the slight booziness reminds you that your dealing with a bad ass beer.

Sources:

https://cdn-enterprise.discourse.org/waypoint/uploads/default/original/2X/e/eba86bdd9f2f2c6d24cd669b55e10300b8991a53.jpg

http://zedrin.deviantart.com/art/Patreon-Reward-Carol-Tea-678488052

https://arung98.deviantart.com/art/Freedom-Planet-Carol-623518077

http://kenjikanzaki05.deviantart.com/art/Carol-Tea-Collab-668125892

http://goshaag.deviantart.com/art/Green-Cat-589855237

http://flora-tea.deviantart.com/art/Freedom-Planet-Carol-Tea-the-Wild-Ninja-Cat-614183034

 

2016 One Hitter Series High West-ified Imperial Coffee Stout by Lagunitas brewing

Rating: 6/6

2016 One Hitter Series High West-ified Imperial Coffee Stout by Lagunitas brewing is a 12.2% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Coffee beans and aged in High West Rye Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
There’s no shame in being a One-Hit Wonder. It’s hard to be right even once. This series of rare beers, brewed in our smallest fermentors all are experiments, liquid ideas, salubrious ruminations built on our 23 years of edgy brewing at the edge of brewing.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at one of my local liquor stores in South Gate. I had heard great things about this beer and heard it also sold quickly. For a beer that was definitely up there with all the great spirit aged brews out there, I had to pick this one up. It was actually a surprised that I found it as I really believed they had sold out. For the ABV and the price of a 6 pack at what you would normally pay for a single 22oz or 12oz of some specialty whale (12-14$) this was a damn bargain. Sometimes, 6 packs maybe downplayed but when you realize you get more beer for your $, its insane. Especially when its something like this. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Belgian chocolate, chocolate milk shake, oak, whiskey, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, Irish cream, mocha, roasted coffee notes, toasted rye bread, marshmallow smores, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, toasted coconut hints and sweetened condensed milk.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, Whiskey, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers chocolate, Belgian chocolate, chocolate milk shake, mocha, espresso beans, Khalua, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, hazelnut nectar, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, Danish cream, Irish cream, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, oatmeal cookies, marshmallow smores, malted milk balls, waffle cone, chocolate cream cake, toasted rye bread, mint chocolate chip notes, molasses, dark cherry chocolate cake, dark cherry ice cream hints, whipped cream and hints of smoke.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich mocha notes, vanilla, caramel, rye whiskey, oak, rocky road ice cream, Irish cream, marshmallow smores, caramel bourbon, smokey notes and roasted espresso coffee. No alcohol in the taste despite the 12.2% ABV, pitch black full body, smooth, creamy, chewy and velvety mouthfeel, as well as a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional brew! Like drinking Bourbon County Rye or a specialty Rye whiskey barrel aged stout. The flavors are amazing displaying a ton of complexity and the rich deliciousness of the rye barrel. For them to sell it at such a price is something I wish they didn’t have it in a limited run and more of a yearly beer. This is why I think its called the One-Hitter series as it really is hit! They spent a lot of time making this one an awesome brew and I highly recommend people check this one out.

Anime Corner:
YoRHa No.2 Type B/ 2B/ 2E “Executioner” from Nier: Automata was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to choose a bad as character that also pairs with the label colors, beer colors and beer strength. She has a blindfold to represent the obliviousness that people have toward common brews which can can actually be on par with the likes of many of the awesome whales I have had before. Yes, this is worthy of a challenge!

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6PbQw0VUAAZkyK.png
https://kazasou.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/konachan-com-233374-criin_659503-nier-nier_automata.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5Lie57UcAEGKkJ.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2c6n0EVQAEGy02.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6b1OFEXQAISXJ9.jpg

2017 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery

Rating: 6/6

2017 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery is a 19.9% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

The utmost in true choco-coffee-mocha liquid gold. I have reviewed this one many times but wanted to bring this years to light. Check out my last year’s review. Cheers!

https://animebeers.com/2016/02/26/2016-mocha-wednesday-by-the-bruery/

2017 Rue D’Floyd collaboration between 3/Three Floyds, Dark Matter Coffee and The Bruery

15975210_10103915859448240_7644646566641312764_oRating: 7/7

2017 Rue D’Floyd collaboration between 3/Three Floyds, Dark Matter Coffee and The Bruery is a 13.5% ABV Imperial Porter aged with Vanilla in Bourbon Barrels with Tart Cherries and Dark Matter Coffee.
15972340_10103915858570000_7823938356959522554_o
Label:
DARK TUESDAY

This collaborative brew rises from the ashes in epic fashion, showcasing a heavy-handed display of barrel character, roastiness and dark fruit elements. It’s a testament to the spirit of continued experimentation

We regrouped with our friends at 3 Floyds to resurrect this imperial porter. Condemned to bourbon barrels for nearly a year, this one dark display of roasted malts, charred oak and blackened cherry character with notes of scorched baker’s chocolate. It’s pulled from the depths with sweet vanilla beans, tart cherries and Dark Matter Coffee, holding the palate prisoner and perpetuity.

==Introduction==
15994333_10103915859468200_8040968607951652897_o
Released to Hoarders and Reserve Society alike, it has been years since the release of this beer. Since the issue they had with the quality of the initial release, they did not want to risk bad bottles back then which really turned people off from this beer. I remember when this first came out I got it to the site as soon as possible and the beer was great! It was so great I was upset I would not see it again. Thank the beer dark lords it is back. This beer is what I think many people really wanted from the longest time. A collaboration with Three Floyds of Indiana to use their Dark Lord making skills at creating a massive beer with the Black Tuesday lords at the The Bruery. They have come together once again to create this literal liquid chaos of sense engulfing darkness. Now all I have left to say is how it can compare to however my brain can remember from the original. The best part is that it will not go bad! So cheers and hope you can get one, I am recommending it right off the bat!

Aromas:
Rich Mocha Cherry Cordials, Roasted coffee, espresso, fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, kopi luwak coffee, Cherry Nutella, chocolate cherry cobbler, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Baker’s Chocolate, fudge chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, prunes, toasted coconut, almond joy chocolate, cookies and cream, white chocolate, oatmeal, oak, bourbon, anise, tobacco, leather, cinnamon and port wine.

Flavors:
Super Rich Mocha Cherry Cordials, port wine, Raspberry Chambord, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Baker’s Chocolate, peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, flan, cinnamon, crème brulee, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut, almond joy chocolate, cookies and cream, white chocolate, oatmeal, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, fudge chocolate, cherry chocolate cake, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, prunes, molasses, anise, tobacco, leather, roasted coffee, espresso, kopi luwak coffee, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Bananas, hazelnut nectar, chocolate cherry cobbler, cherry nutella, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, Banana split chocolate cherry sundae and dulce de leche caramel.
15995128_10103915858574990_4858320659825366073_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing rich mocha, dark chocolate, cherry cordial, bourbon, milk chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, pecan pie, banana split chocolate cherry sundae, oak, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream
No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, dark pitch black full body, smooth, creamy, chewy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
I almost forgot how delicious this beer was that when I finally had again it all came back to me. This is indeed, is really a bucket lister. No joke. I had really forgotten why I loved this beer so much until I brought to the site once again. It was so influential, that I am actually making a stout to mimic the insanity of this collaboration. This beer is literally Liquid Cherry Mocha. Like the Life is Like brew I had years ago, this one continues and continues. With this fresher batch, I hope you are able to find this one but definitely hope that the Bruery keeps releasing this one. A must GET!
15975144_10103915859288560_4184408390222072071_o
Anime Corner:
Haruko Haruhara and Naota Nandaba from FLCL (Fooley Cooley) were used in this pairing to show case the colors of the label, the flavors, the collaboration, the ticking time bomb aspect and just the insane aspect that this collaboration brings. Aside from the colors of the label. Haruko represent the cherries and the coffee as well as the very dangerous aspect of the beer. The smoothness of the beer can be seen in the cuteness of her demeanor but don’t ever let that fool you. This woman is demented and insane. Cute on the outside, monster on the inside. Naota Nandaba, is the admirer which you can think of him providing the extra flavors as being the main character of the series. Now the ticking time bomb has to do with the short temper that Haruko has and the short time that these 2 have together. I won’t spoil the story, but c’mon, it is such a great series…. for only being 6 episodes long!! There, you have no excuse not to watch FLCL… now just like I said before… Go get this beer, find the show and watch it! You will be in for a ride!
15994994_10103915858584970_1616555596595883944_o
Sources:
https://ugc.kn3.net/i/origin/http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h476/santo969/501623.jpg?t=1298836348
http://wallpapersonthe.net/wallpapers/l/haruko_haruharu_flcl_anime_vespa_haruko-8042.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/60/aa/dc/60aadcb626bc6e0e3116c0ae5ef18dc7.png
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I2yHaMXsWRs/WBU65zSeaMI/AAAAAAAADfI/jGUBAKYYpUsA2JD6ShTPtr76MBfEpIS6QCJoC/w426-h400/16%2B-%2B1

Derde Golf by The Bruery Terreux

15370053_10103789137794450_9010744031922016226_oRating: 7/7

Derde Golf by The Bruery Terreux is a 12.3% ABV Belgian Sour Quadrupel Oak aged with Blackberries and Bourbon Barrel aged Old Ale with Portola Coffee Lab’s coffee beans.

Label:
It’s time for the third wave – a beer that awakens the senses from first sniff to first sip. This sour, blended ale folds our sour, oak-aged Belgian style quadrupel with blackberries into our malt-forward, bourbon barrel-aged old ale, and finishes with a Flemish good morning kiss, for an awakening, robust and sweet & sour twist. It’s complimented and balanced by the gentle, roasty character imparted from freshly roasted coffee from our friend’s at Portola Coffee Lab – a blend that was specifically selected for this complex, sour coffee ale, and a concept that was nearly a year in the making.

==Introduction==
15419756_10103789136931180_5633207706107288733_o
Released to Hoarders and Reserve society members. I did not think much about getting this one at first. Then I saw what it was made with. Essentially, they took their awesome Quadrupel Tonnellerie and Anniversary ale, combined it and added coffee. Ridiculousness! But I say that in an awesome epic way. Both base beers are already exceptional. Therefore, taking this to the next level is definitely what the Bruery does best. Now the question is, should one get this one? Well, that is where we come in to advise you, the reader, whether we think you should give this one a shot. Let’s do this, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit currants, dark cherries, plums, raisins, figs, raspberries, wine grapes, blackberries, concorde grapes, fruit cake, oak, bourbon, dark candi sugar, bananas, clove spice, anise, tobacco notes, molasses, dark candi sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, hazelnut nectar, mocha, Khalua liqueur, java and sweetened condensed milk

Flavors:
Bourbon, oak, wine grapes, pan dulce, blackberry cobbler, fruit cake, concorde grapes, blueberry muffins, dark fruit currants, dark cherries, plums, raisins, figs, dark candi sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, lemon peel, red wine, toasted coconut, marshmallows smores, bananas, clove spice, anise, tobacco notes, molasses, leather, raspberry Chambord liquer, blackberry and blueberry cheesecake, rock candy, capirotada raisin bread pudding, figgy pudding, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, mocha, Khalua liqueur, java, espresso, coffee cake, steamed milk, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, flan, chocolate cherry cordials and Tres Leches/Three Creams cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich dark fruits, of blackberries, dulce de leche caramel, toasted coconut, vanilla, clove space, bananas, dark candi sugar, rock candi, blackberry yogurt, toffee, dark chocolate, oak, and pecan pie. No alcohol in the taste, full dark amber body, effervescent, smooth and silky mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
This is damn insane! This is indeed the best Belgian Sour Quad ever! The Blackberries and Coffee just raise it to those OVERKILL levels. Not in a bad way but of the deep and supremely luscious bliss kind of way. Heck even the fact that the base beers are already above exceptional, this just takes it to that bucket lister level. Definitely find a way to get this one. A lot of awesome stuff in this bottle.
15325245_10103789136951140_2695745719859371971_o
Anime Corner:
Hsien-Ko/Lei Lei and Zabel/Lord Raptor (Midnight Bliss) were used in this pairing to go somewhat with the label but mainly the colors of the dark fruits and flavors of the beer. I have not used Hsien-ko in a beer for the Bruery before so I definitely thought this was the perfect opportunity. Zabel was merely there as you can think of the 2 beer fusion in coffee as represented by Hsien-Ko coming to Zabel from behind.
15369115_10103789136936170_8223865831569385061_o
Sources:
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsL6t_gXYAQAEGW.jpg
https://jr4rt.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/hsien_ko_small.jpg
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/3d435-lei_lei_by_genzoman.jpg
http://blog-imgs-27-origin.fc2.com/m/o/u/moudamepo11/24(s).png

Imperial Biscotti Break Raspberry Umami by Evil Twin Brewing

15304073_10103767646942290_6536431467315646772_oRating: 6/6

Imperial Biscotti Break Raspberry Umami by Evil Twin Brewing is an 11.5% Imperial Stout aged in Oak Barrels with Coffee Beans and Raspberry

Label:
None!

==Introduction==
15252603_10103767647905360_9089962136158953556_o
Obtained this one on my way to the Bruery when I visited Mr. K’s liquor. It literally is in front of the Bruery and they do have a lot of awesome stuff. When I saw this, I definitely had to pick it up. 2 reasons, one is because their Doughnut Break was one of the most awesome beers I have ever had. Even the “Imperial Biscotti Break Natale – Pretty Please With A Cherry On Top” was one of the best as well. So surely, the raspberry coffee one was definitely one I wanted to bring to the site. Now, with that in mind, let’s have a look shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, boysen berries, cranberries, dark cherries, Rich Raspberries, Raspberry cordials, port wine, wine grapes, butterscotch, dulce de leche caramel, fruit cake, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mocha, roasted coffee, coffee cake, molasses, anise, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut hints and pomegranates.
15271796_10103767648025120_88604068773857474_o
Flavors:
Rich Raspberries, port wine, wine grapes, butterscotch, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mocha, roasted coffee, coffee cake, dragon fruit, passion fruit, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, boysen berries, cranberries, dark cherry cheesecake, pomegranates, sea salt, oak, vanilla, toasted rye bread with raspberry preserves, molasses, anise, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut hints, marshmallow smores, brown sugar, fruit cake, dulce de leche caramel, fudge and raspberry cake, walnuts, chocolate truffles, raspberry cordials and jelly doughnuts.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich raspberries, oak, dark fruit, vanilla, mocha, anise, caramel, dark chocolate, and wine notes. No alcohol in the tasted, Dark Crimson Full Body, very smooth, creamy, rich and velvety mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Ridiculously delicious. This came to me as a surprise. This beer actually reminded me so much of the beer I made, which was the Raging Passion Lactus Raspear Dragons which was aged in oak with raspberries but other fruits and lactose other than coffee. The flavors were very similar but my brew was fruitier. The fact that I was able to pick up the punch of chocolate raspberries made me realize that the brew I had made was definitely worthy to be commercial like this one. Regardless, this one is definitely worthy of praise and should sought out, I highly recommend this one.
15325277_10103767648094980_2370464602197932140_o
Anime Corner:
Pyrrha Nikos from RWBY was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to bring her into the site for the longest time. Her colors represent the raspberries but also the strength and kindness goes well with the ABV and the complex flavors of the beer which are generally sweet.
15259785_10103767648374420_8867330888921198435_o
Sources:
http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/yakuza-mob-roleplay/images/b/bc/1YMRPBio.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150817231753
https://i.redditmedia.com/AzMrFtjvoe9rT4DCKQFUsn7LBXtZt9XPX0cumhrq0Os.jpg?w=400&s=9529acd0c6185460df4823133cd923d6
http://i.imgur.com/xooKCtJ.jpg
http://76.72.168.19/images/2016-02-24-813002.jpeg

Stone Mocha IPA by Stone brewing

14054329_10103494899560230_180881574136506187_oRating: 5/5

Stone Mocha IPA by Stone brewing is a 9% ABV Double India Pale Ale brewed with Cacao nibs and Coffee.

Label:
A Style-Defying Double India Pale Ale with Cacao & Coffee

An Inexplicably Delicious Creation Born at our small Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station brewery, this beer was an instant hit. The tantalizing combination of fresh golden-roasted coffee and pure dark chocolate is undeniably amazing, yet it’s perhaps surprising to find them paired with a hoppy blend of Cascade, Amarillo and Citra. Clearly, style lines have been crossed. Is it half-IPA, half-stout? Not quite. It’s definitely all IPA, but it’s also the best of both styles, making this love child of a beer simply just a pleasure-seeking meld of Imperial IPA and mocha indulgence. How much exceptional, downright awesomeness came to be doesn’t really matter, though. What matters is that it exists and that it’s here for you now, thanks to our deliberate disregard for brewing norms. Some things are not meant to be known, just enjoyed … thoroughly.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at one of my local shops that sells Stone beers. Sold in a pack, this was damn awesome especially for a beer that is 9% ABV. When I first heard of the Coffee IPA from stone, it reminded me of the Dayman Coffee IPA they brewed in collaboration with Aleman and Two Brothers a couple of years back. This release, however uses Cacao and Lactose. I do not remember if the other had lactose in it but this beer I would think would be probably be closer to coffee. It would be difficult to tell since IPAs don’t age well so I can’t compare. Anyways, let’s see how this one goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Grapefruit, piney, citrus, floral, grassy and garlicky dank hops, Lactose Milk sugar, coffee, vanilla, biscuit bread, honey, green tea ice cream, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, tangerine gummies, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, maple, Danish cream and milk chocolate.

Flavors:
Vanilla, Lactose Milk sugar, Mocha, coffee, Java, milk chocolate, Yohoo Chocolate drink, Grapefruit, piney, citrus, floral, grassy and garlicky dank hops, green tea ice cream, biscuit bread, honey, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, tangerine gummies, dulce de leche caramel, flan, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, maple, Danish cream, cookies and cream, Jamoca ice cream, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, rye bread and hazelnut.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with notes of chocolate, vanilla, coffee, lactose milk sugar, citrus and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, Honey amber clear body, smooth, creamy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and very easy to drink.

Overall:
Phenomenal beer. It is interesting how the combination of a normally hoppy, citrucy and bitter aspects of an IPA can actually work very well with the flavors of coffee and vanilla sweetness. It creates something that is very unique and delicious. It is almost like a coffee pale gold stout but mixed with an IPA which is definitely mind blowing. I would definitely recommend this one for those that love Coffee and vanilla stouts but also love IPAs. High recommendation.

Anime Corner:
C.C. from Code Geasse was used in this brew to not only pair with the colors of the label but also it is a tribute to when I first reviewed the Dayman IPA back then. So seeing as this one take the place of the older beer, it was fitting to bring her back to represent this beer.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/69041-1920×1200-code+geass-sunrise+%28studio%29-c.c.-highres-wide+image-widescreen.jpg

2016 White Mocha by The Bruery

13307465_10103279138287550_6291594818918929177_n 13240585_10103279138636850_6355648886233025049_n 13247797_10103279138512100_1772785327298192205_o 13308234_10103279138801520_3949168034485202993_oRating: 6/6

2016 White Mocha by The Bruery is a 16.3% ABV Wheat Wine Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with TCHO Cacao Nibs and Tierra Mia Coffee Beans.

Label:
RISE & SHINE
This bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale snuggled up with cacao nibs from TCHO and fresh coffee beans from TIERRA MIA COFFEE

White Mocha is our bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale with cacao nibs and fresh coffee beans. Notes of coffee and chocolate are joined by warm flavors of coconut, honey and vanilla that rise & shine on the palate. If you’ve never fancied yourself a morning person, today might just be your day.

==Introduction==

Released to Reserve and Hoarders Society members of the Bruery, this beer is essentially White Chocolate with Coffee. While in the past, White Chocolate has been a rarity and guilty pleasure along with Black Tuesday and the variants. It was so much so, that they would hardly release enough even to Reserve members. Now in 2015 and 2016, there is a lot of White Chocolate and White Oak to go around which is I guess how they got to experiment with a new brew and so this one was born. Let’s see if this is worth the find, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Flan, crème brulee, coffee cake, White Chocolate, Bourbon, Cookies and Cream, Cookie dough ice cream, Jamoca ice cream, Espresso coffee, Mocha Chocolate, Irish Cream, Danish Cookies, butterscotch, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, 3 leches (3 milks) Mexican cake, almond joy, honey, almond milk, tropical fruit like pineapple hints, pears, mango, brown sugar, oak, vanilla, rich hazelnut nectar and pecan pie.

Flavors:
White Chocolate, Espresso coffee, Mocha Chocolate, Jamoca Ice cream, Kopi Luwak fancy notes, coffee cake, bananas, clove spice, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, bourbon, brown sugar, oak, vanilla, rich hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, marshmallows, stone fruit peach, apricot, toasted coconut, 3 leches (3 milks) Mexican cake, almond joy, honey, dark fruit cherries, plums, tropical fruit like pineapple hints, pears, mango, almond milk, chocolate mousse, chocolate coffee milk shake, Irish Cream, Danish Cookies, cookie dough ice cream, butterscotch, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, coriander spice, orange notes, wine grapes and choco flan.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with coffee cake on sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla, milk chocolate, bananas, clove spice, bourbon, mocha ice cream and almond cream. No alcohol in the taste but definitely feel the impact later. Honey Gold Amber medium body, silky, syrupy, velvety, and chewy mouthfeel with a dangerously easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Just like the original White Chocolate but in the Fancy supreme coffee direction. I’m a sucker for some of these beers, I admit it and definitely tend to lean my opinion sometimes but just know that this one, just like the White Chocolate, is vastly up there with some of the best beers in the world. In fact, many of the special variants from Black Tuesday and the Bruery process are insane. Made with their house strain, it really gives off some of the beers I like, like the Belgian strains. Anyway, I highly recommend this one. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Panty Anarchy from the Panty & Stocking series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair mainly with the colors of the label and the WheatWine/BlondeBarley Wine aspect. With the addition of coffee to the White chocolate, the beer becomes very unique. Although white chocolate is not real chocolate but to think of a White Mocha? Well, that’s just a myth… like angels, or could it be true they live among us. Possibly, Panty Anarchy is an angel. A sexually driven one but the seduction of the idea of a white mocha and the complex flavors of the beer are very appealing.

Sources:
http://www.hkcgart.com/Public/static/kindeditor/attached/image/20150811/20150811083942_64879.jpg
http://holichii.deviantart.com/art/Anarchy-Panty-by-Hagiwara-Rin-314568375
http://www.zerochan.net/full/501682
http://static.zerochan.net/Anarchy.Panty.full.1500839.jpg

2016 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery

12803284_10103093362733250_7549125410621227032_n 12794777_10103093363322070_2128403442201128551_o 12764864_10103093364789130_2203106446519043956_oRating: 6/6

2016 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery is a 19.4% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. Layers of artisan dark chocolate and bold coffee collide (especially when consumed fresh) thanks to cacao nibs from San Francisco’s TCHO and OC’s own Portola Coffee lab.

==Introduction==

Mocha Wednesday is back and this time, like last year, it is released to Reserve and Hoarders society. I think as time continues, it will slowly be released onto Preserve society and maybe one day, publicly. Like the other Black Tuesday variants I have tried before, these are some of the best beers in the world. Hence, since I have tried them and this one a couple of times, this is the last review I will be doing of this brew. I believe after a while, the reviews start to get repetitive. If I had tried them at their finest, anything less would just be quality control over the brews. Which the Bruery has had to separate facilities to alleviate the issues they had run into in the past. With that being said, I definitely recommend this one right off the bat. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, Kahlua coffee, Kopi Luwak Coffee, mocha, java, espresso, Dulce de Leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, maple syrup, pecan pie, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, brown sugar, mint, anise, toasted coconut, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries and almond joy.

Flavors:
Very Mocha forward, fancy coffee, Kahlua coffee liqueur, java, espresso, Kopi Luwak, bourbon, oak, rum hints, vanilla beans, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit cherries, currants, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, blueberries, milk chocolate dark chocolate, baker’s chocolate, bitter and sweet cocoa, Belgian chocolate, German Chocolate, chocolate cherry cordials, toasted coconut, mint chocolate chip ice cream, Bailey’s Irish Cream, almond joy chocolates, anise, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, maple syrup, pecan pie, coffee cake, double chocolate cherry cake, port wine and fudge brownies.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with fancy mocha Kahlua coffee, rich dark chocolates, dark fruits, caramel, cherry chocolate and coffee cake and bourbon notes. Slight alcohol burn going down but none in the taste. Pitch black full body, ridiculous smoothness, creamy, velvety, syrupy and chewy mouthfeel along with a moderate drinkability. Yeah imagine that, be careful not to finish the bottle in one sitting. Wine stoppers are your friend.

Overall:
Definitely a lot more reminiscent of Rue D’Floyd for some delicious godly reason. Yes, that coffee chocolate cherry ambrosia they made in 2014. For being the last time I review this brew, this is one hell of a way to go out with a Mocha Wednesday bang! Yes, there is not much else I can say about this brew that has become one of the best along with the other Black Tuesday variants in the series. Heck, I had to try and stop myself from finishing the whole bottle. The brew was damn ridiculous and I enjoyed every damn minute of it even for a 19% ABV. I highly recommend you get this one along with any of the “Weekday Series”. Mind BLOWING!

Anime Corner:
Konan of Amegakure from the Naruto has returned like in last year’s review and she is looking mighty gorgeous as the beer has allowed to give way to stronger and richer sweet mocha flavors. They got that right. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reasons her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess what other aspects of this pairing complement each other?

Sources:
http://kriscounette.k.r.pic.centerblog.net/vbjyttlo.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/EpwlvJR.jpg

Mystery Romp by Crooked Letter Brewing

12716062_10103065595978050_1746178879695130741_oRating: 2.75/5

Mystery Romp by Crooked Letter Brewing is a 6.5% ABV American Porter with Coffee beans.

Label:
When the lights dim, the curtains pull back, and the Beledi starts, it is time for a Mystery Romp! This mocha colored ale, infused with chocolate and coffee, can best be described as a tasteful dance between a robust Porter and a rich stout.

==Introduction==

Obtained this brew from my friend Aaron at BeerMetalDude.com. This is the first time I try something from Crooked Letter Brewing. The ingredients seem very promising as I love me some coffee and chocolate beer, especially the description. The label has a picture of a pig so I can only assume the romp parts is the piggy. Maybe this might have some bacon notes. Let’s take a look and see what is offered in this brew.

Aromas:
Sour notes, roasted Coffee, Milk Chocolate, dark chocolate, dark fruit raisins, prunes, vanilla, caramel, molasses, and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Roasted Coffee, Milk Chocolate, dark chocolate, crème brulee notes, very sour notes, oak, vanilla, caramel, molasses, anise, wine grapes, smokey bacon, burnt marshmallow smores, lactose milk sugar, raspberry skins, dark fruit raisins, prunes, earthy hop notes and concorde grapes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with smokey notes, sour, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla and earthy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, Dark as night full body, smooth, creamy and watery mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A subpar beer. I am not sure what to think of this. It started off really nice with notes of coffee and delicious chocolate but then suddenly fell really flat with sour notes. It could be that the bottle was old. I thought about that at first but I confirmed with my friend Aaron that it looks like the beer actually went bad. I don’t think this would be a fair review as the beer is not fresh but I think I will come back to this one if I try a fresher bottle. For the meantime, get this one fresh as it may or may not be good.

Anime Corner:
C.C. And Kallen from Code Geass were used in this pairing as I wanted to mainly pair with the gypsy in the beer label. There is no mystery to the romp in terms of romp being synonymous with a behind. I think mainly though, romp was mainly stating about a pig and hence why I think some smokey bacon notes were present in this beer. Either way you look at it, it’s a lot of skin shown.

Sources:
http://images.alphacoders.com/730/73061.jpg

Iron Joe collaboration with Avoca Coffee Roasters and Rahr & Sons brewery

12694700_10103065569166780_6352595915358263489_oRating: 6/6

Iron Joe collaboration with Avoca Coffee Roasters and Rahr & Sons brewery is an 8% ABV Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy Oak Whiskey Barrel aged with Avoca Noir Coffee

Label:
We take American oak barrels and fill them with our award winning Iron Thistle Strong Scotch Ale. Next we add fresh, locally brewed Avoca Noir Coffee to the mix and age it in our barrel room for three months. Iron Joe is the result of two locally owned and operated businesses getting together to make your beer dreams come true… Sweet dreams!

==Introduction==

Obtained this brew from my friend and fellow Beer reviewer, Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. I have tried brew from Rhar & sons before thanks to Aaron, which the one I tried was the Bourbon Barrel Aged Winter Warmer. That one was an extremely exceptional brew that was worthy of a ton of praise. So much so that I gave it a high rating. With high expectations, I will need to be more open minded with this one and see if even this one can compare to the greatness that was the winter warmer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Soy sauce, smoked peat, pecan pie, marshmallow, vanilla, oak, whiskey, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, blueberries, Chocolate, mocha, toffee, coffee cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Mexican chocolate, German chocolate, fudge chocolate, bakers chocolate, coffee flan, coffee cheese cake, Jamocca rocky road ice cream, almond milk, tobacco, leather, molasses and anise

Flavors:
Rich Chocolate, mocha, toffee, coffee cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, soy sauce, Mexican chocolate, German chocolate, fudge chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, cinnamon, piloncillo sugar cone, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, blueberries, oak, whiskey, marshmallow, coffee flan, coffee cheese cake, Jamocca rocky road ice cream, almond milk, tobacco, leather, molasses, anise, smoked peat, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, walnuts, praline butter, toasted rye bread and mint.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with sweet vanilla, caramel, roasted coffee, whiskey notes, dark fruits, smoked peat and fruit cake notes. No alcohol in the taste. Dark Brown full body, sweet, creamy smooth and silky mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Super duper delicious Wee Heavy! This was one of the best Wee Heavy’s I have had especially due to the complexity that coffee and the whiskey barrel aging process did for it. I wish they made it into a bigger bottle but beggars can’t be choosers. All I know is that this one I really enjoyed sip after very delicious sip and would recommend that if you can find this one and try it, do it!

Anime Corner:
Original Character was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair something with the woods but mainly the colors of coffee, dark Wee Heavy and dark fruits. The simulation of falling is the synonymous to how heavy the beer is in terms the strength and the complexity of the flavors.

Sources:
https://kazasou.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/konachan-com-175141-brown_eyes-brown_hair-christmas-itoucon-original-ribbons-short_hair-thighhighs-twintails.jpg

Rice & Beans by The Bruery

12644661_10103047257079350_663090464497006054_nRating: 6/6

Rice & Beans by The Bruery is a 7.1% ABV Belgian Blonde ale brewed with Rice, Cinnamon, Vanilla beans and Portola Coffee beans.

==Introduction==
Essentially, this is Or Xata (Horchata) aged Coffee Beans. The thought really didn’t cross my mind how well this would work. In fact this seems unheard of to take an already awesome drink and add coffee, although the idea is very intriguing. I first had this one at the Bruery and lucky for me, since I loved the original Or Xata, I really loved this one too and they had this on growler fill. So I went ahead and took some home and brought it to the site. Now we take a look at this one to see how good it is in comparison to the regular Or Xata. From what I found, it was damn amazing and really hope it is released in bottles in the future.

Aromas:
Cinnamon, Coffee, milk chocolate, Danish cream, rice pudding, espresso, whipped cream frosting, Kahlua coffee liqueur, dulce de leche caramel, brown sugar, Mexican Custard/Jericalla, Mochi ball ice cream cane sugar, steamed milk, cookie dough ice cream, crème brulee, piloncillo sugar cone, cane sugar, agave nectar, mint hints, toffee, and churros.

Flavors:
Fancy Java coffee, coffee cake, mocha, milk chocolate, cinnamon, Danish cream, rice pudding, waffle cone, liquid churros, whipped cream frosting, Kahlua coffee liqueur, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, pan dulce, leche nestle(sweetened condensed milk), coconut candy, clove spice, Danish cookies, cookie dough ice cream, crème brulee, piloncillo sugar cone, cane sugar, agave nectar, mint hints, toffee, mango notes, milk sugar, nutmeg, fruit cake, brown sugar, Mexican Custard/Jericalla, Mochi ball ice cream cane sugar and steamed milk.

Aftertaste:
Coffee Cake, Java, mocha, milk chocolate, vanilla rice pudding, caramel, banana notes, coffee churros, champurrado maize and flan. No alcohol in the taste, honey colored light body, silky, smooth, creamy and refreshing mouth feel and is easy to drink.

Overall:
Damn exquisite dessert. This beer proves that you can combine ingredients that have not been combined before to make something new in a new experience of flavor or even improving on each that was not done before. Horchata and coffee never looked so good together but this proves that its possible and very delicious. Now the Bruery just has to release this in bottles and it will be a win win!

Anime Corner:
Korra from the Legend of Korra was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair something with the colors of Horchata and the coffee beans. While Korra is a blend of the elements like this beer is a Coffee and Horchata fusion, her fashion and similar to the indigenous which reminded me of where the drink of Horchata is popular and where the majority of the world’s coffee comes from, essentially Latin countries like Mexico and Columbia. Now I don’t know which variety of Portola Coffee was used in this beer since they range from different parts of the world but it is symbolic of the name as Rice and Beans but is something of indigenous origin. Heck I grew up on Rice and beans! Horchata as well. So I think as a subtle tribute, this pairing worked well.

Sources:
http://pre14.deviantart.net/8de2/th/pre/i/2012/215/7/7/korra_by_sakimichan-d59m55f.jpg

Death To Cereal by Urban Family brewing

11899989_10102784738583520_3001578308189649464_nRating: 5.5/5

Death To Cereal by Urban Family brewing is a 6.64% ABV Milk Stout brewed with coffee beans and lactose.

Label:
Ingredients: Chocolate Malt, brown malt, Crystal Malt, Sterling hops, lactose, coffee and our house cultures.

Notes: Dark and roasted malts married with hand roasted cold steeped coffee dominates the breakfast palate.

Drink: Drink Fresh.

Store: Cool & Upright.

==Introduction==

Aaron Mendiola, the man behind the fusion of Dark Metal Ensemble and Fermented Barley with a touch of raging hops, aka, beermetaldude.com has brought us some more awesome donations to the site. This time a beer that is not readily available here in California. This beer comes from Urban Family brewing of Seattle Washington and my friend Aaron was able to donate this great beer in exchange for some very nice California brews and some Whalez of the Craft Beer Oceans. Yes, we fish for the best of the catch. This beer, just by the name seems like a great catch in it self. Death to Cereal is like saying Fuck your Cereal, have a Beer for breakfast. I’m already loving this beer and I haven’t even tried it. Well, let’s get this show on the road avid beer geeks, cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted malt, deep dark dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, mocha, rich coffee notes, coffee, dulce de leche caramel hints, molasses, nutella chocolate, chocolate brownies, brown sugar, tres leches/three milks cake, dark fruit raisins, cherry, currants, Rich Cocoa Krispies cereal, honey bunches of oats, Irish cream, Danish cream cookies, oreo cookies, cookies and cream, roasted malts, hazelnut nectar and almond milk.

Flavors:
Rich Cocoa Krispies cereal, honey bunches of oats, Milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, mocha, rich coffee notes, peanut butter, milk sugar, flan, vanilla, cinnamon hints, roasted malts, hazelnut nectar, almond milk, toffee, dulce de leche caramel hints, molasses, nutella chocolate, chocolate brownies, brown sugar, tres leches/three milks cake, dark fruit raisins, cherry, currants, Irish cream, Danish cream cookies, oreo cookies, cookies and cream, oatmeal and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Milk chocolate, milk shake, roasted coffee grounds, roasted malts, caramel, vanilla, cocoa krispies cereal, Danish cream, dark fruit hints and hazelnut nectar. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, creamy, velvety, silky and rich mouthfeel, Dark crimson full body and almost easy to drink despite being so flavor forward.

Overall:
Santo Cafe Con Leche! Amazing how they keep this beer so rich and full of flavor for only a low ABV. This is damn worthy of recognition! Something like this should be distributed everywhere and all the cereal aisles along with cocoa crispies the likes of Count Chocula cereal. The coffee and milk and the recipe of the beer over all brings about some rich delicious breakfast stout flavors that are definitely worth the trouble to get this beer. I highly recommend this one and thanks to my friend Aaron for hooking me up with this delicious beer. Cheers sir!

Anime Corner:
Original Ant/Bee girl by Houtengeki was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair something that reminded me of cereal like the little bee from honey nut cheerios. Although, the difference between that bee and this bee is she is more of a killer beer which pairs perfectly with the beer since her outfit matches the label, she has a little skull on her chest and she is sticking her tongue out like she saying, you drink this beer, you dead! Well, not really, but certainly I would want to keep drinking several of these and in that sense, probably dangerous. Remember, these trix are not for kids and certainly require more responsibility to have balanced breakfast.

Sources:
http://www.theanimegallery.com/data/thumbs/790px/0127/tAG_127649.jpg

Calm Before The Storm by Ballast Point

11754361_10102736455697810_1483837603471660684_oRating: 4.25/5

Calm Before The Storm by Ballast Point is a 5.5% ABV Cream Ale brewed with coffee and vanilla beans.

Description:
Calm Before the Storm came from a quest for a warm weather alternative to our Victory at Sea Imperial Porter. Like its more robust cousin, we infuse a punch of flavor using cold brewed Caffé Calabria coffee and a hint of vanilla. But this time, we added it to a lighter-bodied golden cream ale. The end result is a surprisingly bright, coffee-forward beer that’s perfectly refreshing.

==Introduction==

A beer inspired by the original Victory at Seas. I sure as hell had to try this and see what all the fuss about this one was about especially for being a cream ale I figured it would be just another awesome dessert like the original Victory at Seas. While I did brew a similar beer that I will be reviewing in the up coming days, I wanted to see what flavors of this I can contrast with the Belgian Golden Stout I made with Milk, Coffee, Chocolate and Vanilla. Either way, I think the fact that this is light, maybe it will be so drinkable too and would be the best for those who like to drink several on a summer day. Let’s check this one out and set sail!

Aromas:
Coffee notes, milk chocolate, vanilla, toffee, smokey hints, grains, caramel, coffee cake, brown sugar, pecan pie hints, toffee, oatmeal hints, Irish cream hints, cookie dough and coconut hints.

Flavors:
Coffee, vanilla, chocolate milk shake, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, peanut butter hints, light grains, coconut hints, cookie dough, vanilla flan hints, caramel, coffee cake, brown sugar, pecan pie hints, mild smokey notes, earthy hop notes, toffee, oatmeal hints, Irish cream hints and milk sugar.

Aftertaste:
Milk shake notes, earthy hop notes, marshmallows, caramel, flan hints, smokey notes and white chocolate hints. No alcohol in the taste, Golden amber clear light body, creamy, milky, crisp and mildy silky mouthfeel with a easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good ale if you want something sweet and flavorful but also light. Some of the flavors were not super bold and rich like the Victory at seas, but the fact that it is light and drinkable, the fact that there is so much flavors and characteristics going on this beer that you forget that you are drinking a light beer and can definitely keep drinking another bottle or 2. Nice job Ballast Point. It really is hard to compare my beer to this as it is not the same style but the flavors I get in this is only a small amount of the flavors I get in my beer for sure. Mine has cool skeleton too 😛 . Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Marika Kato from Bodacious Space Pirates was used in this pairing as I wanted to go with the whole pirate thing and a calm one at that. The whole scenario in space where there is nothing going on and Marika being calm and collective represents the gentleness of flowing through the sea of starts in a ship similar to the skeleton in the label. Just a great pairing overall.

Sources:
http://img2.3lian.com/2014/f5/16/d/85.jpg

Exponential Series Big Bad Baptist by Epic brewing

11209728_10102559758465480_1575391328245295934_nRating: 5.5/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Almost As Good As Morning Sex Coffee Stout by El Borracho Home Brewing

11154824_352556574940451_3241465120248006367_oRating: 4.85/5

Almost As Good As Morning Sex Coffee Stout by El Borracho Home Brewing is a 6.5% American Stout brewed with Coffee beans and Cinnamon.

==Introduction==
Special thanks to William Carranza for hooking me up with his first ever, Coffee Stout. As Will has brewed many beers, this time he scored with a winning beer. The name alone was enough for me to really want to try this one out. Using coffee and adding his own twist by using cinnamon stick, this recipe became a winner. Let’s check it out and see what my friend’s brew really has to offer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee hint, cinnamon, milk sugar, milk chocolate, flan hints, chocolate fudge brownies, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, mocha, espresso,coconut hints, ginger bread, dark fruit raisins, cherry hints, marshmallow hints, anise and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, caramel, mocha, espresso, molasses, coconut hints, dark fruit raisins, cherry hints, cinnamon, ginger bread, milk sugar, milk chocolate, flan hints, chocolate fudge brownies, marshmallows, campfire smores, anise hints, fruit cake hints and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Good amount of dark chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, coconut hints, earthy notes and toffee. No alcohol in the taste, dark and hard to see through body, smooth, creamy and moderate mouthfeel as well as moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good and definitely close to perfect coffee stout. This one is so close to the awesome coffee milk stouts I have tried in the past. It’s flavor of coffee blends well with the other complex characters. While Will did advise that he would love to have more coffee, I think it is also great as is. William did an awesome job and I really believe up to date is one of his best beers so far. I would definitely love to have this one again.

Anime Corner:
Original character by JJUNE is used in this paring to go with the name and flavors of the beer. As the name goes, Almost as good as morning sex goes with the aspect of waking up in the morning for some coffee but in this case it is kind of enuendous as to what I was going for with the coffee drops all over her her and the coffee cup. The represent the climax of great and awesome coffee, let’s just leave it at that. This coffee beer is really awesome and I guess what my friend was going for, is almost orgasmicly good!

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2015-02-15-711757.jpeg

Black House by Modern Times

11114281_10102529144266580_3552622966899489124_n 11174593_10102529145873360_1233543535899748119_oRating: 5/5

Black House by Modern Times is a 5.8% ABV American Oatmeal Stout brewed with 75% Ethiopian Hambela and 25% Sumatran Mandheling coffee, toasted coconut & cocoa nibs.

Label:
What could possibly make Black House, our year round oatmeal coffee sour, diggity danker? It’s possible that the addition of super chocolatey cocoa nibs & über-fragrant toasted coconut does in face make it diggity danker. I guess we’ll leave that for you to judge. What you can expect out of this beer is the same freshly aromatic coffee character & dry, complex malt profile as standard issue Black House, but with strong notes of chocolate and coconut, which combine to make the whole thing just incredibly drool-worthy.

==Introduction==

One of the newest beers from Modern Times and basically my first from them, this one intrigued me as I like coffee and coconut beers. Or I guess coconut beers in general. This one is made with some fancy coffee beans so I really dig what they had to offer in this one. This beer is a special release that will be released in April every year according to the information online. Let’s check out this coffee one, Cheers!

Aromas:
Espresso coffee, roasted coffee, milk chocolate, toasted coconut, mocha, java, Kahlua hints, caramel, toffee, vanilla, coffee cake, nutmeg, molasses, tobacco, earthy notes, banana notes, oatmeal and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Chocolate, rich toasted coconut, milk chocolate, almond joy chocolate, dark chocolate, flan, brown sugar, espresso coffee, coffee cake, mocha, java, Kahlua hints, caramel, toffee, nutmeg, molasses, tobacco, banana notes, earthy notes, smokey notes, oatmeal cookies, oreo cookie hints, dark fruit raisins, jamocca ice cream and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:
Chocolate, roasted coffee, toasted coconut, vanilla,earthy notes, caramel, almond joy candy and hints of dark fruit. No alcohol in the taste, easy to moderate drinkability, creamy and smooth mouthfeel with a pitch black full body.

Overall:
A perfect coffee beer that drinks more than what it is. There are a lot of rich flavors going on and many of the rich flavors as specified by the ingredients of the beer are pretty damn dead on. What surprises me the most about this beer is that this is only less than 6% ABV and yet to be pretty damn complex and rich is nothing short of greatly made Stout. Much props to Modern Times and a high recommendation as well.

Anime Corner:
Ciel from Megaman Zero and original girl from Misaki Kurehito were used in this pairing since I wanted to find something in relation to coffee and coconut. The light white haired girl as she sits on the coffee cup represents that. Ciel represents the waking up in the morning to a cup of this delicious brew. Or you could also see it as her drinking too much of this brew and passing out as she writes special beer reviews lol.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/321923#full
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2014-04-07-642409.png

2015 Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery

11024683_10102435683228250_161914295699782922_o 10860872_10102435682928850_8692333946929483078_o 11021293_10102435682419870_2904449592190317089_oRating: 6/5

2015 Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery is a 18.6% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. This invigorationg ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the both chocolate and freshly ground coffee flavors will be most prominent when consumed fresh.
___

So this year, because I had reviewed this one last year, I will bre pretty much referring to the same stuff I talked about in the last review. This time though, this beer was part of the Reserve Society and it was about freaking time too. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and Melange #3 have been my top favorite Bruery beers and now, Mocha Wednesday is here again this year. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Similar ridiculous aromas like last years. Alesmith Kopi Luwak coffee aroma complexity, rich mocha coffee, espresso, roasted coffee beans, Kahlua, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazel nuts, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, mint, anise and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
This time the Mocha and chocolate move much more forward than last years. Toasted coconut, Kahlua, mocha, java, espresso beans, Kopi luwak coffee, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates as in the aromas, dark fruits like currants, cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, See’s coffee candy, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, oak, bourbon, rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, cookies and cream ice cream, anise, mint chocolate ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, earthy chocolate sugar notes, tobacco, roasted cashews, mocha syrup and more chocolate, damn!

Aftertaste:
Lots of Kahlua coffee. You know the alcohol is there but all you taste is sugary sweet Frappucino and coffee to the point where you can’t sense it until it is too late. A major sipping chocolate mocha syrupy mouth feel beer, but scarily, a smooth beer as well. This beer is no joke.

Overall:
Holy Shit, this kicks a lot of the best coffee beers right in the nuts. I think this is really the best damn coffee beer I have ever had with Alesmith Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout being the second runner up. This definitely is a warming welcome to the already great line up of Bruery beers specifically the ones I had mentioned earlier in my post. This time, the mesh of chocolate and coffee come forth like no other, chocolate rain style. Even so, like the previous review of this, the consistency and the coffee to give it a complex coffee-mocha flavor makes it extremely unique. Something like this is what meets the highest expectation exceeding criteria that I look for in some of the best beers in the world. A rarity, but a lovely beer just the same as last years beer. It may not be the 19.2% ABV that it used to be but damn still strong and leading the pact of beers into the future.

Anime Corner:
Konan of Amegakure from the Naruto has returned like in last years review and she is looking mighty gorgeous as the beer has allowed to give way to stronger and richer sweet mocha flavors. They got that right. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reason her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess, what other aspects of this pairing compliment each other?

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1168065
http://kriscounette.k.r.pic.centerblog.net/vbjyttlo.jpg
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/06/2b/3e062b8799a391d6b3439578726d3dce.jpg

Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout by Abita brewing

11050777_10102435245330800_1409193212595980515_oRating: 5/5

Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout by Abita brewing is a 6% ABV Milk/Sweet Stout brewed with Espresso Dolce Beans.

Label:
Abita Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout combines the rich flavor of roasted coffee with a full-bodied stout. Pale, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts create a dark color and intense flavor. Willamette hops balance the malt flavors, while natural milk sugar and oats add sweetness. During the cold brewing process, espresso dolce beans from PJ’s Coffee are added for a natural coffee flavor.

==Introduction==

Obtained this beer from Ramirez liquor in Boyle Heights California. I think this beer reached many Abita distributions. It was something interesting that caught my eye so I decided to give it a shot and see what it has to offer. I don’t think I have ever reviewed an Abita beer before even though have always wanted to try purple haze. I might give that a shot some time soon. For now let’s take a look a this one.

Aromas:
Rich coffee, espresso, mocha, fancy coffee, milk chocolate, Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, dulce de caramel,toasted rye bread, dark raisin notes, lactose milk sugar, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream hints, frappuccino, flan hints, Irish cream, toffee, fancy coffee, whipped cream, steamed milk and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Espresso coffee, roasted coffee, mocha, Milk chocolate, Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, dulce de caramel, coconut hints, toasted rye bread, dark raisin notes, lactose milk sugar, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream hints, frappuccino, flan hints, Irish cream, toffee, fancy coffee, whipped cream, steamed milk, peanut butter hints, pecan pie, brown sugar, cinnamon, hazelnut nectar, molasses and vanilla cream.

Aftertaste:
roasted Coffee, espresso, caramel, vanilla, milk sugar, dark chocolate and Earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, easy to drink and pitch black body.

Overall:
This one is a perfect milk stout. Lots of coffee and milk complex flavors. I was not sure what to expect from this and honestly I have not had a Macchiato before to say this is a true Macchiato beer but in terms of being a coffee milk stout, this one is pretty damn outstanding and would highly recommend this if you are able to find it.

Anime Corner:
Blake Belladonna from RWBY has made a return to the coffee beer scene as she did an epic representation of a certain BBA Kopi Luwak coffee beer before. She represents the super complex aspect of the coffee but as she relaxes drinking her Macchiato coffee, she has not much to worry about. This beer represents just leaning back having your breakfast and getting ready for the day.

Sources:
http://41.media.tumblr.com/0536ce008aaf98de0d4e90e001d51f49/tumblr_njk5wglKuv1qfb777o1_1280.jpg

Brunch Money by Armadillo Ale Works of Dallas Texas

10470238_10102400061299880_7864376600496812645_nRating: 6/5

Brunch Money by Armadillo Ale Works of Dallas Texas is a 10% ABV Imperial Golden Stout brewed with coffee beans, cacao nibs, vanilla beans, lactose and maple syrup.

Label:
Rise and shine, over-sleepers. Breakfast has come and gone and it’s time to get your brunch on with this stout-inspired golden ale. This hearty brew, with sweet flavors of coffee, vanilla, and chocolate, will awaken your taste buds and make your late start a great start.

==Introduction==

Provided to me from my Texan friend, Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com. This beer was something I really wanted to try out from the moment he showed me the bottle. I did not know what it entailed aside from the name it looked really good. Now that I have it, I was kind of blown away by how much goes into this one. I have never had anything from Armadillo Ale Works but I can only hope this is as awesome as it sounds. Let’s give it a try and see how it goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Fancy coffee, mocha, Java coffee, frappuccino, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, maple syrup, white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, three milks, flan, Irish Cream, Crème brulee, milk sugar, butterscotch, butter pecan ice cream, coconut hints, tapioca pudding, brown sugar, peanut butter hints, honey, all spice, bourbon notes, nut meg, raisin bread pudding, Danish cookies and marshmallow cream.

Flavors:
Maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, mocha coffee, tres leche/3 milks, vanilla syrup, dulce de leche caramel, Irish cream, Creme brulee, toffee, milk sugar, white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, butterscotch, butter pecan ice cream, pancakes, mocha frappuccino, anise hints, wooden box caramel, marshmallows, coconut hints, tapioca pudding, Jericalla Mexican custard, delicious choco flan, walnuts, buttery french toast, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, rye bread with strawberry marmalade, Kahlua coffee liqueur, peanut butter hints, honey, all spice, bourbon notes, nutmeg, earthy notes, capirotada raisin bread pudding and Danish cookies.

Aftertaste:
Lots of sweet maple syrup, milk sugar, vanilla, caramel, dark fruit, white chocolate, fancy coffee, toffee, flan, chocolate notes, pancake bread, flan, and other rich sweets linger for a bit. No alcohol in the taste, syrupy, silky and creamy mouthfeel, moderate to sipping drinkability and an amber to golden honey body.

Overall:
This beer is a literal breakfast in a bottle. There is so much rich goodness going on with this white stout. Many of the White Stouts I have tried have been some of the best beers and I have yet to find one that I did not like. This one was on par with some of the best dessert beers I have ever had and really wish I could have it again. Texas has liquid gold with this one and is one of the best I have had from there. Definitely would like to try other Armadillow Alework beers.

Anime Corner:
Original character by Ninomoto was paired with this beer to go with the label as well as the variety of flavors that this beer has to provide. It goes with the description of waking up to have the morning breakfast. There is so much going on in this beer that the delicious dessert/breakfast artwork would go great with this one. It is so good that you can sleep on it and wake up the next morning to have it again.

Sources:
http://41.media.tumblr.com/510bb7576dbf811212ce4663f491b59f/tumblr_nf7tckoexZ1qz53a8o1_500.jpg

Mash & Grind by the Bruery

10365814_10102242084566520_3966754426991846494_n 10869828_10102242084960730_6678622636617135545_oRating: 6/5

Mash & Grind by the Bruery is a 13.7% ABV English Barley Wine aged in Bourbon Barrels with Portola Lab’s Lucio Delgado (Columbia) Coffee beans.

Label:
TO HAVE

An English-style classic with rich flavors from time spent aging in bourbon barrels, plus fresh roasted coffee from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mash & Grind is best enjoyed fresh for bold coffee notes, but may develop pleasantly with time if cellared properly.

==Introduction==

After reviewing the other MASH variations, I am unsure how the Coffee variant could top the coconut, but we definitely have to focus on this one now. This was also released to Reserve Society members only and you may have to trade to get this variant. MASH by the Bruery is in itself an insanely rich and delicious beer that really shoots up to the top of the best Barleywines in the world in my opinion especially of the English style. This coffee variant is something I have been meaning to try and is one that I passed off a taster as I was too exited to the coconut and the fact that I was willing to wait to focus on this one. So let’s dive and see how this one differs from the regular MASH. By the way, Portola labs is one of the best I have seen for brewing some of the best coffee beers out there. Well, except for the rarities of Kopi Luwak, Intelligentsia, Jamaican Blue, Jobella and Dark Matter and their variants such as Unicorn’s Blood, but I digress. Check out my other reviews on those if you want. As for this one, let’s take close look shall we? Cheers!!

Aromas:
Rich milk chocolate coffee, rich roasted coffee grounds, java coffee, espresso, frappuccino cream, coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, oak, banana split, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, banana clove spices, rich mocha, coconut hints, marshmallow, chocolate smores, custard, sweetened condensed milk (Leche Nestle), rocky road icecream, pecan pie, tobacco, brownies, chocolate bread, toffee, butterscotch, raisin bread pudding and maple.

Flavors:
Rich mocha coffee, Java, espresso, Khalua, dark chocolate abuelita, roasted coffee notes, coffee grounds, dulce de leche caramel, frappuccino, mocha latte, flan, plantain hints, almond joy, dark chocolate pecan pie, danish cookies, cinnamon, bananas, hazelnut, tocacco, rocky road icecream, bourbon, toasted coconut hints, butterscotch, macadamia nuts, dark fruit, plums raisins, dark cherry, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, custard, chocolate cake, coffee cake, crème brulee and maple.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee, vanilla, caramel, crème brulee, rye bread, marshmallows, coconut hints, almonds and frappuccino cream lingers. No alcohol in the taste, moderate drinkability, creamy mouthfeel and a dark brown full body.

Overall:
Hot Damn, if you love coffee, this one is like Coffee Central! The coffee is strong in this one. The colder the sharper coffee strength. You get more coffee roast as it is cold, but when it warms up, that is when you get the best out the beer. I definitely suggest trying it a variant temperatures as it will vary as the temperature gets warmer. Aging this will let more coffee and other flavors go through but as it is right now as it warms up is definitely pure coffee beer Nirvana. I do think this reaches the heights of best coffee beers in the world and the best coffee Barleywine ever and I highly recommend if you can get some bottles to age too.

Anime Corner:
Aqua from Kingdom Hearts makes a triumphant return in the beer scene with this pairing. The last couple of times I used her were in pairings such as 1556 Ale from New Belgium, Rochefort 10 and Jamaican Blue Coffee Speedway Stout from Alesmith. She relates to this beer in the sense of the deep and by that I mean deep darkness. Darkness which is presented by the rich coffee roast but mainly because even with the strongest of the Dark, she can battle it with light as she is a Key Blade Master which are very few from the series. You see, Mash & Grind is not a dark beer. It retains its barleywine caramel colors, super strength and complexity and yet presents the darkness. Aqua has been locked in the darkness for a long time but her light is always brimming never to extinguish!

Sources:
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/002/1/d/dark_aqua_by_annria2002-d4l2k63.jpg

Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise by Stone Brewing

1511877_10102214378085530_4551672255624029477_oRating: 5/5

Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise by Stone Brewing is 9.7% ABV Imperial Golden Stout brewed with Coffee Beans and Cocoa Nibs.

Label:
STOCHASTICITY
STO-KAESTI-CITY
There is no happenstance or coincidence. Dumb luck is a fallacy and randomness a commonly accepted mistruth. Much of what seemingly falls into place and seems so natural is a result of Stochasticity, a concept embraced and exalted by this special and unpredictable series of beers, where exotic notions, ingredients and ideas coalesce at an interesting and often unexpected endpoint.

All The Deep, Roasty Essence of A Stout, Presented in a brilliant Golden Ale.
Things aren’t always what they seem, but not all deception is devious. Some illusions and misnomers lead to life’s most delightful surprises. Case in point—this beer, the yang to the yin that is the black India pale ale. Once revolutionary for its onyx appearance, it is now an accepted and beloved member of the India pale ale family.

Thus we took the spirit of a dark beer—the time-honored stout—and applied a similar science of thought, brewing it to be golden-hued. Cocoa and coffee beans impart roastiness sans darkening to this brew, while flaked oats provide an enveloping mouthfeel. The result is a stout that looks more like a blonde, but is a raven beauty at heart.

HOP VARIETIES: Nugget & Liberty

MALT VARIETIES: 2-Row Pale, Carapils, amber,and flaked oats

SPECIAL INGREDIENT: Cocoa

SPECIAL INGREDIENT: Coffee

==Introduction==
I have always wanted Stone to bring back an old style they once did with Brewdog called the Luciferin which was a Golden Stout as well. While they may not brew that one ever again (here’s hoping they do), the fact that they brought this one forth was just what I needed since I really did not want to miss this one. I can only assume this is the successor from that lost beer from years ago. The style of Golden Styles is a rarity and not often brewed. However, so far of the many I have tried, all have been unique and awesome in their own way. I think when they add the coffee beans in others I have tried, it really makes a difference to really fool you into thinking you are drinking stout but you are not. Hence the name master of disguise. Regardless, I am glad I was able to bring this one forth to the site. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Coffee, Espresso notes, mocha, white chocolate, dark chocolate, biscuit bread, rye bread, vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, mild smoke, butterscotch, toffee, dark fruit cherries, milk chocolate, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, sweet bread and peanut butter.

Flavors:
Roasted coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, caramel, vanilla, citrus, grapefruit hints, mild smokey notes, cinnamon, brown sugar flan hints, biscuit bread, earthy hops, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, peaches and cream hints, butterscotch, dark fruit raisins, cranberry hints, dark cherries, apples, toffee, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter and milk sugar.

Aftertaste:
White chocolate, caramel, vanilla, Citrus, roasted coffee, Earthy and mild piney hops linger. No alcohol in the taste, clear golden body, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, medium to sipping beer.

Overall:
If you love roasty bitter Stout and yet some hop variety to the flavors, then this is the perfect stout. It is kind of strange since the creamy levels are like that of a stout yet it is not. This style is something that does not typically happen quite often and it is one that needs to be brewed right. While I did get some medium levels of hops, this only added to the complexity. The coffee beans and cocoa actually meld well keeping some of the bitterness at bay to bring forth that rich stout goodness. Reminiscent of some of the other Golden Stouts I have had before but this one is more on the White chocolate variety. I would definitely recommend a try on this one.

Anime Corner:
Akali from League of Legends was used in this pairing to represent the colors of the label, the name “Master of Disguise” as she is a ninja with mask looking partially like a demon mouth of in this case the Stone Gargoyle. The glimmering moonlight is what is lights up the night and on this beer, is what makes a dark stout look like a bright IPA. This is a really great beers and I would definitely recommend you try it as this one is for the ninjas!

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

Velvet Mocha Merlin by Firestone Walker

10410676_10102205528490190_3598186254737251036_nRating: 5/5

Velvet Mocha Merlin by Firestone Walker is a 5.5% ABV Oatmeal Stout brewed with cocoa nibs and Intelligentsia Espresso Coffee beans.

Label:
Our beloved Velvet Merlin Aged with cocoa nibs and Intelligentsia espresso beans. All of the smooth textures and roasty dark chocolate goodness of our seasonal Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout with the added infusion of Intelligentsia Coffee House aromas and cocoa dusted chocolate truffle flavors.

==Introduction==

This beer came as part of the Firestone Walker Winter Variety pack. Since I had tried the Velvet Merlin and Merkin before, there was no way I’d pass this one up especially after my friend Richard told me about this one. While I was debating getting this one at first, it was a good deal as I was able to get 4 22oz beers for around 15$ at Total Wine. Also, the beers included like Union Jack IPA, DBA and Wookie Jack were worth it. Union Jack is one I have not brought to review and now I will so keep an eye out for that one. As far as the whole coffee and cocoa nibs with the original Merlin goes, I could only expect awesome. However, I have to see it for what it is because the original is just as great. So let us see what this one offers. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mocha, Espresso coffee, fancy coffee, vanilla, caramel, coconut hints, milk sugar, oreo cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brown sugar, flan hints, molasses, graham cracker smores and marshmallows.

Flavors:
Espresso coffee, fancy coffee, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate,, bananas, chocolate truffles, milk sugar, fancy mocha, caramel, vanilla, coconut hints, oreo cookies, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, graham cracker smores and marshmallows, hints of flan, Khalua hints, dark fruit raisins, toffee and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, mild roasted notes and nice dry finish. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, easy to medium drinkability and a dark full body.

Overall:
Making the Merlin much more to the perfect standard. If it wasn’t perfect already, this one made it so regardless of the base beer. The Oatmeal Stout smooth characteristics with the coffee and chocolate make this one like a rich cold coffee brew. They were right about the whole aspect of smooth and chocolate taking over. Possibly the best one in the pack next to the Union Jack but then again, each of the beers has its great merits. Hope they get a chance to brew this one again or make a Mocha Merkin from this because in all honestly, that would be damn magical. Highly recommend it if you find the winter pack.

Anime Corner:
Twili Midna was used in this pairing because I wanted to show case Merlin and Merkin as in the previous beers as magicians and sorceresses. Midna fits that whole magical aspect and being the Twilight princess melding into the dark and light brings about the rich sweet flavors as well as the dark roasty characters of chocolate and coffee together altogether while being nice and smooth. She can light up the darkness.

Sources:
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/023/7/6/7647e254a61d73d87520077effaa393f-d73fp4v.png

(Brewerianimelogs On The Road) Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Speedway Stout by Alesmith

10354173_10102087956205990_1177775516096804499_nRating: 5.9/5

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Speedway Stout by Alesmith is a 12% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Beans.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
AleSmith Brewing Company and Mostra Coffee are excited to announce our collaboration for AleSmith’s next single varietal Speedway Stout. Local coffee roaster, Mostra Coffee, has carefully roasted and cold brewed Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans to complement our award winning Speedway Stout. Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans are grown in the fertile soil of some of the highest Caribbean peaks, making it one of the most prized gourmet coffees in the world. This rare coffee uses lightly roasted Arabica beans to create a subtle acidity and well-balanced chocolaty finish. Thanks to Mosta’s diligent work, these 100% Blue Mountain beans were sourced from the renowned Mavis Bank Coffee Factory in Jamaica.
___

On my trip down to San Diego with my good friends, we dropped by Alesmith Brewery and long behold they had a this crazy beer on tap. I could not bring this home in a growler, so I had to try a couple of taster of and realized, this is is going up on the site. Next to the Kopi Luwak Barrel Aged, this Coffee Stout was even more fancy than the last. It was not barrel aged but the difference in use of specialized coffee beans changed the whole beer all together. So as best as my notes allow, here is another entry in to the segment of, Brewerianimelogs On The Road! Cheers!

Aromas:
Extremely fancy coffee, mocha, java, Kahlua, peanut butter, hazelnut, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, brownies, French vanilla, Irish Coffee cream, Danish cookies, dark fruits like black currants, raisins, cherries, oak, latte, espresso, chocolate cake, pecan pie, almond joy,rocky road ice cream, floral notes, marshmallows, maple syrup, molasses, clove spice, plantain, rye bread, cinnamon, milk sugar, banana hints and tropical notes.

Flavors:
Lots of rich mocha, coffee, tropical hints, plantain bananas, pecan pie, dark, bakers and milk chocolate, almonds, hazelnut, floral notes, dark fruit currants, blackberries, raisins, rye bread, Irish Coffee, Danish cookies, cookies and cream, chocolate cake, oak, espresso, latte, mocha, roasted coffee, Kahlua, peanut butter hints, vanilla, caramel, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, maple syrup, clove spice, cinnamon hints, milk sugar, cantaloupe melon and honey.

Aftertaste:
Fancy roasted coffee, caramel, floral hints, vanilla, dark fruit, chocolate and earthy notes linger. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and silky mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black body.

Overall:
It sure was damn up there with some of the best coffee beers ever! Speedway on its own was different, but this was even more different. Somehow, a lot of these special coffee collaborations are creating some of the best beers in the world just like when Dark Matter was included with Dark Lord Imperial Stout. I would highly recommend getting this one. It comes in bottles if you can find it too. Damn delicious. I always said, you can never go wrong with Alesmith goodies!

Anime Corner:
Aqua from Kingdom Hearts was chosen in this pairing since it goes with my last Speedway Stout review. I used Leona Heidern, the blue haired fighter from SNK and to go with the whole aspect of blue hair, Jamaica Blue Coffee and overall bad assery, I brought Aqua in this pairing. Her agility and magic pair with the smoothness and culturally diverse blend of ingredients found in this beer. Her strength is defined in the ABV as well. In the original bottle, the colors are white black and blue which also go with her as well. Can you find any other art characteristics that make this pairing work?

Sources:
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/35600000/Aqua-3-kingdom-hearts-aqua-35640217-600-800.jpg

Cocoa Psycho by BrewDog

10639688_10102064055642910_7445525846017925624_n 10678745_10102064057374440_2695895940114046964_nRating: 4.95/5

Cocoa Psycho by BrewDog is a 10% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with cocoa nibs, coffee beans and vanilla pods.

Label:
Welcome to the world of Cocoa Psycho, a liquid dimension where pure indulgence reigns.

Originally brewed some 250 years ago to celebrate the Russian Royal Family, this 10% Imperial Russian stout borrows from the decadence of the time with its extravagantly smooth blend of crushed coffee beans, cocoa nibs and dark malts.

To fully unleash the aromas and bittersweet luxury of this stout, we recommend drinking it from a stemmed beer glass before taking a sledgehammer to a Faberge Egg.
___

So this beer had eluded me until I stumbled upon a random liquor store (the one in front of the Bruery) who surprisingly had a ton of rare craft in stock. When I saw this, I didn’t even think twice. This Cocoa Psycho isn’t going anywhere but for us here at brewerianimelogs.com. Therefore, I decided to bring this forth to you, the readers. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, prunes, dark cherries, Vanilla, oak, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, brown sugar, molasses, mocha, java coffee, maple and hints of rye.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark fruit raisins, prune, dark cherry, caramel, oak, vanilla, earthy notes, coffee roast, java coffee, mocha, molasses, brown sugar, maple, smokey notes, maple and rye bread.

Aftertaste:
Coffee roast, dark chocolate, earthy notes, vanilla caramel and dark fruits quickly dry up. No alcohol in the taste, sipping drinkability, creamy mouthfeel, Dark full body with even a dark head that quickly dissipates into the darkness.

Overall:
The addition of the chocolate, vanilla and coffee definitely keep this at the level of perfect but without it, this may have been good to very good on the rating scale. The roasty notes and bittersweet chocolate are more present overall than the complex sweetness. That is okay though as what makes it perfect is that it still has some complexity to it. I think it seems to be at that Chocolate Oak Yeti. Would I recommend it? Only if they would lower the price In that aspect, I think you get way more from the Great Divide Chocolate Oak Yeti, Clown Shoes Vampire Slayer/Undead Party Crasher or hell, even Lost Abbey’s Serpent Stout. It is majorly worth trying thought I will give it that.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo/Xianpu from Ranma ½ was used in this pairing for several reasons having to do with the Ranma show, Shampoo herself, the color of the label and more. The color of the label is obvious as it pairs with Shampoo’s beautiful hair. The second is that she is literally obsessed with Ranma-kun and will literally kill anyone who dares stop her from having him. She gets into constant battles with Ranma-Chan (The Female version of Ranma-kun who was cursed and turns into a girl with cold water and back with hot water. Unfortunately for Shampoo, she cursed Ranma-chan with the kiss of death meaning she has to kill her but not want to kill Ranma-kun. Quite the complex scenario and just goes to show how far she can go. In the art, she kinda looks like a psycho with her obsession, but to be honest and fair, her intention may be a bit psycho but the cocoa or sweet aspect of her heart means she really is kind at heart. She knows she will not win in the end but at least she risks her life to help Ranma in many cases. Shampoo is awesome and one of a kind Amazon chick. Very sweet but powerful (ABV) due to her special teaching in the martial arts.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/87677
https://cs.sankakucomplex.com/data/fe/62/fe624c62f9148b856836e61cdbcd4cde.jpg?3452269

Stone Coffee Milk Stout by Stone brewing

1535509_10101996999089780_4956963514937397534_nRating: 4/5

Stone Coffee Milk Stout by Stone brewing is a 4.2% ABV Milk Stout brewed with roasted coffee beans.

Label:
There’s no shortage of talented people at Stone and each makes their presence known in their own unique way. Brian Gallagher, a brewer who learned the art of fermentation in the UK, used the beer you now hold, a New World take on a traditional English milk stout, as his vehicle for personal expression. Originally brewed as a limited-edition offering at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, this coffee-laced milk stout quickly became a favorite among Gallagher’s peers. Made bittersweet and creamy while remaining smooth and easy-drinking thanks to the addition of milk sugar, it’s clear why this is a brew we needed to share with fans everywhere.
___

This is the first time I try a sessioned coffee milk stout. Session beers are typically those with a low ABV about 5% and under to even 2% ABV. Session Stone beers like Levitation and GoToIPA which I may review at a later time, are those that are generally low in ABV. Well, to make things interesting this one is lower than that. This is about the ABV of a bud light and if this has way more flavor than that, makes you wonder why not make the switch to craft. Either way, this beer needs a review so here you go and cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted coffee, dark fruit hints like raisins, marshmallow hints, earthy hops, dark chocolate, smoky notes, milk shake hints, brown sugar, very light oak hints, peated malts and graham cracker.

Flavors:
Roasted coffee, dark chocolate, dark fruit hints, caramel, hints of mocha, smokey notes, marshmallow hints, earthy hops, graham cracker, light oak hints, milk chocolate shake hints, vanilla hints, smoked peat hints graham cracker notes, brown sugar and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee, earthy hop bitterness, dark chocolate, caramel and vanilla hints. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink, full body, medium creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
This session stout is pretty good despite low ABV. I was quite surprised because unlike the smoked porter, this one is sweeter. It definitely drinks more like a porter but the smokey and roasted notes definitely remind you of course, this is a stout. Nevertheless, this one is worth a try if you like sessionable ales with rich flavor but not overly complex.

Anime Corner:
Maya Natsume from Tenjho Tenge was used in this pairing to show the colors of the label as well as the flavors of the beer. While the colors of the label pair well with the Venom Symbiote she is wearing, the flavors of the dark fruit and sweetness come from a combination of the suit and her eye and hair colors. Venom is typically black but in this case it is blue showing lighter colors to correspond with the low ABV percentage of the beer. Not much too it and I really wanted to pair her with this beer.

Sources:
http://symbiotewriter.deviantart.com/art/Maya-Natsume-with-symbiote-144830679

Coffee Noir by Prairie Artisan Ales

 

1920381_10101996972997070_4727931727983219897_nRating: 5.5/5

Coffee Noir by Prairie Artisan Ales is a 11.5% ABV Imperial Stout aged in oak whiskey barrels with Coffee beans.Label:
Made by people who truly care from Oklahoma with love.
___

The second beer, in the Prairie Noir series I try. The previous one was the Vanilla Noir. This beer was a donation from Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com. The previous beer was definitely something way different than what I have had before. Which makes me more curious to try this one and see where this one goes to and see how it compares to the Vanilla one. I will try and break it down as best I can as that beer was awesome, let us see what this one is all about. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark coffee, Dark chocolate, dark fruit raisins, campfire smoke, mocha, espresso, whiskey, marshmallow smores, sour wine grape hints, strong oak, pecan pie, vanilla, caramel, toffee, flan hints, brown sugar, molasses, oatmeal cookies, BBQ glazed ham, leather and tobacco.

Flavors:
Campfire smoke, dark coffee, mocha, espresso beans, dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, rich oak, BBQ hone glazed ham, ashes, sour wine grape hints, marshmallow hints, graham cracker smores, dark fruit raisins, rye bread, tobacco, leather, molasses, licorice, anise, brown sugar, flan, caramel, pecan pie, roasted coffee grain hints, oatmeal cookies.

Aftertaste:
Rich oak, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, earthy notes, vanilla, whiskey and campfire smoke. No alcohol in the taste. Sipping yet some what drinkability, pitch black appearance, full mouth feel almost syrupy.

Overall:
Like the Vanilla Noir smokey and oaky with hints of sourness that are mainly covered by the oak and coffee. Close to the Madrugada Obscura that I really like. The coffee really works well with the smokey oak and whiskey keeping everything in check in this one. More in check than the vanilla one. The oak used in this or the brewing process makes this unique. The oak flavors are unique from other oak or spirit aged beers. We don’t get these beers here in California so this one is definitely an honor.

Anime Corner:
Devil girl character from the Chinese Scratch series (從 零 開始) was used in this pairing because like the Vanilla one, it was damn evil as hell with the label and the beer itself. This one is just as evil but the coffee has a more ‘adult theme’ to it. Not to say that beer is for kids but coffee seems to be the beverage more adults drink and so with the colors of the label and the coffee aspect as well as evil, I chose this awesome and sexy devil girl for the pairing. She covers the colors of the label, the evil intention, seduction, strength and flavor complexity similar to the previous beer.

Sources:
http://www.theanimegallery.com/data/thumbs/790px/0165/tAG_165268.jpg

 

 
 
 

 

(Brewerianimelogs On The Road) Barrel Aged Vanilla Bean Wreck Alley by by Karl Strauss

10402377_10101827497242840_6320414451540469801_nRating: 5.75/5

Barrel Aged Vanilla Bean Wreck Alley by by Karl Strauss is a 12.4%ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Cocoa Nibs, Coffee Beans, Vanilla Beans and aged in Bourbon Oak Barrels.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Like previous versions of Wreck Alley, this batch has additions of cocoa nibs and locally roasted Ethiopian coffee beans. But this time we didn’t stop there. Our brewers split whole vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea, added them to the beer, and left it to age in American oak barrels for an entire year. The result? All of the dark chocolate and espresso-like roast you expect from Wreck Alley, plus exotic vanilla undertones.
____

So I had this crazy idea that since I am always out and about trying different beers, why not try to do some quick reviews for some beers that may or may not make it to bottles and may be draft only. I did something like this long ago (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/08/24/seme-della-vita-the-seed-of-life-by-monkish-brewing/) but never really took off with the idea. This time around I tried a beer at the local Uncle Henry’s Deli near my town which was really damn good. This beer was essentially the same beer I about a year ago (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/barrel-aged-wreck-alley-by-karl-strauss/) but with the addition of vanilla beans. Well now, that just added some damn good level of complexity. So basically I liked it so much that I wanted to do a review for it. I also recently heard that this beer may be released in bottles, so if that is the case, I will be sure to review that one too. I will definitely try to do more “on the road” reviews for sure.

Aromas:
Dark, milk, bakers and sweet chocolate, coconut, rich vanilla, oak, coffee, mocha, bourbon, rocky road ice cream, flan, dark fruits like raisins, plums, caramel, toffee, tobacco, brown sugar, anise and berries and cream.

Flavors:
Definitely rich in Dark, milk, bakers and sweet chocolate and vanilla with the mocha coffee coming through very nicely. It is not as light funky as the previous one BA version was which I am sure is where the vanilla comes in. Lots of flavors of caramel, frappuccino, flan, coconut,bourbon, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, anise, brown sugar, tobacco, toffee, berries and cream, Irish cream notes, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs and currants.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, vanilla, rich chocolate, coffee, dark fruits, mild coconut lingers. Very well hidden alcohol despite the big ABV. It sure does not drink like a 12% ABV beer. A sipping beer but is very smooth and silky. It is pretty dangerous stuff as I can see finishing off a couple of glasses and then it would not be good for me.

Overall:
Way better than the original and the first Barrel Aged version. I like sweeter beers so this one was sweeter than the original and the BA one so definitely a lot of extra credit there. I would highly recommend this one if you can find it on tap of even on the bottle which I am sure I will definitely try to get to maybe add some more pictures or make a comparison. Either way, definitely get your hands on a couple of drinks of this, with responsibility of course.

Anime Corner:
Etna from the Disgaea series has been a consistent character I have used for the Wreck Alley series ever since the first one I did where it shows her by a slab of concrete that was destroyed. Shes a crazy machine. Then in the second one, it shows her huge like Godzilla sitting next to some buildings. Yep. In this instance, the addition of vanilla to the barrel is like her sitting on a Prinny (the blue penguin aka her minion). So the heightened amount of flavors is like her letting her minions do all the work for her where she can just relax!

Hel & Verdoemenis (Hell & Damnation) by Brouwerij De Molen

10341899_10101807567287630_3071049936284309866_nRating: 5/5

Hel & Verdoemenis (Hell & Damnation) by Brouwerij De Molen is a 10% ABV Russian Imperial Stout

Label:
Brewed & Bottled in Bodegrave, the Netherlands. 
24 deg Plato www.brouwerijdemolen.nl EBC 297 102 EBU
Handcrafted. Unfiltered. Unpasturized.
Enjoy within 25 years. Keep cool and dark.
Recommended drinking temperature 10 degrees Celcius.

Ingredients: water, pale malt, brown malt, chocolate malt and cara barley malt, premiant and saaz (bittering hop), yeast (top fermenting).
___

Available at www.luekensliquor.com and the Rare Beer Club, this beer was part of their selection for April 2014 Rare Beer Club Members. While this is not as exclusive as I thought, there is a good chance you may be able to find this one. Good luck finding the 666 version of that beer as I am sure that is even rarer than this one. Also, this sucker will age up to 25 years!! Like you can literally wait until your kids are out of college and have them try it. That is crazy stuff. On to the review!

Aromas:
Dark roasted coffee grains, earthy hop notes, dark, bakers and milk chocolate, dark fruit raisins, plums, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toffee, leather, oak, smokey campfire, tobacco, molasses and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark, Milk, bakers and fudge chocolate, smokey oak campfire, earthy hop notes, roasted coffee beans, raisins, currants, toffee, subtle caramel, tobacco, leather, vanilla notes, brown sugar notes, anise, molasses, mocha, roasted coffee grains, graham crackers, black pepper, butterscotch and hints dark cherries.

Aftertaste:
Earthy notes, smokey oak, coffee grains, dark chocolate, caramel and very mild old raisin. No alcohol in the taste, a sipper and syrupy mouthfeel, liquid evil and no carbonation at all!

Overall:
Very good and delicious! This is reminiscent of the Lost Abbey’s Serpent Stout except with like a more smokey and roasted flavor but also has more coffee and chocolate hints. This bottle is in its prime. It is just a baby. Bottled January 22 2014 and still, makes me wonder what it would be like in the year 2039. Would definitely exceed expectations for sure. I really would like to know how it would compare to that Serpent’s Stout. It is not a clone, or is the Serpent a meer clone of the this demon. Either way, they are both liquid evil and both are highly recommended!!

Anime Corner:
Scanty and Kneesocks from Panty and Stocking as well as Panty (Knocked out on the right) and Stocking (Trying to get up on the left) were chosen for this pairing with nothing about the label but the name to show case Hell and Damnation. Just like Serpent’s stout, now this demonic dark liquid, the representation of hell and damnation can be seen in the defeat of the Angels, Panty and Stocking at the hand of the Demon Sisters. Kinda like the “Bad Ending” in a video game. Either way, if you drink this you can sure spend eternity trying to get both the Good and the bad endings. This devil’s water is sweet and bitter!

Melange 8 (1 year later) by The Bruery

10277430_10101804508193080_7556593570689666125_n 10298828_10101804509036390_3362487710672901208_n 10302036_10101804509280900_6569062955315578700_nRating: 6/5

Melange 8 (1 year later) by The Bruery is a 14.5% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Don Pachi Geisha Coffee Beans and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
GEISHA!

A rich blend of our Anniversary ale, White Oak Sap along with locally roasted coffee from Portola Coffee Lab. Flavors of toffee, vanilla, oak and roasty coffee beans.

Melange No. 8 will age gracefully for many years when cellared properly. Best stored and cellared arund 55 degrees Fahrenheit in a cool, dark place.
___

Bottled on 1/16/2013, this beer has been sitting for way past a year and I am sure has developed some crazy flavors. I searched all last year for this beer was unable to find it until I was able to trade it from a friend. This piece of art was so damn exclusive, that you had to be part of the Elusive and Exclusive and Expensive, Hoarders society from the Bruery. This beer, like the Kopi Luwak Coffee beans, is brewed with some very expensive coffee beans. Maybe that is why it is so exclusive. Either way, I wanted to get the review in to show case what this beer is all about.

Aromas:
Rich complex and fancy coffee with whipped cream and dulce de leche caramel, espresso, dark fruit raisins, waffle cone, bourbon, vanilla, oak, mocha, toasted coconut, marshmallows, java, milk chocolate, chai tea, flan, green tea, coriander spice, cherry, crème brulee, leather, clove spice, bananas, Kahlua liqueur, pecan pie, nutty clusters, cinnamon and some very mild tropics.

Flavors:
Very complex and fancy Coffee, mocha, espresso, vanilla, oak, bourbon, flan, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, pecan pie, hazelnut, earthy notes, coriander and clove spice, toasted coconut, marshmallows, milk chocolate, java coffee, Kahlua liqueur notes, chai tea, herbal green tea, brown sugar, mild tropical citrus, apple butter, leather notes, berry marmalade on rye toast, coffee butter scotch, whipped cream on frappucino, cashew butter, purple sweet potato hints and waffle cone.

Aftertaste:
Sweet complex coffee, vanilla, caramel, purple sweet potato, chai tea, frappuccino, marshmallow and earthy notes linger. Alcohol is grown so you can kind of sense it in the taste but still not detracting too much from the flavors. A sipping beer for sure with full bodied mouthfeel.

Overall:
As expected, definitely one of the greats exceeding the upper flavors as only some of the best beers I love can only do. However, this is still no Melange 3. There is a reason I gave that one a 7 and there is no way I have changed my mind from this one. Nevertheless, right next to Bourbon County Coffee Brand Stout,Mocha Wednesday and the Alesmith Kopi Luwak Bourbon Barrel Aged beers this one is one of the best worldly coffee beers out there. The only way to get this one is by basic trading unfortunately and I had a hell of time to try and get this. So if you have a bottle, now you know what it can be like, at least so far.

Anime Corner:
Franco il Nero (Frank the Black) and her group of Donne Annonime and Lily Salvattana from Tre Donne Crudeli were used in this beer pairing because I wanted to find a pairing that reminded me of the worlds best coffee beer as well as match the colors. Since this beer is a blend of different beers, I mixed in the them three since I used them in many epic beers like the Bourbon County Brand Stouts variants. Since Coffee was the main aspect and a fancy coffee at that, I wanted to relate those flavors and bourbon as how they related to the old west. Many cowboys and cowgirls would drink bourbon while others would drink coffee. The blend in these together along with the Old Ale aspect of the Old West and the White Oak Sap reminding me of the hot sun was just the mix up I needed to bring this together. That and I wanted to find an excuse to use Franco il Nero in a Bruery beer since I have not done so in the past. That and the fact that her name is “The Black”, like a cup of rich fancy coffee!

Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds

10291066_10101791724411880_4298135433306510991_n 10298797_10101791724067570_6092605981162157991_n 10322606_10101791723423860_7743688018962411938_nRating: 6/5* Rating given at the time of tasting (4/28/2014)

Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds is a 14.4% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Coffee and Vanilla beans and aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cherries

Label:
Black Lord

This collaboration brew was made in the spirit of experimentation…. and then condemned to barrels for one year. We hope you enjoy!

Rue D’Floyd is the complement Floyd D’ Rue and was brewed with our good friends from 3 Floyds in Indiana. This invigoration ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the spice flavors will be the most prominent when consumed fresh.
___

Obtained as part of the Bruery’s reserve society, this beer was made with high expectations as it was collaborated with 3 Floyds. The label on the beer advises “Drink by 6/30/14” and “May contaqin Lactobacillus”. The Bruery does advise this was not on purpose but the odds of such a great beer to be a ticking time bomb, basically consume it before it sours, is such a damn shame. If you can get this before the time runs out, definitely get it. I also, like how this is called “Black Lord” as if Black Tuesday and Dark Lord had a…..oh!??

Aromas:
Chocolate covered cherries in mocha coffee, bourbon, oak, vanilla, coconut, flan, dark, milk, German, Belgian, sweet, bitter, bakers, and fudge chocolate, Kahlua liqueur, flan, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, dark fruits like raisins, figs, Irish cream, kopi luwak, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry cobbler, cookies and cream, almond joy, molasses, anise and brown sugar, crème brulee, waffle cone and coffee cake.

Flavors:
Dark Cherry yogurt, dark chocolate, milk, Belgian, German, sweet, fudge, bakers and bitter chocolate, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, currants, mocha coffee, espresso, flan, cinnamon, oak, bourbon, vanilla, apples, marshmallows, coconut, coffee cake, cherry cobbler, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses almond joys, cherry cordial, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Bailey’s Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, cookies and cream, kopi luwak coffee, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal, Chambord raspberry liqueur, fudge cherries with chocolate mousse and frappuccino.

Aftertaste:
Cherry Cordial, coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Kahlua liqueur, earthy, mild tart and spicy notes linger. This is dangerous as the ABV alcohol can be detected in the taste, it has a smoothness and drinkability is moderate with a syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Exceeding my expectations even when trying to find some of the flaws. This is damn delicious and way too easy to drink that is very dangerous as you can be done for the night if you even try to drink the whole bottle. Definitely and highly recommended if you can trade or find this one online as it will go bad with time unfortunately. It is really sad indeed since it almost feels like attaining the most awesome-st thing in the world then watch it disappear forever. We cannot see how the future will taste for this beer unless they make it again. So yeah, while this still exist, get this as soon as possible! This beer almost reminds of “Life is Like…” but with coffee.

Anime Corner:
Haruko Haruhara and Naota Nandaba from FLCL (Fooley Cooley) were used in this pairing to show case the colors of the label, the flavors, the collaboration, the ticking time bomb aspect and just the insane aspect that this collaboration brings. Aside from the colors of the label. Haruko represent the cherries and the coffee as well as the very dangerous aspect of the beer. The smoothness of the beer can be seen in the cuteness of her demeanor but don’t ever let that fool you. This woman is demented and insane. Cute on the outside, monster on the inside. Naota Nandaba, is the admirer which you can think of him providing the extra flavors as being the main character of the series. Now the ticking time bomb has to do with the short temper that Haruko has and the short time that these 2 have together. I won’t spoil the story, but c’mon, it is such a great series…. for only being 6 episodes long!! There, you have no excuse not to watch FLCL… now just like I said before… Go get this beer, find the show and watch it! You will be in for a ride!

Morning Wood by Local Option Bierwerker

10153936_10101754747957990_7858506618173776743_nRating: 4.66/5
Morning Wood by Local Option Bierwerker is a 7.3% ABV Amber Ale brewed with Dark Matter Coffee beans and aged in oak barrels.

Commercial Description:

Local Option Morning Wood: Local Option Morning Wood is an oak-aged coffee ale developed and brewed by Local Option Bierwerker. Fresh American oak used during the aging process and Dark Matter’s El Salvador San Jose pulp-natural coffee aromatically drive the beer; while remaining subtle components of the beers’ complete flavor profile. The amber colored, medium-bodied, and extraordinarily well-balanced ale was first unveiled at the Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beers in November 2011. Morning Wood’s taste is delicate and should be appreciated by beer drinkers of all palates.

___

A special find with my friend Alex. I really don’t think this beer is sold in California yet but it was definitely found in downtown somewhere along the streets of the Buzz Beer Jewelry district. This label has intrigued me for a while. I just always kept passing it up, but this time when I saw it, I had to review it. I never had a Coffee Amber beer so let’s check this one out and see what it is like :P.

 

Aromas:
Big coffee espresso fragrances, toffee, rye, caramel, oak, dark fruit raisins, biscuit bread, chocolate notes, earthy hops notes, roasted barley, vanilla, hazelnut, honey, brown sugar and cinnamon.

 

Flavors:
Fancy coffee grounds, espresso, earthy hop notes, vanilla, oak, caramel, roasted barley, toffee, hazelnut, mocha, chocolate notes,honey, brown sugar, orange marmalade on toast and biscuit bread, dark fruit raisins, rye, toffee, floral notes, brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans.

 

Aftertaste:

Coffee, earthy notes, rye, barley, vanilla oak, tart berry and honey linger. No alcohol in the taste, moderate drinkability with medium to full mouth feel.

 

Overall:

A very good beer reminiscent of drinking a coffee stout but not a coffee stout, an amber/red ale. Definitely has that special coffee mix from the Dark Matter Coffee like the Big Hugs beer I had a while back. The oak and amber aspect complement the coffee flavors giving it a whole new light. It is a very good beer and definitely worth trying out. Although at times, the coffee might be too much but for some that might be the best part!

 

Anime Corner:
This original artwork by Iga Tomoreru was used in this beer paring to show the colors of the label, the skeleton, the gun and well the aspect of “morning wood” which is mainly giving someone a “boner” or in this case a skull-er. The beer flavors are represented in the in the name as well since this does seem like a rise and shine type of beer or breakfast beer for sure. Can you find any other beer pairing ideas here?

Matrimonium by Monkish Brewing

1901209_10101743508162630_2099535038_n 10001476_10101743505952060_1882047046_n 10167994_10101743506495970_1610258862_nRating: 5.25/5

Matrimonium by Monkish Brewing is an 11.1% ABV Belgian Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Coffee beans and Lavender.

Released on 3/22 (My Birthday) limited only to the Brewery and in limited quantities. This beer caught my attention since it was like for the”occasion” moment. There are several good friends of mine getting married in March and April and I wanted to do a beer review for the occasion I guess. A limited, yet accessible release from one my local Belgian inspired breweries was a must.

Aromas:
Very fancy chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, chocolate mousse, lavender flower notes, vanilla, anise, hazelnut, peppercorns, herbs, spices, dark fruit raisins, plums, mocha, java, figs, dark cherry, earthy notes, tobacco, oak, marshmallow smores, molasses, toffee, dry apricots, brown sugar and other stone fruits.

Flavors:
Herbal chocolate, lavender flowers, mocha, really fancy coffee, milk and dark chocolate, espresso beans, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, plums, stone fruits like peach, dry apricots, , vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, peppercorns, hazelnut, anise, Bakers chocolate, earthy hop notes, tobacco, leather, oak, marshmallow smores, chocolate abuelita, cinnamon, capirotada bread pudding dipped in a frappuccino with vanilla coffee beans and lavender garnish.

Aftertaste:
Lingering Lavender, fancy coffee, caramel, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, herbs, bakers chocolate and more. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer with a full to syrupy mouth feel.

Overall:
Exceeding expectations in the sense that this is way different from the other Monkish beers I have tried, except Apophatic. This beer takes it to the level of best coffee beers out there. Lavender is already a very enjoyable fragrance of mine but they were able to exact it on the taste with is very unique. A very different and very enjoyable beer. This is not Mocha Wednesday or even a Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Imperial Stout but this is still in a very special category of flavor. Maybe not as super complex as the others but it falls high in a very unique aspect. This is why local breweries rule, First, the pistachio vanilla ice cream Seme de La Vita beer, and now this. Very damn good and props to Monkish for making such an outstanding beer.

Anime Corner:
Rider from Fate Stay/Night, Nun original artwork and Tokiko and Morichika from Touhou series artworks were used in this pairing to showcase the colors of the label, the flavors and the Monk, church and marriage aspects from the beer. Lavender, the color purple was the perfect choice for Rider, The Monk aspect or in this case the Nun as well as the church represent matrimonium as the woman must take a vow of celibacy like the man but in doing so, it is like saying she is marrying Jesus Christ, so to speak. The Tokiko and Morichika was obvious as it shows the bride and groomsman in holy matrimony. I definitely like how Tokiko’s hair with the blueish purple and white hair pairs very well with the flavors and colors of the label. All in all, I was very happy with choosing the right pictures for the beer as it took a very long time.

Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery

1014082_10101671495491600_1756682980_n 1966856_10101671498834900_1504673027_n 1970798_10101671497782010_137021336_n 1922342_10101671498161250_1633794177_nRating: 6/5

Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery is a 19.2% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Coffee and Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. This invigorationg ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the both chocolate and freshly ground coffee flavors will be most prominent when consumed fresh.
___

Fucken right, the only beer this year from the stupidly exclusive and expensive hoarders society of the Bruery I was able to obtain thanks to a great donation. You will most likely have to trade or spend a grip of money on this rarity of rares. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and Melange #3 have been my top favorite Bruery beers and today on this very Wednesday, a Mocha Wednesday, I contribute this beauty to the reviews. Thank you so much mystery person for the generous donation. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Alesmith Kopi Luwak coffee aroma complexity, rich mocha coffee, espresso, roasted coffee beans, Kahlua, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazel nuts, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, mint, anise and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
Toasted coconut, Kahlua, mocha, java, espresso beans, Kopi luwak coffee, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates as in the aromas, dark fruits like currants, cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, See’s coffee candy, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, oak, bourbon, rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, cookies and cream ice cream, anise, mint chocolate ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, earthy chocolate sugar notes, tobacco, roasted cashews, mocha syrup and more chocolate, damn!

Aftertaste:
Lots of Kahlua coffee. You know the alcohol is there but all you taste is sugary sweet Frappucino and coffee to the point where you can’t sense it until it is too late. A major sipping chocolate mocha syrupy mouth feel beer, but scarily, a smooth beer as well. This beer is no joke.

Overall:
Holy Shit, this kicks a lot of the best coffee beers right in the nuts. I think this is really the best damn coffee beer I have ever had with Alesmith Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout being the second runner up. This definitely is a warming welcome to the already great line up of Bruery beers specifically the ones I had mentioned earlier in my post. No doubt about it, it is not as chocolatey as Chocolate Rain, but the consistency and the coffee to give it a complex coffee-mocha flavor that makes it extremely unique. Something like this is what meets the highest expectation exceeding criteria that I look for in some of the best beers in the world. A rarity, but a lovely beer just the same. That and at 19.2% is the 3rd highest ABV I have ever tried next to Chocolate Rain and Tactical Nuclear Penguin (32% ABV although too harsh).

Anime Corner:
I looked for a couple of days figuring out which character to choose and after watching Naruto this past weekend, who else can actually make a great pairing but the 3rd Akatsuki Rogue Ninja leader and one of the top female ninjas in the series (next to Temari ofcourse), Konan of Amegakure. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reason her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess, what other aspects of this pairing compliment each other?

Bourbon Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout by Alesmith

1464687_10101529208266340_55161898_n 1450803_10101529208071730_433594671_n 1456662_10101529208066740_1669304208_n 936042_10101529208156560_551553138_nRating: 6/5*

Bourbon Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout by Alesmith is a 12%ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Kopi Luwak Coffee beans and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label: 
Kopi Luwak is one of the world’s most expensive and rare coffee varieties. The beans are specifically selected for their ripeness and quality by the Civet, a small jungle marsupial that feeds off the fruit of the coffee cherry. They are then gathered by humans from the jungle floors of Indonesia, throughly cleaned, and sun-dried. A precise roasting by San Diego’s Ryan Bros. Coffee leads to extremely aromatic and exceptionally smooth final product that complements this barrel-aged imperial stout amazingly well. Good to the last dropping!
___

So there you have it, to put it bluntly, it is basically an already world class stout made with coffee beans that have been pooped out by the Civet cat and then barrel aged the whole thing. Considering this was hard to get, the price of a cup of just the coffee by itself would put the price of this beer to shame. Yet, the flavors are most likely very unique to even the coffee by itself that the palette understanding of the complexity would cause a tongue would send signals to the brain causing a mind blow division by zero. Even if the concept of Civet poop coffee sounds disgusting, one must have an open mind. This is really clean beer too. Anyway, enough of that, on with the review

Aromas:
Straight out of the bottle, uniquely rich pecan pie, bakers chocolate, really fancy coffee, hazelnut, Irish cream, dark fruit, a type of boozyness that smells like cantaloupe, dark and milk chocolate, flan, mocha, java, espresso, Kahlua, dark cherries, floral notes, oak, vanilla, bourbon, coconut, bananas, rocky road ice cream notes

Flavors:
Chocolate covered cherries, really fancy coffee, Kahlua, pecan pie, rocky road ice cream, rich java, mocha, earthly bitter notes, flan notes, bananas, vanilla, caramel, marshmallows, bourbon, oak, floral notes, Irish cream notes, dark fruits, bakers chocolate, dark chocolate syrup, roasted coffee beans, black berries, herbal spicy notes, rum notes, oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies and more flavors I cant make out.

Aftertaste:
Finishing off with layer of roasted fancy coffee, minor earthy possibly off flavor (LOL could be the poop ;)), caramel, chocolate, dark fruit, berries, bourbon, herbal cherry and spices as well as some bourbon. A big sipper with the booziness not detracting from the rich complex but more like it plays well

Overall:
*Bar none, the best coffee imperial stout ever!! I have tried the Mikkeller Beer Geek Weasel Cognac and this one beats it big time. Who knew Civet poop bean coffee could be so good. One of the reasons why this coffee is so great is because the process or digesting these beans causes the impurities and bitterness of coffee to be removed leaving beans that are more appealing, except for the poop part ofcourse.. That gets cleaned off thoroughly (I hope O_O). Definitely world class adding another depth of character that is hard to describe even with the barrel aging part itself for sure. Lots of extra credits here. 

Anime Corner:
Blake Belladonna from RWBY is one of the main characters from the show with a reserved and sometimes antisocial personality. She carries a lot of burden on her shoulders rom her past. She is a Faunus, which are humanoid people with some animal traits. In the show, people may be prejudice against the Fauni as they consider them thieves. While Blake is a good person, she believes the people may be misunderstood seeing how the actions of some of the bad Fauni may give the overall race a bad rap. This part of her history can reflect the cruelty from some of the people who may abuse the Civets they harvest the coffee beans from. It is wrong to abuse some of the animals, but I am hopeful that the beer this was made from did not abuse any of those animals. While fighting, Blake is perceived almost like a ninja, a fast paced ninja. In relation to this beer, she is black like a stout, fast enough to meet the name “speedway stout”. She looks like a black cat which some Civets, even though marsupials, kind look like cats. The red background in the pictures is used to explain some of those dark berry flavors. The bourbon is in her eyes which have seen many things but remain strong and determined.

In the last 2 pictures, Symphony City Kitty by petite-emi.deviantart.com I used to represent the Civet. In weird sort of way I sort of artistic way, I saw this picture as the Civet releasing the berries. The blue background of the Civet may represent the astonishment of the delicious flavors from the coffee beans, either that or the Bullshit of humanity represented by the cities that a small portion of places actually don’t obey animal rights. I really hope the coffee beans picked for this beer were harvested in respect to these creatures. Which leads to the last piece of work where Symphony flicks the cigarette to represent disgust at animal abuse, but also looking very classy as in saying “here is your fancy coffee made from my poop, while I stand here looking classy and awesome, you sick bastards!!” 

Anyways, if you can see any more artfulness in these pieces let me know. While I am against animal abuse, I really hope they harvested these beans with respecting the animals. Otherwise, I’d definitely feel like a hypocritical bastard for drinking this. It is an extremely good beer though. I do Thank you Civets of the world.

Dayman Coffee IPA collaboration by Aleman, Two Brothers and Stone

45259_10101119923037220_220044310_nRating: 4.9/5

Dayman Coffee IPA collaboration by Aleman, Two Brothers and Stone is a 8.7%ABV India Pale Ale brewed with roasted coffee beans

Label: 
Jim Moorehouse, Nate Albrecht and Brad Zeller, three pals planning #to open a Chicago brewpub under the moniker of Aleman, won first place at last year’s Iron Brew homebrewing competition in the Windy City (judged by none other than Greg Koch, Jason Ebel of Two Brothers Brewing, and celebrated Chicago brewer, designer and author Randy Mosher). Their style-bending IPA artfully married the assertive tropical bite of Citra hops with amazing coffee flavor and aromatics #to create something truly unique and exceptional. Serendipitously, Two Brothers recently kicked off a new adventure roasting their own coffee beans, and provided just-in-time freshly roasted java for the brew. The result is an innovative IPA that’s well balanced and intensely flavored thanks to the felicitous blend of hops and fresh roasted coffee.
___

This is an interesting combination. I never thought such a combination would be possible inviting the citrus and coffee to combine in such a way. The aromas are such that you get citrus, mango, grassy hops, but the coffee and java roast brings out some nice caramel and sugar notes. Strange, it is like smelling a porter but brought the level of citrus and hoppy IPA. Very unique indeed. The flavors are something else. They really got the balance correctly on this one. It invites rich flavors of piney grassy, orange citrus, grapefruit but also balances the extra bitterness with caramel, coffee, chocolate, mocha, pecans, walnuts, hazelnut nectar and vanilla. You can also get some mango, tangerines and papaya out this. I think this beer would be close to like a tropical latte almost. Of course you have to remember the hop bitterness adds some rich notes that will please IPA lovers. I honestly think this beer would probably be a gateway into the world of IPAs because it starts of with the sweetness of the coffee and slowly takes you in the hoppy and tropical realms of the IPA world. Yet another unique master piece. For something that probably would mix, like sweet and bitter, they really got a way with this one. Loving this one for sure.

Barrel Aged Wreck Alley by Karl Strauss

525152_10101102355587530_102859647_n 72699_10101102356311080_1016620103_n 480802_10101102356375950_906223931_nRating: 5.35/5

Barrel Aged Wreck Alley by Karl Strauss is a 10%ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Cocoa Nibs and Coffee Beans and aged in Bourbon Oak Barrels.

Label: 
When we tasted the first batch of Wreck Alley Imperial Stout, we knew barrel-aged versions were in the cards. The only questions were when and how often? Batch #1 answers the first question, and as for Batch #2, you’ll just have to wait and see. Brewed with the same darkly-kilned malts, Tcho cocoa nibs, and Ethiopian coffee beans from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, Batch #1 was aged three months in American oak bourbonbarrels. The resulting brew is a dark, unblended, and richly flavored union of dark chocolate, espresso, and toasted oak. Grab a bottle while you can, this limited release won’t be around for long
___

Been waiting a while for the right time to get this. The fragrance of this beer is of nice dark, milk and bakers chocolate, coffee, some vanilla, some bourbon and funky oak. The flavors are very good and it was a surprise as the fragrances weren’t as complex. The flavors are of a lot Milk chocolate, vanilla, very rich dulce de caramel which is unlike many beers I have tried, a good amount of funky oak, grapes, plums, berries and creme, minor bourbon and almost like a chocolate and blueberry cheese cake flavor. This almost reminds me of the Hellshire II. The Coffee is not as strong or bitter as the smell but it is still there to lend a mocha like twist. It is highly drinkable which is very surprising. Not only is this a 10%ABV beer but the boozyness or even bourbon lends a hand only enough to make this incredible. This may not be like the utmost ABV high of dessert beers I have ever had but, simply because it is a rich and thick dessert beer with hardly any sense of alcohol that I could find offending or even attributing, I still consider this a great beer. I like it a lot. I really think it has to do with my love for rich sweet beers like chocolate rain or organic chocolate. Hell, it lends to hints of berries and crème. That’s good stuff!! Sometimes you don’t have to be highly impacting or complex to get to the sweetness that is a great beer. Some people may not find it as great because it is not a supreme bourbon bomb dessert but regardless it is still a winner and a favorite of mine now.