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

Rating: 7/7

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

Label:
Series 7 of 14

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

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

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

Flavors:
Super nutty chocolate bliss, nutter butter, Cocoa Krispies cereal, chocolate nutella, marzipan, mazapan, peanut butter, pecan pie, almond joy, cookie dough, chocolate chip cookies, hazelnut nectar, maple syrup, tiramasu, fancy coffee, banana split, dark fruit cherries, raisins, currants, blue berries, raspberries, raspberry Chambord, blue berry muffin, cherry cordials, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, chocolate mousse, bourbon and whiskey notes, chocolate smores, sangria notes, licorice, molasses, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, crème brulee, three milks/3 leches cake, stone fruit peach, old mango hints, earthy notes, Khalua liquer, toffee, butterscotch, coconut, rocky road ice cream, cinnamon notes, dates, Pancho Pantera chocomil, rye bread, oatmeal raisin cookies, oreo cookies and cream, smokey oak notes and dark candy sugars.
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Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich notes of dark fruit, banana, super mixed nuts, almond butter, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, cashew milk, dark chocolate, oak hints, whiskey notes, earthy notes, roasted barley notes, wine notes and much more! No alcohol in the taste despite the 10% ABV, pitch black darkness supreme body, smooth, silky, creamy, velvity, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2017 Grey Monday by The Bruery

August 10, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Bankai, Belgian Chocolates, Black Tuesday, Bleach, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, bourbon vanilla, chocolate mousse, Chocolate Nirvana, Chocolate Rain, creme brulee, dark chocolate, french vanilla ice cream, Grey Monday, Hazelnut Nectar, Imperial Stout, Kutchiki Rukia, Maple Syrup, molecular gastronomy, pecan pie, Rich Hazelnut, roasted hazelnuts, Rukia, The Bruery, world beers | Leave a comment

Rating 6/6

2017 Grey Monday by The Bruery is an 20% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Hazelnuts.

The malty milkshake of Gods is only comprehensible to the ones that know the pure bliss…… This one brings all living creatures out to the yard….

Original Review: https://animebeers.com/2016/12/02/2016-grey-monday-by-the-bruery/

2017 Dark Lord Imperial Stout by Three Floyds brewing

July 25, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Bloodstained Ritual of the Night, Claire Farron, dark chocolate, Dark Lord, Dark Matter, Dark Matter Coffee, Dark Matter Dark Blood, Final Fantasy XIII, Imperial Russian Stout, Imperial Stout, Imperial Stouts, Lightning, Maple Syrup, Miriam, Russian Imperial Stout, syrup, Three Floyds, Unicorn blood, World class, world class beers, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2017 Birthday Review) Home brew Project #29 SangriLeche Chapter: 2 – Hey You, Wanna Buy Some ChocoW00tCherries?!!? by Nubis Sanctum Ales

March 22, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Abobo, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Arkanoid, Asriel Dreemur, Beer Barrel Bourbon, Black Cherry, Black Tuesday, Blood Lord, Blood Lord Bourbon Barrel Aged Espresso Coffee Beans, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bubble Bobble, Buster Bunny, cacao nibs, Cherry cordials, chocolate cherry, ChocoW00tCherries, cocoa crispies, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, Dark Matter, Dark Matter Coffee, Dark Matter Dark Blood, Dragon's Milk, FLCL, Fooly Cooly, Ganzo Donal, Gold Syrup, Haruko, Haruko Haruhara, home brew, Imperial Stout, Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon, Mario, Mario Bros, Megaman, Milk Stout, Negas, Niño Ratta, Nintendo, Nubis Sanctum Ales, Oak, Oak aged, Oblivixen's “Sangri-Leche” Maelstrom, Organic Cherries, Pacman, Peanut Butter Milk Stout, pecans, Pinchimono, Ready Player One, Rue D'Floyd, SangriLeche Chapter 2, Sans, Star Fox, Stone Brewing, Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout, sweet cherry puree, Sweet Stout, Temmie, The Bruery, Three Floyds, Tiny Toons, Undertale, Unicorn Blood Coffee, vanilla beans, w00tstout, Wanna Buy Some ChocoW00tCherries?!!?, Wil Wheaton | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.25/7

Home brew Project #29 SangriLeche Chapter: 2 – Hey You, Wanna Buy Some ChocoW00tCherries?!!? by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 14% ABV Imperial Milk Stout brewed with Blood Lord Bourbon Barrel Aged Espresso Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate, Cacao Nibs, Vanilla Beans, Sweet Cherry Puree, Gold Syrup and Pecans Oak aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon.

Label:
SangriLeche, Chapter: 2 Hey You, Wanna Buy Some ChocoW00tCherries?!!?
Damn it all! This is what I get for listening to pink haired broads trying to sell me some goods off the streets. When people used to tell me not to take candy from strangers, I should have listened. Heck, you too! How the hell else you get a hold of this damn cursed bottle. I was but a pawn to this girl’s seductions. Trying to sell me a bottle of some magical cherries and now, I am stuck here. Going on these dumbass, fucking space adventures.
I heed you warning though friend, do not make the same mistake I made. Drinking this will only summon that cherry choco cordial selling girl with no remorse and you will be a slave to this like I have. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya! Don’t drink this BEER!

Imperial Milk Stout brewed with Blood Lord Bourbon Barrel Aged Espresso Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate, Cacao Nibs, Vanilla Beans, Sweet Cherry Puree, Gold Syrup and Pecans Oak aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon.

==Introduction==

Project #29 was inspired by everything that is awesome! Beer, Anime, Video Games and anything that celebrates geekdom. For the longest time, I always wanted to make a beer similar to the Bruery and Three Floyds Collaboration: Rue D’Floyd. An Imperial Porter aged in bourbon barrels with Vanilla, Cherries and Coffee. Since the days of Project #6 Oblivixen’s “Sangri-Leche” Maelstrom, I knew I wanted to make return to that beer. A beer that took a lot of experimentation, effort and time to essentially become, my first attempt at barrel/oak aging a beer. It was such a damn hit that it paved way for some of my other oak aged brews which I was very fond of and so were many of my friends. The return of the Sangrileche, however, was going to be different. Essentially, as I pondered about beer and geeky stuff, I remember how awesome and geeky Stone’s W00tStout was.

When I had heard that Wil Wheaton was awesome enough to share the recipe, I thought awesome I wanna brew that beer too. Then I thought, wait a second, What if I borrow some ideas from that W00tStout recipe and create my own new recipe . Essentially, it would not be a Belgian Stout, but many of the Sangrileche elements would make a return. Not in the way I imagined but very damn close. Heck, I wanted to make a W00Stout/Rue D’Floyd hybrid. Since Sangrileche already carried the vanilla, cherries and coffee like it did with Rue D’Floyd, why not, pay tribute and make it similar to that using some W00tstout inspirations of Pecans in place of peanut butter and add more dark chocolate and some sweeter cherries. What really put the “Cherry” on this dessert was when I brought the unholy grail of the Bourbon Barrel Blood Lord Coffee into the mix. Dark Matter’s Coffee beans, Unicorn’s Blood Coffee (Which were also used in the original Sangri Leche) aged in bourbon barrels that had “Three Floyds – Dark Lord Imperial Stout”. Yes, this coffee had a limited run but it was worth it to create this madness of a beer that would soon be the second coming of BloodyMilk (SangriLeche). So with that and a special Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon (Unfortunately I ran out of Dragon’s Milk Bourbon) which was referred to me by my friend Oscar, this beer was finally born.

W00h! That’s a mess, TL:DR. Essentially, it took me several months of aging but this beer made it just in time to bring it to the website and give my thoughts on my crazy creation. Why does it have so much game influences? Go Read or Listen to the “Ready Player One”, which is also narrated by, you guessed it, Wil MuddaFuckin’ Wheaton himself! Yes, that book has so many references to the 80’s and 90’s lore just like this beer has so much going on making it in my mind, one of the best video game beers and also one of the best home brews I have ever brewed to date. With that says, today marks my birthday so this is essentially a treat to myself and fans alike. Cheers and thank you for your support!!

Aromas:
Chocolate Cherry Cordials, Dark chocolate, earthy chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, Carlos V Mexican chocolate, oak, bourbon, vanilla, toffee, caramel, mocha coffee, dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, blackberries, raspberries, pecan pie, flan, crème brulee, banana split sundae, rocky road ice cream, Khalua coffee notes, coconut hints, walnuts, Irish cream, chocolate cherry cake, milk sugar, chocolate port wine, Nutella chocolate, oatmeal cookies, anise, tobacco and leather.

Flavors:
Super Rich Dark Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, Carlos V Mexican chocolate, earthy chocolate, almost like a mole spice, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Chocolate Mousse, Vanilla, Dulce de leche caramel, toffee, butterscotch, dark fruit raisins, currants, raspberries, blackberries, prunes, dark cherries, sweet cherries, port wine, Nutella chocolate, Chocolate Cherry Cordials, Banana split Sundae, whipped cream, marzipan, mazapan, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, walnuts, prailines, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, toasted coconut hints, flan, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa krispies, Kahlua coffee Liqueur, Irish cream notes, Cherry Chocolate cake, Tres Leches/ Three Milks cake, mocha, roasted coffee notes, fancy coffee notes, oak, bourbon, molasses, mint chocolate chip hints, oreo cookies and cream, raisin bread pudding, lactose milk sugar and chocolate cookie dough.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with Chocolates for days, Nutella, dark chocolates, Mexican chocolate, dark cherries, vanilla, caramel, earthy chocolate, oak, bourbon hints, mocha, pecan pie and banana split cherry sundae. For being my strongest beer to date at 14%, you can’t really any of the alcohol. The body is fully pitch black and abysmal like the previous iteration of Sangrileche. The mouthfeel is very smooth, not as chewey as the original sangrileche but velvety and syrupy. A major sipper for sure, but this brew was made to be sipped and taken with ease.

Overall:
Ridiculous. Really fucking ridiculous, oh did I mention, fucking ridiculous! While it is not as sweet as the original Sangrileche, its still a dessert though. Not cloying and very out there. The majority of the beer is like drinking chocolate syrup like some of the best choco vanilla barrel aged beers out there. The cherries really start to play when the beer warms up and more of the dark fruit flavors start to come out. While the beer does not have much head retention, it is expected at such a high 14% ABV. Now, the real question is, did I really succeed in making the ultimate hybrid geek beer. The answer is Yes and No. Yes because the flavors are similar to those on the Bruery and Three Floyds and W00tstout combined with some Dark Lord Imperial Stout. The No part really has to do with the fact that it is not those beers, its my own creation. It is something new but at the same time, it is a geek beer. I poured so much effort and fan splurging as I can possibly think of into this. Geekdoms are made by fans and Geek inspired home brews are made by fans as well. So yeah, it is a fucking Geek Beer in its own damn righr. A crazy one at that. Even so, as crazy as some of my other beer recipes have been in the past, this one truly takes the cake. Yes, how appropriate, cake for my birthday. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Haruko Haruhara from FLCL/Fooly Cooly and many video game characters were all chosen in this pairing because for being an insane and really out there beer, I needed to bring an anime character from one of the most beloved franchises who is all about rock and is a space psycho. You really have to think, how crazy this beer is with all its ingredients, colors, strength, retro name and geekiness. Yes, recipe base of W00tstout inspired darkness is the embodiment of pure Beer and Geeky media! While Krystal Fox from Star Fox was the original mascot for this beer, I paid tribute to her as you can see from the label. Yes, I could think of no one better.

Sources:
https://ugc.kn3.net/i/origin/http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h476/santo969/501623.jpg?t=1298836348
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5d/cb/5d/5dcb5ddbdf54b59cb498801cf17d272b.jpg
http://wallpapersonthe.net/wallpapers/l/haruko_haruharu_flcl_anime_vespa_haruko-8042.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I2yHaMXsWRs/WBU65zSeaMI/AAAAAAAADfI/jGUBAKYYpUsA2JD6ShTPtr76MBfEpIS6QCJoC/w426-h400/16%2B-%2B1
http://fanfics.frikitest.com/imagenes/foro/vD5hFVbG2taLxki.jpg
https://vamf.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/flcl-14.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.roosterteeth.com/uploads/images/2a699fb8-5fcb-433b-a439-2694a298c778/md/halo3paranod4b7cfec536a08.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/88/8d/03/888d035c3f1efdc54680b7d58c3868f5.jpg

2016 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing

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

Rating: 5.75/6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Hugs from Meredith Anderson on Vimeo.

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

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

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

2016 Grey Monday by The Bruery

December 2, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Bankai, Belgian Chocolates, Black Tuesday, Bleach, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, bourbon vanilla, chocolate mousse, Chocolate Nirvana, Chocolate Rain, creme brulee, dark chocolate, french vanilla ice cream, Grey Monday, Hazelnut Nectar, Imperial Stout, Kutchiki Rukia, Maple Syrup, molecular gastronomy, pecan pie, Rich Hazelnut, roasted hazelnuts, Rukia, The Bruery, world beers | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Grey Monday by The Bruery is an 19.8% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Hazelnuts.

I had done a reviewed this one in the past so this year, I am leaving it to a previous review to take care of the recommendation. Each year it is more awesome and the ABV seems to climb higher and higher. Cheers!

https://animebeers.com/2015/06/25/2015-grey-monday-by-the-bruery/

2016 Darkness by Surly brewing

October 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 2016 Surly Darkness, Black Magic, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, dark chocolate, Darkness, Evil, harpy, Kill-LA-Kill, Lord of Darkness, milk Chocolate, passion fruit, Russian Imperial Stout, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuoko Matoi, Surly Brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.35/7

2016 Darkness by Surly brewing is a 12% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout.

Label:
The legendary hound of Hades Cerberus was said to guard the gates of the Underworld, preventing the dead from leaving. In this year’s art by Adam Martin, he also protects a massive stash of Surly Darkness. Go ahead and try to grab one. If his three heads don’t get you, his snake-headed tail certainly will.

This massive Russian Imperial Stout contains notes of chocolate, coffee, dried tart cherries, and raisins. It finishes sweet, with a piney resinous hop character.

You can drink this now, or hoard it like Cerberus, it’s up to you if you want to be a bit more generous with it than he is.

==Introduction==

Wow… Stronger this year it seems. 12% ABV is what many sites are giving this one and plainly it is awesome. Surly beers don’t show an ABV and sometimes, some beers won’t have any ABV listed anywhere but for 12% that is really cool. Darkness has been a very important beer. It represents the Dark Lord in the state of Minnesota similar to how California has Black Tuesday and Texas has La Muerta. Of course, as the years go by, the hype for specialty stouts change. Like right now, one of the biggest stouts people are hyped about here in California is the Bottle Logic Fundamental Observation. A stout I will probably not bring to the site until it becomes easier available. Anyways, every year I bring this beer to the site and every year it is always one to the masses. Let’s take a look at it shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, mocha, roasted coffee, brown sugar, molasses, anise, mild rum, leather, tobacco, toasted bread on blackberry jam, rich sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, crème brulee, tropical fruit like passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, grapefruit, tangerines, citrus, oranges, stone fruit mango, peaches, apricot, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, chocolate mousse, brown sugar, honey, dark candi sugar, fruit cake, pecan pie, almond joy and oak.

Flavors:
Deep Dark Abyss of 4th dimensional chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgian and German chocolates, stone fruit mango right off, peaches, apricot dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, raspberries, plums, figs, dark cherries, molasses, anise, tropical guava, dragon fruit, passion fruit grapefruit, tangerine gummies, citrus, oranges marshmallows, lechera sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, whipped cream, plantains, chocolate mango, brown sugar, honey, dark candi sugar, fruit cake, pecan pie, almond joy, bourbon hints, bananas, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, earthy hop notes, stone fruit peaches and cream, mocha, coffee cake, cherry Dr. Pepper hints, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolates, toasted coconut, grahama crackers, double chocolate cake and cherry chocolate mousse.

Aftertaste:
Rich Chocolate mango, coffee, tropical fruit like dragon fruit, passion fruit, earthy notes, oak, rye bread, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, banana, dark fruit raisin, blackberry preserves, coconut, fruit cake, pecan pie and other sweet goodies. No alcohol in the taste, dark abyss, 5th dimensional dark matter body (I can see a black hole forming), smooth velvety, chewy and silky mouthfeel and a dangerously easy drinkability as past iterations.

Overall:
Supremely above Exceptional and definitely something is different with this one. I think with the additional ABV, the more malts that went into it and certainly enhances the flavor to new heights. A rich complex and sweet stout that has reminiscent flavors of tropical fruit hints. Absolutely one of my favorite beers for being hard to get for sure. They released the Barrel aged version of this one but I think my last review of the brew with the bourbon barrel one does it justice so I will leave it be. However, for this beer, if you have not ever had this one before of if you are a fan of this one, I strongly and highly recommend you find a way to get your hands on this piece of gold!!!

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill was chosen in the previous versions of this beer. Every year I try to find as many details as I can as to why she fits with the iterations of the brew. For starts, the red and white of the label pair well with the evil version of her which is the white one with Junketsu as well as the blood. The aspect of Cerberus for her comes with the different versions of (2 Junketsus and the regular Senketsu version which is the one black armor). Maybe a stretch for sure but I definitely love pairing her with each year’s version since the first time I tried it.

Sources:
https://danbooru.donmai.us/data/__junketsu_and_matoi_ryuuko_kill_la_kill_drawn_by_takatsuki_nato__b716e63ddef98837323fdb232372b08e.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pcNT5vs.jpg
https://www.rpnation.com/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsST0chF.jpg&key=3b91f57e98d7828abb73c9cb94fd8f54189127f251490e7c84ed1b9fe8b343bd
http://i.imgur.com/rqACHxM.jpg
http://67.media.tumblr.com/097550c0e49e04ad47080ab498657833/tumblr_nsu1965O2I1u6f6neo1_1280.jpg

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

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

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

====2016 Farking Wheaton W00tStout

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

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

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

Cheers! Greg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

======2015 Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2016 Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery Terreux

August 1, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Wild Ale, cherries, cherry vanilla, Claymore, dark chocolate, Fate Night, Fate Stay Night, Fate Zero, Madrugada Obscura, oak barrels, Saber Alter/Dark, sour ale, Stout, Tart of Darkness, Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, vanilla, vanilla beans, vanilla ice cream | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

2016 Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery Terreux is a 7.% ABV American Wild Stout aged in Oak Barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans.

New Label:
Roasty – Midnight – Delight

Old Label:
SAUERSTAUT

With a roasty aroma and a tart finish, this sour black ale is a contortion of style and flavor, creating an unexpected delight.

Tart of Darkness with Cherries & Vanilla is best enjoyed fresh for bold spice and fruit character, but my pleasantly if cellared properly.
___

Released to the Preservation and Reserve Societies once again and possibly the a public release, this is the second time I try this beer. I was not going to do a review of this one since I had already done one in the past but as soon as I tried it and the new label came about, I had to give it a shot. This beer is a variant to the publicly sold Tart of Darkness. I will be honest, while the tart of darkness is a very good sour, it does not compare to my favorite sour stout Madrugada Obscura by Jolly Pumpkin. The cherries and vanilla from the last time I reviewed this beer made a huge difference. Draw your puckeringly sour sword and get ready to take action!

Aromas:
Dark cherry yogurt, Vanilla ice cream, caramel,Lavender, cotton candy, strawberry cheesecake, lemon peel, citrus, dark chocolate hints, blueberry skins, earthy notes, Cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, molasses, anise, licorice, lemon peel, sour funky notes, citrus, port wine hints, blue berry muffin and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Toasted coconut, coffee, mocha, rich dark fruit cherries, raisins, prunes, concord grapes, currants, blueberries, vanilla cream, caramel, tart wine grapes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, sour cherry cordials, floral lavender, dark cherry yogurt, strawberry cheese cake, brown sugar, blueberry muffin, lemon peel, Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, grape skins, port wine hints, oak, earthy notes and musty sour funky notes.

Aftertaste:
Tart wine grapes, oak, dark cherry yogurt hints, vanilla, coconut hints, and earthy notes finishing all fast and dry. No alcohol in the taste, murky amber brown full body with no head retention, soft, smooth and slightly creamy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Awesome sauce this year. I don’t know if I liked this one more or the last time I tried this one more. There is so much more chocolate coconut in this one along with vanilla and cherry sour stout goodness that I think it actually is beating the Madrugada Obscura. The Bruery definitely out did themselves this time and I would highly recommend this one if you love sours!

Anime Corner:
Saber Alter/Dark Saber from Fate/Stay Night/Hollow Ataraxia was used in this pairing since I used Jean from Claymore. Basically both represent the “Dark Knight” In the Tart of Darkness. The return of this brew show cases Saber as she tries to battle her inner darkness but realizes that without embracing both the light and evil, she is nothing. You can also say Saber is Vanilla and Dark Saber is the Cherries. The aspect of the warrior of darkness and the fact that I have used Saber in many Dark chocolate and cherry flavored beers just pushes my conviction that much further. The Dark Arts have to do with blasphemy against the church but the strange part, as holy as some organizations are, some hold deep dark secrets that the public never knows about. Tart of Darkness with Cherries and Vanilla brings that aspect of sour evil but yet sweet and forgiving aspects that are pretty damn Holy if you ask me. Think of it as the sweetness delivering the darkness of the beer from evil Either way, great beer and great pairing I think.

Sources:
http://tsundora.com/image/2014/10/fate_stay_night_673.jpg
http://pm1.narvii.com/5832/37ca0cfb16b4e985b40f227f7ae4a7b2aafa50da_hq.jpg

2016 Blue BBLS by The Bruery Terreux

June 25, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Chocolate, Black Tuesday, Blue Balls, Blue BBLS, Blue berry, Blueberries, bourbon barrels, Chocolate Blueberries, dark chocolate, Imperial Stout, Ranma, Ranma 1/2, Shampoo, Sour Stout, Tart of Darkness, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, wine grapes, World class, world class beers, Xian pu | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Blue BBLS by The Bruery Terreux is a 16.3% ABV World Class Imperial Sour Stout blend (30% Tart of Darkness Sour Stout and 70% Black Tuesday Imperial Stout) aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blueberries.

Label:
Berries – Stoked – Oaked
IT’S SWELL

A sweet, sour, and fruity ale. Extended oak aging and an addition of blueberries results in a delightful vinous quality.

In brewing, BBL is the notation for “barrel,” a unit of a measurement equal to 31 gallons. This is not to be confused with an oak barrel, which typically holds nearly two BBLs of beer. Still with us? Great. Blue BBLs is best enjoyed fresh for peak fruit flavor, but may develop pleasantly with time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C). Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==

Released to the Bruery Reserve and Hoarders society, the original version of this brew was released to Hoarders a couple of years ago and since I finally had a chance to try before, I had to get this one again. With only so few variants of Black Tuesday ever released in bottles, this one is a staple just like the others. From the first time I tried it, I had fallen for this one. Reminding me similar to wineification but in blueberry form and still showcasing the flavors of the Black Tuesday along with the flavors of Tart of Darkness. So with the release under the Terreux now, let’ see how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Blueberry flan, Dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, Concorde grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, vinous grapes, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, blueberry fudge cake, bananas, port wine, chambord raspberry liqueur, rocky road ice cream, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, Belgian Chocolate, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Super blueberries, tart blueberry skins, concord grapes, blueberry flan, blueberry muffins, blueberry cheese cake, blueberry fudge cake, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, Concorde grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, vinous grapes, port wine, chambord raspberry liqueur, rocky road ice cream, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, banana notes, Irish cream, molasses, anise, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, crème brulee, pecan pie, blueberry preserves and blueberry chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Blueberries that linger forever, with flavors of the dark chocolate, bourbon, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, flan, sweetended condensed milk. Sweetness covers up a lot of the alcohol so only slight in taste but mainly sweet. Dark and Pitch black full body just like the original. Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel, and a sipping drinkability although it seems easy to drink at times like many of the dangerous yet “plug it into my veins” beers go.

Overall:
If the Draco was the Blueberry Barleywine heaven and Smashed Blueberry the Wee Heavy Porter Blueberry heaven, then this must the imperial and sour stout of blueberry heaven. It is just as delicious as I had remembered when I first tried it. I am really happy they decided to release this one again and hope they make this a staple in their variant beer blends. There is a rich amount of blueberry yogurt chocolate complexity going on in this beer that can only be understood with every sip. This one is one of my favorites along with the Black Tuesday variants and is definitely one for the list. This beer is a must have if you have not tried it. Best to all that love Blueberry Stouts.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma ½ was my girl for this beer as well as the original Blue BBLS. In the show, the main character Ranma hardly paid any attention to her even though she was the hottest girl in the show giving any man there including real men/women a boner. She was a huge representative of Amazonian women as she was huge but also very skilled kung fu master as well as a waitress. Her passion to fight for Ranma would be the kind that would destroy mountains and that is why even to this day she is one of my favorite characters of anime from back in the 90s. When I thought of Blue BBLs it not only reminded me of her being that representative of giving blue balls to others that liked her but mainly her Chinese style of hair with the little buns that looks like two blue balls. Shampoo’s strength and sweetheart of a personality but vicious for her passion is representative of the beers alcoholic strength and sweet super complexity.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Shampoo.(Ranma.½).full.875459.jpg
http://pds25.egloos.com/pds/201602/04/56/f0027756_56b3675f4c9ff.jpg
http://asha47110.deviantart.com/art/Shampoo-Ranma-FANART-D-509416937
http://orig14.deviantart.net/da6a/f/2015/142/1/a/shampoo__palette_challenge__by_animusubi-d8uapeg.png

A Fistful Of Unidragon by Clown Shoes

May 26, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged A Fistful Of Unidragon, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Blaecorn Unidragon, Bleach, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Clown Shoes Brewing, dark chocolate, milk Chocolate, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Russian Imperial Stout, Texas, Texas Dark Malts, Texas' Blacklands Malt, The Good The Bad & The Unidragon, Tia Harribel, unidragon, Yoruichi, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

A Fistful Of Unidragon by Clown Shoes is a 14% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with mesquite smoked malt from Texas’ Blacklands Malt and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
A West Texas town terrorized by depraved outlaws, hired The Artist and his Smitty – Forged Unidragron Hand Cannon. The Artists, while emp and a bit sensitive, gets rough with bad guys, so he went ahead and incarcerated them. This beer, made with mesquite smoked malt from Blackland Malt Company, is a bourbon barrel aged version of The Good, The Bad and The Unidragon.

==Introduction==

I obtained this brew thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. This brew is based on Clown Shoes The Good, The Bad and The Unidragon which I had reviewed some time back same thanks to my friend Aaron. Thanks to him, we were able to bring forth the collection from Texas provided by Clown Shoes. In return, I was able to send him the California Clown Shoes beers. I remember the brew was very good and now that it comes in a bourbon barrel aged form, let’s see if we can compare. Cheers.

Aromas:
campfire smokey oak, bacon notes, dark coffee roasted grounds, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, molasses, anise, toasted coconut, tobaccco, leather, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, currants, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, crème brulee and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Rich rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, campfire Smokey oak, bacon notes, dark coffee roasted grounds, roasted barley, mocha, java, vanilla, bourbon, oak, Kahlua liquer, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, currants, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, molasses, anise, toasted coconut, tobaccco, leather, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, rye whiskey, earthy notes and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with touch of smokey, whiskey, bourbony notes and complexity like dark fruit, dark chocolate, vanilla, coconut, rocky road ice cream, vanilla and caramel. Slight alcohol in the taste but despite the ABV, does not detract from the flavors. Pitch black abyss body, smooth, velvety, creamy and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Hot Diggity, this is better than the original. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to have a good friend that shares common interest and has been able to send me the beers. It is all possible with the help from my friend Aaron. I think this beer is definitely worth the find especially if you are out in Texas or can trade for it online. The fact that Clown Shoes works with the local craft community at Texas shows a lot of love and effort goes into making these collaborations. So definitely get a bottle if you can.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel, Yoruichi Shihouin, & Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck from Bleach represent the good, the bad and the unidragon from the original beer. I brought them back in this pairing as well but this time with different attire to fit the beer’s label a little better. Especially with the old west scene with Yoruichi and more fashionable for all 3 of them and looking bad ass too.

Sources:
http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/daraunon/d6579bc08371d50fbd4fe9e3b8d5f876_zps62ad63eb.jpg
http://www.less-real.com/imagevault/uploaded/images/part1/1145.jpg
http://k31.kn3.net/taringa/0/9/3/1/1/2/_-Kirito-_/6E5.jpg

God Damn Pigeon Porter by Spiteful Brewing

February 13, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, dark chocolate, dark fruits, God Damn Pigeon Porter, robust ale, Spiteful Brewing | 2 Comments

Rating: 4.85/5

God Damn Pigeon Porter by Spiteful Brewing is an 8.2% ABV American Porter.

Label:
Don’t fight it, SPITE IT! God Damn Pigeon Porter was brewed with our friends from across the pond in mind. Using traditional English Amber malt we built a robust ale. But being the unruly Americans we are, we put our own hoppy twist on it. A late addition of Simcoe enhances the roasted character with resinous aroma. One pint of this delightful porter will take your mind off the everyday nuisances of city life, from Chicago to London, Especially those f-ing pigeons!”

==Introduction==

Got this one from my friend Aaron Mendiola at BeerMetalDude.com. Spiteful brewing has been really hitting homeruns so far with me. After having their Working for the Weekend brew and the awesome label art, I was hooked. Even some of their other brews and art are very appealing and awesome! Hilarious even. Like the Selfie beer that shows a dude punching himself in the nuts for even considering taking a Selfie. Now that’s artwork and storytelling! With that being said, let’s see why so much spite for the pigeons, let’s see, cheers!

Aromas:
Roasty malts, smokey notes, dark chocolate, dark fruit currants, cherries, raisin notes, smokey notes, soy sauce hints, vanilla, caramel, toffee, earthy hops, molasses, mint, anise and coffee cake hints.

Flavors:
Citrus, piney, grapefruit hinted and earthy hops, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, mango hints, smokey notes, soy sauce hints, plum sauce, dark fruit currants, cherries, raisin notes, molasses, mint, anise, coffee cake hints, vanilla, caramel and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with dark chocolate, roasted malt notes, earthy hops and dark fruit notes. No alcohol in the taste. Dark full body, smooth, creamy and rich mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good porter for being so spiteful towards pigeons. As long as the porter doesn’t have pigeon poop since they spite humans back. It doesn’t of course. Being so rich, chocolate and creamy, this a definite must try. For being the second brew I have from Spiteful brewing, I definitely would love to have more if I ever get the opportunity but definitely get this is you are a Chicago local.

Anime Corner:
Original character was used in this paring as I wanted to get a character that would pair with the black and white parts of the artwork. The colors of the eyes work well with the dark fruit presence of the brew. The beer at hand just means that while she smiles back, it either means she wants you or she is secretly plotting against you. You don’t really know with this brew lol.

Sources:
http://40.media.tumblr.com/9aacb19ee61beef95ddf1635e76e328b/tumblr_o12xyrnzyA1r4089mo1_1280.png

2015 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing

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

Rating: 5.75/6

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bourbon Barrel Aged 7 Swans-A-Swimming by The Bruery

February 3, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 7 Swans A Swimming, Abbey Ale Quadrupel, aged in Bourbon Barrels, Belgian Abbey Quadrupel, Belgian Quad, Belgian Quadruple, Bourbon Barrel Aged, brown sugar, christmas beer, dark chocolate, Dulce de leche, Hatsune Miku, Luka Megurine, pecan pie, Raspberries, Swans A Swimming, The Bruery, Twelve Beers of Christmas, Twelve days of Christmas, Twelve Days of Christmas series, vocaloid, WÆS HÆIL | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/6

Bourbon Barrel Aged 7 Swans-A-Swimming by The Bruery is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadruple aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

The Seventh Verse of Our Twelve Days of Christmas series of beers showcases the rich, malty character of a Belgian-style Quadrupel. Happy Holidays.

Bourbon Barrel Aged 7 Swans-A-Swimming is suitable for aging up to 5 years (soon after the release of 12 Drummers Drumming) when cellared properly.

==Introduction==

This special release of the 7 Swans-A-Swimming was released to the Reserve and Hoarders Society. Essentially, they release a barrel aged version of their previous year’s Christmas ale and release it in the current year. To get this, you will have to trade or find a place to get it online. Mainly a collectibles page. While the original was awesome, now a barrel aged version sounds like it can take it to the next level. The way stuff goes for my favorite style, the Belgian Dark Strong and Quads but also the way it goes with barrel aged beers, they sure elevate things to the next level. So let’s see if that is true, cheers!

Aromas:
Vanilla, Oak, Bourbon notes, dark fruits like raisins, figs, dates, plums, dark cherries, currants, blueberries, Dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, anise, molasses, licorice, rock candy, candi sugar, Rhubarb pie, toasted coconut, macaroons, brown sugar, port wine, bananas, clove spice.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like raisins, figs, dates, plums, dark cherries, currants, blueberries, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, anise, molasses, licorice, rock candy, dark candi sugar, rocky road ice cream, fruit cake, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice, raspberry cobbler, vanilla, all spice, ginger bread cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pecan pie, Rhubarb ice cream, nutmeg, hazelnut nectar, toasted coconut, macaroons, rye bread, port wine and crème brulee

Aftertaste:
Lots of dark fruit, caramel, spices, dulce de leche, fruit cake, bourbon, oak, pecan pie, hazel nut, marshmallows and coconut hints. No alcohol in the taste, Brown to crimson medium to full body, smooth to silky mouthfeel yet a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Definitely more exceptional than the original. This was expected but after trying it, I knew for sure this was the case. Lots more complex flavors stand out with the aging of the bourbon. More Dark fruit and delicious pecan pie and coconut from the few I had mentioned before. If you do happen to get it, I am sure you will enjoy it. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Hatsune Miku and the Vocaloid Team was used in this pairing as I wanted to do 7 characters but also in the sense of swimming, they definitely are swimming in a sea of chaos as they seem to be on the hunt for something important but also trying to survive and keep their heads afloat. Some dangers present themselves nearby. May not be Christmas like but the purpose of this beer for Christmas is to bring people together and it seems like 7 characters together is just the trick to do it. Together they will survive another day. The flavor complexities of the beer, the colors of the labels and the aspect of staying together like a flock of swans are surely displayed in this pairing.

Sources:
http://img07.deviantart.net/e14c/i/2015/044/4/5/_fanart_evillious_chronicles_by_doblemjwn-d8hsg0d.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Vocaloid.full.1881300.jpg

2015 Darkness & Barrel Aged Darkness by Surly brewing (Double Review)

December 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 2015 Surly Barrel Aged Darkness, 2015 Surly Darkness, Black Magic, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, dark chocolate, Evil, harpy, High West Rye Whiskey Barrels, Kill-LA-Kill, Lord of Darkness, milk Chocolate, passion fruit, Russian Imperial Stout, Rye Whiskey Barrels, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuoko Matoi, Surly Brewing, Surly Darkness 2014 | Leave a comment

The time has come for another yearly review of Minnesota’s equivalent of Dark Lord Day (Darkness Day), Surly Darkness! If you were lucky to have the 2014 version of Darkness, there was only one release at the time that was both the original but also aged in Rye Whiskey. This time, they released both the original non-barrel aged and the barrel aged versions. Today I will bring you the review for the original brew for this year and the Whiskey Barrel variant. Both beers, though a pretty penny, I was able to get through online means. If you want to get this one, you can try and find them at www.mybeercollectibles.com or best your chance to trade. Regardless, I want to see if these beers are worth the trade but also want let you know if they are worth it to save you some time. Who am I kidding, ofcourse these are awesome! Then again, let’s see if they have changed over the years too. Cheers!

2015 Darkness*
———————

2015 Darkness by Surly brewing is a 10.3% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout.

Label:
Our 2015 vintage bottling of Darkness features a screeching bat-nightmare by local artist Brandon Holt.

No creature is more adept at navigating in the Darkness than a bat. Emerging from a deep and ancient cave, this year’s twisted nocturnal creature has evolved a set of adaptations well suited to detecting and devouring uncommon nourishment.

Notes of chocolate, coffee, dried tart cherries, and raisins emirate from his lair. If you can evade the talons and teeth, the think body of this Russian imperial stout finishes sweet, with a piney resinous character.
___

Aromas:
Rich sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, crème brulee,tropical fruit like passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, grapefruit, tangerines, citrus, oranges, stone fruit mango, peaches, apricot, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, chocolate mousse, brown sugar, honey, dark candi sugar, fruit cake, pecan pie, almond joy, oak, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, mocha, roasted coffee, brown sugar, molasses, anise, mild rum, leather, tobacco and toasted bread on blackberry jam.

Flavors:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, stone fruit mango, peaches, apricot, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, chocolate mousse, capirotada raisins bread pudding, peaces and cream, tropical fruit like passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, grapefruit, tangerines, citrus, oranges, molasses, anise, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, mocha, roasted coffee, brown sugar, cherry Dr. pepper, rocky road ice cream, maple syrup, raspberries, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, flan, earthy notes, mild rum, leather, tobacco, toasted bread on blackberry jam, rye bread, tres leches cake, lechera sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, plantains, chocolate mango, brown sugar, honey, dark candi sugar, fruit cake, pecan pie, almond joy and bourbon hints.

Aftertaste:
Rich Chocolate mango, coffee, tropical fruit like dragon fruit, passion fruit, earthy notes, oak, rye bread, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, banana, dark fruit raisin, blackberry preserves, coconut, fruit cake, pecan pie and other sweet goodies. No alcohol in the taste, dark abyss body, smooth velvety and silky mouthfeel and a dangerously easy drinkability like before.

Overall:
It has been a long time since I tried the original. The 2014 one was straight up barrel aged and that one was super amazing. So the original is definitely true to when I tried it back in 2013. Damn luscious evil, darkness, black magic, abysmal craziness. If you have never tried this beer, you have to get your hands on this one or any of the previous variants. This is always ridiculous to the core. A true Dark Lord of its own arts!

2015 Barrel Aged Darkness
————————

2015 Barrel Aged Darkness by Surly brewing is a 12% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout aged in High West Rye Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
(Same as The 2015 Darkness)
___

Aromas:
Dark cherries, prunes, plums, currants, raisins, blackberries, vinous Caramel, dulce de leche caramel, rye whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows,oak, vanilla, Danish cream, Khalua coffee, mocha, leather, tobacco, Bubulubu chocolate, capirotada raisins bread pudding, Rich bananas, Flan, tres leches cake, vanilla, crème brulee, grilled plantains, platano burro, brown sugar, pecan pie, Gansito Chocolate berry pastry, honey, graham crackers, waffle cone, stone fruit peaches, chocolate mangos, mature mangos and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, Flan, tres leches cake, vanilla, crème brulee, grilled plantains, platano burro, brown sugar, pecan pie up front, rye whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows, smores chocolate, campfire hints, maple syrup, dark cherries, prunes, plums, currants, blackberries, oreo cookies and cream, rocky road ice cream, Dr. Pepper cherry, stone fruit peaches, chocolate mangos, mature mangos, molasses, anise, fruit cake, almond joy chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark chocolate, leather tobacco, Gansito Chocolate berry pastry, honey, graham crackers, waffle cone, Danish cream, Khalua coffee, mocha, leather, tobacco, Bubulubu chocolate, capirotada raisins bread pudding, candi sugar, milk sugar, hazelnut nectar, tropical fruit like passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, grapefruit, tangerines, citrus, oranges, whipped cream, ice cream cake, chocoflan, chocolate cheese cake, port wine, Vinous Caramel and more.

Aftertaste:
Rich berries, rich coconut, vanilla, dulce de leche, rye whiskey, tropical chocolate mango, dark fruit raisins, figs, leather, dark cherries, fruit cake, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, chocolate smores, tres leches cake, and almond joy lingers. Super Rich. No alcohol in the taste despite this being strong ABV. The drinkability of super easy is quite dangerous. This beer treads the neither regions of dimensions of what truly is, a full dark body, smooth velvety, rich, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Talk about going head to head with some of the greats out there especially Black Tuesday from the Bruery, Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout and others like them. Rye Whiskey barrel aged version is more complex as this addition gives way transforming the original but also makes it more complex with varying temperatures. For only being able to purchase one per person at the Darkness Day Event, I am very grateful to the person who gave up theirs in order for us to have a chance to post it to the website. Such a damn honor and cheers to you good sir or m’am! As for you, the reader, I think it is definitely worth it to find this one. It be a rare whalez!

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill was chosen in the previous versions of this beer. This year, since the barrel aged version is golden labeled, I am pairing also the Ryuko version with Senketsu Kisaragi. For those that do not know this form, it is the one that looks like she turned super saiyan from Dragon Ball Z increasing her power exponentially like the way the original Darkness power was increased by the process of Rye whiskey Barrel Aging. Each beer in its own means is delicious and evil as I show case the version of Ryuko when she was evil using Juunketsu (The White armored version). The original time I used Ryuko in 2013 was the original form with Senketsu so I paid tribute to that by bringing forth the Ryuko plushie in this pairing.

Final Judgment:
Absolutely love them both. The Rye Whiskey version bring out more of the rye and whiskey flavors and mild the hoppy mango flavors although they are still present as the beer warms up. So definitely depending on your taste, you can choose one or the other but they are a damn fine collection worth having.

Sources:
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/734/568/c3d.jpg
http://i1.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2014/03/31/21/12/59/42604840_p0.png
https://im1.ibsearch.xxx/9/43/265ecaa4c0d5f8c785419d982c939.png
http://cs627722.vk.me/v627722304/b5fe/viblojSJFyM.jpg
http://nowere.net/p/src/1440672835871.png
http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2014/34/1408797252-sample-4000c119b28b5aecc2ae23c16a292504.jpg

Rating: 6.25/7* 2015 Darkness
Rating: 7/7* 2015 Barrel Aged Darkness

2015 Death By Coconut by Oskar Blues

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

Rating: 5.75/6

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sasquatch by 903 Brewers

August 28, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 903 Brewers, Aisha Clan-Clan, Chocolate Milk Stout, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, Lactose, milk Chocolate, Milk Sugar, Outlaw Star, Sasquatch, Sherman Texas, Texas | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Sasquatch by 903 Brewers is a 10.8% ABV Imperial Chocolate Milk Stout

Label:
Brewed with Chocolate malt and a heavy dose of roasted cocoa nibs our stout has a rich aroma. The addition of milk sugar lends a creamy body. One taste and you’ll see why Sasquatch is such a beast

==Introduction==

We make one more stop in the latest shipment from my good friend Aaron of beermetaldude.com who sent me this beer made by 903 brewers of Sherman Texas. Maybe the best for last but definitely not the least. Fine and awesome brews come in small batches made by local brewers who believe and love their community. A lot of passion and work goes into what they create so I believe even for trying beers from a new brewer such as is always an honor. I can already tell I am going to enjoy this one as milk stouts are always amazing! Cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee, dark chocolate, mocha hints, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, caramel, vanilla, milk sugar, dark fruit cherries, raisins, raspberries, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, cookie dough, oreo cookie hints, Danish cream and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, earthy notes, dark fruit raisins, cherries, raspberry notes, brown sugar, milk sugar, vanilla hints, caramel, toffee, mocha hints, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, cookie dough, oreo cookie hints, Danish cream and coffee cake hints.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, roasted malt, earthy notes, dark fruits, vanilla and caramel hints. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, creamy rich, silky and velvety mouthfeel, dark full body and moderate drinkability

Overall:
A very good and Very Rich chocolatey beer indeed! Lots of great flavors in this one that really remind me a lot of another certain Yeti beer lol. Either way, I really love the smoothness of this one and really can find myself just picking this up as an extra if I can’t find any other good beer. A recommend for sure and special thanks to my friend Aaron once again for sharing some more awesome Texas brews.

Anime Corner:
Aisha Clan-Clan from Outlaw Star was chosen in this beer pairing as I wanted to pair with an anime girl that sort of had some colors of the forest and the yeti. Yes, I may have looked to outer space for some answers but the fact that I chose Aisha also explains why I think she is the yeti in this one. She has supernatural powers that enhances all her senses and strength so she can devastate anything like a true beast! But yet she seems so damn cute and cuddly like she wouldn’t hurt a fly and that is where the easy going flavors of the beer come in.

Sources:
http://orig14.deviantart.net/de2d/f/2012/001/e/3/aisha_clan_clan_by_rtil-d4kx8ya.png

Death To Cereal by Urban Family brewing

August 27, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged almond milk, brown sugar, Cafe Con Leche, Coffee Beans, dark chocolate, Death To Cereal, Houtengeki, Lactose, milk Chocolate, Milk Stout, Sweet Stout, Urban Family brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 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

The Patsy by Barley Forge Brewing

August 20, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Stout, Barley Forge Brewing, coconut, Cowboy Bebop, creme brulee, dark chocolate, Julia, Maple Syrup, milk Chocolate, Rye, rye bread, Spike, The Patsy, Vicious | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

The Patsy by Barley Forge Brewing is a 6.6% ABV American Stout brewed with Coconut and Rye.

Label:
No Horsing around – your quest for the holy grail of ryes has ended, brave traveler. Set down that heavy load and clap hands for the dense tropical flavor of this unusual stout, brewed with flaked rye, chocolate rye, several specialty malts, and a hefty amount of coconut. This medium-bodied beer offers rye spiciness balanced by sweet coconut with hints of dark chocolate and espresso. The perfect pair for a hearty winter meal, or to reward you after a journey through the Kingdom of Mercia.

==Introduction==

I first had this beer at the Bruery Copperversary and since then I was blown away. My friend Oscar originally told me about how good this beer was and I was like damn! Forward several months later and here we are. Total Wine, with the selection on deck, was enough for me to get this beer and bring it for a review. I wish they sold it in bigger bottles but this is great as I think I will need to go ahead and find more if there are still some at the store. This beer is pretty mind blowing. Let me break it down to let you know how it is, cheers!

Aromas:
Buttery caramel, vanilla, Rich toasted coconut notes, fancy coffee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hazelnut nectar, coffee cake, espresso, Java, Kahlua liqueur, caramel, toffee, maple syrup, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberry hints, steamed milk, rye bread, molasses, anise, almond joy chocolate and Danish, crème brulee hints and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Espresso, Java, Kahlua liqueur, rich roasted coconut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hazelnut nectar, coffee cake, vanilla, caramel, toffee, maple syrup, steamed milk, rye bread, molasses, anise, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberry hints, butterscotch, flan notes, cinnamon, Irish cream, Danish, crème brulee hints, marshmallow smores, earthy notes and almond joy chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Rich coffee, marshmallow, rich coconut, caramel, earthy notes and maple syrup. No alcohol in the taste, Deep dark full body, silky, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Such a damn perfect stout! One of the best coconut beers out there. I definitely think on par or above with the Belching Beaver Coconut Milk stout. This beer reminds me of a morning fancy coffee at a really fancy coffee house. It is pretty crazy how delicious this little bottle is. I need to find more and I highly recommend it once you are able to find this one. For being Barley Forges first beer I review, this is an ultimate winner!

Anime Corner:
Julia, Vicious and Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair the meaning of the name which is the Patsy or the person that is taken advantage of. I’ll be honest, while it sounds like you are taken advantage for really wanting this beer so much, there is nothing wrong this one. If you the audience are the person at the bar, then meeting up the wrong crowd could be a bad thing. Lucky for you, this is the safest crowd and one of the most bad ass ones at that to hang out for sure. They make sure you don’t become an actual patsy.

Sources:
http://static.minitokyo.net/downloads/37/15/595787.jpg?1244386258

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue BBLS by The Bruery

July 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian Chocolate, Black Tuesday, Blue Balls, Blue BBLS, Blue berry, Blueberries, bourbon barrels, Chocolate Blueberries, dark chocolate, Imperial Stout, Ranma, Ranma 1/2, Shampoo, Sour Stout, Tart of Darkness, The Bruery, wine grapes, World class, world class beers, Xian pu | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Blue BBLS by The Bruery is a 15.9% ABV World Class Imperial Sour Stout blend (Tart of Darkness and Black Tuesday) aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blueberries.

Label:
IT’S SWELL

A sweet, sour, and fruity ale. Extended oak aging and an addition of blueberries results in a delightful vinous quality.

In brewing, BBL is the notation for “barrel,” a unit of a measurement equal to 31 gallons. This is not to be confused with an oak barrel, which typically holds nearly two BBLs of beer. Still with us? Great. Blue BBLs is best enjoyed fresh for peak fruit flavor, but may develop pleasently with time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C(. Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==

Released to the Hoarders society members in 2014, this elusive beer caught my eye a while back when I heard what this one was all about. The mere covetedness and the the fact that I got a small sip of this one last year left me wanting more so I was left with Blue Balls, umm I mean Blue BBLs. Either way, I was able to find someone that had it but was in Canada. So basically, this beer took a long trip from California to Canada and back here to California and will forever live in the infamy of the interwebs as an awesome anime review. So while being a Reserve Society member, Hoarders beers tend to be a slight step above what we get but sometimes I could care less bu in the case of this one, I was no stranger to a new Black Tuesday variant blended with Tart of Darkness and then aged again in bourbon with Blueberries. Quite the damn conundrum. If this is anything like Smoking wood or better, the we might have ourselves a gracious winner here.

Aromas:
Chocolate Blueberries, Blueberry flan, Blue berry cheese cake, blueberry preserves, blueberry muffins, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, concored grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, piloncillo sugar cone, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, milk chocolate, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake, port wine and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Blueberry cheese cake, Blueberry chocolate truffles, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, piloncillo sugar cone, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, milk chocolate, blueberry preserves, blueberry muffins, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, concored grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, banana notes, blueberry flan, cinnamon, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake, port wine, rocky road ice cream, double chocolate mousse and vinous grapes.

Aftertaste:
Rich Blueberry lingers for infinity along with the gracious bourbon, deep dark chocolate, port wine notes, dulce de leche caramel, oak, dark fruits to the max, molasses and toffee. Sweetness covers up a lot of the alcohol so only slight in taste but mainly sweet. Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel, Dark and Pitch black of the 5th and 6th dimensions full body and a sipping drinkability although it seems easy to drink at times like many of the dangerous yet “plug it into my veins” beers go.

Overall:
The epitome of blueberry heaven!. This beer should be in the Weekday Serries on the fact that combining Black Tueday and aging it in bourbon barrels again with the Tart of Darkness and blueberries is a supreme beer. The sour aspects are lowered down but still traceable tart goodness here and there. A beer orgasmic enough to satisfy even though the name would imply that you would be left feeling tempted to have more but the truth is, the name is name really implies that you really wanna try it but you can’t unless you find it through trades.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma ½ was my girl for this beer. In the show, the main character Ranma hardly paid any attention to her even though she was the hottest girl in the show giving any man there including real men/women a boner. She was a huge representative of Amazonian women as she was huge but also very skilled kung fu master as well as a waitress. Her passion to fight for Ranma would be the kind that would destroy mountains and that is why even to this day she is one of my favorite characters of anime from back in the 90s. When I thought of Blue BBLs it not only reminded me of her being that representative of giving blue balls to others that liked her but mainly her Chinese style of hair with the little buns that looks like two blue balls. Shampoo’s strength and sweetheart of a personality but vicious for her passion is representative of the beers alcoholic strength and sweet super complextity.

Sources:
http://asha47110.deviantart.com/art/Shampoo-Ranma-FANART-D-509416937
http://orig14.deviantart.net/da6a/f/2015/142/1/a/shampoo__palette_challenge__by_animusubi-d8uapeg.png

2015 Grey Monday by The Bruery

June 25, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Bankai, Belgian Chocolates, Black Tuesday, Bleach, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, bourbon vanilla, chocolate mousse, Chocolate Nirvana, Chocolate Rain, creme brulee, dark chocolate, french vanilla ice cream, Grey Monday, Hazelnut Nectar, Imperial Stout, Kutchiki Rukia, Maple Syrup, molecular gastronomy, pecan pie, Rich Hazelnut, roasted hazelnuts, Rukia, The Bruery, world beers | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/5

2015 Grey Monday by The Bruery is an 18.6% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Hazelnuts.

Label:
JUST ONE SHADE
Originally brewed for a molecular gastronomy dinner at Beachwood BBQ, this decadent version of Black Tuesday is brewed with Oregon grown, roasted hazelnuts.

Grey Monday is just the beer you need to kickstart your week and is meant for sharing with family and friends in your time of need. It will age gracefully for many decades of economic fluctuations. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 55°F (13° C) Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==
Behold! One of the Bruery’s finest has returned making its way to the Bruery’s Reserve and Hoarder’s Societies as well as some public samplings on tap at the Bruery (if they still have some). I am sure this beer will see the preserve society soon enough like Chocolate Rain, Black Tuesday and White Chocolate but for now, the beer is a damn highly sought after item that is not sold in stores and can only be obtained by a friend of a friend and a trade with a loop and a grapevine. So seek it out as I don;t have to tell you twice about this one. While this may actually be my last review of this beer as to not to be repetitive with the coming years, just know this is prize way ahead of time. So go now and find it but for now, Cheers!

Aromas:
Super Chocolate Milk shake, nutella, Rich hazelnut nectar, Rich Chocolate cocoa powder wafer cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates, grilled bananas, french vanilla ice cream, toasted walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, crème brulee, dulce de leche caramel, dark cherries, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, toasted coconut, brown sugar, bourbon, whiskey notes, sweetend condensed milk, flan, pecan pie, prailines, maple syrup, bourbon, chocolate mousse, chocolate cheesecake, honey, toffee, rocky road ice cream, smores, marshmallows and the list goes on and on!

Flavors:
Super Chocolate Milk shake, Rich hazelnut nectar, Rich Chocolate cocoa powder wafer cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates, grilled bananas, flan, pecan pie, prailines, maple syrup, bourbon, chocolate mousse, chocolate cheesecake, honey, toffee, rocky road ice cream, smores, marshmallows, anise, bananas, plantains, cinnamon toast crunch, nutella, french vanilla ice cream, toasted walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, crème brulee, dulce de leche caramel, dark cherries, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, toasted coconut, brown sugar, bourbon, whiskey notes and sweetend condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
Rich chocolate milkshake, hazelnut nectar, dark chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, dulce de leche, sweeteneded condensed milk, crème brulee, nutella, macadamia nut and pecan pie. Boozy! Especially if you do not drink this at room temperature. Take your time, let it settle to mask that alcohol with the complex flavors. As before, this is very dangerous too as it is a very very smooth but sipping beer with a silky and syrupy mouthfeel oh yeah and lets not forget the inter-dimensional pitch dark color that cannot be perceived by regular eyes.

Overall:
This year’s version caught me way off guard. From the moment I took a wiff, I was like holy chocolate hazelnut milkshakes! LOL Rukia’s milkshake brings all the boys to the yard! By Rukia I mean the girl I used in this beer pairing from last year’s. I go further into detail below but for those who truly seek a wonderment above some of the regular beers out there, The Weekday Beer Series from the Bruery definitely takes a turn for the supreme and luciously and diabetical sweet “pour this on your next dessert” type of flavor side. I could ramble more about the greatness which is Grey Monday, but I think I have done enough and enough is enough when I say, put this beer on your bucket list NOW!!!

Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach in her prestigious and beautiful Bankai form awaits the light of the new Monday, the Grey Monday. She is on the horizon displaying her new power and rightfully so as her character has gone through many many struggles. Throughout the entire series, she is second to the protagonist and while yes this may be a spoiler for many, she does make it. She achieves a form that takes her to new heights of existence. Rightfully so, as powerful in ABV as this beer is, it is also sweet, just like sweet little Rukia. Rukia, just like Grey Monday, evolve into great heights of where only few beers can take people. The sweet nectar of gods like this can only be bestowed on the few, like Rukia who trained with gods, literally, she now holds her own against the final threats of the series. As the series comes closer and closer to the end, this new form will unleash its fury of absolute 0 degrees Kelvin. Only the next day that comes can melt the ice and melt one’s heart as they try this beer.

Sources:
http://deohvi.deviantart.com/art/Bleach-570-Rukia-s-Bankai-436885263
http://th01.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2014/148/1/f/hakka_no_togame__rukia_by_rikamello-d7k391v.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1693368
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/037/8/3/bleach_567___rukia_ice_queen_by_hikarinogiri-d75avwk.png

2015 Dark Lord Imperial Stout by Three Floyds brewing

May 14, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Bloodstained Ritual of the Night, Claire Farron, dark chocolate, Dark Lord, Dark Matter, Dark Matter Coffee, Dark Matter Dark Blood, Final Fantasy XIII, Imperial Russian Stout, Imperial Stout, Imperial Stouts, Lightning, Maple Syrup, Miriam, Russian Imperial Stout, syrup, Three Floyds, Unicorn blood, World class, world class beers, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exponential Series Big Bad Baptist by Epic brewing

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

Rating: 5.5/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raspberry Trippelbock by Mikkeller

April 21, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged blue berries, dark chocolate, Doppelbock, Dulce de leche, Eisbock, Mikkeller, Raspberries, raspberry cheesecake, Raspberry Trippelbock, Tenchi, Tenchi Muyo, Trippelbock, Washu, Washu Hakubi, wild berries | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Raspberry Trippelbock by Mikkeller is a 13%ABV Eisbock/Trippelbock brewed with Raspberries.

Label:
None

Commercial Description:
Mikkeller’s Raspberry Trippelbock is a huge strong ale brewed with raspberries to add a bit of tartness to the sweet profile of the bock style.

==Introduction==

Love me some raspberries and to see a raspberry beer with a cute label was kind of the reason why I got this one. I don’t often review Mikkeller beers as they are pretty pricey but they are damn epic some times. I also Doppelbocks so the fact that what we have here a Trippelbock, well, that pretty much says everything about why I wanted to bring this beer to the site. This beer is available in many places that sells Mikkeller beers especially some of the online shops. Though a little bottle, 13% ABV is quite a lot! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich compound of raspberries, strawberries, dark fruit raisins, plums, wild berries, blue berries, blackberries, pomegranate, Black Cherry tartness, strawberries, honey, kiwis, raspberry marmalade and jelly, raspberry cheesecake, toasted rye bread, tobacco, leather, anise, molasses, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rock candy, candi sugar, dark chocolate, chocolate mousee, bananas, clove spice, floral notes and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Extremely rich dark fruits of raspberry sweet and tartness, raisins, plums, blueberries, wild berries, blue berries, black berries, pomegranate, Black Cherry tartness, strawberry short cake, rich honey, raspberry yogurt, toasted rye bread with raspberry marmalade preserves, strawberries, kiwis, raspberry jelly doughnuts, dark chocolate, chocolate mousee, bananas, clove spice, raspberry cheesecake, brown sugar, stone fruit apricots, peaches, tobacco, leather, anise, molasses, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rock candy, candi sugar and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Tart raspberry marmalade, rich complexity of stone and dark fruits, bananas, chocolate notes, tobacco, dulce de leche caramel and candi sugar. No alcohol in the taste despite the 13%ABV, Creamy, velvety and smooth, moderate drinkability and crimson yet pitch black full body.

Overall:
A totally embodiment of super rich, complex and exceedingly exceptional raspberry tart and sweet dessert. I really love this one and wish I had more of it. This beer is great ranging from not only the raspberry flavors but also the good dark fruit and caramel flavors that make up the doppel/trippel bock. I would definitely recommend it but only if you are willing to pay a little more than 10$ a bottle. Serious business!

Anime Corner:
Washu Hakubi from the Tenchi Muyo! Series was used in this pairing since I wanted someone cute to pair with the raspberries and the colors of the label as well. Washu sometimes carries around these little puppets that could represent the birdie but I could not find one that would work out. Oh well. Washu aside from having a crab-like hair do, she is all raspberry blown tongue emoticon.

Sources:
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8f7sC8oLMX8/sddefault.jpg
http://anime.astronerdboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/02-30-Washu-plans.jpg
http://th08.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2012/355/f/8/__12_secret_santa_gift__2__washu_by_ashita_no_jyo-d5oqu4k.jpg

Pugsley’s Signature Series Smashed Blueberry by Shipyard brewing

April 20, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Anko Mitarashi, Beer Hybrid, blue berries, Blueberries, blueberry cheese cake, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry muffins, Blueberry yogurt, dark chocolate, Fruit Beer, Imperial Porter, milk Chocolate, Naruto, Pugsley's Signature Series, Scotch Ale, Shipyard brewing, Smashed Blueberry | 2 Comments

Rating: 6/5

Pugsley’s Signature Series Smashed Blueberry by Shipyard brewing is a 9% ABV Imperial Porter/Scotch Ale Fruit beer on Blueberries.

Label:
Smashed Blueberry is a hybrid between a Porter and a Scotch Ale. This beer has a rich mouth feel and a body of complex intensity. Upfront, there are distinct flavors of coffee and chocolate beautifully accentuated by the aroma of fresh blueberries. The finish features a delicate balance of sweet fruit and dry hops. This beer pairs well with glazed duck, ribs, barbeque, chocolate, and blueberry deserts. To fully experience all the flavors, Smashed Blueberry is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

More about the beer:
Malt: Pale, Crystal, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Light Munich, Torrified Wheat
Hops: Summit, Tettnang, Cascade
Yeast: Top-Fermenting English
Color: Dark Brown
OG: 1.087 ABV: 9.0%

==Introduction==

A Blueberry blast from my craft beer past! This beer was one of my few experiences with a blueberry beer. When I first tried it so long ago, I definitely thought it was the best blueberry beer I had ever had. Little did I know, that the fact that it was a Scotch Ale and Porter hybrid I think really made the difference because the majority of the Wee Heavies I have had in the past are always so damn awesome. No one with a port and blueberry infusion, well damn. The funny part too is that this beer is so common and so underated it ain’t even funny. True fans really enjoy this gem. So I brought it back as it comes with a new label. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich blueberry aromas,Rich milk and dark chocolate covered raisins, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallow, chocolate smores, blueberry yogurt, blueberry cheesecake, anise, dark fruit raisins, plums, black currants, raspberries, blackberries, cinnamon hints, blueberry flan, Danish cream, brown sugar, honey, smoked peat, milk chocolate and flan.

Flavors:
Rich Blueberries, Blueberry yogurt, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel Coffee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, blueberry muffins, blueberry cheesecake, anise, dark fruit raisins, plums, cinnamon hints, blueberry flan, Danish cream, Irish cream coffee hints, banana notes, chocolate mousse, smoked peat, molasses, butterscotch, toffee, black currants, raspberries, blackberries, honey notes, earthy notes, brown sugar, marshmallow smores and fudge brownies.

Aftertaste:
Leaving lots of blueberries, dark chocolate, smoked peat, dark fruits, caramel, coffee notes, vanilla and flan hints. No alcohol in the taste, dark brown full body, moderate drinkability and a velvet, smooth and silky mouthfeel.

Overall:
This beer is mainly high as it is my personal preference. The amount of blueberry goodness is insane with this beer. I loved it so much long ago, I love it a lot now. It is still as awesome as before. Even though I have had many blueberry beers now, when it comes to just pure blueberry richness, this is my go to beer! Highly recommended and like I said, easy to find!

Anime Corner:
Anko Mitarashi from Naruto was used in this pairing in the past as I wanted to pair the blueberry aspects of the beer with Anko’s looks and flavors of the beer. I think I got a winner and the way she licks the kunai clean is the way one would finish licking the spoon after eating a rich dessert. This beer is pretty much a dessert.

Sources:
http://images.paraorkut.com/img/wallpapers/1024×768/a/anko_-_anime-8489.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/429279

2015 Preservation Series Freckle by The Bruery

March 8, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Bleach, cacao nibs, Champurrado, chocolate abuelita, dark chocolate, Dia de los Muertos, Freckle, Hiyori Sarugaki, HOLY MOLÉ, Hueco Mundo, Imperial Stout, mole, Mole beer, Preservation Society, Spices, The Bruery, Vaizards | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

2015 Preservation Series Freckle by The Bruery is a 10.8% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Cacao Nibs and spices.

Label:
“HOLY MOLÉ”
Freckle is a robust stout that has been infused with the essence of an elegant Mexican molé. Freckle is best enjoyed fresh for peak spice character.

==Introduction==

This time, the Bruery has released their own take at a Molé beer. Unlike some of the other mole beers I have had, this one does not use actual chiles but spices. Will that take away from the beer? Maybe. Yet, I have not had a bad Bruery beer yet, well actually I have a while back but that is very rarely since the Bruery makes some super damn world class experimental treasures. This beer will be released to the preservation society and reserve societies this month so if you signed up, most likely you will get this one. You can also go to the tasting room and try this one. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate abuelita, champurrado, pipian mole sauce hints, chile hints, pepper hints, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, apple pie, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins, plums, black berries, cherry notes, coffee notes, Khalua notes, capirotada raisin bread pudding, banana hints, flan hints, molasses hazelnut nectar and piloncillo sugar cone.

Flavors:
Chocolate abuelita, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cinnamon, champurrado, pipian mole sauce, chile hints, peppery hints, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, apple pie, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, marshmallow smores, graham crackers, cola notes, molasses, anise, mint ice cream, candi sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, flan hints, banana notes, dark fruit raisins, plums, black berries, cherry notes, coffee notes, Khalua notes and capirotada raisin bread pudding.

Aftertaste:
Rich chocolate abuelita lingers, cinnamon, clove spice, nutmeg, earthy notes, vanilla, caramel, molasses, spices and minty hints. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, rich and creamy mouthfeel, easy to moderate drinkability, and dark full body.

Overall:
This is pretty damn perfect for an overall delicious molé stout. One thing my friend told me about this beer though, that if you don’t like spices in beers, you may not like this one. For me its like, bring em on. It is not hot like a chile beer but it is spicy and very very damn chocolatey. I think the cocoa nibs are what really account for the major chocolate push into the perfect stout category. I am rather fond of that part. So yeah, I highly recommend this one as you will like the chocolatey flavors of this molé beer.

Anime Corner:
Hiyori Sarugaki from Bleach was chosen in this pairing since she is the only character I know that has freckles and is a bad ass. More importantly, her vaizard form with the skeletal skull is a representative of dia de los muertos aspects which many of the beers I have tried that are Mexican molé related are also sometimes related to dia de los muertos. Good Game Bruery, Good Game on this this to make a beer that fits an anime pairing perfectly.

Sources:
http://m3.img.srcdd.com/farm4/d/2012/1202/15/66A180B02DCB640E844091490EB977CE_B1280_1280_1280_1877.JPEG

Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout by Abita brewing

March 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Abita Brewing, Blake Belladona, coffee, Coffee Beans, dark chocolate, espresso coffee, Espresso Dolce Beans, Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout, milk Chocolate, Milk Stout, roasted coffee, Rwby, Sweet Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 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

Mega Milk by Arcade Brewery

March 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Alia, Arcade Brewery, dark chocolate, Mega Man X, Mega Milk, Mega Milk Stout, Megaman, Megaman X, milk Chocolate, Milk Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Rockman X, Sweet Stout, Wily | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Mega Milk by Arcade Brewery is a 5.3% ABV Oatmeal Stout.

Label:
Batch #10
A Sessionable All-Season Stout for Any Wily Situation.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
From the depths of space arrives the Mega Milk Stout. An oatmeal milk stout, brewed with debittered black malt, delivers a wonderfully light and sessionable beer with outstanding mouthfeel. Even the most devout pale ale drinkers should take a trip to the dark-side with this one. The Mega Milk Stout will be one of Arcade Brewery’s initial offerings Coming 2014!

==Introduction==

Holy crap, this is freaking awesome and I immediately had to get it as soon as I saw the label for it. It is freaking Mega Man X. I got this one at www.wineandcheeseplace.com and I was surprised. I had never heard of Arcade Brewery but judging by their label’s art work, they are really video game inspired. The fact that they brought Mega Man X into the beer world takes me back to my child hood days of playing lots of video games and all the Mega Man games especially. Maybe my love for the character could make me enjoy the beer better, maybe not, but still, THIS EXISTS! Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, chocolate milk shake, Duvalin chocolate, Nutella, vanilla, caramel, coffee hints, espresso hints, cookie dough hints, hints of dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, cherry hints, chocolate brownies, hints of tobacco, milk sugar and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, coffee hints, espresso hints, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, milk sugar, duvalin chocolate, nutella chocolate, oatmeal cookies, mild cookie dought, mild smokey notes, vanilla, caramel, mild dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, chocolate brownies, chocolate turtle truffles, molasses, anise hints, toffee, tobacco hints, pecan pie hints, rye bread, brown sugar and hints of tres leches/three milks cake.

Aftertaste:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, charred notes, earthy notes, dark fruit hints and hints of Nutella. No alcohol in the taste, creamy smooth body, easy to drink and pitch black body.

Overall:
This milk stout is very good and really solid with a pretty good deal of complexity, not too overly sweet but just enough to keep stuff balanced. It is not the best milk stout I have ever had but that does not matter as it is still awesome and it represent Mega Man in the beer world. I saw that they have a Bourbon Barrel Aged one but on tap at their brewery. One day, I hope to try it. For now, if you can find this one and love the Mega Man series, definitely pick this up.

Anime Corner:
Megaman X and Alia from the Megaman X series were used in this pairing for the obvious reasons ofcourse, the label art work that is basically Megaman X. I used alia since she is a bad ass and has the same move set as Megaman X in the 8th installment. Megaman also has a pose like Pancho Pantera from the Choco Milk chocolate milk I used to drink as a kid. Oh yeah and the one here, I did for the lulzs. You see, there is this manga where this girl is wearking a shirt that says Mega Milk, like the name of the beer so yeah you can see, its anime related. Anyways, this beer kicks ass!

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d4/a3/c3/d4a3c3c667c665333f92bd364be6a530.jpg
http://eroc2277.deviantart.com/art/Alia-317289381
http://i.imgur.com/PmewDfi.jpg

2014 La Muerta by Freetail Brewing

March 3, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged dark chocolate, Dia de los Muertos, Freetail Brewing, Imperial Stout, La Muerta | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.85/5

2014 La Muerta by Freetail Brewing is a 10.2% ABV Imperial Stout.

Label:
A growing South Texas tradition, La Muerta is brewed each year for Día de los Muertos in honor of our departed friends and family. A big, lush Imperial Stout, La Muerta is full of roast, smoke and chocolate flavors from an array of specialty malts that go into this garnetblack ale. Perfect for sharing with your closest compadres, La Muerta will age wonderfully for years to come – we recommend enjoying one now and save some for the future, if you can. ¡Salud!

==Introduction==

A very special thanks to my great friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com for providing me this beer. This is the 2014 version of the beer I had last year which was the 2013 version. As I recall the beer from 2013 was very extraordinary and delicious. I was able to share one of these with my friends here in California and they loved it. You want to know how this one was? Well, join me as we take a look at the beer and see what new special flavors it has. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Dark fruit raisins, prunes plums, caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate, licorice, anise, caramel, oak, coffee, pretzels, rye, toffee, banana notes, clove spice, Chocolate abuelita, smores chocolate, marshmallows, ginger bread, piloncillo sugar cone, raisin bread pudding, tobacco, leather, brown sugar, mocha, molasses, and flan

Flavors:
Rich Dark fruit raisins, currants, prunes, plums, dark cherries, caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate, earthy notes, mocha, molasses, rye bread, pretzels, bananas, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, bakers chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, marshmallows, smores chocolate, chocolate abuelita hints, tobacco, leather, campfire smoke, pecan pie, flan, cinnamon, ginger bread, piloncillo sugar cone, brown sugar, candi sugar, rock candy, raisin bread pudding and pralines.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruit raisins, currants, dark chocolate, mocha, mild smokey notes, banana hints and caramel.
No alcohol in the taste, smooth, creamy and syrupy mouth feel, easy to moderate drinkability and pitch black body.

Overall:
I love this beer! This is top notch stuff and the 2014 version has more dark fruit forward than 2013’s version so I definitely enjoyed it even more. I really have to thank Aaron for getting me this one as he was able to provide me 2 of them to share with more friends here in California who really have to say that Freetail truly rules over in Texas. So much great stuff in Texas I hope we can see here someday. Please Texas legal system, open the flood gates for beer freedom!! Highly Recommended!

Anime Corner:
Original Dia De lost Muertos girl by MagicNaanavi was used in this pairing to go with the beer label as well as the whole theme of beer flavors an characteristics. I used something similar in the past for the 2013 version. Also, the one in red is basically to go with the name La Muerta or “The Dead”. Interesting stuff for sure.

Sources:
http://cdn.awwni.me/nj7h.jpg
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/333/6/9/dia_de_los_muertos_by_magicnaanavi-d883fj9.jpg

Christmas Bomb! By Prairie Artisan Ales

March 3, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Christmas, christmas beer, Christmas Bomb!, dark chocolate, Holiday Ale, Home Alone, Jibril, Macauly Culkin, milk Chocolate, No Game no Life, Prairie Artisan Ales, Spices | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

Christmas Bomb! By Prairie Artisan Ales is an 11% ABV. Imperial Stout brewed with Spices.

Label:
Made By People Who Truly Care… From Oklahoma With Love…
I Made My Family Disappear…

==Introduction==

Thanks to Aaron Mendiola from www.beermetaldude.com for providing this rarity for me. Prairie Artisan Ales is hard to find especially around California. Even harder to find is this Christmas Home Alone Liquid Gold. This label is awesome. I really like the Home Alone Parody on this. As this beer goes, it is the Holiday version of their Bomb! series. I have tried the awesome Pirate Bomb which was pretty damn amazing. Let’s see how this one compares. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, chocolate abuelita, milk chocolate, oak, mocha, fancy coffee, espresso, roasted coffee grains, earthy bitterness, dark fruits like prunes, raisins, dark cherries, molasses, fruit cake, cinnamon, anise, raisin bread pudding, smokey notes, marshmallow smores, and graham crackers.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Chocolate Abuelita, Espresso notes, oak, mocha chocolate, roasted coffee grains, earthy bitterness, dark fruits like raisins, prunes, dark cherries, molasses, anise, cinnamon, fruit cake, raisins bread, caramel, vanilla, smoked wood, marshmallow hints, flan, ginger bread, hazelnut, pecan pie, tobacco and leather notes.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, earthy notes, caramel, vanilla, smokey notes, ginger bread and fruit cake. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, Easy to drink despite the strong ABV and pitch dark body.

Overall:
While this one does exceed my expectations a bit as it is a great and amazing beer, the other variants that are Barrel Aged give it the higher complexity. For this one, the Christmas spices make this one that amazing. As I said to, the label is freaking awesome. Takes me back to the times I would watch Home Alone for Christmas. I definitely recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Original character and Jibril from No Game No Life were used in this pairing to go along with the label and the whole Home Alone theme and the old cover of Macauly Culkin yelling. It fits great Probably not much to do with Christmas but I did this for lulz.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/0Ykt3oI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/On5KYBb.jpg

Pirate Bomb by Prairie Artisan Ales

March 3, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, brown sugar, Chiles, chocolate abuelita, cocoa nibs, coffee, dark chocolate, fancy coffee, graham crackers, Pirate Bomb, Prairie Artisan Ales, Rum Barrels, vanilla beans, World class, world class beers, World Class Imperial Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Pirate Bomb by Prairie Artisan Ales is a 14% ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in Rum Barrels with coffee,cacao nibs, vanilla beans and chilies added.

Label:
Made By People Who Truly Care From Oklahoma With Love.

==Introduction==

An awesome exclusive hard to get beer which was only possible thanks to Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com . Prairie has come a long way to become many whale hunters’ favorite beers. They have been producing some magical bottles that we don’t see here much in California. Mainly since they are sold out quick but even at these tiny bottles, they are very coveted. I can only say I am thankful for my friend who has access to these living in Texas. So let’s see what the fuss is all about and walk the plank with this one.

Aromas:
Extremely fancy coffee, vanilla, mocha, dulce de leche caramel, Khalua Liqueur, sweetened condensed milk, Rum notes, bourbon notes, Crème brulee, marshmallows, graham crackers, oreo cookies and cream, banana notes, toasted coconut hints, ancho and guajillo chile spices, bakers chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate abuelita, brown sugar, Mexican Mole Spices, dark fruit raisins, cherries, and pineapple hints.

Flavors:
Rich flan, crème brulee, rich mocha, rich frappuccino, really fancy coffee, Khalua coffee liqueur, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, graham crackers, oreo cookies and cream, rum, bourbon notes, bananas, plantains, toasted coconut, ancho and guajillo chiles, cantaloupe hints, rocky road ice cream, chai tea, dragon fruit hints,old mango, hazelnut nectar, pumpkin spice hints, brown sugar, chocolate abuelita, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, chocolate truffles, dark fruit raisins, currants, figs, prunes, anise, mint chocolate, dark cherries, pineapple hints, Mexican mole sauce, rock candy and candi sugar.

Aftertaste:
Rich fancy coffee, mole sauce, dark fruit, vanilla, caramel, rum, tropical fruit notes, bananas, plantains, almond joy, flan and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste despite the 14% ABV, Ridiculously smooth and creamy mouthfeel, Easy to drink despite the strong ABV and super pitch dark body.

Overall:
This is truly an awesome and super exceptional brew. There is a tremendous amount of complexity for such a little magic bottle. The label with the crystal ball just hinting at possible pirate Deep 7 seas magic. It surely looks like it came from the darks part of the sea. Also, this is not hot but the spiciness works well with this one. There is only enough to let you know its partially a chile beer. This is definitely outstanding and I highly recommend it if you can find this one.

Anime Corner:
Original Pirate girl character was used in this pairing to pair with the beer was the best choice as I wanted to show the colors of vanilla, chocolate, coffee, dark fruits and other flavors. She is also a pirate so it fit perfectly. The fact that this one is more of a guilty pleasure and smooth fits with how she stares into your soul! This beer goes into your soul too. It is damn good.

Sources:
http://i183.photobucket.com/…/Samur…/1548717967.jpg~original

Hey, Careful Man, There’s A Beverage Here by Pipeworks brewing

February 25, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Arcana Heart, Bowling, cacao beans, Careful Man, coffee, dark chocolate, Donny., Dudeness, Duderino, Fuck, Golden Stout, Hey, Imperial White Milk Stout, Lebowski beer, milk Chocolate, Nobody fucks with the Jesus, Parace L'sia, Pipeworks Brewing, Shut the fuck up, The Big LAbowski, The big Lebowski, The Dude, There's A Beverage Here, vanilla beans, White Chocolate, White Russian, White Russian Imperial Milk Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Hey, Careful Man, There’s A Beverage Here by Pipeworks brewing is a 10.5% ABV White Russian Imperial Milk (Golden) Stout brewed with lactose sugar with cacao, coffee and vanilla.

Label:
Way out west there’s this beer . . . beer I wanna tell ya’ about. Beer by the name Hey, Careful Man, There’s a Beverage Here. Beer inspired by a certain Dude’s favorite potable. This Imperial White Milk Stout is brewed with vanilla beans, an abideable amount of cacao nibs and cold-pressed coffee that really tied the beer together, did it not? It is the perfect oat soda for those days when you’re out of your element and all you can do is say, “F it, Dude, let’s go bowling.”

==Introduction==

This is it, the liquid ambrosia of the Big Lebowski. There are already a couple of breweries who emphasize stuff from the movie to even naming their brewery, “The Dudes”. Now Pipeworks has come out with the official lebowski drink, the White Russian in beer form. There isn’t much I have to say further but get on to the review for this one dude. The drink is getting cold, so cheers!

Aromas:
Rich caramel, Rich vanilla, Rich coffee, White chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate notes, tres leches/3 milks cake, maple syrup, stone fruits like peaches and apricot, Mocha Khalua coffee liqueur, waffle cone, marshmallow smores, coconut hints, flan, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, Danish cookies, honey berry preserves, butterscotch and tootsie rolls.

Flavors:
Rich vanilla, Rich dulce de leche caramel, White chocolate, Milk chocolate, Dark chocolate, Khalua coffee liqueur notes, buttery toast, Belgian waffle notes, tootsie rolls, toffee, butterscotch, mocha, java coffee, espresso notes, flan, White Russian Chocolate, Capirotada raisins bread pudding, Irish cream, buttery pecan ice cream, mocha frappuccino Jericalla Mexican Custard, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, rye bread, walnuts, Danish cookies, honey, berry preserves, tres leches/3 milks cake, maple syrup, stone fruit peaches and mild apricot notes.

Aftertaste:
White chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, coffee, fancy roasted coffee, dark fruit, honey, and earthy notes. Mild alcohol in the taste, light to medium golden body, syrupy, creamy yet smooth mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Top of the Top, this beer is exactly what the Dude ordered. This is pretty damn full forward white Russian but as a beer it employs a great amount of complexity that can only be found in beer. This was so damn good. I wish I had a secondary one. Pipeworks is pretty crazy brewery always innovating and seems to be more and more my favorite brewery in the Midwest next to the Three Floyds, Surly, Half Acre and others. It is a damn shame we can’t get this so easily here in California, but I would gladly buy more of the Pipeworks if I can see them more often. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Parace L’sia from Arcana Heart is used in this pairing since I wanted to show something in relation the big lebowski and the white Russian. The colors of Parace are in relation to white and chocolate and coffee from the white Russian. Also, the bath robe and the way she has her drink about goes with the name of the beer to be careful not to spill it but as you can see in the background, this is no ordinary drink and is something more magical….Not a drop as spilled that day.

Sources:
http://blog-imgs-72.fc2.com/n/i/j/nijigenizumi/1501141037.jpg

Lightning Bug by Five Stones of Cibolo, Texas

February 22, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Cascadian Dark India Pale Ale, dark chocolate, Five Stones, Five Stones of Cibolo Texas, lemon candy, lemon peel, lemon zest, lemons, Lightning Bug, limes, mandarin oranges, milk Chocolate, oranges, Texas | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Lightning Bug by Five Stones of Cibolo, Texas is a 6.6% ABV Cascadian Dark Ale handcrafted with fresh lemons, limes and oranges.

Description:
Cascadian Dark Ale brewed hand zested and juiced Lemon, Lime and Mandarine Orange.

==Introduction==

Aaron Mendiola from www.beermetaldude.com brings us forth another awesome release from Five Stones. This time a Cascadian Dark Ale with lots of citrus. I can only assume that this would be something on par with some of the awesome black IPAs that are closer to the IPAs than the dark malty IPAs. Let us seek this one forth and see what this one has to offer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, caramel, lemon peel, oranges, tropical fruit notes of pineapple, mango, tangerines, dragon fruit, lemon candy, lemon zest, grassy, grapefruit piney, herbal, floral and earthy hops, roasted barley, honey, hazelnut nectar and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, caramel, coffee, lemon peel, oranges, pineapple hints, mango hints, dragon fruit, roasted barley, dark fruit raisins, molasses, anise, hazelnut nectar, honey, herbal, grassy, piney and earthy hop notes, citrus, coriander, lemon candy, oatmeal, raisin bread, cookies, smokey notes, tangerines, lemon zest, orange zest and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Orange peel, lemon peel, Earthy notes linger, smokey notes, roasted coffee, milk chocolate and dark chocolate in the finish. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, moderate drinkability, smooth and silky mouth feel.

Overall:
A very good Cascadian Ale. Pretty much on the lines of American Black Ale or Black IPA. This ale is pretty damn good with a very solid Black IPA and then pushes it’s boundaries to relish in the true citrus. Think of the light in the dark or the lightning bug on a summer night. The beers focuses on both the dark toasty malty flavors as well as the tropical and citrus flavors like that of an IPA. This beer has good balance and is fairly smooth. A well done and recommendable beer.

Anime Corner:
Original Insect girl by Elsevilla was used in this pairing to show the flavors of the beer in terms of the colors like the honey, citrus, hops, dark as well as pair with the label colors. The dark yet tropical aspects of this beer can be seen in the girls psychotic stare and appearance. This beer is dark but has lots of rich tropical flavors.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/121785-1696×1000-elsevilla-short+hair-wide+image-blue+eyes-green+eyes-blue+hair.jpg

Brunch Money by Armadillo Ale Works of Dallas Texas

February 16, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Armadillo Ale Works, Armadillo Ale Works of Dallas Texas, breakfast, Breakfast Stout, Brunch Money, cacao nibs, Coffee Beans, Dallas Texas beers, dark chocolate, Imperial Golden Stout, Lactose, Maple Syrup, pancake beer, vanilla beans, White Chocolate | Leave a comment

Rating: 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

Big Lushious by Founders Brewing

January 21, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, Big Lushious, black raspberry jam, chocolate cake, Code Geass, dark chocolate, Founders Brewing, Imperial Stout, Kallen Stadtfeldt, milk Chocolate, natural raspberry flavor, Raspberries, rich dark chocolate, sinful pleasure | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5* If you love sugar sweet dessert beers, you will love this one.

Big Lushious by Founders Brewing is a 7.8% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Chocolate and Raspberries.

Description:
Big Lushious is a deep, rich stout that’s packed with flavor: roasted malts, all-natural dark chocolate, a subtle suggestion of burnt coffee grounds and a kiss of tart raspberries. At 7.8% ABV, it’s big, sumptuous and extravagant, but also balanced.

==Introduction==

Founders released this in small quantities to select places. While looking for other beers, I stumbled upon this little diamond in the rough. Founders is typically something we don’t often see around California. While looking for another beer, I included this one just to see how it was. Based on information I gather, this one is supposed to be a guilty pleasure type of beer hence the name and the label may allude to. So let us see if this is the case with the Big Luscious, Cheers!

Aromas:
Extremely Rich Raspberries, Extremely Rich Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, brown sugar, milk sugar, mild coffee espresso, flan hints, vanilla, fudge chocolate cake, dark fruit raisins, plums, chocolate cherry cordials, dark cherries, roasted malts, Irish cream, Danish cookie notes, caramel chocolate pecan pie and raspberry truffles.

Flavors:
Extremely Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, chocolate cake, fudge chocolate, chocolate cherry cordials, chocolate covered raspberries, chocolate raspberry,extremely rich dark fruit raspberries, dark cherries, currants, raisins, plums, blackberries, mild tart raspberry skins, vanilla caramel, caramel and pecan turtle truffles, anise hints, molasses, flan, cinnamon, brown sugar, earthy notes, cocoa powder, roasted malts, espresso notes, Irish cream, Danish cookie notes and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Rich Dark chocolate, Very rich raspberries, milk sugar, mocha hints, earthy hints, vanilla and caramel linger for a bit. No alcohol in the taste, Ridiculously easy to drink, Creamy and velvety mouthfeel, pitch black full body with like a crimson and brown head signifying more colors.

Overall:
This beer is exceedingly delicious. Like an actual raspberry chocolate cake. No joke, this beer is a legitimate chocolate and raspberry sugar coma. It is so ridiculously easy to drink that I was tempted to just drink the whole thing. It is very addicting. I give this one a super high rating due to how damn close it taste to liquid raspberries and chocolate syrup. A mild complexity. This beer could be stronger but it is not without its merits. I think however, because of it’s strong and lingering sweetness, it will definitely may not be enjoyed by those that do not have a sweet tooth for a beer like this. It is pretty damn sweet and fruity. So if you love very sweet and easy to drink dessert beers, then go for it. Just be careful not to finish the bottle right away. One of the best Raspberry Chocolate beers ever!

Anime Corner:
Kallen Stadtfeldt from Code Geass was used in this pairing since I wanted to use a character who’s colors correlate with the colors and the flavors of raspberries. While I have used Sakura Haruno from Naruto to do raspberry beers or mainly other girls with pink hair, Kallen seem to fit the bill here. The name of Big Luscious goes with how seductive this beer is to the palate. This beer is pure raspberry bliss so having Kallen be seductive in this instance was pretty much the way to go.

Sources:
http://wallpoper.com/images/00/28/24/36/code-geass_00282436.jpg
http://i.neoseeker.com/mgv/407272/272/32/konachancom_32646_code_geass_gun_kallen_stadtfeld.jpg

The Czar from the Dictator Series by Avery Brewing

January 12, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Avery Brewing, currants, dark chocolate, dark fruit, Dictator Series, English toffee, Madou Koukaku, Russian Imperial Stout, sweet molasses, The Czar | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

The Czar from the Dictator Series by Avery Brewing is an 8.5% ABV Russian Imperial Stout.

Label:
Inhale the noble Hallertau hops, spicy and floral. Savor the flavors redolent of English toffee, rich mocha, sweet molasses, candied currants and a hint of anise. We highly recommend cellaring additional bottles, as the Czar will continue to mature and become denser and more complex with age.

==Introduction==

Available during the winter time, this is the first time I try this beer. I believe this is the last of the dictator series as I have tried the Kaiser, the Maharaja and now the Czar. I heard many great things about this beer so I am glad I was able to bring it here to the site. Come share with me the experience of this one as we explore another Russian Imperial Stout with the Czar himself. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, dark fruits raisins, currants, raspberry, blackberry, raisin bread pudding, molasses, smokey notes, anise, licorice, Belgian yeast bread notes, marzipan, brown sugar, pecan pie and candi sugar hints.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Roasted coffee, vanilla, caramel, earthy hop notes, smokey notes, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, raspberry, plums, raisin bread pudding, molasses, brown sugar, marzipan, pecan notes, toffee, marzipan, licorice, anise, Belgian candi sugar and grapes.

Aftertaste:
Mild roastiness, dark fruit still peeking through, caramel, molasses, earthy notes and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, creamy mouthfeel, moderate to sipping drinkability and pitch black body.

Overall:
A very good stout with some prominent and complex amount of flavors. Since it is complex, the roasty and slightly smokey flavors do not dominate the the palate and are instead given way to some dark fruits. This reminds me a little bit like the Stillwater Artisanal Folklore in a sense as it somewhat drinks like a Belgian Stout but still has some roasty bitterness to balance everything out. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Original Character from Madou Koukaku was used in this pairing since I wanted something to fit the whole aspect of the Soviet colors of Red. The Czar wore some very fancy military and country leader attire so I figure a character that would best fit the description would best fit the bill. Even if it seems a bit old, it is similar in the attire.

Sources:
http://armarium.org/u/2014/02/21/Ts5pG.jpg

2014 Big Hugs by Half Acre brewing

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

Rating: 5.5/5

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anime Corner:

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

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

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

Chocolate Hazelnut Porter (CHP) by Heretic brewing

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

Rating: 4.65/5

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2014 Bourbon Barrel Aged Magnificat by Monkish brewing

December 24, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, belgian ales, Belgian beer, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Dark Christmas ale, Bourbon Barrel Aged, California Beers, christmas beer, dark chocolate, Holiday Ale, Holiday Fruit Cake Ale, Magnificat, Metroid, monkish, monkish brewing, Nintendo, Samus | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2014 Bourbon Barrel Aged Magnificat by Monkish brewing is a 12.6% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Holiday/Christmas Ale brewed with holiday spices and aged in bourbon barrels.

Description:
Following the traditions of Belgian Noel beers, Magnificat is our first offering of a Christmas beer. Like a Belgian-style strong dark or quadruple ale, this dark beer has a rich, silky malt profile of caramel and roasted malts, rye, and oats, and reveals complementary accents of dark stone fruits and spices from our Belgain yeast. And to create that liquid-Christmas experience, the beer is spiced with clover honey, sweet and orange peels, coriander seed, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Aged in bourbon barrels for 10 months.

==Introduction==

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all in the world. Another year is almost done and more beers to come for next year. Monkish Brewing in Torrance has released it’s, what I believe is, first bourbon barrel aged beer for Christmas. Only 50 cases of this was released to the public so if you want to get your hands on this winter warmer of a quad like dessert, visit them for sure. For being one of those breweries that is specifically inspired by the awesome works of Belgian beers, this is an awesome brewery. Cheers to another year of beers and have a Merry Christmas. Here is to you and your loved ones, Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel, fruit cake, vanilla, hazelnut, pecan pie, coconut cream, toffee, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, brown sugar, molasses, anise hints, banana, clove spice, coriander spice, pumpkin spice, ginger spice, ginger bread, all spice, nutmeg, stone fruit peaches, applies, red velvet cake, Danish cream cookies, port wine hints, marshmallow chocolate smores, almond joys and dark chocolate.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel,oak barrel forward, bourbon, vanilla, flan, cinnamon, rich fruit cake, chocolate cherry cordials, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, almond joy chocolate, maple syrup, coconut, marshmallow, dark chocolate smores, hazelnut, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, bananas, clove spice, allspice, nutmeg, red velvet cake, Danish cream cookies, waffle cone, milk sugars, rock candy, candi sugar, burnt sugars, key lime pie, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apples, coriander spice, ginger bread, molasses, anise hints, brown sugar, toffee, port wine hints, leather notes and tobacco hints.

Aftertaste:
Holiday spices like allspice, nutmeg, bananas, bourbon, pecan pie, dark fruit, fruit cake, gionger bread and bourbon. Some alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors, sipping drinkability, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel and dark crimson full body.

Overall:
Holy cow! This almost feels like drinking a Bruery Barrel Aged beer, like the Black Tuesday. This beer was quite unexpected as I was not sure how much bourbon and oak barrel character I would get and even enough to see if it would have a dramatic effect on the original magnificat. Damn, was I surprised. The richness I would expect from drinking some very epic bourbon barrel beers is right here but the fact that this one is a holiday beer and a Belgian one at that changes the direction this one goes to. IT goes into an awesome holiday direction. It is understandable that this one is limited but this one is one that would do extremely well with age. This is their strongest beer yet at Monkish and is one I truly enjoyed. If you can somehow find this one or if they still have it by the time you read this, get it. Even at 20$ I think it was all the while worth it.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Nintendo’s Metroid series was chosen in this pairing since I wanted to show a Christmas time anime character. However, due to the fact that this was bourbon barrel beer, I had to bring forth a bad ass yet sexy bounty hunter santa. Samus pairs well with the colors since this beer’s label is very bright and colorful pairing with the colors of her original Zero suit but also the background. The light reds and colors of the Christmas lights also pairs with her and the Metroid hiding behind the Christmas bag. The beer is as strong as complex as her character in the variety of Metroid games but she was also one I used with Founder’s KBS. A great pairing to end the 2014 Christmas year.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/237404-1000×1200-metroid-samus+aran-kuroma+%28atapi%29-long+hair-tall+image-light+erotic.jpg

Sriracha Hot Stout Beer by Rogue brewing

December 10, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Stout, Chili Beer, chili pepper, dark chocolate, Huy Fong, Inubashiri Momiji, Rogue, Rogue Ales, rogue brewing, Rogue Farms, Sriracha, Sriracha Beer, Sriracha Hot Stout, Sriracha Huy Fong, Sriracha sauce, SrirachaStout, Touhou Project | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.85/5

Sriracha Hot Stout Beer by Rogue brewing is a 5.7% ABV American Stout brewed with Sriracha Huy Fong hot chili sauce and ripened Rogue Farms ingredients.

Label:
Rogue Rooster Sauce
#SrirachaStout

I Put Sriracha in my Rogue
Dedicated to the Rooster

Rogue Sriracha Hot Stout Beer, made from Huy Fong hot chili sauce and ripened Rogue Farms ingredients, is ready to drink with soup, sauces, pasta, pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, chow mein, or anything you’d like to wash down with a spicy kick.

15° Plato
55 IBU
77AA
118°L

==Introduction==

Yes, another weird beer. AS if the last beer (99 Scorpions) wasn’t already taking it to the upper most limits of just plain damn weird. This beer will be seeing distribution soon but I could not wait and got this from Rogue’s main site. Just like the time I tried the Beard yeast beer or the Chocolate Raspberry Pretzel. Although beard yeast beer was delicious for as weird as it was and so was 99 Scorpions. People love Sriracha and I think bringing the review out just in the nick of time to the masses so they can see if this is good or not was just the right occasion. So get your best Chinese plate out or any food you love this Sriracha on and see if the beer works better with or without food.

Aromas:
Sriracha, garlic, clove spice, dark chocolate, coffee, herbs, soy sauce, tomato sauce, szechuan peppercorns, biscuit bread, clove spice, red tree dried chilies, red bean paste and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Sriracha chili, dark chocolate, roasted coffee notes, herbs, spices, red tree dried chilies, red bean paste, garlic, clove spice, rye bread, tomato sauce, biscuit bread, caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, soy sauce, dark fruit hints, szechuan peppercorns, guajillo peppers, tobacco, roasted peanuts and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Rye, Sriracha sauce, earthy notes, vanilla, coffee, and dark chocolate hints. No alcohol in the taste, creamy mouth feel, sipping drinkiability due to the delicious yet overwhelming flavors and a dark crimson full body.

Overall:
As a Stout, this is very good. With the Sriracha, it is an interesting experiment but nothing too mind blowing. I gave it props on the stout flavors and the fact that this really tastes like a Sriracha bottle. While I love Sriracha, this beer is better drank as a food pairing. The heat is not as intense as other chili beers but after a while, the Sriracha heat will get to you and linger in the back of the throat. The balance of the beer is very good as the stout flavors tries its best to compliment the spiciness of the Sriracha. I think this is worth a try but if you have had Sriracha with food and drank and rich delicious stout, then you pretty much have had this beer. Whether gimmick or not, it really seems more of a novelty item than anything. I would only recommend this if you like Sriracha and Stouts.

Anime Corner:
Inubashiri Momiji from Touhou Series was used in this pairing to pair with the Sriracha beer in many aspects. When I think of heat, I think of fire and dragons. Inubashiri here looks like she has the sauce splattered all over. The heat is represented by her rage. I am not sure what she is possibly killing here but you can assume it is like the heat she spends trying to take down the your tastebuds. Her outfit and the Chinese symbols represents the origin of the great Hot Sauces of China and all their awesome glory. There are so many awesome sauces that some ferment for years and are very expensive. I am sure the basic Sriracha from China is way better than what we typically get everywhere here, but I digress. AS the dragons in the background drip from their mouths looks like blood is like Sriracha dripping as the sauce is HOT! Just like the beer after a while.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1369493

John Paul Jones Stout White Chocolate And Raspberry by Brew Rebellion

December 2, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Imperial Stout, Amy Rose, Blue Raspberries, Brew Rebellion, cherries, Dark Cherries, dark chocolate, Imperial Stout, John Paul Jones Stout, John Paul Jones Stout White Chocolate And Raspberry, Kirin, monster hunter, Raspberry, Sonic The Hedgehog, White Chocolate, White Chocolate Moo-Hoo | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

John Paul Jones Stout White Chocolate And Raspberry by Brew Rebellion is a 10.9% ABV Imperial Stout with White Chocolate and Raspberry flavors.

Descrition:
None

==Introduction==

This beer came as a surprise. I have never seen a white chocolate and raspberry stout before. The closest I have had to white chocolate were the White Chocolate from The Bruery and White Chocolate Moo-Hoo. This is the first time I try a beer from Brew Rebellion and the fact that they had it all nice and waxed, well, let’s just say it appealed to me a lot. So let us check this one out and see how it goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, mocha, roasted , raspberry cheesecake, dark cherries, blue raspberry jolly ranchers, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins, currants, blue berries, molasses, grape jelly on toasted bread, flan hints, crème brulee and marshmallows.

Flavors:
Rich raspberry, Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, White chocolate, vanilla, caramel, raspberry cream, coffee, mocha, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, currants, blue berries, grape jelly on toasted bread, dark cherries, raspberry cheesecake, blue raspberry jolly ranchers, cinnamon, molasses, flan, cherry cola notes, blue raspberry jolly ranchers, dragon fruit, toasted coconut, marshmallows, brown sugar, hazelnut, toffee, crème brulee hints and earthy notes.

Aftertaste:
Raspberry, white and dark chocolate hints, caramel, vanilla, mild Earthy notes and mainly dry finish.
No Alcohol in the taste, pitch black body, light yet creamy mouthfeel, Way too easy to drink that it is dangerous.

Overall:
I agree it to be a perfect stout. I really wish it had more body and complexity to it, but just as is, the flavors it does have are full frontal. Meaning that you do get a very direct raspberry and dark chocolate flavor with some white chocolate suggested. While the white chocolate is in there but kind of hidden at first, let the beer warm up to released it better. Afterward, that is what I base my rating on. This beer could be drunk all day which is dangerous as it is way too easy to drink. I highly recommend trying this one, This beer definitely fits as the “Chocolate Gift” category and might be good for a valentines gift too.

Anime Corner:
Kirin and Amy Rose from Monster Hunter and the Sonic Franchise were used in this pairing because I wanted to bring about the aspect of how the colors relate to the flavors of White Chocolate and Raspberry creating like pink milky color. While the beer itself is dark, like the dark chocolate, this is only one of the flavors. Since it is easy to drink, and a sweet dessert, it is just like giving chocolate as a gift for valentines. I liked the idea for sure.

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2011-11-24-454433.jpeg
http://www.zerochan.net/1366995
http://yukisisren.deviantart.com/art/Lollipop-459452933

Velvet Mocha Merlin by Firestone Walker

November 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged chocolate chip cookies, cocoa nibs, Coffee Beans, dark chocolate, Firestone Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Firestone winter pack, Intelligentsia Coffee, Legend of Zelda, Midna, milk Chocolate, Oatmeal Stout, Twili Midna, Twilight Princess, Velvet Merlin, Velvet Mocha Merlin | Leave a comment

Rating: 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

Abundance by Renaissance brewing

November 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Abundance, Asmodeus, Baltic Cherry Porter, Baltic Porter, cherries, dark chocolate, Holiday Baltic Porter, Lust, New Zealand beer, Renaissance brewing, The Seven Deadly Sins | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Abundance by Renaissance brewing is a 7.6% ABV Baltic Porter brewed with cherries.

Label:
A hybrid of English Porter and Russian Imperial Stout, Baltic Porters are full bodied and smooth, with rich malt flavours. Abundance is brewed with cherries and this helps accentuate the sweetness of the eleven different malts that we used in the mash. The result is a robust, dark beer with exceptional smoothness, less burnt characters than traditional porters and a mellow cherry finish. Abundance is a perfect pairing for a kiwi barbecue, with an iron curtain influence: venin rye bread

==Introduction==

A Baltic porter from Marlborough New Zealand. I cannot recall if I ever had had a New Zealand beer before, but what this says it has to offer, I was definitely intrigued with the find. I honestly chose this on a whim since I was doing other beer purchases online and I needed to get another beer to finish my order. This one intrigued me since not only was it a regular porter, but a Baltic one at that. The addition of cherries, well, that just added to how much I wanted to try it. I cannot recall if this will be my first review for a New Zealand beer, but this is a new review here on the site for Renaissance brewing. Cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, milk chocolate, dark cherries, cherry cordials, marshmallow hints, soy sauce, molasses, anise, mint chocolate, brown sugar, Dr. Pepper Cherry hints, vanilla, caramel flan hints, rye bread, pecan pie hints, hazelnut, soy sauce and dark fruit raisins.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, coffee, cherry cordials, dark fruit raisins, dark cherry, currants, black berries, mild rye bead, marshmallow, mild roasty hints, milk sugar, soy sauce hints, mocha hints, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, hazelnut nectar, vanilla, Dr. Pepper Cherry hints, anise, Irish cream and mint chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Mild Roasty coffee, milk sugar, rye bread, dark fruit, dark cherry yogurt hints and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full body dark crimson body, easy to drink, smooth and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
I could find myself drinking this all day. So much rich flavors and yet so damn smooth. For those that don’t want a super boozy chocolate cherry beer, this fits the bill right here. Lots of flavor complexity with rich sweetness and not overwhelming booziness. Yeah I think I really like this one a lot that I will definitely pick this one up again. Not just worth one try, but several. Especially since all the other great cherry chocolate beers are sometimes harder to find.

Anime Corner:
Asmodeus (Lust) from Seven Deadly Sins was used in this pairing to represent Abundance. Abundance in the sense that this is liquid pleasure to your taste buds. It’s a guilty pleasure. A cherry chocolate and dark fruit guilty pleasure of a beer. This Asmodeus isn’t evil, she only is by name and association with sin. She is very sweet and very approachable and as you can see, there is an Abundance of her to go around. So give her a try, you may like this devil’s water.

Sources:
http://enjelia.deviantart.com/art/7-Deadly-Sins-Asmodeus-394843440

2014 Darkness by Surly brewing

November 15, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Black Magic, Bourbon Barrel Aged, dark chocolate, Evil, harpy, High West Rye Whiskey Barrels, Kill-LA-Kill, Lord of Darkness, milk Chocolate, passion fruit, Russian Imperial Stout, Rye Whiskey Barrels, Ryuko Matoi, Ryuoko Matoi, Surly Brewing, Surly Darkness 2014 | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.2/5

2014 Darkness by Surly brewing is a 10.4% ABV Russian Imperial Stout aged in High West Rye Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
Covet the Darkness
The legendary Harpy tortured unwary travelers by stealing their precious food and drink. This year’s cruel creature defends her cauldron of Darkness with razor claws and a dead stare of malevolence. Don’t mess with her Darkness.

She’s hoarding this massively opaque barrel aged Stout screaming with notes of chocolate, coffee, dried tart cherries, vanilla, rye whisky and raisins. The thick body of this Russian Imperial Stout finishes sweet, with a piney resinous hop character.

Dare if you will to open the bottle and steal from the imagination of our 2014 Darkness artist, Erica Williams.

See more at: http://mnbeer.com/2014/07/29/darkness-2014-artwork-from-erica-williams/#sthash.HpMuBrV3.dpuf

Omar Ansari
Todd Haug
___

As Rick James would say: Darkness… darkness is spreading, black, midnight, evil, black magic, raw darkness and cold as ice. This beer is all that and more and especially since this year’s version is barrel aged. The 2013 was insane too but to try this one, well let’s just say this one may only be better than the original but we will definitely have to see how dark this beer goes and if we can even come out of this evil beer alive. Either way, maybe you should still consider getting this one even if don’t read further. The Devil’s water is pretty sweet!

Aromas:
Rich bananas, old matured bananas, rich mango, rich matured bananas, plantains, oranges citrus, grapefruit, papaya, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, dulce de leche caramel, molasses, whiskey, oak , vanilla, rye bread on black berry toast, leather, tobacco, anise, mint, stone fruit, peaches, apricots, flan, sweetened condensed milk lechera, dragon fruit, passion fruit, guava, honey, brown sugar, pecan pie, marshmallow smores, toasted coconut and molasses.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, plantains, whipped cream, pecan pie, rich matured bananas, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, chocolate covered mango, vanilla, oak, bourbon, whiskey, leather, tobacco, toasted bread on blackberry jam , dulce de leche caramel, oak, rye bread , dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, mocha, roasted coffee, brown sugar, cherry Dr. pepper, rocky road ice cream, maple syrup, stone fruit peaches and cream, molasses, grapefruit, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, citrus, oranges, flan, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, anise, raspberries, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, toasted coconut, flan, earthy notes, mild rum, brandy, almond joy, pecan pie, herbs, fruit cake, sweetened condensed milk lechera, brown sugar and honey.

Aftertaste:
Very rich banana, dark chocolate, mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, Earthy notes, dulce de leche, vanilla, oak, bourbon, whiskey rye bread, dark fruits like raisins, blackberry preserves, leather, coconut, dark cherries, fruit cake, pecan pie and more! No alcohol In the taste despite it’s ambiguity, smooth and silky yet syrupy mouthfeel, dangerously easy to drink but should be sipping, pitch black body beyond the chaos and unseen realms of dimensional dark existence.

Overall:
If the original wasn’t as awesome, how about aging it in some really nice High West Rye Whiskey Barrels to amplify this one into further realms of taste, smell and overall, beer experience. This one just kept pushing and pushing and pushing deeper and deeper into the abyss of flavors to the point where I was not sure if I got everything I tasted. All I knew was just how damn great this was. I am sure the 2014 Dark Lord Barrel Aged would do just the same but that Barrel aging surely brought it to the new level that mainly says to really search this one out. It is no joke. It is damn good.

Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill LA Kill was used once again in this special pairing. One of my favorite anime girls makes her return in her evil form. In the show, when she is brainwashed, she is forced to wear Junketsu which is that white uniform she has making her way stronger than her original form and pure evil. There is a lot of blood spilled when they try to fight her and her spilling of blood and tearing up a wedding dress is like that of the harpy in the label. She is sweet but she is not so forgiving in this form. While this is not her ultimate form, which she becomes more of an angel, this fits the evil in her heart when she really lost her way and even in the darkness, there is still hope and that is why this beer is very rich and sweet.

Sources:
https://33.media.tumblr.com/0a86c14eface4524e9646bd1a90dd8e2/tumblr_n88xbb0JFw1qfb777o5_500.jpg
http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2014/34/1408797252-sample-4000c119b28b5aecc2ae23c16a292504.jpg

Stone Smoked Porter with Chocolate & Orange Peel by Stone brewing

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

Rating: 4.25/5

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

Label:
We decided early on that we wouldn’t do seasonal beers for the sake of doing seasonal beers. Summer ales and winter lagers certainly have a ring to them. Big-beer focus groups prove consumers get a kick out of them, and macrobrew marketing analysis suggest they sell well. But for us, beer comes first, much as Stone Smoked Porter came first. Actually, it came second—oddly enough, in the form of a seasonal. Our co-founder and original brewmaster, Steve Wagner, thought it would be an innovative, warming creation suited for winter…and it was. Legend has it Greg’s mom agreed. But rather than relegating fans to nine peat-smoked-porterless months and building revenue-generating fervor for the cold season, we made it a year-round release. Nowadays, we brew a trio of tasty takes on this smoky, sultry vanguard. But the closest they come to being “seasonals” is that they are enhanced with seasonally driven ingredients such as vanilla bean and chipotle peppers. This version, released in the literally gray area separating sunshine and snowfall, incorporates dark chocolate and dried orange peel, making for a semisweet, citrus-nuanced porter that comes across like a break-apart chocolate orange enjoyed by a campfire. It’s not a seasonal—it’s just a phenomenal beer, regardless of the time of year. Throw out the calendar and enjoy.
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Stone has been coming out with some interesting beers lately. The Stone Smoked porter variants have been some that taste pretty good and really go down well. Nothing too overwhelming but nice notes and flavors. Now this one being their 2014 Fall release, it is interesting as I do not see how chocolate and oranges can work together especially since this one is light to moderate on ABV. Then again I have been surprised many times. Let us take a look and see. You can get this one where ever they sell stone beers now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Itasca Loonidragon by Clown Shoes brewing

November 15, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Asada Shino, Blaecorn Unidragon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, Clown Shoes Brewing, dark chocolate, Itasca Loonidragon, Neliel, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Russian Imperial Stout, Sinon, Sword Art Online II, unidragon | 1 Comment

Rating: 5.5/5

Itasca Loonidragon by Clown Shoes brewing is a 14.5% Russian Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Itasca Loonidragon the beer is Blaecorn Unidragon aged in bourbon barrels. Itasca Loonidragon the label depicts a new creature, a gentle monster, the get of a unidragon mated with a giant norther loon, drinking peacefully from the headwater of the Mississippi River.
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Released only in Minnesota, very few online places will carry this beer and unless you know someone who is willing to trade something for this one is most likely the only way to get this one. Since the previous beers, the Unidragon itself has not been released bourbon barrel aged so the fact that Minnesota gets this one is pretty awesome. I have yet to try Ohio Unidragon which is the regular Unidragon with special ingredients. The awesome Texas one was made with special Texas ingredients. I can only assume that this one uses Minnesota bourbon or something. I tried finding more info about this unfortunately I could not in terms of what it is made with. If you know, please leave me a comment below. So let us see what this fine creature has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich bourbon, oak, smokey notes, earthy notes, rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate hints, dark fruits like currants, blackberries, raisin and cherries, coconut hints, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, mocha, brown sugar, mint, anise, molasses, pipe tobacco and mocha.

Flavors:
Bourbon Rocky road ice cream up front, lots of oak, dark chocolate, semi sweet Bakers chocolate, coconut, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, marshmallow smores, dark fruits like raisins, cherries, currants and blackberries, pipe tobacco, flan hints, burnt sugar, brown sugar, banana notes, pecan pie, earthy notes, mocha, molasses, anise, licorice and mint chocolate chip.

Aftertaste:
Finishing slightly dry with some Oak, dark chocolate, marshmallow smores, smokey notes, earthy notes, and mild dark fruit. Slight boozyness that is mainly hidden by the complex flavors, silky smooth mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black night body with very little head retention.

Overall:
Surely exceeding expectations by several notches. The predominant aspect of the beer is the oak followed by the rich and sweet complexities but there is a good amount of earthy and roasted bitterness here to make stuff alittle more balanced. This goes down really well only hinting at the fact that it is 14.5% ABV afterall. Surely ofcourse, would I recommend it. If you cannot find it, that is okay but if you do, this one is awesome!

Anime Corner:
Asada Shino/Sinon from Sword Art Online II was used in this pairing to basically play at Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck but a more innocent version of her. I used Nelliel as the original Unidragon and she stuck around for the longest time so I figured I wanted to do something different but pay tribute to her green hair or a character that kind of resembles her. Sinon is an up and coming character that many fans of the show Sword Art Online like so I figure, new beer, new character. The fact that she is a bad ass in the show but also all the colors pair super super well with the colors in the label of the Itasca Loonidragon. It works very awesomely!

Sources:
http://mythicxgamer.deviantart.com/art/Sinon-Wallpaper-460056006

7 Swans A Swimming by The Bruery

October 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 7 Swans A Swimming, Abbey Ale Quadrupel, Belgian Abbey Quadrupel, Belgian Quad, Belgian Quadruple, brown sugar, christmas beer, dark chocolate, Dulce de leche, Hatsune Miku, pecan pie, Raspberries, Swans A Swimming, The Bruery, Twelve Beers of Christmas, Twelve days of Christmas, Twelve Days of Christmas series, vocaloid, WÆS HÆIL | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.35/5

7 Swans A Swimming by The Bruery is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadruple.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

The Seventh Verse of Out Twelve Days of Christmas series of beers showcases the rich, malty character of a Belgian-style quadrupel. Happy Holidays.

7 Swans-A-Swimming is suitable for aging up to 5 years (soon after the release of 12 Drummers Drumming) when cellared properly.
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The Bruery has recently released their latest Christmas beer to the public and should be hitting many locations publicly where they sell The Bruery beers. I was unable to see if there was any special ingredients used in this beer to make it unique from the last aside from being a Belgian Quad. I love Belgian Quads so typically, these beers fit the Christmas or Holiday times. Overall, this set of Twelve days of Christmas beers have been very good overall but I would definitely like to see what this one is about. So let us take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Pure dark fruit ll over the place with raisins, plums, figs, currants, raspberries, dark cherries, blueberries, prunes, dulce de leche caramel, anise, molasses, licorice, oats, blueberry muffins, port wine hints, pecan pie, dark candi sugars, rock candy, dark chocolate, flan, spicy nutmeg, toffee, banana and clove spice.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruit like raisins, plums, figs, currants, blueberries raspberries, dark cherry yogurt, grapes, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugars, rock candy, licorice, anise, molasses, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cherry cordial, spicy nutmeg, toffee, butterscotch, brown sugar, clove spice, bananas, flan, cinnamon, all spice, vanilla, oatmeal, blueberry muffins, maple, bananas, clove spice, rye, port wine, pecan pie and Rhubarb ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Deep dark fruits like cherries, raspberries, grapes, nutmeg, cinnamon, dulce de leche, and pecan pie hints left over. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full body, smooth to silky mouthfeel yet a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect Quad with deep complexity and rich flavors. This one definitely reminded me of the Apophatic or at least one like the one Monkish brewing had a while back. Rich with a bigger dose of dark fruit that the previous beers have not shown. More of a dark fruit complexity forward character for sure while still reminding you that his is a quadrupel after all. Some of the Christmas spices are there as a means of support to remind you of what great Holiday ales are all about. It is not the biggest beer in the series but it definitely is up there with the best. Definitely get 2 to savor one now and another for the 12th release!

Anime Corner:
Hatsune Miku and the Vocaloid Team was used in this pairing as I wanted to do 7 characters but also in the sense of swimming, they definitely are swimming in a sea of chaos as they seem to be on the hunt for something important but also trying to survive and keep their heads afloat. Some dangers present themselves near by. May not be Christmas like but the purpose of this beer for Christmas is to bring people together and it seems like 7 characters together is just the trick to do it. Together they will survive another day. The flavor complexities of the beer, the colors of the labels and the aspect of staying together like a flock of swans are surely displayed in this pairing.

Sources:
http://images2.alphacoders.com/112/112140.jpg