2017 Black Tuesday – Port by The Bruery

Rating: 7/7

2017 Black Tuesday – Port by The Bruery is a 17.8% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon barrels and port wine barrels.

The economy fluctuates. The latest fads inevitably decline. Black Tuesday stands the test of time. This rare release of our storied imperial stout was aged in port wine barrels, adding vinous undertones with notes of berries and chocolate to our favorite day of the week.

Chocoaky Mustaberries….

2017 Chocolate Rain by the Bruery

Rating 6/6
 
2017 Chocolate Rain by the Bruery is an 19.6% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with TCHO Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.
Essentially the Bruery’s Black Tuesday with Cocoa Nibs and Vanilla Beans. I have reviewed this many times but I still like doing pairings with one of my favorite characters from Bleach, Yoruichi Shihouin. This year with the release of the Chocolate Rain sign, it was a perfect occasion for another pairing. Cheers!
 

Speedway Stout by Alesmith

Rating: 5/5
Speedway Stout by Alesmith is a 12% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with coffee.

While I have reviewed this beer in the past, I wanted to bring the dark wheel Rim looking can which fits perfectly with the whole racing aspect. Check out my old review here.
https://animebeers.com/2013/04/19/speedway-stout-by-alesmith/


2016 PB & Thursday by The Bruery

15776741_10103862749006990_6698935212221744422_oRating: 7/7* Final Review of 2016

2016 PB & Thursday by The Bruery is a 19.8% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Peanut Flour.

Label:
SAMMICH

We claim the days of the week Sparingly With this release , we spread it on thick. This is our kind of Thursday.

Check The Forecast, down a cup of coffee, grab your backpack and pack something special to enjoy later on. Might we suggest this bottle? It is Thursday, after all. PB & Thursday – a peanuty variant of Black Tuesday. It won’t stick to the roof of your mouth, but it will impart layers of peanut butter character and bourbon-laced fudge notes to our storied imperial stout.
==Introduction==
15724584_10103862748772460_2922315123610865372_o
Released to the Hoarders Society only, I had to reach out to my sources and definitely pull some beer leverage for this one. There was no way I could not pass up on this one and well, things paid off and now I have the next edition to the Weekday Series from The Bruery here to the site. For this being the last beer of 2016, it is only fitting. I did Grey Monday as the last beer of 2012 when I first started posting to my website. 4 years later and a new Weekday addition has come. This time, the Bruery has decided to add a Peanut butter beer as their Weekday. Peanut butter has really been exploding in the craft beer industry and I can’t blame them. Ever since Karl Strauss Peanut Butter Cup and Terrapin Liquid Bliss, it has been a damn staple in some of the best beers. Heck, even my first Experimental Bourbon Barrel aged Imperial Stout was made with peanut butter. Granted, some breweries add peanut butter flavoring and other manage to add real peanut butter or powdered peanut butter, the Bruery went with Peanut flour. I actually added something similar called PB2 to my brew, a ton of it! Also, the Bruery has made a peanut butter beer before called Elvis Tuesday which was Peanut Butter and Bananas. They also made one called PB & J which was peanut butter powder and boysenberry puree. I think with this however, the emphasis on more of a peanut and chunky peanut butter beer, they decided to go with peanut flour. This is definitely quite the honor and specially a great way to end this year. For many it has been decent but over all its been up and down. Let’s have a beer and celebrate for a better tomorrow! Cheers for another year of Anime and Beer reviews!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, Peanut brittle, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla, marshmallow, bourbon, Reese’s pieces peanut butter cups, Nutter Butter Cookies, Capn’ Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch cereal, roasted peanuts, Cocoa Krispies, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, pomegranates, crème brulee, flan, sweetened condensed milk hints, Rocky Road Ice cream, chocolate mousse, peanut butter and chocolate chip ice cream, Bananas, and clove spice.

Flavors:
Rich Reese’s pieces peanut butter cups, Nutter Butter Cookies, peanut brittle, roasted peanuts, peanut butter fudge, Capn’ Crunch Peanut butter crunch, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, peanut butter and chocolate smores, Cocoa Krispies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Baker’s Chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolates, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, pomegranates, flan, dulce de leche caramel, cotton candy, Irish Cream, Danish Cream, molasses, anise, maple syrup, rocky road ice cream, graham crackers, peanut butter cereal, port wine, crème brulee, tobacco, leather, mocha, Bananas, clove spice, oreo cookies, coffee cake, hazelnut nectar, toffee, piloncillo sugar cone, waffle cone, peanut butter chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butterscotch, almond joy coconut,peanut butter chocolate mousse, 3 leches/ 3 Milks cake, sweetened condensed milk and pecan pie.
15799962_10103862748547910_301829789660959421_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing Rich in dark fruit, peanut butter, dark chocolate, marshmallows, oak, bourbon, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter fudge and Reese’s peanut butter chocolate and rocky road ice cream. Slight booziness but mainly sweetness in the aftertaste and not even detracting from the flavors. Crimson Dark full body, velvety, smooth, creamy, syrupy and chewey mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability. Although there was times I wanted to just drink it all in one sitting.
15723661_10103862748722560_3005726543663622063_o
Overall:
An Exceptional, Grandiose and supremely delicious addition the series of great beers. A bucket lister simply because I am a nut for peanut butter. This beer, just like Grey Monday did for Hazelut, Chocolate Rain for Chocolate, Wineification for Wine, Mocha Wednesday for Coffee, White Chocolate for Vanilla and Chocolate, this brand new day takes everything I loved about peanut butter and brings it full force. This is not peanut butter flavoring in any way. This is as close to real peanuts, roasted peanuts and real peanut butter as it gets. It definitely is closer to my peanut butter home brew but also the Sweep The Leg Peanut Butter Stout I got from my friend Aaron Mendiola in Texas. However, it is like take that peanut butter and the Gods of the universe named Black Tuesday rose you up to the heavens and said from this day forth, you are now, PB & Thursday. I’m sure it was damn magical when they finally decided to promote the Black Tuesday to become a new day of the week. They chose damn right. This special beer is definitely righteous to hold its place as such. I am hoping we see a release of this next year for us Reserve members as well as Preservation members, this one is definitely one for the book and one I recommend you try it especially if you are Black Tuesday.
15800501_10103862748552900_7751885438240537640_o15723500_10103862749106790_8650566737244460625_o
End of The Year Statement:
I want to thank each and every one of you who have made this year special. Not just for keeping up with these wacky reviews, sometimes mistyped words and overall defender of many beers where people rate beers too harshly. I thank you for getting this far if you are new to the site or even been a fan for years. To all my readers, lovers, haters, Facebook, Untappd, SomethingAwful.com linkers and Twitter followers, regardless, thank you so much. I really appreciate the love and support from everyone and all the breweries that have contributed to my site growth, to my friend Aaron Mendiola from BeerMetalDude.com, to my fellow homebrew brothers, to the BeerBumz and to you, the reader, lover of beer and anime, KANPAI!
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Anime Corner:
Emeralda Kasim from Xenogears was chosen in this review as I wanted to a make favorite character part of the awesome Bruery series. You see, KOS-MOS is the original Black Tuesday for Xenosaga/Xenogears. Rukia Kutchiki who I chose for Grey Monday was from Bleach, same as Yoruichi Shihouin who I chose for Chocolate Rain. Temari is my favorite top from Naruto and I chose White Chocolate. So for Mocha Wednesday, my next favorite who fit perfectly with the colors was Konan from Naruto as well. So that being said, I had not chosen another favorite character from the Xeno series aside from my top which was KOS-MOS. So that is when I decided to go with Emeralda. She is a hidden character and one of the most powerful in the game. Some might argue, she is the KOS-MOS of that series subsection as she is an experiment. KOS-MOS is an advanced cybernetic android, Emeralda is a shape shifting biological weapon that grows up later in the series. So, it was definitely a fit for this beer. You can easily tell I was going for colors of the label as well as colors of the flavors with crimson and and peanut butter colors representing Emeralda. The green of her hair is like that of the origin of peanuts, green. Essentially, this beer is like remembering one’s roots. Like Peanuts remember their green origin, one remembers the Black Tuesday origin and this special beer here will forever be that… very special, like Emeralda!
15732282_10103862748542920_6323669210375361343_o15775068_10103862748977050_7527463939824425408_o
Sources:
http://img1.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/full/Anime-xenogears-emeralda-kasim-583773.jpeg
http://static.zerochan.net/Emeralda.Kasim.full.872819.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Emeralda.Kasim.full.334009.jpg
http://charaud.com/wp-content/uploads/xenogears/emeralda_kasim01_03.jpg
http://i4.pixiv.net/c/1200×1200/img-master/img/2016/06/12/17/47/01/57362703_p0_master1200.jpg
http://orig15.deviantart.net/80c6/f/2015/201/6/3/emeralda_by_pechan-d91veif.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/X6dbA2V.jpg

2016 Black Tuesday by the Bruery

15272137_10103762843787850_209466532052137557_oRating: 6/6

2016 Black Tuesday by the Bruery is an 20.3% ABV World Class Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

I have reviewed this one many times 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/2015/12/05/2015-black-tuesday-by-the-bruery/
15194508_10103762843708010_447239297119393673_o15288571_10103762843717990_1371161279096156877_o15289346_10103762843713000_3529090907019812196_o

2016 Chocolate Rain by the Bruery

2016 Chocolate Rain – Essentially the Bruery’s Black Tuesday with Cocoa Nibs and Vanilla Beans. I have reviewed this one many times so I figure this year, I leave it to a previous review to take care of the recommendation. Cheers!
 
14425281_10103584086264360_3762834832105378089_o

2015 Black Tuesday by the Bruery

12309882_10102947569723610_7774252941769384627_o 12314436_10102947570362330_5423856665918902959_oRating: 6/6

2015 Black Tuesday by the Bruery is an 19.9% ~20%ABV World Class Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
NEW DEAL

I cannot help but raise a dissenting voice to statements that we are living in a fool’s paradise, and that prosperity in this country must necessarily diminish and recede in the near future.” – E.H.H. Simmons, President, NYSE, January 1928

Black Tuesday 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==

So we reached yet another year of the Bruery’s finest. Such a great year and the strongest Black Tuesday yet at 19.9% ABV. I might as well just call it a 20% ABV beer as there is not point in being accurate. This is going to be my final Black Tuesday review (Or at least the regular Black Tuesday). I have enjoyed this favorite countless times and I think it is finally time to put the continuous review of this beer away regardless if it gets stronger. Maybe I’ll put a small blurb somewhere, Who knows. If you want to get your hands on this limited release, you will have to do 1 of 3 things. First, if it is still the month of November, sign up for the 4th quarter preservation society, sign up for the Reserve society, or win the Bruery’s lottery for Black Tuesday which they do every October, or at least that is what they have been doing. Other than those 3, trading or buying online in the secluded beer stores, you may get lucky to get this one. At this rate, this beer should not be consumed in one sitting unless you know what your are doing lol. Either way, I don’t have to mention what I have already mentioned many times before, this beer is supremely phenomenal. So here’s to the future and more Black Tuesday being available to the masses one day! Cheers!

Aromas:
Oak, Bourbon, dark fruits raisins, figs, prunes, bananas, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Belgian Chocolates, clove spice, Vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, molasses, anise, toffee, Three Milks/Tres Leches cream, port wine hints, brown sugar, leather, mint, tobacco, mint, Irish cream, agave syrup, candi sugar, rock candy, pecan pie, flan, crème brulee, pudding, graham cracker smores, coconut, smokey notes, choco flan, Kahlua, marshmallows, coffee hints and piloncillo.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Oak, Bourbon, Vanilla Dulce De Leche Caramel, Three Milks/Tres Leches cream, Rich Bananas, Grilled Bananas, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, cherries, raspberries, flan, leche nestle/sweetened condenced milk, choco flan, brown sugar, mocha hints, coffee, Khalua Liquer, Irish and Danish cream, Oreo cookies and cream, Toffee, Piloncillo Sugar Cone, Cotton candy, marshmallows, toasted coconut hints, tobacco, leather, cinnamon, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, molasses, anise, mint, maple syrup, almond joy, rocky road icecream, crème brulee, clove spice, port wine notes, graham crackers, waffle cone ice cream, butterscotch, black cherries, chocolate cheese cake, mousse chocolate dessert and pancho pantera chocolate powder.

Aftertaste:
Immense lingering flavors of Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hazelnut hints, marshmallow, dark fruits, dulce de leche, vanilla, oak, bourbon, pecan pie, coconut hints, tres leches cake, chocolate cake, cherry cordial hints and gooey brownies. Strange, despite the highest ABV this beer has been, the boozy aspect has diminished more than it’s previous incarnations. Remains a beyond pitch black deliciousness of a full body. Velvety, silky, syrupy, smooth and rich creamy mouthfeel, and still a sipping drinkability. Very much the balanced and KOS-MOSly/Orderly beer.

Overall:
Oh how I am going to miss dissecting this beer. It has been a long time phenomenal favorite of mine but since I have reviewed it many times again and again, it is time I make this one the last one. I have said many times over and over what this beer is capable and while many states have their versions of that one Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout that always becomes coveted by masses, Black Tuesday will always be a staple of being one of my most favorite beers of all time. It’s variants have even paired with some of my other favorite anime characters. The future of newer beers to come that are also variants I will save.
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Anime Corner: tl;dr
As being my final Black Tuesday Review (Like I haven’t done it enough!) This time I bring forth the KOS-MOS Plushy I got back in 2005. Yes it is an old plushie but I keep the favorites stored safely. I think I did such a great job of pairing Kos-mos from the several beer reviews back that I wanted to bring the 2013 Anime corner below. Also, the 20% goes along with the second picture where she is holding the world on her fin. As to who is Kos-mos, see below:

KOS-MOS or (Kosmos Obey Strategical Multiple Operation Systems), from the series Xenosaga is one of my Four most favorite characters in anime. She was chosen for this particular beer in 2012 to go along with some of my most favorite beers of all time. In terms of who she is is representative of how bad ass this beer is. To me, Black Tuesday is representative of a crash (the stock market) which brings about chaos. Polar to chaos is order or cosmos. While there is is a mess among chaos, there is always a glimmer of hope that will restore the balance to the universe, and that is order or KOS-MOS. In other reviews I have reviewed her character when it comes to the divine and holy (The Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Mayan Judgment, Angel Share, Sede Vacante and even Sam Adams Tetravis). In the game, SPOILER ALERT She is Mary Magdalene’s vessel for which Kaos (Another Xenosaga character) is Jesus Christ respectively. Yeah, the spoiler may not make sense but there are many websites ready to explain. Anyways, Black Tuesday label, although hard to see holds some shiny blue but also some shiny brown. The blue part represents KOS-MOS for me and the brown is the sweet chocolate. Once you find out how sweet and understanding this character is, it makes a world of a difference which is why Black Tuesday makes a world of a difference to me. Although the cold harsh reality of her initial computational robotical android form may seem a bit cold when the series first started. Not to mention the fact that she is a definitely over powered character, which may be the alcohol and the fact that this beer should not be consumed in one sitting. She should be enjoyed slowly. The artwork also represents Black Tuesday as the dark matter of space, the upper frontiers of awesomeness and good beer. Tuesday is just another cycle of the stars, y Kos-mos es otra chiquita mia, love ya!!

Sources:
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs49/i/2012/337/8/9/the_firebird_suite_by_melficexd-d23or7w.jpg
http://img01.deviantart.net/8c5b/i/2012/166/4/b/synthetik_kosmos_by_einheit00-d53n9lr.jpg

Gypsy Tart by The Bruery Terreux

11947972_10102795643824330_5746651540304252918_oRating: 5.5/6

Gypsy Tart by The Bruery Terreux is an 8.4% ABV Flemish Brown Ale.

Commercial Description:
Gypsy Tart is a Flanders-style brown ale with a California touch. A beer that can trace it’s origins to Great Britain, but more famously perfected in western Belgium, has been updated through our own modern techniques, delivering the sweet body and mildly tart finish that has won over numerous generations of beer drinkers in Europe. Our rendition of this wonderful beer style is perfect for both sour beer amateurs and advocates alike.

==Introduction==

Gypsy Tart, named after the evaporated milk pastry from England, is what this beer is based off. A dessert beer/sour. The last time I had something like this could be the Window Sill or “Rhubarb Pie” beer. This beer was released to Reserve Society members and you may have to try and trade for this one as I am not sure if the Bruery will release it to the public. Either way, a dessert pie like beer? Damn right, sign me up! Cheers!

Aromas:
Wine grapes, funky must, dark fruit raisins, cherries, cherry skins, Currant, figs, sweet purple yams, Chocolate, Blackberry cobbler, cherry cobbler, blackberry marzipan, lemons, port wine, weetened condensed milk, blackberry yogurt, coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, grape sugar, muscavado sugar, candy sugar, concord grapes, flan hints, hazelnut nectar and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Dark Fruit Currant, figs, sweet purple yams, Blackberry cobbler, cherry cobbler, blackberry marzipan, grapes, gypsy tart pie, sweetened condensed milk, blackberry yogurt, coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, grape sugar, muscavado sugar, candy sugar, concord grapes, flan hints, rock candy, coconut, toffee, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, marzipan, almond fudge, rye bread, Danish cookies, lemon peel, tart citrus, oranges, lychee fruit, port wine, chocolate notes, piloncillo sugar cone, raisin bread pudding and Danish cream.

Aftertaste:
Grapes, hazelnut, blackberry yogurt, pecan pie, Blackberry cobbler, caramel, rye bread, raisn bread pudding and wine grapes. No alcohol in the taste, Blood Red and Brown Medium to Full Body, silky, smooth, creamy and syrupy mouth feel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Possibly the best Flesmish Brown Ale I have ever had. Another exceptional balanced sweet and sour beer. This time, the interesting malty sweetness along with the tart sourness balances out making this a more sweeter beer. Somehow, their special recipe of a beer is hard to mimic. How can they make a dessert beer from a sour? Well, Belgian beers will show that it has been done and it can be done. The Bruery, being a Belgian inspired experimental brewery has shown this to the case many times. So for them to come up with a recipe that fits that aspect of sour and dessert at the same time, it nothing short of amazing. Unfortunately, when I got this, I had no idea what a Gypsy Tart was. Now that I know, I will have to wait some time as I cannot get anymore bottles of this. It was so damn good!

Anime Corner:
Zone-Tan from the Zone Archive Series was used in this pairing mainly for the color of the labels but also all the dark fruit and dessert flavors I was able to get from this beer. The whole dark fruit, purple yammy, yogurt, pie beer was definitely hitting so much of my taste buds, it was like how Zone tan looks in this picture. So damn attractive and Sexy lil’ pinup woman in a purple sweater. Yes, this was a real dessert.

Sources:
http://img0.reactor.cc/pics/comment/full/Zone-tan-Tarakanovich-Anime-Art-Anime-1714070.jpeg

Beer Geek Dessert by Mikkeller brewing

11949267_10102795641583820_7532314894011161585_n 10592632_10102795641928130_5431763273725377053_nRating: 6/6

Beer Geek Dessert by Mikkeller brewing is an 11% ABV Oatmeal Stout brewed with Cocoa and Vanilla.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
From the beer geek breakfast series – the beer that really put Mikkeller on the map – we added cocoa and vanilla to the french press coffee trick, creating a whole new dimension to the beer that are loved by freaks and geeks worldwide. It’s dark, dangerous, sweet and incredibly tasty as you would expect, but most of all; it’s ready to conquer your breakfast table routines.

==Introduction==

Mikkeller released a Beer Geek breakfast beer once again. While I have avoided them due to the fact that unless you live by the brewery in Europe, this stuff can get insane and expensive (talking 10$+ for a 12oz bottle) then avoid it altogether especially those on a budget like me. However, I could not get away from this one. The Mikkeller beer called kept calling me back to try this beer. To try it over and over again until I said fuck it! I am going to get this beer Now that I finally have it, I need to see if all the fuss in my mind was definitely worth it and please the beer gods for sure. Let us check it out, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy Ice cream, Rich vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, milk shake chocolate, Coffee, mocha, rocky road ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, maple, candi sugar, roasted coffee grounds, earthy hop notes, rich doughnuts, flan, Danish cream, Irish cream, oreo cookies, sweetened condensed milk, Chocolate Cherry cordials, candi sugar, rock candy, marzipan dark fruit cherries, currants, blackberries, oatmeal cookies, lactose milk sugar, pecan pie and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy Ice cream, Rich vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, milk shake chocolate, Coffee, mocha, roasted coffee grounds, earthy hop notes, rich doughnuts, flan, dark fruit cherries, currants, blackberries, oatmeal cookies, lactose milk sugar, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rocky road ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, maple, candi sugar, Turkish Delights (the way I imagined them in my head), Danish cream, Irish cream, oreo cookies, sweetened condensed milk, Chocolate Cherry cordials, candi sugar, rock candy, marzipan and chocolate mousse.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee grounds, rich marshmallow, cotton candy ice cream, doughnuts, sprinkles
No alcohol in the taste despite the high ABV, Sipping drinkability, pitch black dark full body, and finally smooth, syrupy, creamy, luscious and velvety mouth feel.

Overall:
Holy Cotton Candy Batman! This is a different type of dessert altogether. I have no idea what kind of cocoa or vanilla they are using in this beer but damn, It truly is a major major dessert pointing in the Cotton candy and chocolate direction. As hard as it was to describe what type of sweetness it was at first, this beer for being so small packs so much variety of flavor that is hard to mimic. I have not tried anything like this even if they use cocoa and vanilla there has got to be some deeper magic and sorcery among this! Don’t believe me? Get a damn bottle and try it yourself. Makes me want to try the other beer geek series aside from the cognac kopi luwak I had years ago. If I could have this for breakfast every day, well, that is wishful thinking. Now to the drawing board in trying to make something like this is going to be difficult but fun.

Anime Corner:
VI from League of Legends and original desserts character by Shon was used in this beer heavily due to the colors and the variety of sweets and dessert and flavors this beer brings to the table. You can tell a lot of the items pair and while I may not know much about either of these characters, I felt visually it was a damn perfect fit.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/98/77/57/987757f3f62a3461d9f4ee0b7a2edd8e.jpg
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/418139-1406×1938-original-shon-single-tall+image-blush-blue+eyes.jpg

2015 Chocolate Rain by the Bruery

11025208_10102470982702820_7761465961264988591_o 11080549_10102470982632960_8462936096505715332_o 11053336_10102470982563100_8038111618658783960_oRating: 6/5

2015 Chocolate Rain by the Bruery is an 18.4% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with TCHO Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.

Label:

MAKE IT RAIN

This decadent version of Black Tuesday is proudly brewed with TCHO cacao nibs.

Chocolate Rain began as a single cask of beer at our very first release event for Black Tuesday back in 2009 and now has a storied history of its own. This ale will age gracefully if cellared properly but will be the most prominent when consumed fresh.

==Introduction==

2015 Chocolate Rain is finally out for preservation society as well as the other societies. If you have not read my last years review of the beer, well, after analyzing this one, I found it to be just as awesome and rich. This beer along with Black Tuesday, White Chocolate, Wineification, Mocha Wednesday and Grey Monday are some of the best beers I have ever had. Cheers!

Aromas:

All the fragrances of the chocolate rainbow, dark, white, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s. I may have missed a couple others. Bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toasted coconut, choco flan, crème brulee, hazel nuts, pecan pie, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road, leche nestle sweetened condenced milk, fudge cake, coffee, mocha, Rocky road Ice cream, oreo and chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes and brown sugar.

Flavors:

The utter definition of CHOCOLATE! Sweet, Belgian, dark, white, German, milk, fudge, bakers, bourbon whiskey, oak, vanilla, choco flan, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, toasted coconut, chocolate covered cherries, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, almond joy, hazelnuts, pecan pie, tobacco, leather, fudge brownies, raisins, rocky road ice cream, mocha, coffee, brown sugar, oreo cookie, chocolate chips, oatmeal, Kahlua, chocolate covered funnel cake, milk shake, black currants, roasted cashews, tootsie roll candy, “Willy Wonka ain’t got nothing on this Chocolate Rain” flavors!…I ran out of things to describe this epicness…

Aftertaste:

Lingering chocolate, vanilla, caramel, dark fruits, brown sugar, bourbon, white fudge, chocolate fudge and more and more sugar! The alcohol is very little in the taste, but for all its worth, it doesn’t detract from any of the flavors at all and since it is 19-20% alcohol, It is in no way harsh. Sure it is a sipping beer, a dangerously sipping beer because it also has elements of smoothness. It does feel warm going down too. JEEZUUZ YES!!!. Very syrupy mouth feel, like I had mentioned in my previous review of this, boozy chocolate syrup.

Overall:

One of the top best sugary boozy chocolate syrups, I mean beers. Ever! Like I said before, there is nothing I can say about this beer but utter heaven! It could be overkill if placed in ice cream but hey, if you want Dat Dia-bee-tus! Watch out now. No joke, it is pretty sugary and utter bliss. DO NOT DRINK THIS BOTTLE IN ONE SITTING!!, if you enjoy beers, even if it is the only one you will drink for the rest of the night, don’t do yourself the dissatisfaction. This is really a great beer and should be enjoyed a few sips at a time. Chocolate Rain!! Some stay sober, while other feel the bliss….

Anime Corner:

Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was used in this pairing, even from the last time I tried Chocolate Rain for many reasons, aside from the fact that she is one of my favorite anime characters of all time. For starters, in the original Chocolate Rain pictures for my last review, I wanted to describe that Yoruichi as the bringer of the rain since was given a Native American outfit and she was doing a dance to make it rain, rain chocolate!! Her attitude is very caring for her friends but at the same time feisty and very seductive (Lucius Chocolate Rainbow and Vanilla added). She is one of the fastest and strongest characters in Bleach (alcohol due to Bourbon). She is a Princess but was aldo the leader of Onmitsukidō, the Secret Mobile Unit/Corps, Special Forces or Covert Ops. In other words, bad ass ninja! (Alcohol undetected, hidden, hits ya hard later on). In fact, she is so bad ass she took down several ninjas in a matter of seconds. She also has Flash speed (Shunpo) and Shunko or Flash cry (Lightning based attacks)! Which describes Chocolate Rain’s aspect of smooth drinking and you can’t have Rain without lightning. Her sexy and seductive properties can all be described above in the aromas and overall flavors of the beer. Even her outfit and being show the dark fruit flavors, the chocolate, the vanilla, the caramel, the nutty, way more. There is so much more I can go on and on about Yoruichi being the perfect pairing for this beer it ain’t even funny…

Sources:

http://img1.goodfon.su/original/1680×1050/2/b0/art-foton-ike-devushka.jpg

http://www.deviantart.com/art/YoruichiVectorThingy-90450463

(Brewerianimelogs Food Pairing) Chocolate Rain (2014 Release) by the Bruery with Chocolate Marble Cheese Cake.

IMAG7457

As a small addition to my usual reviews of beer tastings, I will now and again try to incorporate some food parings for some beers. Seeing as this is the start of the new year, I figured I write something small about a beer and dessert pairing. Not many people do this and some have way more experience than I do. However, with my knowledge of beer tasting I will try to figure out how the dynamics of adding foods to beers change the experience. Brewerianimelogs food pairings will only be a short segment though. Cheers!

 

Food Pairing:
Bringing in the new year, I had some cheese cake left over in the fridge and I thought to myself, how awesome would chocolate rain fit with a cheese cake. The results were  very nice and surprising. The Chocolate Rain (2014 Release) by the Bruery is an 18.5% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with TCHO Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans and was aged for about a year. Upon trying the Chocolate Marble Cheesecake, the strong bourbon characters become subtle allowing the rest of the complex flavors of the chocolate and vanilla to meld with the Chocolate and Cheesecake. The experience is much better than the beer alone and in some cases, it seems the age has made beer much stronger and cutting away some of the excess sweetness. So trying it with the cheese cake balances out the alcohol but provides some depth to the cheese cake and the beer that otherwise would not have been taken by themselves. It is pretty damn amazing and almost milk shake, flan, dulce de leche and tres leches rich but not super sweet. This beer definitely fits the category of dessert enhancer and would pair great with just about any dessert. January 1st also marks a special day for Yoruichi Shihouin, which is my mascot for this beer as shown in the original review below. Hope you enjoyed this small review, cheers!


Anime and Beer Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/chocolate-rain-2014-release-by-the-bruery/

2014 Rum Barrel Aged Black Tuesday by The Bruery

13020_10102167531900660_5570626799443996580_nRating: 6.25/5

2014 Rum Barrel Aged Black Tuesday by The Bruery is an 18.9% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Rum Barrels.

Label:
NEW DEAL

I cannot help but raise a dissenting voice to statements that we are living in a fool’s paradise, and that prosperity in this country must necessarily diminish and recede in the near future.” – E.H.H. Simmons, President, NYSE, January 1928

Black Tuesday 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
___

The rare allocation of this year’s Reserve Society release from the Bruery. Unfortunately, if you would like to try this variant you will need to try it at the Bruery directly before they run out as is very kimited or you may have to trade for this one. I have no idea when this version will read the public hands and the Bruery has released many many variations of their base beers through experimentation. I really would like to see variants be released, or even then, more allocations to the public and out-of-state too. Only few people get a chance to try Black Tuesday and only a few will get to try this one. I assure you, upon my many tastings, this goes beyond what is considered, a regular BEER! Now then, let us dive into the Alchemic arts which is this variant, Rum Barrel Aged Black Tuesday.

Aromas:
Lots of Rum oak, vanilla, tropical hints of pineapple, mango, toasted coconut, dragon fruit, melon sharpness, banana cream pie, Danish cookies, almond joy, mint chocolate chip hints, Chocolate Truffles, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, cherries, currants, blackberries, port wine, Oreo cookies and cream, dark candi sugars, rock candy, burnt sugar, anise, molasses, cotton candy, sugar cane, pumpkin spice hints, tres leches came, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate cake, brownies, wine grapes, mocha and more complex aromas.

Flavors:
Rich Banana, Rum, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugars, rock candy, brown sugars, agave hints, toasted coconut, dark, milk German, Belgian, Bakers and Truffle chocolate, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, wine grapes, pine apple hints, candi sugars, oreo cookies and cream, almond joy, crème brulee, Irish cream, mocha coffee, java, Kahlua, molasses, anise, mint chocolate chip, flan, piña colada, tres leches cake, flan, subtle old mango, cantaloupe hints, dragon fruit hints, sugar cane hints, cotton candy, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, chocolate cake, flan, sweetened condensed milk, rocky road ice cream, graham cracker smores, marshmallow, subtle tobacco, leather hints, clove spice, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, toffee and port wine.

Aftertaste:
Banana, Rum, Oak, Bubblegum, coconut, pineapple hints, dulce de leche caramel, milk chocolate, hazelnut, dark cherries, marshmallow, almond joy, cantaloupe melon, mild Piña Colada, pecan pie, chocolate cake and tres leches flan. Boozy but super subtle with nothing detracting from the rich flavors. Mouthfeel is much smoother than the regular Black Tuesday but still silky smooth. Drinkability is still sipping but to a degree with a Pitch Black Hole body of upper dimensions. This one is way more drinkable than the original or at least it goes down smoother so much more danger here.

Overall:
Definitely a notch above the The Regular Black Tuesday. Even at the highest of expectations, it keeps pushing and pushing! This beer is much much more sweeter and a tad tropical. The original base beer takes over with its complexity already in tact but it generates another normally not provided by the Bourbon. This beer is just as dangerous if not a little more as the drinkability of pure sugar syrup is still insane here. Quite literally lingering in the tongue for a while which makes it more enjoyable so you don’t have to rush. I absolutely recommend this version if you are lucky enough to find this. However, even if you can get the regular Black Tuesday, do get it as if you will realize that this beer is the definitive that goes beyond the boundaries of what is considered beer and yet still is. A God amongst the Craft Beer world.

Anime Corner: tl;dr
KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, as shown in previous versions of Black Tuesday, was used this time in a more Tropical setting to go with the aspect of the rum barrels used in this pairing. The sweet tropical flavors provided from the Rum add a nice twist to the already insane Black Tuesday. More info on KOS-MOS below:

KOS-MOS or (Kosmos Obey Strategical Multiple Operation Systems), from the series Xenosaga is one of my Four most favorite characters in anime. She was chosen for this particular beer in 2012 to go along with some of my most favorite beers of all time. In terms of who she is is representative of how bad ass this beer is. To me, Black Tuesday is representative of a crash (the stock market) which brings about chaos. Polar to chaos is order or cosmos. While there is is a mess among chaos, there is always a glimmer of hope that will restore the balance to the universe, and that is order or KOS-MOS. In other reviews I have reviewed her character when it comes to the divine and holy (The Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Mayan Judgment, Angel Share, Sede Vacante and even Sam Adams Tetravis). In the game, SPOILER ALERT She is Mary Magdalene’s vessel for which Kaos (Another Xenosaga character) is Jesus Christ respectively. SPOILER ENDS. Yeah, the spoiler may not make sense but there are many websites ready to explain. Anyways, Black Tuesday label, although hard to see holds some shiny blue but also some shiny brown. The blue part represents KOS-MOS for me and the brown is the sweet chocolate. Once you find out how sweet and understanding this character is, it makes a world of a difference which is why Black Tuesday makes a world of a difference to me. Although the cold harsh reality of her initial computational robotical android form may seem a bit cold when the series first started. Not to mention the fact that she is a definitely over powered character, which may be the alcohol and the fact that this beer should not be consumed in one sitting. She should be enjoyed slowly. The artwork also represents Black Tuesday as the dark matter of space, the upper frontiers of awesomeness and good beer. Tuesday is just another cycle of the stars, y Kos-mos es otra chiquita mia, love ya!!

Sources:
http://i4.pixiv.net/img02/img/syunzone/13171923.jpg

2014 Black Tuesday by the Bruery

1958135_10102161076053230_5819848891302873036_n 10686713_10102161075943450_2403020242654933076_nRating: 6/5

2014 Black Tuesday by the Bruery is an 19.7% ~20%ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
NEW DEAL

I cannot help but raise a dissenting voice to statements that we are living in a fool’s paradise, and that prosperity in this country must necessarily diminish and recede in the near future.” – E.H.H. Simmons, President, NYSE, January 1928

Black Tuesday 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
___

What do I even say about this beer that I have not said over the many years I have reviewed this all time favorite. I think with my past review about the Black Tuesday Release Party should have been enough to disclose the greatness of this one or even the reviews of the past should have been enough. Yet, here I am again bringing another awesome review about a wonderful and favorite beer. Also, did I mention, that this year’s version is an even closer to a…20% ABV!!!!! Not to mention on a 750ml bottle that if you drink in one sitting you will surely coming a great mistake?! Well, here it is. The beer that is the strongest of the strong, the best of the best and just… well.. yeah… On to the review!!

Aromas:
Rich bourbon, oak, bananas, dark, milk German, Belgian and bakers chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, hazelnut nectar, smokey notes, dark raisins, dark cherries, plums, marshmallow, mocha coffee, Kahlua, Irish cream, agave syrup, candi sugar, rock candy, pecan pie, flan, crème brulee, pudding, graham cracker smores, coconut, choco flan, maple syrup, molasses, anise, port wine hints, brown sugar, leather, tobacco and mint patties.

Flavors:
Bananas, dark, milk German, Belgian and bakers chocolate, oak, leather, tobacco, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, rich dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, blueberries, raspberries, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, cinnamon, coconut, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, agave syrup, molasses, maple syrup, anise, mint chocolate chip ice cream hints, rocky road ice cream, candi sugars, clove spice, port wine, mocha coffee, Kahlua, Irish cream, double chocolate cake, flan, leche nestle/sweetened condenced milk, choco flan, brown sugar, crème brulee, toffee, sugar cane and cotton candy.

Aftertaste:
Bananas, bourbon, flan, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, milk chocolate, hazelnut, cherries, marshmallow, pecan pie, coconut, chocolate cake just lingers and lingers and lingers! Boozy but ridiculously subtle and nothing detracting from the rich complex flavor, smooth and sipping drinkability, silky and syrupy mouth feel, beyond pitch black body which the sight leads to another dimension. Highly and extremely dangerous so careful with her. Balanced to the true name of KOS-MOS/ORDER.

Overall:
Yes Yes Yes, there is nothing more to say other than if you want this beer, join the Preserve Society or simply trade. We are getting closer and closer to the day where the Bruery will make so much of this that it will be sold more widely to the public. Well, maybe, but at least the public can joint the Preservation society to get this. I don’t want to sound like an advocate for the Bruery but then again, tasting different beers and this crew who experiments so much to the point of creating super unique beers is pretty much unheard of. So yeah, get this while you still can!

Anime Corner: tl;dr
I think I did such a great job of pairing Kos-mos from the several beer reviews back that I wanted to bring the 2013 Anime corner below and elaborate on why I chose the new one picture. It obvious how Kos-mos simply just emerges from the depths of Black Void of Tuesday as she rises up stronger to show that 20%ABV (Order/KOSMOS Rising from the Chaos). As to who is Kos-mos, see below:

KOS-MOS or (Kosmos Obey Strategical Multiple Operation Systems), from the series Xenosaga is one of my Four most favorite characters in anime. She was chosen for this particular beer in 2012 to go along with some of my most favorite beers of all time. In terms of who she is is representative of how bad ass this beer is. To me, Black Tuesday is representative of a crash (the stock market) which brings about chaos. Polar to chaos is order or cosmos. While there is is a mess among chaos, there is always a glimmer of hope that will restore the balance to the universe, and that is order or KOS-MOS. In other reviews I have reviewed her character when it comes to the divine and holy (The Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Mayan Judgment, Angel Share, Sede Vacante and even Sam Adams Tetravis). In the game, SPOILER ALERT She is Mary Magdalene’s vessel for which Kaos (Another Xenosaga character) is Jesus Christ respectively. SPOILER ENDS. Yeah, the spoiler may not make sense but there are many websites ready to explain. Anyways, Black Tuesday label, although hard to see holds some shiny blue but also some shiny brown. The blue part represents KOS-MOS for me and the brown is the sweet chocolate. Once you find out how sweet and understanding this character is, it makes a world of a difference which is why Black Tuesday makes a world of a difference to me. Although the cold harsh reality of her initial computational robotical android form may seem a bit cold when the series first started. Not to mention the fact that she is a definitely over powered character, which may be the alcohol and the fact that this beer should not be consumed in one sitting. She should be enjoyed slowly. The artwork also represents Black Tuesday as the dark matter of space, the upper frontiers of awesomeness and good beer. Tuesday is just another cycle of the stars, y Kos-mos es otra chiquita mia, love ya!!

Sources:
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs49/i/2012/337/8/9/the_firebird_suite_by_melficexd-d23or7w.jpg
http://images.forwallpaper.com/files/thumbs/preview/42/420445__xenosaga_p.jpg

1000th Breweanimelogs Post / 2014 Black Tuesday Release Party

10301044_10102161059646110_5735493077728725348_nHappy Black Tuesday!!

To honor the 1000th post on Brewerianimelogs as well as the Bruery’s 2014 annual release of the Black Tuesday, I decided to go in depth about my experience at the Bruery on that day. This was my first time at one of the Bruery’s Black Tuesday special release parties. According to the information that was provided, this event was to have 7 2oz. Tasters (18~20% ABV a piece) with catered food made with a variety of Black Tuesday variants.

So basically food made with the Black Tuesday beer. Unfortunately, I could not invite any of my good friends to this event as it was for members only but the reason I am doing this special post is because I want to talk about the special variants that they had there and hopefully they are some that may be released in bottles someday for you to try. That or if you want to join the Bruery Reserve or Hoarders Society, maybe this may give you an incite on what it is all about besides getting special coveted beers.
10700340_10102161059556290_6110659034636256694_o


By the way, while I may be a reserve society member, the Hoarders Society got to choose from 11 different beers vs. our 8 beers. Unfortunately I did not get any details on those nor tastings so I can only elaborate on what beers and food and experience I had there.

1237193_10102161059576250_6906424592537498685_o

So let’s start with the first review of that night and the list of food they had. Also, I did not get a chance to take a lot of pictures and my tasting reviews are mainly best of my knowledge and what my tasting notes could provide in terms of what new flavors are provided to the base Black Tuesday. That and the fact that 2 ounces is difficult to make a good review especially since I cannot taste the beer at different temperatures. I am not a food expert but the ingredients used to make the food are provided as well as they all revolve around Black Tuesday. Also, Black Tuesday on Nitro was replaced by “Orange Is The New Black Tuesday” as the kegs were not ready.
10593117_10102161059471460_2219052129043195764_n 10547816_10102161059456490_7872289918594440187_o

For more information on the Base beer I recommend you read my upcoming 2014 Black Tuesday review (which I will post a link here) for further information on the base beer itself aside from what the variants had to offer. I do not post information on the other beers here such as the Rum Barrel Aged Black Tuesday, Grey Monday or Chocolate rain as I already did some great reviews you can find on my site by clicking on the tags above. Cheers and Thank you for reading this far.

===Sundae Black Tuesday===
10533310_10102161059306790_8273026832552612425_o

Sundae Black Tuesday by The Bruery is a 19.7% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Bananas, Cherries and Vanilla beans.

Aromas:
Chocolate Sponge cake, vanilla ice cream, toffee, banana cream pie, banana split with dark cherries, dark cherry yogurt, cookies and cream, chocolate brownies hazelnut and Danish cream +Black Tuesday notes.

Flavors:
Rich Banana split notes, dark cherries, bourbon vanilla, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, flan, coconut cream, oak, dark cherry yogurt, cookies and cream, chocolate brownies, hazelnut nectar Danish cream, and pecan pie +Black Tuesday flavors.

Aftertaste:
Same as Black Tuesday but leaving some more residual sweetness.

Overall:
I think this is way better than the base beer bringing a lot richer flavors from the dessert of the cherries, bananas, cream pie, hazelnut and chocolate. This beer was the Winner of the Blending competition and definitely the winner of the variants I think so far that night. They really need to bottle this one.

Anime Corner:
Kos-mos and Mary II were used in this pairing to pair with the flavors of the original Black Tuesday (Kos-Mos) as well as the cherries and bananas (Mary II) which are represented by the colors shown.

 

===Pistachio Vanilla Black Tuesday===
10359041_10102161059346710_5383211427755717810_o

Pistachio Vanilla Black Tuesday by The Bruery is an 18% ABV Imperial Stout Aged In Bourbon Barrels with Pistachio Nuts and Vanilla beans.

Aromas:
Pistachio notes, rich bananas, vanilla, oak, chocolate, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Pistachio ice cream, cookies and cream, whiskey and rye +Black Tuesday Aromas.

Flavors:
Pistachio ice cream hints, vanilla cream, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cookies and cream, pistachio hints, hazelnut, pecan pie, almond milk,whiskey, rye, milk chocolate and dark chocolate +Black Tuesday Flavors

Aftertaste:
Same as Black Tuesday but leaving some slightly dry but nutty sweet flavors.

Overall:
Reminding me of some of the nutty pistachio and vanilla Seme De La Vita flavors but since we are talking about Black Tuesday, its own already awesome flavors dominate and the pistachio isn’t as pronounced as Seme De La Vita but subtle. Still a great beer and would love to some day have a bottle to break it down better.

Anime Corner:
Kos-Mos and Elhaym Van Houten were used to represent Pistachio and Vanilla. While Kos-mos is already the Black Tuesday, her green colors on the head piece and blue represent the Pistachio and Elly with the cream colors and amber hair represent the vanilla and the vanilla beans.

===Double Barrel Black Tuesday===
10481441_10102161059172060_3740529848401583901_n

Double Barrel Black Tuesday by The Bruery is a 19.7% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in old Bourbon Barrels and reaged in Young Whiskey Barrels.
Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, rich oak, bourbon, whiskey, mild pumpkin hints, plantain, dark chocolate, smokey notes, cinnamon, pumpkin hints, rye bread, almonds, coconut and rocky road ice cream +Black Tuesday Aromas.

Flavors:
Capirotada, Rich Dulce De leche caramel, whiskey, bourbon, oak, mild smokey notes, rich coconut, rocky road ice cream, burnt caramel, leather, tobacco, milk chocolate, almond milk plantain, rye bread, cinnamon and pumpkin spice hints +Black Tuesday Flavors

Aftertaste:
Same as Black Tuesday but leaving some more oak and caramel to the aftertaste

Overall:
This was definitely screaming more flavors of complex caramel and molasses than the previous versions I tried really accentuating a more barrel character giving those richer coconut, toffee and caramel flavors. Probably the second best of that night.

Anime Corner:
Kos-mos was used in this pairing and her dual Gatling guns of awesomeness represent the “Double Barrel” aspect of the Double Barrel Black Tuesday.

===Orange Is The New Black Tuesday===
1912028_10102161059177050_449248766878340203_o

Orange Is The New Black Tuesday by The Bruery is a 19.7% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels through a Randall with Oranges.
Aromas:
Mild notes of Oranges, chocolate, orange creamsicle, earthy bitterness, maple, tangerines, rye bread, malt balls and brown sugar +Black Tuesday Aromas.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, oranges, vanilla, orange creamsicle, earthy bittermess, maple, orange candy, tangerines, brown sugar and rye bread +Black Tuesday Flavors

Aftertaste:
Same as Black Tuesday but leaving some more citrus and earthy bitterness that I have not seen before.

Overall:
Probably the most different but still delicious of the pairings to the point that the introduction of orange changed the dynamic to a chocolate orange beers. Richly sweeet but bitter and mild sour oranges. Truly unique twist to the Black Tuesday already super sweet category.

Anime Corner:
Kos-mos staring into space reminded me of how in Orange Is The New Black show, prisoners look out their cells in hope of a release. That is what was represented here. The bitter oranges added to the Black Tuesday bring it to a new twist that must be contained. Very delicious for sure!

===Conclusion===
10614113_10102161059681040_8227506952508097700_n

This was my very first Black Tuesday Release Party attendance and I really hope to go again next year. It was also a good opportunity to post the 1000th entry into brewerianimelogs and hope to someday make that 2000th post. Looking back at all the beers I received and tried from the Bruery and the way they treat their member, it was sure worth the pennies I scraped to get into this which at the same time has helped my site but also has helped my friend Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com.We are just a humble bunch of dudes trying to bring creative work to the already awesome phenomena of the craft beer world. Thank you once again for reading this and thank you for following me. It means a lot to me that many people can enjoy the work that I do and appreciate the beer side, the anime side or both! Cheers to you!

Rating: 6.45/5 *Sundae Black Tuesday
Rating: 6.15/5* Pistachio Vanilla Black Tuesday
Rating: 6.25/5* Double Barrel Black Tuesday
Rating: 6/5* Orange Is The New Black Tuesday

Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/KOS-MOS-and-Mary-II-181601755
http://imagis.jp/pic/photo/raw/img_3204.jpg?h=198d505ab4244a5696252ff129386b58
http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs37/i/2008/265/d/7/KOS_MOS_ver_4_by_NetDead.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/e735KR9.jpg

Black Tuesday (2013 Release) by the Bruery

563717_10101500300847040_355562397_n 480354_10101500300208320_5775099_nRating: 6/5* This years is the same as previous years

Black Tuesday (2013 Release) by the Bruery is an 18.9% ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label: 
NEW DEAL

I cannot help but raise a dissenting voice to statements that we are living in a fool’s paradise, and that prosperity in this country must necessarily diminish and recede in the near future.” – E.H.H. Simmons, President, NYSE, January 1928

Black Tuesday 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
___

Let’s not kid ourselves here, 18.9% ABV? Nope, I am calling it 19% ABV. One of the strongest but favorite beers that I have ever stumbled upon and one of the more coveted ones. This year, the Bruery has been a little more graceful in releasing more beers to the public than in the past. Even if their web page kept crashing just the like the Stock Exchange Crash of the 1920s. I was lucky to even get the bottle from them this year. Lucky for many though, through out October and parts of November, they had their Barrel Aged months so definitely offered them on tap to the public. Since I have done reviews for this beer several times, I 

Aromas:
Rich bananas, vanilla, bourbon, caramel, roasted coconut, oak, dark fruits like cherries raisins, sweet, dark and milk chocolate, strong hazelnut (but not as awesome as Grey Monday), pecan pie, very nice smokey sugar, like a roasted marshmallow on a graham cracker, chocolate then laced with dulce de leche caramel, some slight agave syrup, almost candi sugar, choco flan, creme brulee and a lot of sweet goodness that is hard to make out but its very appealing.

Flavors:
Lots of chocolate covered bananas, dulce de leche caramel, flan, bourbon sweet, dark, milk chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, oak, cherries, mocha, coffee, plums, raisins, burnt sugar, crème brulee, anise, chocolate cake, chocolate brownie batter, rum, chocolate smores, marshmallow, graham crackers, waffle cone, roasted coconuts, pecan pie, hazelnut cream, port wine, agave nectar, apple butter and many more complexities.

Aftertaste:
The rich banana, bourbon, chocolate, rich dark fruits, hazelnut, cherries, marshmallow, coconut, pecan pie, all of it! Stays on the palette like a rich dessert. Boozy, but damn smooth and damn dangerous. Sipping drinkability but because it is smooth, you made be tempted to drink it easily. Do not try to finish the bottle in a single sitting. Bad things happen 

Overall:
*There is nothing more I can say which I have not professed about this beer in past reviews other than get it if you must!! All I can do now is see about finding another bottle and cellaring it for maybe 20 years and see what happens. I hope to live long enough to enjoy but more than likely I will finish it. Maybe

Anime Corner: tl;dr 
KOS-MOS or (Kosmos Obey Strategical Multiple Operation Systems), from the series Xenosaga is one of my Three most favorite characters in anime. She was chosen for this particular beer in 2012 to go along with some of my most favorite beers of all time. In terms of who she is is representative of how bad ass this beer is. To me, Black Tuesday is representative of a crash which brings about chaos. Polar to chaos is order or cosmos. While there is is a mess among chaos, there is always a glimmer of hope that will restore the balance to the universe, and that is order or KOS-MOS. In other reviews I have reviewed her character when it comes to the divine and holy (The Lost Abbey Judgement Day, Mayan Judgment, Angel Share, Sede Vacante and even Sam Adams Tetravis). In the game, SPOILER ALERT She is Mary Magdalene’s vessel for which Kaos is Jesus Christ. SPOILER ENDS. Yeah, the spoiler may not make sense but there are many websites ready to explain. Anyways, Black Tuesday label, although hard to see holds some shiny blue but also some shiny brown. The blue part represents KOS-MOS for me and the brown is the sweet chocolate. Once you find out how sweet and understanding this character is, it makes a world of a difference which is why Black Tuesday makes a world of a difference to me. Although the cold harsh reality of her initial computational robotical android form is may seem a bit cold when the series first started. Not to mention the fact that she is a definitely over powered character, which may be the alcohol and the fact that this beer should not be consumed in one sitting. She should be enjoyed slowly. The artwork also represents Black Tuesday as the dark matter of space, the upper frontiers of awesomeness and good beer. Tuesday is just another cycle of the stars.

Windowsill by The Bruery

1233475_10101391540932780_1930520574_n 1237015_10101391541526590_197555696_n 1237018_10101391541312020_124420662_n 1240551_10101391541162320_2037504717_nRating: 4.85/5

Windowsill by The Bruery is a 10% ABV Fruit Ale brewed with Raspberries and Rhubarb and fermented in Oak barrels. A pie-inspired collaboration between The Bruery and Evan Kleiman of Good Food on KCRW

Label: 
Evan Kleiman, host of KCRW’s Good Food, was inspired to collaborate with Patrick Rue and The Bruery after enjoying a homemade Rhubarb Raspberry Pie. The rhubarb’s fruity sourness tempered with the sweetness of the fresh raspberries and the wheat crust, begged to be bottled up in the form of a bubbly beer. Keeping the original pie recipe in mind, specialty grains were chosen to mimic the crust, and rhubarb and raspberries were used in varying stages of the brewing and fermentation process. The resulting beer is reminiscent of a fresh country pie, cooling on a farmhouse windowsill.
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The pie beer. A lot of beers seems like they could taste like pie. Lots of pumpkin ones sure do. However, this one, is focused on being a pie in a bottle. Long anticipated wait for this beer when I first heard of it. Also, if you live in California, you can get this. The Bruery will send it to you:http://www.thebruerystore.com/p-107-windowsill.aspx

Aromas are of tart raspberries, blueberries, guava, pie crust, caramel, biscuit bread, honey,strawberries, brown sugar, rhubarb, herbal, cane sugar, flowers, hibiscus, grapes, rhubarb, vanilla and oak.

The flavors are of very tart raspberries, tangy and herbal rhubarb, cherries, guava notes, strawberries, vanilla, hints pie crust with whip cream, blueberries, hibiscus, herbs, spices, lemon peel, blackberry preserves, sugar cane, caramel, brown sugar, concord grapes, citrus, honey and butterscotch biscuits

The aftertaste is borderline tangy, tart and mildly sour with a bit of herbal bitterness and lingering fruity and bready sweetness. Like a tart pie. Definitely a sipper. The beer shows no alcohol in the flavor.

Overall, I have not have had rhubarb before, but I have heard it is very tart, if you can work with the tartness to find the sweet delicious raspberry and pie crust, then you have an awesome fucking beer here. A tart pie in a bottle. If you let it settle and warm up, you will enjoy this. Not quite a sour beer but definitely quite the tart one. If you love sours and love to play with flavors, this one is freaking amazing. Not overpowering sweet but enough tartness to make it even. If you are not a sour or tart beer person. As for me I really enjoyed this one. Sweet and tart at the same time.

Raspberry Brown by Lost Coast Brewery

1176190_10101372967923240_517940443_nRating: 4.2/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Very Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing

14164_10101347409567390_363804656_n 1151034_10101347408599330_1481012420_n 1185157_10101347409183160_519431837_n Rating: 5.55/5*

Very Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing is an 11.5% ABV World Class Imperial Stout blended with equal parts of Blaecorn Unidragon and Vampire Slayer both aged in bourbon barrels.

Label: 
Hoppy Feet guy extinguished evil via a sharp stake through an undead chest. Now, Blaecorn Unidragon, full of fury, has expelled another bloodsucker from Earth. We hate vampires, but love Vampire Slayer, which we blended in equal parts with Blaecorn Unidragon, bourbon barrel aging the mix to beget Very Angry Beast.
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I have been following this series carefully since the first release of the awesome Blaecorn Unidragon. Both Blaecorn and Vampire slayer very awesome beers as well as the Porcine Unidragon. When they aged the Blaecorn Unidragon and blended it with basic vampire slayer, that was awesome within itself. Now both are blended for the ultimate concoction.

Aromas are of deep bourbon vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, flan,coconut, dark chocolate, graham crackers, bit of rocky road ice cream, sweet milk chocolate, pecans, almond joy, mocha coffee, toffee, butterscotch, chocolate cake and some dark fruit notes.

The flavors are of bourbon, lots of nice warm bourbon (not overwhelming boozy, just sweetnes) and oak flavors, vanilla, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, coconut, marshmallows, raisins, butterscotch, almond joy, not as big on the rocky road as the smell but some notes are there. There are also flavors of black berries, possibly dark cherry notes, dulce de leche caramel notes, graham crackers, earthy hops, fudge brownies, more bakers chocolate that sweet milk chocolate, almost semi sweet but the flavors seems to work. Some other flavors are of mocha, honey glazed ham notes and brown sugar.

After taste is a litle boozy leaving very nice residue of vanilla, coffee, chocolate, bourbon and minor smokey notes. While the beer can be boozy later on after several sips, it is quite the smooth beer. Take heed though, while it is easy to drink it will hit. This dynamic duo of Femme Fatale (Obviously referencing the art ) shows no mercy

Overall it was quite an overwhelming experience in many aspects. Beers that go over the 5 rating seem to be beers that usually are Chocolate extreme or amazingly sweet or caramel extreme or just something that is way out of the ordinary in terms of flavor. This beer, while it may not have reached the heights of chocolate, the concoction of the bourbon, the coffee notes, dark fruit notes, buttery caramel, vanilla rich, the oaky and let us not forget the chocolate, is what set the score for me. Really great job by Clown Shoes brewing in bringing this amazing beer to the hands of many. Salute to you and Cheers!!

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Blaecorn Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/blaecorn-unidragon-russian-imperial-stout-by-clown-shoes-brewing/ 

Vampire Slayer Review:https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/vampire-slayer-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

Angry Beast Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/angry-beast-by-clown-shoes/

Porcine Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/porcine-unidragon-by-clown-shoes/

Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout (2013 Odd year Edition)

308686_10101156117637950_1119402415_n 21307_10101156118376470_1477266017_nRating: 5/5

Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout is an 11% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout brewed with espresso coffee beans

Label: 
Stone Imperial Russian Stout is so thick, rich and well, sinful, you might worry that you’ll be doomed to the fiery pits just for thinking about a sip. It almost seems evil. Rest assured, however, that even though this seemingly pernicious brew is indeed as black as sin, we guarantee that no actual sin was committed in it’s production…you’ll have to add that on your own. This Odd Year addition was brewed in the authentic, historical style of an imperial Russian stout, but with the addition of several hundred pounds of espresso beans from our friends at Ryan Bros. Coffee. Actually, this could be considered historically accurate, since the Russian nobility were as fond of earthy breakfast beverages as they were of hearty dark beers. Catherine the Great herself bolstered her finesse for ruling an empire by drinking five cups of black coffee every morning during her lengthy reign. While we couldn’t fit five cups coffee in every bottle of this darkly delicious libation, we assure you that the deep, rich espresso flavors are unmistakable and meld beautifully with the roasty bitterness of the dark malts. Catherine would have whole-heartedly approved.
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Stone’s Imperial Russian stout has been considered by many to be one of the best Russian Imperial stouts in the world. This year they added some espresso. I have many awesome coffee beers before but I wanted to see what this one is about so I could bring forth to you why this one is so good. Immediately off the nose you get rich dark chocolate, espresso coffee aromas with notes of vanilla, caramel, brownies and some earthy hops . The flavors are of rich espresso coffee, caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, camp fire smores, marshmallows, Irish cream, molasses, rye chocolate brownies, milk chocolate, earthy hops and roasty notes. This beer reminds me of Black Xantus but expresses itself closer to a more earthy and roasty coffee bitterness side. Despite the roasty bitterness, it still manages to be very smooth and very drinkable going down. For some the roasty bitterness and the great balance it has with the sweetness is also what makes this world class. You can sense the booziness slightly but that take nothing from the beer itself which is very awesome. The Espresso adds some extra complexity and sweetness that brings out the RIS into a the “Stronger Coffee” zone which really awesome. I am sure this beer will age very nicely. A must try for sure 😛

Speedway Stout by Alesmith

539648_10101141430091910_1736433839_n 521771_10101141414373410_1308248859_nRating: 5/5

Speedway Stout by Alesmith is a 12%ABV Imperial Stout brewed with coffee. Considered a world class beer by many reviews

Label: 
Speedway Stout’s Ominous, Pitch-Black appearance has become a hallmark of this modern-day classic. Chocolate Roasted malts dominate the flavor, supported by notes of dark fruit, toffee, and caramel. A healthy dose of locally-roasted coffee from Ryan Bros. Coffee, Inc. Added to each batch brings out the beer’s dark chocolate flavors and enhances its drinkability. Despite its intensity, speedway stout’s fine carbonation and creamy mouth feel make it very smooth and surprisingly easy to drink. This beer ages very well and will continue to mature for many years to come.

This beer’s great balance makes it a very food-friendly imperial stout. Pair its roasty flavors and robust mouthfeel with rich beef dishes and char-grilled foods. Both chocolate and vanilla desserts also pair well, as do salty blue cheeses like Stilton or hard nutty cheeses like aged Gouda and cloth-bound cheddars. Serve in a goblet at 50-55 degrees. 
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I have been meaning to try out the Barrel aged version as soon as I can find it. However, I figured I try it out before the new come. The aromas are very good. Very thick fragrances of bakers chocolate, brownies, coffee bread, hazelnut, mocha, french vanilla coffee beans, latte or esspresso, caramel, dark fruits like black currants, raisins and cherries, oak, and a nice chocolate cake breadiness. Definitely haven’t tried a coffee stout like this. The coffee used in this seems like a coffee enthusiast coffee. Like a Kopi Luwak almost. The flavors also are of very rich, milk, dark and baker chocolate, currants, black cherries, raisins, french vanilla cream, hazelnut cream, pecan nectar, coffee bread, mocha, espresso coffee, chocolate brownies dipped in caramel, and finally camp fire smores with the chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers and drinking a Starbucks coffee. The coffee in this is definitely high quality stuff. The coffee flavors are very different in this beer. The alcohol is nowhere to be found especially for 12% ABV. Remember, this is not barrel aged so a beer of this high ABV would find it hard to cover up such great alcohol with out aided complexity. The coffee does the job here in place of the bourbon or whatever else aging agent. This beer is simply amazing. I am sure the bourbon barrel one is probably going to be insane once I can find it, and the Kopi Luwak Bourbon one…..well.. let’s just hope I don’t go through the whole bottle in one sitting, it may just be that good.

Black Tuesday (2012 edition) by The Bruery

525221_10101137520097570_1845618181_nRating: 6/5 *Very few make it this far to show my top favorites of all time.

Black Tuesday (2012 edition) by The Bruery is a 19.2%ABV Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels. Very Huge beer. Right next to Chocolate Rain, considered to be one of the few most sought after, world class beers. This is the second time I get a chance to try. There might not be more to say about this beer that has not already been said in my previous posts. Regardless I will break it down as this one has not been aging for too long (about half a year in the bottle + the amount they cellared in the barrels)

Label: 
I cannot help but raise a dissenting voice to statements that we are living in a fool’s paradise, and that prosperity in this country must necessarily diminish and recede in the near future.” – E.H.H. Simmons, President, NYSE, January 1928
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One of the things that strike me the most about this beer, just like Chocolate Rain, is that it’s intensity when it comes to chocolate is insane. This version’s ABV is much higher than the last time I tried the beer and I am sure it won’t change the rating at all. Also, this one’ is more focused bourbon to go with that awesome chocolate intensity. In fact, some of the fragrances are pretty serious. Black Tuesday introduces aromas rich banana, vanilla, bourbon, caramel, roasted coconut, oak, dark fruits like cherries raisins, sweet, dark and milk chocolate, strong hazelnut (but not as awesome as Grey Monday), pecan pie, very nice smokey sugar, like a roasted marshmallow on a graham cracker, chocolate then laced with dulce de leche caramel, some slight agave syrup, almost candi sugar, choco flan, creme brulee and a lot of sweet goodness that is hard to make out but its very appealing. The flavors boozy for sure, but very smooth a very delicious. The flavors are what gives this beer magic. Just like Dark Lord Imperial stout but more just smoother and something about it that is up there so awesome. These flavors include, sweet, dark, milk chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, cherries, mocha, coffee, plums, raisins, burnt sugar, crème brulee, anise, chocolate cake, chocolate brownie batter, rum, chocolate smores, marshmallow, graham crackers, waffle cone, roasted coconuts, pecan pie, hazelnut cream, port wine, agave nectar, apple butter and many more complexities. Like other high ABV beers, this one should be taken with caution. It is extremely good, but sip carefully. Not to be consumed in one sitting. This version of Black Tuesday is on par with the Chocolate Rain high ABV (about .03%less) and some points below Grey Monday. One of my most top favorite beers along with Grey Monday, Chocolate Rain and White Chocolate. While these may be my rarest of favorites, my most common all time favorites will still be St. Bernardus 12 and Trois Pistoles. There are several ways to get Black Tuesday, although it is quite the hassle but so damn worth it. This is probably the last time I get it since it is very rare unless I get one to let sit for several years or one is given to me or served somewhere. Should definitely be on some of the craft beer bucket lists.

2010 Version Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/black-tuesday-by-the-bruery/

Silva Stout by Brewmaster Chuck Silva of Green Flash Brewing

539196_10101127265532800_2005317680_nRating: 5.45/5

Silva Stout by Brewmaster Chuck Silva of Green Flash Brewing is a 10.1% Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels

DESCRIPTION
Silva Stout took a lot of patience. We aged our Double Stout in oak bourbon barrels for seventeen months. Flavors are very complex. It starts off with dark chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa powder. Next is the vanilla and wood notes, with rich cherry-like fruitiness. After racking and filtering the ale, we blended in just the right amount of freshly brewed Double Stout to provide the perfect balance of bourbon barrel aging and freshness. Enjoy the culmination of years of flavor development now – no further aging required!
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This beer goes out to my friend Jorge Silva, who enjoys a fine whiskey but also enjoys certain beers. It has his name in the bottle so I figured it be special. I have tried some of green flash beers in the past but this is the first time I try one of their bourbon barrel aged beers. This is considered another world class ale, highly rated and highly sought after. If you somehow are able to find it at a brewshop or online, get it while it lasts. The aromas very rich in bourbon, coconut, vanilla, coconut, oak, cherries, anise, mocha, chocolate, caramel, and slight walnut or pecan. The flavors are of caramel flan, vanilla, rich oak, bourbon, very rich chocolate, coffee, marshmallow cream, raisins, Kahlua, cinnamon, graham crackers, campfire smores using bitter dark chocolate and earthy hops as well . This is a lot like older viscosity as I remember the flavors were very oaky and bourbon infused but in such a good way where you can taste the bourbon very well without the excessive alcohol. It really says a lot for a beer of this caliber. A type of power in the taste that is a fingerprint into the reputation of the brewery as a whole. This along with other San Diego Breweries is a reason why they make some of the best craft beers in the world. Older viscosity from Port brewing may be a little easier to find, but when they find a beer that is a dessert and bleeds whiskey bourbon into perfection of taste without the overpowering alcohol boozyness is what makes this beer unique. Some brewers can play the game right.

Indian Brown Ale by Dogfish Head

539195_10101127263876120_585706145_n 625437_10101127262888100_871650359_nRating: 4.75/5

Indian Brown Ale by Dogfish Head is a 7.2%ABV Brown Ale brewed with caramelized sugar and hopped liberally and often.

Description:
Indian Brown Ale A cross between a Scotch Ale, an I.P.A, and an American Pale, this beer is well hopped and malty at the same time. It is brewed with Aromatic Barley and caramelized brown sugar. – 50 IBU available year round, bottles & draft – Descriptors: Notes of molasses, coffee, ginger, raisinettes, chocolate 
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Right up there with Board Meeting, considered a world class beer among reviewers. This beer fragrance is close to a porter with its aromas of chocolate, coffee, mocha, milk chocolate, rich caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, hazelnut, slight brownies and some raisin notes. The flavors are of coffee, hazelnut, caramel, earthy hop bitterness, coffee and chocolate cake, some plum and raisin notes as the beer warms up. The after taste of mocha and hazelnut stays with you for a bit. Definitely up there with the best of the browns ales in the world. Although the Board meeting was slightly a little more delicious, this is still a great and awesome beer.

Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout by Odell Brewing

253701_10101103624394830_1899937625_nRating: 5.45/5

Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout by Odell Brewing is an 8.5%ABV Milk Chocolate Stout

Label: 
If you’ve ever been to our brewery, you’ve likely seen the old, beat-up truck that hauls away our spent grain. That truck belongs to Lugene, who’s been feeding his dairy cows the hearty malt for over a decade. Named in his honor, Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout is brewed with milk sugar and milk chocolate. The rich and creamy brew reminds us of a cold glass of chocolate milk and our hometown “Aggie” roots.
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This beer started off really good right off of the bottle. It reminded me a lot of the Moohoo from Terrapin but this one seems to emphasize even more on chocolate. Fragrances are of Rich milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel crème, very small coffee notes and chocolate cake aroma. The flavors say a lot. I find more of a mocha flavor than a coffee flavor. There is rich flavors of milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel, vanilla crème, buttery chocolate, some dark fruits, some hazelnut and some minor chocolate bready flavors. The aftertaste lingers of chocolate and more chocolate. Carbonation is super low so it makes this one ridiculously drinkable for a 8.5% ABV. Well that and the delicious flavors. The review is a bit over my expectations as well… I am a chocolate lover and many of the beers that have past my expectations are in the realms of super chocolate or just my favorite styles like Barrel aged Belgian Quads and Stouts.

Mint Chocolate Porter Winter Ale by Bootlegger’s Brewery

45380_10101094074163570_1328384573_nRating: 4.25/5

Mint Chocolate Porter Winter Ale by Bootlegger’s Brewery is a 6.1% ABV Porter brewed with Mint

Label: 
Perhaps a mint chocolate porter sounds like an odd combination, but we like to think of it as a match made in heaven. The refreshing mint is balanced with subtle hints of dark chocolate notes, making it a complex yet exceptionally drinking winter ale. This one is perfect for sitting next to the fireplace and sharing a few pints with friends.
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I have tried some really good mint porters and stouts in the past. This one is made locally here in California. It is always good to drink locally. The beers is somewhat smokey in fragrance. There is some nice sweet chocolate mint aromas along with some sweet caramel and vanilla. I am sensing little coffee in the nose though. The Flavors are of sweet and dark chocolate, coffee, caramel, vanilla, mint, black tea, herbs, somewhat of Oreo cookies and crème flavor, anise licorice and molasses. It is not as head on sweet as some of the other mint beers I have had. The after taste stays minty and chocolate sweet. Even though it smelled smokey, it was actually hard to find the smokiness in the flavor. They did a very good job there. Definitely try it out and it is also drinkable too. In fact, a lot of the bitterness like the black tea and herbs fade away as it warms up and this starts to taste more like a Klondike bar or a mint chocolate chip icecream 😛

Young’s Double Chocolate Stout by Wells & Young

166715_10101069449476640_2048842913_n

Rating: 4.65/5

Young’s Double Chocolate Stout by Wells & Young LTD is 5.2%ABV Milk Chocolate Stout made with chocolate malts and dark chocolate.Available quite common and year round. It is probably one of the first stouts aside from Guinness that I had tried back in college. I have neglected this beer for a while so I figure I come back to it 🙂

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Available filtered and pasteurised in 500ml bottles and in nitrocans. Also Nitro Keg on Tap 
Production moved from Youngs to Wells & Youngs in 2007.
Ingredients: Pale ale and crystal malt, chocolate malt, special blend of sugars, Fuggle and Goldings hops, real dark chocolate and chocolate essence.
Chocolate malt and real dark chocolate are combined with Young’s award winning rich, full flavoured dark beer to craft a satisfyingly indulgent, but never overly sweet experience.
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The aromas are of strong malty chocolate, underlying coffee and mocha notes, vanilla, caramel, earthy hop bitterness and some smokey fragrance. The flavors are of like a borderline brown ale. A great amount of dark, milk and sweet chocolate shines in the taste along with coffee, mocha, vanilla crème, cocoa, smokey bitterness but only slight, caramel, toffee, a bit of hazelnut, earthy hop bitterness, some minor graininess. While it is not at the level of some of the most extreme imperial chocolate dessert beers, like organic chocolate, or even chocolate rain, it’s emphasis on being chocolate is more apparent than other stouts. Hence the reason why beer fusions work very well with this stout. This beer works way better as a dessert beer on its own even. Just the fact that it is a common beer is also worth getting as this is as close to a more chocolate beer than any of the rare stuff out there. Recommended? Yes, if you enjoy chocolate. In fact if you ever plan on doing beer fusions, this is the choice 😛

Nitro (aka Milk Stout) by Left Hand Brewing

538611_10100984461493240_1216028623_nRating: 5/5

Nitro (aka Milk Stout) by Left Hand Brewing is a 6% ABV Milk Chocolate Sweet Stout. It is the original Milk Stout but using special equipment to bottle it with nitrogen which is responsible for less carbonation and with more creaminess. I think since I poured in a tulip glass, a lot of the foamy head was gone. It is still very creamy though.

Label:
Brewed on the Banks of the Mighty St. Vrain Super Smooth with soft roastiness and Mocha Flavors.

Description:
This English style of beer, also known as Sweet Stout or Cream Stout, first appeared in London in the late 1800’s. The early brewers touted the health benefits of the milk sugar in this beer which today relates mainly to the increased amount of calories(no real health benefits…sorry). The milk sugar adds a well rounded sweetness to this dark beer and makes it an outstanding, year ’round stout.
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One of the nations top sweet milk stouts and for many reasons. On the lines with Moo Hoo Milk Stout but more coffee notes. The aromas are of a very nice coffee, mocha and caramel frappucino fragrance with notes of chocolate milk. Quite nice really. The Flavors are way too creamy and smooth. Hardly any bitterness and goes down very nice. Liquid Frappucino with nice flavors of dark chocolate, coffee espresso, mocha, caramel, whipped crème vanilla, lots of sugar, milk chocolate, and almond milk. Mouth feel in the after taste is coffee and chocolate with hardly anything rough. So much rich creamy goodness. It is soooooo damn easy to drink. People would probably have a hard time deciphering whether this a beer or a cold special coffee. Definite craft beer gateway. It is really outstanding…gotta try 😀

Dragonstooth by Elysian Brewing

75199_10100933726197180_1390636216_nRating: 4.8/5

Dragonstooth by Elysian Brewing is a 7.5% BV Oatmeal Stout. Oatmeal stouts are the type of stouts that provide that smooth taste as well as are responsible for a little bit of extra sweetness not found in other stouts even for being full bodied. Oatmeal Stouts differ in the sense that they are are stouts with smoother and richer taste.

Label:

A smooth and sturdy stout, made with 10% rolled oats, roasted barley and chocolate malt. The name is referential to the founders of Thebes, warriors who sprang from the earth when the teeth of a slain dragon were sown by Cadmus. Bittered with Chinook; finished with Cascade and Columbus hops.

This beer has strong aromas of sweet chocolate, bakers chocolate and dark chocolate along with coffee bread and mocha. The flavors are balanced as there is still some coffee roasted notes to balance out the sweetness. This is a very good and sweet beer. Not to the ultimate chocolate level but close. Coffee caramel cake dipped in Rich dark, sweet, and bakers chocolate (like the chocolate oak aged Yeti) with roasted bitterness that only works to balance and not to make the stout bitter. Other flavors I can tell is like a creamy oatmeal with cinnamon but only notes of it are there. It is a smooth beer for being a rich and heavy stout. The after taste is only as bitter as a small amount of coffee beans go but the sweetness of the oatmeal lingers. I am not sure if they decided to give me an older beer (Possibly aged) as this one is the older label. The new one is different. If it was aged, it aged very well and therefore the review is right on.

Moo-Hoo by Terrapin Brewing

309121_10100930279589210_1205509744_nRating: 4.9/5

Moo-Hoo by Terrapin Brewing is a 6%ABV Chocolate Milk Stout.

Label:

The Terrapin “Moo-Hoo” Chocolate Milk Stout proudly uses cocoa nibs and shells from Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Company to give this beer its chocolatly great taste
This is the 2012 release of the Moo-Hoo. Never tried this beer before but I read somewhere that it was very good so I had to see what it was all about. From the fragrance of the beer I can smell some coffee notes. Not too strong but they are there. Some chocolate as well as a dark fruit like a raisin. I think the gold is in the taste. As soon as I sipped this, there was this very rich flavor of milk chocolate and chocolate powder and dark chocolate as it is mixed in with milk. It was almost like a Yoo-hoo. LOL similar to the name I guess. But in terms of getting this close to chocolate milk, its pretty dead on. Very creamy, vanilla, caramel, some fruitiness like some blackberries. The aftertaste is like a mocha. A chocolate coffee and not too bitter. As for the overall rating of this one… I love chocolate so this hits a lot of pleasure centers so if your not really into chocolate but more of a smoke and coffee kind of person when it comes to beers, then maybe this may not be for you. It is not an overwhelming sweet beers like some of the stronger ABV beers that I have had (Chocolate Rain or choklat per se) but it is very drinkable. Not too bitter, not overwhelming sweet but enough to hit a lot of chocolate and milk centers on the palate. Terrapin is kinda hard to find around here in LA but some place do have this. Pick this up for sure.

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

Rating: 5/5

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

Label:

A Collision of Crazies Rogue Ales has again collided with Voodoo Doughnut to create Chocolate, Banana & Peanut Butter Ale! This unique artisan creation contains a baker’s dozen ingredients including chocolate, banana and peanut butter to match Voodoo’s “Memphis Mafia” doughnut- a nod to Elvis’ entourage.
2-Row, C-150, C-175, Carafoam Special II & Chocolate Malts; Rogue Farms Revolution & Independent Hops; Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Banana; Pacman Yeast and Free Range Coastal Water

Initial smell was very enticing. Strong smell from the chocolate, peanut butter and bananas. Hints of vanilla and caramel are in the aromas as well. There is also a smell of like cherry glaze. Almost like walking into the Doughnut shop type of pastry smell. The Initial taste is somewhat smokey and grassy but all that dissipates as soon as the rest of the flavors take over. Milk Chocolate, peanut butter, banana bread, vanilla, caramel, maple, campfire graham cracker and marshmallow notes, brown sugar, raisin, cherry, definitely like this butterscotch after taste. They definitely worked hard to make this beer taste like a doughnut. The smokeyness is only there to balance out the sweetness. This beer has many notes but it is not overly sweet. The balance works very well towards its favor. It is not too much in alcohol and managed to hit a lot of pleasure notes in the taste buds. Got this one directly from Rogue so the distribution should be hitting Bevmo and other specialty liquor stores soon. Go and pick this up, its quite interesting and delicious…lol but don’t take my word for, judge for yourself.

White Chocolate by The Bruery

Rating: 6/5

White Chocolate by The Bruery is a 14.25%ABV WheatWine Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans. The Polar opposite of the Chocolate Rain. Can be aged up to 5 years. 

Label:

The primary component of our “White Oak” ale is a 100% barrel aged wheat wine that we affectionately refer to as “White Oak Sap.” Essentially a “summer” barley-wine style ale, but made with a wheat heavy grain base, White Oak Sap is aged in used bourbon barrels for nearly a year and comes out rich in flavors of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla. To compliment the already rich flavors of the beer, we’ve added cacao nibs and vanilla beans to give this beer the delicate flavor of white chocolate…hence the name. This is where the ultimate in brewing alchemy comes together to combine flavors to create something so ridiculously sweet and awesome. Now in the past I mentioned about how chocolate rain had become one the best and sweetest beers out there for me, well right in part to that comes this one. The White Chocolate. This totally smells and taste like ripe and strong white chocolate. It is strange because they use wheat so you also get these very faint heffeweizen orange and banana bread in the back. Quite the dessert beer here. There is a lot of flavors of caramel, vanilla, honey orange, sweet bread, maple, strong white chocolate, bourbon, cocoa, hazel nut, pecans, chocolate chip and cinnamon . While this is a strong alcoholic beer which should be taken lightly and a sip at a time, it is also super sweet. LOL like another Diabetes in a bottle. I have never tried a white chocolate beer. This one really takes the cake in terms of different types of beers ever. It is the best “rarest” beer in the world for me along with chocolate rain. That being said, I still consider Trois Pistoles and St. Bernardus the best in the world simply because they are easier to find. White Chocolate and Chocolate Rain are just a chocolate lovers dream. Those and Southern Tier choklat which is lighter. Would I recommend this?? You are damn right I would. Sweet tooth and Chocolate lovers will die with this one. Should be on the bucket list lol. Now I can scratch this off my list ;P