Tag Archives: Dragons

Barrel Aged Unicorn Tears collaboration by Fremont brewing and Perennial Artisan Ales

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Rating: 7/7

Barrel Aged Unicorn Tears collaboration by Fremont brewing and Perennial Artisan Ales is a 12.9% ABV Imperial Oatmeal Milk Stout brewed with cherries and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
We are a family-owned craft brewery founded in 2009 to brew artisan beers made with the best local ingredients we can find.

In the Time Before Light, Unicorns ruled the Universe. And Time passed. Until it stopped passing and began to make Beer. And it was good. But Time was Lonely, so it begat two Breweries. And thusly Fremont Brewing and Perennial Artisan Ales were spat into the World. And they made Beer. And it was good. When, Lo, one Day, they made Beer together and aged it in Bourbon Barrels for a long time. And then they added Cherries. And Aged it a long time. But it wasn’t good enough for their elevated taste. So, they added Unicorn Tears. And it was Good. Behold, Burst Forth into the World is Barrel-Aged Unicorn Tears. Enjoy only with those that are worthy. …Never Play Leapfrog With A Unicorn…Cheers! Matt & Matt and Phil & Emily.

==Introduction==

So, we have SangriLeche doppelganger in our site ey? Well then, only one thing to do here, time to step up to the plate. The ingredients seemed very close to what I used to make my homebrew except missing the vanilla and cocoa nibs but that is besides the point. A milk and oatmeal stout? Double smoothtness to the max! I have not tried anything Fremont but seeing as Perennial was involved, it can only mean the goodness. Essentially, when I first saw this beer locally, I had to grab it. Little that I know that it would soon be a super coveted magic potion with fairy dust (glitter engulfed) that many it would start to sell out everywhere. Yes it seems people went mad for yet another beer. This beer is literally covered in glitter which makes me wonder if glitter is one of the ingredients inside the beer. Even if its not it seemed amazing and I could not wait to bring it to the website especially now that I know people really liked this one. Well then, let’s see what this magical potion is all about, cheers!

Aromas:
Super cherry Cordial fluff and sparkling chocolates, banana split, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, Nutella, mint chocolate cake, Chambord Raspberries, port wine, dark chocolates, dark fruits, hazelnut nectar, blue berries, bourbon hints, cake frosting, grape jelly, Fondant pearl juice (sugar candy syrup) and more!

Flavors:
Hopes, Dreams, Clouds of marshmallows and 5th dimension ambrosia delights. That’s it… what? You wanna know more? Okay that was just the tip of the iceberg. SO then, it goes into an array of super choco chocolate goodness. Rich super milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cherry cordials, dark fruit currants, raisins, blue berries, raspberries, blue raspberries, cake frosting, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, bourbon, oak, banana split for days, cookie dough ice cream, molasses, mint chocolate cake, Chambord Raspberry Liqueur, port wine, Nutella, mocha, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Cherry sunday, vanilla, crème brulee, tres leches cake, tiramasu, mocha, marzipan, mazapan, toasted coconut, marshmallow smores, rocky road ice cream, walnuts, pralines, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, butterscotch, chicka cherry cola, fondant cake glaze, chocolate cherry mousse and more!

Aftertaste:
Finishing with Cherry Choco Chocolate Cordial and raspberry frosting for days, Nutella, dark chocolates, dark cherries, vanilla, caramel, oak, bourbon hints, mocha, pecan pie and banana split cherry sundae. No alcohol here or anywhere despite the ABV. The body is fully pitch black and abysmal with a non human visual spectrum of dark matter, 80’s magic, He-Man, Thundercats and Rick and Morty season 9 residuals. The mouthfeel is very smooth, mildly chewey, velvety, creamy and syrupy. Who has time to sip? Come right in, the dark magical water is fine even though this brew was made to be sipped and taken with ease. You could literally finish in one sitting if you wanted to.

Overall:
Well then, pastry stouts are a go! Although DDB would disagree. This one is a definite bucket lister for me and is a crazy little potion that I would love to have over and over again. While I think this is a step up from many beers that I love including my own awesome Sangrileche, it is awesome to know mines can still go toe to toe with this pastry brew. Let’s face it, this is similar to the beer I made if it was filled with cake fondant. Super complex, sweet, smooth, dreamy, cakey, glaze and all that fairy tail crap they told you when you were a kid. It’s fucking great! Like a kid in a candy store drinking his sugar bottle. Would I recommend it? You bet your fucking ass I would! Go find this one damn it!

Anime Corner:
Lilac Sash from Freedom Planet was chosen for this pairing because while she is in no way a unicorn, she is just as legendary as one since she is a dragon. Since she fit so well with the colors of the beers, the flavors and ingredients I had to bring her to pair with this. She’s been a favorite of mine as of recently since I started playing the game and with her powerful strength and great hero personality, why not? Oh and about the tears part in the name? Those are years of joy and good feels. I kinda made a funny with the Lilac trying to drink enough milk tearing up dreaming to be the bikini babe. Anyways, She fit the awesome beer!

 

 

Dragon’s Milk Reserve Coconut Rum Barrel Stout by New Holland brewing

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14883451_10103680012362690_9120622711387752481_oRating: 7/7

Dragon’s Milk Reserve Coconut Rum Barrel Stout by New Holland brewing is an 11% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with coconut and aged in Rum Barrels.

Label:
Coconut complements the roasted chocolate flavor of Dragon ‘s Milk, coaxing flavors that are reminiscent of lazy summer days. Rum barrels add a tropical character and a distinctive twist on tradition.
14918891_10103680012372670_6848465178321749021_o
==Introduction==

The time has come again, with another variant of the awesome Dragon’s Milk. I have tried this one several times and done many reviews as well. Today, I bring you the Coconut and Rum version of the brew. The only other dragon I have tried was the raspberry one and since I loved that one so much, it inspired me to make a raspberry and tropical fruit version of that same beer. So basically, the Dragon’s Milk and I go way back and the love for this beer keeps going. So with that being said, let’s take a look at the white whale of a dragon we have this time around. Cheers!
14889929_10103680012222970_7508145398960794378_o
Aromas:
Mocha, Coffee Cake, Rich Almond Joy Coconut Chocolate, rum, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, capirotada raisin bread pudding with coconut, coconut and pecan pie, Danish cookies, hazelnut nectar, coconut chocolate truffles, fruit cake piña colada notes, dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, choco flan, lactose milk sugar, crème brulee, toffee, dark fruit raisins, cherries, figs, currants, blackberries, fudge chocolate cake, rocky road ice cream and chocolate milk shake.

Flavors:
Liquid almond joy chocolates, toasted coconut, cocada Mexican candy, macaroons, oak, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rum, flan, crème brulee, toffee, dark fruit raisins, cherries, figs, currants, blackberries, fudge chocolate cake, rocky road ice cream, choco flan, lactose milk sugar, capirotada raisin bread pudding with coconut, coconut and pecan pie, marshmallows, peanut butter hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, Irish cream, steamed coconut milk, coffee cake, espresso coffee hints, tobacco, leather, rye bread, anise, molasses, Danish cookies, mocha, hazelnut nectar, coconut chocolate truffles, fruit cake piña colada notes, dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi and lychee.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with super rich with coconut, tropical rum, vanilla, flan, almond joy chocolate, flan, crème brulee, fruit cake, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow, vanilla, caramel, dark fruit, toffee, and smokey notes. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth, syrupy and velvety mouth feel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A definite bucket lister. As much as I love the original or even the raspberry one which I believe are some of the best beers and a staple in my list of favorite bourbon barrel stouts, this coconut rum is simply another level altogether. There has been a trend for me with beer variants and it seems that coconut beers have been definitely out of this world. I definitely loved this one so much, I had to get several and I highly recommend you do the same and try the coconut deliciousness.
14859693_10103680012227960_2124150597511788379_o
Anime Corner:
Sash Lilac from Freedom Planet and original character art by Tofu93 were chosen to be the dragons that go with this beer. As I mentioned before, the beer is a rarity like, like a white whale. Although, this one is a white dragon instead. So the under the sea part in the picture as Sash rises from the water represents that part. The other pics just complement as they are both dragons.
14917073_10103680012252910_4004420077163897411_o
Sources:
http://img12.deviantart.net/6be7/i/2015/006/5/5/freedom_planet___lilac_vs_spade_by_banzatou-d8ctqec.png
http://img12.deviantart.net/018e/i/2016/051/a/d/sash_lilac_by_dansyron-d9shnt6.png
https://i.imgur.com/bRycwv9.png
http://orig05.deviantart.net/7b18/f/2014/219/a/e/fan_art_____sash_lilac_by_articaartes-d7u31gf.png
http://orig04.deviantart.net/1768/f/2014/207/c/8/rouken_ych_by_tofu93-d7se6ee.jpg

#DRAGONSAREREAL by B.Nektar

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13063394_10103215780566930_3325034592238263388_o 13047900_10103215783186680_7537154836611534565_o 13061984_10103215799109770_3961639128904335795_nRating: 7/7

#DRAGONSAREREAL by B.Nektar is a 14% ABV Honey Wine/Mead with Cherry Juice, Chipotle Peppers and Cacao Nibs added aged in Dragon’s Milk Barrels

Label:
Thanks @newhollandbrew for the #dragonsmilkbarrels. Made a gr8 home 4 #ChocolateCherryChipotle #dragonsarereal
We won’t miss ur next G of T party @StephenAtHome. #colbertnation #dragonsarereal
@BNektar knows that it takes but little fire to impart a rich snowy charter.
*SMOKY character
#damnautocorrect
#dragonsarereal

In the game of toasts, you sip
or you honey wine.
Cheers!

==Introduction==

I obtained this mead at www.craftshack.com. New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk, its variants and the bourbon have been one of my most favorites for a very long time. They recently have been showing up here in California and the brew is such a great one that I even tried to make a clone with raspberries and tropical fruits. I even made a special oak aged stout using their bourbon. So when I saw this one, I had to get it. Being a big fan, it was something I could not pass up even if it seemed, well, pricey. You will be paying above 20$ for this little bottle but seeing as I have yet to have anything bad from B. Nektar, and it is Dragon’s Milk aged, I had to get it. So let’s see if this this mead actually worth the money. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Wild flower honey, very rich dark cherries, plums, currants, cranberries, blackberries, dark cherry yogurt, Dark Chocolate, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, Chile spices, tamarind, hibiscus, lavender, Rye bread, raspberry preserves, wine grapes, agave nectar, pecan pie, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, mango, and tropical fruits like kiwis, strawberries, dragon fruit, passion fruit and guava.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Chipotle, Ancho, Guajillo and Roasted Chile de arbol hints, cinnamon, milk chocolate, cherry cordials, dark fruit prunes, raisins, very rich dark cherries, plums, dark cherry yogurt, port wine, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel hints, flan, honey, wild flower honey, maple, agave nectar, ambrosia, tropical notes of pineapple, honey dew melon, kiwis, strawberries, dragon fruit, passion fruit notes, prickly pear tunas, currants, cranberries, blackberries, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, mango, sour apples, golden apples, chamoy hints, tamarind, hibiscus, lavender, Rye bread, raspberry preserves, guava notes, bourbon notes, brandy notes, rum notes, Chambord raspberry liqueur and coffee cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with a mild peppery heat that is quelled by the deep dark cherry, complex dark fruits, chocolate, honey, apples, stone fruits, flan, port wine and dulce de leche hints. No alcohol in the taste, crazily enough even though this is 14% ABV, Crimson and Garnet Dark yet clear body when shined upon. Silky, smooth, syrupy, velvety, creamy and rich mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Frankly, the best mead I have ever had in my life! The stuff that rare legends are made of I love how the notes of Dragon’s Milk soaked Oak from the barrel is slightly there but mainly the rest of the flavors come together so damn well. The heat is there but minor in comparison to the overall flavors. This mead is very complex in flavors for sure. For 14% ABV, you can’t tell the alcohol is there. Something like this I feel was definitely worth the cash. I had no idea mead could be so good that now I would like to make my own just like I did with my take on Dragon’s Milk. If you can get this one, you should. A very different and delicious experience. I even got a piece from Final Fantasy that best fits the experience even more with the telling of legends and dragons. Highly recommended.


Anime Corner:
Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess of Nintendo was used in this pairing since her appearance somewhat resembles that of dragons. She has the colors of the dragon scales and her hair flows like that of the dragon’s fire while her ominous stare is seducing like the eyes of a Dragon mesmerize its prey. Just like this mead mesmerizes the tastebuds. She seems very mysterious and dark but is actually very kind especially when she helps Link in his Journey. While I have used Sierra from Legend of Mana for the Dragon’s Milk stout, the mead would be paired with someone else and that someone was Midna. Definitely the best choice in my mind.

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/712862026155077634/bSeZK5LE.jpg
http://36.media.tumblr.com/d182a4e54850f6f28f5ffd161ccecd80/tumblr_nveqi8QnU61up73mjo10_1280.png
http://orig13.deviantart.net/aa30/f/2016/074/4/6/midna_by_dandonfuga-d9v3kcy.jpg

2009 Birra Artigianale Draco (5 year aged) by Birrificio Montegioco

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10583940_10102017681926210_657510507677618174_n 10609527_10102017682530000_5964678051733629388_nRating: 6/5

2009 Birra Artigianale Draco (5 year aged) by Birrificio Montegioco is an 11% ABV Beertilla/Mirtilla/ Italian Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed with Blueberries.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Draco has a dark red color and a persistent head. It is full bodied and has a moderate level of carbonation. The nose shows a great complexity with aromas of honey, caramel and forest fruits. The hops brings out pepper and plum. The initial taste confirms the nose with notes of caramel and initial sweetness. The finish is a fine balance of hops and bitter notes. Draco is produced using a mix of select malts. The beer is fermented three times. During the second fermentation the blueberries are added along with the yeast and malt sugar. The alcoholic content obtained from the fermentation of the malt is of 8.5% by volume, while the final one is 11% by volume.
______

A tribute review to an old favorite which was brewed in 2009 and kept hidden in the dungeon of Nubisanctum never to see the light of day until now. Draco has awaken and wants revenge on my palate. This was the first beer I have tried from Italy back in 2011 which had a really awesome dragon label. The fact that the beer had blueberries and a Belgian Strong Dark Ale was enough for me to definitely go out of my way to find it. I had bought 2 bottles back in 2011 and decided to keep one hidden. Back then I did not know the beer had already been 2 years old but at that time it was damn good. Trying it again 5 years later is what is definitely worth the wait in gold. If you can somehow find this amazing bottle, that would be awesome as I am not sure if this is still brewed anymore. Good Luck and Cheers!…or at least I will need it to tame this beast!

Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel covered blueberry muffin, dark fruit raisins, plum, raspberry, dark cherries, figs, raisin bread pudding, flan, bananas, clove spice, bourbon, vanilla, marshmallow, port wine, pecan pie, hazelnut, crème brulee, toffee, rye bread, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, peppercorn, rock candy, dark candi sugar, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry yogurt, wine grapes, tart currants, brown sugar, sour apples and honey.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, blueberry muffin, blueberry cheesecake, caramel sour apple, Danish cream, dark fruit raisins, tart currant skins, plums, raspberries, figs, raisin bread pudding, notes of bourbon, marshmallow, chocolate hints, graham crackers, brown sugar, flan, bananas, pecan pie, clove spice, port wine, peppercorn, toffee, rye bread, rock candy, dark candi sugar, biscuit bread, honey comb, hazelnut, wine grapes, honey, stone fruit peaches, apricots, dragon fruit, dark cherry yogurt, matured apples and dried blackberries.

Aftertaste:
Blueberries, pecan pie, caramel, earthy notes, rye bread, bananas and vanilla linger. No alcohol in the taste. Sipping yet smooth drinkability, Dark gold and amber full body, mildly syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Aged has done this old reliable some great justice. Reminding me a lot of Trois Pistoles if Trois Pistoles had gone Gold and amber. The beer has become more smooth than the last time I remember it and a lot more dark fruit forward as well but creating a greater complexity of flavors as well. It is more dangerous as well since you need to take your time with it. This elusive beer is one that was rare top favorite of my and still holds its place as on of the best despite what other reviewers say. I think the problem is that not many people have tried this beer to get to really know it. Specially if they can find a vintage one like this one. Highly recommended for sure! Just like I mentioned in my original review:

“Dragons are legendary, stories of fairy tale, but trust me they do exist and the magic brew they make is friggin’ awesome!! If you ever spot one like this…take it…it really is a nice magic potion….”

Anime Corner:
Freya Crescent from Final Fantasy IX was used in this pairing as the last since I wanted to pair what goes great with Dragons and in this case, Dragoons. Freya is a lone Dragooness having to do many deeds for her kingdom harvesting the power of the dragons. Her story is a sad one but she lives to reclaim herself in a world with turmoil and has many friends to help her. While Freya herself is on an anthropomorphic rat and not a dragon per say, she fairs well with the dragons as awesome creatures of legend and lore. Or at least in the sense of final fantasy. She not only pairs well with the beer herself in terms of the colors of the label, the flavors being ingredients and their colors but also a rarity that is much more beautiful skin deep and aged than when the original beer came out. Freya is one of my favorite Dragooness’s, Lady of the Dragons!

Sources:
http://blog-imgs-27.fc2.com/s/i/z/sizurueuphoric/freija1.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/928329

Dragonhösen by Boulder Beer Company

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1463675_10101525463775330_1283158220_nRating: 4.89/5 

Dragonhösen by Boulder Beer Company is a 9% ABV Imperial Oktoberfest/Märzen lager

Label: 
Late at night in the dark cellar or among the rows of towering vessels at Boulder Beer, if you listen carefully you can hear the eerie sound of the Dragonhosen.
Brewed with generous amounts of Vienna and Munich malts for a rich, full-bodied malty flavor, Dragonhosen begins as a traditional Oktoberfest lager, then stealthily breathes fire with 9% alcohol by volume. Hallertau and Czech Saaz hops add balance with a mild earthy aroma and flavor with moderate bitterness.
If you find yourself at Boulder Beer, listen closely and beware… if you hear a scratching and scraping coming your way, the bite of the Dragonhosen is sure to follow.
___

Dragonhösen or Dragon Trousers… Not sure what they meant by this. Unless it they meant, it is befitting dragon of a beer. Challenge Accepted! Even if it is not October anymore, that doesn’t stop anyone from trying special Oktoberfest beers. This sucker was hard to find in California. In fact, many stores online will not ship it. Until I found the craftkings.com. One of the reason I was attracted to this beer was the label but the style. German beers are delicious and sweet. The best part is that it comes in a 22oz.

Aromas: 
Caramel, toffee notes, biscuit notes, honey, butterscotch, caramel sugars, earthy spice, brown sugar, nutmeg and rye

Flavors: 
Rich caramel, toffee, rye bread, honey, hazelnut, biscuit bread, butterscotch, nutmeg, caramelized, toasted bread, mild earthy hop notes, brown sugar, sugar cone, graham crackers, fruit cake notes, hint of a dark fruits and dates 

Aftertaste:
The beer leaves a nice caramel and rye bread aftertaste with some earthy bitterness. Alcohol is not present in the taste and has moderate drinkability

Overall:
This beer is very good overall. It is a beer that seems to fall more along the lines of a doppel bock or even a Barleywine. I think this is the reason why I liked this one a lot. Malt forward and sweet! I think if you have tried some of the best German Doppel bocks out there, it may be close to this one. Love me some good German beers. 

Anime Corner:
Not sure what series this character is from. I could only find something about a Chinese series called “Scratch” and the character is Maid: Dragon King Ao Guang’s daughter. Anyways, the use of this piece of artwork in my mind could clearly be seen from the label’s art work. That and the fact that this woman is like a half woman half dragon. All to perfect and majestic, the Dragonhosen