Tag Archives: Franco il Nero

DKML by Founders brewing

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Rating: 5.75/6

DKML by Founders brewing is a 14.2% ABV Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:

Here you have what could be the first malt liquor worthy of a glass. Typically a slighted style, we thought we would class it up with a stay in the wood and a healthy dose of dry-hopping. A huge hit of corn gives this one a smooth sweetness while its time spent aging in bourbon barrels will give you reason to share. Be warned: this one’s a pry-off, not a twist-off.

==Introduction==

The “40” or “40oz.” has a new meaning with this beer. A crazy strong beer that only the closest Colt 45 or Mickey’s can ever dream of being the strongest of the bunch. Something that I have never tried before and honestly, something that my site has rarely ever gotten past security. Sorry, I have only done Malt Liquor upon request here and the only one I have done so far is King Cobra thanks to my friend Hugo Gascon. Yet, a bourbon barrel aged malt liquor?! What is this all about?! Great question for sure but I would be hard pressed to not bring it to the site, especially since it is Founders we are talking about. The makes of the awesome KBS and with their reputation in barrel aging beers. So yeah, this was definitely a must. Now that we are here, let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:

Rich marshmallow, oak, toasted coconut, vanilla, caramel, cane sugar, marshmallow, fruit cake, white raisins, tropical mango hints, orange peel, citrus, herbal, grassy hop hints, tangerine gummies, raisin bread, toffee, honey and rich butterscotch.

Flavors:

Rich caramel, pilsnery grain, honey, oak, butterscotch, bourbon, cane sugar, stone fruit peach, apricot, melons, apple, banana notes, marshmallow, orange peel, tangerine gummies, citrus, herbal, piney and grassy hops, tropical fruit mango, passion fruit hints, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut, brown sugar, biscuit bread, flan, dark cherries, white raisins, clove spice, coriander hints, fruit cake and piloncillo sugar cone.

Aftertaste:

Finishing rich with honey, caramel, butterscotch, bourbon, marshmallow, toffee, rye bread, pilsnery notes, citrus, sweetened condensed milk, tropical fruit, stone fruit and more. Slight boozy but not detracting from the amazing flavors. Clear Golden body, smooth, velvety, syrupy and crisp mouthfeel but a sipper none the less. Chugging this like an actual 40 will definitely give you a bad time!

Overall:

A most epic and exceptional malt liquor! In fact, the best malt liquor ever! If those old English and Mickeys or even Bud Ices have told me, there is a talk of legendary beer and this is supreme! Amazing amazing amazing! Founders is simply awesome and the always keep pushing that barrel aging program forward. For being the first and possibly only bourbon barrel aged malt liquor out there, you have to do yourself a favor and get this one!

Anime Corner:

Franco iL Nero from Outlaw Django was chosen in this pairing mainly for the pairing of the colors of the beer but mainly for a through back to the Wild Wild West Side like that Song from Ice Cube. Essentially, the 40 ounce represents the hard times of living in the Ghetto or at least how it was back in the 80’s and 90’s but also playing that Wild West to be a synonym of the real Wild West in the dessert in the time of cowboys. Yes, it was rough back then but this beer brings something traditional from the past into the more modern era with it’s barrel aging. It is sure to get you wassstedd, synonymous to the “wasted” logo that comes up when you die in GTA but also literally wasted as in drunk!

 

2016 Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Beer Co.

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Rating: 6/6
 
2016 Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Beer Co. is a 13.8% ABV Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels.
 
A treasure of a beer. I have reviewed this one several times but I wanted to bring one more to the site.

Peanut Butter Dark Seas by Mission Brewery

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15325317_10103803534498340_4484081246687087118_oRating: 6/6

Peanut Butter Dark Seas by Mission Brewery is 9.8% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Peanut Butter.

Label:
Since the very first batch, the recipe for Mission Dark Seas has remained unchanged. The classic, award winning Imperial Stout is rich in toasted coffee, chocolate and all those bold roasted flavors. WE have added peanut butter for a rich, creamy taste sensation. Peanut Butter Dark Seas; Just as amazing as the original, but with a nostalgic twist.

==Introduction==
15385508_10103803534418500_1322740757984631632_o
A limited release from Mission Brewery. It has been a long time since I tried the Missions Dark Seas and the Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Seas. Both are world class beers and definitely some of the best. When I first saw they had released a peanut butter version I nearly flipped. While I haven’t had too many of the Missions brews, they are always amazing! I am not sure if this is the same as their Captain Crunch Peanut butter version they had on tap but it would make sense as the Captain is a captain of a ship. Pirates or not, it would sure fit. Let’s have a look at this one, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, peanut butter, nutter butter cookies, roasted peanuts, Reece’s peanut butter cup, vanilla, roasted coffee, mocha, pralines, hazelnut nectar, dark fruit currants, prunes, raisins, rye bread, molasses, anise, tobacco notes, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, toasted coconuts and brown sugar.
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Flavors:
Rich peanut brittle, roasted peanuts, real peanut butter, nutter butter cookies, Reece’s peanut butter cup, captain crunch peanut butter cereal, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, toasted coconuts, coffee cake, flan, dark fruit currants, prunes, raisins, rye bread, molasses, anise, tobacco notes, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, caramel, roasted coffee, mocha, pralines, hazelnut nectar, walnuts, macadamia nuts, almond milk, roasted barley, bananas, dark cherry hints, chocolate mousse, fudge and peanut butter cake and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of nutty unsweetened peanut butter flavor, roasted coffee, dark fruit, dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel and roasted barley bitterness. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, smooth, creamy, chewy and velvety mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability.
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Overall:
Damn insane. Very exceptional brew. Yes, it is not barrel aged but the peanut butter flavors and chocolate are ridiculous. Overall, the beer is very complex and it does appear that they are using real peanut butter and not peanut butter flavoring. Either that or peanut flour. I am not sure, but regardless, the semi-sweet peanut butter and chocolate flavors from this one are definitely unique from other peanut butter beers. Not to detract from other peanut butter beers as they are all amazing, but this one definitely stands on its own. Also, the Russian Imperial style and flavors complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors so well! Highly recommended.
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Anime Corner:
Franco il Nero (Cyan hair) and Donne Annonime (Blonde hair) from Outlaw Django Tre Donne Crudeli as well as Nitro+ Cross over of Ignis from Jingai Makyo and Al-Azif from Demonbane were used in this pairing mainly since I used Franco and Donne in the original and Bourbon Barrel aged version of Dark seas. Like finding the treasure. This beer is a treasure in itself. The addition of the other characters was mainly for the sake of using new art work to pair with the beer. I must say that they pair really well with the flavors and the colors of the ingredients this feels like it has. Especially the complexity. Overall though, they all come from the same company, Nitro+ so I like how this turned out.
15440420_10103803534548240_2305954795055589230_o
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/21oMSKa.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/p0iaGxU.png
http://static.zerochan.net/Franco.Il.Nero.full.138803.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mretZWu.jpg
http://img1.reactor.cc/pics/comment/full/Anime-tre-donne-crudeli-под-катом-еще-574309.jpeg

(Homebrew Project#25) Frontier Tropics At Mirage Sunrise by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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14379789_10103559179837040_7433726519403536685_oRating: 5/5 
 
Frontier Tropics At Mirage Sunrise by Nubis Sanctum Ales is an 11% ABV Tropical Double India Pale Ale Brewed with, Citra, Cascade and Summit hops, Toasted Coconut, Strawberries, Kiwis, Mangos, Oranges, Grapefruit, Limes and Coriander.
 14424872_10103586803963070_3241017320736671024_o
Label:
Tropical Double India Pale Ale Brewed with, Citra, Cascade and Summit hops, Toasted Coconut, Strawberries, Kiwis, Mangos, Oranges, Grapefruit, Limes and Coriander.
 
Saving townsfolk comes at a high price. Even for the noble outlaw duo like Franco il Nero and Donne Anonime who’s good deeds don’t go without punishment. Like the lost oasis of indigenous lore, Licuados Alets, the duo has never been captured. Only fools waste their search on such legends. Although, tales told that during sunrise, while in search of the duo, off in the distance, the tropical oasis has been seen with the deceiving eyes of the dessert heat. An illusion of the cowgirls can be witnessed but even the thirstiest of pursuers will never reach them…Until today, the water from that lost oasis, was given by the sexy outlaws to the few. You are, but the few…
 14468167_10103586803973050_2582004819127454354_o
==Introduction==
13217167_10103252646078150_4895582831966392613_o
Project #25 was technically a last minute creation for the end of spring 2016. You see, I cannot brew beer in the summer as the temperatures in my room are not viable for brewing. However, since my friend Richard Avila of Avila Ales gave me a birthday present, basically the ingredients to make a cascade and summit double IPA, I decided to take my own crazy and twisted approach to the base recipe and create something awesome. Since I always wanted to make a more tropical IPA ever since last year’s IPA I made, I decided to buy all sorts of fruits that would not only compliment the citrus and grapefruit flavors of cascade and summit but also the tropical fruits in citra which is the other set of hops I added. The origin of the name really came from the use of hops like Summit like in the mountains of the Frontier of the old west. While many are stuck in the dessert in the old west, they desire water and often would find an oasis in the distance only for it to be a mirage. Hence if they ever got to the oasis, it would be like reaching a tropical beach full of delights. The water would also trickle form the mountains into this paradise tropical oasis, hence the use of the cascade. So all and all, the name came to be, Frontier Tropics At Mirage Sunrise. The sunrise part is all the citrus added since it would also remind one of drinking orange juice for breakfast, Nevertheless, this beer came to be. There was a lot of trial and tribulations since I had not used toasted coconut before and so this would be my first attempt. So let’s take a look at the final beer that was made at the end of spring and ready to drink in the summer time, Cheers!
 14524412_10103586803978040_4903703890628546172_o
Aromas:
Rich toasted coconut, piña colada, macaroons, Tropical fruit pineapple, kiwi, mango, dragon fruit, honey dew melon, vanilla, biscuit bread, agave nectar, honey, kiwi jelly, Oranges, orange juice, limes, lemon peel, tangerines, grapefruit, piney, grassy and herbal hops, coriander hints, strawberries and sweetened condensed milk.
14324298_10103559179717280_4878994497619442482_o
Flavors:
Rich Piña Colada, toasted coconut, macaroons, rum notes, tropical fruit kiwi, mango, dragon fruit, mild passion fruit, pineapple (even though there isn’t any added to the beer), strawberries, strawberry cream pie, sour hints of lemon peel, Oranges, orange juice, limes, tangerines, grapefruit, piney, grassy and herbal hops, hint of coriander spice, stone fruit peach, apricot, earthy hops, flan hints, sweetened condensed milk hints, caramel hints, vanilla, biscuit bread, agave nectar, honey notes, honey comb hints and kiwi preserves.
 14524463_10103586804342310_8397508240260283130_o
Aftertaste:
Finishes with hints or strawberry, orange juice, toasted coconut, sour lemon, tart grapefruit hints, piña colada, macaroons and herbal hops. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Golden Amber and brown medium to full body, crisp, refreshing, and smooth mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability
 14444994_10103586804611770_3492598450951233377_o
14500769_10103586804566860_5453039125315214166_o
Overall:
Damn perfect fruity and tropical IPA. My only gripes would be that since this is my first time toasting my own coconut, it changed the color of the beer to a brown color but other than that it was awesome. I think the fruit may have over taken some of the hops but the hops really did compliment the fruit and the bitterness is there with a hint of tart from the citrus fruits and kiwi but then rounded off by the delicious and pleasant coconut. Overall, I think it came out great but I think next time I would probably add more hops just because and buy already toasted coconut as toasting the coconut by baking it in the oven changed the color which then changed the color of the beer. This toasting though would work great for darker beers and even if it is a browner IPA, still taste perfect to me. One of my best!
14324668_10103559179747220_8856710042494202922_o
 14435336_10103586804926140_8765915958620446701_o
Anime Corner:
Franco iL Nero and Donne Anonime from Nitroplus series, Outlaw Django Tre Donne Crudeli were used in this pairing as I wanted to have not just the colors of the different ingredients complement as well as the flavors, but the theme of I was going for when I came up with the name revolved around the images of Franco and Donne at the beach which was pretty damn creative. Thus, the story beer complements the art, the other side of the pairing viewpoint!
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14435301_10103586804996000_7900692704053470370_o
Sources:

2015 Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Beer Co.

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

12140855_10103117611278970_7204452091605499196_o 12240936_10103117612217090_3592700960305929144_o 12794815_10103117613240040_7854546282142908487_oRating: 6/6

2015 Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Beer Co. is a 14.2% ABV Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
Intense Aromas of charred oak, oak, vanilla, caramel & smoke

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
“I really wanted to do something special for our 1000th batch at the original brewpub. Goose Island could have thrown a party. But we did something better. We brewed a beer. A really big batch of stout-so big the malt was coming out of the top of the mash tun. After fermentation we brought in some bourbon barrels to age the stout. One hundred and fifty days later, Bourbon County Stout was born-A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with a thick foam the color of bourbon barrels. The nose is a mix of charred oak, vanilla, caramel and smoke. One sip has more flavor than your average case of beer. It overpowers anything in the room. People have even said that it’s a great cigar beer, but I haven’t yet tried a cigar that would stand up to it.” Brewmaster Greg Hall;
IBU’s 60-High Color – Midnight

==Introduction==

I received this one as a gift by my new friend Joseph Taitano whom I was introduced by my friend Augie Escobedo, both of BeerBumz on Facebook. After making the impression with my homebrews at the beer session, I was humbled with this gift and I gracefully accepted. I haven’t tried Bourbon County in a while and this being the 2015 version, I decided to bring it to the site for old time sakes and since I had it on hand. One of the beers along with others that started the trend of being able to barrel age brews to raise them into new flavor experiences. A level up if you will. Definitely something that has been well and consistent over the years despite being owned by InBev, Goose Island makes some very coveted brews. Cheers!

Aromas:
Vanilla, oak, toasted coconut, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, bananas, flan, Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, dark fruit currants, raisins, blackberries, raspberries, dark cherries, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, almond milk, molasses, anise, tobacco, coffee cake and crème brulee.

Flavors:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, oak, bourbon, dark fruit currants, raisins, blackberries, raspberries, dark cherries, plums, chocolate cake, brownie batter, molasses, anise, tobacco, leather hints, flan, Sweetened condensed milk, bananas, clove spice, rocky road ice cream, almond joys, Khalua coffee liqueur, crème brulee, marshmallow smores, rum hints, mocha chocolate, chocolate mousse, Pancho pantera chocolate milk shake, port wine hints, pecan pie, almond milk and fondue.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with a lot of lingering flavors of bourbon, oak, vanilla, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, dark fruit, crème brulee, flan, tobacco and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste despite ABV, Dark supreme full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
There’s a reason why this is one of the original brews that started using bourbon barrels to age their beers. Essentially, a staple in the bourbon barrel aged beer scene. A supremely exceptional brew that ranges with the most balanced and best examples of what makes the Bourbon Barrel Aged Beers I love so damn great. With the release of several to more markets, it is nice knowing that some of the brews that inspired the great barrel aging process can now let people be part of history and something special. A must have beer!

Anime Corner:
Franco il Nero from Tre Donne Crudelli “Outlaw Django” is used in this pairing since I had used her in the 2008 Bourbon County pairing to show this one will get you nice a buzzed but also warm you up inside. Also, the whole them of Cowboys and Cowgirls I used in this pairing with the beer because whenever I think of Bourbon and County, I think of the Old west. This beer should have won the west. Since it was the original Bourbon County pairing, it stuck. Also, this year, I added a more of a “County Fair” aspect to it (Yes, since County is in the name). You can see this as “Lily Salvatanna” helps out that girl and you see Franco above the tent with some Ruffians up to no good. Trying to steal some county fair ground goods I’m sure!

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/136314
https://files.yande.re/image/c186f9f8d3ef6e89e82e9c019d4c4b8c/yande.re%2062163%20franco_il_nero%20nitroplus%20niθ%20pantsu%20tre_donne_crudeli.jpg
https://files.yande.re/sample/c0c4fad7d568e10ca2ac663271b557b2/yande.re%20134757%20sample%20alfie%20chibi%20crossover%20elf%20garnet%20himuro_kane%20megane%20mira%20nitroplus%20overfiltered%20pointy_ears%20seifuku%20spica%20sumaga%20type-moon%20underboob%20witch.jpg

Judge Jury & Executioner IIIPA by Ironfire brewing

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1920475_10102190596908200_5377185114282111195_n 10347484_10102190597302410_997287802521088870_nRating: 5.2/5

Judge Jury & Executioner IIIPA by Ironfire brewing is an 11.2% ABV Triple India Pale Ale.

Label:
The verdict is in. Normal IPA’s have been found, wanting.
Enter the palate wrecking goodness of
Judge, Jury & Executioner Triple IPA!
Continuous hopping from mash tun to fermenter with 7 high alpha hop varieties from 3 different continents. Only extreme hop heads need apply, for this IPA judges you, not the other way around. Make sure your hop snobbery is on top of it’s game for if not, the weak will be found guilty for their hop hating foolishness. The noose will be strung…the order will be given…and your palate will be swinging from the gallows.”
Brewed once a year so enjoyit cold, fresh and while it lasts!

==Introduction==

The moment I saw this one, my IPA senses (which aren’t as strong as my Belgian or Barrel Aged beer side but still damn strong) were going off the radar. The last time I had a triple IPA was when I had the Power Plant from El Segundo. Since IronFire is from Temecula California, I simply could not wait. I had to try this massive IPA. I was able to get this one online at www.craftshack.com and was glad when I got it. Now, on to the trial, will this beer be judged or will my beer experienced taste buds be at the mercy of death row. I won’t say I will have it easy even if I had some of the best IPAs in the world, but this beer makes me be cautious for sure. Slowly, into the the doors of the court room we walk and you, are my jury… cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, herbal, grapefruit, piney, grassy and floral hops, yerba buena/spearmint, vanilla, caramel, oranges, blue basil, garlic notes, dank onions, hints of tropical fruit like dragon fruit, honey dew melon, lemon peel, pineapple, mango, lemon grass, oregano, biscuit bread, Italian herbs, toffee and orange juice.

Flavors:
Rich Herbal, citrus, grapefruit, piney, grassy and floral hops, caramel, vanilla, oranges, blue basil, dank oniony, garlicky flavors, minor hints or tropics like pineapple, dragon fruit, prickly pear, lemon peel, mango, honey dew melon, stone fruit apricot, sour apple, biscuit bread, Italian herbs, orange juice, oregano, tangerine candy, strawberry hints, yerbabuena/spearmint, honey and wasabi hints without the burning.

Aftertaste:
Dank, oniony, grassy, garlicky, hoppy, palate drying, grapefruit, orange and vanilla hop flavors linger after the rest dry off. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Clear as daylight and deadly as sin gold body, sipping drinkability and almost creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
While this is a perfect hoppy IPA, it is not exceeding like El Segundo’s Power Plant. I only say this because of my more tropical palate preference when it comes to IPAs. It is still a great IPA and one I would definitely try again and again. It’s hop variety surely focuses on the more grassy, herbal and super dank qualities of IPAs. Basically, of the 3 ranges I categorize IPAs (Tropical, Herbal and Malty) this one lies in the herbal strength but also balances the other flavors well. This beer ends so damn dank and dry it almost burns in a hop sense of greatness. It’s painfully delicious reminding me of the time I drank ruination for the first time. This truly is not for those that can’t handle their hops. At a triple verse, I can only imagine that this monster is literally knocking at Pliny the Younger’s door with a death warrant. While I was able to survive this one, it did surely take it’s toll but this is one for you to experience too reader, take my word on this one, I highly recommended!

Anime Corner:
Donne Anonime, Franco il Nero and Lily Salvatana from Tre Donne Crudeli/Outlaw Django are used in this pairing to represent the Judge Jury & Executioner respectively. In the label, you can see 3 women looking for a convicted cowboy ready bring on mortal punishment. While the label makes a great explanation as to how the flavors unleash these beauties onto your taste buds, I can elaborate on who these cowgirls are. In the pictures, you see the act of the executioner Lily trying to execute Franco while Donna Anonime come sup behind and says… not today. A Jury as Franco is can only determine so much before before the Judge Donne passes judgment and Executioner Lily looks for your head! A great pairing here for sure.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/891881
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/Opphiucus/066.jpg~original

Melange 8 (1 year later) by The Bruery

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10277430_10101804508193080_7556593570689666125_n 10298828_10101804509036390_3362487710672901208_n 10302036_10101804509280900_6569062955315578700_nRating: 6/5

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

Label:
GEISHA!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lips of Faith series Wild² Dubbel by New Belgium

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1511912_10101650975992840_757577343_n 1186190_10101650976965890_1269245178_nRating: 4.75/5

Lips of Faith series Wild² Dubbel by New Belgium is an 8% ABV Belgian Dubbel Brewed with Schisandra Berries.

Label:
This wild Colorado version of the Belgian Dubbel ropes you in with clove and dark fruit aromas. Deeply rich and malty, every sip has a creamy texture true to Belgian tradition before it rides off with hints of black pepper and cinnamon from the addition of shisandra berries.
___

Been looking for this beer since November. Yes, it was quite the damn elusive find even for a brewery who is well established with distribution. Got this one at the liquor mart in Whittier California but you most likely can find it in many stores that sell the New Belgium Lips of Faith series. The series has ranged from hit or miss beers but over very good beers. This was the last beer from 2013 in the Lips of Faith Series. I can’t wait to see what we get this year. For now, on to the review and cheers friends!!

Aromas:
Lots of banana, cloves, dark fruits like figs, plums, raisins, raspberries, peppercorn, soy sauce, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, flowers, herbs, chocolate, biscuit, apricot, peaches, brown sugar and candy sugar.

Flavors:
Not sure what Schisandra berries are supposed to taste like but if they are anything like raspberry or currants, it is close. The banana, bubblegum and clove spices is there but mixes with like a plant and soy sauce. That is not the dominant though as you can still tell it is a dubbel by the dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, raisins, dark cherries, toffee, plums, figs dates, apricots peaches, brown and candy sugars. Some other flavors are of chocolate, biscuit bread, rye, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, citrus, pineapple, pear and coriander, herbs and other spices.

Aftertaste:
The raisin and caramel notes linger along with some earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste with medium to full body mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability. 

Overall:
Very good dubbel with lots of complex flavors but I just cant help feel like there is this Chinese gourmet aspect to it. It is isn’t a bad thing but if you have had Belgian beers with Szechuan peppercorns, you know the type of spice I am talking about. It makes the beer that more awesome!!It is like adding their Abbey Ale with the berries adds this complex experience. You definitely have to try it to understand what I mean. I think this beer is definitely on par with the quad I had last year.

Anime Corner:
Lily Salvatana (purple hair) and Franco il Nero (Teal hair) from Tre Donne Crudeli/Outlaw Django were the perfect pairing in this beer because I wanted to show case the cowboy aspect of the beer but also the flavor profile of this beer. Beginning with Lily who represents the dark fruit and caramel of the Dubbel style and then Franco with the stone fruit, herbs and spices added from the Schisandra berries. Yeah it goes all over the place. A takes two to make a Dubbel. Can you find any awesome details about this pairing?

Bourbon County Brand Stout 2013 by Goose Island

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1475918_10101561136481940_1824322649_n 524597_10101561135573760_1651569211_n 1497796_10101561138462970_1626910477_nRating: 6/5 

Bourbon County Brand Stout 2013 by Goose Island is a 14.9%ABV World Class Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION (ratebeer.com)
“I really wanted to do something special for our 1000th batch at the original brewpub. Goose Island could have thrown a party. But we did something better. We brewed a beer. A really big batch of stout-so big the malt was coming out of the top of the mash tun. After fermentation we brought in some bourbon barrels to age the stout. One hundred and fifty days later, Bourbon County Stout was born-A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with a thick foam the color of bourbon barrels. The nose is a mix of charred oak, vanilla,caramel and smoke. One sip has more flavor than your average case of beer. It overpowers anything in the room. People have even said that it’s a great cigar beer, but I haven’t yet tried a cigar that would stand up to it.” Brewmaster Greg Hall; 
IBU’s 60-High Color – Midnight 

Editor’s Note: Baudoinia Fulton & Wood Series offering (And the Low Storage entry from FoBAB 2012) is simply Bourbon County Stout aged in the same barrels. It has been alted as it offers no different recipe or barrel type simply the presence of a distillers fungus on the barrels that adds no distinct characteristic to the beer from the fungus itself except for possible oxygen exposure changes. While Brewers Intent indicates that they consider it a new beer, no true distinction aside from this oxidation amount and possible aging time differences seperates the beers. It’s essentially a single barrel Bourbon County version something we have always treated as regular Bourbon County Stout in the past.

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One of the most sought out little bottles out there. I have tried the 2008 version of this beer and it was probably just as fantastic. Of course, back then I gave it 5/5 without including the extra credit system I implemented with my reviews. Essentially, this beer comes out every Black Friday. The Bruery responds similarly releasing Black Tuesday on October which is another beer of the much but same World Class caliber. 

Aromas:
Very rich milk and dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, banana notes, flan, bourbon, toasted coconut, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, dark fruits like raisins, figs, licorice, hazelnut coffee, Irish cream, earthiness, oak and other good aromas

Flavors:
Lots of rich milk and dark chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, bananas, coffee, mocha, dark cherry, dark fruits, raisins, plums, oak, lots of coconut taste, brownie batter, chocolate cake, rocky road ice cream, Kahlua notes, licorice, pecan pie, marshmallow smores, crème brulee, rum hints and other dessert flavors.

Aftertaste:
The very nice bourbon, vanilla, rich chocolate, caramel, flan, coconut and it stays with you for a while. Sipping beer for sure and still trying to find the alcohol in taste or atleast how it would detract from the flavors. Very dangerous as you will want to drink it all in one go. Even though you can but definitely meant to be enjoyed.

Overall:
Exceptionally exquisite. If you have had Black Tuesday, this beer is synonymous in lots of aspects and the alcohol cannot be found anywhere in the taste. You get hit later with it. What makes this beer so good is that it stays with you for along time. The flavors don’t go away so quickly. I think this is one of the reasons why people like it so much. Very rich and flavorful.

Anime Corner:
Franco il Nero from Tre Donne Crudelli is used in this pairing since I had used her in the 2008 Bourbon County pairing to show this one will get you nice a buzzed but also warm you up inside. Also, the whole them of Cowboys and Cowgirls I used in this pairing with the beer because whenever I think of Bourbon and County, I think of the Old west. This beer should have won the west. Since it was the original Bourbon county pairing, it stuck.

Holy Sheet Heavy Seas Uncharted Series 2013 by Clipper City Brewing

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934683_10101327425635350_1681737459_n 999123_10101327426977660_1777526877_n 1098173_10101327426463690_1603637619_n 543858_10101327426423770_332987039_nRating: 5/5

Holy Sheet Heavy Seas Uncharted Series 2013 by Clipper City Brewing is a 9% ABV Belgian Abbey Dubbel aged in Brady Barrels

Label: 
Rich, complex and unique. Abbey style ales are transcendent, and ours stands proudly in the ranks. Aged in brandy barrels, Holy Sheet is a mahogany ale brewed with Belgian Abbey yeast, candi sucre, and unique crystal malts. Rounded, spicy caramel flavors mixed with vinous notes and oak overtones, this ale pairs well with quiet contemplation…

Uncharted Waters explores the unique changes that happen to beer when exposed to wood. Each beer showcases a robust style, carefully matched with a wood treatment to showcase a range of complex flavors. Vintage dating encourages further exploration on the aging process. As much about the voyage as the destination we hope you enjoy these beers in the spirit in which they were brewed.
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Been looking for this beer since I first heard of it. It was not an easy find at all since many of the Heave Seas Beers aren’t normally sold around in the west coast. Thank goodness for online stores.

Aromas are of dark fruits and caramel like cherries, raisins, figs, dates, grapes, preserves, some vanilla and toffee notes, apple, white wine notes, banana, coconut, brandy, oak, rye and biscuit bread.

Flavors are of coconut, dark cherry preserves, rich dulce de leche caramel spread on raisin bread pudding, biscuit, vanilla, toffee, raisins, dates, figs, oak, brandy, candi sugars, banana phenolic notes, marshmallows, grapes, minor white wine notes and chocolate on rye bread

The aftertaste leave sweet and slightly boozy but not too boozy. This works very well as the alcohol is hardly present overall and is very pleasant. This makes it quite the moderately drinkable beer at that.

Overall Holy Shit I mean Sheet is very fucking delicious. This is my second Heavy Seas beer and already I love the beers I have reviewed so far. Definitely recommended for those that love Barrel Aged beers but also Belgian beers.

Mexas Ranger (Tequila Barrel Aged) by Mikkeller

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17743_10101112255557910_1242787346_n 253670_10101112258372270_2145209974_nRating: 4.8/5

Mexas Ranger (Tequila Barrel Aged) by Mikkeller is a 6.6% ABV Chile beer brewed with spices, almond milk, cocoa, chiles, black beans, avocado leaves and aged in tequila barrels.

This beer has no description hardly and if I were to guess what it might taste like, it would be close to the complexity I got in El Murcielago (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/el-murcielago-by-cigar-city/)

I have had other Tequila barrel aged beers like Firestone 16th (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/firestone-xvi-sixteenth-anniversary-ale-by-firestone-walker/) which adds tequila barrel aged PNC and the Cupapa Tequila Barrel aged beer(https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/tequila-barrel-aged-ale-by-cerveceria-cucapa-of-mexicali/)

The aromas are very complex. Just like that which I remember of El Murcielago. Like having a Chicken Lime dinner plate with fragrance of avocado, lemon, tequila, chocolate, chile spices, Chile Tapatio, slight mole, frijoles, slight almond or pecan, slight tortilla, limes, tomato and oysters . The flavors are of tapatio and raw chiles if they were sweeter and a lot of less heat, tomatoes, onions, tequila, Abuelita’s dark bitter chocolate, almond joy coconut and chocolate, hazelnut, special spices, slight bitter avocado peel, lime, mole, beans, vanilla, raisins, caramel, some bitter or salty oyster like notes, herbal hops, garlic, soy sauce, agave, oak, wine grape sourness some biscuit bread and corn tortillas. I don’t know whether the label is racist or not. I don’t really care though. I am Mexican and I find this beer very intriguing. The label maybe controversial, but the beer is not controversial at all. This was similar to El Murcielago in many ways. It is still a very complex style of beer that is close to some Mexican spices as possible but still carrying the overall bitterness and chocolate with it. It is weird but deliciously awesome. A must get if you can find the Tequila version.