Tag Archives: Home brewing

Home Brew Project #34 BerryMe Cider by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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Rating: 5/5

Home Brew Project #34 BerryMe Cider by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 6% ABV Hard Apple Cider with Raspberries and Hibiscus.

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

The special project was brewed in collaboration with my friend Oscar Pacheco and Cesar Molina for drinkers that wanted something not beer related and more closer to sparkling wine. The recipe was similar to my original project (Home brew #20 Las Manza Cronicas De BatFramb by Nubis Sanctum Ales) in which the base was an apple cider with raspberries. The difference in this one was that I needed to get some sort of red or pinkish color to the beer and through research and discussions with my friends, we decided hibiscus would do the trick adding a very nice reddish pinkish color similar to that of the raspberries to make it more appealing to those that love sweet drinks. In fact, it was very good and although it was a bit higher than the Summer Ale, people digged this one even more. For me I could definitely tell it was sweet but the hibiscus gave it some very nice tart flavors playing and mimicking that of the raspberries. In short, it was a recipe well done and one I will definitely try and make again.

Home Brew Project #30 Royal Succubinal’s Midnight Brunchy Bliss by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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Rating: 6.35/7

Home Brew Project #30 Royal Succubinal’s Midnight Brunchy Bliss by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 12% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Black Hole Necromancer Remy Martin Cognac Barrel Aged Red Eye Unicorn Blood Espresso Coffee Beans, Maple Syrup and Oak aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon.

Label:
Royal Succubinal’s Midnight Brunchy Bliss

Many know the story of Dracula and the origin of vampires being from the very Vlad Țepeș (The Impaler), son of Vlad Dracul (The Dragon/Devil). While during his life, he had done many atrocities
like impaling people and drinking their blood. Even so, many did not know that he bore children.

Little is known about his daughter Lilith/Zaleska Dracula who also had a thirst for blood like her father. Although, killing was not her style and she chose to deal with this by creating a substitute. You see, in those days, where magic and alchemy were abundant, all she had to do was come up with the right incantation, ingredients and rituals. Of course, she had to pull a couple of favors to get the recipe just right and thankfully, she had perfected something that has survived the centuries. It was hidden in Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania, until today!

American Strong Ale brewed with Black Hole Necromancer Remy Martin Cognac Barrel Aged Red Eye Unicorn Blood Espresso Coffee Beans, Maple Syrup and Oak aged in Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon

==Introduction==

Project #30 was inspired by One of the ultimate Double Bastard variants called “Arrogant Bastard’s Midnight Brunch”. Double Bastard has always been one of my favorite beers from stone since the first time I found it long after trying Arrogant bastard. In Midnight Brunch, they took the Double Bastard, American Strong ale, added espresso beans and aged in in maple syrup and bourbon barrels. It was definitely a huge beer that made me a fan of making my own.

One of the beers that was similar but not exact was the Highwater Sugaree which used similar ingredients but added pecans. So essentially, I did research for a Double Bastard recipe. Then, to add my own ingredients, I added a very special coffee. The Black Hole Necromancer Remy Martin Cognac Barrel Aged Red Eye Unicorn Blood Espresso Coffee Beans (What a mouthful!!) from Dark Matter Coffee was the ingredient that was created in collaboration with Three Floyd’s Cognac Barrel aged Dark Lord Imperial stout in 2015. They took the barrels that had that beer and cognac and aged their Unicorn Blood Coffee Beans into it. Essentially, this would add a special key set of flavors to my brew not found in any of the other beers. Putting all that together and into a secondary with maple syrup and Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon and half a year later out comes something that was very different from even from that of the Midnight Brunch. Now that I brought it here to the website, let’s have a look at this creation, Cheers!

Aromas:
Lots of maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla, mocha, coffee, oak, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, Irish cream, Danish cream, campfire smores, peppery notes, pecan pie, port wine, hazelnut nectar, tiramasu cake, jamoca ice cream, maple coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, dark fruit raisins, cherry, figs, dates, currants, stone fruit old mango, candied orange notes, chambord raspberry, marshmallows, toasted coconut, earthy dark chocolate, Mexican chocolate, milk chocolate, pancakes and flan.

Flavors:
Rich oak, vanilla, mocha, roasted coffee, fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee, peanut butter notes, marzipan, mazapan, pecan pie, port wine, bourbon, cognac hints, maple syrup, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, dark fruit raisins, cherry, figs, dates, currants, stone fruit old mango, candied orange notes, chambord raspberry, marshmallows, toasted coconut, earthy dark chocolate, Mexican chocolate, milk chocolate, pancakes, crème brulee, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, Irish cream, Danish cream, campfire smores, pepper notes, banana, earthy hop notes, sweetened condensed milk, flan, fruit cake, capirotada raisin bread pudding, figgy pudding, molasses, tiramasu cake, jamoca ice cream and maple coffee cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with maple syrup pancake notes, earthy chocolate, oak, marshmallows, vanilla, dark fruit, toffee, caramel, crème brulee, flan and fruit cake. No alcohol in the taste despite the high 12% ABV. Amber Crimson Full body, smooth, velvety creamy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Absolutely phenomenal! This is indeed a brunch or breakfast beer, if your breakfast is late at night. It has almost everything I loved about the Midnight Bruch from Stone but with the addition of the coffee and my own ingredients, the beer became some other creature entirely. The coffee added some most inner depth that I did not find in even the depth charged or the Midnight Brunch. While I feel it is worthy of a bucket lister, it would not make sense since this is such a rarity not found anywhere. This right next to Sangrileche 2 are probably the best beers I have ever made. Yet, some of my other barrel aged and other experimental batches have been the best too. It is hard to decide, but this is definitely on another level even for the different craft beers I have had in the past.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland from Capcom’s Darkstalkers was used in this pairing as I have used her in many of the Stone beers including many of the double bastard iterations. While I did use Etna from Disgaea for the Stone Midnight Brunch, I wanted to pay tribute in my own creation to Lilith for coming up with an inspired beer. While she along with Morrigan are some of my favorite characters from the Darkstalkers series, it was only fitting that I used a beer that fits the curriculum of vampires having their brunch after hours when there is no sun outside. Essentially, when the name of “Midnight Brunch” came about, I could only think of how vampires probably do their breakfast or brunch at Midnight. So the story was born!

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f2/3b/c3/f23bc3f028786ed7269e74c157f80798.jpg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/wakusoku/imgs/a/2/a244a2bf.jpg
http://i.imgbox.com/dGLRkI0j.jpg
http://1.foto.radikal.ru/0601/b7bd5d5bf0ce.jpg
http://t03.deviantart.net/znLHcT5m7cFv_fuVEpYSgETCnV4=/fit-in/700×350/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre04/4bd8/th/pre/i/2015/103/0/d/lilith_aensland_wallpaper_4k_by_jaksonstoker-d8plg0v.png
http://img05.deviantart.net/cb03/i/2014/266/a/e/lilith_aensland_wallpaper_by_jaksonstoker-d809i3x.png
http://static.zerochan.net/Lilith.Aensland.full.802428.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Lilith.Aensland.full.309888.jpg
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/11d62-10cfd7fc39e678c7f9efc044037b16fe.jpg

Home Brew Project #32 Thar Ye Be, Mangos! by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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Rating: 4.45/5
 
Home Brew Project #32 Thar Ye Be, Mangos! by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 5% ABV Hard Apple Cider Made With Mango and Brown Sugar.
 
==Introduction==
Project#32 takes a throwback to my Passion Fruit and Mango Cider which one of the best light ciders I’ve ever made. Yes, and I meant the light ones as many of the strong ones I would say they are the best in their own right. The reason I wanted to make it just plain mango was mainly because I wanted to see how it would do on its own with just mango. If I make a Passion Fruit one by itself, I will rate it accordingly. Since the Passion Mango mix was ridiculous. The name of the cider I will explained later as I chose it with the choice of the artwork pairing as I usually do with many of my beer and cider pairings. Most of this year, I will be making simple brews and ciders as I am on a personal goal at the moment. Granted, I would still slightly like to experiment. While I do use flavoring to get an idea, as I get more experience, I will be using more fruit with these ciders like I do with beer. So for now, lets see how this one is, cheers!
Aromas:
Mango, honey, stone fruit peach, apricot hints, golden apples, cane sugar, brown sugar, honey dew melon and lychee notes.
Flavors:
Mango, Golden apples,stone fruit peach notes, honey, cane sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, grapes, honey dew melon, strawberry hints, guava, caramel, butterscotch hints, lychee and guanabano hints.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with notes of the mango, tart apple hints, cane and brown sugar hints. No alcohol in the flavor, clear light golden body, crisp, clean and super refreshing mouthfeel and very easy to drink.
Overall:
A very delicious cider! While it is not the same passion fruit tropical goodness I remember with the passion mango cider I made, the single use of mango and the brown sugar takes it in another direction. A sweet direction in fact especially since the brown sugar and mango does give it a very nice flavor. Very nice and clean like the original one I made. I will keep this recipe in the books and hope to make it again!
Anime Corner:
Nami from One Piece was chosen for this pairing as I wanted this cider to be synonymous with tropical fruit and hence the sea. So since Nami is a pirate, setting forth in search of gold would be like trying to find this amazing golden mango cider. Something that many would have to search far and beyond. The name Thar Ye Be, Mangos! Is pirate speak once the mango cider goodness is found! Also, Namis colors would fit with the different mango colors like reds, greens and yellows.
Sources:

Home Brew Project Project #31 Mega Rolling Light Sessions by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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Rating: 5/5

Home Brew Project #31 Mega Rolling Light Sessions by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 6% ABV American Blonde brewed with Mosaic.

==Introduction==

Project #32 was inspired by my need to go back to something simple and ofcourse save money. Essentially, I must save money this year for a friend’s wedding in which I will be providing some of my homebrew to his event. This will require saving bottles and not as much experimentation from my homebrewing side and to some degree, less reviews. Well, not less reviews but reviews on less expensive brews. Donations would always be welcomed. Regardless, this project was a similar take on the other home brew project I did, Kölsch Encounters of the Briny Deep, which was a Kölsch using only 1 ounce of hops and Kölsch yeast. With this project, I changed up the hops and yeast and also made the beer lighter. I mainly wanted to see if I could make a different style instead with different hops but still light drinkable beer. My gravity ended up being higher than what I wanted but this is the best part about fine tuning recipes. Next time, I will got for lighter and see how that goes. For now, let’s see what my project produced. Cheers!

Aromas:
Grapefruit, floral, grassy and piney hops, tangerine, stone fruit peach, tropical fruit guava, mango, biscuit bread, honeydew melon, passion fruit, oranges, tangerines and banana hints.

Flavors:
Lots of tropical fruits, Passion fruit, Dragon fruit, guava, mango, papaya, lychee fruit, pineapple, honey dew melon, strawberries, cherries, roses, blueberries, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, floral, grassy and piney hops, biscuit bread, honey, sweetened condensed milk hints, banana notes, stone fruit peach, apricot and plum hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of tropical fruits, mango, lychee, stone fruit peach hints, citrus and grapefruit hops hints, honey. No alcohol in the taste. Pale light straw body. Smooth, crisp, super clean and refreshing mouthfeel along with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
I did not expect this to be so damn juicy and tropical. Using such a small amounts of hops I would think I that the bigger malt profile would balance out but this is not a bad thing at all. It does seem balanced but this goes to show how clean the Safale-05 dry yeast ferment. It really just lets the overall hops and malt profiles shine than giving its own input. I really noticed the difference of this to the Kolsh. While the Kolsh seemed more like a lager or pilsner due to the yeast influence, this turned out to be more of a hoppy blonde. Also, since Mosaic is tropical and juicy, its best flavor profile came out awesomely and not offensively like a pale ale or IPA. While the ABV could have been lighter to make it even more sessionable, its still came out more perfect than I would of expected it to be. Me being more of a tropical fruit hop flavor lover, this light beer really shined. It will definitely be my number one go to and one I will keep remaking.

Anime Corner:
Roll Light from Capcom’s Megaman series was used in this pairing because it made a lot of sense. I wanted a light beer, both in ABV (although it did not come out that way although the mouthfeel and drinkability says otherwise) light in color (you can shine a light through it, like a lightbulb) the pun on her name and how the beer just “Rolls” through smoothly. The sessions part is in reference to a beer you can drink anytime and even during “Music Sessions”. The original Megaman was named Rock and his sister is Roll, so that is the connection to music and just having a beer in general. The every day beer as recommend by the Dr.’s assistant Roll. Also, in terms of the style, a hoppy blonde in terms of color, she is a blonde and her green ribbon is representative of the single ounce hops of Mosaice used for this. Mosaic is a damn amazing tropical hop even for a small amount.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/aK1owbg.jpg
http://img04.3dmgame.com/uploads/allimg/130910/153_130910111238_1_lit.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QmF44WE.jpg
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/143/891/c5d.png
http://i.imgur.com/7FErA0k.jpg
http://orig03.deviantart.net/9aff/f/2013/362/2/5/roll_suave_by_robduenas-d6zp893.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/AOmbB1a.gif

Home Brewing Project #28 Essence Of The Cryonical Banshee by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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Rating: 5.25/6
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Home Brewing Project #28 Essence Of The Cryonical Banshee by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 9% ABV Wee Heavy/ Scotch Ale.

Label:
Essence Of The Cryonical Banshee

In every culture of the world, there are tales about roaming spirits. One in particular is the story of a woman who keens over the loss of her loved one or loved ones. In Scottish and Irish lore, she goes by “The Banshee”. Mexico calls her, La Llorona”. Britain and Japan have spotted her and she goes by “The White Lady” and “Onryo” respectively. Her origin can even be traced in Greek Mythology as the “The Siren”

She survived the ages. A being of pure immortality, created in an Atlantical cryonics experiment in search of true immortality. History has shown that the majority of our technological advancements was due to the Atlantians. However, they were warned by higher dimensional beings about spreading their secrets to mankind. With the sinking of their city, their fate was sealed. Having been the only one of her kind, the banshee was forced to roam the earth. While most fear her, her story is of sadness, for she is still spreading the secrets in bottles of tears we call, “spirits”, that she leaves wherever she travels.

Ingredients: Water, Hops, Malt & Scottish Ale Yeast.

==Introduction==
14615714_10103618056966800_6833206591363590062_o
Project #28 was inspired by my need to create a rare style that I only get a to try every now and again. That style is the Wee Heavy. Ever since I got the Sam Adam Wee Heavy, I realized how different of a beer it was. So much so, that I really loved it and wanted to try to find as many of these as I could. I have tried many great ones since like the Alesmith Wee Heavy, Founders Backwoods Bastard and even the Bruery’s Chronology Wee Heavy. With the experience I have gathered brewing several batches, I figured this would be easy. Although the ingredients shown really didn’t look like much. How could only a few grains and lots of malt really create that unique profile. I can understand how the style is manly malty in profile but there was a unique complexity which I see in the style. I have yet to have a bad Wee Heavy and it is one that I think I would be critical as I will compare to the other greats. With that being said, this creation that took me several months to have ready especially since it sat a long time, let’s see how it turned out. Cheers!
14570811_10103618056916900_190430977098066291_o
Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, burnt caramel, butterscotch, smoked peat, smokey chocolate, dark pepper notes, banana, dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, dates, currants, dark chocolate, licorice, brown sugar, figgy pudding, vanilla, stone fruit peach, scotch and fruit cake.
17016132_10104048637340280_6407030100549224939_o
Flavors:
Rich dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, dates, currants, smoked peat, dark chocolate, smokey chocolate, Scotch notes, molasses, anise, dulce de leche caramel, burnt caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon, fruit cake, sweetened condensed milk, toffee, figgy pudding, vanilla, stone fruit peach, old mango, pecan pie, burnt marshmallow, coffee cake, brown sugar, licorice, honey, dark pepper, earthy notes, bananas and crème brulee hints.
17016744_10104048637010940_978536007259288232_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich dark fruit prunes, burnt caramel, vanilla, Scotch, stone fruit hints, dark pepper, licorice, bananas and rich toffee. No alcohol in the taste. Crimson Brown Medium body. Smooth creamy, and mildly syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.
17038678_10104048636831300_2470885555152191135_o
Overall:
Into the exceptional territory. I honestly did not know what to expect in the beginning seeing as it was such a minimal grain recipe but the huge part being the yeast and the malt use. However, this blew my mind. It is smooth, no alcohol in the taste which is great and not offensive and it also has some Belgian dark notes to it although the European malty aspects in the tribute of Scotch ales, this is simply just that. A great wee heavy! I would definitely love to make this a Scotch barrel version next time to see how this comes out.
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Anime Corner:
Kula Diamond from the SNK King of Fighters series was chosen in this homebrew pairing as I have chosen her with some of the best Wee Heavys I have tried in the past especially the Alesmith Barrel Aged Wee Heavy. The reason I chose her in this pairing as well was that she looks a lot like a Banshee with her cold stare looking into the void. Although, honestly she is well loved by her peers and really isn’t by herself in the KOF series but she sure made for a great character for the story of the Banshee. Many of the colors she has also work well with the flavors and the dark color of the beer. Since it is close to a winter warmer, it also fits as she is a user of the cold.
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Sources:
http://r002.joyme.com/r002/image/2012/07/21/2C0AA3B6B1CE44FE408C0BA759C84D80.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/24/99/54/24995452ae629f5987c1a21cf39bbb33.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f1/46/be/f146befd893dfc793d381f240155a024.jpg
http://screenheaven.com/walls/anime-manga/king-of-fighters-kula-diamond-anime-79572-1920×1080.png
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5f/b3/86/5fb386af159a3c8b41e627c1e857bb54.jpg
https://d.wattpad.com/story_parts/212296060/images/142c8d78b2719b79.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/MzIfaOI.jpg

Homebrewing Project #26 Chochronicles of Flantasia in the Bananatrix by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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15002306_10103708108487830_282534169356019834_oRating: 3.75/5
 
Homebrewing Project #26 Chochronicles of Flantasia in the Bananatrix by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 4.46% ABV Belgian Sweet/Milk Stout brewed with Bananas, Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.
 
Label:
None
 
==Introduction==
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Project #26 came from my friend Julio’s idea to create a Banana and Chocolate stout. I have used bananas and chocolate in other beers before so what I did was I pulled a page from one of my old recipes. I minimized the used of bananas to a few unlike what I did with Ban-Anna’s Love Nectar. Since I wanted to make something drinkable as well, I ended using enough ingredients to make a basic milk stout that would not be too high in alcohol. In order to bleed the chocolate and banana through I added the cocoa nibs and bananas along with little bit of flavoring and the vanilla beans. The vanilla beans would represent a more of a flan aspect to the beer as I am using lactose but also along with chocolate, it would be a banana choco flan like beer. The choice in yeast was made since I wanted to go with banana and dark fruit like clovey flavors. I know I could of used a heffeweizen yeast which may have been more suited for this because of the enhanced banana flavors but I figure I try this out first since I already have the bananas in this beer. So let’s see how well this came out. Cheers to my friend Julio for coming up with the idea. Cheers bro!
 
Aromas:
Bananas, Bubble gum, clove spice, Mexican chocolate, vanilla, dark fruit raisin hints, piloncillo sugar cone hints, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, anise, molasses, toffee, caramel and tobacco hints.
 
Flavors:
Rich Bananas, flan hints, bubble gum, clove spice, dark fruit raisins, currants, cherries, crème brulee hints, coffee notes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Mexican chocolate hints, piloncillo sugar cone, coffee cake, tobacco hints, anise, molasses and pecan hints.
 
Aftertaste:
Finishes with a roasty coffee and earthy bitterness with lingering clove, vanilla, chocolate and banana. No alcohol in the aftertaste, dark murky medium body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a moderate drinkability.
 
Overall:
A pretty delicious beer. While I think it is not my best brew, I can definitely tell where I can change some things. For starters, I would need to make this one an imperial. The beer came out a little too light for its complexity. It seems a lot of the flavors are forward but then the aftertaste is bitter. It is possible this is due to the Belgian strain. I think I would definitely change it by going with more malt to make it an Imperial Milk stout and definitely go with the German Heff strain for next time. Overall, I think it is worthy of another go and definitely grows as it gets warmer.
 
Anime Corner:
This original character, which I do not remember where I got the picture from, was the best thing I could think of as a form of reaction to the way this beer is supposed to be. The idea was the banana chocolate flan aspect that definitely fit with the ingredients paired perfectly with the reaction of deliciousness. While the results of the beer were not quite what I had hoped for, the overall idea was there and is definitely something I will work for once I redo the recipe. I really want that look of amazement in people’s reaction when they try the beer. We will see…
 
Sources:

Home brewing Project#18 La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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14570713_10103608095689280_5057221857679121081_o14589953_10103608095574510_2337518422554915656_oRating: 6/6

Home brewing Project#18 La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 12% ABV Belgian Trappist Quadrupel brewed with Holy Water and Oak aged in Herradura Añejo Tequila.

Label:
Holy Trappist Belgian Quadruple brewed with Holy Water and Oak aged in Herradura Añejo Tequila.
A prophecy, only once told by the highest of religious leaders, has predicted The Four Nuns or Las
Quatro Monjas will return. Ancient manuscripts indicated that the Abbey Nun, The Buddhist Nun, The Shaolin Nun and the Celestial Space Nun will each bring the nectar of God as given to man once before.

This time, however, the nuns infuse the elements of Wind, Water, Fire and Earth to create a celestial nectar. Meanwhile, various religious leaders forbid that mankind ever lay their lips on the very oracle left by the nuns. Lucky for you, the nuns happen to enjoy visiting Nubis Sanctum Ales.

La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad, or The SancTequilified Quadrinity is stored in this very bottle.

Ingredients: Holy Water, Malts, Hops, Dark Belgian Candi Sugar, Turbinado Cane Sugar, French Oak, Herradura Añejo Tequila & Trappist Yeast.
==Introduction==
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Project #18 came from the need to surpass my previous skills of the brewing arts. After successfully creating project #2, I wanted to create a barrel aged version of that special quadrupel that I held very close to my heart. So what did I do? I adjusted the recipe to add a bit more ingredients than before including one of them being a small sample of Holy land water. Yes, some people may think this is blasphemous, but in order to make a brew that was truly worthy of monks in Belgium and praise to the almighty God (depending on your beliefs) I added the vial to the brew at flame out. I am no priest but I did say a prayer for the brew to bring forth good fortune to those that drink it. LOL I just hope the beer doesn’t make my friend Aaron Mediola from BeerMetalDude.com catch fire (Just Kidding brother!). So the liquor I decided to use in this project was a Tequila. Why Tequila? Well, two reasons. First, tequila barrel aged brews rule and are to come by and second, after The Lost Abbey made Agave Maria which was their Tequila Barrel aged brew, I decided it was perfect. The beer was going to be about nuns and their worship to God. It was also a crazy idea I really wanted to do. Why is it Project# 18? Well, I had made this brew back in February 2016 and after a month, I put it on the Tequila oak for 6 months. The Tequila was sitting in oak since January 2016 so 2+6, that’s 8 months! Essentially, the 12% ABV was something unexpected but my working with Turbinado and Candi sugars probably had a lot to do with it. Regardless, I bottled it last month and now October 6, 2016 I bring it forth for a review. Yes, the brew will be published at a later date on my site but for perspective purposes and logging this masterpiece I want to get it right. So, for being a quadrupel aged in tequila, I hope is nothing short of amazing and knowing that I can definitely make an awesome brew, I will be pursuing more projects soon like this. Stay tuned, but for now, let’s take a look at this celestial nectar. Cheers!

Aromas:
Tequila notes, oak, Dark fruits of plums, raisins, figs, cherries, bubble gum notes, clove spice, raspberry Chambord hints, Stone fruits, Bananas, Brown sugar, Belgian Candi sugar, Chocolate, Sangria, rice pudding, tamarind, marshmallows, chocolate smores, lechugilla agave nectar, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, Danish cream, port wine, fruit cake, leathery hints, apples and butterscotch.
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Flavors:
Rich Dulce De Leche Caramel, Grilled Bananas, Deep Dark fruits, plums, raisins, figs, dark cherries, dates, clove spice, Belgian Candi sugar, bubble gum notes, capirotada Mexican raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, sweetened condensed milk, tamarind,Vanilla, Oak, Marshmallows, Tequila, Mezcal, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Sangria Wine grapes, Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, port wine, leather notes, rye bread, pecan pie, hazelnut hints, pecan ice cream, brown sugar, dragon fruit notes, raspberry Chambord hints, Stone fruit peaches, golden apples, flan, funnel cake, waffle cone, mango notes and butterscotch.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with a Tequila and vanilla oak flavors with so much complexity lingering of the rich dark fruits, caramel, pecan pie, flan, sweetened condensed milk, sangria, agave, stone fruit, funnel cake and mild Danish cream. Slightly boozy in the aftertaste but diminishes as the beer gets warmer and does not detract from the flavors. Full bodied Honey Crimson Colored, Smooth, velvety, creamy, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability
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Overall:
Nothing short of a miracle. I am very proud of these results. The Tequila takes this brew to another level. I do not give this one a 7/7 since it is not a beer you could find, but trust me when I say you could drink some of my brews. To me, it is my own personal bucket lister in the sense that I really feel I have achieved so much just from trying different beers and now trying to make my own different beers. This one is probably the best one I have ever made along with the Sangrileche Stout, Frontier Tropics and Diablita De Leche Banana Weizenbock. This beer screams some godly ambrosia. Some nectar that even I don’t understand. I can definitely feel proud that if those dudes at Westvleteren or St. Bernardus tried my beer, they would definitely find it indistinguishable from some of their greats!
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Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach, KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, Temari Sabakuno from Naruto and Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill make a return in this brew. Since I used them in my Project# 2, Las Quadtro Monjas, it was only fair to get them in the somewhat right attire for nuns they represent. They represent my passion for the work that I do. Reviewing and Brewing. These girls have been my favorite characters from the different anime series that I love for the longest time going way back to the year 2002. Being a big anime fan and the shows I like, complementing the beers I love with different characters doesn’t have the same effect as the way I complement using my top favorites. AS I mentioned in the last review of the original base beer, the name Las Quad-tro is a play on the Belgian word for Quadrupel and Cuatro which is 4. La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad is a play on the words for La Santisima Trinidad or The Holy Trinity. I had worked for a couple weeks not only finding the right combinations of artwork in photo-shop but the right backgrounds. Of course, all the artwork belongs to the perspective owner as I do not claim any art. As I mentioned before too, the 4 girls are the best and the ones I use as my mascots for my whole passion of anime and the best beers in this whole lost treasures of taste and experience. Cheers!
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14615586_10103608095404850_6486499741432513920_o

(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.
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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…
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==Introduction==
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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.
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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
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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!
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 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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Sources:

Vernal Equinox by Avila Ales

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13411836_10103320757492330_6612727150635739859_oRating: 4.25/5

Vernal Equinox by Avila Ales is a 5.51% ABV California Common.

==Introduction==
Originally brewed at the Avila Household, my friend Richard Avila wanted to create 2 beers for his son’s birthday. This one and a Pilsner. After talking it over, we took both of our brewing supplies and double brewed both the recipes that day at his parent’s place where he used to live. I figured, the more equipment, the faster we can get the brew day finished rather than doing one brew at a time. Thanks to my friend Richard, he has given me these homebrews for review.

I bring forth the California Common, a light ale made famous by Anchor Steam. It is not often brewed style but it is definitely a staple in the craft beer world. So let’s take a look at this refreshing beauty and see how it turns out. Cheers!

Aromas:
Honey, rye bread, caramel, toasted bread, mild orange preserve hints, pilsner grains, toasted cereal and cane sugar.

Flavors:
Biscuit bread, rye bread, citrus, piney hop notes, caramel, toffee hints, light cherry notes, brown sugar hints, cane sugar, toasted bread, mild orange preserve hints, butterscotch hints, vanilla hints, pilsner grains, toasted cereal and mild dark fruit hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with notes or citrusy, piney hop notes and rye bread. No alcohol in the taste, copper colored light body, crisp, clean, refreshing and smooth mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very delicious California Common and reminiscent of the Anchor Steam one, if not better. This one was brewed and fermented very well. There was no homebrew taste and as difficult as these beers are to make due to less complex flavors, my friend Richard made a fantastic brew. Delicious amounts of nice caramel essence that still remains loyal to the non-craft drinker and would appease anyone at a party. I hope my friend makes this recipe again. Awesome beer!

Anime Corner:
Fuu from Samurai Champloo was used in this pairing as I wanted to show some aspects of the Vernal Equinox which is at the point where the longest day of the year is the last time the sun stays up late into the nightly hours. The picture she is in represents a lot of those aspects. As the long days say goodnight.

Sources:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PltaZ59OY0U/maxresdefault.jpg

 

Kölsch Encounters of the Briny Deep by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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13417518_10103320750940460_1126936575964532364_nRating: 4/5

Kölsch Encounters of the Briny Deep by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 6.8% ABV German Kölsch brewed with Azzaca hops.

==Introduction==
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Project #22 was my first attempt at brewing very close to a light lager. I realize my Gravity was a bit much but luckily it did not get over the top. Needless to say, when I first tried it, it really felt like a clean lager even though it fermented at ale temperatures. I made this beer wanting to take a step back to the first beer I ever made. It was called A Dive Into The Pale, since it was like taking a dive into making beers for the first time. I have come a long way since that time but this time, I wanted to make a testament to what I have learned so far. I made this beer which is a style close to a lager fermented at warm temperatures because with lighter beers, it is much easier to spot off flavors. Therefore, making this one, while easy to make, the outcome would be the hardest part and taking everything I learned, I had to make sure it came out right. While brewing actual lagers requires colder temperatures and temperature control equipment, you can still make a light beer. Well, without further ado, let’s see how my lighter, clearer attempt at a beer turned out.

Aromas:
Pilsner cereal grain, biscuit bread, honey dew melon, banana, citrus, grape and honey hints.

Flavors:
Citrus, Cane sugar hints, biscuit bread, banana hints, grape hints, coriander hints, lemon peel hints, pilsner grain, honey hints, mild vanilla, stone fruit hints, pears, honey dew melon hints, kiwi hints and very minor mango hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with clean and cry with very mild tropical hints on the back end. No alcohol in the taste, Pale hay colored clear body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouth feel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very delicious Kölsch. Even though I only used one ounce of Azzaca, the flavor profiles from that small amount of hops is what really started to drive the beer along with the Kölsch yeast which I felt gave it closer to the German lager with the banana notes. The tropics were definitely from the hops. Although the beer came out a bit higher in alcohol than what I wanted, I think it still came out to a really drinkable clean beer. I will definitely make this again but the only thing I would adjust is the amount of malt I add to lower the ABV into the lager range. Despite that, for being so damn clean, clear and above the average tasting lagers, I really enjoyed what I did with this one.

Anime Corner:
Kid from Chrono Cross was used for this beer and pairing as she represents the clean waters, the dive into the ocean. The name of the beer is a play at Close Encounters. In this case, Kid finding this beers is like finding gold. This beer is like the color of gold. Very nice and clear and while it is not worth millions of dollars, the taste buds seem to say otherwise.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Kid.%28Chrono.Cross%29.full.428212.jpg

Papay-Ale by El Borracho brewing

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13308490_10103297374986060_1250441229447669526_o

Rating: 5/5

Papay-Ale by El Borracho brewing is a 4.4% ABV Cream Ale brewed with Papaya

==Introduction==

Thanks to my friend William Carranza of El Borracho brewing for hooking me up with one of his latest homebrews, a Cream Ale with Papaya. This brew was made using lots of papaya. He advised the inspiration for this beer was to use fruits which he had done with other beers. This time, with using a papaya. Let’s see how this one goes, cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical fruit forward from the papaya, honey dew melon, pineapple, guava notes, cane sugar, biscuit bread, caramel, lychee, stone fruit, grapefruit and grassy hop notes.

Flavors:
Lots of Papaya, mango, Kiwi, honey dew melon, guava hints, vanilla notes, cane sugar, grapefruit, grassy and citrus hops, stone fruit peach, apricot, pineapple hints, lychee, watermelon, tangerines, cherry notes, tropical fruit punch hints, biscuit bread and caramel notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with cane sugar, papaya and grapefruit hop notes with some lingering tropical fruit and stone fruit. No alcohol in the taste, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very delicious beer. It’s crazy to think how perfect papaya works with the cream ale style and how crazy refreshing it is. Lots of complexity while still being very balanced and flavorful. Definitely one of the better beers made by my friend Will.

Anime Corner:
This original character was used in this pairing as I wanted to show case the papaya in the picture. Sure, the girl has nice melons, but that’s beside the point. Anyways, this was about the only good pic I could find that had a papaya in it.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/93/40/d2/9340d2e96baba4b172be6ace65af8c71.jpg

Blooms In CyBlues Space Nubis Sanctum Ales

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13220515_461526587376782_6890449903800114240_oRating: 4.65/5

Blooms In CyBlues Space Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 9% ABV Hard Apple Cider made with Blueberries.

==Introduction==
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Project #21 was inspired by the need to make different flavored ciders. Just like my previous ciders, I wanted to make a cider using the most basic ingredients to see how good of a cider I can make. Blueberries were a decision partially made by me and my friend Juan who really loves blueberries and wanted a blueberry drink aside from blueberry beer. This is similarly made like the Raspberry cider but instead of raspberry it is using the blueberry flavoring at bottling. Now, let’s see how this one came out. Cheers!

Aromas:
Apple Pie, Blueberries, vanilla, dark fruit notes, stone fruits and cane sugar.

Flavors:
Apple pie notes, cane sugar, blueberries, blueberry muffin, blueberry yogurt, dark cherry, vanilla, honey, stone fruit peach hints, Danish cream, caramel apple, mild strawberry notes, tart sour apple hints, cinnamon and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with caramel apple, blueberries, vanilla ice cream on apple pie. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Golden clear body, crips, clean, creamy and refreshing mouthfeel and very easy to drink.

Overall:
This one came out very good, especially on the draft pour. A difference from the Raspberry I can tell for sure is a slight tartness which I can only think is from the blueberry but either way, it is still “berry” delicious. Now the only thing is I have to see what other recipe of cider I can come up with whether I make the simple recipes or I make something more complex by using real fruits like I have with my beers.

Anime Corner:
Rei Ayanami from Neon Genesis Evangelion was used in this pairing to go with the blueberries mainly. The name came about from the scenery of the picture. In the future where Rei is from, the world has been struck by what is called the Near Third Impact where the world is pretty much desolated and destroyed. Living in that world (CyBlues Space) would seem pretty depressing (the Blues) but where there is something so delicate like a flower, it blooms with the spirit of hope. Blooms In CyBlues Space is not only for the blue in Rei’s hair and the colors of blueberries, but also that hope that comes from even the smallest light in the sometimes depressing world. In this case, the cider to me represented yet another glimmer of hope into making even more delicious drinks as I continue my pursuit in the craft beer and cider world.

Sources:
http://wallpapershacker.com/wallpaper_3840x2160/ayanami_rei_neon_genesis_evangelion_of_ultra_3840x2160_hd-wallpaper-3007228.jpg

Las Manza Cronicas De BatFramb by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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12885977_10103173439418930_6378579748870362003_oRating: 4.75/5 Project# 20

Las Manza Cronicas De BatFramb by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 9% ABV Hard Apple Cider made with Raspberries.

12698330_10103102361744160_7088169237685224871_o==Introduction==
Project # 20 continues in my pursuit to make different flavors of ciders and basically to see which one I like more. The raspberry cider one came about from the love I have for Raspberry brews. In fact, the Raging Passio Lactus Raspear Dragons had a base primary of raspberry which I loved from the inspiration of New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Raspberries. This cider uses the most basic approach, creating a simple apple cider by fermentation and add organic raspberry flavor at the bottling. I also added a dash of organic apple cider flavor as this was needed to balance since the base cider is pretty much super dry apple wine right off the fermentor. Setting this up with me new mini PET keg was the best choice as I was able to get a nice froth pour but promptly dissipated. Something about getting beer from the tap seems to make beer or cider very enjoyable. Let’s see how this new creation of mine stands.

Aromas:
Apple pie, Raspberries, cherry notes, vanilla cream, honey, dark fruit hints and stone fruit notes.

Flavors:
Raspberries, Dark Cherries, cinnamon, pomegranate, Honey dew melon, apple pie notes, plums, stone fruit peaches, honey, grapes, vanilla, caramel, strawberry hints, cane sugar and Danish cream hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with semi dry notes of apple cider, raspberries, apple pie hints and vanilla notes. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Golden Amber clear body, clear light golden body, creamy, crisp, clean and super refreshing mouthfeel and very easy to drink.

Overall:
A very delicious cider. While it is not very difficult to make but I think just the combination of the ingredients used make for one delicious cider. It is not super complex but dead on with the purpose of what it supposed to be. I feel as I make more of these, it gives me more of a grasp as how to make more and more delicious ciders. While it is simple, I will want to advance the recipe sometime by making this with actual fruits to see how it goes. I make my beers with actual fruits so why not this one too? For the most part, I really loved this one and hope my next one is just as good.

Anime Corner:
Ignis from Jingai Makyō was used in this pairing as I wanted something to pair with the colors of the raspberries. The name of the brew in English is a play on words, The Apple-y Chronicles of Bat Raspberries but since she wears the outfit with bats, I wanted something that sounded like Batman. In this case, Batwoman. The colors pair well with the raspberries and mild dark fruit hints from her eyes and the white and black represents the creamy aspect in the taste.

Sources:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/G1wrtv1Zmn0/maxresdefault.jpg

Heff By Black Cherries – Chapter 2: And In The Darkness of Cherries Bind them by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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12771879_10103105918785820_7745577341913906682_o 12819187_10103105919619150_3897216335759083062_oRating: 4.5/5

Heff By Black Cherries – Chapter 2: And In The Darkness of Cherries Bind them by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 5.6% ABV German Hefeweizen brewed with Organic Black Cherry juice.

==Introduction==

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Project # 16 pays tribute and the return of an old favorite from last year. I brewed this recipe last year as a Dunkelweizen and this year I brought it back making some slight adjustments to the recipe and using the Weihenstephan Weizen Yeast strain as well as different malt and hops. This is the results. In an attempt to make this beer, as it was dubbed a winner among many of my family and friends who typically drink light beer, I had to bring it back. In this project, now coming from several batches in, I hope it is still as great as what I remember. It is still dark heff like before but I think falls more towards the regular heff style. Let’s see what I find, cheers!

Aromas:
Bananas, dark cherry notes, stone fruits, honey, citrus, fruity pebbles hints, coriander spice, clove spice, brown sugar, vanilla and caramel.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, figs, dates, Bananas, banana cream pie, clove spice, tart raspberry hints, coriander spice, clove spice, candi sugar, vanilla, honey, orange peels, citrus, toffee, caramel, stone fruit peach, apricots, earthy hop notes, crème brulee, dark cherry preserves on rye toast and flan.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with a minor tart yet citrusy hop finish with the notes of dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, bananas, clove spice, peach hints, earthy hops and honey. No alcohol in the taste, honey colored hazy full body, crisp, refreshing, smooth and an easy drinkability.

Overall:
A very good hefeweizen and definitely better than the one I made last yeast. I think by slightly adjusting the recipe, it did pay off as there seems to be more of a balance between the sweet, bitter and tartyness. Right off the bat, the brew is sweet and tart and balanced. As it warms up, that’s where it gets much better with in regards to the banana split like flavors. I think the flavors of the cherry really blended well with the banana clove spices of the yeast making a beer that I could definitely call a flash ship for sure.

Anime Corner:
Ruby Rose from RWBY was used in this pairing to mainly to represent the Black Cherries of the beer. She was used similarly in chapter one but since the beer became so delicious, by making a return, it would entice the drinker into wanting even more since the recipe would be better this time around. You see, the name of And Through the Darkness of Cherries Bind Them, goes so well with the second picture where she is about to decapitate the wolf as the wolf is so bound by her, “Heff” is inevitable. The name Heff By Black Cherries is a pun at Death By Black Cherries as since Ruby carries around a scythe, I thought it was perfect as she is the “Black Cherry Death that causes the Heff to be Heffed.” So for those that drink this beer, they are immediately enticed and cannot escape Heff!! Rose petals represent the cherries swirling as the beer is surrounded in cherry flavor. Lots of great things going with this beer!

Sources:
http://img.walls321.com/images3/wnavws40omf.jpg
http://wallpapershacker.com/wallpaper/boots_snow_cross_scythe_redheads_moon_hd-wallpaper-3031955.jpg

Raging Passion Lactus Raspear Dragons by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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12671953_10103058682138440_3639403293933642500_o 12694605_10103058682482750_606443848406222023_o 12694832_10103058682757200_1518895303472138872_o 12698399_10103058683161390_2543082525383702938_oRating: 6/6

Raging Passion Lactus Raspear Dragons by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 10% ABV Imperial Milk Stout brewed with Raspberries, Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit and Red Prickly Pear Tunas Oak aged in Dragon’s Milk Beer Barrel Bourbon.

Label:
Deep within the womb of time, a Dragoness thus be born and thus the tale is told. Upon an age old icy
crystal mountain, was home to the kind and magical dragoness who’s torment of being the last of her kind could not be comforted. The people feared her. The fanatics adored her, The kingdoms wished for her destruction. Until one day, something had happened.

The kingdoms faced demise from a natural disaster. A meteor crashed on the mountain causing a large
avalanche. While the Dragoness did manage to escape, she used her powers and melted the avalanche thus saving the kingdoms. The people had finally accepted her as one of their own and she became a legend. In honor of that day, the liquid water that trickled down the land from the melted ice, the milky fluid of the meteor mixed with her collection of exotic ingredients burnt by her flames during the
rescue, along with the burnt trees gave birth to this magic potion. In Honor of the new Dragoness Knight, All Hail the Dragoness, Her story will live on forever!

Ingredients: Water, Malts, Hops, Lactose Milk Sugar, Pureed Raspberries, Dragon Fruit, Passion Fruit, Red Prickly Pear Tunas, Oak Chips Aged “Dragon’s Milk Beer Barrel Bourbon” and Yeast.

==Introduction==
12291150_10102926340926290_8765960819886457447_o 12307357_10102930606113820_7535840590663919840_o
Project# 15 unleashes the dragons! This epitome of a beer is centered on dragons! Lots and lots of dragons. From the fruits, the milk, the bourbon and the alcohol. Dragons… Dragons everywhere! My inspiration for this brew came from the fact that I started really liking Raspberry stouts. Especially the Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Raspberries from New Holland. So when I had the idea, hmmm I should make a beer about dragons…. wait!!! That’s when it hit me, I will make one with some exotic Dragon fruit. I also wanted some passion fruit to go with it too and my friend Alex Bahamaca was able to inspire me since I remembered how good actual passion fruits were from his passion fruit tree. The Dragon fruit I was able to get from an Asian Market and thanks to my brother Martin and his wife Elly I knew what I had to do. Using the original bourbon I used from Sangri Leche, the Dragon’s Milk Bourbon which was New Holland’s Bourbon made from a barrel that used to age Dragons Milk Stout, it was only the perfect addon to my dragon’s milk themed beer. Aged one month in the fruit and a week in oak that was sitting for 2 months, now the beer is carbonated, it is time to see what my creation has spawned. Cheers!

Aromas:
Vanilla, oak, Rich Raspberries, Dragon Fruit, Passion fruit, Red prickly pear tunas, strawberries, , Milk sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, fudge cake, raspberry Chambord, bourbon hints, port wine hints, toasted rye bread, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk hints, hazelnut nectar and dulce de leche caramel hints.

Flavors:
Super Rich punch of Raspberries, Tropical Fruit Rich Dragon fruit, Passion fruits, Rich Oak, Vanilla, Caramel, toffee, butterscotch hints, Milk sugar, Milk chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Raspberries, Fudge cake, Hints of bourbon, caramel, marshmallows, port wine notes, Raspberry Chambord, oranges, citrus, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, dark cherry cheesecake notes, wine grapes, strawberries, raspberry marmalade on rye toast, pomegranates, molasses, mint, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk hints, boysenberry cobbler and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich in raspberries and lots of oak, dark fruit, vanilla, caramel, dark cherries, dark chocolate, and wine notes. Deep Dark Bloody Crimson Full Body, very smooth, creamy, rich and velvety mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional brew that packs a punch of fruitiness. While I know the oak was a bit much, the fact that I added Sooooo much fruit may have cut down a bit of the Stouty characteristics. Despite that, it is still a milk stout and I think the oakiness fades as the beer is warmers. I think people that like oaky and fruity stouts will love this one. The Bourbon did not come as strong as I had hoped it would but that is okay as the original Dragon’s Milk has only notes of it as well. I was supremely happy with this one. So much like the Sangri Leche that I figure was my best beer. This one being my second best. I really do surprise myself sometimes and I am glad friends and family love these beers. One day, I would love to make beers for the masses. Only time will tell…
11222545_10103058686559580_6350709037808933174_o 12657967_10103058683864980_6827181511371762320_o
Anime Corner:
Yoko Littner from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagan was used in this pairing as I was looking for a reason to make a beer with her as the theme. Her red hair paired so well with a raspberry, red tuna and dragon fruit beer that I had to add her. The only problem was, aside from her fiery hair and tank top and possibly the skull, there really wasn’t anything else I could add to the beer that would say dragon. That is until… I found the awesome artwork with Yoko in Dark Knight Dragon Armor. I was like, HOLY SHIT!!!! it was meant to be… I was meant to brew an awesome beer about dragons and using this artwork, all the hardwork would come to fruition. So it did! I still added the original Yoko and an awesome version of Yoko with the glasses and the little pet Pig-Mole Boota as a nice finishing touch. I am sure many will come to appreciate it.

Sources:
http://konachan.com/image/178498dce0d6358f8f136e9211c5e118/Konachan.com%20-%20183160%20ember_prime_(warframe)%20ember_(warframe)%20fire%20long_hair%20navel%20penett%20ponytail%20red_hair%20tengen_toppa_gurren_lagann%20warframe%20yoko_littner.png
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/playstationallstarsfanfictionroyale/images/4/4b/Yoko_Littner.png/revision/latest?cb=20150516090424
http://i.imgur.com/RhLI9mO.jpg

 

La Gran Conquista De La Emperatriz Carmesí Grand Cru by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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12646876_10103058676844050_7406568229014262347_o 12697381_10103058677832070_8314741706470977588_o 12698646_10103058678780170_3076556128561450236_o 12710859_10103058679658410_7613070802157787347_oRating: 4.85/5

La Gran Conquista De La Emperatriz Carmesí Grand Cru by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 9% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with Sweet Orange Peels, Anise Seeds and Crystal Candi Sugar.

Label:
Legend tells a story about an Empress in the earlier parts of the Millennium that would unravel the mysteries of the universe by her dabbling in the arts of alchemy science and the supernatural. They called her the Crimson Empress since she enjoyed the color of blood. Not much is known about her or how she got into power in the first place. All that is known is that she had many advisers who would tend to her kingdom while she freely dabbled into the light and the darkness.

Her fascination with the unknown eventually lead to the discovery of a magic potion which allowed her to travel into other realms of existence and travel to the future subconsciously. Not much is known as to why this happened or even how this potion was made. People do know that it did cause her speak in other tongues and create her own apparel that seemed out of place for it’s time. While other powers could not overthrow her, as she was able to conquer many lands due to innovations and secrets that came as a result of the magic in the potion, she was eventually consumed by it. Many have come close to replicate the potion but none have come closest…until now!

Ingredients: Water, Malts, Hops Anise Seeds, Sweet Orange Peels, Crystal Candi Sugar & Belgian Wit Ale Yeast

==Introduction==
12238206_10102915291853720_4680843308171018648_o
Behold! The magnificence of her grace, The Carmesi Crand Cru, or in this case, Crimson Grand Cru. Project #14 came to fruition with my need to create a Grand Cru like the ones by Alesmith, North Coast brewing and even the ones from Belgium. Essentially, the special kind of Dark Belgian Strong ales that are velvety, sweet but also clear and in some cases. The need to make a nectar like that was what inspired the brew. After looking around for different things that make the consistency of the brew I finally had it figured out. Surprisingly, it did not take long to make this one since it only sat in the fermenter for 1 month before I bottled it. The other thing is that it uses a Belgian Wit strain. So in terms of the style, stuff was definitely coming together as to why the Grand Crus taste the way they do. Anyways, time for the Cru Brew, Cheers!

Aromas:
Oranges, vanilla, Dulce de leche caramel, Anise forward, stone fruit peach notes, pears, apples, dark fruit raisins, figs, cherries, citrus, oranges, strawberries, stone fruit peach notes, pears, apples, mango hints, marshmallows, graham crackers, wafflecone, piloncillo sugar cone, rye bread and licorice.

Flavors:
Belgian Candi sugar, dark fruit raisins, figs, cherries, citrus, oranges, strawberries, leathery notes, bananas, clove spice, anise, licorice, molasses, tangerine hints, rye bread, biscuit bread, rock candy, stone fruit peach notes, pears, apples, vanilla, caramel, ginger bread, fruit cake hints, wine grape hints, guava preserves/membrillo, mango hints, marshmallows, graham crackers, wafflecone, honey combs and piloncillo sugar cone.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with some earthy hop notes, anise, coriander, candi sugar, oranges, vanilla, caramel and ginger spice. Slight alcohol in the taste, Dark Sunny Orangey Crimson medium body, creamy, smooth and refreshing mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious brew I made here! Originally, even for a 9% ABV, the alcohol levels were high until I was able to let this sit for another month and damn it, it’s just about right to me. One thing I did notices on this one, it was extra spicy. Not in the way of heat but spicy in the sense that I would typically get from some different Belgian beers. It is not a bad thing but I think it is a bit much. I think next time I do this one, I will use less of the anise. Regardless, the best temp to drink it is warmer. That’s when all the rich sweet Belgian goodness started to appear. I was super pleased with the way this came out and glad I made the label for it.
12661860_10103058680132460_3579364841906273659_n
Anime Corner:
Asuka Langley Shikinami Soryu from Neon Genesis Evangelion was my pairing that I used to make this brew since I wanted to pair with the Strong Red of her colors and the whole aspect of the brew being red in color but also orange under certain lightings. When I think of Grand Crus, I think of Royalty or something in relation to a beverage that is highly regarded. When I found the picture of Asuka as a Queen holding and spilling her drink, that’s when it hit me to make the label with her. In the description I mentioned that she was doing time travel and this fit the reason she is wearing the red plugsuit as it is not an apparel of the time period in the story of the description. All and all, I love how it came out and the butt pic? Well she’s royalty so bow down!

Sources:
http://static.tumblr.com/a7ff925dc64b9b5d566f6f9345d88825/mqkyq0i/bDKnlp4s1/tumblr_static_9cw0s1vj01kwg4kk0sksc0wo0.jpg
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/09da1-asuka.jpg

Naránjdanos Celestiales by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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12697034_10103054371117760_927499355833596450_o 12646989_10103054372979030_7270311269485518794_n 12694914_10103054371986020_4617245862347928769_oRating: 4.25/5

Naránjdanos Celestiales by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 6 %ABV A Belgian Dubbel brewed with Oranges, Blueberries, Soft Candi Sugar and Coriander spice.

==Introduction==
12240455_10102910050582270_1789850886825821227_o

Project# 13 was an idea for a beer which combined the flavors or Orange and Blueberries. The name of the beer comes from the Spanish combination of Oranges or Naranjas and Blueberries or Arandanos. The fusion of the two and the fact that this is a Belgian Dubbel, like the ones Monks make in Abbeys, lead to the name of the Celestial OrangeBlueberries or Naránjdanos Celestiales. Originally, I was shooting for a chocolate orange and blueberry beer, but my friend Juan suggested otherwise in which case I did not add the chocolate. Namely being, he reminded me other delicious blueberry beers I had tried in the past. So to make the Blueberries stick out well with the oranges I also added coriander spice which frankly, with the orange zest, gave this fruity pebbles type of aromas. All and all, fermentation went through well and people seemed to love this one. Now, I take my personal thoughts on this one. Let’s take a look.

Aromas:
Tart Blueberries, fruity pebbles hint, oranges, tart grapes, candi sugar, tangerine hints, brown sugar, lemon candy, stone fruit hints and dark fruits.

Flavors:
Blueberries, Candi Sugar, Coriander spice, caramel, biscuit bread rye bread, tart grapes, citrus, orange zest, lemon candy, dark fruit raisin hints, figs, plums, tart cherry notes, sugar cane, brown sugar hints, apple notes, stone fruit apricot, peaches and tangerine notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with some candi sugar notes, tart blueberry notes, citrus, coriander spice, tart fruit pebbles.
No alcohol in the taste, Orange Honey full body, crisp, refreshing and silky mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good light Dubbel. While I think the tarty blueberry adds some complexity, ultimately it has to be drunk at close to room temp to get more complexity. In cold temps it is easy to drink with tart and the citrucy notes. While I think this was good, I don’t think orange and blueberry may have not paired too well, only slightly. I think if I make this again, I might use a different fruit to pair with the orange or I think I will add the chocolate next time. Eitherway, still a delicious little homebrew.

Anime Corner:
Konan from Naruto was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the ingredients of the oranges and blueberry flavors and colors as you can see from Konan’s hair and eyes. The fact that she is wearing a cloak is like the ones monks wear as this is a Belgian Dubbel so it definitely goes with the style. My intention with this beer is to pay tribute to Jiraiya’s original team of Nagato (Red like the body), Konan (Blueberries) and Yahiko (Oranges with the Orange Hair). All these characters were important in the Naruto Series.
12651028_10103054373707570_5466942927538710404_n
Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Konan.full.1168065.jpg
http://narutoclan.ru/_ph/618/2/165912823.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/NARUTO.full.1817405.jpg

Rick’s Wrecka Barleywine by Avila Ales

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12642588_10103052861922200_959383025666913489_n 12650809_10103052862640760_5928505456712956685_nRating: 5/5

Rick’s Wrecka Barleywine by Avila Ales is a ~10% ABV English Barley Wine

==Introduction==

My friend Richard Avila created this beer back in May 2015 and let it aged for 6 months in a secondary fermentation vessel. I helped my friend that day to create my beer which was the Honey Bee Waggling Hop Bats Belgian IPA and this awesome Barleywine. Quite the task and an awesome Homebrew day in the hot summer in may it was. Fast forward several months into the holidays and we now have what I agree with my friend, his best beer yet. This awesome brew really blew me away and it definitely was all the worth the wait. Today I bring to the website, courtesy of my friend Richard, an awesome Barleywine! Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit plum, prunes, raisins, cherry notes, dulce de leche Caramel, vanilla, toffee, sweetened condensed milk, biscuit bread with orange and peach preserves, Stone fruit peach hints, brown sugar, hazelnut nectar, figgy pudding and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, sugar plum, dark cherries, raspberry notes, grape notes, port wine hints, Stone fruit peach hints, dulce de leche Caramel, vanilla, toffee, sweetened condensed milk, Toasted biscuit bread with orange and peach preserves, honey, waffle cone, marshmallows, earthy and citrus hop notes, pecan pie, macadamia nuts, hazelnut nectar, figgy pudding and flan hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with flavors of caramel, dark fruit, port wine hint, earthy notes, waffle cone, honey, vanilla and fig pudding. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Crimson light to medium body, silky, smooth and creamy mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability which for a 10% is pretty dangerous but it really is a well drunk beer.

Overall:
A perfect example and well made English Barleywine. From the different types of Barleywines I have had in the past, this reminded me of some of the better ones. This is really why I enjoyed this one. There is much malty complex goodness with a balance of mild hoppy citrus to balance things out. To date, I think this really is my friend Richard’s best brew and hope it makes an awesome return!

Anime Corner:
Rick Hunter, Dr. Jean Grant and the other characters from the Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles were used in this pairing to go along with the name of the brew. In the series, Rick would use his transforming Veritech mecha to battle. Its destructive force on enemies was massive. You can almost say this Barleywine is synonymous to the destructive force of the Veritech. It’s a wrecking machine!

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c8/ee/05/c8ee05a0da16f663e6f74ded120cddd0.jpg

Persius’ Spiraling Lament by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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12640351_10103044329486270_5273629709293888756_o 921088_10103044330554130_1901389850485705992_oRating: 4.75/5

Persius’ Spiraling Lament by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 5.78% ABV Cream Ale Brewed with Calypso and Medusa Hops.

==Introduction==
12186337_10102902883749660_1998947956920665729_o
Homebrew‬ Project #12
Yes, that’s correct! Medusa hops! The type of hops that are not available in the market and have yet to be brewed commercially. There are many perks to the hops as they seem to be not typically for west coast styles but mainly giving aromas and flavors like guava, melon, apricot and citrus fruit. Seemed like a win-win here especially when I bought the ingredients for the recipe. This is my first attempt at a cream ale and while it may be light, I hope it is not far from delicious. Cheers

Aromas:
Tropical fruit hints kiwi, strawberries, blueberry hints, dragon fruit, guava, papaya, Citrus, grapefruit, piney and herbal hops, cane sugar, vanilla hints, pilsner grains, Stone fruit hints of peach, apricot, apples and biscuit bread.

Flavors:
Citrus, orange peels, grapefruit, piney, herbal, grassy hops, tropical fruit kiwi, strawberries, blueberry hints, dragon fruit, rich guava fruit, papaya, rainbow sherbet, raspberries, cherries, Rich Stone fruit apricots, peaches, peach cobbler, Danish cream, caramel, vanilla, pilsner malt grains, biscuit bread and cane sugar notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with some nice tropical and stone fruit notes, citrus orange, herbal and grapefruit hop at the end. No alcohol in the taste. Golden Honey colored hazy to full body, creamy, smooth, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good cream ale. I really enjoyed this one mainly since I never had the medusa hops before but it made for such a delicious beer. The cream side of the brew balanced out the hops well to release more of the fruitiness that the hops carried. So far, I think it was well worth the brew and will definitely brew it again if I can get the hops again.

Anime Corner:
Nia Teppelin from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagan was used in this pairing because I wanted to find something that would pair with not only the color of hops but also Medusa herself. In this pairing, Nia I fit the best since she has the crazy spiraling long hair which could be said is like Medusa’s Snake hair. The reason it is called Persius Spiraling Lament is because Persius was the one that took down Medusa according to the mythological story of Medusa. In my story though (well what I invented for the beer) Persius had regretted killing off Medusa and turning her to Stone. The face Nia makes in the drawing shows the regret as reflected to Persius. Funny how it was the Mirror that turned Medusa to Stone…

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Nia.Teppelin.full.1376313.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/331783

Something’s Up With Jack by El Borracho Homebrewing

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12376522_10102980509227580_8233657118936815134_n 11234975_10102980507266510_1133673101923743826_nRating: 5/5

Something’s Up With Jack by El Borracho Homebrewing is a 7.4% ABV Pumpkin Ale Brewed with cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg and all spice.

==Introduction==

A new brew by my friend William Carranza. This one was released for the Fall and at the right timing as it is pumpkin beer season. When it comes to pumpkin beers I am really picky as I enjoy the pumpkin beers that are more towards the pumpkin flesh with piloncillo kind or even more sweet potato to pumpkin pie flavors rather than the typical pumpkin spice. Although, when done right, the beers can come out great. My friend Will has handed me a bottle and so I wanted to see what his pumpkin beer was all about. Let’s take a look!

Aromas:
Ginger, cinnamon, sweet potato, pumpkin flesh, biscuit bread, pie crust, waffle cone, vanilla, honey, burnt sugar, clove spice, banana notes, stone fruit peach, apricot, peach cobbler hints, butterscotch, rye bread and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Pumpkin flesh, Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pie crust, waffle cone, vanilla, caramel, ginger spice, ginger bread, clove spice, banana notes, cinnamon, stone fruit peach, apricot, peach cobbler hints, butterscotch, rye bread, biscuit bread, brown sugar, piloncillo sugar cone hints, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweet potato pie, honey and burnt sugar.

Aftertaste:
Pumpkin flesh, stone fruit peach, pie crust, vanilla, piloncillo, clove spice, ginger bread and fruit cake lingers. No alcohol in the taste, full body amber, creamy, smooth and effervescent mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect pumpkin beer showcasing so many of the delicious flavors I look for in pumpkin beers. The rich pumpkin flesh flavors, piloncillo on sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. To me this was a damn winner. Even without the extra nutmeg added at the pour (which really makes it even more awesome) it really holds strong on its own. Definitely something I had to ask my friend for another. A very delicious seasonal.

Anime Corner:
Sally, Jack Skellington and the rest of the Nightmare Before Christmas cast were used in this pairing as it fits with what my friend William was going for. Essentially, a Halloween beer about Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas. To go along with my artistic perspective, I included Jack’s girl Sally as well. A well placed pumpkin also adds the theme and the style of the beer.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/The.Nightmare.before.Christmas.full.175475.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/388620-842×1191-the+nightmare+before+christmas-disney-sally-rafaarsen+%28artist%29-long+hair-single.jpg

I’m So Honey Right Now by El Borracho Homebrewing

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10339263_10102978463472290_25571042429433349_oRating: 5/5

I’m So Honey Right Now by El Borracho Homebrewing is a 7.8% ABV India Pale Ale brewed with extra Citra and Wild Flower Honey.

==Introduction==

My friend and Homebrew brother, Will Carranza, created another awesome brew and requested I’d give it a shot. He used some Wild flower honey which was given to him and extra citra to this concoction. The results were this honey based and orangey IPA. With many brews on his profile, I think Will is definitely moving up the ranks of the greatest homebrewers. Let’s take a sip and see what this one has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich citrus, grapefruit, tropical fruit mango, papaya, biscuit hints, honey, biscuit bread, caramel hints, wild flower honey, stone fruit apricot, peach notes, kiwi, strawberry hints, passion fruit, dragon fruits, lemon grass and floral notes.

Flavors:
Lots of tropical fruit, papaya, mango, guava hints, honey dew melon, kiwi, strawberry hints, passion fruit, dragon fruit, floral, grapefruit, grassy, piney and herbal hops, tangerine candy, lemon peel, grapefruit peel, biscuit bread, caramel hints, wild flower honey, stone fruit apricot, peach notes, lychee, peppery notes, lemon verbana, minty hints, toffee hints, and starburst.

Aftertaste:
Lingereing tropical fruit, wild flower honey, citrusy and grapefruit hops, biscuit notes, and toffee hints. No alcohol in the taste, golden honey crimson medium to full body, smooth, crisp, refreshing and frothy mouthfeel and easy to drink

Overall:
A perfect IPA. A great job to my Homebrew brother for pulling this one off. So much candied hops and honey. While the color is a little darker due to the wild flower honey, the color is not offsetting to show that this is an IPA. I think is one of Will’s best IPAs so far. However, with the variety of hops out there and the passion for homebrewing experimentation, there is no limit to creating more brews like this one and maybe more exceptional ones.

Anime Corner:
This original character was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the name of the label. I am so honey right now showcases the seductive nature of what is sweet and temptation. A representation of honey and being covered in it almost to the point of implying that she is sexually active leaves a lot to the imagination.

Sources:
http://img0.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/Няши-в-еде-Anime-Няши-Anime-Anime-Adult-2182333.jpeg

Sunrise Prayer Saison by Avila Ales

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11986349_10102810040253770_889842834449884178_nRating: 4.65/5

Sunrise Prayer Saison by Avila Ales is a 6% ABV American Farmhouse Ale/Saison.

==Introduction==
Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. For the second batch, my friend Richard Avila brewed a saison. Thanks to his donation, now we can take a look at a different perspective of a different style using the same Monkish wort but made as a saison. Cheers.

Aromas:
Bubblegum, Bananas, waffle cone, honey comb Biscuit bread, vanilla, Belgian Candy sugar, oranges, citrus, lemon peel, tangerine gummy hints, clove spice, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, honey dew melon, cantaloupe, mango hints and Danish cream hints.

Flavors:
Bananas, Clove spice, Belgian bread, lemon peel, farmhouse hay, bubble gum, stone fruit peaches, apricots, apples, honey dew melon, cantaloupe, mango hints, white grapes, peppercorn, wafflecone, honeycomb, coriander spice, Belgian Candy sugar, oranges, citrus, lemon peel, tangerine gummy hints, vanilla and Danish cream hints.

Aftertaste:
Stone fruits, banana, coriander, clove spice, tropical hints and Belgian candy in the aftertaste.
No alcohol in the taste, clear gold straw body, smooth, crisp, refreshing and sweet mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Very awesome saison definitely close to the awesomeness of the French speaking Belgian inspired farm house ale. This beer was better than the pale ale. I am not sure if it is the original wort or the fact that part was made in a Belgian inspired brewery but the style is very delicious and reminiscent of the Saison. Great job to my friend even if the wort seemed a little off due to the way it may have been made but he managed to make it a very delicious Belgian saison. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Saber from Fate Stay Night was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair a character that has similar attire to a nun to pair with the Abbey style but also the name of the beer. In this setting, Saber prays as the sunrises in the background. The golden color of the beer pairs with the sun rays and her hair but also the flavors and the style pair with the great effort of Belgian Monasteries that brew beer in the name of the lord. Lots of work and dedication to the craft.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/390216-3342×2970-fate+%28series%29-fatestay+night-type-moon-saber-takeuchi+takashi-long+hair.jpg

Tropical Day Dream Pale Ale by Avila Ales

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11952859_10102810038562160_4813084693664417412_oRating: 4.25/5

Tropical Day Dream Pale Ale by Avila Ales is a 5% ABV American Pale Ale brewed with Citra Hops

==Introduction==
Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. My friend Richard Avila and I went to Monkish on that day to buy 10 gallons of wort each. This is the first custom batch he made using citra hops. Thanks to my friend Richard for sharing this one with me and as a tribute, I was able to bring this beer over to the website.

Aromas:
Grapefruit, lemon juice, lemon peel, passion fruit, tart apples, Stone fruit hints like peach, tropical fruit like mango, peppercorn and green tea.

Flavors:
Lots of grapefruit, citrus, lemon peel, rich passion fruit, guava, prickly pear, grassy hops, floral hops, mango, peppercorn, honey dew melon, tart apples, stone fruit peach hints, green tea, herbal notes, grape hints, papaya, pineapple and biscuit bread.

Aftertaste:
Leaving a dry finish in the taste with some residual tropical fruit notes. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy yellow medium body, crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good pale ale. While there maybe some off flavoring due to the original wort being from Monkish, I think the control in the brewing and addition of my friend’s own ingredients to the beer made it a great style. Definitely rich in the tropical aspects including the rich grapefruit and tropical fruit. The only off flavors maybe the bit of lemony tartness or the green tea or tart apple hints but overall making it a pretty wonderful experience overall for being a pale ale. It definitely surpasses the first Pale Ale I made. I think my friend definitely has a great amount of experience to get next batch the way he likes as he will have more control of the wort.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by Yuuza of DeviantArt was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair the flavors of the beer with the name. The colors representing the vast majority of tropical fruit goodness but alse the aspect of day dreaming which the mind uses to create figments of the imagination. This beer is like a dream in the sense that it tastes so rich and juicy like tropical fruits even for such a low ABV. Even in the artwork, you can see how the day dreams come to life as they are created upon the stroke of the pain brush the mind wields.

Sources:
http://orig12.deviantart.net/be4b/f/2014/023/e/1/painting_the_world_by_yuuza-d64n3cv.jpg

CebadAgua NocturnFresca by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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11953405_10102786510028530_5643095009961644245_oRating: 5/5

CebadAgua NocturnFresca by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 8% ABV Belgian Dark Barleywine dry hopped with Jarrylo Hops.

==Introduction==
11412112_10102628638389560_1449864138850252561_o

Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. I purchased 10 gallons and for the second of my home brew concoction I decided to go with a heavier beer adding extra LME and some new especial hops that would give some interesting flavors. Since the idea behind this beer was something dark like the night, the name “CebadAgua NocturnFresca” is a play at the words Agua de Cebada (Barley Drink) and Nocturna Fresca (Of The Fresh Night). Essentially, It is supposed to mean “Fresh Barley Drink of The Night”. A summer’s night type of beer. A fresh, “Barleywine” with a lighter gravity to be enjoyable and full of flavors. So this is what came out of it. Let’s take a look at my final creation of the summer, cheers!

Aromas:
Cola hints, Stone fruit peaches, mango hints, apricot, apple notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla , tamarind, hibiscus, floral notes, dark fruit cherry, plums, rich prunes, raisins, figs, dates, candi sugar, currants, raspberries, blue berries, tart black berries, tropical fruit notes, prickly pear, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, spicy notes, licorice hints, anise, rock candy molasses, and anise.

Flavors:
Hibiscus flower drink, Cola hints, molasses, dark fruit cherry, plums, rich prunes, raisins, figs, dates, candi sugar, currants, raspberries, blue berries, tart black berries, Stone fruit peaches, mango hints, apricot, apple notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla , tamarind, hibiscus, floral notes, peppercorn hints, mint, chocolate hints, spicy notes, clove spice, bananas, pears, tangerine, tropical fruit notes, prickly pear, lychee fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, spicy notes, licorice hints, anise, rock candy and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruit, molasses, tamarind, spicy fruit cake, cola notes, earthy notes, pears, vanilla and other tropical fruit notes. No alcohol in the taste, crimson/bloody moon dark brown full body, creamy, smooth, refreshing, crisp and moderate mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Such a crazy beer border lining a Belgian dark strong with some character of a light Barleywine that I was able to get thanks to special hop notes I added. It is crazy to think that when I brewed this beer, it was meant as a joke and pun to the name Jarrylo as being the Mexican Soda Jarritos. Who knew this beer would turn out to be like an agua fresca/ Fruit-ade type of beer with some flavors of soda but spicy fruit galore. Writing everything I do every step of the way, trying to replicate this beer will be a challenge as it was made using large brewing equipment and grains. So I will see how it goes. For now, this is a high recommend.

Anime Corner:
Neliel Tu Oderschvank from Bleach was chosen in this beer pairing as she is the second in the whole monster brew theme. The pairing includes darkness but the colors represent the strong hop (yet not hoppy but very fruity and spicy) presence of the Jarrylo hops. These hops are not really for IPA or Pale Ale use but can be as thy give a spice characteristic. Nel, while semi-clothed but looking like a bad ass indicates the flavors of “spiciness” and the “sweetness” that the beer brings respectively. As she is an Arrancar, just like Harribel, both monster brews were definitely very enticing in their own way and I hope I can come up with the recipe again to brew them again.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/1j9znin.jpg

Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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11947677_10102786507992610_7982179915986756099_n 11905793_10102786508366860_4808204856211084518_nRating: 4.85/5

Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 7% ABV Imperial Belgian Golden Stout brewed with cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, lactose, candi sugar and Unicorn Blood Coffee.

==Introduction==
11109154_10102628526673440_4766544949044569079_o

Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. I purchased 10 gallons and for the first 5 decided to go with a style that is super rare but super delicious and that was the Gold Stout. However, adding my own spin to things and creating a Belgian Golden Milk stout was definitely the key. With all the sweetness in play and complex ingredients, I was sure to maybe get something like a Golden Stout or Ghost Stout as I like to call it because looks can be very deceiving to the taste. So here is my take at the first White Chocolate Stout beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee notes, caramel, peanut butter hints, Milk chocolate,white chocolate notes, vanilla, flan hints, honey, honey dew melon, pecan pie notes, white grape notes, banana notes, clove spice, maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch hints, candy sugar, agave syrup hints, marshmallow, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apple notes, herbal tea hints, milk sugar and slight coconut.

Flavors:
Vanilla, Irish Cream, Coffee notes, caramel, peanut butter hints, Milk chocolate,white chocolate notes, flan hints, honey, coconut hints, marshmallow, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apple notes, herbal tea hints, milk sugar, honey dew melon, pecan pie notes, white grape notes, banana notes, clove spice, maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch hints, candy sugar, agave syrup hints, biscuit bread and raspberry notes.

Aftertaste:
Belgian bready notes, vanilla, stone fruit hints, chocolate, caramel, milk sugar, earthy notes and slight berry notes. No alcohol in the taste, Clear Golden body, creamy, smooth, silky, velvety and mellow mouthfeel with a easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious first attempt at a clear Golden Stout seems to be a great success. It is clear, it is easy to drink, not too overwhelming or strong and a variety of delicious flavors. My only complaint would be that the carbonation was not where I wanted it to be, the flavors are more toward a Golden ale and minorly a Golden Stout. Either way, that is most likely nit picky but a great learning experience.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel from Bleach was used in this pairing to be the firs in the Monster Brew Theme. The monster I went with is a Ghost and in a Shell at that. She is not Motoko Kusanagi but let me explain. You see, under here beautiful exterior of golden locks and soft dark skin which represents the color of the beer and flavors, underneath, she is all bones. Meaning her skin is like a shell of chocolate. The name Bubulubu derives from the Mexican candy with the same name. A marshmallow chocolate and raspberry treat but it also means Ghost. Like Boo!! Boo!! Lubu! Essentially. So Tia was the closest I can come up with. Why use the name of gold like the locks of her hair? Easy, as I explained earlier about Golden Stouts defying perception because the true identity is in the flavor, it is easy to see why her outer exterior is as deceiving as the true flavor which is the ghost or skeleton in side her white chocolate exterior is what truly hides the purpose. That and the fact that I used Unicorns Blood Coffee so that just adds to the whole creepy aspect of Ghosts and beers!

Sources:
http://img.manga-sanctuary.com/big/bleach-serietv-coffret-54-limitee-78620.jpg
http://orig08.deviantart.net/9faa/f/2009/317/3/3/halibel_by_sketchtastrophe.jpg

Esa Negra Linda by El Borracho Homebrewing

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11899992_10102784731642430_2834463630430900406_nRating: 4.75/5

Esa Negra Linda by El Borracho Homebrewing is a 6.7% ABV Black IPA brewed with extra Magnum Cenntenial and Chinook hops.

==Introduction==

Esa Negra Linda or “That Black Beauty” was the name given by my friend Will Carranza to his first ever, Black IPA. This one was made with extra Magnum for bittering and the centennial and Chinook hops were for aroma.. I gladly assisted will on brewing day as brother help each other out when it comes to the home brew stuff like my other brother and homebrewer Richard of Avila Ales. While the original recipe and ideas were all Will’s you can almost say this was a collaboration in terms of me helping him out. So I bring forth, another awesome home brew and possibly the last for summer 2015 (what can we say, it’s too damn hot to make beer on a budget!) Hell, I still gotta review my 2 other homebrews I barely finished before the temperatures skyrocketed and we could no longer brew. Anyways, it is always a pleasure when Will donates to the site his awesome creations and always loving each as it comes by. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Rich citrus, pineapple, lychee, honey dew melon, grapefruit, floral, piney, grassy, herbal and earthy hops, minty notes, anise, coffee hints possibly from the roasted malt, licorice hints, anise and caramel.

Flavors:
Citrus, piney, grassy, herbal, grapefruit, earthy, and floral hops, pine apple hints, honey dew melon, lychee, Caramel, dark chocolate hints, anise, licorice, roasted malts, molasses, dark fruit prune hints, mango hints, brown sugar, clove spice, kumquat hints, coffee notes, lemon and mint.

Aftertaste:
Earthy hop notes, coffee, anise, tropical notes, citrus, dark chocolate hints and lots of nice bitter hops linger for a little bit. No alcohol in the taste, dark as the ether of space full body, smooth, creamy and crisp mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A deliciously good Black IPA. This IPA is on that level where the hops shine through to let you know you really are drinking an IPA, it just a dark IPA at that and the maltiness adds enough character to make it interesting. The balance is decent and for hop heads this means that the best flavors from Black IPA are delivered here. I hope my friend makes this one again or a variant using different hops as it was very delicious and would love to get some more. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was used in this pairing to represent the name and the feel of the beer. Esa Negra Linda represented by the beautiful Yoruichi who is a ninja fits this beer perfectly. Like the night she strikes without warning. She is the fastest being in the world of Bleach and like this beer, it goes down very smooth and quick. It flows right through like the way a ninja attacks swift and firm for the kill and no ones the wiser. Her strength is in the complex flavors the extra hops provide but combine with the dark beer to make it shine like a light in a dark room. An elegant lady, a beauty, but deadly… If looks could kill well, fortunately, this will be the only time you see her before she strikes!

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Shihouin.Yoruichi.full.1878848.jpg

Hop Squeezed Tropic Hunter by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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11209405_10102705674518540_6521462536723157215_n 11701078_10102705675566440_2156771401235513723_n 11705364_10102705676769030_5161456622611351380_nRating: 4.95/5

Hop Squeezed Tropic Hunter by Nubis Sanctum Ales is an 11% ABV Double (Triple) India Pale Ale brewed with Mango Puree, Arizona Wild Flower Honey, Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo and Simcoe.

Label:
The Last Mango is in Captivity. The Galaxy Hops, are at peace… as they were not harmed in the making of this beer…

Tropic Hunter S.A.M.U.S (Savor Analyze Monitor Unite & Save)
Log OG:1.100 FG:1.020…
Login METROIPA…Accepted…
Transmitting Data—->
“My name is SAMUS. I first encountered the Mango-troid colony on their home Planet Citra Zest. It was there that I was introduced to the rich delicious Nectar these creatures produced. These creatures though harmless had offered me something I’ve never seen in all my visits through the Galaxy of Barley way. The Mango-troids, after pollination which would involve squeezing sugars from fruits and hops, would then leave behind a secret bitter sweet liquid that was gold in color and aromatic like the tropical fruits of the Planet 4U2EAT. My mission… To collect a sample of this ambrosia and present it to the lab for analysis. Here is what this liquid is composed of:

Ingredients: Water, Malts, Amarillo, Simcoe, Mosaic & Citra Hops, Freshly made Mango Puree, Arizona Wild Flower Honey, Candi Sugar and San Diego Super Yeast.

As I completed my mission, a Mango-troid followed me back to my ship. I think it is a baby. So it seems I was able to produce enough of the ambrosia with the help of the Mango-ling that I am providing some for your research as well!

SAMUS Over And Out… Cheers and see you next mission!”
End Transmission…

==Introduction==
11226214_10102578385147460_5955177454859176997_o

Project#9 is my attempt at brewing a tropical double IPA and an inspiration from El Segundo’s Power Plant as well as the Sure Bet Double IPA from Pipeworks is this beer right here. While studying a good recipe for a couple months and buying ingredients bit by bit, I finally was able to create my first ever IPA in the similar recipe to tribute to some of my favorite tropical/leche nestle Triple IPAs out there. I have no idea if my beer can even top the Pliny the Younger but I hope it can beat the elder atleast. Either way, it was a lot of work, a great learning experience and one damn great beer I was very proud to make. Cheers!

Aromas:
Mango hints, Wild flower hints, rich citrus, rich pine needle, herbal, floral, grassy and grapefruit hops, tropical fruits like guava, prickly pears, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, lychee, pineapples, apricots, stawberrries, raspberries, cherries, tangerines, tuna fruit, stone fruit peaches, creamy vanilla, caramel, agave notes, sweetened condensed milk, tangerine gummy bears, citrus peels, grapefruit peels, coconut hints, marshmallow and tres leches/3 milks cream hints.

Flavors:
Rich Mango, Wild flower honey, agave notes, tropical fruit like dragon fruit, papaya, kiwi, honey dew melon, strawberries, passion fruit, prickly pear, papaya, guava, piney, grassy, grapefruit hops, citrus, tangerine oranges, orange peel, grapefruit peel, sweetened condensed milk, caramel, toffee, vanilla, stone fruit apricots, banana hints, raspberries and cream hints, orange gummy bears, mild coconut hints, tres leches/3 milks cream hints, almonds and macadamia nut hints.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Orange peel, Grapefruit peel, Mango hints, Wild Flower honey hints, caramel, gummy bears, tangerines, tropical fruit hints, and stone fruit hint with left over piney hop goodness that pops for a bit. Slight alcohol in the taste, Golden Amber Honey full body, silky, syrupy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability

Overall:
While I give it 5 stars for the rich flavors I still was disappointed slightly that my carbonation was definitely not on par. There is a slight amount of head but not a lot of carbonation. Call it beginners foil but also a great learning lesson. Don’t get me wrong, I really love this beer it is damn scrumptious but with the carbonation it would have been way better. Either way, I know for next time and surely, next time I make an IPA and do secondary, definitely pitching some extra yeast to compensate for the high ABV but also the yeast viability after those several weeks after fermentation finished. A perfect yet “semi flat” yet super tropically delicious masterpiece.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Metroid was used in this pairing as I wanted to give representation of the whole tropical colors and flavors as shown in the label by the metroids being the mangos and Samus squeezing them extracting this very IPA. The idea was solid and I lived it. I give more details in the label description but the shine of the beer in its strength, love, passion and dedication to making one of the best tropical IPAs I could. The lil’ metroid baby sure loves to help out Samus(Squeeze)! But I digress. Maybe the condensed milk like hints were… nah it couldn’t be 😉 …

Sources:
http://genzoman.deviantart.com/art/Metroid-259341497
http://planetgameboy.de/images/db/58621.jpg
http://orig09.deviantart.net/4d4e/f/2015/045/d/1/metroid___samus_be_my_valentine_by_genzoman-d8i0z23.jpg

Honey Bee Waggling Hop Bats by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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10506912_10102665616754620_3689677893754158767_oRating: 5/5

Honey Bee Waggling Hop Bats by Nubis Sanctum Ales is an 11% ABV Belgian Trippel India Pale Ale (IPA) brewed with Arizona Wild Flower Honey. Brewed at the Avila Ales Household.

==Introduction==
11194414_10102545803476390_6429837772055191828_o
Project #7 was my take on the famous hoppy Belgian Tripel IPA, La Chouffe Houblon Dobblen IPA tripple but my take was using a variety of other ingredients such as Columbus and Amarillo hops and using Arizona Wild Flower Honey. Yes, the ABV does have a story to tell as my original gravity was supposed to keep things near the 9ish% ABV but instead went to the 11% ABV range. Literally a Triple IPA that is also a Belgian Tripple. What a Trip? Especially considering the name. Waggling and Dancing, don’t fall and “trip”now! Cheers!

This brew was born on National Homebrew Day when I brewed with my friend Richard Stan Avila of Avila Ales, one of my great friends and fellow homebrewer. A great brew in a somewhat of a collaboration as great beers are made with great friends.

Aromas:
Phenolic notes, Belgian candy sugar, Citrus, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, grassy, floral, piney hop notes, bubble gum hints, honey dew melon, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, strawberries, raspberry hints, kiwi hints, marzipan bready notes, rich honey, bananas, brown sugar and clove spices.

Flavors:
Rich bananas, clove spices, Citrus, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, grassy, piney hop notes, honey, dulce de leche caramel, phenolic notes, vanilla, Belgian Candy sugar, dark fruit plums, grapes, peppercorn, tangerine candy, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, strawberries, raspberry hints, kiwi hints, marzipan bready notes, dragon fruit hints, passion fruit, rye bread, plantains, pineapple hints, lemon hints, bubble gum, flan and sweetened condensed milk hints.

Aftertaste:
Lots of sweet caramel, tropical fruit hints, Belgian candy sugar, bananas
Slight booziness in the taste which is covered by honey and malt as it warms up, Golden Honey Amber, light to medium body, smooth crisp, syrup and creamy mouthfeel and a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
I’m well damn impressed. The fact is, I did not get the carbonation right (Still learning 😦 ) But… the beer itself was well damn amazing. The beer has lots of great flavors reminding me of the La Chouffee Dobblen IPA Tripel but taking it a step further into like a Honey and Barleywinesque territory. The fact that I used Amarillo hops most likely makes the difference in the enhanced excotic fruitiness but either way, this beer is ridiculously delicious and is something I would love to make again.

Anime Corner:
Morrigan Aensland and Q-Bee from Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior were used in this pairing because I wanted to show how the fusion of the honey and hops combine by doing a dance mainly done by bees called waggling. Do bats do the “waggle” too? Maybe, maybe not but both bees and bats are in your face enemies in some 2-D platform games that become annoying. The fact that I found this pic thought was a major tribute to some of my favorite characters to the Darkstalker series but also one of the greatest compliments to the Belgian IPA as Morrigan represents the dark fruits and hoppy goodness while combining with the floral rich honey and sweetened condensed milk and citrus provided by Q-Bee all fusing in a beer that is probably way better than the original Dobblen Trippel IPA from La Chouffe. Although I can only hope.

Sources:
http://images2.alphacoders.com/199/19960.jpg

La ManzArcángel Chapter 2: Mālum Ex Machina by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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11406383_10102665597019170_9079363880870840017_oRating: 4.65/5

La ManzArcángel Chapter 2: Mālum Ex Machina by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 13% ABV Belgian Trappist Honey Crisp Apple Cider made with Organic Blue Agave Syrup and Mexican Cane Sugar.

==Introduction==
11200932_10102545811011290_3535862612140122927_o
Project#8 is the return of my original recipe for the Belgian Cider made with Blue Agave Syrup and Trappist Yeast but using Honey Crisp Apple Cider and Mexican Cane Sugar/ Azucar Morena. The idea for the name came from the original Holy Cider theme that I was going with and in essence since I was going to use the left over Trappist yeast cake that I had left from the Blinding Lunar Currants Cider. In essence, the second chapter is a play at the word for Apple and Evil and Latin ‘Mālum’. Yes, it seems there is dual meaning here. Although, this cider is supposed to be Holy, it should be more Godly than anything but can a God be pure? Well, It’s like comparing apples and oranges so lets find out. Cheers!

Aromas:
Sour Apples, peppercorn, citrus, honey, brown sugar, grape hints, dark fruit hints, Belgian phenolic notes, vanilla, dulce de leche, cherry notes, and piloncillo.

Flavors:
Tart Sour apple notes, grape hints, apples, pears, agave hints, strawberry notes, rich citrus, orange notes, lemon peel, brown sugar, cane sugar, banana hints, clove hints, pineapple hints, Stone fruit peaches, apricot hints, peppercorn, floral notes, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, toffee, pilocillo hints, toffee, pecan pie hints and plantains.

Aftertaste:
Tart and sweet finish, sugary apple remnants, banana notes, clove spices, honey, vanilla, pears. Chardonay hints, clove spice, hazelnut, berries and brown sugar. Slight boozyness in the taste but not as much as the original, Gold and brown Hazy body, sipping drinkability and a slight crisp and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
A slight mark above the original as the booziness has become more subtle but the complexity of it takes another direction from what the original did. It seems like it is more in the sweet yet tart taste which is most likely from the use of the yeast cake and the fact that there was some hints of the Black Currant cider in the yeast cake as well. All and all, it was mainly as way to see how the yeast cake can flourish even after the initial cider has completed. I think what I will do for next time is ferment the regular cider and then use the yeast for another cider but then any additives will be in the secondary. Either way, I really love how this one came and and definite on the honey and banana citrus edge.

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from the Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in this pairing to go with the Belgian Cider as I wanted to use something that had to do with something Holy as it is a Belgian Monk themed cider and similarly, I wanted to do something like the saint. The Spanish name was give as it uses the Agave Syrup as I mentioned before. For lightning, she became a messenger of God, a holy knight of God in the series. Lightning returns in Chapter 2 holding the very power of God from the apples. She is not quite evil (which could be said something about the tartness about the taste) but because she is closer to God, she has no human emotions as she remains neutral. The strength of the cider to be something above of what it used be could be seen Godly. Thankfully, this cider is not evil and it is deliciously and holy goodness.

Sources:
https://financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/lightning-returns.jpg?w=940

La ManzArcángel by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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1540429_10102488535761350_3943524118295874068_o 10956465_10102488535771330_6750717636772418979_o 11037509_10102488558266250_4701078086080888783_oRating: 4.5/5* Cider rating

La ManzArcángel by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 13% ABV Belgian Trappist Cider made with Organic Agave Syrup and Brown Cane Sugar.

==Introduction==
10993113_10102405138974180_2515712064596118947_o
Project # 4 was my first attempt at creating a cider using 100% Apple Cider, Organic Agave Syrup, Brown Cane sugar and Trappist yeast. The name derives from a combination of the word Manzana for Apples in Spanish and Arcángel. Basically the Apple Archangel. The original idea came from trying to replicate Crispin’s The Saint which is made similarly but with maple syrup. While I could not get the recipe exactly, I decided to make my own by using Organic Agave syrup. There were the results so let us see where my crazy experiment went.

Aromas:
Apples, honey, brown sugar, phenolic notes, vanilla hints, dulce de leche caramel hints, mild cherry notes and grapes.

Flavors:
Dark fruit hints plum, peaches, grape hints, apples, pears, strawberry, cherry hints, brown sugar, cane sugar, agave hints, banana hints, clove hints, pineapple, citrus, Stone fruit peach and apricot hints, peppercorn, floral notes, vanilla, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel hints, toffee and pecan pie hints.

Aftertaste:
Slight dry finish with good sugary apple remnants, pears, berries, banana, clove spice hints, caramel, vanilla and chardonay. Slight boozyness in the taste, Gold Hazy body, sipping drinkability and a slight crisp and creamy mouthfeel.


Overall:
While I found this one very good, I still couldn’t help that the yeast pretty much ate the majority of the sugar but because it was this Belgian liquid yeast, it did not leave it dry. The problem I realize was that I had used a high gravity Trappist yeast instead of a low gravity one making this reach the 13% ABV mark. I felt it was pretty high for a cider and was concerned about the product being too boozy. However, after trying it when it was carbonated, it came out just fine. The weeks it took to bottle conditioned mellowed out the alcohol and really let some of the cider play well with the ingredients. This cider can use some aging for sure to see where it will be at several years later. For now, I was pretty impressed with the results either way and hope the next cider project becomes awesome.


Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron, from the Final Fantasy XIII series was chosen in this pairing to go with the Belgian Cider as I wanted to use something that had to do with something Holy as it is a Belgian Monk themed cider and similarly, I wanted to do something like the saint. The Spanish name was give as it uses the Agave Syrup as I mentioned before. For lightning, she became a messenger of God, a holy knight of God in the series. The fact that I found an artwork where she is holding what appears to be an apple as well as the fact that she has the angel wings and is close to God, well, it couldn’t get any closer to exactly what I was looking for in this pairing. The fact that it became 13% ABV and the fact that she became just as powerful as God in the series, it represented the strength of the cider and well really well.


Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Save-my-soul-435626707

Las Quadtro Monjas by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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10835057_10102484496715630_6037644082732954688_oMy Beer Homebrew Project #2 Review. Cheers!

Rating: 5/5

Las Quadtro Monjas by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 10% ABV Belgian Trappist Quadrupel.

Label:
Kept in the dark for many years, the Four Nuns or Las Quatro Monjas appear each presenting an unforeseen treasure that was hidden from ancient time itself. Legend has it that these treasures were ingredients that were bestowed by the almighty God himself. The ingredients were thrown into a brew kettle by the nuns and made into a holy nectar. A recipe practiced by holy monks today. Folklore has it that some of the original nectar has passed the test of time, passed on through the ages and has seeped into this very bottle…

Las Quad-tro Monjas is a Belgian Trappist Quadruple Ale made in the style like the monks do in the Belgian Monastaries. They devote their lives to good faith and making good holy beers. This homebrew project started as a dream that became reality with a lot of devotion, patience, care and love. Conditioning for 1 month after fermentation, this beer will cellar for several years if kept in a dark and cool location. A beer that is strong in alcohol yet sweet and complex.

Ingredients: Water, malts, hops, Belgian Candi sugar, cane sugar and trappist yeast .

==Introduction==

10377021_10102361534462970_3284171822627444185_n

The time has come… My dream of creating a Belgian Quadruple is finally here. First brewed in January 24th 2015, Racked in Secondary Februrary 14th 2015 and Bottled March 14th 2015 the brew is finally ready for the test. To this date, as I mentioned in the label description, it was my dream to someday make this style of beer and after so long, I finally did it. It does give a surreal and proud feeling knowing that something you always wished you could do, and with hard work, it can actually come to fruition. I always wanted to make this type of beer style, the Belgian Quadruple, ever since I started trying different beers. With a lot of patience, love and care, Now it is finally here! The best part is that this will mature for years well like a fine wine. For being my most complex beer to date, I have to analyze it as best as possible and hopefully the recipe will improve or I will make again next time. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich bananas, clove spice, Rich dark fruit plums, raisins, figs, dates, black cherries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, dark black cherries, peaches, pears, vanilla, toffee, anise hints, molasses, port wine hints, pecan pie, flan hints, brown sugar, rock candy and Belgian dark candi sugar.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like black cherries, raisins, plums, figs, dates, leather hints, cinnamon hints, flan hints, peaches, pears, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, chocolate notes, pecan pie, buttery Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, Belgian candi sugar, port wine, raspberry chambord, apples, rye bread, anise, molasses, blackberry preserves, dragon fruit hints, brown sugar and butter pecan ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits and dulce de leche caramel linger with a slight sweet port wine and earthyness. Very small and slight hints of booze but are covered up by the sugary Belgian notes and dark fruit sweetness. Dark crimson body, moderate to sipping drinkability, velvety,syrupy and bold mouthfeel with a very rich and smoothness.

Overall:
As the beer warms up, the flavors evolve into some very rich and even more complex flavors giving way to the velvety notes I mentioned earlier. I really don’t know what to say. So many people really loved this beer to where many thought I added actual plums, peaches and bananas to it. Others thought it was so subtle like a gentle wine. I myself taking my time with it, the only thing was that it was low carbonated but even then this beer was something so amazing entirely I was stunned to make such a perfection that I kind of teared up a little bit. I was so damn paranoid working so closely to my experimental recipe, making sure the beer was always watched always worrying about it like it was my baby and here it is. My first attempt at a quad to mimic some of the best Belgian strong darks and quads out there and it was just… perfect….not overpowering, enough sweet and complexity to make even the lightest palates enjoy. I think based on the results, I will definitely make it again in the near future. Now I know what the monks feel when being so damn dedicated. Definitely feel proud of how far I have made it with this.

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach, KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, Temari Sabakuno from Naruto and Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill were used in this pairing as well as the label to represent the beer but also my passion for the work that I do. These girls have been my favorite characters from the different anime series that I love for the longest time going way back to the year 2002. Being a big anime fan and the shows I like, complementing the beers I love with different characters doesn’t have the same effect as the way I complement using my top favorites. But why the Belgian Quad and why them you ask? Well, it works so perfectly. The name Las Quad-tro is a play on the Belgian word for Quadrupel and Cuatro which is 4. I already have 4 of my favorite girls and an artwork I had done back in 2007 with colors of the Belgian Abbeys and monasteries, it was only a matter of time before I made the label with them four as my first Quadruple ale. They are the best and the ones I use as my mascots for my whole passion of anime and the best beers in this whole lost treasures of taste and experience. Cheers!

Heff By Black Cherries by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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11043307_10102462859761260_9002800120329860917_oRating: 4/5

Heff By Black Cherries by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 5% ABV Dunkelweizen brewed with Organic Black Cherry syrup.

==Introduction==

10991621_10102393033703240_1749493197514879945_o
Project #3 was brewed right after brewing my Belgian Quadruple which will not be ready for a couple more weeks. Technically, this is the second homebrew of mines that I review. The idea came from the need to brew something sweet while I waited for the Quad to be ready. My friend Oscar told me about how he liked cherry heffs and I remember seeing a recipe for it. As a twist from that original recipe, I decided to use Organic Black Cherry syrup instead of typical Cherry Juice. The name of the beer came from the need to think of something that would be cool and fit with Heffweizens and Black Cherries. Heff By Black Cherries is a pun at Death By Black Cherries as I actually fit the name based on the artwork I chose for it which I will elaborate further as I go along. For now, let’s see how Project#3 turned out. Cheers!

Aromas:
Coriander, clove spice, oranges, vanilla, caramel, hints of black cherry, peppercorn hints, fruity pebbles hints, peach hints and honey.

Flavors:
Banana, clove spice, Black cherry notes, coriander spice, dark fruit raisin hints, vanilla, caramel, honey hints, orange peel, citrus, peach hints, toffee, banana split hints, rock candy and Danish cream.

Aftertaste:
Leaves with a bit of a minor tart aftertaste from the black cherries. The orange, bananas, clove spice, honey and a bit of peach lingers along with the earthy hop bitterness. No alcohol in the taste, dark caramel gold body, crisp and refreshing mouth feel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good heffeweizen. I was more impressed the more I tried it. I think it started off pretty tart but as I went along and the beer got warmer, the flavors started to get more balanced where the German heffeweizen side started to take over and cut some of the tartness. As a result, with a clear palate, some of that banana melded really well with the cherries giving hints of like a banana split but super subtle. I would like to brew this one again for sure.

Anime Corner:
Ruby Rose from RWBY was used in this pairing to mainly to represent the Black Cherries of the beer. The name Heff By Black Cherries is a pun at Death By Black Cherries as since Ruby carries around a scythe, I thought it was perfect as she is the “ Black Cherry Death that causes the Heff to be Heffed”. The pool below her represents the German yeast as well as the Banana and Clove spices that it brings and infuses with the Black Cherries. You can also say it is the banana split flavors that are brought at ya as Ruby swings her scythe to take out your palate with a slight bit of that cherry tartness. Rose petals represent the cherries swirling as the beer is surrounded in cherry flavor. Lots of great things going with this beer!

Sources:
http://konachan.com/sample/93049be957a1232566517f0d74d508a4/Konachan.com%20-%20170085%20sample.jpg

Drink It Down Brown by El Borracho Home Brewing

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10429390_10102350616941770_8713034503372874147_nRating: 3.75/5

Drink It Down Brown by El Borracho Home Brewing is a 4.4% ABV American Brown Ale.

==Introduction==

My friend William Carranza’s attempt at another home brew recipe for one of his favorite beer styles, the American Brown Ale. This ale was brewed using a slight modification to the original recipe using other ingredients. As a result, he realized this was not what he had expected as the last beer was way better. The beer, at the same time, was also more drinkable as well and there for the name, Drink it down Brown was given. I got a chance to try this beer before the review and I liked it despite the fact that he did not so much. Let us take a look at this one, cheers!

Aromas:
Chocolate hints, caramel notes, mild earthy notes, brown sugar, hints of mild coffee, mild raisins, and pecan notes.

Flavors:
Caramel notes, dark chocolate hints, earthy grains, rye, mild coffee, toffee, mild raisin notes, biscuit brad, pecan notes, hazelnut and brow sugar.

Aftertaste:
Nice dry finish with mild chocolate, earthy grains, toffee, caramel and mild dark fruit. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink and medium body.

Overall:
A pretty good Brown Ale. Will described this one as more of a New Castle like brew. For me, it is still leagues above New Castle and more flavorful at that. While it may not have been a total success for my friend, there were others like myself that really enjoyed this one. The best thing about homebrewing is experimenting sometimes and sometimes batches of beer come out exceptional and sometimes not so much. Regardless, it is still helpful to learn greater methods of brewing along the way. For that, I would recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Asuka Langley Shikinami/Sohryu from Neon Genesis Evangelion was chosen in this pairing once again as it was the best one that suited the pairing based on my friend Will’s pick from the list. Honestly, I agree as this fits well with the whole drink because you are thirsty. The colors represent the brown and the potential the beer has to grow into something more.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/KHZ7F0j.jpg

Smashing Pumpkin Ale by Avila Ales

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10926265_10102323269386490_4691924029885868015_oRating: 4.65/5

Smashing Pumpkin Ale by Avila Ales is a 5.5% ABV Pumpkin Ale brewed with Pumpkin Flesh and Cinnamon Sticks.

==Introduction==

It is way past fall and well, were are still technically in winter but even then, when it comes to home brew, any style is great on any time of the year. My friends Richard and Megan Avila allowed me the opportunity not only to get to bring this beer to the site but also get involved in what was their first All Grain Brew process. I was glad I was able to have a very small part in the creation of this nice all grain pumpkin beer. This has inspired me to finally step up to the plate and start brewing my own beers. I will soon have a first batch to present but for the meantime, let us check this amazing fall beer. By the way home brewers, while my friend did get the original recipe from Northern Brewing, his addition of ingredients slightly tweaks the recipe so this review may help as to what to expect if you brew it similarly. Cheers!
(http://www.northernbrewer.com/…/smashing-pumpkin-ale-all-gr…)

Aromas:
Cinnamon, pumpkin, vanilla, honey, biscuit bread, sugar, citrus, ginger hints, pecans, caramel, maple and clove spice.

Flavors:
Pumpkin Flesh, Piloncillo, cinnamon, milk sugar, vanilla, honey, citrus hints, toffee, maple hints, clove spice, banana hints, peanut butter hints, sweet potato, caramel, biscuit bread, hazelnut, pecan pie, earthy hop notes, ginger bread and nutmeg.

Aftertaste:
Pumpkin flesh, cinnamon,earthy hop notes, ginger bread and honey. No alcohol in the taste, honey brown light to medium body, light creamy and crisp mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good pumpkin beer. When I first tried it at a colder temperature, you can definitely a small amount of bitterness while still tasting the pumpkin flesh and cinnamon complexity. However, once it got warmer, that is when the magic happened. The more complex flavors really started to shine and was way more enjoyable that way. Definitely a great beer to homebrew.

Anime Corner:
Lucy Heartfilia from Fairy Tale was used in this pairing mainly to pair with the pumpkin, fall and Halloween aspects that are brought from these pumpkin beers which is the obvious. While I didn’t show the smashing of pumpkins, the word smashing in English context can also be seen similar to the work awesome or excellent. If the name of the beer was smashing pumpkins, well, we can say that the smashing pumpkin is the one next to Lucy and Lucy has some smashing pumpkins. I leave you to figure that out.

Sources: http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/…/i…/4/45/LucyYummyFanart.png

Pisces Pale by El Borracho Home Brewing

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1779069_10101679695922870_586347337_nRating: 4/5

Pisces Pale by El Borracho Home Brewing is a 5.8% ABV English Pale Ale.

Thanks to my buddy William Carranza for hooking me up with his first master piece. This is his first beer made and I was given the honor to do a review for him. We both went to beer class together and he took it upon himself to brew his first batch of beer. I will be right behind you brother .

Aromas:
Caramel, grassy and piney hops, grapefruit notes, mango hints, biscuit bread, rye, malt grain and honey. 

Flavors:
Earthy, grassy and piney hops, caramel, rye bread, honey, mango hints, biscuit notes, mild toffee, grapefruit, citrus, lemon peel, peanuts, toffee and pecans.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, toffee, earthy, grapefruit hops, peanuts and honey. No alcohol in the taste with easy to moderate drinkability and medium body to it.

Overall:
A very good pale ale. Despite’s Will’s advise about a certain flaw in the beer, I enjoyed it more because I actually enjoyed it better this way. The flaw was that there was more malt concentrated due to the missing extra gallon that was not added to the batch, which case the pale ale to be closer to a red ale,winter warmer or an Extra Special Bitter. While it may not have been what he was looking for in the beer, it ended being great! I love sweet caramel beers and this was just that good in my opinion. The best temperature would be to drink it as cold as possible to get more hop profile out of it. It gets sweeter as it get warmer. There is no off flavors, just nice and sweet stuff. Thanks again Will!

Anime Corner:
Zodiac Sign Pisces original artwork by Deviantart.com artist yuhon was chosen as a pairing to my friends beer to show the name of the beer. Pisces Pale was born in early February 2014 and this with the sign and the name as well as Will’s Zodiac sign, this was the pairing I chose. It make not show case many of the colors of the beer itself, maybe the hops since hops are green, but the vibrant hazel eyes of the fishes and the girl hold its true nature, the flow of a sweet awesome beer. Any other pairing notes that you would like to share, please comment below.