2017 High West Barrel Aged Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company

December 29, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Aliens, Ballast Point, Caffe Calabria, Coffee Beans, Elysion, High West Rye Whiskey Barrels, Imperial Porter, Metal Slug, Metal Slug Attack, Vanilla Bean, Victory At Sea | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2017 High West Barrel Aged Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company is a 12% ABV Imperial Porter aged in High West Whiskey

Our Ballast Point Victory at Sea Imperial Porter is a bold, smooth brew with just the right amount of sweetness. We infused this robust porter with whole vanilla beans and San Diego’s own Caffe Calabria coffee beans. The subtle roasted notes and minimal acidity of the cold brewed coffee, balances perfectly with the sweet caramel undertones of the malt, creating a winning combination for your palate.

Awesome oak and vanilla whiskey goodness

Chronology:18 Imperial Porter by The Bruery

December 28, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Chronology:18, Imperial Porter, Lum, The Bruery, Urusei Yatsura | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Chronology:18 Imperial Porter by The Bruery is a 13.4% Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels for 18 months

We’ve replaced the wheels of time with barrel heads. They don’t turn, yet they embrace the evolution of beer and time on a level that can’t be rivaled. For this Chronology Series™, we brewed an imperial porter and set it to age in bourbon barrels. Every six months, we’ll take a quarter of the barrels, blend them and bottle them. This second bottling represents the nuances imparted to the base beer after 18 months of barrel-aging.

Sweet chocolate ice cream… Getting better with age for sure

Peanut Butter Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company

December 28, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Coffee Beans, Faris Scherwiz, FFV, Final Fantasy 5, Final Fantasy V, Imperial Porter, peanut butter, Peanut Butter Victory at Sea, Sarisa Scherwil Tycoon, vanilla beans, Victory At Sea, Victory at Sea Imperial Porter | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Peanut Butter Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company is a 10% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with peanut butter, coffee and vanilla.

This version is without the chocolate – just Peanut Butter.

Wave ever it is I think I sea🌊.. Becomes a tootsie roll🍫 to me.. Lol that and peanut butter

MXYZPTLK collaboration by Bottle Logic and J. Wakefield Brewing

October 25, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Bottle Logic brewing, Cafe Cubano, Cassia Bark, Cinnamon Sticks, Cuban, Cuban-Style Roasted Espresso Beans, Dulce de leche, dulce de leche caramel, Freedom Planet, Galaxy Trail, Imperial Porter, J. Wakefiled Brewing, jwb, MXYZPTLK, Rum barrel aged, Sash Lilac | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

MXYZPTLK collaboration by Bottle Logic and J. Wakefield Brewing is a 13.11% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Dulce De Leche, Cuban-Style Roasted Espresso Beans & Cassia Bark/Cinnamon sticks and aged in Rum Barrels

Label:

(MIX-IS-PIT-IL-ICKS)

==Introduction==

Named after DC comics mischievous character that breaks all physical laws of the DC universe with cartoon like antics. Similar to Arale by Akira Toriyama, a character that even breaks the Dragonball Universe. I think the assumption was for a beer that would break reality, or in this case, flavor perception and experience and possibly bring one into a journey accessing another realm of existence or even something unknown. Released in October 2017 through special ticket releases (which sold out in seconds) this beer is a collaboration with J Wakefield brewing. The last time I tried one from J Wakefield was with the Bruery’s sour collaboration with the use of dragon fruit. So while, J Wake Field is very popular in Florida, Bottle Logic is the same. It was hard to get this release to the point where I barely made it. While Bottle Logic has not been on my radar until recently due to their hard to get beers, I got lucky in obtaining this one. Mainly since it was a beer made with some really delicious ingredients. A beer with dulce de leche huh? Well, then, looks like “Someone Copies Mes”, since I once made a Goat Milk Dulce de leche Caramel and Banana Weizenbock homebrew. So While I know I can’t really compare, I am super intrigued by this one since it is a Café Cubano Tiramus inspired beer and wanted to see just how much of a hype this one might be. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:

Rum filled pastries, dark fruits, raisin capirotada, cinnamon, pecan pie, almond joy, toasted coconut, milk chocolate covered raisins, sweetened condensed milk, bananas, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, pan dulce, fruit cake, Mexican chocolate, champurrado, mocha, Khalua, liqueur, tobacco, leather, ginger bread, espresso, Café Cubano Tiramasu, prune juice, flan, Jericalla Mexican custard and piloncillo sugar cone.

Flavors:

Super Rich, dulce de leche covered pan dulce, cinnamon, pecan pie, cuban dark fruit pastries, cuban coffee tiramasu, raisin capirotada, dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, currants, craisins, dried strawberries, raspberries, pomegranates, blueberries, funnel cake, Rum egg nog, Rum walnut nog, ginger bread, Mexican chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate covered raisins, piloncillo sugar cone, champurrado, flan, Jericalla Mexican custard, borrachitos Mexican alcoholic jelly and milk candies, pumpkin pie, cane sugar, brown sugar, mocha, fancy coffee, espresso, roasted coffee, Khalua Liqueur, Irish cream, nutmeg, marshmallow smores, butter pecan ice cream, tobacco, leather, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, bananas, clove spice, brown sugar, vanilla, roasted barley, tiramasu, toasted coconut and almond joy chocolate.

Aftertaste:

Aftertaste is chocolate covered raisins for days, mocha, ongoing Café Cubano Tiramasu, Marshmallow, Rum Eggnog, Mexican Hot chocolate, Ginger bread cookies, tobacco, milk and jelly alcoholic candies/borrachitos, rum, cinnamon, dark frits and rich dulce de leche that never ends! No alcohol in the taste, pitch black abyss full body, smooth, creamy, syrupy, chewy and velvety and sludgy mouthfeel. Sipping is a must! I cannot stress this enough, the drinkability is slow and steady. A whole glass like I poured is not a good idea! Save for later.

Overall:

Damn, Diabeetus… in a bottle! Not gonna lie, this is freaking amazing but surely took me like 2 hours to finish a small glass. This is literally the most sugar coma inducing beer but I love it!. Pure postre de Café Cubano. This is in that level of bucket list that might actually be that which makes one kick the bucket, but damn you’ll go through one hell of a ride indeed. I feel like this fits in one of those infomercials. You can use this to pour over ice cream or pancakes or anything! The sweetness is only slightly cloying but the coffee, rum, earthy, dark fruit and cinnamon complexity seem to cut a lot of the sugar pureness big time. Although it may be too much for some palettes, but that is probably for the best. The original MXYZPLK was not understood by the world of DC and maybe the real world may not get this one, but damn, if you truly want to know the heart of all pastries in the most complex form into another dimension, give this one a find or a trade.

Anime Corner:

Sash Lilac from Freedom Planet makes an appearance in this pairing of Bottle Logic mainly for the colors of the beer. Granted, not much pairs with her other other than colors, but that poncho/zarape she is wearing is reminiscent of Latin and the Americas in relation to some ingredients used such as the Dulce de Leche, Cuban Coffee and Cinnamon. The beer being Cuban inspired, the island surrounded by water and Lilac being a water dragon. I would like to think that in some instances, other than the rich lilac color, that she fits very well with this one. Besides, this is my 4th Bottle Logic beer I have ever had in bottle form aside from taps and so I really choose my characters wisely for the reviews. Lilac happens to be one of my top favorite anthropomorphic anime/video game characters.

Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery

October 12, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Porter, bakers chocolate, Black Butte, Black Butte XXIX, Black Butte XXV, Black Butte XXVIII, black currants, blue berries, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, cayenne, chocolate aroma, chocolate mocha coffee, Cinnamon, cocoa, cocoa nibs, coconut fruit, currants, Dates, Deschutes Brewery, Deschutes Brewing, Double Barrel, Dubbel, Dutch Cocoa, Figs, Imperial Porter, Legend of Zelda, LOZ, Midna, Porter, Quad, Rum barrel aged, Saigon Cinnamon, Sweet Orange Peels, Twilight Princess, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery is a 12.2% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Dutche cocoa, Saigon cinnamon, and cayenne. 50% aged in Bourbon and Rum barrels.

Label:
In celebration of our 29th anniversary this year’s Imperial Porter delivers notes of dark chocolate and cinnamon spice with hints of coconut, vanilla, and dried fruit finished by a warm dash of cayenne.

==Introduction==

Essentially a Double Barrel Porter aging in both Rum and Bourbon. Every year, I try to pick up this annual release of their anniversary beer. Each year is a different blend entirely and while I feel some blends I really liked for the ingredients used, overall, I think each installment is more and more delicious with time. This year they decided to go with a chocolate, cinnamon and cayenne take with Rum and bourbon. That is crazy using a double barrel half take with what seems to be like a Mexican inspiration. Let’s see how the flavors of this one are, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich piloncillo sugar cone, cinnamon, nutmeg, yams, sweet potato pie, vanilla, caramel, bananas, dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, rum, bourbon, oak, mint, sweetened condensed milk, coconut and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Sweet potato pie, capirotada/Mexican yams, piloncillo sugar cone, maple srup, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake Mexican Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, cocoa powder, rum, bourbon, oak, Dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, currants, cherries
Pancho Pantera chocolate milk shake, banana sundae. Sweetened condensed milk, flan, crème brulee, tres leches cake, pecan pie, bourbon, marshmallows, almond joy, toasted coconut, molasses, mint, clove spice, bananas, grilled plantains, Danish cream, rye bread, piña colada, oatmeal cookies, raisins bread and more!

Aftertaste:
Finishing with dark fruits, cinnamon, ginger bread, fruit cake, earthy notes, dark chocolate, pecan pie, tobacco, oak, marshmallows, floral tartness, caramel, vanilla and tobacco hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black Midnight Full body, silky, velvety and smooth mouthfeel and a super easy drinkability which is dangerous. Just like each year, its smoothness will make you want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting.

Overall:
Seems like every year, a different beer and a different way of preceiving the greatness which is the Black Butte anniversary. This year it seems more of a Mexican style of taste. While although spicy, the overall consensus, it was not super hot but definitely zlong the lines a Mexican desert flowing. Indeed this scream sweetness but the peppery heat is not present. Along with the many versions out there, this one should definitely be picked up!

Anime Corner:
Twili Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was chosen once again this year for the Black Butte release as well as the other releases. Just like previous tears, I had chosen her in the previous releases since I wanted to represent the mixing of 2 of the same ale together but one specially blended. Since I did not use the chibi version of Midna for this iteration, I figure I let the adult version of her do all the talking. In this year, the Chocolate, Cinnamon and cayenne represent somewhat of a Mexican Dark Mole feel to the beer. It is actually more towards a Mexican sweet potato pie if it was mixed in with Mexican Hot Chocolate. So since Midna has a cloak like the tilma of the virgin of guadalupe it sorta ties in that Mexican culture aspect of this beer. Who’d of thought Midna would complement this iteration even more!

2017 Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by Three/3 Floyds and The Bruery

October 12, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged 3 Floyds, beer collaboration, Black Lord, Black Tuesday, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, bourbon barrels, cherries, Coffee Beans, Dark Lord, Dark Matter, FLCL, Floyd D'Rue, Haruko Haruhara, Imperial Porter, Naota Nandaba, Ramona Flowers, Rue D'Floyd, Scott Pilgrim, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, The Bruery, Three Floyds, Unicorn Blood Coffee, vanilla beans | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

2017 Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by Three/3 Floyds and The Bruery is a 14.4% ABV Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans Added.

Label:
A Collaboration with our friends at the Bruery. An invigorating ale aged in Bourbon barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans Added.

==Introduction==

I finally got my hands on the Three Floyds edition of one of my all time rare favorites, the Rue D’Floyd. A collaboration from the unthinkable coming together to create something out of this world. The original from the Bruery is the one I got a chance to try in 2014 and finally again in 2017. It was a beer that many loved but people thought it would have a problem aging. Even so, The beer proved to last the times. I cannot say the same about the Floyd D’rue since that one was not rereleased since 2014. Nevertheless, I never got a chance to try Three Floyds version of the same beer. In this iteration, it looks like they dropped the coffee and that is why Dark Matter is not involved. Will this still stand the test like the one I had from the Bruery? Well, let’s find out and take a crazy journey into the unknown.

Aromas:
Lots of dark fruits, port wine, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, roasted barley, hazelnut nectar, vanilla, bourbon, oak, banana sudae, Chambord Raspberries, sweetened condensed milk, roasted barley notes, coffee notes, burnt sugar, oatmeal cookies, almond, fruit cake, chocolate turtles, funky grape notes, tobacco and leather.

Flavors:
Super rich tart cherries, dark cherries, tart wine must, dark fruit currants, raisins, blue berries, raspberries, pomegranate, bourbon, marshmallows, nutella, hazelnut nectar, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut, burnt sugar, molasses, marzipan, mazapan, walnuts, prailines, cherry cordials, pecan pie, port wine, wine grapes, Chambord Raspberries, sweetened condensed milk, roasted barley notes, coffee notes, tiramasu, Khalua coffee liqueur hints, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, fudge chocolate, cherry chocolate cake, mocha, banana cream pie, Banana sundae, cinnamon, crème brulee, white chocolate, oatmeal, tobacco, leather, rye bread, chocolate turtles, chocolate mousse and cherry cheese cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with Dark cherries, oak, bourbon, dark chocolate, cherry cordials, raspberries, tart wine grapes, Nutella, vanilla, caramel, mocha, pecan pie and banana split cherry sundae. No alcohol here or anywhere despite the ABV. Pitch black and abysmal body. Very smooth, mildly chewey, velvety, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel. Sipping drinkability and definitely meant to be enjoyed.

Overall:
This beer reminds me of the Perennial and Fremont Barrel aged Unicorn tears but if you made it slightly more tart. I cannot say if the tart was due to its aging or if this really was what they were going for. So why did I give it a 7? Cuz fuck it that’s why! No but seriously, this semi sweet semi tart complexity gives this beer some crazy appealingness to it. For those that enjoy the various spectrum of beers should definitely have this one too. Especially the Bruery one!

Anime Corner:
Ramona Flowers from Scott Pilgrim VS. The World and welcoming back, Haruko Haruhara from Fooly Cooly/FLCL were brought in this pairing because they are 2 sides of the same coin. So Ramona’s aesthetics similarly complements Haruko’s and since I used Haruko for the Bruery version, Ramona is the Three Floyds version. East Meets West essentially, Manga Vs. Comics, Ying and Yang so to speak. 2 versions of the same beer created by both brewers. In this iteration though, the aspect of Ramona having so many girlfriends and having some personal issues reflect that of Haruko’s very animated and out there personality. Just like this beer is the tart, the other is more sweet, both insane in the head and who wouldn’t want to hook up with these babes. However, they are dangerous as fuck!

Bruery Version: https://animebeers.com/2017/01/16/2017-rue-dfloyd-collaboration-between-3three-floyds-dark-matter-coffee-and-the-bruery/

2016 Akevitt Barrel-Aged Porter by HaandBryggeriet

August 13, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Akevitt Barrel aged, Akevitt Barrel-Aged Porter, Akevitt Barrels, Aquavit, El-Hazard, HaandBryggeriet, Imperial Porter, Norwegian Porter, Porter, Shayla-Shayla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

2016 Akevitt Barrel-Aged Porter by HaandBryggeriet is a 10% ABV Norwegian Porter aged in Aquavit/ Akevitt Barrels.

Label:…

Batch 981 Barrel-Aged Porter from HaandBryggeriet from Drammen, Norway members of the Scandinavian Craft Brewers Guild 1pt, 9 oz. 500 ml

Once, all farmers in Norway made beer. Some also made Akevitt, a spirit flavored with herbs or spices. A shot of Akevitt was traditionally chased with a shot of beer. In a brilliant turn of one-stop-shopping ingenuity, the Haand brewers – four guys making beer in their spare time, on an absurdly small scale – have aged this traditional dark, hearty farm Porter in Akevitt barrels.

==Introduction==

I haven’t had this beer in yeeeaaarrrss!! Back then when bourbon barrel aged beers were hard to come by, there was this crazy beer aged in Aquavit/Akevitt which is the traditional Scandinavian drink of yore made since the 15th Century. This brew was bottled back in 2016 so it has sat for about a year. I had recently found it even though back then it was one of the rarest beers to find, especially because not many beers are aged in Aquavit. In fact, I have tasted no other beer ever with this spirit, so yeah, it is pretty damn rare. It is not a hyped beer, in fact it is under hyped but it is still one rarity of a whale. Let’s see how it is, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruits, smokey, licorice, anise, fruit cake, dark currant flan, oak, burnt sugar, rock candy, port wine, red wine, funky notes, dark farmhouse hay, tobacco, herbs, black tea, spices, banana, clove spice, brandy, cognac and some dark spicy liqueur or wine which I assume is the Akevitt.

Flavors:
Deep oak, licorice, anise, roasted barley, herbs, spices, dark fruits raisins, figs, prunes, cherries, plums, bananas, clove spice, smokey notes, marshmallow, earthy hops, dark farmhouse hay, mint, black root, black tea, dark chocolate, port wine, rum, bourbon hints, juniper berries, cognac hints, chardonnay, raspberry Chambord, rye bread, leather, tobacco, blueberries, fudge cake, flan, stone fruit apricot, fruit cake, brown sugar, currants, rock candy, peppercorns, brandy notes, wine grape notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla and brettanomyces.

Aftertaste:
Lots of smokey, earthy and cholatey notes lingering for a long time with the nice dark fruit, oak, fruit cake, leather, tobacco, licorice and funky port wine. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark body, chewy, smooth, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional and unique brew. Much of the rating I give has to do with the special barrel aging and the fact that it reminds me of some of the greats of the world like Ommegang Art of Darkness, Stillwater Folklore, Lost Abbet Serpent Stout aged and even De Struise Brouwers Damnation. However, its uniqueness also shines in this herbal, spicy, muddy, oaky, leathery and dark fruit aspects of the Akevitt which really makes this beer way different. Some flavors which I can make out from the beer but others is really difficult. Regardless, it sits in the bucket list categories for esoteric, dark aged European beers.

Original Review:
https://animebeers.com/2012/10/19/akevitt-barrel-aged-porter-by-haandbryggeriet/

Anime Corner:
Shayla Shayla from El Hazard was used in this pairing as she was use in the previous iteration of this beer. So it was only fitting that she make a return in this one. Some of the funky oaky flavors as well as the herbal and dark flavors can be seen in some of the art work represented by dark skinned and red haired Shayl Shayle on some farm hay. Yes, this was the inspiration.

Chronology:12 – Imperial Porter by The Bruery

August 11, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, C.C., Chronology:12, Code Geass, Imperial Porter, The Bruery | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Chronology:12 – Imperial Porter by The Bruery is a 12.2% ABV Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels.

TIME WELL SPENT

Description:

Definitely growing one me. Sweet, chocolatey, bourbon, vanilla, oak, marshmallows, almond joy and more. Getting better with age.

6 Month Review:

https://animebeers.com/2017/02/25/chronology6-imperial-porter-by-the-bruery/

2016 Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break by Evil Twin Brewing

August 2, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Evil Twin Brewing, Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break, Imperial Biscotti Break, Imperial Porter | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break by Evil Twin Brewing is an 11.5% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Coffee and flavors added.

Still continues to be an amazing brew even to this day… epic doughnut beer!

Original Review: https://animebeers.com/2014/08/20/glazed-imperial-doughnut-break-by-evil-twin-brewing/

Botanicals & Barrels Series: Coconut Porter by Avery Brewing

July 25, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Avery Brewing, Botanicals & Barrels Series, Bourbon Barrel Aged, coconut, Coconut Porter, Imperial Porter, Midori, Space Patrol Luluco | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Botanicals & Barrels Series: Coconut Porter by Avery Brewing is a 10.4% ABV Imperial Porter with Coconut aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
Copious quantities of coconut coupled with time basking in bourbon barrels complement the chocolaty and sumptuous nature of this delectable porter.

==Introduction==

I obtained this one at Mr. K’s Liquor which is in front of the Bruery. This series has been something I have been considering trying and bringing them to the site as I find them. Since the time I tried the Vanilla Bourbon stout, the ones I see come out have been amazing. This one aged in bourbon with coconut seems to be like its gonna be amazing, or at least from what others are saying about this beer. Avery has always made some freaking awesome beers so I would not expect anything less. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, oak, cookies, cherries, bourbon, Danish cream, Baley’s Irish cream, toasted coconut, banana cream pie, macaroons, cocada coconut Mexican candy, crème brulee, dark fruits and cookie dough.

Flavors:
Coconut and banana cream pie, almond joy, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, oak, bourbon, grilled bananas, whipped cream, toasted coconut, cookie dough ice cream, cookies and cream, chocolate chip cookies, Cocada Coconut Mexican candy, Macaroons, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry cake, fruit cake, crème brulee, mint, anise, flan, Jericalla custard, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, Danish cream, Baley’s Irish cream, hints of piña colada, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar and 3 leches chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with smooth toasted coconut, vanilla, bourbon, caramel, dark fruit, oak, chocolate, mint, anise, flan, Jericalla custard, bananas and crème brulee hints. No alcohol in the taste, Dark full body, syrupy, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional! With many of the coconut bourbon stouts I have had before, many have certain things more forward than others. This one mixes the best part of the bourbon with the banana and marshmallow oak parts that come from the process and the coconut creating something that is similar to coconut cream pie. The mix is absolutely amazing. Avery has always made great beers and this is nothing short of a must have. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Midori from Space Patrol Luluco was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair with the colors of the label but also how the use coconut can be seen as tropical. So with the summer starting, it is time for the bathing suit weather. School and work is out for some people and usually time to have fun in the sun. So with Midori, it fit in my mind.

Sources:
http://doujin-doujin.com/wp-content/gallery/daw_savetheworld24/0Image00001.jpg
https://i.pximg.net/img-original/img/2016/05/14/21/02/02/56879902_p0.png
https://i.pximg.net/img-original/img/2016/04/16/02/02/28/56370879_p0.png
https://ii.yuki.la/a/99/27cfeac958dfda53a7e689381456b41e371c17117dfbb0f966862596b4b7799a.png

Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter by Stone brewing

June 2, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chocolate, Imperial Porter, Krystal Fox, Lactose, milk Chocolate, Milk Porter, Red Wine Barrels, Reposado Tequila Barrels, Star Fox, Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter by Stone brewing is a 9.6% ABV Imperial Sweet/Milk Porter brewed with lactose and chocolate aged in Bourbon, Reposado Tequila and Red Wine Barrels.

Description:
Tasting Notes: Malty nose, with lots of chocolate and red wine barrel coming through strong on the aroma. First sip is big red wine barrel again, along with soft malt sweetness, milk chocolate, and tons of vanilla from the bourbon barrel. The tequila barrel comes through mid-palate and on the aftertaste, along with flavors reminiscent of a chocolate covered tart cherry. This is a full bodied, flavorful dessert beer, great for beer lovers who also love chocolate and red wine together!

==Introduction==

Sold only on draft/crowler at this time from the brewery or Stone Stores. I obtained this one when I went to pick up the Stone and Lost Abbey collaboration they did in Berlin from the Stone Pasadena store. While I found this interesting by name, it wasn’t until I found out more about it and tried it that I was sold to get a whole crowler and bring information on what this beer is all about. The fact that it is a triple barrel aged milk porter was definitely something I wanted for sure. The best part sometimes is that Stone doesn’t limit what they have to offer (Not Including the Quingenti Series) when it comes to one offs that are on tap and are typically an awesome treasure that may not hit the public. Few are so lucky but for those I do find, I will try to bring them to the site. Now, let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cranberries, pomegranates, dark cherries, tobacco, leather, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, Port wine, oak, bourbon, vanilla, toasted coconut, Marshmallow smore, Tequila, Agave, Mezcal, Vampiro, Sangria, piloncillo sugar cone, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, burnt chocolate, coffee, mocha and Kahlua coffee liqueur.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, burnt chocolate, coffee, mocha, Kahlua coffee liqueur, sour funk, wine grapes, toasted coconut, Marshmallow smores, smokey oak, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche chocolate, toffee, BBQ notes, Tequila, Agave, Mezcal, Vampiro, Sangria, piloncillo sugar cone, Port wine, Dark fruit raisins, prunes, cranberries, pomegranates, dark cherries, licorice, anise, molasses, banana, clove spice, burnt sugar, rock candy, tobacco, leather, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar and flan notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of oak, smokey and funky, rich earthy chocolate, bourbon, tequila, caramel, dark fruits, wine and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Super complex and supremely exceptional beer showcasing notes from all the different barrels that I love beer aged with. The wine oak barrel provides it an overall tartness but works so damn well with the other complex flavors and barrels. It is a mix of sweet and tart with mild smoke and oaky goodness. I hope they release this to the public but for now, I highly recommend this one if you can get it on tap at Stone or one of their Stone Stores.

Anime Corner:
Krystal Fox from Star Fox was used in this pairing mainly for the colors or dark fruits and the dark smoothness. There really wasn’t too much else other that I really wanted to pair such an awesome rare beer with my favorite Star Fox vixen. Like the Sangrileche beer I made in the past, this beer is as dark as space!

Sources:
http://cs8.pikabu.ru/post_img/big/2017/01/21/11/1485027491260964489.png
http://orig09.deviantart.net/a072/f/2015/246/a/3/krystal_pinup_by_sallyhot-d9873qx.jpg
https://img.fireden.net/v/image/1445/66/1445667801724.png
http://68.media.tumblr.com/3ac1ef6ef81e753e1fb77afaf10fe9dd/tumblr_olvxv6EotA1s2m89po2_1280.jpg

Chronology:6 Imperial Porter by The Bruery

February 25, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, Chronology 6, Chronology:6, Dark Stalkers, Imperial Porter, Morrigan Aensland | 1 Comment

Rating: 5.85/6

Chronology:6 Imperial Porter by The Bruery is a 12.7% ABV Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
TIME WELL SPENT

This is the first in a chronological series of beers released at six-month intervals to chart the evolution of bourbon barrel-aged character in an imperial porter over time.

For this Chronology series, we brewed an imperial porter and set it to age in bourbon barrels. Every six months, we;ll take a quarter of the barrels, blend them and bottle them. The first bottling represents the nuances imparted to the base beer after six months of barrel-aging.

==Introduction==

Another year of the awesome Chronology series begins. With this entry, 2017 starts by creating a passage of barrel aging prowess with the Imperial Porter Styles. The past 2 years of the series have been amazing and growing ever exquisite with age. The best one I love so far was the Wee Heavy as I have a preference for that rare style but still, they have all been amazing. Now bringing the first one in the series to the table, let’s see how this base will fair after the next couple of months, cheers!

Aromas:
Rocky road ice cream, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel oak, bourbon, toasted coconuts, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar notes, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, Cadbury chocolate and caramel cream eggs, butterscotch, Tootsie roll chocolate, Jamoca Chocolate, dark fruit currants, raisins, dark cherries, raspberry notes, molasses and maple syrup.

Flavors:
Cadbury chocolate and caramel cream eggs, butterscotch, Tootsie roll chocolate, Jamoca Chocolate Cherry Ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, smoked whiskey notes, marshmallow smores, rocky road ice cream, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel oak, bourbon, toasted coconuts, dark fruit currants, raisins, dark cherries, raspberry notes, molasses, maple syrup, anise, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar notes, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk and almond joy chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, smokey notes, whiskey notes, marshmallow and toasted coconut. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Dark full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Very exceptional beer right off the barrel. I know it’s only been 6 months but this is already damn delicious. Ofcouse, I expected no different from some of the amazing barrel aging process that the Bruery does. Rich barrel and bourbon character along with the port flavors of the chocolate and dark fruit complexities.

Anime Corner:
Morrigan Aensland from Dark Stalkers was chosen in this pairing since I have not done a Bruery pairing with Morrigan and she is a favorite character of mine. With her hair colors that are mainly what pairs well with the beer as well as other colors and beer strength, it was a personal fit in my mind for the pairing.

Sources:
https://img.fireden.net/vg/image/1467/76/1467768472566.jpg
http://favera.ru/img/2016/06/27/1319260_1467012000.jpg
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/456597-800×800-vampire++darkstalkers+%28game%29-capcom-morrigan+aensland-tsuaii-long+hair-single.jpg
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2015-08-23-762603.jpeg
http://vsevgallery.com/img/bPIC/201512/s5QCUK3bH00I.jpg

2017 Rue D’Floyd collaboration between 3/Three Floyds, Dark Matter Coffee and The Bruery

January 16, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, beer collaboration, Black Lord, Black Tuesday, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, cherries, Coffee Beans, Dark Lord, Dark Matter, FLCL, Floyd D'Rue, Haruko Haruhara, Imperial Porter, Naota Nandaba, Rue D'Floyd, The Bruery, Three Floyds, Unicorn Blood Coffee, vanilla beans | 1 Comment

Rating: 7/7

2017 Rue D’Floyd collaboration between 3/Three Floyds, Dark Matter Coffee and The Bruery is a 13.5% ABV Imperial Porter aged with Vanilla in Bourbon Barrels with Tart Cherries and Dark Matter Coffee.

Label:
DARK TUESDAY

This collaborative brew rises from the ashes in epic fashion, showcasing a heavy-handed display of barrel character, roastiness and dark fruit elements. It’s a testament to the spirit of continued experimentation

We regrouped with our friends at 3 Floyds to resurrect this imperial porter. Condemned to bourbon barrels for nearly a year, this one dark display of roasted malts, charred oak and blackened cherry character with notes of scorched baker’s chocolate. It’s pulled from the depths with sweet vanilla beans, tart cherries and Dark Matter Coffee, holding the palate prisoner and perpetuity.

==Introduction==

Released to Hoarders and Reserve Society alike, it has been years since the release of this beer. Since the issue they had with the quality of the initial release, they did not want to risk bad bottles back then which really turned people off from this beer. I remember when this first came out I got it to the site as soon as possible and the beer was great! It was so great I was upset I would not see it again. Thank the beer dark lords it is back. This beer is what I think many people really wanted from the longest time. A collaboration with Three Floyds of Indiana to use their Dark Lord making skills at creating a massive beer with the Black Tuesday lords at the The Bruery. They have come together once again to create this literal liquid chaos of sense engulfing darkness. Now all I have left to say is how it can compare to however my brain can remember from the original. The best part is that it will not go bad! So cheers and hope you can get one, I am recommending it right off the bat!

Aromas:
Rich Mocha Cherry Cordials, Roasted coffee, espresso, fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee Liqueur, kopi luwak coffee, Cherry Nutella, chocolate cherry cobbler, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Baker’s Chocolate, fudge chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, prunes, toasted coconut, almond joy chocolate, cookies and cream, white chocolate, oatmeal, oak, bourbon, anise, tobacco, leather, cinnamon and port wine.

Flavors:
Super Rich Mocha Cherry Cordials, port wine, Raspberry Chambord, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Baker’s Chocolate, peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, flan, cinnamon, crème brulee, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconut, almond joy chocolate, cookies and cream, white chocolate, oatmeal, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, fudge chocolate, cherry chocolate cake, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, prunes, molasses, anise, tobacco, leather, roasted coffee, espresso, kopi luwak coffee, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Bananas, hazelnut nectar, chocolate cherry cobbler, cherry nutella, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, Banana split chocolate cherry sundae and dulce de leche caramel.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich mocha, dark chocolate, cherry cordial, bourbon, milk chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, pecan pie, banana split chocolate cherry sundae, oak, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream
No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, dark pitch black full body, smooth, creamy, chewy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
I almost forgot how delicious this beer was that when I finally had again it all came back to me. This is indeed, is really a bucket lister. No joke. I had really forgotten why I loved this beer so much until I brought to the site once again. It was so influential, that I am actually making a stout to mimic the insanity of this collaboration. This beer is literally Liquid Cherry Mocha. Like the Life is Like brew I had years ago, this one continues and continues. With this fresher batch, I hope you are able to find this one but definitely hope that the Bruery keeps releasing this one. A must GET!

Anime Corner:
Haruko Haruhara and Naota Nandaba from FLCL (Fooley Cooley) were used in this pairing to show case the colors of the label, the flavors, the collaboration, the ticking time bomb aspect and just the insane aspect that this collaboration brings. Aside from the colors of the label. Haruko represent the cherries and the coffee as well as the very dangerous aspect of the beer. The smoothness of the beer can be seen in the cuteness of her demeanor but don’t ever let that fool you. This woman is demented and insane. Cute on the outside, monster on the inside. Naota Nandaba, is the admirer which you can think of him providing the extra flavors as being the main character of the series. Now the ticking time bomb has to do with the short temper that Haruko has and the short time that these 2 have together. I won’t spoil the story, but c’mon, it is such a great series…. for only being 6 episodes long!! There, you have no excuse not to watch FLCL… now just like I said before… Go get this beer, find the show and watch it! You will be in for a ride!

Sources:
https://ugc.kn3.net/i/origin/http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h476/santo969/501623.jpg?t=1298836348
http://wallpapersonthe.net/wallpapers/l/haruko_haruharu_flcl_anime_vespa_haruko-8042.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/60/aa/dc/60aadcb626bc6e0e3116c0ae5ef18dc7.png
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I2yHaMXsWRs/WBU65zSeaMI/AAAAAAAADfI/jGUBAKYYpUsA2JD6ShTPtr76MBfEpIS6QCJoC/w426-h400/16%2B-%2B1

Seven Sharks A-Circling by Karl Strauss

December 10, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 12 Beers of Christmas, Cinder Fall, Coco Adel, Emerald Sustrai, Holiday Ale, Imperial Porter, Karl Strauss, Neopolitan, Penny Polendina, Raven Branwen, Rwby, Seven Sharks A-Circling, Smoked Porter, Twelve Beers of Christmas, Twelve Beers of San Diego Christmas, Twelve Days of Christmas series, Velvet Scarlatina | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Seven Sharks A-Circling by Karl Strauss is a 9% ABV Holiday Imperial Smoked Porter

Label:
Each year, leopard sharks flock to the warm waters of San Diego. But these little guys aren’t out for blood; they much prefer the taste of the newest local brew. (Yep, leopard sharks love craft beer. It’s science.) Introducing Seven Sharks A-Circling, the 7th installment in our “Twelve Days” holiday series. This Imperial Smoked Porter is brewed with a blend of caramel and smoked malts for bold flavors of chocolate, coffee, and a subtle beach-bonfire-like smokiness. It finishes sweet and smooth. You’re gonna need a bigger glass.

==Introduction==

The 7th release of the 12 Christmas beers of San Diego was released this year now available in time for the Holidays. As the 7th installment in the series, each year, Karl Strauss has been releasing awesome hit after awesome hit. Ever since I tried the Fruit cake forward Mouette à Trois, I was hooked on this series. After completing the review with Two Tortugas, it was about time I finally got to the next one in the series. This is themed with sharks. Instead of Swans swimming, it’s sharks swimming but circling around their prey. I am not sure how a smoked Imperial porter would work as a Christmas beer other than sitting toasty by the fire around Christmas time which would make sense. Either way, let’s have a look at another amazing installment in the series. Cheers!

Aromas:
Smokey notes, campfire oak, vanilla, caramel, mocha, fruit cake, ginger bread, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, whiskey oak hints, marshmallows, hazelnut nectar, molasses, licorice, anise, tobacco and dark fruits.

Flavors:
Rich caramel, rye bread, smoked malts, coffee, espresso, burnt candy sugar, dark fruit prunes, currants, cinnamon, toasted fruit cake, dark chocolate, BBQ sauce hints, brown sugar, campfire oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, mocha, fig pudding, molasses, licorice, anise, tobacco, soy sauce hints, maple syrup, whiskey notes, pecans, hazelnut nectar and marshmallow smores.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich dark fruits, smoked oak, rye bread, tobacco, earthy notes, licorice, anise, fruit cake, marshmallow smores and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste. Dark crimson full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect smoked brew. I haven’t a smoked porter in a very long time and the way this was made definitely brings in some subtle notes of Christmas. I really would love to know what part of it has the subtle holiday spices since they do seem to be there but the smokiness tends to balance things out for this one. So you still get the Christmas aspect of the beer along with some smoky goodness. If you love smokey brews, give this one a shot!

Anime Corner:
7 Girls from the RWBY series, 3 are antagonist (Cinder Fall [center], Emerald Sustrai [left standing] and Neopolitan [left sitting]) 1 questionable (Raven Branwen on the most left) and 3 supporting protagonist characters (Penny Polendina [Right side next to Cinder], Velvet Scarlatina [laying down on the right] and Coco Adel [Right]) They were all used in this pairing to go with the 7 sharks a circling. Now, the fact that they are on the beach also goes with the theme. Some of these sharks are evil and some are good. So the fact that there is a balance in the characters, the shark species and the balance in this brew was the perfect harmonious pairing.

Sources:
http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/rwby/images/0/04/Commission_rwby_bikini_2_by_jadenkaiba-d9aicw6.png/revision/latest?cb=20150922193310

Nuckin’ Futz by Track Seven brewing

September 28, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, Blazblue, Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, cream ale, Imperial Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Porter, Imperial Porter, Lactose, makoto nanaya, Nuckin' Futz, peanut butter, Reese's Peanut Butter cup, Track Seven brewing | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Nuckin’ Futz by Track Seven brewing is a 7.3% ABV Imperial Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Porter brewed with lactose, chocolate and peanut butter.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This creamy and crazy ale takes our Burnt Fog Smoked Porter recipe, drops the smoked malt and adds peanut butter, chocolate and lactose sugar. The combination produced a creamy peanut butter cup of a beer fitting of a celebration and capable of easing the winter doldrums. Nukin’ Futz was brewed for our 3rd anniversary on New Year’s Eve but will continue as an occasional release.

==Introduction==

I first tried this beer at the first BeerBumz beer session when I was introduced to the group by my friend Augie Escobedo. We went to his friend’s house and many brought different beers. I brought my home brew which I am glad many loved. Someone had brought this one in and I had remembered so that when I finally saw a bottle of this for sale, I had to get it and bring it to the site. This is the first beer I try from Track Seven in Sacramento and what a great way to start. I will look for their other beers too. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, peanut butter, vanilla, marshmallows, peanut butter chocolate smores, lactose milk sugar, Irish cream, walnut pie, praline ice cream, cashew butter notes, candi sugar, chocolate mousse, molasses, chocolate mint, earthy hop notes, Nutter Butter cookies, hazelnut nectar, Reese’s peanut butter cup hints.

Flavors:
Rich Nutter Butter cookies, Hazelnut nectar, Reese’s peanut butter cup, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut brittle, pecan pie, coffee cake, mocha, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry yogurt, vanilla, marshmallows, peanut butter chocolate smores, lactose milk sugar, Irish cream, walnut pie, praline ice cream, Peanut butter Chocolate Truffle turtles, Almond butter, cashew butter notes, candi sugar, chocolate mousse, molasses, chocolate mint, earthy hop notes, Mazapan, fruit cake and chocolate bananas.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with peanut butter chocolate sweetness, dark fruit hints, earthy hop hints, vanilla, smores, and pecan pie hints. No alcohol in the taste, Dark crimson medium body, creamy, velvety, smooth and mild mouthfeel with an easy drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional, and awesomely delicious brew. Extra credit for this one goes because of the fact that to me, they really hit high marks with this one since I like nutty beers and this one is exactly that, super nutty and chocolatey. That and I was hooked when I first tried it back then. It may not seem like much at first glance but wait till you try it. Definitely give this one a shot and grab a couple!

Anime Corner:
Makoto Nanaya from Blazblue was paired perfectly with this beer because not only did I want to show the label colors, but she is a nutty girl. She is a squirrel and squirrels love nuts. Heck she goes crazy for them. Either way, with the rich flavors of peanut butter that are given from this beer, I couldn’t think of any other awesome characters to pair this beer with.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/WUK5n34.jpg
http://orig13.deviantart.net/c90d/f/2011/203/a/6/makoto_by_exaxuxer-d41ahxf.png
https://67.media.tumblr.com/3e4adc336517c2ebb9cb33324be8d426/tumblr_neyepzKTQ31rxmk5uo3_1280.png
http://img.chikubeam.com/images/2015/12/30/blazblue02-151230-11.jpg

Black Butte XXVIII (28th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery

September 28, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, bakers chocolate, Black Butte, Black Butte XXV, Black Butte XXVIII, black currants, blue berries, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, chocolate aroma, chocolate mocha coffee, cocoa, cocoa nibs, coconut fruit, currants, Dates, Deschutes Brewery, Deschutes Brewing, Dubbel, Figs, Imperial Porter, Legend of Zelda, LOZ, Midna, Porter, Quad, Sweet Orange Peels, Twilight Princess, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Black Butte XXVIII (28th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery is 11.5% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Cocoa, Vanilla, Peated Malt and Sweet Orange Peel with 50% aged in Bourbon and Scotch barrels.

Label:
Imperial Porter brewed with cocoa, vanilla, peated malt and sweet orange peel, with 50% aged in bourbon and scotch barrels–“The result is our 28th anniversary imperial porter with bright orange and vanilla aroma, layers of roasty chocolate and a warm, smokey finish”

Description:
Every year, we celebrate our anniversary with an imperial, barrel-aged version of our flagship Black Butte Porter. Our brewers love to experiment and they always add some fun new ingredients to this beer like chilies, cranberries, figs and other such treats. This year, to celebrate 28 years of brewing, they’ve added the interesting mix of ingredients above for another multi-layered flavor experience.

==Introduction==

Essentially a Porter and Wee Heavy Blend. Every year, I try to pick up this annual release of their anniversary beer. Each year is a different blend entirely and while I feel some blends I really liked for the ingredients used, overall, I think each installment is more and more delicious with time. So with year’s version, they decided to go with a chocolate and orange and additionally aging in Scotch. Let’s see how the flavors of this one are, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raspberries, cherries, prunes, raisins, figs, currants, blackberries, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Smoked Peat, Chocolate Orange cream hints, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, chocolate covered pomegranates, bananas, piloncillo sugar cone, raspberry preserves, Danish cream, coffee cake, Mexican Gansito cake hints, clove spice, licorice, anise, molasses and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Smoked Peat, Chocolate Orange cream balls, orange candies, dragon fruit, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, chocolate covered pomegranates, bananas covered in chocolate, roasted malts, Bourbon, Scotch, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugar, coffee, chocolate mousse, oak, bubblegum hints, fudge cake, dark fruit raspberries, cherries, prunes, raisins, figs, currants, blackberries, walnut cake, pecan pie, clove spice, licorice, anise, molasses, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Mexican Gansito cake, creme brulee, flan, sweetened condescended milk, marshmallows, wine grapes, almond joy chocolate, rye bread, abuelita chocolates, piloncillo sugar cone, raspberry preserves, Danish cream and coffee cake.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruits, stone fruits, earthy notes, Dark chocolate, pecan pie, tobacco, oak, marshmallows, floral tartness, caramel, vanilla and tobacco hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black Midnight Full body, silky, velvety and smooth mouthfeel and a super easy drinkability which is dangerous. Just like each year, its smoothness will make you want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting.

Overall:
Incredible, each year’s version of this beer is nothing short of supremely exceptional. They really out do themselves every anniversary. The complex flavors of the wee heavy, bourbon, chocolate orange and much more really stood through with every sip. This brew was so damn amazing I accidently finished the whole bottle in one sitting! Whoops! Lol but seriously though, not a lot of beers make it this far and even if common ones are this good, you know hypes are trends. Never underestimate what a common beer can do! I highly recommend getting a bottle of this one or two to drink and cellar.

Anime Corner:
Midna (Both Forms) from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was chosen once again this year for the Black Butte release as well as the other releases. Just like last year’s, I had chosen her in the previous releases since I wanted to represent the mixing of 2 of the same ale together but one specially blended. They are both the same person and both are kick ass but that was obvious from the fact that I use them for the same beer every year that I represent Twili Midna, the taller one, as the one that represents the barrel aged percentage. In this year, the orange peel and vanilla do complement both of them as they both have orange hair and the chocolate and vanilla by the black and white of their tones.

Sources:
https://66.media.tumblr.com/5d0541f783409437d3cfe56e7b4b5479/tumblr_o0iuklT29i1t09dnqo1_500.jpg
http://orig00.deviantart.net/af6d/f/2014/274/9/f/midna_zelda_by_cyberunique-d819kdh.jpg
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/LtIYhP7FvNFFJmYSrV1JyyKN5mRHlegqU8LXSFrgz3PC5IgfYHRWIlLiEUJWzZcV_large.jpeg?w=1600&v=D6NyMcMd9e6pwTpO6MkN9AEAN0KG77_QH9m8_jmGNSc%3D

Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter by (512) brewing

January 29, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged (512) brewing, american whiskey, Cinder Fall, Imperial Porter, Oak aged, pecans, Rwby, Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter, whiskey barrels | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/6

Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter by (512) brewing is a 9.5% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with pecans and aged in oak Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
Who is (512)?
(512) Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in the heart of Austin using as many local, domestic and organic ingredients as possible. Although we’re primarily focused on draftbeer, we occasionally share some of our special creations in bottles with our friends around the state.

What’s Inside?
(512) Double Pecan Porter is a robust porter accented by organic Texas-grown roasted pecans and subtly enhanced by aging in recently emptied oak whiskey barrels for two months. Notes of chocolate, coffee and pecan marry with the subtle flavors of vanilla and whiskey to make this a wonderful warmer worth sharing and savoring. In this sixth ever bottling 500 cases were bottled. We sincerely hope you enjoy every sip.

==Introduction==

Double Pecan Porter sounds like the best thing in the world! I was really intrigued when my friend Aaron Mendiola from BeerMetalDude.com sent me this one. So far, many of the brews I try from 512 are very good. This one is a new style I try from (512) and a bourbon barrel aged brew at that. I always enjoy trying bourbon barrel aged brews. There is always room for new brews to exceed my expectations. Very few do but when there are those that don’t, it may not be worth it. Today, I have my hopes up for this one. A possible Pecan pie and chocolate beer? Bring it on!

Aromas:
Pecan pie, almond milk, almond joy chocolate, marshmallow hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, flan notes, blueberry tart cheesecake, rich oak, bourbon, whiskey, vanilla, caramel, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, raspberries, tobacco, walnuts, pralines, hazelnut nectar, molasses, chocolate smores, banana notes, coffee cake and Khalua notes.

Flavors:
Rich oak, bourbon, whiskey, vanilla, caramel, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, raspberries, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, flan notes, blueberry tart cheesecake, blueberry yogurt notes, pecan pie, almond milk, almond joy chocolate, marshmallow hints, walnuts, pralines, hazelnut nectar, molasses, chocolate smores, banana notes, coffee cake, Kahlua notes, earthy notes, smokey notes, leather, tobacco, toasted rye bread with blackberry jelly, brown sugar, wine grapes and port wine.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with some nice oak, bourbon, tart hints of dark fruit berries, yogurt hints and pecan pie. No alcohol in the taste, crimson head with a pitch black dark body, silky, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptional brew but while I do think the brew maybe on the tart side, this addition to it makes more complex. It is more of a bourbon barrel aged sour blend than a pure malty bourbon brew. I have experienced something similar to this with the Oakshire Hellshire II and to be honest, this type of souring is quite welcome in my opinion. I think those that enjoy sours will take advantage of what this brew has to offer as it is not like other brews.

Anime Corner:
Cinder Fall from RWBY is the main antagonist of the series The reason I used her in this brew was because of the colors or the fall like red and brown for the pecans. She holds a hidden strength of fire and is also evil coinciding with the brew’s sour yet sweet complexity. The ABV is elusive in the taste the way she manipulates those around her to do her bidding and how she is able to trick good people into doing bad things. Crazy as it seems, this was definitely a beer with her name on it.

Sources:
http://konachan.com/sample/5f432a5d3cbe76f19115d586df945c25/Konachan.com%20-%20207655%20sample.jpg

Side Project #25 Liquid Lunch by Terrapin

July 15, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged black raspberry jam, cocoa nibs, Hell Knight Ingrid, Imperial Porter, Liquid Lunch, peanut butter, Raspberries, Raspberry Jelly, Side Project #25, Taimanin Asagi, Terrapin | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Side Project #25 Liquid Lunch by Terrapin is a 7.7% ABV American Imperial Peanut Butter and Jelly Porter brewed with Cocoa Nibs, Peanut Butter and Raspberries.

Label:
Side Project #25. Cut off the crust and unwrap the flavor of this fruit centric beer. Hand crafted using real raspberries, “Liquid Lunch” Peanut Butter Jelly Porter combines all the elements of a familiar lunch time snack.
==Introduction==

Peanut butter Jelly Time Remix! Baseball bats is where its at and break it down!

This is the second time I get to try a peanut butter and jelly beer. The firs one I tried was the John Paul Jones Peanut Butter & Raspberry Jelly Imperial Stout by Brew Rebellion which was awesome. Funny thing though, is that I was actually looking for this one way before that one came out. So now that I have a bit of taste experiences in the PBJ Sandwich beer department, I want to see how this one compares to the other one. This one being a porter should indeed be different from the stout but let us see just how different. I am glad I was able to find this beer along with Maggie’s Blackberry Cobbler. Wish we could get more Terrapin beers in the west coast. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich peanut butter, butterscotch, Reese’s peanut butter cup cereal, nutter butter cookies, roasted peanuts, candi sugar, brown sugar, mocha, lactose milk, molasses, anise, hazelnut, butter pecan ice cream, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, black berries, blue berries, black cherries, currants, plums, cherry cheesecake, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, banana notes, rocky road ice cream, rock candy and rye toast.

Flavors:
Tart raspberries, rich smooth peanut butter, butter pecan ice cream, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, black berries, blue berries, black cherries, currants, plums, cherry cheesecake, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, banana notes, wine grape hints, choco flan, cocoa crispies, oatmeal cookies, coffee cake, Reese’s peanut butter cup cereal, nutter butter cookies, roasted peanuts, candi sugar, brown sugar, mocha, lactose milk, molasses, anise, hazelnut, toasted rye bread, marshmallows, vanilla and raspberry ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with good hints of peanut butter, dark fruit and tart raspberries, dark chocolate, marshmallows, vanilla, caramel and cookies. No alcohol in the tasted, smooth, creamy, silky and velvet mouthfeel, easy to drink and a pitch black full body with crimson head.

Overall:
Just as exquisitely exceptional as the Joseph James Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Stout but with this one focusing more on the dark fruits and tart raspberries where as the other one is more chocolate goodness but both still head forth with that rich peanut butter and raspberry jelly flavors forward. I really don’t mind the so called natural flavors and such and for many who don’t try craft beer, this would be pure gold. Pick it up, this is a very rich magic potion. Where You at? It’s peanut butter Jelly time!

Anime Corner:
Hell Knight Ingrid from Taimanin Asagi was used in this pairing as she represents so much of the colors in the peanut butter and jelly as well as the complex flavors and sweetness of strength delivered in the beer as mentioned in my description. The pinks for the raspberries, the dark skin of chocolate and peanut butter, the purples and blues for the complex dark fruits and essentially since it is a dessert beer like liquid bliss, her sexiness empowers the beers just that much more!

Sources:
https://archive.loveisover.me/foolfuuka/boards/e/image/1405/71/1405711452465.png
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/81/84/c2/8184c27449c8cc9473efce178655fb18.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eqfHlTr.jpg

Pugsley’s Signature Series Smashed Blueberry by Shipyard brewing

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

Rating: 6/5

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2014 Barrel Roll No. 08 Falling Leaf by Hangar 24

November 26, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barrel Roll, Barrel Roll No. 8, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Do a Barrel Roll, Falling Leaf, Fruit Cake, Gourdgeous, Hangar 24, Honey comb, Imperial Porter, Imperial Pumpkin Porter, Mezcal Tequila, Nia Teppelin, Pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin seeds, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2014 Barrel Roll No. 08 Falling Leaf by Hangar 24 is a 10.2% Imperial Pumpkin Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Bottle: 2033/2981

FALLING LEAF: The Pilot Brings the airplane into a stall. Then works the rudder to slip back and forth from right right to left while hold the nose forward.

Each autumn we brew a fresh batch of Gourdgeous, an Imperial Porter which pays homage to our local pumpkin harvest. To create FALLING LEAF, we placed a small portion of last year’s Gourdgeous in barrels to age gracefully through another turn of the seasons. A year in our cellar has mellowed and sweetened the robust flavors of pumpkin pie spice, molasses, caramel and dark chocolate, while the single-use bourbon barrels we selected lift the beer back up, adding bright layers of bourbon, oak and vanilla. Beneath these layers you’ll recognize the strong core of the base beer: 1,000 pounds of pumpkins grown just ½ a mile from our brewery. Falling Leaf is ready to drink now, or can be placed into your own cellar to continue aging gracefully.

==Introduction==

Essentially, the Barrel Aged Gourdgeous which is their seasonal pumpkin porter. I had not heard of this until I saw this one online. The unfortunate part about it is that it is limited so only able to obtain 1 bottle of this, I was hoping to get another for a good friend. I will have to see if I can find more however the label does specify that it is a rather limited beer. Hope they make more of it but if you can find it, well, let’s see if you want to buy it based on my review. So let’s go and see what this evolved Pumpkin Porter can do. Cheers!

Aromas:
Strong scent of honey dew melon and pumpkin flesh, plantains, bananas, clove spice, piloncillo sugar cone, Mezcal Tequila hints, honey comb, bourbon, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, maple syrup, rye bread, fruit cake, Danish cookies, flan, Dark fruit raisins, cherries, blue berries, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, marshmallows, smores, anise, pumpkin cheese cake, anise, molasses, honey comb, wine grape hints, cookie dough ice cream, chai tea and sweet potatoes.

Flavors:
Honey dew melon, Agave syrup, Tequila hints, grape sangria, pumpkin seeds, piloncillo sugar cone, pumpkin flesh, cinnamon, pecan pie, bananas, rum hints, bourbon, marshmallows, chocolate smores, toasted coconut, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, blue berries, currants, bananas, plantains, capirotada raisins bread pudding, flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, anise, honey comb, maple syrup, spiced coffee, vanilla, oak, Danish cookies, pumpkin cheese cake, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream, all spice, crème brulee, chai tea, sweet potato, wine grape hints, walnuts, nutella, old mango hints, graham crackers and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Fruit cake, pumpkin spice, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, rum bourbon, marshmallow, tequila and sangria hints. No alcohol in the taste, creamy mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and dark orange full body.

Overall:
I think the biggest part about this beer is that it was nothing like a bourbon barrel aged pumpkin beer I have ever had before. This was something very special. The barrel flavors were not like those of the bourbons I am used to. They were more like a rum or a tequila. It is almost like the pilot in this one took a strict page from the witchcraft book of Halloween and decided to do it’s own spell to really give that ‘Trick Or Treat’ feel. The only problem is that this one is limited. So I suggest you get to searching and really try to find this one.

Anime Corner:
Nia Teppellin from Toppa Tengen Gurren Lagan was used in this pairing as a pilot. In the past Hangar 24 Barrel Roll beers, I have put specific pilot characters for each review as I feel it fits the series overall. Many wear jumpsuits or some sort of suit in general. Since Nia in her Anti-Spiral suit sort of resembles a mobile suit pilot and the fact that she comes from a mobile suit pilot show and got to drive one next to her love Simon, this was perfect. In reference to the beer name and the overall Fall season and dark Halloween look, I paired several pictures. In the first one she is falling like the name of the beer, falling leaf. In the dark picture with the mobile suit, Gurren Lagan, it looks evil and dark with the moonlight representing fall and Halloween and the aspect of being a pilot. In the last picture it is just her and a close up as to how sweet she is. While is very powerful and evil in one point in the show, this paired greatly with the strength and complexity of the beer. The teal and red colors represent the colors of the label as well but also that Tequila and Rum notes I kept getting on this beer. Definitely a lot going on with the beer and a great pairing at that.

Sources:
http://4.blog.xuite.net/4/7/a/b/10350619/blog_422775/txt/23236801/21.jpg
http://data3.whicdn.com/images/15647981/original.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/xo1g8n.jpg

Imperial Biscotti Break Natale Pretty Please With A Cherry On Top by Evil Twin Brewing

November 19, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Asmodeus, Astaroth, Astarotto, Dark Cherries, dark cherry yogurt, Evil Twin Brewing, Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break, Holiday Ale, holiday beers, Imperial Biscotti Break, Imperial Biscotti Break Natale Pretty Please With A Cherry On Top, Imperial Porter, Shinra Bansho, Shinra Banshou, Shinrabansho, sour cherries | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Imperial Biscotti Break Natale Pretty Please With A Cherry On Top by Evil Twin Brewing is an 11.5% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Sour Cherries.

Label:
The Holidays brings out the best in some people. However if the Holidays also is a tough one for you, this beer will definitely sweeten dark times of endless caroling and difficult domestic obligations. Did Imperial Biscotti Break also make your sugar levels rise and the bitter sweet flavors of coffee, almonds and chocolate very sentimental – this one has a sour cherry on top. Forza Imperiale.

==Introduction==

It’s approaching Christmas and what is one of the best candies to be released at this time aside from Ferrero Rocher chocolates? Well none other than the Cherry Cordials. The Chocolate covered cherries with cherry syrup. I never tried the original Imperial Biscotti break but I did the Doughnut break which was awesome. So awesome in fact, that when I saw this one on www.craftshack.com, I had to get it and check it out. Now all I have to do is see if I can find another to cellar. Either way, this is supposed to be a Christmas beer, so why not celebrate it with this dessert one. Let us find out if it really is awesome.

Aromas:
Rich chocolate cherry cordials, Dark cherry yogurt, vanilla dulce de leche caramel, milk sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgian chocolate, almonds, almond joy, almond milk, pecan pie, cherry cobbler, cherry chocolate cheese cake hints, flan, hazelnut nectar, mocha, rock candy, ginger bread, fruit cake, molasses, anise, Cherry Dr. pepper hints, anise, Irish cream, vanilla wafers and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Rich Chocolate and Dark cherry yogurt, dulce de leche caramel, Dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, black berries, blue berries, currants, cherry cordial chocolate, milk sugar, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgian chocolate, almonds, almond joy, almond milk, hazelnut, Raspberry preserves on rye bread, cherry chocolate cheese cake, vanilla wafers, rum hints, ginger bread, fruit cake, rock candy, candi sugar hints, mocha, Cherry Khalua, molasses, anise, earthy notes, Irish cream, brown sugar, flan, cherry cobbler, pecan pie, Dr. pepper cherry, cinnamon toast crunch in cherry syrup, coconut, biscuit bread, tobacco, leather and marshmallows.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, dark cherry yogurt, earthy notes, raspberry preserve hints, roasted coffee notes, tobacco, leather, vanilla and other dark fruit lingers. No alcohol in the taste, very dangerous. Smooth creamy and silky mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black crimson dark full body with hardly a milimeter of lacing.

Overall:
Damn, surely with this dessert they were not kidding about the cherry on top of this complex chocolate dessert of complex goodness. This reminds me of the Bourbon County Cherry Rye. The cherries do not come off as overly sweet but they are somewhat tart like cherry skins which really helps balance out the excessive sweetness and overall makes it like a fruit cake in a way. Now I really want to find another bottle of this and get more for saving as this will be the best treat for Christmas. If you can find it, it would make a great present and I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Astaroth and Asmodeus from Shinrabansho were used in this pairing since it is a Christmas beer after all but the whole Holiday coming from Evil Twin fits perfectly as they both look like each other. Mother and Daughter. What about the Cherry on top? Why that’s Asmodeus head sitting on top of Astaroth’s motherly blueberry ofcourse, HA! I really like the way this turned out in terms of the colors, the dark aspect of the beer how it is sweet but dark cherry tart in a way too. It is more than perfect.

Sources:
http://i4.pixiv.net/img72/img/cve27426/40452197.jpg

http://safebooru.org//images/1108/d5f8f143151b9b09e9bb04628fbe35a574008447.jpg?1151134

2014 Preservation Series Ignis Fatuus by The Bruery

September 15, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged brown sugar, Chocolate pumpkin, dark chocolate, Ignis Fatuus, Imperial Porter, Legend of Zelda, Midna, milk Chocolate, Preservation Society, Pumpkin, pumpkin ale, Spices, The Bruery, Twili Midna, Twilight Princess | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

2014 Preservation Series Ignis Fatuus by The Bruery is an 8.3% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Pumpkin & Spices.

Label:
Ignis Fatuus is a special brew created just in time for Autumn activities. We invite you to enjoy the subtle spices of this dark, roasty porter while telling ghost stories around an illuminating jack-o’-lantern.
___

Available for the Preservation and Reserve societies for late Fall, this possibly the second time the Bruery releases a pumpkin beer since the now retired milk stout, Burly Gourd. The Autumn maple doesn’t count though since it is made with yams, although that one is incredible. This beer name, Ignis Fatuus/FoolishFire is another name of the Will O’ Wisp, the ghostly lights that appear at night for those traveling over a swamp or a marsh. Since the lights are so ominous, they are also called Jack-O’-Lantern. A fancy name for basically saying that everything about this beer is basically, pumpkins and scary stuff. Halloween approaches so this is a perfect beer for the fall occasion.

Aromas:
Toasted Pumpkins, dark chocolate, allspice, piloncillo sugar cone, molasses, anise, licorice hints, candy corn hints, banana hints, clove spice, ginger bread, vanilla caramel, dark fruit raisins, brown sugar, milk sugar hints, milk chocolate hints, maple, mint, oak, earthy notes, roasted coffee hints and mocha hints.

Flavors:
Toasted Pumpkin flesh, ginger spice, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, roasted coffee hints, dark fruits like raisins, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, maple, molasses, anise, licorice hints, mint, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, candy corn, phenolic banana notes, clove spice hints and hints of milk sugar.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee hints, pumpkins, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, earthy hints, brown sugar and ginger bread lingers. No alcohol in the taste. Creamy, yet slightly velvety mouthfeel, smooth drinkability, pitch black body and slightly dangerous.

Overall:
Great example of a pumpkin beer. Although, the fact that it is a porter, only takes the style into a more chocolate pumpkin and coffee direction. It is very nice indeed reminding me of T.R.E.A.T but smoother and creamier at that. However, TREAT actually is a stout and taste different but similar. The roastiness is evident throughout the beer but as the beer warms up, it gives way to a much more sweeter and spicy flavor experience. Not bad at all and definitely worth trying. For those that want to try it, they are offering this one at the Bruery on tap. If you know a member, stop by and try it before it is gone. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess was used in this pairing since I had not reviewed any Bruery beers using Midna but also wanted to showcase how much she relates to this beer in terms of the colors of the label, the flavors, the meaning of Ignis Fatuus, the mystery of Halloween and the creamy smoothness as well. The reason I also chose a summer like setting for her is because it is hot as hell and it seems here in California that for the last couple of years, it hits super hot right before the fall, so it works. Midna basically represents the lights of the will o’ wisp. The green neon markings on her skin with the green representative of the marshes but also witches in Halloween. Her hair flows like the flames of that light the ever gazing stare of the Jack O’ Lantern with a scary but playful and yet friendly ease. The beer’s smoothness is very welcoming, just like Midna is here. Her colors presenting the colors of the label, the pumpkin, some of the flavors and basically the sexiness as the smoothness.

Sources:
http://blancj11.deviantart.com/art/Midna-join-for-a-drink-412537538
http://gilmec.deviantart.com/art/Midna-Twilight-Princess-2011-202765652

Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break by Evil Twin Brewing

August 20, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged BakemonoGatari, coffee, Evil Twin Brewing, Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break, Hanekawa Tsubasa, Imperial Biscotti Break, Imperial Porter, Monster Story, Oshino Shinobu | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/5

Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break by Evil Twin Brewing is an 11.5% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Coffee and flavors added.

Label:
Did Imperial Biscotti Break also make your sugar levels rise and the bitter sweet flavors of coffee, almonds and chocolate very sentimental – now we topped it off with the insane amounts of doughnuts. This all timeAmerican favorite is making it’s way back into the spotlight and we at Evil Twin Brewing are not letting a tasty trend pass by without taking it to the next level. Drink it with great gusto – Forza Doughnuts.
___

Now I have not tried the Imperial Biscotti Break and am unsure if I would be able to try it as it may be sold out. This beer I was unfortunately able to get at limit 1 per customer at www.craftshack.com. If you are able to find this beer again, please advise as this might be one of those limited awesome releases that may not be brewed again. It is not often I try Evil Twin beers but all of the ones I have tried have been phenomenal and definitely worth mention.

Aromas:
Like a rich dark chocolate glazed doughnut with sprinkles, milk, Belgian, Bakers, German, Fudge and milk shake chocolate, loads of dark fruits like raisins, figs, plum, dark cherries, raspberries, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, rum hints, molasses, anise, flan, rye bread, cookie dough, cinnamon, brown sugar, really fancy roasted coffee, mocha, Irish cream, blueberries, currants, milk sugar, tobacco and peanut butter hints.

Flavors:
Almost as rich as Dark Lord, really fancy coffee, mocha, consistency of chocolate glazed doughnut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, blueberrries, currants, rye and biscuit bread, cookie dough, brown sugar, Irish cream coffee, tobacco, milk sugar, almond joy, pecan pie, coconut, rum hints, anise, molasses, Snickers chocolate, hazelnut nectar, vanilla and peanut butter.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits, caramel, cherry, raspberry, roasted coffee notes, vanilla, tobacco and dry doughnut sugar. No alcohol in the taste and very dangerous. A sipping drinkability yet smooth and creamy mouth feel beer with a pitch black body and hardly any lacing or head.

Overall:
An actual liquid Doughnut beer. Even it the coffee is added it only works to compliment the already complex sweet chocolate fruity doughnut flavors with the sprinkles. Even Voodoo doughnut was not this complex. This truly captures what a liquid doughnut would be. Extremely rich, velvet, silky and syrupy like the hell that is Dark Lord. Although, Dark Lord from Three Floyds was a much more complex and sweeter beer. Either, this reaches the levels of Dark Lord for sure though. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Oshino Shinobu and Hanekawa Tsubasa from BakemonoGatari/Monster Story was used in this pairing to pair with the colors of the label but mainly the strength, sweet and delicious glory of the doughnut. Oshino as you can see from the pictures loves doughnuts but she is also a samurai sword wielding bad ass. Her kicking back and enjoying her self a doughnut compliments the name of having a break and relaxing which is primarily what this beer is all about as you can see. It is a rich doughnut in a bottle and as sweet as Oshino is, she is also deadly just like this beer because I would definitely want to drink a lot of this beer and several but you absolutely cannot as this is a very powerful beer.

Sources:
http://konachan.com/post/show?md5=a39cc833c2aad6ac937dc5cb6045d9a3
http://img0.joyreactor.com/pics/post/full/art-ecchi-anime-Bakemonogatari-1258211.jpeg

Black Forest by Harpoon Brewery

August 9, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Black Forest, Boston Beer, cherry juice, cocoa nibs, Dark Cherries, dark chocolate, Fate Night Stay, Fate Stay Night, Harpoon Brewery, Harpoon brewing, Harpoon Distributing Company, Imperial Porter, Saber, Saber Alter/Dark, sakura matou | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5

Black Forest by Harpoon Brewery of Boston Massachusetts is a 9.8% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Cherry Juice and Cocoa Nibs.

Label:
Black Forest
When the drivers of Harpoon Distributing Company are finished delivering brewery-fresh beer throughout the neighborhoods of Boston, they spend time moonlighting with Harpoon’s brewers. In 2012, they developed a version of a cherry chocolate porter that was a favorite at our annual home-brew competition. It didn’t take long for the brewing staff to work up a 10-barrel test batch and we knew we had to make more.

A hearty malt base is complemented by sweet cherry juice and cocoa nibs added during fermentation in this decadent take on a traditional porter.

Notes of rich chocolate and a hint of cherry sweetness make this full bodied porter the perfect treat to share now or to cellar until next Valentine’s Day.
___

Thanks once again to Aaron Mendiola at beermetaldude.com for the hookup of this sweet beer. Yet another brewery we don’t see here in California. This one is from Boston Massachusetts and apparently ended up being really good and sweet as I read about it. This I had to see for myself so I was glad to get the opportunity to give it a shot. So here it goes, the Harpoon Black Forest, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark Chocolate, rich dark cherries, cherry cola, mocha coffee, cherry cordial, hazelnut, earthy hop notes, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins, caramel, Dr. Pepper hints, maple, mint, molasses, licorice, raspberry hints and flan hints.

Flavors:
Burst of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark cherries, cherry yogurt, mocha coffee, dark fruit raisins, earthy hops, flan, cinnamon, caramel, vanilla, cherry cola, maple, mint, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, licorice, brown sugar, maple, molasses, raspberry, nutmeg, pumpkin spice hints and hazelnut.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, dark cherry, vanilla, caramel, earthy hops, coffee and molasses. No alcohol in the taste, a moderate to sipping drinking characteristic, full body, syrupy mouthfeel yet smooth. Nice and deadly!!

Overall:
If you love sweet beers, especially chocolate and cherry ones, then this one is just an example of a beer that definitely exceeds my expectations in that department by a few notches. The Chocolate and Cherry are a complete win here with some additional complexity while it still reminds you that you are drinking a porter. A porter with no head retention and very delicious. I really wish we could get this one here in California, I would definitely drink this one all the time. Thanks again Aaron!

Anime Corner:
Saber Alter and Matou Sakura from Fatestay Night were used in this pairing because as the name goes, black forest, I wanted to show not only the pairing of the name but the flavors. As you can see from the colors in these pictures, they pretty much represent all the nice complexities that the beer has to offer and prominently the dark cherries and chocolate flavors. This beer is so damn good and the fact that these characters are evil, it represents the seductive qualities such that the beer is so smooth and yet strong at the same time.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/360781-1040×1477-fate+%28series%29-fateextra-saber-saber+alter-tyappygain-single.jpg
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/92024-1325×1800-fate+%28series%29-fatestay+night-saber-matou+sakura-saber+alter-stu+dts+%28pixiv%29.jpg

Señorita by Elevation Beer Co

June 25, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Cinnamon, Colorado beer, Dia de los Muertos, Elevation Beer Company, Horchata, Imperial Porter, Kaguya Otsutsuki, Mexican Tradition, mexican vanilla, Naruto, Señorita, Señorita Beer, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Señorita by Elevation Beer Co is an 8.2% ABV Horchata Imperial Porter brewed with Vanilla and Cinnamon.

Label:
Black Series
Southern Colorado is deeply steeped in the history of the pueblos of the American Southwest and the first European settlers from Spain who settled our beautiful state. Horchata is the classic Spanish/Mexican style drink still served at authentic local restaurants from Durango to Alamosa to Denver. Paying homage to my family’s roots in the San Luis Valley, we decided to make a beer worthy of this classic drink and our state’s Spanish roots.

Cheers!
Sheila Atencio Bustamante
Co-Founder

This beer pours a deep dark brown with a snow-white head. Aroma notes of Vanilla, Cinnamon and sweet milk hit the nose bringing up images of the delicious Mexican drink this beer is styled after. The beer hits the palate with Vanilla, sweet chocolate malts, and a hint of cinnamon; all with a medium body and a balancing hop bitterness. Enjoy this beer next to a roaring fire with your amigos in a cozy cabin after a long day of skiing the deep powder of the Rocky Mountains

Bottle#04050
Style: Horchata/Imperial Porter
Alc/Vol: 8.5
Hops: Northern Brewer, Chinook
Malts: Two-Row, Crystal, Aromatic Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Flaked Barley
Extras: Milk Sugar, Cinnamon, Madagascar Vanilla Beans
Pairings: Mexican Chocolate Cake, Mole, Barbacoa Street Tacos
___

Another special release that was donated to the website thanks to my good friend Aaron of www.beermetaldude.com of Texas. This beer pays homage to our heritage of Mexican decent. Horchata is a very delicious Rice, cinnamon and vanilla drink. I have only once had another Horchata beer which was the Bruery’s Or Xata. As I remember that beer, when I first had it on draft with actual authentic tacos, it was bliss! So now, we have a chance to show what this beer is about. Will it come close to that? Let us see.

Aromas:
Vanilla, Cinnamon, dark chocolate, chocolate abuelita, roasted coffee, churros, milk chocolate, milk sugar, rice pudding, raisin bread pudding, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, prailines, flan, chocolate covered cherries, dark fruits, brown sugar, hazelnut, molasses, anise, earthy hop character and toffee.

Flavors:
Chocolate Churros, Horchata, Milk Chocolate, rich Dark Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, Flan, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like raisins, capirotada raisin bread pudding, chocolate cherries, molasses, anise, Kahlua hints, earthy hops, toffee, milk sugars, pecan pie, prailines and hazelnut.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and earthy hops linger. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer with a silky and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
This one is over the top delicious. It does have flavors which reminded me of the Or Xata but with chocolate and a roasted and earthy notes. It was very awesome in its own way and I think I like it a bit better than Or Xata although what really makes Or Xata special is much more rice, milk and sweet flavors. I love them both and I would definitely recommend them both if you can find them.

Anime Corner:
Lady Kaguya Ootsutsuki from Naruto and Original Skull Face Girl Artwork were used in this pairing because I wanted to show the flavors of the Horchata. Kaguya has the milky colors of the Horchata as well as the cherry and chocolate flavors of the dark beer. She is a coldhearted demon trying to take over the world. Her power represents the complexity of this beer, even if she is evil. The skeleton girl pays tribute to the Mexican heritage of Dia de los Muertos but it also pays tribute to the label of Señorita!

Sources:
http://shikaobing.deviantart.com/art/20140604-Bloody-Moon-458500195
http://ifeergirl.deviantart.com/art/Naruto-679-Kaguya-459716749
http://www.desktopbackgrounds.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Skull-Face-Girl-Dia-De-Muertos.jpg

Mogli by Caldera Brewing

May 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, bakers chocolate, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Cacao Chocolate Porter, Caldera brewing, Candi Sugars, Chocolate, Chocolate Porter, Imperial Porter, Mogli, oak barrels, White Chocolate, World class, World Class Imperial Porter | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Mogli by Caldera Brewing is an 8.5% ABV World Class Imperial Porter Aged in Oak Barrels with Chocolate.

Label:
Caldera’s “Mogli” was inspired by the loss of a dear friend. This is a chocolate, oak-aged Imperial Porter. Mogli is complex, sweet, chocolatey, big and full of unconditional love! Sit, Stay, roll over, cookies? Malt beverage brewed with natural flavor. If ever in Ashland, Oregon, come by and check out the Caldera Tap House. Located 31 Water Street.

Served in a 10 ounce wine glass. Malts: Premium Two Row, Crystal, Munich, Brown, Pale Chocolate, Chocolate, Dark Belgian Candi Sugar, Natural Chocolate, Bourbon-Soaked Oak Spirals; Hops: Galena, Willamette; ABV: 8.5%, IBU: 55, SRM: 55.0
___

From the Caldera Kettle Series ~ Limited Small Batch Release, Mogli is a beer I have been passing up for the longest time. I guess it wasn’t until recently when I read the label that this beer was made for the loss of one of the brewer’s pet that I was like awe man, this is cute. I definitely had to try it. Now, without further ado, here is Mogli!

Aromas:
Rich Milk, dark and bakers Chocolate, chocolate yoohoo, plantain bananas, rich vanilla, blackberries, blue berry muffins, hints of oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, cocoa powder, cocoa krispies, peanut butter, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, dark fruits figs and dates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, hints of coconut, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow, white chocolate, mocha and notes of Kahlua.

Flavors:
Very Rich Milk, dark, bakers and Yoohoo Chocolate covered blueberries, blackberries, Chocolate Cheese cake, Banana Flan, maple grilled plantains, White Russian, White Chocolate, rich vanilla, oak, bourbon, blueberry muffins, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs and dates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, marshmallow, oatmeal cookie dough, rocky road ice cream, oreo cookies, peanut butter, cocoa krispies, cocoa powder, chocolate cordial cherries, fudge cake, coffee cake, brown sugar and rum.

Aftertaste:
Lingering rich chocolate, banana and dark fruit complexities with hints of vanilla and caramel. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer with a smoothness that can be described like drinking chocolate milkshake. Medium mouthfeel and very creamy.

Overall:
HOLY SHIT! I love this beer! I definitely have a new favorite. Who would have thought that for beer that is not as coveted as many other well known beers, that this one literally takes the cake, or atleast a huge chunk of chocolate cake. I got this beauty at Ramirez but I have seen it in many places like total wine. I believe they release this almost every year so without a shadow of a doubt, a highly recommended must try. I think what really does this one in is the chocolate and the other ingredients it shows it is made from.

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by Saintversa and allinix of Deviant art were used in this pairing mainly because of the colors and the label. Blue Green or Teal is my favorite color but I mainly wanted to show a black canine as I am unable to find many good pictures to pair these beers with. I take a gut feeling and usually take a perspective when choosing these. In terms of chocolate and dark beer, I felt this was perfect because I wanted to show guilty pleasure and unconditional love, in whatever form it may be for the loss of a pet. Hence why the canine anthropomorphic pictures are hard to see. Especially since anthropomorphic I guess in the “Furry world” (Don’t quote me on this, I am not a Furry) is the dividing line between man and animal or maninal. Essentially I am trying to say how pets are part of a family and we love them as such. Either way, this beer is very special and pleasant that you have to try it!

Floyd D’ Rue Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds

April 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged beer collaboration, Black Tuesday, Bleach, Dark Lord, Dark Tuesday, Floyd D'Rue, Holiday Ale, Imperial Porter, pumpkin spice, Rue D'Floyd, Rum Barrels, Spiced rum, Spices, sweet potato, The Bruery, Three Floyds, Tia Harribel, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5* Rating given at the time of tasting (4/28/2014)

Floyd D’ Rue Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds is a 14.7% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with spices and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
DARK TUESDAY

This collaboration brew was made in the spirit of experimentation…. and then condemned to barrels for one year. We hope you enjoy!

Floyd D’Rue is the complement to Rue D’ Floyd and was brewed with our good friends from 3 Floyds in Indiana. This invigoration ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the spice flavors will be the most prominent when consumed fresh.
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Obtained as part of the Bruery’s reserve society, this beer was made with high expectations as it was collaborated with 3 Floyds. The label on the beer advises “Drink by 6/30/14” and “May contain Lactobacillus”. The Bruery does advise this was not on purpose but the odds of such a great beer to be a ticking time bomb, basically consume it before it sours, is such a damn shame. If you can get this before the time runs out, definitely get it. This one is the Floyd’s attempt at the recipe with the Rum barrels with spices. So basically drinking both at the same time would probably be over kill. This one is called “Dark Tuesday” just like the other one was called “Black Lord”. A poke at both their awesome super beers, Black Tuesday and Dark Lord… in my previous review, this would be the offspring’s twin sis…oh!!?? wait…

Aromas:
Rich Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake Rum, lots of cinnamon, dark fruit raisins, capirotada raisin bread pudding, hazelnut, dark, milk, bakers and chocolate, ginger bread, nutmeg, cookies and cream, holiday spices, fruit cake, rye bread, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, oak, marshmallow, cookie dough ice cream, citrus, earthy notes, hazelnut, pecan pie, peach cobbler, flan, crème brulee, Danish cream, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin flesh, pillocillo sugar cone, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, molasses, brown sugar, anise, mint notes and candy sugars.

Flavors:
Taste exactly like rich Rum pumpkin spiced coffee cake! Vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, capirotada raisin bread pudding, fruit cake, pumpkin flesh, honey, maple syrup, ginger bread, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, Kahlua liqueur, coffee, molasses, pecan pie, hazelnut, peach cobbler, marshmallows, flan, waffle cone, Danish Cream, cheese cake, all spice, cinnamon, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream, oak, holiday spices, earthy notes, citrus, apples, apricot hints, brown sugar, candy sugar, mint, anise, crème brulee, pilloncillo sugar cone, chai tea ice cream, sweet potato pie, sweet potato pudding, old mango, banana clove spice, banana bread, walnuts and nutella.

Aftertaste:
Rum, cinnamon, fruit cake, sweet potato, flan, chocolate, pumpkin and coffee cake linger. No alcohol in the taste and just like the other beer, dangerous and smooth. While moderate sipability, it goes down nice and warm with a syrupy consistency.

Overall:
What can I say about this one that I haven’t said about the other one. They are definitely exceeding great. One taste like chocolate coffee cherry cake and the other like rum pumpkin coffee cake to say the least. There is no denying it, they are both exquisite collaborations and both worth the merit. The Ultimate sadness is not being able to see the potential that this beer has as it’s existence is only as brief as the candle in the wind. If you can some how get this one or both or the other one, I suggest you get to it before they are gone. I really hope they brew this one again as it was really good. Combining both would probably be a insane!! Maybe I will save that type of fusion for another review.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel and Tōshirō Hitsugaya from Bleach were used in this pairing to represent another aspect of the Bruery’s and 3 Floyds collaboration, in terms of the label, flavors and greatness of the two. These 2 are in the highest caliber of awesomeness and the battle they had in the series was awesome. Reflecting on 3 Floyds and the Bruery’s reputation in terms of awesome shows the insanity of the two to have come together, hopefully not once in a life time, but to show case their insane abilities that both share. Tia Harribel, obviously with the 3 on her breast which was used in a previous review to show case the Zombie Dust. She was the perfect candidate for this pairing as she came forth like a beast and like death in the night show casing the awesomeness of the 3 Floyds. Hitsugaya was used in as the Floyds adding the aspect of Cold. Why cold you ask? Well, Cold in relation to his ice ability which relates to Winter in relation to the holiday spices that this beer is abundant with. Without these 2 in the game, such a beer would not come into fruition. The irony of 2 such great breweries is that the release of this beer in the spring is like the opposite which is the fall. Like if Rue D’Floyd and Floyd D’Rue were like the sun and the moon or the spring and fall, or summer (Tia) and the winter (Hitsugaya). Hence forth, just like the Summer approaches, so will the Sun (Lactobacillus/Tia Harribel) consume the beer, forever lost in the pits of hell where once the shining light of hope of pandora’s box once stood. Sour Sour, everything returns to Sour (NOTHING)!!……

Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds

April 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, beer collaboration, Black Lord, Black Tuesday, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, cherries, Coffee Beans, Dark Lord, FLCL, Floyd D'Rue, Haruko Haruhara, Imperial Porter, Naota Nandaba, Rue D'Floyd, The Bruery, Three Floyds, vanilla beans | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5* Rating given at the time of tasting (4/28/2014)

Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds is a 14.4% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Coffee and Vanilla beans and aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cherries

Label:
Black Lord

This collaboration brew was made in the spirit of experimentation…. and then condemned to barrels for one year. We hope you enjoy!

Rue D’Floyd is the complement Floyd D’ Rue and was brewed with our good friends from 3 Floyds in Indiana. This invigoration ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the spice flavors will be the most prominent when consumed fresh.
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Aromas:
Chocolate covered cherries in mocha coffee, bourbon, oak, vanilla, coconut, flan, dark, milk, German, Belgian, sweet, bitter, bakers, and fudge chocolate, Kahlua liqueur, flan, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, dark fruits like raisins, figs, Irish cream, kopi luwak, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry cobbler, cookies and cream, almond joy, molasses, anise and brown sugar, crème brulee, waffle cone and coffee cake.

Flavors:
Dark Cherry yogurt, dark chocolate, milk, Belgian, German, sweet, fudge, bakers and bitter chocolate, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, currants, mocha coffee, espresso, flan, cinnamon, oak, bourbon, vanilla, apples, marshmallows, coconut, coffee cake, cherry cobbler, crème brulee, brown sugar, molasses almond joys, cherry cordial, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Bailey’s Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, cookies and cream, kopi luwak coffee, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal, Chambord raspberry liqueur, fudge cherries with chocolate mousse and frappuccino.

Aftertaste:
Cherry Cordial, coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Kahlua liqueur, earthy, mild tart and spicy notes linger. This is dangerous as the ABV alcohol can be detected in the taste, it has a smoothness and drinkability is moderate with a syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Exceeding my expectations even when trying to find some of the flaws. This is damn delicious and way too easy to drink that is very dangerous as you can be done for the night if you even try to drink the whole bottle. Definitely and highly recommended if you can trade or find this one online as it will go bad with time unfortunately. It is really sad indeed since it almost feels like attaining the most awesome-st thing in the world then watch it disappear forever. We cannot see how the future will taste for this beer unless they make it again. So yeah, while this still exist, get this as soon as possible! This beer almost reminds of “Life is Like…” but with coffee.

Anime Corner:
Haruko Haruhara and Naota Nandaba from FLCL (Fooley Cooley) were used in this pairing to show case the colors of the label, the flavors, the collaboration, the ticking time bomb aspect and just the insane aspect that this collaboration brings. Aside from the colors of the label. Haruko represent the cherries and the coffee as well as the very dangerous aspect of the beer. The smoothness of the beer can be seen in the cuteness of her demeanor but don’t ever let that fool you. This woman is demented and insane. Cute on the outside, monster on the inside. Naota Nandaba, is the admirer which you can think of him providing the extra flavors as being the main character of the series. Now the ticking time bomb has to do with the short temper that Haruko has and the short time that these 2 have together. I won’t spoil the story, but c’mon, it is such a great series…. for only being 6 episodes long!! There, you have no excuse not to watch FLCL… now just like I said before… Go get this beer, find the show and watch it! You will be in for a ride!

Hellfighter & BBA 007 Hellfighter by Karbach Brewing (Dual Review Special)

March 10, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 007 hellfighter, Aya Brea, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, dark chocolate, hellfighter, Hellfighter Imperial Porter, Imperial Porter, Karbach, Karbach Brewing, Parasite Eve, world class beers, World Class Imperial Porter | Leave a comment

So today I bring you something very special. A Double Review! Courtesy, Suggestion, Donation and Gratitude to my friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com. It would not be possible to bring you a dual review if it wasn’t for these special gifts from from him. This is the second time I try Karbach and I am looking forward to this review as this is something that is going to involve a side by side tasting. I will separate my work individually and provide you the final verdict for both at the end. The rating has been set after at the end to show case my final thoughts for the beers individually. SO….. on to the the review and Cheers to my loyal readers, Aaron, and the good people at Karbach brewing company for making this a possibility.

HELLFIGHTER REVIEW
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Hellfighter by Karbach Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Imperial Porter

Label:
Set your soul on fire

BLAZE ON!

From the depths of the earth leap flames of destruction. When time is of the essence, the Hellfighter boldly steps in the line of danger. Whether or not he’s insane is not important now. It’s with intensity and aggression that the Hellfighter taunts the blaze of almost certain doom.

Our Imperial Porter is much the same. Robust and black as oil, Hellfighter Imperial Porter, with roasted coffee and chocolate malt characteristics, finishes what it started. This explosion of flavors will extinguish even a Texas-sized penchant for boldness. Intense and maybe a little insane, drink carefully but drink often.
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Aromas:
Dark chocolate molasses, caramel, smokey notes, coffee, dark fruit notes, waffle cone, vanilla, hints of hazel nut and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, anise, smokey notes, molasses, caramel, vanilla, dark fruit notes, waffle cone, coffee, brown sugar, earthy hop notes, mild licorice notes, rye and hinting coriander spice.

Aftertaste:
Earthy hops, dark chocolate, mild coffee roast and anise. No alcohol in the taste. A full bodied sipping ale.

Overall:
Very good porter indeed. It introduces a few new aspects from the average porter and that definitely has to be the complimenting anise and smokey factor that fuses very well with this one. Very good stuff out of Texas but if you have had a smokey porter before, this would probably be very similar. Still worth the taste ofcourse.

007 BBA HELLFIGHTER REVIEW
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007 Hellfighter by Karbach Brewing is a 10.8% ABV World Class Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
If you like darker, more robust ales and you also have a penchant for whiskey, you may have just reached the promised land. We took our Hellfighter Imperial Porter and aged it in bourbon barrels for several months. Alluring aromas of vanilla, chocolate and coffee give way to a rich, malty sweetness that slowly transitions to a silky, oaky finish. Bourbon Barrel Aged Hellfighter is a special brew that is best enjoyed with hearty foods, decadent desserts or the finest cigars. Ready to drink now in a snifter-style glass at 45-50* F, this fine ale will also benefit from years of cellaring under proper conditions.
F.U.N. Series 007 2013
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Aromas:
Holy toasted coconuts!! Wow!!, a big almond joy and bourbon fragrant beer. Dark chocolate, dark fruits, molasses, flan, crème brulee, caramel vanilla, oak, brown sugar, rocky road ice cream, mocha, roasted coffee, hazelnuts, roasted pecans, mocha, marshmallows, milk chocolate, graham crackers, mild smoke, fudge brownies, and chocolate cake.

Flavors:
Liquid Almond joys! Dark chocolate, toasted coconut, bourbon, oak, vanilla, caramel, flan, oak, raisins, cherries, currants, molasses, anise, brown sugar, rocky road ice cream hazelnuts, roasted pecans, maple syrup, chocolate fudge brownies, campfire smoke, campfire smores with the chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers, mocha, coffee and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Marshmallows, almond joy chocolate, coffee, earthy notes, caramel, smokey notes at the end. No alcohol whatsoever in the taste. Sipping drinkability and full mouth feel with a sense of smoothness as it goes down. Very nice!

Overall:
Exceeding the expectations of the original by a lot. Holy shit this is fucking good. It should be up there with the best barrel aged imperial stouts. This one is unique as the earthy hops and smokey goodness shines but does not intervene with the already built complexity. In fact, it complements the flavors. Highly recommended and definitely one of my top best beers from Texas. Thank you Aaron, this made my day brother!

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Overall (Both Beers):
The choice is like night and day. Holy crap!! While they are both very good beers, the 007 beer is like like turning super saiyan for the first time. Another way of saying it is like saying your average Honda Accord suddenly turned into a Lamborghini Diablo.

Anime Corner (Both Beers):
If Aya Brea from Parasite Eve does not fit the bill of both of these beers, I don’t know what would describe an agent, maybe not a spy, but she fits the bill, of a “Hellfighter” who faces off parasitic deformities. They may not come from Hell but they sure look like demons on earth. Crazy experimentations and self combustion people is nothing short of horror, and Aya is the one who can take them down. The original hellfighter is her in a night gown looking like the spy chick from Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The 007 Hellfighter one is the one that shows her as she is essentially evolving into something greater. That and the obvious “Sexy Fan Service=Delicious Beer”. The pictures where it is both beers shows Aya as she is surrounded by the parasite demon and the bloody chaos that she has to fight and endure. This is the first time I use Aya in my reviews, so this is a very special occasion for this awesome double review. Can you tell any other things that are awesome about this pairing?

Rating: 4.65/5* Hellfighter
Rating: 5.8/5* 007 Bourbon Barrel Aged Hellfighter

Parrot in a Palm Tree by Karl Strauss

November 11, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Baltic Porter, Dizzy, Guilty Gear, Hatsune Miku, Holiday Baltic Porter, Imperial Porter, Karl Strauss, Parrot in a Palm Tree, Port Wine, Port wine aged, San Diego, San Diego beers, Twelve Beers of San Diego Christmas, vocaloid | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5

Parrot in a Palm Tree by Karl Strauss is an 8.5% ABV Holiday Baltic Porter aged in Port Wine Barrels

Label:
In San Diego, we’re not known for our partridges or pears but we can all relate to those noisy parrots and their relentless “caroling”. Parrot in a Palm Tree is a robust Baltic Porter brewed especially for the Holidays. Aged two months in San Pasqual Tawny Port barrels, the resulting brew isn’t for the birds. This winter warmer boasts a complex bouquet of dark fruits, espresso and chocolate, with hints of oak in its warming finish. Raise a glass to 2010 or save a bottle as this limited release will age with the best of them.
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A rare beer that I was only able to find online. This beer is the first in the Twelve Days of San Diego Christmas beers. Aged 3 years so far as the beer came out in 2010. Just the fact that it is aged in port wine gives me that reminiscence of Troise Pistoles. I have been looking for the previous versions of the Karl Strauss Christmas beers. Last year I had the third installment, Mouette à Trois (Three Seagulls) which I reviewed and though the world of that beer. The fact that it aged since 2010 and in Port Wine? I can only think the world of this beer.

Aromas:
Just like the Bruery’s Partridge in a Pear tree, very rich dark fruit raisins, figs, plukms, dark cherries, raspberries, sweet port wine, grapes, chocolate, pecan pie, brown sugar, fruit cake, light coffee, caramel, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, strawberry marmalade and raisin bread pudding

Flavors:
Good amount of rich port wine but nothing that burns, pleasant raisins, chocolate, mocha, coffee, java, hazelnut, pecan pie, fruit cake, molasses, Blackberries, currant marmalade, vanilla, dulce de leche, raisin bread pudding, rich figs, coconut, and brownies.

Aftertaste:
The aftertaste leaves off rich as well, with nice figs, raisins, port wine, chocolate, coffee and fruit cake breadiness. Hard to detect the alcohol in the taste, but if anything it brings a great splash of flavors. Easy to moderate drinkability with hardly any harshness. Kinda smooth really

Overall:
Freaking great and very delicious. Exceeding expectation but expected from a beer that is aged in port wine barrels and tasting like Trios pistoles, but also close to the initial flavors of the Bruery’s Partridge in a Pear Tree (except the pear). That and I love parrots. Sue me, I just do. Each flavor I had mentioned earlier is not only notes, but actual nice rich flavors coming through Highly recommended if you can find it. It is aging very well and hopefully by the 12th Christmas of San Diego release will be just at peak.

Anime Corner:
Dizzy is one of the characters from the Guilty Gear series. In the Art work, it matches the beer label as she is with the parrots. The colors are representative of the label as well. In terms of the complex flavors, it brings forth one of her ultimate features, which is complexity of power and emotions. The sweetness of this beer and complexity only shows you part of her true potential. If this beer is mean to age until the 12th release of the Christmas of San Diego beers, her true potential will reach its peak.

Vocaloid Hatsune Miku in the second picture represents the same color as the parrot thus complimenting the label. That is about it for my visual comparison. She is also sweet like this beer.

Suede collaboration between 10 Barrel, Stone and Blue Jacket Breweries

October 18, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged 10 Barrel Brewery, Blue jacket Brewery, calendula Flowers, Collaboration Beer, Fate Night Stay, Fate Zero, Fate Zero Assasin, honey, Imperial Porter, Jasmine, ninja, Rider, Servant Rider, Stone Brewing, Suede | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Suede collaboration between 10 Barrel, Stone and Blue Jacket Breweries is a 9.6% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Calendula Flowers, Jasmine and Honey

Label:
Due to our participation in at least a half a dozen collaborations each year, one might perceive Stone as the craft beer equivalent of a bee flitting indiscriminately from one brewery to the next, all the while drawing precious nectar-the expertise and creativity of those institution’ brewmasters. Another buzzy operation that gets the same rap is Bluejacket, a new, Washington, D.C.-based operation headed by industry veteran and constant collaborator Megan O’Leary Parisi. But make no mistake, Stone and Bluejacket are intensely selective about the contemporaries we invite into our brewhouses. We look for the same high level of passion and daringness to flip a beer style on its head that we employ on a baily basis. So, when Parisi and Stone brewmaster Mitch Steele decided to collaborate, it was essential that they tap a special individual to complete their triad of fermentation domination, and they found just that in Tonya Cornett, the brewmaster at Bend, Oregon’s 10 Barrel Brewing Company. Together, they decided on a sturdy yet velvety base of imperial porter and developed a plan to celebrate the bounty of the environs in which it was produced by harvesting avocado honey, jasmine and calendula flowers (some from our very own Stone Farms)and infusing them into the beer to create something complex and uniquely Southern Californian. Consider it craft cross-pollination at its finest.

“Suede evokes thoughts of richness, color and, most of all, a soft, seductive texture-everything we wanted for this beer.”
Tonya Cornett//Brewmaster, 10 Barrel Brewing Company

“There’s always something to learn from someone and vice versa. You can talk about brewing all the time, but it’s not until brewers put their heads together that they really learn how the other thinks.”
Megan O’Leary Parisi//Brewmaster, Bluejacket

“I normally don’t think of brewing imperial porters outside of the winter season, but the addition of local honey and jasmine will make this beer an all-season wonder.”
Mitch Steele//Brewmaster, Stone Brewing Co.
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Recently released and soon to hit all Stone Brewery markets, this is the latest collaboration beer release from Stone brewing. This years releases have beer some of the best. Coffee IPA and Wheaton Woot Stout being some of best ever. Let us check this one out and see how it goes. Looking at the ingredients, this one will probably be another porter, or something completely different.

Aromas are of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mocha, black and blue berries, honey, vanilla, caramel, flowery notes, molasses, jasmine, perfume and anise

Flavors are of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, blueberries, blackberries, grape preserves, honey, flowers, raisins, plum notes, vanilla, molasses, earthy hops, espresso, marshmallows, mocha, caramel, chocolate cake with raisins and pecans

The aftertaste is of bitter espresso, dark chocolate, berries and and some earthy flowery notes. The mouthfeel is silky. Little alcohol presence but definitely a sipper

Overall it a very good beer. Lots of sweetness but also decent bitterness. Although the bitterness started to leave as the beer got warmer. This made the beer super pleasant. It was very enjoyable after I let it warm up. Definitely recommend this one and definitely take your time with it.

2013 Barrel Roll No. 1 Immelmann by Hangar 24

October 7, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barrel Roll, Barrel Roll No.1, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter, bourbon barrels, chocolate hazelnut, dark chocolate, Do a Barrel Roll, Hangar 24, Immelmann, Imperial Porter, Krystal, Krystal Fox, marshmallows, Nintendo, Star Fox | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/5

2013 Barrel Roll No. 1 Immelmann by Hangar 24 is a 11.4% ABV Imperial Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
IMMELMANN: An ascending half loop followed by a half roll resulting in level flight in the opposite direction at a higher altitude

Just as it takes consummate skill to perform the Immelmann maneuver in the air, it takes the choicest ingredients, patience and consummate skill to bring you our IMMELMANN, a Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter. This hand crafted beer is brewed with 2-Row, Munich, Cara-Munich, Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Malts, Oats and Cocoa Nibs, along with whole Vanilla Beans. Aged in Bourbon Barrels for six months and blended with twenty percent fresh Porter to produce enticing aromas of chocolate, coffee, tobacco, bourbon and sweet malt along with a complex pallet of dark roast chocolate, oak and maple followed by a subtle vanilla finish. This is an intense, yet refined flavor experience to be savored today or aged to be enjoyed at your leisure.
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Do a Barrel Roll!! This was the first beer in Hangar 24’s Barrel Aged “Barrel Roll” program which was first released back in 2010. They released it again in 2013 and have decided to keep it California limited. I was lucky to barely get a bottle of this one to review. This one I got at Ramirez Liquor in Boyle Heights, one of the best rare treasure beer shops in Los Angeles since I first started looking for rare beers. It sold out within the first couple of hours of it being posted on the internet. If you are lucky to find this one and enjoy the barrel roll series, definitely pick this on up.

Aromas are of milk chocolate, hazelnut nectar, pecans, rocky road ice cream, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, bourbon, oak, vanilla, molasses, mocha, coffee, flan, brown sugar, campfire smoke hints, tobacco and almond joy

The flavors are of bourbon, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, pecan pie, caramel flan, dulce de leche, toasted coconut, vanilla, oak, mocha, molasses, brown sugar, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, tobacco, almond joy chocolate, cherry notes and some smokey notes

The aftertaste is of rich chocolate, hazelnut, almonds, caramel and bourbon. This is a sipper and meant to be enjoyed. The alcohol is barely noticeable and does not interfere with the rich flavors.

Overall it exceeds expectations, mainly due to the rich chocolate, caramel, mocha and bourbon flavors. This does not seems like a porter but more like a stout or strong ale yet the porter flavors are there in some aspect as it is pretty freaking sweet (Both is flavor and awesomeness of course) It is close to Pugachev’s cobra but still missing some more richer flavors. Yet, still flies the beer treasure skies of space and beyond. Definitely do this barrel roll!!

Black Butte XXV (25th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery

July 22, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, bakers chocolate, Black Butte, Black Butte XXV, black currants, blue berries, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, chocolate aroma, chocolate mocha coffee, cocoa nibs, coconut fruit, currants, Dates, Deschutes Black Butte XXV, Deschutes Brewery, Deschutes Brewing, Dubbel, Figs, Imperial Porter, Legend of Zelda, LOZ, Midna, Porter, Quad, Twilight Princess | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5

Black Butte XXV (25th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with dates, figs and cocoa nibs with 50% aged in bourbon barrels and 12.5% with black currants added.

Label:
Dates, figs and chocolate. Black currants, barrel-aged in bourbon casks. The result is an Imperial Porter with a tart berry and chocolate aroma with luscious layers of dried fruit, oak and vanilla. A fitting tribute to the 25th Anniversary of our flagship beer
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I did a review of this beer last year (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/black-butte-xxiv-by-dechutes/ )

However, this year they mixed it up a bit by adding dates, currants, figs and cocoa nibs making this one a very special beer. Probably close to a Dubbel/Porter Hybrid

Aromas are of bananas, chocolate, raisins cherries, black berries, blue berries, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, oak, vanilla, toasted coconut, fruit cake, mocha, currants, bit of wine grapes and sweetened condensed milk. Smells like the ultimate chocolate fruit dessert. Awesome.

The flavors are of milk, dark and bakers chocolate, mocha, coffee, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel notes, oak, bourbon, currants, cherries, blackberries, blue berries, raspberries, dates, figs, toffee, banana notes, tart wine grape notes, coconut, lots of bread quad and dubbel notes and chocolate port wine fruit cake.

The after taste is pretty sweet leaving with a nice roasted coffee bitterness followed by lots of berries, vanilla and caramel to help it along. It finishes a little dry but that is the best part too. Due to this beer’s complexity and dryness, it just makes you want to sip more. Careful though, that is how it it teases you. You see, once you start, you may like and sip after sip you won’t realize that you finished the entire bottle.

This beer taste a lot like the Brewdog/ Stone Collaboration Bashah in Raspberries and Highland Whiskey Barrels. Lots of fruit, a great amount of chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, bananas and more. I never tried the XXI version of this beer but if that one is a lot like Chocolate Rain, awesome, but this beer is phenomenal in the chocolate berry department. It really did turn out similar to a Dubbel/ Porter hybrid. I would say the difference between this beer and my last review of the Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout, is that the other one has more pecans and caramel chocolate where this one is more berries and chocolate. Quite the different spectrum here. But the hybrid is similar. Some type of Belgian Stout or Porter aged in Bourbon barrels. Close enough to some of the best beers I have reviewed on the blog which have exceeded my limits.

Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore)

Tag Archives: Imperial Porter

2017 High West Barrel Aged Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company

Chronology:18 Imperial Porter by The Bruery

Peanut Butter Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing Company

MXYZPTLK collaboration by Bottle Logic and J. Wakefield Brewing

Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery

2017 Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by Three/3 Floyds and The Bruery

2016 Akevitt Barrel-Aged Porter by HaandBryggeriet

Chronology:12 – Imperial Porter by The Bruery

2016 Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break by Evil Twin Brewing

Botanicals & Barrels Series: Coconut Porter by Avery Brewing

Stone Barrel Aged Milk Chocolate Porter by Stone brewing

Chronology:6 Imperial Porter by The Bruery

2017 Rue D’Floyd collaboration between 3/Three Floyds, Dark Matter Coffee and The Bruery

Seven Sharks A-Circling by Karl Strauss

Nuckin’ Futz by Track Seven brewing

Black Butte XXVIII (28th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery

Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter by (512) brewing

Side Project #25 Liquid Lunch by Terrapin

Pugsley’s Signature Series Smashed Blueberry by Shipyard brewing

2014 Barrel Roll No. 08 Falling Leaf by Hangar 24

Imperial Biscotti Break Natale Pretty Please With A Cherry On Top by Evil Twin Brewing

2014 Preservation Series Ignis Fatuus by The Bruery

Glazed Imperial Doughnut Break by Evil Twin Brewing

Black Forest by Harpoon Brewery

Señorita by Elevation Beer Co

Mogli by Caldera Brewing

Floyd D’ Rue Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds

Rue D’Floyd Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds

Hellfighter & BBA 007 Hellfighter by Karbach Brewing (Dual Review Special)

Parrot in a Palm Tree by Karl Strauss

Suede collaboration between 10 Barrel, Stone and Blue Jacket Breweries

2013 Barrel Roll No. 1 Immelmann by Hangar 24

Black Butte XXV (25th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery