Iowa | Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore)

Rating: 4.75/5

Guardian Double Stout by New American Brewing of Ankeny, Iowa is a 9% ABV Imperial Stout.

Label:
Guardian Double Stout is made with large amounts of two-row malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley, and flaked oats. Chocolate and roasted characters dominate the flavor, supported by hints of coffee. Despite its intensity, Guardian’s creamy mouthfeel makes it very smooth and surprisingly easy to drink. This beer ages well and can be enjoyed for years to come.

==Introduction==

Another brew obtained while I was at my trip to Iowa. This time, an Imperial Stout from Ankeny in Iowa. Ankeny is the city north of Des Moines and south of where I went to college at Iowa State University. Thanks to my friend Steve, I was able to get the beer over here to the website. I was looking for several beers from Iowa to take to the site and this one caught my eye as I love Imperial stouts and this one seem to be awesome. So let’s see if my choice was an adequate one.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry, roasted coffee notes, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, hazelnut nectar, anise, molasses, tobacco, leather, brown sugar, graham crackers, cinnamon and earthy notes.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, fudge chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherry, hazelnut nectar, roasted coffee notes, mocha, flan, crème brulee, espresso, vanilla, caramel, earthy notes, anise, molasses, tobacco, leather, rye bread, brown sugar, graham crackers, peppery notes, cinnamon hints and milk shake.

Aftertaste:
Dark Chocolate, roasted coffee notes, vanilla, earthy notes and dark fruit. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Very delicious stout reminding me of the very delicious double stouts that are primarily dark chocolate flavored with the roasted coffee notes. It may seem like an average Imperial stout but this beer definitely has the flavors I usually enjoy from Imperial stouts. It would be hard to go wrong this one so yeah, give this one a shot!

Anime Corner:
Lightning Claire Farron from Final Fantasy XIII to take the place of the guardian in this brew. Using dual Lightnings it complements the aspect of this being a double stout. The colors also complement the colors of the label and the flavors with pink being representative of the dark cherries in this beer as an example. Other flavors can be seen as well.

Sources:
http://img08.deviantart.net/1561/i/2014/239/e/b/the_branded_savior_by_limbonix-d7wyfle.png

Rating: 4.75/5

Virtuous Endeavor Dubbel Ale Confluence brewing of Des Moines Iowa is an 8.4% ABV Belgian Dubbel.

Label:
For nearly 425 years, brewing beer has been central to the lives of Trappist monks who view it as a way to create revenue to support their community and as part of a higher calling. Confluence Brewing Company’s three beer Virtuous Endeavor Series – feature Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel Ale – was inspired by the care and craftsmanship the Trappists put into the style of beer they still brew today All Virtous Endeavor beers are bottle conditioned and will continue to mature in the cellar, but can be enjoyed today if you choose.

BELGIAN-STYLE DUBBEL ALE

A grain bill of Belgian and German malt combines with dark Belgian candi sugar and rich fruity flavors to create this sweeter version of a Belgian beer. Dubbel has the lowest ABV for the series at 8.4%

==Introduction==

Obtained this one from my friend Steve in Iowa who was able to ship these to me after my visit to Ames and Iowa State University, my Alma Mater. This one caught my eye as it was a Belgian style but brewed in Iowa. So naturally with my love of the Belgian beers, I had to get this one. This one is a Belgian Dubbel and while I could not find the Quad, a Belgian style none the less is delicious I figure. So with this one, let’s take a look and see what this Belgian has to offer, cheers!

Aromas:
Citrusy Oranges, honey, dark fruit plums raisins, plums, dark cherries, figs, dates, Dulce De leche caramel, vanilla, flan, stone fruit peaches, apricots, tropical guava, raspberry, coriander spice, phenolic notes, peppercorn spices, pecan pie, waffle cone, Belgian Candi Sugar, clove spice, bubble gum, honey and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Oranges, citrus, Dulce De leche caramel, vanilla, flan, stone fruit peaches, apricots, dark fruit plums raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, dates, tropical guava, raspberry, Belgian Candi Sugar, clove spice, bubble gum, banana notes, coriander spice, phenolic notes, peppercorn spices, pecan pie, waffle cone, honey, rye bread, brown sugar, coffee cake hints and chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Residual Belgian Candi sugar, stone fruit, dark fruit, clovey spice and bananas linger. So damn good No alcohol in the taste, Honey colored full body, smooth, creamy and effervescent mouthfeel with a moderate to supping drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious Belgian Dubbel focusing more on its fruitier, citrusy and Belgian Candi side than the dark fruit side. Different Belgian styles would give different flavors but I think I really liked this one as it felt more unique than the average Dubbel. If you are able to find this one or purchase this, definitely give it a try. It is always good to try Iowa beers!

Anime Corner:
Dark Sakura from Fate Stay Night was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the aspect of Double or Dubbel but also the label colors. The flavors of dark fruits like cherries go with her name and as she emerges from the darkness it is synonymous to the way the flavors emerge with each temperature changing sip.

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