2017 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery

Rating: 6/6

2017 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery is a 19.9% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

The utmost in true choco-coffee-mocha liquid gold. I have reviewed this one many times but wanted to bring this years to light. Check out my last year’s review. Cheers!

https://animebeers.com/2016/02/26/2016-mocha-wednesday-by-the-bruery/

2016 Chimay Grande Reserve Ale Barrel Aged by Bières de Chimay S.A

14203384_498865913642849_6410905480117919217_nRating: 7/7

2016 Chimay Grande Reserve Ale Barrel Aged by Bières de Chimay S.A is a 10.5% ABV Belgian Trappist Dark Strong Ale aged in French Oak, American Oak, Cognac and Chestnut Barrels.

Label:
The “Grande Reserve” Aged in wooden casks is an exceptional beer that benefits from triple fermentation and extended maturing in barrels. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, this beer has an incomparable rounded, wooden flavour.

Ingredients: water, barley malt, wheat, sugar, hop, yeast. More info: Chimay.us/barrel

Commercial Description:
The barrel-aged Chimay Bleue of March 2016 stands out from classic Chimay Bleue thanks to the many nuances provided by the additional fermentation in wooden barrels.
On the eye, the beer boasts a deep brown robe with a bright glint. It’s extremely fine and smooth foam also possesses a slight shade of cream.
On the nose, notes of black tea, jasmine and wood are equally predominant.
On the palate, the woodiness cloaks the bread crust, roasting, mocha and Cognac aromas as well as the empyreumatical notes.
This 2016 edition of barrel-aged Chimay Bleue boasts an excellent blend of the characters of Chimay Bleue and Cognac. This balance between roundness and powerfulness is best appreciated between 6 months and 1 year after it is bottled.

Type of Barrels

For this second batch, a mixture of barrels has been used.
38% of French oak – second utilization
22% of American oak – second utilization
22% of new cognac barrels
18% of new chestnut
Produced in limited amounts using craft-brewing methods.
The sophisticated bouquet is perfectly showcased when served at a temperature of between 10 and 12°C.
Alcohol content: 10.5%
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==Introduction==

I obtained this one at my local shop. Having tried the St. Bernardus abt 12 Oak aged, when I first saw this, I thought I must have it. I couldn’t be driven to buy this thought. At a $40+ price, it just seemed way too expensive. Yes, it is Chimay. One of the best and world renounced Belgian Dark Strong ales but this time, in the barrel aged form. I actually passed this one up several times because of the price. It wasn’t until I talked to my friend Richard Avila about this beer that it was clear what I had to do. He had mentioned that, for a lover a Belgian brews, this is something very special and maybe not to try it, might be missing out on something that could well be loved by the community. He said I should try it for the fans of my work to see if they would be intrigued to get this one. This along with the fact that it was aged in several barrels and not just a single or a double but quadruply barrel aged. It was definitely a moving feat. So without further ado, I finally bring you, the Barrel Aged Chimay Blue Reserve.
14205940_498865876976186_5055602451118009385_o
Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, prunes, dates, dark cherries, red wine sangria, Belgian dark candy sugar, Amber candy sugar, cane sugar, rock candy, grilled bananas, clove spice, toasted coconut, piloncillo sugar cone, pecan pie, hazelnut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, port wine, Mexican Dulce de leche Cajeta, leche de cabra, tres leches/ three milks cake, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, bananas and clove spice.

Flavors:
Rich Dark candy sugar, Amber candy sugar, cane sugar, rock candy, oak, vanilla, cognac, dulce de leche caramel, crystalized caramel, piloncillo sugar cone, Mexican Dulce de leche Cajeta, leche de cabra, tres leches/ three milks cake, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, prunes, dates, dark cherries, dark cherry yogurt, pecan pie, hazelnut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, port wine, Chambord raspberry liqueur, marshmallows, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, earthy and herbal hops, pilsner grain, fruit cake, molasses, anise, chestnut cake, red wine sangria, waffle cone, graham crackers, grilled bananas, stone fruit peach, apricot, clove spice, chocolate oatmeal cookie and Danish cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich dark fruits, oak, caramel, vanilla, marshmallows, port wine, red wine, pecan pie, chestnuts, cognac notes, stone fruits, dark candy sugar and earthy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, Abysmal Dark Crimson full body, smooth, syrupy, velvety and creamy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Even for the price, this exceptionally delicious bucket lister was just damn amazing. It has been a while since I tried Chimay Blue and the Reserve. Essentially, staples in my early days of craft beer Belgian experience. This one, just takes it to a whole new level. I have tried many Belgian Dark Strongs, all amazing and all over the top. This, however, this is some new godly potion. There is so much going on and all of it is so damn appeasing. Definitely, this one is to save for a very special occasion and supremely and highly recommended to all lovers of the Dark Belgian Arts.
14088460_498865880309519_846747009594510205_n
Anime Corner:
Konan from Naruto was chosen in this pairing to represent the Chimay Blue colors but her Akatsuki outfit also represents the Monks of Belgian of which compliments this beer’s Trappist origin. Also, the fact that she can create angel wings also coincided with the divine beverage that this really is. In a way, the quadruple barrel aging is really a way for her to “unleash”!!
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Sources:
http://bellbell2345.deviantart.com/art/Konan-622565109
http://images.forwallpaper.com/files/images/d/df7f/df7fc741/272209/konan.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/307111
http://i.imgur.com/fUYcfGc.jpg

2016 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery

12803284_10103093362733250_7549125410621227032_n 12794777_10103093363322070_2128403442201128551_o 12764864_10103093364789130_2203106446519043956_oRating: 6/6

2016 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery is a 19.4% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. Layers of artisan dark chocolate and bold coffee collide (especially when consumed fresh) thanks to cacao nibs from San Francisco’s TCHO and OC’s own Portola Coffee lab.

==Introduction==

Mocha Wednesday is back and this time, like last year, it is released to Reserve and Hoarders society. I think as time continues, it will slowly be released onto Preserve society and maybe one day, publicly. Like the other Black Tuesday variants I have tried before, these are some of the best beers in the world. Hence, since I have tried them and this one a couple of times, this is the last review I will be doing of this brew. I believe after a while, the reviews start to get repetitive. If I had tried them at their finest, anything less would just be quality control over the brews. Which the Bruery has had to separate facilities to alleviate the issues they had run into in the past. With that being said, I definitely recommend this one right off the bat. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, Kahlua coffee, Kopi Luwak Coffee, mocha, java, espresso, Dulce de Leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, maple syrup, pecan pie, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, brown sugar, mint, anise, toasted coconut, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries and almond joy.

Flavors:
Very Mocha forward, fancy coffee, Kahlua coffee liqueur, java, espresso, Kopi Luwak, bourbon, oak, rum hints, vanilla beans, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit cherries, currants, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, blueberries, milk chocolate dark chocolate, baker’s chocolate, bitter and sweet cocoa, Belgian chocolate, German Chocolate, chocolate cherry cordials, toasted coconut, mint chocolate chip ice cream, Bailey’s Irish Cream, almond joy chocolates, anise, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, maple syrup, pecan pie, coffee cake, double chocolate cherry cake, port wine and fudge brownies.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with fancy mocha Kahlua coffee, rich dark chocolates, dark fruits, caramel, cherry chocolate and coffee cake and bourbon notes. Slight alcohol burn going down but none in the taste. Pitch black full body, ridiculous smoothness, creamy, velvety, syrupy and chewy mouthfeel along with a moderate drinkability. Yeah imagine that, be careful not to finish the bottle in one sitting. Wine stoppers are your friend.

Overall:
Definitely a lot more reminiscent of Rue D’Floyd for some delicious godly reason. Yes, that coffee chocolate cherry ambrosia they made in 2014. For being the last time I review this brew, this is one hell of a way to go out with a Mocha Wednesday bang! Yes, there is not much else I can say about this brew that has become one of the best along with the other Black Tuesday variants in the series. Heck, I had to try and stop myself from finishing the whole bottle. The brew was damn ridiculous and I enjoyed every damn minute of it even for a 19% ABV. I highly recommend you get this one along with any of the “Weekday Series”. Mind BLOWING!

Anime Corner:
Konan of Amegakure from the Naruto has returned like in last year’s review and she is looking mighty gorgeous as the beer has allowed to give way to stronger and richer sweet mocha flavors. They got that right. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reasons her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess what other aspects of this pairing complement each other?

Sources:
http://kriscounette.k.r.pic.centerblog.net/vbjyttlo.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/EpwlvJR.jpg

Naránjdanos Celestiales by Nubis Sanctum Ales

12697034_10103054371117760_927499355833596450_o 12646989_10103054372979030_7270311269485518794_n 12694914_10103054371986020_4617245862347928769_oRating: 4.25/5

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

==Introduction==
12240455_10102910050582270_1789850886825821227_o

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

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

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

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

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

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

2015 Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery

11024683_10102435683228250_161914295699782922_o 10860872_10102435682928850_8692333946929483078_o 11021293_10102435682419870_2904449592190317089_oRating: 6/5

2015 Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery is a 18.6% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. This invigorationg ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the both chocolate and freshly ground coffee flavors will be most prominent when consumed fresh.
___

So this year, because I had reviewed this one last year, I will bre pretty much referring to the same stuff I talked about in the last review. This time though, this beer was part of the Reserve Society and it was about freaking time too. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and Melange #3 have been my top favorite Bruery beers and now, Mocha Wednesday is here again this year. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Similar ridiculous aromas like last years. Alesmith Kopi Luwak coffee aroma complexity, rich mocha coffee, espresso, roasted coffee beans, Kahlua, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazel nuts, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, mint, anise and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
This time the Mocha and chocolate move much more forward than last years. Toasted coconut, Kahlua, mocha, java, espresso beans, Kopi luwak coffee, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates as in the aromas, dark fruits like currants, cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, See’s coffee candy, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, oak, bourbon, rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, cookies and cream ice cream, anise, mint chocolate ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, earthy chocolate sugar notes, tobacco, roasted cashews, mocha syrup and more chocolate, damn!

Aftertaste:
Lots of Kahlua coffee. You know the alcohol is there but all you taste is sugary sweet Frappucino and coffee to the point where you can’t sense it until it is too late. A major sipping chocolate mocha syrupy mouth feel beer, but scarily, a smooth beer as well. This beer is no joke.

Overall:
Holy Shit, this kicks a lot of the best coffee beers right in the nuts. I think this is really the best damn coffee beer I have ever had with Alesmith Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout being the second runner up. This definitely is a warming welcome to the already great line up of Bruery beers specifically the ones I had mentioned earlier in my post. This time, the mesh of chocolate and coffee come forth like no other, chocolate rain style. Even so, like the previous review of this, the consistency and the coffee to give it a complex coffee-mocha flavor makes it extremely unique. Something like this is what meets the highest expectation exceeding criteria that I look for in some of the best beers in the world. A rarity, but a lovely beer just the same as last years beer. It may not be the 19.2% ABV that it used to be but damn still strong and leading the pact of beers into the future.

Anime Corner:
Konan of Amegakure from the Naruto has returned like in last years review and she is looking mighty gorgeous as the beer has allowed to give way to stronger and richer sweet mocha flavors. They got that right. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reason her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess, what other aspects of this pairing compliment each other?

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1168065
http://kriscounette.k.r.pic.centerblog.net/vbjyttlo.jpg
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/06/2b/3e062b8799a391d6b3439578726d3dce.jpg

Modern Romance by Midnight Sun brewing

10441110_10101855185660030_8849422213577237842_n 10383518_10101855186882580_8116320430953076281_nRating: 5.5/5

Modern Romance by Midnight Sun brewing is a 9.3% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed with cacao nibs, cocoa powder, cinnamon, chilies and maca and aged with cocoa powder 

Label:
Raw cacao powder and roasted cacao nibs add an earthy element. But every romance needs some spark. Modern Dwellers’ signature Mayan Spice blend provides sultry, lingering heat that seduces the sweetness of the malts. It’s not for everyone but, for some, there is nothing else.

In an exciting collaboration, Midnight Sun and Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge—a local artisan chocolatier—designed and brewed a very special dark ale that celebrates our strengths—and weaknesses: sensuous chocolate, warm spice, fiery chili, provocative character and amorous mood. 
___

Obtained this guy at craftbeerkings.com, I wanted to give it a shot especially since I love chocolate beers. I heard this one was a Belgian style strong dark ale with chocolate and chile. Oh hell yes! I had to try it. So here it is, the review for your enjoyment and let us see if this beer holds it’s weight as a good chocolate beer.

Aromas:
Strong Milk chocolate shake, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, mocha coffee, nutmeg, dark fruit prunes, subtle to hints chili pepper, chocolate abuelita brick,molasses, toffee, and currants.

Flavors:
Very dark chocolate, chocolate abuelita brick, milk chocolate powder, mocha coffee, dulce de leche caramel, raisins, prunes, vanilla, subtle chili pepper, cinnamon, ginger spice, nutmeg, subtle chile spices, currants, toffee, molasses, anise, Mexican mole sauce, oak, port wine, cherries, fudge cake, all spice and hazelnut nectar.

Aftertaste:
Chili pepper mainly in the finish but not super hot. Mainly cocoa powder, dark fruit, molasses, earthy notes, . No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer with full and somewhat syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
I gave this one a good amount extra credit since I love chocolate beers and the fact that this one definitely whops a lot of chocolate and is pretty balanced and not overly sweet. The Belgian aspect falls into perspective only a little bit drinking more like a Belgian Stout than a Dark Belgian Strong ale. The cocoa powder takes away the majority of the heat that would have been there even if you can tell this is a chile beer. Not the above best of all of my favorite chocolate beers but it definitely is up there and very delicious. Something definitely worth trying. It is pretty sensual.

Anime Corner:
Naruto himself and his harem of girls that come out in the series were used in this pairing. Pretty much, all the main ones. These fan arts were made by uzmakiee-naruto and StikyfinkaZ-003 of DeviantArt.com. In an attempt to pair with the label used in this beer and something that comes to mind of this beer’s flavor if a wet dream, was the main reason why I thought this pairing would work fantastically. Awesome stuff!

Sources:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Gift-For-The-Main-Character-162738736
http://uzmakiee-naruto.deviantart.com/art/Naruto-600-1653189-438992671

Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery

1014082_10101671495491600_1756682980_n 1966856_10101671498834900_1504673027_n 1970798_10101671497782010_137021336_n 1922342_10101671498161250_1633794177_nRating: 6/5

Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery is a 19.2% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Coffee and Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. This invigorationg ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the both chocolate and freshly ground coffee flavors will be most prominent when consumed fresh.
___

Fucken right, the only beer this year from the stupidly exclusive and expensive hoarders society of the Bruery I was able to obtain thanks to a great donation. You will most likely have to trade or spend a grip of money on this rarity of rares. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and Melange #3 have been my top favorite Bruery beers and today on this very Wednesday, a Mocha Wednesday, I contribute this beauty to the reviews. Thank you so much mystery person for the generous donation. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Alesmith Kopi Luwak coffee aroma complexity, rich mocha coffee, espresso, roasted coffee beans, Kahlua, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazel nuts, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, mint, anise and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
Toasted coconut, Kahlua, mocha, java, espresso beans, Kopi luwak coffee, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates as in the aromas, dark fruits like currants, cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, See’s coffee candy, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, oak, bourbon, rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, cookies and cream ice cream, anise, mint chocolate ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, earthy chocolate sugar notes, tobacco, roasted cashews, mocha syrup and more chocolate, damn!

Aftertaste:
Lots of Kahlua coffee. You know the alcohol is there but all you taste is sugary sweet Frappucino and coffee to the point where you can’t sense it until it is too late. A major sipping chocolate mocha syrupy mouth feel beer, but scarily, a smooth beer as well. This beer is no joke.

Overall:
Holy Shit, this kicks a lot of the best coffee beers right in the nuts. I think this is really the best damn coffee beer I have ever had with Alesmith Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout being the second runner up. This definitely is a warming welcome to the already great line up of Bruery beers specifically the ones I had mentioned earlier in my post. No doubt about it, it is not as chocolatey as Chocolate Rain, but the consistency and the coffee to give it a complex coffee-mocha flavor that makes it extremely unique. Something like this is what meets the highest expectation exceeding criteria that I look for in some of the best beers in the world. A rarity, but a lovely beer just the same. That and at 19.2% is the 3rd highest ABV I have ever tried next to Chocolate Rain and Tactical Nuclear Penguin (32% ABV although too harsh).

Anime Corner:
I looked for a couple of days figuring out which character to choose and after watching Naruto this past weekend, who else can actually make a great pairing but the 3rd Akatsuki Rogue Ninja leader and one of the top female ninjas in the series (next to Temari ofcourse), Konan of Amegakure. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reason her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess, what other aspects of this pairing compliment each other?

El Mole Ocho Vintage 2013 (High Gravity Series) by New Holland Brewing

536939_10101477015022020_1845921661_n 602103_10101477025945130_1597653307_n 1452035_10101477026618780_148683817_nRating: 4.65/5

El Mole Ocho Vintage 2013 (High Gravity Series) by New Holland Brewing is a 10.5% ABV Herbed/Spiced ale

Label: 
Our exploration into the flavors of mole, the legendary sauce of central Mexico. Malty aroma and rich, cocoa-laden body laced with an invigorating tinge of dried chilies and coffee. Pairings poultry, red meat, dark chocolate.
___

Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in my tradition is a time when we pray for our loved ones who are no longer with us. It is a day in celebration and remembrance. This day, I offer a review for a beer which came to me, just in time, online. So I figured it be the perfect occasion to let you in on a special beer that is made with flavors of mole and spices.

Aromas of this of mole, chocolate abuelita (Mexican Dark chocolate), cinnamon, champurrado (Mexican Chocolate and Atole drin), chile de arbol (red dried chiles), raisins, brown sugar, dark fruit notes, clove spice and pecans

Flavors are of dark Chocolate, chocolate abuelita, bananas, cloves, cinnamon, champurrado, notes of chile, molasses, brown sugar, dark fruit notes, pecan notes, caramel, berries and toffee.

Aftertaste continues with nice cinnamon, cocoa, chile notes, clove spice and dark fruit. Seriously hidden alcohol. No where to be found here. Moderate to sipping drinkability. It goes down kinda smooth

Overall, very good and a good pairing for Dia de los Muertos. A great amount of good sweets and spices. Not enough of the heat which is good, because some people prefer not to have a lot of heat. This beer reminds me of the New Belgium’s Mole Ale, however, the one that truly takes it in terms of mole beers, is Dark Lord De Muerte. That is intense stuff. This one is a definite recommend though for sure.

Anime Corner:
In the theme of the label and the day, it is easy to see what I was going with Orihime and Ulquiorra from Bleach, Lydia from Beetlejuice (Always speaking and fooling around with Ghoul Beetlejuice) and also Konan from Naruto. For Konan, this is not canon to the series but the way she looks is a special technique called Jashin in which the host does a ritual with a sample of the victim’s blood. By committing sepukku, the host unleashes the same death onto the victim. The host survives the ritual impaling and the victim dies in its place. Pretty crazy stuff coming from the Naruto Universe. Aside from that though, Jashin style looks like a skeleton and Konan, always wearing a flower on her head, seems to fit right in with the label and theme. Cheers!!