Lil Citra by Pipeworks Brewing

August 2, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Citra Hops, india pale ale, IPA, Koriand'r, Lil Citra, Pipeworks Brewing, Polly Esther, Pururun, Samurai Pizza Cats, Session IPA, Starfire, Teen titans | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.65/5

Lil Citra by Pipeworks Brewing is a 4.9% ABV Session India Pale Ale brewed with Citra Hops

Label:
None.

==Introduction==

When I first saw this can, I definitely wanted to bring it to the site. Pipeworks brewing has been brewing lots of awesome beers but have also been doing lots of great art work with their beers. So whenever I see something that catches my eye, I definitely want to bring it to the site. This brew while light, it packed full of citra hops. Let’s see what it has to offer.

Aromas:
Grapefruit, citrus, floral and grassy hops, Stone fruit peach, apricot, tropical fruit mango, prickly pear, papaya, dragon fruit, kiwi, passion fruit, lychee, kumquats, biscuit bread, tangerine gummies, orange peel, orange zest, lemon candy and starburst hints.

Flavors:
Lots of Oranges, orange zest, orange peel, tangerine, Grapefruit, floral and grassy hops, lychee, kumquats, tangerines, tropical fruit mango, prickly pear, papaya, dragon fruit, kiwi, passion fruit, biscuit bread, Stone fruit peach, apricot, crab apples, honey dew melon, starburst candy, tangerine gummies, lemon candy, strawberries, green tea ice cream and honey.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with lots of citrus and tropical fruit notes, herbal hops and stone fruit. No alcohol in the taste, Clear golden honey body, smooth, rich, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel along with being ridiculously easy to drink.

Overall:
A very delicious session IPA. Pungent Citrus juices with a mix of tropical medley from the Citra hop awesomeness. Not a lot of malt but as you drink a great deal of it, the hops and fruit flavors just seem to gush out but with the dry finish leaves you wanting more. It is definitely on the light side and people for a light beer palettes may like. A recommend if you can get this one.

Anime Corner:
Pururun/Polly Esther from Samurai Pizza Cats and Starfire/Koriand’r from Teen Titans were chosen in this beer pairing since I wanted to pair with the cat and the colors of the beer. The orange and greens pair with the flavors of the beer but also Starfire. Polly Esther, although a Samurai, she is still knowledgeable of the ninja arts and can pair well with the cat in the label.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/euR6nYY.jpg
http://img07.deviantart.net/3db4/i/2016/143/a/6/starfire_by_alex_malveda-da3i7xp.jpg

Ukelele by The Buery Terreux

December 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, ginger spice, Koriand'r, passion fruit, Raven, sour ale, Star Fire, Teen titans, Thai Chilis, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, tropical fruit, Ukelele | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Ukelele by The Buery Terreux is a 13.5% ABV Tropical Sour Ale brewed with passion fruit, Thai Chilis, and Ginger spice aged in bourbon barrels

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Here’s a beer that will pluck on your heartstrings. Just close your eyes and say aloha to Kauai, where the idea for Ukulele began in the form of a Passion Chili Whiskey Fizz, made with bourbon, passion fruit, Thai chili and ginger ale. Ukulele’s tone and volume intensifies with each sip, dancing on the tongue with massive, tart tropical fruit flavors and ginger spice, crescendoing with the slow-timed release of heat from ghost chili peppers and warmth from bourbon barrel-aging. Ukulele is truly a gift or reward to share with friends.
==Introduction==

Obtained this brew as part of the Reserve Society membership. This brew was released to Reserve and Hoarders members of the Bruery. This brew is the Bruery’s take on a more tropical paradise kind of beer. One aged in bourbon barrels and as many of these beers go then to be pretty awesome. I have no idea how the chili and the tropical fruit will work with this beer but I have a feeling it maybe something like the Mexican chili candies. Let’s see if that is the case. Cheers!

Aromas:
Tamarind, bourbon, honey, piloncillo sugar, oak, bourbon, tropical fruits like pineapple, lychee fruit, honey dew melon, papayas, mangos, dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, plums, blackberries, flan, Chili candy, stone fruit peaches, apricots, farmhouse hay, ginger spice and gummy bears.

Flavors:
Tropical fruit papayas, mangos, dragon fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, rich pineapple, honey dew melon, lychee fruit, caramel, vanilla, bourbon, oak, jalapeño pepper, ancho, marshmallows, coconut, ginger spice, fruit cake, tamarind, tejuino, tajin chili, dark fruit cherries, raspberries, plums, blackberries, Tejuino, oranges, tangerines, stone fruit peaches, apricots, farmhouse hay, Mexican mango or water melon chili candy, flan, cinnamon, ginger bread, rye bread, toffee, gummy bears, grilled bananas, brown sugar, honey, and pilloncillo sugar cone hints.

Aftertaste:
Mild heat lingers (for the chili experienced), lots of tropical goodness, Mexican Mango candy, dark fruits, stone fruits, oak bourbon, and coconut linger. No alcohol in the taste, golden amber full body, sweet, crisp, smooth and refreshing mouthfeel, oh yeah and did I mention how ridiculously easy it is to drink this? It is dangerous!!

Overall:
One of the more exceptional sours I have ever had. It reminded me of Mexican Mango candy. This tropical sour gave me goosebumps because the flavors were tangy tropical but also spicy. There was so much going on and really kept me active and drinking. I can tell this one is spicy but for those that may not have a chili tolerance, get ready. Either way, the sweetness of his beer really plays well with the spicy aspect and the focus of tropical and spicy with the complex bourbon action is what you really get while the alcoholic strength is still small but present overall. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Starfire/Koriand’r from Teen Titans was the perfect pairing for this beer. She is so damn sweet and very innocent always open minded and caring but yet if you make her mad she has the strength and power to demolish cities! Yes, this is exactly how this beer feels. The flavor of sweetness and the heat since Starfire is ridiculous and smokingly hot explains the dominant aspects of the beer while the ABV or her demolishing power and strength take the way side mainly because you just can’t taste the alcohol. I really enjoyed this one wayyy too much. Now I have to some how get more bottles but I missed out as I only got one. If you want to try this one, head to the Bruery before it is gone this month (November 2015) or find a way to trade for it. I highly recommend it!

Sources:
http://orig08.deviantart.net/831a/f/2014/055/d/a/starfire__render__by_dafneyaneth-d77x87d.png
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/d6dfb-shunyayamashitastarfirekotobukiya.jpg
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/757/612/9a5.png

Photosphere Phil by Clown Shoes brewing

May 7, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American IPA, Citra Hops, clown shoes, Clown Shoes Brewing, dragon fruit, india pale ale, Koriand'r, Photosphere Phil, Space Cake, Starfire, Teen titans, tropical flavors | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Photosphere Phil by Clown Shoes brewing is a 7.5% ABV American IPA

Label:
Most humans recline on a chaise lounge by the pool, or at the beach. Not Phil, the Clown Shoe rep for CA. Phil motors up to the photosphere of our sun, where a temperature of 6000 K does not defeat his epic ability to chill. The beer is built off the recipe for Space Cake, but with a lower ABV, more crisp body, and Citra hops.

==Introduction==

A California only Clown Shoes release. I was kind of hoping we saw a Unidragon variant, but oh well. Maybe next time. Never the less, I still wanted to bring this one forward as it is a lighter version of the Space Cake but with Citra hops. I obtained this one at the local Ramirez Warehouse in Boyle Heights. I really liked Space Cake so I am definitely curious to see how this one changes with less ABV. Let’s check how the session feels with this beer.

Aromas:
Mango, oranges, orange peel, lemons, grapefruit, piney, floral, grassy and citrus hops, tropical fruis like pineapple, dragon fruit, guava, lemon peel, papaya, lychee, cherries, tangerine, biscuit bread and berry notes.

Flavors:
Citrus, lemony, grapefruit, piney, floral, grassy and dank hops,Orange peel, great amount of tropics of guava, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, honey dew melon, papaya, pineapple, strawberry notes, lychees, sweetened condensed milk hints, caramel, raspberry hints, biscuit bread, caramel, toffee, tangerines, peaches apricots, chocolate cherry hints, cream-sickle hints, vanilla, gummy bears and prickly pears.

Aftertaste:
Tropical fruit notes linger, lots of orange, grapefruit, stone fruit hints, biscuit bread, sweet cream and cherry hints. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, golden honey light body and easy to drink.

Overall:
I don’t know what to say but this beer is just as awesome and more drinkable than Space Cake. A perfect IPA!! Some of the elements I enjoyed from space cake are there for sure and while some of the flavors are hinted than they were in Space cake, the other citrus and tropical notes are more forward. This maybe a California only beer but I’m sure you can get this online before it is gone. In fact, get several as this beer is very easy going!

Anime Corner:
Koriand’r a.k.a Starfire from Teen Titans was used in this pairing as I wanted to find a character that would pair with the fiery sun but also the whole Space Cake aspect of the beer. Her colors go well with the color’s of Phil’s couch and just lounging. Starfire is as strong as the strength of the hops but is also as gentle as the drinkability and lighter side of the space beer.

Sources:
http://sakimichan.deviantart.com/art/Starfire-Teen-titan-511386913

Knuckle Sandwich by Bootleggers

June 10, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged banana notes, beer pairings, best beers in the world, Bootlegger's, Bootlegger’s Brewery, DBZ, Double Imperial Pale Ale, Double IPA, Dragonball Z, Echidna, Goku, honey dew melon, honey flavor, IIPA, Imperial IPA, india pale ale, IPA, Knuckle Sandwich, Knuckles, Koriand'r, pineapple mango, Ranma, Ruby, Ruby The Echidna, Sonic The Hedgehog, Star Fire, world class beers | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Knuckle Sandwich by Bootleggers is a 10%ABV World Class Double/Imperial India Pale Ale

Label:
This is a beer that truly lives up to its name! Brewed with copious amounts of North American hops, this Double IPA has a colossal hop profile and an aggressive aroma. Helping round out the floral and citrus notes is a huge malt backbone that provides a great mouth feel to this heavyweight hitter.
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First had this at King’ Row Gastropub in Pasadena California. Back then I wasn’t aware how great and very sought after this beer was. It is brewed locally here in Fullerton California but even the demand for this beer is insane. By the time I wanted a bottle to review, it was sold out pretty much everywhere. I went to the local liquor store in the street where I grew up since I knew back then they had some nice beers but had not been back there since 2011. To my surprise, there it was, the Elusive Knuckle Sandwich. Even so, there was not many left and I am sure they would be gone soon enough. Didn’t hesitate to get this one to be able to do a good review and bring this one forth in another one of my Art and Beer pairings.

Aromas are very tropical and grassy. Grassy, piney, citrus, floral and grapefruit hops, pineapple, mango, papaya, kumquats, lychees, peaches, guavas, dragon fruit, melon, a scent of plum, orange, lemon, biscuit bread, caramel, pepper notes and mint.

The Flavors are of Caramel, sweet bread, vanilla, rich grassy, herbal, piney and chewy hops, followed by very nice tropics of oranges, pineapple, mango, plum notes, cherry notes, papaya, kumquats, lychees, peaches, dragon fruit, apricots, guavas, very mild banana notes and honey dew melon. The aftertaste lingers with a lot of tropics and herbal hops. The alcohol is somewhat hidden does not detract from the beer’s flavor. In fact, it adds like a honey flavor as well. It is quite balanced for sure.

This beer is essentially what hop head dreams are made it. This beer does not disappoint and it is as awesome as the last time I remember it even though I had it fresher back in March. It a fist full of awesome IPA goodness. Dare I call this one, Heady Topper the 2nd? Yes, I just did. The balance is phenomenal and if you are mainly into more tropical IPAs, then this one is to try. I myself love Tropical IPAs as well as Super hop bitter ones as well. This would be in my top list of awesome Double IPAs along with Ruination, Pliny the Elder, Double Jack, Hop Stoopid, Hangar 24’s Double IPA and others I have reviewed so far. A great example in great west coast double IPAs

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Ruby created by DawnBest http://dawnbest.deviantart.com/art/The-Many-Forms-of-Ruby-the-Echidna-345683691

Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout by Odell Brewing

March 21, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged chocolate milk, Chocolate Milk Stout, delicious flavors, dessert, food, Halloween, Koriand'r, Lugene, milk Chocolate, Milk Stout, Milk Sugar, Odell, Odell Brewing, rich flavors, Starfire, Starfire Cow Costume, Teen titans, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5

Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout by Odell Brewing is an 8.5%ABV Milk Chocolate Stout

Label:
If you’ve ever been to our brewery, you’ve likely seen the old, beat-up truck that hauls away our spent grain. That truck belongs to Lugene, who’s been feeding his dairy cows the hearty malt for over a decade. Named in his honor, Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout is brewed with milk sugar and milk chocolate. The rich and creamy brew reminds us of a cold glass of chocolate milk and our hometown “Aggie” roots.
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This beer started off really good right off of the bottle. It reminded me a lot of the Moohoo from Terrapin but this one seems to emphasize even more on chocolate. Fragrances are of Rich milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel crème, very small coffee notes and chocolate cake aroma. The flavors say a lot. I find more of a mocha flavor than a coffee flavor. There is rich flavors of milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel, vanilla crème, buttery chocolate, some dark fruits, some hazelnut and some minor chocolate bready flavors. The aftertaste lingers of chocolate and more chocolate. Carbonation is super low so it makes this one ridiculously drinkable for a 8.5% ABV. Well that and the delicious flavors. The review is a bit over my expectations as well… I am a chocolate lover and many of the beers that have past my expectations are in the realms of super chocolate or just my favorite styles like Barrel aged Belgian Quads and Stouts.