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

Rating: 6.35/7

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

Label:
Royal Succubinal’s Midnight Brunchy Bliss

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Double Bastard Bigger Longer Uncut by Stone/Arrogant Brewing

14882279_10103680142297300_1267793801230545727_oRating: 6.25/7

Double Bastard Bigger Longer Uncut by Stone/Arrogant Brewing is an 13% ABV American Strong Ale aged in Islay Scotch Whisky Barrels

Label:
Arrogance. Doubled, Barreled. Served Straight Up.

Weakness Is worn on the sleeves. Boldness Is within the heart. This intensified blend of barrel-aged Double Bastard Ale is all heart baby. The weak will find it to be a telltale heart. It knows of your fallibility. It smells your fear. The heart of this beer disdains you, as it disdains all things homogenized, wimpy and uncultured. You do know the truth of yourself, no? If you hesitated to answer that, if even for a split second, that in and of itself is telling. If you aren’t capable of knowing the reality of yourself, this beer can and will take the responsibility of informing you of what you should already know. (And it you’ve lost your way in this text already and no longer are clear about what I am saying, your reading pace has exceeded your comprehension pace. Go back, slow down and start over, bright eyes.)

Take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. Evenly. Give yourself some positive affirmations. Breathe deep again. There. Feel better? If you followed those instructions, then set this bottle down and back away immediately, you new age poseur. Fight or flight and I’d recommend the latter for you, tiger. Wet paper bags are more your speed.

==Introduction==
14918960_10103680142212470_7001141403346120945_o
My love for double bastard never ceased ever since that fateful day where I had the dream I would try it. Since then have had so many variants and now as I get close to making my own version of the delicious Midnight Brunch Double Bastard, Stone/Arrogant Brewing released a wild one from left field. I didn’t think much of it but when I saw it was made with Islay Scotch Whiskey, I definitely thought, this is a must try for sure. Of all the spirit aged beers that I have tried in the past, the Islay Scotch aged is one that is so rare, I last tried a Brew Dog Stout that had this a long time ago. So for stone to release this, this is a truly special occasion indeed and the name fits it perfectly. Cheers for many more from the true Kings of Beer, the Arrogant Bastards!!
14753299_10103680142227440_6355129203037211273_o
Aromas:
Lots of smokey peat, molasses, bacon, smoked oak, BBQ sauce, Scotch whiskey, bourbon, vanilla dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, cranberries, dates, raisins, roasted cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon, tobacco, toffee, rye bread, orange preserves, campfire and smoked marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Rich Smoked oak, Rich smoked peat, BBQ sauce, bacon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, maple, scotch whiskey, bourbon, marshmallow, campfire burnt chocolate smores, toasted coconut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, toffee, rye bread, orange preserves, grapefruit preserves, honey, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, cranberries, dates, raisins, tobacco, leather, Stone fruit peach, mango, butterscotch, sourdough bread, earthy, floral, and grassy hops, fruit cake, Key lime pie hints, brown sugar and roasted cherries.

Aftertaste:
Finishes very smokey bitter and full of complex flavors of vanilla, Scotch whisky, campfire wood, marshmallows, bacon hints, dark fruits and chocolate hints. No alcohol in the tasted despite the ABV, Crimson clear body, smooth, crisp, refreshing, velvety, creamy and mildy syrupy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.
14890573_10103680141948000_8734695102126698863_o
Overall:
A bit above exceptional! This is very damn special. A very unique Bastard indeed. Very different type of smokey goodness that definitely comes from the Islay Scotch. The Double Bastard is there but changed big time by the unique flavors presented in complexity of aging in the special spirit of the Islay Scotch. Definitely not for everyone and as Arrogant Tradition goes, many may or may not like it but if you are a fan, I say you will. Go get this Bastard!
14883458_10103680141962970_5192159597268780436_o
Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and the many Darkstalkers characters were used in this pairing as I wanted to go with a movie like theme and keep Lilith as the main character as she has been for the other Double Bastards. She even has somewhat of a director’s uniform. The theme of Doubles with Jedah and Morrigan have been a part of the theme since the original double bastard.
14853246_10103680141952990_3320170727401887692_o
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/BXNSB6e.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/e74961f3a62c151cbf93433deb58316b/tumblr_o0gzifAGzV1rs0zxko1_r1_1280.jpg
https://cdnb3.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/000/651/431/large/robert-porter-morrililly.jpg?1443930460
http://blog-imgs-44-origin.fc2.com/y/u/r/yuritrap/yr110191.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rtuY1hq.jpg
http://xxgasm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/darkstalkers_morriga-4830.jpg

Chupacabra Quinceañera by the Bruery Terreux

13316950_10103281749759140_3453602818388126404_o 13255991_10103281750233190_3946465978524773394_n 13301427_10103282253649340_5714876946355370780_o 13315305_10103282254397840_1811624254576320416_nRating: 5/5

Chupacabra Quinceañera by the Bruery Terreux is a 4.9% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with Brettanomyces.

Label:
Lupulo-¡Escalofriante!-Tropical

Commercial Description:
Chupacabra Quinceañera is a refreshing 100% Brett-fermented blonde beer bursting with clean tropical aroma from the unique brett strain used for fermentation. These notes are complemented with the subtle use of Simcoe and Amarillo hops, which add layers of tangerine and passionfruit. It’s quite the party.

==Introduction==

Available to Reserve and Hoarders Society members of the Bruery, this beer was something I wanted to try since last year when it was released in the tap room. An original pilot batch by Sean Flannery which was made using Brettanomyces Bruxellensis Trois which is a strain that give the beer tropical flavors rather than barnyard funk. The name of Chupacabras Quinceañera or the Sweet 15th of the Goat Sucker was made as a tribute to creating a beer with mythical brett strains. In 2013, they made one with another mythical strain and called it Werewolf Barmitzvah. I never did get a chance to try Chupacabra Quinceañera and now that it is here, let’s present her to the site. A wild ale with Brettanomyces but how will it differ from the other Bretty beers. Some with citrus, orange and saison funks or even tropical notes. Let’s take a look at how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, piney, floral and grassy hop notes, biscuit bread, hibiscus flowers, lavender, roses, tropical fruit pineapple, honeydew melon, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, prickly pears, stone fruit peaches, apricot, lemon peel and tangerine gummies.

Flavors:
Lots of tropics and funk, pineapple, honeydew melon, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guava, prickly pears, citrus, piney, floral and grassy hop notes, peppercorn, farmhouse hay, stone fruit apricot, peaches, tangerine gummies, white raisins, wine grapes, oranges, lime peels, banana notes, clove spice, barnyard funk, vanilla, oak, butterscotch hints, biscuit bread, hibiscus flowers, lavender, roses, lemon grass, basil, Danish cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with tropical notes, stone fruits, farmhouse hay, citrus, piney and floral hops. No alcohol in the taste, clear golden body, crisp, refreshing, effervescent mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A perfect tarty and bretty tropical sour with lots of delicious flavors. Even on the light side, it is flavorful displaying many of the flavors I would love from even Saisons even though it is sour. The use of variant Brett strains gives me ideas for the day I ever make a saison of my own. Tropical flavors are awesome! This one is a definite high recommendation for this that like light crisp sours with lots of bretty and tropical flavors.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland from Darkstalkers was used in this pairing to represent La Chupacabra Quineañera. The reason I chose her is since she is depicted as a younger person, but being a Succubus, she is actually older than she looks. Also since she is a creature of the night, the whole aspect of Chupacabra, or goat sucker, she is a sexual blood sucker. Like her, this beer is very alluring in the flavor profile but do not fall for the tricks as you may meet your doom. Ah who cares, you already started drinking anyway.

Sources:
http://img05.deviantart.net/cb03/i/2014/266/a/e/lilith_aensland_wallpaper_by_jaksonstoker-d809i3x.png
http://static.zerochan.net/Lilith.Aensland.full.309888.jpg
http://blog-imgs-45.fc2.com/a/n/i/animehiroi/14101162.jpg
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/darkstalkers/images/7/7d/Capcom1708.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130530095225

Depth-Charged Double Bastard by Stone Brewing

12705708_10103058673515720_1124918500964113905_n 12694687_10103058674778190_226909507389948445_o 11057119_10103058676005730_5516763724925697841_oRating: 5.75/6

Depth-Charged Double Bastard by Stone Brewing is an 11% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Coffee

Label:
So, your knowledge of caffè is such that you’ve correctly determined that “depth-charged” refers to the addition of espresso-roasted coffee beans. Well, bully for you. For all I know, you picked that up hanging out at some coffee megachain amid a microcosmic mishmash of vapid layabouts, metro hipsters, and laptop-sporting exhibitionists trying to convince the world (and themselves) that they’re click-clacking out the great American-novel-cum-screenplay for a future summer blockbuster. I could surely teach you a thing or two were I inclined…which I’m NOT. Perhaps you’re eyeing my backside because you’re really into coffee. Nothing wrong there, but if you’ve come to me expecting some beery incarnation of your security blanket “me time” soyfrappélatte or similarly dainty concoction, you’re in for some grande-sized disappointment. I do not exist to provide a comforting mode of conveyance for your jittery, caffeinated fantasies. Nothing about me is smooth, subtle or built for comfort. Those who should be holding this bottle (en route to opening and indulging in what awaits within) are really into ME. Get your cinnamonmochaccino fix elsewhere. This here’s strictly for adult men and women who don’t require the culinary crutch of added fat and sweeteners. My motto: Bold and brave or not at all.

==Introduction==

Got this one at my local shop. Luckily, I did not have to buy the whole 4 pack special as this one seem to come with in the Bastard Box which has 4 Arrogant Bastard variants. Double Bastard has been one of the best beers I have ever especially since the time I started doing beer reviews. Heck, I even had a dream I had it before I actually tried it. That’s how much I like this one. I even have one aging for several years. When I first heard that this was coming out and what it had I was like wuuutt? I wondered how it would work as the beer already is strong and citrucy but would it really meld with the coffee? Well, I guess we’re about to find out.

Aromas:
Espresso Coffee, mocha, citrus, grapefruit, piney, grassy, earthy, floral and dank hops, old oranges, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, dark fruit raisins, dates, plums, dark cherries, biscuit bread, Kahlua notes, brown sugar, pecan pie, Milk chocolate and butterscotch.

Flavors:
Rich Coffee, mocha, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, rich citrus, grapefruit, piney, grassy, earthy, floral and dank hops, old oranges, dark fruits like raisins, dates and figs, dark cherry hints, caramel, roasted barley, tropical mango, caramelized dragon fruit, sourdough bread, rye bread, tobacco, leather, butterscotch, lemon peel, lemon candy, tangerine preserves in toasted biscuit bread, English fig pudding, Khalua notes, ginger, Milk chocolate, burnt chocolate, molasses, hazel nut nectar, roasted chestnuts, pine cones, brown sugar, acorns, flan, tangerine marmalade and black tea notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich candied oranges, coffee, chocolate, grapefruit and earthy hop notes, toffee, caramel, vanilla, mocha and dark fruit goodness. No alcohol in the taste. Deep Crimson, light body, smooth, creamy, velvety and slightly syrupy mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Taking my original love of the bastard to an even newer level. Double Basted Charged with coffee is very exceptional. Who would of thought that a coffee blend to an already dream beer could go beyond something I would of ever thought possible. Just goes to show what Stone brewing is capable of. They are damn crazy with these beers. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and Jedah from Darkstalkers/Vampire Saviour were used in this pairing as I wanted to bring back Lilith for the Double Bastards pairings since the first time I tried the beer. Since then I have done ones with the girl version of Jedah too. Both of them representing the Double in Double bastard. Now with the male version of Jedah, I wanted to show what the wording depth meant in terms of the art pairing. She literally comes out from the depths of Jedah’s charred heart. The other pairing with Lilith is just since I wanted a new artwork to pair with this great beer.

Sources:
http://www.fightersgeneration.com/nx6/char/lilith-oni-soul.png
https://41.media.tumblr.com/d3d4b1ac0190fb0de501aa7af4129253/tumblr_n3lbjayO8H1raomcgo1_1280.png
http://i.imgur.com/Sxo1nsL.jpg

Nocturnal Nectar by Freetail brewing

12662009_10103044316607080_3612030585023838079_nRating: 4/5

Nocturnal Nectar by Freetail brewing is a 6.8% ABV Golden ale brewed with Agave, Flaked corn, and papaya.

Label:
Free your mind & your tail will follow

Look up to the Texas night sky & raise a glass to our bats! Yes bats, they helped to bring you this beer, through pollination, seed dispersal and pest control of three of its ingredients: agave, flaked corn, and papaya.

Bats help bring many of our everyday foods to the table including rice, coffee, sugar, numerous fruits and nuts, not to mention some of the most important of our Halloween treats.

Bats are out unseen gardeners, with foods from around the world relying on these nocturnal creatures.
==Introduction==

I received this special brew from my friend Aaron Mendiola at BeerMetalDude.com. This brew was made for a good cause. Brews like these I feel is a great way for craft beer to give back to the community. Definitely giving back to is a good way to establish once self not by the beer that they sell but by the good they do for society. I feel like the big guys like inBev just mainly spend on selling a product than making good beer and giving back to the community. That is an argument for another time. Anyways, let’s take a look at this delicious Batty brew.

Aromas:
Honey, wafflecone, honey comb, tropical fruit papaya, raspberries, dragon fruit, passion fruit, banana, clove spice, candi sugar, bubblegum, pilsner malt, grassy, herbal and floral hops, mescal hints, cane sugar and biscuit bread.

Flavors:
Bananas, agave nectar, lechugilla agave juice, honey, wafflecone, honey comb, tropical fruit papaya, raspberries, dragon fruit, passion fruit hints, grapes, biscuit bread, cane sugar, grassy, herbal and floral hops, hibiscus, candy sugar, peppercorn notes, mezcal hints and green tea,

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with hints of tropical fruits, floral notes, honey, agave hints, hoppy notes and cereal graininess. No alcohol in the taste, golden light to hazy body, crisp, clean, smooth and refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good brew showcasing so many delicious tropical fruit flavors and still remaining crisp, clean and very drink like a nice pilsner. The combination of the fruits are really present despite this being somewhat lightish of a brew. Something people can dig especially if your purchase goes to a good cause. Today bats, tomorrow, purple sea stars and next, save the Whalez!

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland from Darkstalkers was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair mainly with the theme of bats and extracting nectar. In this artwork, she is surrounded by flowers just like the bat is on the label. That along with some of the fruits in the beer that present themselves in the various colors of the art piece. This is a very rich nectar.

Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2013-05-06-577426.jpeg

2015 Update of Double Bastard (2013 Release) by Stone Brewing

11050210_10102462939012440_824069904067213441_oRating: 5.25/5 (2015* Update)

Double Bastard (2013 Release) by Stone Brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class American Strong Ale

After 2 years, I was able to get this version on tap from Stone Directly. I have done the original review here:https://animebeers.com/2013/11/25/double-bastard-2013-release-by-stone-brewing/

This version definitely shines with richer more caramel and dark fruit complexities. Goes to show why Double Arrogant Bastard Ale is still number 1 amongst many beers in the industry. This time I chose Morrigan to go with Lilith instead of Jedah as you can see the development in “many” ways 😉 . Cheers!

 

2013 Quingenti series Batch no. 9 Punishment by Stone brewing

1560557_10101636162569060_1539970460_n 1551779_10101636162124950_318666055_nRating: 4.2/5

2013 Quingenti series Batch no. 9 Punishment by Stone brewing is a 12.0% ABV Chile beer which consist of Double Bastard ale brewed with chile peppers and aged in American Oak Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Punishment was born as Double Bastard Ale – a heavy, bitter, beast of a beer. It was already not for the timid, but with the addition of jaw-dropping quantities of freshly harvested local peppers, including mid-level-heat red and green jalapenos and ultra-hot black nagas, Caribbean red hots, Moruga scrorpions and fatalis, it morphed into a truly punishing brew.

Leads with ultra-hot and fruity chile flavors along with subtler green jalapeño notes. Intense caramel, butterscotch and bourbon flavors make a strong appearance mid-palate, and the beer finishes with a long-lasting, fiery after burn.

___

For a lover of spicy foods, this is even more fucking scary than crime. I saved this bottle for several months, always looking at me, always taunting me, awaiting until the day I picked it up and reviewed. I looked at it always flipping the finger very time I closed the fridge. Today I decide to bring this one forth for a review and this may or may not be a mistake. Either way, I will try my damnest to give it a good review and pursue the fires of this hell to see what I find. Wish me luck :S.

Aromas:
Lots or fruit spices and intense hot chile aromas like habanero, piquin, jalapeño, flower notes, caramel, toffee, mild brown sugar, mild vanilla, oak, bourbon, mild marshmallow hint, cucumber, citrus, tropical fruit, but overall just lots of scary spices of different peppers. 

Flavors:
Lots and lots of habanero and jalapeño pepper heat, but as I dug deeper, I could taste the hidden bastard of citrus, caramel, bourbon, oak, pizza, fancy cheese, grapefruit, herbal tea, flowers, marshmallow, very mild dark bitter chocolate cocoa plant, cucumber, toffee, old mango, minor tropics and brown sugar near the finish

Aftertaste:
Lots of oak and pepper heat. The bourbon and caramel fade quick. You are too busy trying to play down the heat to even look into finding any alcohol in this which is not detectable or my taste buds are numb. It is a very major sipping beer.

Overall:
Fuck!! It’s hot, but even for chile heads, its drinkable. Even for me who loves chiles and thought this would be a very bad idea, I think there was definitely enough sweetness to counter the heat or atleast keep some of it at bay because I could still taste some complexity. Although, the Chili comes quick with no remorse. If you do not like super hot, you will not like this beer. Ir’s tough to crack the code but if you play with this liquid fire, you will find somethings that are good about it. Do not try to finish this in one sitting, it is not worth finishing it all at once if your taste buds go numb after a couple of sips. Savor the pain, but enjoy!

Anime Corner:
Lilith and Morrigan Aensland as well as the original Artwork by Sang-heun Nam were used to pair this unholy liquid hell to show off many aspects of punishment in different context. In the first part you see a girl being punished forever having to write and write and write, lol reminds me of me trying to come up with good review pairings and explanations. As you can see, she is being punished while the stone gargoyle is kicking back sipping on expensive drink, lol I hope its beer. Then you see Lilith and Morrigan in the background tending to his every need. The second pairing shows Morrigan and Lilith in what looks to be like fire and brimstone, either resembling eternal punishment or just the suffering of the heat of how damn hot this beer is. So yea, this what I came up. Can you find any other ways Punishment pairs with these artworks?

2013 Quingenti series Batch no. 8 Crime by Stone brewing

1460138_10101561183387940_855753986_n 1512435_10101561187444810_818161176_n 1475777_10101561191002680_1633661186_nRating: 3.5/5

2013 Quingenti series Batch no. 8 Crime by Stone brewing is a 9.6% ABV Chile beer which consist of Lukcy Bastard ale brewed with chile peppers and aged in bourbon barrels

Label:
On Arrogant Bastard Ales 13th birthday we threw all our bastards together—Arrogant Bastard Ale, OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale and Double Bastard Ale—to create Lukcy Bastard Ale. Later, a crime was committed against this gorgeous beer by adding an absurd amount of freshly harvested local 
peppers, including mid-level-heat red and green jalapeños and ultra hot black nagas. Caribbean red hots, Moruga scorpions and fatalis, and thus Crime was born.
___

I love spicy food more than the next guy. I would even try some of the hottest stuff, but damn, I wasn’t sure if I was up to the Arrogant Lukcy Bastard challenge. Especially one that is made with chile peppers. Considered the second hottest beer in the world, or so I have heard, don’t quote me on it. I am not sure how to approach this but I will do my best 

Aromas:
Rich chiles like my dad makes, fresh red and green japalapeño and piquin peppers, flowery notes, hints of caramel, hints of bourbon but hidden, oak, caramel, spices, grapefruit, vanilla and earthy hop notes

Flavors:
Caramel, bourbon, Pizza crust, flowers, very rich and hot pepper spice but the peppers are still distinct. Earthy hops, grapefruit, vanilla, oak, flowers and spices.

Aftertaste:
It keeps burning a but the flowery, peppery and fruit chiles are still distinct as well as some earthy hops, caramel spice, and oak lingers a bit. A strong Sipping beer, no alcohol, but still burns. Very careful with this one PLEASE

Overall:
It is a good beer, but damn it is pretty hot. This would be perfect with a nice steak or chicken. The arrogant bastard taken to heights of new arrogance. Truly doth deserveth thy saying: “You’re not worthy!!” Many people will not like this unless you love beer and really hot chiles. This one is a little more tame and sweeter. I am sure the punishment will be my doom. By the way, this numbs the tongue and you will eventually lose the flavor. This is more of a novelty item. I would highly suggest not getting this beer unless you really love beer and chile, otherwise, you will not like it. This would probably be good for cooking too . But that is it. 

Anime Corner:
Lilith and Morrigan Aensland were used in this pairing because I have used them in some Arrogant bastard beers. Lilith steals the spotlight here because I used her in the lukcy bastard pairing before. The addition of Morrigan in the picture as well as Lilith having her mouth open can represent the “hot and heat” of the beer. Them sitting there almost looks like the home of a crime syndicate hence the name of the beer. The one where Lilith is sitting down represents the beer aging and the last one where it seems there are flowers below Lilith are the chiles that were added to this beer. Awesome stuff.

Double Bastard (2013 Release) by Stone Brewing

1455978_10101525470945960_828458695_nRating: 5/5 

Double Bastard (2013 Release) by Stone Brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class American Strong Ale

Label: 
“Ye Shall Know the Bastard, and the Bastard shall Set you Free”

Double Bastard Ale
Warning: Double Bastard Ale is not to be wasted on the tentative or weak. Only the Worthy are invited, and then only at your own risk. If you have even a modicum of hesitation, DO NOT buy this bottle. Instead, leave it for a Worthy soul who has already matriculated to the sublime ecstasy of what those in the know refer to as “Liquid Arrogance.”

This is one lacerative muther of an ale. It is unequivocally certain that your feeble palate is grossly inadequate and thus undeserving of this liquid glory…and those around you would have little desire to listen to your resultant whimpering. Instead, you slackjawed gaping gobemouche, slink away to that pedestrian product that lures agog the great unwashed with the shiny happy imagery of its silly broadcast propaganda. You know, the one that offers no challenge, yet works very, very hard to imbue the foolhardy with the absurd notion that they are exercising ‘independent’ thought, or attempts to convey the perception it is in some way ‘authentic’ or ‘original.’ It’s that one that makes you feel safe and delectates you into basking in the warm, fuzzy, and befuddled glow of your own nescience. Why so many allow themselves to be led by the nose lacks plausible explanation. Perhaps you have been so lulled by the siren song of ignorance that you don’t even notice your white-knuckle grip on it. You feel bold and unique, but alas are nothing but sheep, willingly being herded to and fro. If you think you are being piqued in this text, it is nothing when compared to the insults we are all asked to swallow streaming forth from our televisions and computers. Truth be told, you are being coddled into believing you are special or unique by ethically challenged “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” marketers who layer (upon layer) imagined attributes specifically engineered to lead you by the nose. Should you decide to abdicate your ability to make decisions for yourself, then you are perhaps deserving of the pabulum they serve. Double Bastard Ale calls out the garrulous caitiffs who perpetrate the aforementioned atrocities and demands retribution for their outrageously conniving, intentionally misleading, blatantly masturbatory and fallacious ad campaigns. We demand the unmitigated, transparent truth. We demand forthright honesty. We want justice! Call ‘em out and line ‘em up against the wall… NOW.

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Countless times have I specified the greatness that is the true king of beers, the arrogant bastard. It was only but a dream back in 2011 when I first tried the Double Bastard for the first time. I detail the story in my previous review. Back in my beginnings of craft beer drinking days when my buddy Rich told me about The Arrogant bastard, when I first heard of this of the original I was amazed. When I found out there was a double, nothing could stop me from trying it and thanks to my friend chino, it came to be. From then on, the successor of kings was this one. I have tried this beer countless times and I always find myself every year trying it again. In fact, I am cellaring one since 2012. That is how much I liked it. 

Aromas:
Barleywine-esque, lemons, citrus, dark fruits like raisins figs, caramel, toffee, buttery butterscotch, vanilla, biscuit bread, oak, grassy, floral, herbal and earthy hops, grapefruit, mango, brown sugar and rye bread

Flavors:
Lots of toffee, lots of caramel, Rich Orange juice, lemon hints, citrus, tangerine marmalade on toasted rye bread, grapefruit, dark fruits like raisins, dates and figs, dark cherry hints, caramel, Barleywine like flavors, hidden mango, vanilla, oak, earthy, floral, grassy, grapefruit hops mango, and butterscotch on sourdough bread

Aftertaste:
The aftertaste continues with orange, grapefruit, earthy hop bitterness with continued caramel, toffee and raisins. A sipper with no alcohol in the taste. The alcohol will hit you later don’t worry *Evil Grin*. It maintains the aggressiveness while still having a unique smoothness too it as well. 

Overall:
Bar none, Exceptionally great beer and one of my top favorites. Even if available only seasonally, it is still readily available so it is possible a lot of places in the United states now carry this magnificent piece of craftsmanship. The successor of the crown of the king of beers. No doubt you will always get a recommend from me on this one. The beers I can almost compare this too is also Surly Seviin, except not as hoppy. Stone Old Guardian is close but not as orange and grapefruit forward.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and Jedah Dohma. Lilith, the one with wings and Jedah the blond one. Long ago I used this picture for the first review because I wanted to explain double bastard as 2 separate entities. Sweet and Bitter. Sweet Lilith with the bat wings is a representative of the gargoyle of the label while emphasizing the sweetness trying to take over and soften up the arrogance which is Jedah. The bitter and dark Jedah which, while evil and super arrogant inside, has now transformed (due to Demitri’s Midnight Bliss) into a much sweeter, yet a bit bitter, delicate flower. Keep in mind, it seems, the tables have turned as Lilith with her sweet cunningness has now engulfed the frail Jedah into her own version of the dream that is now this beer, The Double Bastard. Even if she has to tear the layers of flavor, she will find the balance needed in this great beer.

Southern Charred by Stone Brewing

1476646_10101519287123390_144164125_nRating: 5.45/5*

Southern Charred by Stone Brewing is a 12.6% ABV American Strong Ale which consists of 2012 Double Bastard Ale Aged in Charred Oak Barrels, Kentucky Bourbon Barrels and Kentucky Bourbon Barrels that used to contain “Stone Suitable for Cave Aging”

Label: 
Double Bastard brewed August 2nd & November 2nd, 2012
Arrogant Bastard Ale’s (really) big brother, this dark amber ale is brewed with a huge malt bill and a belligerent amount of hops. It’s a heavy, bitter beast of a beer and absolutely not for the timid.

In the Mash: CLASSIFIED
In the Boil: CLASSIFIED
In the Whirlpool: CLASSIFIED

Unfiltered and aged 10 months in 51% Kentucky Bourbon Barrels, 8% American Oak Barrels (charred)
13 Months in 41% Kentucky Bourbon Barrels second-use
IBUs:95
Bottled: October 2013

Cellar Notes:
The charred American oak barrels lend intense smoke and vanilla flavors, while the Kentucky bourbon barrels add nuances of butterscotch and caramel. These meld with rich dark chocolate notes produced by Kentucky bourbon barrels that once held “Stone Suitable for Cave Aging” – (An Imperial Smoked Porter Tribute to Danny Williams) to produce)a very complex, well-structured beer with intense flavor.
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I have tried the Double Bastard aged in Bourbon barrels in the past. This release is aged in 3 different barrels implying a very southern whiskey like experience to the already awesome Double Bastard. Limited time so if you can find this one, they recommended a cellar. At least a cellar on Crime and Punishment. Those will be beastly

Aromas:
Very rich vanilla, coconut, flan, caramel, bourbon, oak, smokey and roasty notes, chocolate notes, crème brulee, toffee, whiskey character, maple, honey, chocolate orange notes, campfire wood, chocolate smores, marshmallows, graham crackers, brown sugar and deep berry notes. Boozy nose feel

Flavors:
Definitely a variety of whiskey, scotch and bourbon notes but pleasant. Rich Toffee, vanilla, smokey wood, campfire, marshmallows, chocolate notes, graham crackers, caramel, coconut notes, orange notes, coriander, earthy hops (still present), burnt oak, maple, honey, flan, brown sugar, berry notes, cherry notes and raisins.

Aftertaste:
The aftertaste is definitely of the presence of Double Bastard. Rich vanilla Toffee with citrus bitterness, coconut, vanilla, whiskey, campfire oak and earthy hops. A sipper with the booziness only as present as it needs to be to get the different variables of bourbon, scotch and whiskey out but nothing to burn harshly.

Overall:
Exceptionally great and complex. This beer will definitely develop stronger oak and vanilla character with possibly more fruit and toffee characters as the years pass by. No telling what will happen. Except the 2009 version tasted like a wine and cheese party which was brilliant.. Price wise, it is a lot. I have to thank a person who hooked me up with this for doing a review. Although, 500ml bottle isn’t quite a lot of beer. Seeing the level of complexity it took to make this I would understand. Although, I would say it is better if you find it on tap if possible. It is only a few times I review these due to the price ($18-$23 per bottle) but I would recommend them if you like as sometimes, they are worth that much in experience.

*Extra credit for the exceptional complexity with the different use of oak barrels bringing out delicious dessert flavors.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and Jedah Dohma from Darkstalkers which I had chosen for this piece had to do mainly with why I chose them for the first Double Bastard I did a long time ago. The Double bastard portion had to do with my idea of 2 girls combining in higher flavor profiles. I will be redoing the original Double Bastard soon to recap on the epic beer to show what I mean. The Bat wings of Lilith and the dark Jedah (Midnight Bliss form) represent the gargoyle and the darkness of arrogance. So you have a sweet and bitter flavor profile from the Double Bastard. The fact that in this picture, Lilith is moving away from the bottle and into the arms of Jedah, symbolizes the repel effect of burning or charred effect the oak bourbon barrels have on the Double bastard beer. In the previous Double Bastard picture I used, it is Lilith who is embracing Jedah instead. So it seemed to fit in my mind somehow.

Bombay Berserker by Clown Shoes Brewing

1378366_10101459458091250_1244609620_n 1394467_10101459457966500_2016632879_n 1378509_10101459458061310_1318389965_n 1384270_10101459458081270_1580768352_n 1380249_10101459458131170_383120147_nRating: 4.75/5

Bombay Berserker by Clown Shoes Brewing is a 10% ABV Indian-Style Chocolate Imperial Stout

Label: 
This exotic stout is a relative of Chocolate Sombrero, with the Mexican spices replaced by the flavors of chai tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla. Dear head banging craft beer drinkers, please remember, “Our love for you is like a truck… BERSERKER!”
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Recently releases in many markets. You can get this one online but if you live in California, it may come out soon as clown shoes beers are becoming more famous here. I was able to get this one online though. Clown shoes has many series. This one is the next follow up to the Chocolate Sombrero and Luchador en Fuego

Aromas are of ginger, chocolate abuelita hot chocolate, caramel, vanilla, chai tea, non spicy curry, dark chocolate, cinnamon, cardamom, bakers chocolate and molasses

Flavors are of Bakers chocolate, caramel, vanilla, roasted malts, mocha, chait tea, hints of curry but nothing overwhelming, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, molasses and brown sugar

The aftertaste leaves with minor spiciness, hints chocolate, vanilla, mocha and roasty notes. A moderate to sipping drinkability beer with alcohol well hidden. Pretty balanced and nothing too overwhelming

Overall it is a very good beer in it’s own unique way. While I started to taste some of the spices from Chocolate sombrero, it turned the other way around. In good way of course. It it is nothing overwhelming like the other Curry beers I have had like Indra Kunindra or the coconut curry from New Belgium. It definitely has its spices under control. I think it is not a full flavor bashing beer but the offering of variety of these flavors and balance is well hit. Very solid beer and yes, worth the try for damn sure. Especially since you cannot feel the 10% ABV. If this was Barrel Aged, well it would definitely heighten this to a new level of Rock Stardom!!

Dulcis Succubus by Le Trou Du Diable

64860_10101284538940630_830920379_n 943629_10101284537972570_671423545_n 74650_10101284541340820_893619856_n 1001522_10101284539793920_1115042580_nRating: 5/5

Dulcis Succubus by Le Trou Du Diable of Canada is a 7% ABV Saison/Wild Farmhouse Ale aged in Wine Barrels

Label: 
The beer is fermented with wild yeast and aged for six months in French oak barrels that previously held botrytized California white wine, creating a complex aroma of honey, vanilla, apricot and leather. The abundant flavor is bittersweet with notes of peach and American hops. Carpe fermentum!
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Translated as Sweet Succubus by The Devil’s Hole Brewing is a beer that was not easy to find. Had to place myself on a waiting list. I guess people do seek this one. Right now, Klwines.com has this one for a hefty price, however, if you love sours and saisons or even wine, this might be up your alley. Carpe fermentum!? = Seize the beer 

Aromas of funky funky bready yeast with wine and grape must fragrances came out of the bottle. Other notes I gathered were of vanilla, peach, oak, good fancy cheese, earthy and floral hops, pepper corn, honey, apple, pineapple and cider.

The flavors a lot like that of the Jolly Pumpkin but mainly like the Saisons from Fantome in Belgium. Flavors are of Honey, biscuits, lemon peel, white wine, vanilla oak, peach, apricot, wine grapes, dessert wine, floral and earthy hops, spices like coriander, peppercorns, lemons, leather, apples, biscuit bread and some nice fancy cheese.

Leaves like a nice fancy cheese aftertaste. Not bad at all. We are dealing with “living” brettanomyces in the beer afterall. Love these living ales. The sourness does not come in as strong. There is a good amount of funkyness and some sourness to make it appealing but also giving way to sweeter flavor with some hop bitterness. Overall it is really funky and reminiscent of those great saisons from Stillwater and Fantome. Hell even some of the Stone aged beers might be similar. Awesome stuff. I would think that this would fit the bill as a during dinner or after dinner type of beer. Wine aged beers seem that way 

All these fancy wine aged beers have something in comparison. They give off this funky cheese notes, even if minor. This is very good stuff though. Here is how I would compare this beer to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etm-qfx3Gok 

Before I forget, the label was an awesome design made by aditya777 (http://aditya777.deviantart.com/art/Succubus-156780762 )

Cheers 😀