Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery

Rating: 7/7

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barmy by Ballast Point brewing

Rating: 5.5/6

Barmy by Ballast Point brewing is 12% ABV is an Imperial Golden Ale brewed with Apricots and Honey.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Made with only six ingredients. Malted 2-row barley, palisade hops, orange blossom honey, White Labs California Ale Yeast, apricots and San Diego carbon filtered tap water. Low bitterness is balanced by tart apricots with a sweet but not cloying finish. Barmy Ale can be aged up to eight years with a strong honey wine character emerging if cellared. Be careful not to be the barmiest of them all.

==Introduction==

Obtained at www.craftbeerkings.com at Plaza Market in El Monte California. I have really been liking some of the new releases for Ballast Point. Especially since they are fish inspired. In this release, they came out with a Golden ale that is 12%. This beer is definitely the strongest, alcohol wise, that I have ever tried form Ballast Point. The others being Sea Monster and Victory at Sea. For a golden and sold in a 6 pack, this is a crazy selection. It will definitely get ya drunk! Being as it was the strongest, I definitely wanted to bring it to the website. Let’s have a look at this new monster, cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical fruit kiwi, honey dew melon, papaya, strawberries, honey, Stone fruit apricot, peaches, lychees, mango, coriander spice, vanilla, tangerine gummies, peppercorns, bananas, clove spice, phenolics, cane sugar, raspberries, biscuit bread and waffle cone.

Flavors:
Rich Stone fruit apricot, peaches, lychees, mango, citrus blossom wild flower honey, orange preserves, tangerine gummies, peppercorns, bananas, clove spice, phenolics, cane sugar, white grapes, pineapple, biscuit bread, rye bread, grapefruit spread, peach cobbler, floral notes, waffle cone, lemon notes, coriander spice, vanilla, raspberries, blueberries, tropical fruit kiwi, honey dew melon, papaya, strawberries, dragon fruit and passion fruit.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of honey, stone fruits, cane sugar, banana, tropical fruit and biscuit bread.
Slight alcohol in the taste, Golden clear in color, smooth, crisp, velvety and refreshing along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional brew! Something I would definitely love to have more of. Yes it is 12% and it will take a toll right away but still, you can’t beat good beer for the price. Although my only gripe is that while it is complex, the booze does creep up and you can tell it is there. A few years and this will be much better to the point where it will be drinkable better. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Princes Zelda from Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild was used in this pairing as I wanted to mainly go with the colors of the label with the orangey yellow fish and the blue sea so the colors worked well. The barrel is essentially an innuendo for her bottom. While it did become a meme when Nintendo focused on Zelda’s rear, the way barrels sit for months is similar to how big butts are big due to long points of sitting around. Although, Zelda isn’t lazy, she’s actually very athletic.

Sources:
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_Y70XAW0AEoLJP.jpg
https://img.fireden.net/v/image/1485/02/1485027607142.png
http://i.imgur.com/9yqT4D0.jpg
http://orig05.deviantart.net/2929/f/2017/062/5/a/zelda___breath_of_the_wild_by_genzoman-db11zxo.jpg
https://babylon.naurunappula.com/screen/c1/d1/c1d153ea4ef8777c/0/1390288.png

 

Home Brewing Project #27 Enchanter De L’ambroisie Du Crépuscule by Nubis Sanctum Ales

15591113_10103831581536850_7766577056212019344_oRating: 5/5

Home Brewing Project #27 Enchanter De L’ambroisie Du Crépuscule by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 9% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with Golden Syrup, Dark Candi Sugar, Anise and Bitter
Orange Peel.

Label:
Enchanter De L’ambroisie Du Crépuscule
The Bewitching of Twilight’s Ambrosia

Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with Golden Syrup, Dark Candi Sugar, Anise and Bitter
Orange Peel.

Magic is the bloodstream of the universe. Forget all you know, or think you know. All that you require is your intuition. ~High Aldwin. Willow The Movie

Across time, people have sought for many gifts such as the Philosopher’s Stone, the Holy Grail, Pandora’s Box, Excalibur or even the Necronomicon. Yet, mankind as curious and as ignorant as they may be, have never laid eyes on such things.

Myth, Legends and Folklore seem to have a way of providing wonder to those who seek the power of knowledge from the unknown. Yet many do not know of the Twilight Princess’ potion. Definitely something that came not from such tales but from other dimensions. For you don’t need to search over the ages and realize you have something special in hand.
Cheers!

Ingredients: Water, Hops, Malt, Dark Candi Sugar, Golden Syrup, Anise, Bitter Orange Peel & Belgian Abbey Yeast.

==Introduction==
15578336_10103831581282360_8041657704807284839_o
Project #27 was inspired by the need to create my second mos favorite beer in the World, the Trois Pistoles. Yes, it is a somewhat common Belgian Style from Canada, but when I first started my craft beer journey, this was one of the brews that had quickly became the best beer I have ever had. Later on, I would try many more Belgians like that of St. Bernardus 12abt and Three Philosopher’s and even Judgment Day from Lost Abbey. Yes, this beer has been an important staple in my journey through craft beer that the day I finally decided was versed in the brewing arts, I could make a delicious clone of the fabled Trois Pistoles. In tribute to the original, I had given it a French name which means, The Bewitching of Twilight’s Ambrosia. The reason for the name I will describe in detail in my anime section but just know, this was for a very magical brew. Now that I have it ready for the site, let me tell you a story about it. Also, to commemorate the occasion, I will also give my thoughts on the side to side comparison of the Trois Pistoles to my version of the brew. Join me in the art of darkness, cheers to all!

Aromas:
Anise, dark candi sugar, rye bread, mild port wine, mild cola hints, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, peppercorn hints, Belgian chocolate, vanilla, piloncillo sugar cone, clove spice and banana hints.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, dark cherries, anise, rich dark candi sugar, sugar cane, piloncillo sugar cone, rock candy, bananas, clove spice, molasses, orange notes, coriander hints, port wine hints, raspberry, cola, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, grapes, brown sugar, pecan pie, Belgian chocolate, mild coffee hints, coffee cake, raisin bread pudding, stone fruit peaches, ripe apricots, peppercorn spice, maple hints, apples, butterscotch, tangerine preserves, rye bread, sweetened condensed milk, honey and waffle cone.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich dark fruits, dulce de leche caramel, stone fruit, vanilla, earthy notes, anise, mild citrus, chocolate and port wine hints. No alcohol in the taste. Dark Amber brown full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Enchanter De L’ambroisie Du Crépuscule (Left) Vs. the Original Trois Pistoles (Right):
The aromas between them is definitely different. It has more of the cola and port wine forward along with what I believe is their specialty house yeast. Mines breaths more of the anise, citrus and dark candy sugar and mild port wine. The flavors are nearly identical except for the Trois Pistoles which leans more toward that port wine, chocolate, and cola flavor and mines leans more toward citrus, anise, dark candy sugar, mild cola, chocolate and dulce de leche caramel. The colors are nearly identical even under the light but Trois Pistoles is slightly darker. Carbonation is more on mine but head retention is greater on the Trois Pistoles. The aftertaste is more of that specialty chocolate, cola and port wine house yeast flavor but both end on strong Dark candi sugar.
15626371_10103831581277370_816671345129066537_o
Overall:
While I do believe my beer is on its own a perfect example of a Belgian Dark, I still agree Trois Pistoles is much better. It is definitely their in house yeast and specialty spices as well as the “on lees” process which definitely gives them only a slight edge over mine. I really, really loved how close this was to Trois Pistoles. It was definitely a better brew just on its own that when I took it out of the fermentor to bottle, it was practically ready to drink. Everything about this beer from the specialty yeast and rich dark fruit flavors matched to that of Trois Pistoles. Specialty house yeast they use of course is hard to find but it is definitely that which I consider that beer to be one of my top in the world right next to St. Bernardus 12 ABT. Am really happy with how this turned out that it is definitely up there with my best brews I have ever made, right next to my Belgian Quad, Sangri Leche, Diablita Del Leche, Raging Passion Lactus Raspear Dragons and others. A recipe worth brewing several times over. Now if I can only get a hold of their house yeast.
15625769_10103831581357210_5417713433251631193_o
Anime Corner:
Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess was the chosen character for this pairing as I wanted to use a character that was both dark and mysterious but also magical and in essence. A dark sorceress but also into the whole nun/monk aspect which would fit with the Belgian abbey style of beers. The story of Trois Pistoles reflects the use of the Lucifer to do God’s biding in the creation of the creation of Our Lady of Snow’s church. Lucifer, in the form of a horse which was bridled and made to carry stones for the construction. This was carried out by a priest who summoned it to do the work. Unfortunately, a worker released it feeling sorry for it and the beast horse disappeared and the church was never finished. In my pairing, Midna wears the chains like that which the horse wore but her appearance similar to that of the dark version of the Virgin Mary also represented the church and its ties to the Vatican. Essentially, in Zelda, Midna is not an evil character, she just looks that way. She helps pay that tribute to the Trois Pistoles brew in the dark magical potion which is still as holy as the ambrosia of gods, hence the name, The Bewitching of Twilight’s Ambrosia.
15625615_10103831581362200_3397963898545853321_o 15585185_10103831581337250_4623773557635064813_o 15591383_10103831581272380_4601497734591949215_oSources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CskbYxBWIAA0Sg4.jpg
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/LtIYhP7FvNFFJmYSrV1JyyKN5mRHlegqU8LXSFrgz3PC5IgfYHRWIlLiEUJWzZcV.jpeg?w=1600&v=He_jk21e3WjlLrtL2pS3ga-vFLrqcKOjJg8NBtoyk34%3D
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/13276149709785426563.JPG?w=1600&v=9J0FQMJeEqwM7xulHoNYFEdGzyaKatPppRtXB2r2ehQ%3D
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/ecadd-midnahoneymoonb2.jpg

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

14500358_10103586625670370_7603281402284353722_o 14468505_10103586625665380_3911454266961627999_o 14481978_10103586625675360_639779613992909017_oRating: 7/7

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

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

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

==Introduction==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#DRAGONSAREREAL by B.Nektar

13063394_10103215780566930_3325034592238263388_o 13047900_10103215783186680_7537154836611534565_o 13061984_10103215799109770_3961639128904335795_nRating: 7/7

#DRAGONSAREREAL by B.Nektar is a 14% ABV Honey Wine/Mead with Cherry Juice, Chipotle Peppers and Cacao Nibs added aged in Dragon’s Milk Barrels

Label:
Thanks @newhollandbrew for the #dragonsmilkbarrels. Made a gr8 home 4 #ChocolateCherryChipotle #dragonsarereal
We won’t miss ur next G of T party @StephenAtHome. #colbertnation #dragonsarereal
@BNektar knows that it takes but little fire to impart a rich snowy charter.
*SMOKY character
#damnautocorrect
#dragonsarereal

In the game of toasts, you sip
or you honey wine.
Cheers!

==Introduction==

I obtained this mead at www.craftshack.com. New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk, its variants and the bourbon have been one of my most favorites for a very long time. They recently have been showing up here in California and the brew is such a great one that I even tried to make a clone with raspberries and tropical fruits. I even made a special oak aged stout using their bourbon. So when I saw this one, I had to get it. Being a big fan, it was something I could not pass up even if it seemed, well, pricey. You will be paying above 20$ for this little bottle but seeing as I have yet to have anything bad from B. Nektar, and it is Dragon’s Milk aged, I had to get it. So let’s see if this this mead actually worth the money. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Wild flower honey, very rich dark cherries, plums, currants, cranberries, blackberries, dark cherry yogurt, Dark Chocolate, vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, Chile spices, tamarind, hibiscus, lavender, Rye bread, raspberry preserves, wine grapes, agave nectar, pecan pie, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, mango, and tropical fruits like kiwis, strawberries, dragon fruit, passion fruit and guava.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Chipotle, Ancho, Guajillo and Roasted Chile de arbol hints, cinnamon, milk chocolate, cherry cordials, dark fruit prunes, raisins, very rich dark cherries, plums, dark cherry yogurt, port wine, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel hints, flan, honey, wild flower honey, maple, agave nectar, ambrosia, tropical notes of pineapple, honey dew melon, kiwis, strawberries, dragon fruit, passion fruit notes, prickly pear tunas, currants, cranberries, blackberries, Stone fruit apricots, peaches, mango, sour apples, golden apples, chamoy hints, tamarind, hibiscus, lavender, Rye bread, raspberry preserves, guava notes, bourbon notes, brandy notes, rum notes, Chambord raspberry liqueur and coffee cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with a mild peppery heat that is quelled by the deep dark cherry, complex dark fruits, chocolate, honey, apples, stone fruits, flan, port wine and dulce de leche hints. No alcohol in the taste, crazily enough even though this is 14% ABV, Crimson and Garnet Dark yet clear body when shined upon. Silky, smooth, syrupy, velvety, creamy and rich mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Frankly, the best mead I have ever had in my life! The stuff that rare legends are made of I love how the notes of Dragon’s Milk soaked Oak from the barrel is slightly there but mainly the rest of the flavors come together so damn well. The heat is there but minor in comparison to the overall flavors. This mead is very complex in flavors for sure. For 14% ABV, you can’t tell the alcohol is there. Something like this I feel was definitely worth the cash. I had no idea mead could be so good that now I would like to make my own just like I did with my take on Dragon’s Milk. If you can get this one, you should. A very different and delicious experience. I even got a piece from Final Fantasy that best fits the experience even more with the telling of legends and dragons. Highly recommended.


Anime Corner:
Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess of Nintendo was used in this pairing since her appearance somewhat resembles that of dragons. She has the colors of the dragon scales and her hair flows like that of the dragon’s fire while her ominous stare is seducing like the eyes of a Dragon mesmerize its prey. Just like this mead mesmerizes the tastebuds. She seems very mysterious and dark but is actually very kind especially when she helps Link in his Journey. While I have used Sierra from Legend of Mana for the Dragon’s Milk stout, the mead would be paired with someone else and that someone was Midna. Definitely the best choice in my mind.

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/712862026155077634/bSeZK5LE.jpg
http://36.media.tumblr.com/d182a4e54850f6f28f5ffd161ccecd80/tumblr_nveqi8QnU61up73mjo10_1280.png
http://orig13.deviantart.net/aa30/f/2016/074/4/6/midna_by_dandonfuga-d9v3kcy.jpg

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

1012731_10101291877903290_325407295_n 971375_10101291878467160_102706796_nRating: 5.45/5

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

Label: 
Dates, figs and chocolate. Black currants, barrel-aged in bourbon casks. The result is an Imperial Porter with a tart berry and chocolate aroma with luscious layers of dried fruit, oak and vanilla. A fitting tribute to the 25th Anniversary of our flagship beer
___

I did a review of this beer last year (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/black-butte-xxiv-by-dechutes/ )

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

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

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

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

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