Tag Archives: nami

Tell No Tales by The Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Tell No Tales by The Bruery is a 12.5% ABV Imperial Pumpkin/Yam beer brewed with molasses, maple syrup, and spices aged in bourbon barrels and rum barrels

AVAST THERE!
Mark well what you see here, mateys. This ain’t no ordinary tale or ale. Designed and destined for ye heartier souls, this spiced, autumn ale is filled to the brim with barrel-aged character from its voyage in bourbon and rum barrels. Brewed with yams, maple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and allspice, with a dash of barleywine flare, ‘tis the motherload of flavors to fly under the flag of Captain Rue.

Delicious Fall Flavors

Home Brew Project #32 Thar Ye Be, Mangos! by Nubis Sanctum Ales

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
Rating: 4.45/5
 
Home Brew Project #32 Thar Ye Be, Mangos! by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 5% ABV Hard Apple Cider Made With Mango and Brown Sugar.
 
==Introduction==
Project#32 takes a throwback to my Passion Fruit and Mango Cider which one of the best light ciders I’ve ever made. Yes, and I meant the light ones as many of the strong ones I would say they are the best in their own right. The reason I wanted to make it just plain mango was mainly because I wanted to see how it would do on its own with just mango. If I make a Passion Fruit one by itself, I will rate it accordingly. Since the Passion Mango mix was ridiculous. The name of the cider I will explained later as I chose it with the choice of the artwork pairing as I usually do with many of my beer and cider pairings. Most of this year, I will be making simple brews and ciders as I am on a personal goal at the moment. Granted, I would still slightly like to experiment. While I do use flavoring to get an idea, as I get more experience, I will be using more fruit with these ciders like I do with beer. So for now, lets see how this one is, cheers!
Aromas:
Mango, honey, stone fruit peach, apricot hints, golden apples, cane sugar, brown sugar, honey dew melon and lychee notes.
Flavors:
Mango, Golden apples,stone fruit peach notes, honey, cane sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, grapes, honey dew melon, strawberry hints, guava, caramel, butterscotch hints, lychee and guanabano hints.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with notes of the mango, tart apple hints, cane and brown sugar hints. No alcohol in the flavor, clear light golden body, crisp, clean and super refreshing mouthfeel and very easy to drink.
Overall:
A very delicious cider! While it is not the same passion fruit tropical goodness I remember with the passion mango cider I made, the single use of mango and the brown sugar takes it in another direction. A sweet direction in fact especially since the brown sugar and mango does give it a very nice flavor. Very nice and clean like the original one I made. I will keep this recipe in the books and hope to make it again!
Anime Corner:
Nami from One Piece was chosen for this pairing as I wanted this cider to be synonymous with tropical fruit and hence the sea. So since Nami is a pirate, setting forth in search of gold would be like trying to find this amazing golden mango cider. Something that many would have to search far and beyond. The name Thar Ye Be, Mangos! Is pirate speak once the mango cider goodness is found! Also, Namis colors would fit with the different mango colors like reds, greens and yellows.
Sources:

Coconut Victory At Sea by Ballast Point

by tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

15440465_10103803517382640_6340659360454904972_oRating: 5.75/6

Coconut Victory At Sea by Ballast Point is a 10 % ABV American Porter brewed with Coffee and Coconut.

Label:
Our favorite porter with just a touch of the tropics.

This Coconut Victory at Sea takes our popular Imperial Porter to another place. We added sweet roasted coconut to our robust porter brewed with Caffe Calabria coffee and vanilla, the perfect complement to this beer’s subtle roasty intensity. A favorite at our annual Victory at Sea Day, but it’s worth enjoying anytime you need to be transported.

==Introduction==
15403639_10103803517287830_7670806324279494733_o
It has been years since I had Victory at Sea. It was such an awesome brew when I was looking for it so long ago that it was a rarity. Before the times that it became more readily available, it was one of the best beers for Ballast Point right next to Sea Monster in my opinion. Today, you can find these more readily available and recently, they have been experimenting with ingredients. I know there is a peppermint version of this one which I should bring forth in a future review but I could definitely not pass up on this one especially since it was a coconut beer. With that being said, let’s see if this one out does it’s original. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, coconut milk, toasted coconut, macaroons, roasted coffee, steamed milk, coffee cake, vanilla, mocha, caramel, maple syrup, cotton candy, Cocada Mexican Coconut candies, flan hints, earthy hop notes, roasted barley, Dark fruit currants, prunes, raisins, marshmallows and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Rich toasted coconut, macaroons, roasted coffee, steamed milk, coffee cake, vanilla, mocha, caramel, maple syrup, Dark fruit currants, prunes, raisins, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, smores, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, coconut milk, almond milk, Danish cream, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, marzipan, rye bread, anise, molasses, lactose, Cocada Mexican Coconut candies, flan hints, earthy hop notes, roasted barley, macadamia nuts and cotton candy hints.

Aftertaste:
Finish with roasted coffee bitterness, earthy hops, coffee cake, dark chocolate, toasted coconut, hazelnut and mocha hints. Slight hints of alcohol at the end but not detracting from the overall flavors of the beer. Deep dark body, creamy, smooth, velvety and chewy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Definitely an exceptional brew! I love how is smells and taste. There is so much awesome coconut and chocolate and coffee cake that it is crazy. I think I liked this one more than the original but then again I really like coconut beer. While it is not in par with some of the best coconut beers I have ever had, it definitely surpasses even the most perfect ones that usually stop at the 5/5 rating for me. Even with no barrel aging, taking the base beer and amping it up to the next level really did for me. I highly recommend this one especially if you are a coconut beer lover!
15493430_10103803517302800_5739574969142764755_o
Anime Corner:
Nami from One Piece was the right choice for this pairing as she is literally a pirate. I wanted to go with the theme and something tropical. Since Coconut is in the mix with a beer about pirates, why not make it tropical. Speaking of tropical, Nami does have some of the colors on her of nice toasted coconut and coffee cake and to some extent, the colors of the label. I really enjoyed bringing her into this pairing.
15440492_10103803517297810_8344525397432603776_o
Sources:
http://wallpaperflix.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/nami-wallpaper-1.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pL6WXuH61WY/VxX_0R_dL2I/AAAAAAABy2U/aPk24HEQw0g/s0/018.jpg?imgmax=2000
http://kizaru89.deviantart.com/art/One-Piece-Burning-Blood-Nami-609367201
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/kCrNQc4w9qaoqzjM7ySELbgXXW6DIw3l522KVifM07op9VLLqZwhGi3tO3KdToHk.jpeg?w=1600&v=wSURMzV9B94QzBdy_P5zSk1uPOHDuxsd8fkK8zymiFg%3D

Quintuple IPA (5th Anniversary) by Karbach Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

 

15259270_10103760816161230_8059158507008525140_oRating: 6/6

Quintuple IPA (5th Anniversary) by Karbach Brewing is a 13% ABV Quintuple India Pale Ale/American Strong Ale.

Commercial Description:
This one of a kind offering is brewed to celebrate 5 years of beer! Brewed with 5 different malts, 5 different sources of fermentable sugars, 5 hop varieties and 5 yeasts. We hope you’re sitting down for this one… 

==Introduction==
15235792_10103760816186180_4333761001457816700_o
Thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola from BeerMetalDude.com who was able to get me this one. I have heard this one was difficult to get as the demand for this one was great and it was a limited edition brew. I think everything I have tried from Karbach has been insanely delicious. Definitely from perfect to exceptional type of brews. Even if it was unfortunately, purchased by ABInBev. While I don’t like that they purchase breweries to “disrupt” the craft beer growth, on one hand, this could possibly mean more distribution for Karbach. Only the future will tell and for this being their 5th and final anniversary (ABInBev pre-purchased) this should probably be a sought out one. They will have more Anniversaries I’m sure but for now, let’s take a look at this one, cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit peach, old mango, Tropical fruit dragon fruit, papaya, guava, dark fruit raisins, figs, cherries, currants, grapefruit preserves on rye bread, toffee, waffle cone, vanilla, butterscotch, citrus, grassy, piney, grape fruit and earthy hops, brown sugar, marshmallow and toffee hints.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, marshmallow, toffee, waffle cone, vanilla, butterscotch, citrus, grassy, piney, grape fruit and earthy hops, Stone fruit peach, old mango, Tropical fruit dragon fruit, papaya, guava, membrillo guava cake, prickly pears, raspberry, strawberries, Danish cream, sweetened condensed milk, fruit cake, bananas, leather notes, tangerine gummies, orange gummies, berry starburst, bananas, dark fruit raisins, figs, cherries, currants, grapefruit preserves on rye bread, leather, brown sugar, molasses hints and grape gummies.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with orange preserve flavors, caramel, grapefruit, piney and citrucy hops, biscuit bread, vanilla, and dulce de leche caramel. No alcohol in the taste, golden honey amber clear body, clean, crisp, refreshing and smooth mouthfeel and moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Outstanding and exceptional IPA. Although, this one is more along the lines of a Barleywine but still carries itself in a unique way. Not quite the Barleywine or IPA but definitely a mixed category. The Quintuple IPA sounds about right and so does the American Strong Ale name as well. Regardless, this is one that reminded me of some of the very delicious American strongs I like that are damn hoppy. This one is definitely a must find and even if it ages, I think it will age well, for an IPA!
15235400_10103760815976600_2177108914879354860_o
Anime Corner:
5 Roll variants across Capcom’s Megaman Franchise, 5 fan transformers, Vivi Nefertari, Nico Robin, Boa Hancock, Tashigi and Nami from One Piece we all used to represent 5 for the 5th anniversary of Karbach. I tried to go with as much to represent the colors as well and even paired celebration represented by Nami with the Beer Stein.
15304070_10103760815971610_1248499661714257575_o15194534_10103760815991570_4773623187160730309_o
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/bwKo2O4.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvreJgCVUAAvXVV.jpg
http://www.figgy.jp/img/figure/2016/201610240003ed2fd517754cc39fb5cff9e48c928e47/9.jpg
https://www.atpress.ne.jp/releases/51066/img_51066_9.jpg

 

2016 OneHitter Series The Waldos’ Special aka 420 Ale by Lagunitas Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

13241301_10103263291160320_1597796353763943072_n

Rating: 5.5/6

2016 OneHitter Series The Waldos’ Special aka 420 Ale by Lagunitas Brewing is an 11.5% ABV Triple India Pale Ale.

Label:
In 1971, the Waldos met one afternoon at 4:19 as to not be late and set out in a ’66 Impala armed with a treasure map on a journey to find a spot near near Point Reyes. They never found the spot… But they kept Lookin’. The dankest and hoppiest beer ever brewed at Lagunitas was made with help of the Waldos for all treasure hunters….

Commercial description:
In 1971, the Waldos met one afternoon at 4:20 in the front courtyard of their school near the statue of Louis Pasteur. They set out in a ’66 Impala armed with a “treasure map” on a journey to find a secret garden near Point Reyes. They met there at the same time every day and continued their quest. They never found the secret garden….But they keep lookin’. The dankest and hoppiest beer ever brewed at Lagunitas was made with help of the Waldos for all treasure hunters.

==Introduction==

Released on April 20th, 2016, this six pack was sold in many markets where Lagunitas is sold. They had released this one in the past but this is my first time at trying it. Since we first tried it at Uncle Henry’s, my friend Juan definitely wanted to get this one again. Lucky for us they had it at the local Downey Liquor in Downey California. My friend gave me 2 bottles for review and now I present them to you so you are able to decide on this dank master piece.

Aromas:
Lots of hoppy dank complexities of citrus, grapefruit, oregano, marijuana, oniony, garlicky, herbal, piney, yerba Buena, lemon verbena, stone fruit peaches, apricots, tangerine gummies, honey, coriander, vanilla, biscuit bread, tropical fruit mango, dragon fruit, guava, kiwi, pears and cherries.

Flavors:
Super Dank, Marijuana funky notes, oregano, grapefruit, garlicky, oniony, garlicky, grassy, herbal, piney, yerba buena hop notes, lemon verbana, mint, caramel, vanilla, biscuit bread, tropical fruit pineapple, guava, mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, honey dew melon, kiwi, pears, cherry, stone fruit peaches, apricots, tangerine gummies, sweetened condensed milk, lychee, strawberries, raspberries, honey, Italian herbs, basil, lemon peel, coriander and honeysuckle.

Aftertaste:
Super dank hops linger, floral,tangerine, caramel, oranges tangerine gummies and tropical notes linger. No alcohol in the taste, Orange Gold and Sunny clear body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
If Power Plant is my Tropical Fruit IPA Gold Standard, this one is my Grassy Herbal Pungent Hop Gold Standard. I would say this one is right below power plant as my favorite of IPAs. There is so much dank and funky notes like if it really was cannabis in a beer. Which there really isn’t any weed in here, just weed’s cousin (humulus lupulus) or so I think. Anyway, for lovers of IPAs and super hop heads will definitely love this one and I highly recommend it!

Anime Corner:
Nami from One Piece was used in this pairing to pair with several aspects. The Where’s Waldo part are the stripes but since the beer theme is going for green like the hops, she has green stripes. The treasure map she holds is like the map to finding the gold mentioned in the description. She is a treasure hunter but also she is a pirate in the show so I feel like it wall works and blends pretty well with the theme of the beer.

Sources:
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/434019-695×900-one+piece-toei+animation-nami-sakimichan-long+hair-single.jpg

 

Fifty Niner by Odell Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10360769_10102152758426820_265313859018849441_nRating: 4.85/5

Fifty Niner by Odell Brewing is a 10% ABV Belgian Golden Ale brewed with Brettanomyces.

Label:
Brett or Bust! 1859 was the peak of the Colorado Gold Rush. Prospectors and dreamers, later dubbed 59ers, journeyed across the land with the hopes of striking it rich. In that spirit of adventure, Fifty Niner is a Golden Ale aged on oak staves and bottle conditioned with Brettanomyces, a yeast as wild as the new frontier. The lustrous golden brew shines with hints of lemon zest and pear accentuated by a rich vanilla and almond oak character and a subtle earthy spiced pineapple Brett finish.
___

Odell brewing is something we hardly get to see here in California, especially this beer. Thanks to Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com I was able to bring this to the website for a review. So far, all the beers I have had from Odell have been really good and guessing by the way this is made, I can only assume an awesome experience. So let us dig into this review and see what flavors we can unearth.

Aromas:
Honey, caramel, vanilla, pecans, almonds, oak, funky notes, tropical mango, pineapple, stone fruit apricots, peach cobbler, vanilla, floral notes, peppercorns, sage spice, wine grapes, brettanomyces funk, guava notes and sugar cane.

Flavors:
Peach cobbler, caramel, dark fruit dates, stone fruit apricot, plums, pineapple, mild funk, farmhouse hay, peppercorns, oak honey, vanilla, almonds, pecan pie, citrus, flowers, sugar cane, sage spice, tropical fruit like papaya, kiwi, earthy and musty notes, biscuit bread, rye bread, wine grapes, brettanomyces funk, and guava.

Aftertaste:
Leaving rich citrus, honey, peppercorn, funky notes and tropical sweetness. A small amount of booziness in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Light to medium body, sipping drinkability as well as mildly syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good and sweet brettanomyces ale and the fact that it is a Golden ale too clashes with the rich tropical goodness of what both have to offer. It is almost like a funky tropical old and exotic fruit dessert. Alot going on here that makes this one very delicious. I would definitely recommend this one if you like Belgian styles like Golden Ales and to some degree, Saisons or just both styles.

Anime Corner:
Nami from One Piece was used in this pairing to pair with the colors of the label but also the aspect of being in a cave digging up gold or at least finding gold. The main difference between the treasure seeking pirates and a Gold miner is the fact that you may or may not keep your findings. In this case, you can make this Golden liquid yours!

Sources:
http://cs.sankakucomplex.com/data/47/c4/47c448853afbbd261a1715fd43ee7b80.jpg?3771852

Forgotten Island by Cigar City brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1374901_10101457321912170_1203501524_nRating: 6/5

Forgotten Island by Cigar City brewing is a 15% ABV Belgian Quadruple aged in Jamaican Rum Barrels

Label: 
This dark complex style of ale originated in the Trappist monasteries of Belgium. It was sipped by monks during fasting and winter months. Forgotten Island adds a tropical twist via aging in Jamaican rum barrels. The barrel lends notes of vanilla, molasses, orange peel, cocoa, brown sugar, nutmeg, hazelnut, apricot and peach. This plethora of flavors and aromas from the rum barrel intermingles with banana, clove, cinnamon,fig, plum and brown sugar aromatics and flavors from the quadruple, creating a contemplative ale perfect for introspective moments far from the cares of the world beyond. 
___

Released exclusively for the Cigar City Catador club. A hard to get beer unless you know some one who is in the club or can trade/buy from someone online. This is the first time I try a rum barrel aged quad. I have tried a good number of Bourbon barrel ones but never a rum one. Good luck in getting this one

Aromas are very sweet. Velvety dark fruits, currants, plums, raisins, chocolate notes, dulce de leche caramel, figs, raisin bread pudding, oak, rum, rich coconut, vanilla, pecans, bananas, cloves, cherries, blackberries, boysenberries, blackberry marmalade, brown sugar, cinnamon, hazelnut, oranges, apricot, peach, piña colada, tropical fruits like papaya, melon, dragon fruit and other fruit and spices

The flavors are freaking amazing! This would be a great response to the Bruery’s Cacaonut, except it is rum and quad and has more dark fruits than Cacaonut. Yet each is freaking amazing and I can tell you this beer has already exceeded my expectations once again. Rich plums, rich curtants, figs, cotton candy, raisin bread pudding, pecans, peaches and cream, apricot, boysenberry marmalade, toasted coconut, oranges, dragon fruit, melon, papaya, piña colada, nutmeg, hazelnut, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, oak, blackberries, bananas, clove spice, cherries, molasses and other complex flavors. Diabetes in a bottle!

The aftertaste leaves with very nice caramel, dark fruit and tropical fruit flavors with oak rum and spices lingering. Good Luck finding the alcohol. Even at 15% ABV, it is one dangerously smooth and tempting Siren. Does not drink like a 15% ABV, holy crap. Take it easy with this one. Even if you want more, save some for later and share.

Overall, it is exceptionally wonderful and delicious. Think of a Quad that is tropical with rum flavors, coconut and piña colada. Let me put this in comparison with Cacaonut from the Bruery. Cacaonut from the Bruery is liquid Almond Joy with tropical fruits. This is a Dark Fruit Coconut Rum Piña Colada raisin bread pudding. Combining the fact that it is barrel aged, chocolate, quad and exotic is what make this one qualify for the top score which I give to either my best favorite beers or beers that have met the eligibility to be my favorites, even if rare. If I could, I would probably drink this everyday. That would be good, but would not be good for me, but would definitely be good. Cigar City is definitely the East Coast’s Bruery. As far as recommendation, HELL YES!! If you happen to find this parable paradise of an ale, set sail!! You will not regret this one.

Mrs. Stoutfire collaboration by The Bruery and Beachwood Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
935571_10101180938242260_1523414653_n 417883_10101180943626470_1852547728_n 936985_10101180943292140_1913459696_nRating: 5/5

Mrs. Stoutfire collaboration by The Bruery and Beachwood Brewing is a 9.5% ABV Imperial Smoked Stout Aged on Wood Chips

Label: 
Smoked with three types of wood. Aged on three types of wood. Taste just how It should taste. Smoke Meets Oak.
—
Commercial Description (Ratebeer.com)
9.5% abv, best enjoyed within 2 years – This beer will see extremely limited distribution in Southern California. 

From The Bruery: 

“For our first local collaboration beer of 2013, we teamed up with our good friends at Beachwood Brewing in Long Beach, CA. We’ve worked with these folks on a number of small batch brews, beer dinners and general shenanigans for many years and it was really exciting to sit down and work on a full scale project with them for the first time. What we ended up with is an imperial smoked stout, but of course it wasn’t that simple. We smoked our own malt on the same smoker and with the same blend of three different woods that Beachwood uses for their award winning BBQ – apple, white oak and pecan. We then aged the beer on those same three types of wood. The resulting stout is hearty and wonderful, balancing the rich, meaty smokiness with the sweetness of the malt.”
___

I’ve been to Beachwood brewing in Long Beach and they have some amazing upcoming beers. Even my friend Alex who is mainly a Heinekken lager drinker loved one of their lighter selections so much he was going to get a growler of it. I still need to go to the Bruery though. I have been lagging it thought. Coming soon, coming soon . Also, if you are member of Untappd, looking me up  [https://untappd.com/user/cloudx30]

Smoking Wood was to me one of the best Smoked beers I have ever had from the Bruery and possibly in general. This beer is made with different types of wood so it actually goes into different types of flavors and aromas all from the smokiness. Now this is different. Aromas start off with milk, bakers and dark chocolate, smoked oak, campfire wood, maple syrup, molasses, marshmallows, coffee notes, raisins, currants, hazelnut, pecans, dates, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, earthy hops and a lot of different type of burnt wood. The flavors are of smoked wood, camp fire oak, bakers chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, coffee, mocha, maple, beechwood, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, figs, currants, raisins, rich dark cherries, dark fruits, minor wine notes, molasses, roasted nuts like pecans, hazelnut, earthy hop notes, honey glazed ham, chocolate campfire smores with graham crackers and marshmallows and caramelized popcorn.This is a wickedly awesome smoked imperial stout. While it is not like Smoking wood in terms of the bourbon sweeter mix, the dark fruit and chocolate with different roasted notes makes up for it. It is still very good in its own way. People that do not like smoked beers, this one is one to try for sure. It is a great beer.