Tag Archives: natural flavors

Almond Flour Stout by Clown Shoes

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Rating: 5/5

Almond Flour Stout by Clown Shoes is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Almond Flour and Natural Flavors.

Moooooooo! Moooooooo! Moooooooo! The cow is jealous, because this stout was made with her nemesis, The Evilness Itself: Almond Flour! Yes, we did it, we made a concoction out of water and almond flour, then had Angel and Crasher taste test it for us. Wow! It was good. So we brewed this Stout with it for you, California. Lactose-free! Mooooooooooooooooo!

Lots of almonds, marzipan, milk shake, dulce de leche, mocha and chocolate yohoo flavors. Definitely one to get!

Nitro Red Velvet by Ballast Point

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16463436_10103973263594870_2426886073992062179_oRating: 5/5

Nitro Red Velvet by Ballast Point is a 5.5% ABV Golden Oatmeal Stout with Beets, Chocolate and Natural Flavors added.

Commercial Description:
This stout takes the cake.
Our Red Velvet oatmeal stout is a mind-bending beer. Like the cake that inspired it, the deep red color comes from beets, which add a rich, earthy character that complements the chocolate flavor and aroma. The foamy head of the nitro pour is our “icing”, adding a creamy smoothness to the mouthfeel. But this liquid dessert still finishes like a beer – not sweet, but just as satisfying.

==Introduction==
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It has been a very long time since I tried a Red Velvet Cake like beer. In fact, the only one I can remember was the Red Velvet from Buffalo Bayou brewing that my friend Aaron Mendiola from BeerMetal.net provided me with. That one was damn amazing and one I would have greatly love to get again. Now with Ballast Point creating their own, I feel like this would be supremely interesting. First and for most is the color. They took a pale golden stout and with the beets were able to get a red stout color. Something I have not seen before. Finally, the chocolate and other flavors would the stout flavors and mouthfeel. Let’s take a good look at how this turns out, Cheers!

Aromas:
Vanilla, chocolate, toffee, caramel, brown sugar, red velvet cake notes, raspberry cheesecake notes, coffee notes, cinnamon, Danish cream and dark fruit.

Flavors:
Rich red velvet cake, chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla, toffee, dulce de leche notes, white chocolate, dark fruit raisins, cranberry, cherry, fruit cake, cinnamon, Danish cream, beet juice hints, Irish cream notes, strawberry shortcake notes, raspberry cheesecake notes, roasted coffee notes, lactose, flan notes, brown sugar, pecan pie, cherry cordial notes and sweetened condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of notes of vanilla, chocolate coffee, dark fruit notes, earthy hops and white chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, Ruby and Magenta clear body, smooth, creamy slightly thin but slightly velvety mouthfeel and very easy to drink.

Overall:
Now that’s insane. This is damn liquid Red Velvet cake!! I think if it was more full bodied and richer it would be much higher in my opinion. Although this being nitro and smooth gives points as well as this being very unique. Enough to be not just a perfect beer but exceptional. Regardless, this beer is one I want to get more of whether on tap or on bottles. Red Velvet beers are hugely uncommon so this is something you definitely want to get. I highly recommend it.
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Anime Corner:
Asuka Soryu Langley Shikinami from Neon Genesis Evangelion was used in this pairing as I wanted to get a pairing that would fit the whole feast fit for a king/queen theme. I have used 2 of these of pictures before but I had to bring them back as well as an additional one with Asuka wearing the crown and the eye patch. Not only does it fit with the king on the label but the Ballast Point theme of Fish and Pirates. A pirate king/queen. That and the whole red theme is all over with Asuka.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/JboO4Cq.jpg
http://arhivach.org/a_cimg/?h=462d7471529bfb9a650cf676aea4ea28

2016 Preservation series The Grade A.K.A Squirrel! By The Bruery

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14706841_10103627990554810_4776698668215944823_oRating: 6/6

2016 Preservation series The Grade A.K.A Squirrel! By The Bruery is a 7.6% ABV is a Baltic Porter brewed with maple syrup and Fenugreek with natural flavors.

Label:
“SQUIRREL!”

The Grade is in. It’s built on the backbone of a rich, cold-fermented baltic porter made popular in countries bordering the Baltic Sea. We then hammer it home with the bold, sweet flavors of maple syrup and a touch of fenugreek.

==Introduction==
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Released to all societies (Preservation, Reserve and Hoarders), this Baltic Porter/Dark Lager was originally named Squirrel. Why thought? There does not seem to be anything relation to squirrels other than the maple syrup and maple trees. Then again, why was it called ‘The Grade’. I do not know that either. Well, regardless, here is the first Baltic Porter I try from the Bruery. The Baltic Porter being a Porter fermented using lager yeast instead of ale yeast makes for one complex beer. The Bruery already being complex as hell with their beers makes me wonder how crazy this would be. Especially the Fenugreek which I have not tried although it is said it tastes like maple as well. Let’s take a closer look at this one, cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee, maple syrup, roasted barley notes, dark fruits figs, currants, cherries, blackberries, raisins and plums, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, peanut butter, walnuts, almond joy, marshmallows, mocha, bananas, clove spice, toasted peanuts, caramel, vanilla, leather notes, anise, mint, Danish cream cookies, brown sugar, cinnamon and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Rich hazelnut, maple syrup, walnuts, pecan pie, praline ice cream, macadamia nuts, toasted coconut, toffee, butterscotch, almond milk, Nutter butter cookies, Bitter Peanut Butter cup, toasted peanuts, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, marshmallow, smores chocolate, fenugreek tea, black tea, mocha coffee, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, coffee, tobacco, leather, molasses, anise, mint chocolate chip cookies, Danish cream cookies, flan, crème brulee, cookie dough ice cream, cinnamon, earthy hop notes, bananas, clove spice, fruit cake, dark fruit cherries, figs, currants, blackberries, raisins and plums.
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Aftertaste:
Finishes with complex sweet nuts like peanut butter and hazelnut, maple, fruit cake, dark fruit, cinnamon, coffee, tea, dark chocolate and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, smooth, creamy, syrupy and chewy mouthfeel along with moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Freaking delicious and damn exceptional. This beer is like a liquid trail mix of all sorts of nuts, dark fruits, creamy goodness and chocolate. Of course, the complexity goes a long way especially for Baltic Porters and while they are rare styles of beer, this one made by the Bruery is nothing short of freaking awesome. There isn’t much I can say that is bad about this one unless you don’t like strong brews or sweeter tasting ones. I highly recommend picking this one up if you are a preservation member at least.
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Anime Corner:
Makoto Nanaya from BlazBlue was used in this pairing mainly for the old name of the beer, Squirrel. I did not know why it was called Squirrel until I finally took a couple of sips. Since it is very nutty, using Makoto was perfect as she is a squirrel girl. I mainly based it on the flavors and the old name but the colors of the label don’t pair that well for the most part. Either way, I think they should of left it as Squirrel!
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Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/et15FEh.jpg
http://danbooru.donmai.us/data/sample/__makoto_nanaya_blazblue_drawn_by_todd_l_milhouse__sample-a7d0e788c22a7ba70997f8dd255e4330.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/49MKiyu.jpg
http://i4.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2015/09/17/10/35/05/52568339_p0.png
http://tbib.org/images/2392/b9d44f3c0cd0fd6598075d785a9b692ae6bf6945.png

Blackwater Series Choklat Oranj by Sourthern Tier

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14500614_10103598537039890_7359746282089994777_oRating: 6/6

Blackwater Series Choklat Oranj by Southern Tier is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate, Orange Peel and Natural Flavor.

Label:
Color: BLACK Body: HEAVY. Bitterness: MODERATE. Pair: roasted or smoked foods, chocolate desserts. Store: Dark upright, <48°F | Serve: Snifter

The Blackwater Series first made waves when we introduced Choklat in 2007. Through experimentation and willingness to venture into the unknown, our quest to brew the perfect stout has continued ever since.

Our love for dessert-like beers has led us down interesting paths – from the classic fusion of coffee and chocolate in Mokah to the rich vanilla and lactose sugar Creme Brulee – and now here to Choklat Oranj.

ORANGE YOU GLAD?

The flavors of oranges and chocolate have been a sweet treat for millenia, it’s fitting that these kindred spirits should meet in this way.

Enjoy Choklat Oranj in a snifter on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a float. Cheers!

25° plato; 2-row malt; caramel malt; debittered blackmalt; chocolate malt; orange peels; bittersweet Belgian Chocolate; columbus hops; natural flavor.
42° F

==Introduction==
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Just when I finished with a Southern Tier Blackwater series beer, Salted Caramel, I was graced with this one. Chokolat Oranj? Like Chocolate and Orange beer? There have been plenty of chocolate orange sweets I have tried before but an actual chocolate orange beer, I think I have not. This is a great idea for a beer and as always, the Blackwater series being more desserts than beer, it surely is great. Let’s take a look and see if this one can hold its own, Cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, Tangerine preserves, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, orange chocolate shake, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coriander spice, peppercorn spice, mocha, coffee cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, Fruity Pebbles note, creamsikle, Rocky road ice cream, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, Baileys Chocolate and Orange Irish Cream.
14595605_10103598536910150_4670487442789942908_n
Flavors:
Super Rich Chocolate covered orange dessert, Fruity Pebbles, creamsikle, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, Citrus, Tangerine preserves, rye bread, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, orange chocolate shake, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coriander spice, peppercorn spice, mocha, coffee cake, Danish cream, orange tang, chocolate mango, marshmallows, chocolate smores, graham crackers, earthy hops, Rocky road ice cream, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, Baileys Chocolate and Orange Irish Cream, Danish cream pastries, hazelnuts, peach cobbler and Tres Leches/3 Milks cake.
14481851_10103598536915140_1214357227654451069_o
Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots or orange citrus, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, marshmallow smores, hazelnut nectar and earthy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, super dark pitch black body, smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.
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Overall:
Another awesome exceptional and supremely delicious beer. Like those Chocolate Orange balls, this is that special dessert but in liquid form. Sometimes I wish Southern Tier had released some stuff out here in the West Coast. Although I have seen a few of their beers like Crème Brulee and Mokah in one specialty store, I would like to see more in many stores. These beers are like what Belching Beaver and Brew Rebellion is to us here in the west. There is a world of flavor fusions that they can come up with. I highly recommend this one.
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Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was chosen in this pairing because she is one of my favorite anime characters but I also chose her mainly to pair with the label and ingredient colors of the beer. In which case, the orange and black it well with her attire and the chocolate dark fruit aspects as well. Her unleashing using her God of Thunder II version is how I felt that this beer experience was. This beer unleashed so much awesome stuff. I also like how in one of the pics, the God of Thunder lightning is orange like the oranges used in the beer as well.
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Sources:
http://img01.deviantart.net/0a39/i/2015/059/6/3/bleach_fan_art____yoruichi_shihoin_by_djinay-d8jw01y.jpg
http://rocky-ace.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-Shihouin-615735590?q=gallery%3ARocky-Ace%2F26324613&qo=7
http://img12.deviantart.net/7e0a/i/2016/043/2/4/shihoin_yoruichi_by_guilhermessj-d9rhb4u.png
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-429536105
http://charaero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/shihouin_yoruichi-bleach-004.jpg
http://img08.deviantart.net/1daa/i/2016/055/1/3/bleach_663___shunryuu_kokubyou_senki_yoruichi_by_arteemis-d9sz5cp.png

Blackwater series Salted Caramel by Southern Tier

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14556653_10103598533786410_2286201946465247160_oRating: 6/6

Blackwater series Salted Caramel by Southern Tier is a10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Caramelized Sugar & Natural flavor.

Label:
Color: BLACK Body: MEDIUM. Bitterness: MEDIUM. Pair: roasted or smoked foods, chocolate desserts. Store: Dark upright, <48°F | Serve: Snifter

Salt has long been an important part of civilization. Although it is now a ubiquitous household mineral, it has not always been easy to find. Salt was once so valuable that Roman legions were sometimes paid with it.

WORTH OUR SALT

Rich, dark malts are combined with caramelized sugar and Himalayan pink sea salt to make Salted Caramel a perfect combination of sweet and salty. It’s a delicious dessert beer and 10% ABV put it squarely into Blackwater Imperial Stout Series. How does all of this measure up? Definitely worth its salt.

25° plato; 2-row malt; caramel malt; barley flakes; chocolate malt; Himalayan pink sea salt; caramelized sugar; natural flavor.
42° F
==Introduction==
14566285_10103598533721540_9172903026750347841_o
It has been a long time since I tried the Blackwater series of beers from Southern Tier. I have tried the majority of them including the Chocklat, Pumpking as well Mokah, Crème Brulee and Warlock. Thanks to my friend Aaron from BeerMetalDude.com for some of those that I got to try. This beer should be no different other than awesome, or at least that is what I can assume. The choice to go with Salted Caramel is quite unique. There a few brews that have taken this approach and those were very good. The fact that Southern Tier took it upon themselves to create this style, they will surely be better than what I have had before. Let’s see if this is true, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Toffee, Butterscotch, pecan pie, Rich vanilla, crème brulee, Tres Leches/3 Milks cake, coffee cake, toasted cashews, peanut butter, piloncillo sugar cone, Danish cream pastries, Chocolate caramelized Turtle Truffles, Baileys Irish cream, Dulce de leche caramel, Rich flan, salt, earthy hop notes, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, walnuts, hazelnuts, rocky road ice cream, maple syrup, marshmallows, Irish cream, mocha, chocolate pudding and Jericalla Mexican Custard.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, Rich flan, salt, earthy hop notes, Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Toffee, Butterscotch, pecan pie, Rich vanilla, crème brulee, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, walnuts, hazelnuts, rocky road ice cream, maple syrup, marshmallows, Irish cream, mocha, chocolate pudding, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, bourbon hints, rum hints, Chocolate milk shake, chocolate mousse, Burnt Caramel, Tres Leches/3 Milks cake, coffee cake, toasted cashews, peanut butter, piloncillo sugar cone, Chocolate caramelized Turtle Truffles, Baileys Irish cream and Danish cream pastries.

Aftertaste:
Rich vanilla, flan, dulce de leche caramel, salted after taste, dark chocolate, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, burnt sugars and earthy hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black sludgy full body even light barely penetrates, syrupy chewey and creamy mouth feel, and moderate drinkability despite the ABV.

Overall:
An exceptional brew! Just like the other Blackwater brews in the series. They seem to be able to bring flavors forward for the type of idea they are going for. Due to this, I have yet to have a brew that was not very delicious or exceptional. This is one definitely had the caramel salted ice cream flavors forward along with lots of other chocolate dark fruit complexities making it closer to a nutty pie. The point is, pure dessert in a bottle and if you have tried any of the previous beers in the series, you will love this one. Highly recommended!
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Anime Corner:
Reiko Mikami from Ghost Sweeper (GS) Mikami was chosen in this pairing to go with the amber color of caramel. Her colors resonate with that of caramel and dark fruits just like the beer. Her love for money is not synonymous with duty but that and her attitude toward Yokoshima, her partner, is one that is salty. Especially since Yokoshima is a pervert. The thing that works for her with this beer is slightly umami. The sweet, salty and bitter combination of the beer is the key here. The combination of those taste experiences creates something out of nothing. Like the ghosts that she destroys. Definitely a pleasurable experience that she makes much better in this pairing.
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Sources:
http://lohas.nicoseiga.jp/thumb/756281i?
http://76.72.168.19/images/2013-11-28-620117.jpeg
http://cdn.9cloud.us/images/30/look_back___1_1952703634.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/P0orrx3.jpg

2015 Preservation Series: L’Deracola by The Bruery

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11232069_10102663548733950_337329803445305641_nRating: 5.5/5* Taste like Coca Cola!

2015 Preservation Series: L’Deracola by The Bruery is a 7.1% ABV American Brown Ale brewed with Spices and natural flavors.

Label:
‘Punchisized’

Whether you’re looking for a L’deracola or a Large Farva, you better pull over right meow because you’re in for a real treat. This dark ale was brewed with an assortment of spices meant to mimic the flavors of an ice cold cola. Best enjoyed right meow for peal flavor. Please store in a cool, dry, place. The ideal service temperatrue is 45°F (7°C). Best served in a tulip or Wine glass. Meow

Commercial Description:
L’deracola is a beer inspired by another favorite drink of ours that probably shouldn’t be such a favorite… cola! To create this unique beer we had to dive through the overwhelming layer of saccharine that dominates the flavor of most colas and discover the subtle flavors that create the world’s most popular soft drink. Around a dozen different spices were added to a dark malt base and it was finished off with a twist of lime for good measure. The resulting beer has all of the flavors of an ice cold cola, without the overwhelming sweetness. Delightfully refreshing on it’s own, but also ideal for a modern take on a classic style cocktail.

==Introduction==

The Cat’s Meow is out of the bag. Or in this case, the fox! I will tell you why later. This is the 2015 L’deracola presented to members of the Bruery’s societies especially the Preservation and Reserve as well as Hoarders. This has seen public release in bottles and even have growler fills of this at the brewery to the public, limited time only. So in their crazy experimentation, never would I have imagined that they would come up with beer that is so close to the flavors of Cola that it truly is one of the most unique beers I have ever seen. With great excitement, and a pleasure, it is with great craze that I bring forth, the “Cola Beer” here to the site and the first of its kind. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich molasses, cola flavor, caramel, molasses, brown sugar, lime, caramel, toffee, biscuit bread, rye bread, dark fruit hints like cherries, raisin, peppercorn spice, molasses, mint, pecan pie hints, roasted malt, coffee notes, anise, margarita hints, flan hints, vanilla hints, cinnamon hints, rye coriander, oranges and other spices.

Flavors:
Unsweetened rich cola flavor, Brown sugar, lime, caramel, toffee, biscuit bread, rye bread, coriander spice, orange peel, dark fruit hints like cherries, raisin, peppercorn spice, molasses, mint, pecan pie hints, roasted malt, coffee notes, anise, margarita hints, flan hints, vanilla hints, cinnamon hints and hazelnut hints.

Aftertaste:
Dry coca-cola aftertaste, vanilla, caramel, citrus, lime, molasses, earthy notes, coriander, peppercorn and toffee. No alcohol in the taste, crisp, smooth and refreshing mouth feel, easy to drink despite the ABV and also a dark crimson brown body.

Overall:
A true testament to what they set out to do, make a beer taste like cola. Yes the sweetness is subdued but all the right spices that make cola are in this beer which is really crazy! The hardest part about reviewing this beer is trying to find all the intricacies of it. It really is not the most complex but just the fact that they got it right, a true Coca Cola beer, that is enough for perfection in my book. Many like this one, others might not like the spices used in this but yea if you are a cola fanatic, you have to try this one! Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Krystal Fox from Star Fox was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair her with a great Bruery beer and the colors were a perfect complement for this one. The whole cats meow is in reference to the excellence of it but also the cat’s pijamas. Not sure how to compare that to the beer and Krystal but she certainly does look cuddly and cute like those pin up girls they used to advertise with coca cola. Even though the colors seem more like RC Cola or even Pepsi Cola. Either way, This beer will make you feel like you are a cat and drinking a bottle of pure catnip. Cheers!

Sources:
https://41.media.tumblr.com/07892147fd31b195cfd9702471ae4b8d/tumblr_nnuw31YZyf1slf9f5o1_500.jpg

Warlock (Blackwater Series) by Southern Tier Brewing

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1233628_10101396321098290_36871604_n 1003928_10101396320893700_1998980934_n 1237635_10101396320838810_730696591_n 11219_10101396320803880_943768510_nRating: 4.85/5

Warlock (Blackwater Series) by Southern Tier Brewing is an 8.6% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Pumpkins and Natural Flavors

Label: 
Warlock is brewed to enchant your palate on its own and also to counterpoint our Imperial Ale, Pumking. Make your own black magic by carefully pouring this Imperial Stout into a goblet

Master of the Underworld
Dark and mysterious, the Blackwater Series is serious about high gravity. Reanimate your senses with Warlock’s huge roasted malt character, moderate carbonation and spicy pumpkin pie aroma
___

Time for the fall and as fall approaches, so does the array of delicious pumpkin beers. I have tried many pumpkin beers last year and brought them forth here to review. This year I will try out a handful as well and may even review some of the past ones I have done. Warlock is actually supposed to the the Dark Sorcerer version of the Pumpking. Basically if Pumpking turned into a stout or close to it. This years release seems to be very promising

Aromas are of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate candy corn, pumpkin, pie crust, hazelnut, squash, cinnamon, nutmeg,vanilla, piloncillo sugar cone, buttery caramel popcorn, butterscotch, caramel, brown sugar, ginger bread, cloves and spices

The flavors are of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, roasted pumpkin seeds, lots of Halloween candy corn, butterscotch, caramel buttered popcorn notes, caramel, pumpkin notes, pumpkin spice, ginger bread, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, cinnamon, molasses, vanilla, mocha notes, cloves and hints of banana

The aftertaste leaves with pumpkin, chocolate candy corn sweetness and a bit of roasty notes that linger. While beer has a moderate level of sip-ability, good luck trying to find the alcohol. It is covered up in buttery Pumking goodness

Overall, to me this was better than Pumking. Mainly, the milk stout properties works very well with that buttery pumpkin pie and candy corn flavor making this one that more amazing. He beer is easier to find online so far as it is still trickling down the distribution nooks and crannies. If you like Pumking, you may actually enjoy this one. No down, an awesome Imperial Pumpkin stout

Koko Brown by Kona Brewing

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390634_10101169743162290_1540138818_nRating: 4.25/5

Koko Brown by Kona Brewing is a 5.5%ABV Brown Ale brewed with Toasted coconut and natural flavors added

Description: 
Is there anything more iconic of the lush tropics than the coconut? The delicious heart of this island treasure has a nutty, toffee flavor and aroma that sends you straight to the beaches of Paradise. Kick back with a Koko Brown, brewed with real toasted coconut, and savor the mahogany color and smooth, roasty malt taste. Available Winter/Spring Koko Brown pairs well with coconut and caramel flavors, such as Thai curries, BBQ meats and carne asada. Its refreshing nutty aroma makes for the perfect beer after a day on the water.
___

The first time I had this beer was at my friend Chino’s house. We were trying different beers and our friend Johan brought a 12 pack of Kona Brewing beers. I had to get this one again as this one made the most impression on me. As I remember the beer, there was a lot of coconut and coffee flavors but also vanilla and caramel which are essentials in some of the notes found in some of my favorite Barrel Aged beers. So I am doing an actual review now to break it down.

The aromas of this beer are of toasted coconut, caramel, hints of vanilla, slight hazelnut, brown sugar and coffee. The flavors are of toasted coconut, roasted coffee, slight caramel, vanilla cream, brown sugar, hazelnut notes, maple syrup notes and buttered toast. The drinkability is good. It goes down smooth with not any one flavor too overwhelming. It is a lighter beer yet the flavors are very reminiscent of a nice barrel aged beer although it is only flavors and not intensity. Meaning if you are looking into seeing some of the types of flavors you may find in bourbon barrel aged beers but are relatively new to craft beer, this is a good gateway intro. Like I said, before I was pretty surprised by this one and enjoyed it more than I thought I would have 🙂

Pumpking by Southern Tier

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Rating: 4.5/5

Pumpking by Southern Tier is an 8.6% ABV Pumpkin Ale. It is made with the following ingredients as stated on the label:
——–
19 Degrees Plato 

8.8 Degrees L 
2-row Pale Malt 
Caramel Malt 
Pureed Pumpkin Kettle Hops: Magnum 
Aroma Hops: Sterling 

Bewitched and Brewed with Pagan Spirit Pumking is an ode to Púca, a creature of Celtic folklore, who is both feared and respected by those who believe in it. Púca is said to waylay travelers throughout the night, tossing them on its back, and providing them the ride of their lives, from which they return forever changed. Brewed in the spirit of All Hallows Eve, a time of the year when spirits can make contact with the physical world and when magic is most potent. Pour Pumking into a goblet and allow it’s alluring spirit to overflow. As spicy aromas present themselves, let it’s deep copper color entrance you as your journey into this mystical brew has just begun. As the first drops touch your tongue a magical spell will bewitch your taste buds making it difficult to escape the Pumking. 
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Fall is coming and so it means it time to get ready for Halloween and all lol. Now this is the second time I try a pumpkin beer this year (over all a 4th pumpkin beer this year) since last years La Parcela which was wickedly awesome as well as the Kick which was a mix of pumpkin and cherries. Now, before I continue on with this review, so far I notice out the the 3 beers, each has something to offer. While la parcela is more of a real bitter pumpkin with spices and smashed pumpkin ale is actually real sweet yams, pumpkin and sweet potato natural flavors, this is different to. The smell is like candy sweet pumpkin with buttery caramel corn or candy corn smell. 
The Flavors is actually much of the same. While pumpkin, caramel, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar and pumpkin pie is in this awesome beer, there are these flavors of buttered candy corn or buttered sweet caramel corn as well as graham crackers. It is definitely a very delicious pumpkin beer at that. Although they sell it more in the east coast, it is still does not quite beat the Shipyard Smashed pumpkins one. It is easier to find here in the west coast during the fall and it reminds me more of the delicious camotes/sweet potatoes or yams with milk my mom used to make. So to each his own, I recommend this beer if you can find it because it is hard to find, but I personally would recommend the Smashed Pumpkin one. La Parcela I would recommend too but it is hard to find 😛 and Kick is no longer brewed