Rating: 5/5
Somnambulism by Shady Oak Barrel House is a 7% ABV Dark Sour aged in rye whisky and pinot noir barrels.
Funky sweet, citrus farmhouse and complex dark fruits
Tag Archives: Pinot Noir wine barrels
Jubel 2015 by Deschutes Brewery
Rating: 6/5
Jubel 2015 by Deschutes Brewery is a 10.4% ABV American Strong Winter Warmer with 50% aged in Pinot and Oregon oak barrels.
Label:
Affectionately referred to as “Super Jubel”, Jubel 2015 is an imperial take on our festive winter ale. Notes of toasted caramel, raisins, dates and figs are complemented by spicy and herbal hop aromas. Originally planned as a once-a-decade-ale; we just couldn’t wait another five years.
==Introduction==
This beer was supposed to be released in 2020 but it seems Deschutes wanted to release it earlier. The story behind this legend is that there was a thief who tried to steal a keg of Jubelale. When the thief realized he couldn’t carry it anymore, the beer froze over in the winter cold. When the owner found the keg, they saw half was frozen but the concentrated remains of what was left over was legend born by accident. As a result, they released this beer in 2010 but then would release it 5 years later and age it in pinot and Oregon oak barrels. This beer I was able to obtain at bringonthebeer.com I am uncertain if all stores that sell Deschutes will get this one as it is pretty damn limited. One thing is certain though, for this only out 5 years and the colors of the label speak magic and potions, I had to get this for sure.
Aromas:
Lots of dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dates, black cherry yogurt, hazelnut, pecan pie, rich fruit cake, gingerbread, wine grapes, stone fruit apricot hints, candy sugar, toffee, vanilla, dulce de lecher, butterscotch, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, pears, apples, port wine, pinot noir, nutmeg, blackberry preserves on rye bread, concorde grapes and red velvet cake hints.
Flavors:
Rich Fruit cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dates, black cherry yogurt, ginger bread, nutmeg, cinnamon, rock candy, candy sugar, figgy pudding, pinot wine, oak, port wine, dark chocolate, flan, toffee butterscotch, brandy, marshmallows, chocolate smores, molasses, anise, red velvet cake, stone fruit apricot, peaches, pecan pie, sangria, apples, blackberry preserves on toasted rye bread, sweetened condensed milk, pears, wine grapes, concorde grapes, toasted coconut hints and milk chocolate.
Aftertaste:
Fruit cake, dark fruits, hints of stone fruit peaches, caramel, vanilla, oak, pinot, port wine and chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, dark brown medium to full body, sipping drinkability and slightly syrupy mouthfeel.
Overall:
Damn exceptionally awesome winter warmer. The end of winter is pretty much near here and to end it perfectly as winter rolls trough St. Patrick’s, all green in color, this winter ends with a bang! On to the spring. The beer has so much damn complexity. I know it is not sour nor it is just a plain winter warmer but all the elements combined make for one ridiculously exceptional brew that is only out every 5 years. Do yourself a favor and if you can find this one for yourself, please do. You may not see nothing like it til 2020.
Anime Corner:
Rydia of the Mist from Final Fantasy IV was used in this pairin to pair with the colors of the label but also the magic of aging. In the story, Rydia was young but then was swallowed by a monster (Leviathan) only to come back a full fledged adult with very power magic and summoning spells. While the monster/esper world seems to go much faster than the normal world, she had spent many years in training while it was only a few days/weeks/months in the current timeline of the game. Her development from a young joyous girl (Jubelale) to a more powerful woman (Super Jubel aged in pinot and Oregon Oak barrels). The transformation into a much more complex beer/person is what really makes this one pair the best. Such Magic, Much Power, Wow Fancy.
Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/…/160c9d8233c1cf271e0a…
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2012-02-23-478344.jpeg
2014 Reserve Mirror Mirror by Deschutes Brewing
Rating: 5.85/5
2014 Reserve Mirror Mirror by Deschutes Brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class English Barleywine with 50% aged in wine barrels.
Label:
The Reserve Series romance all began with our first release of this limited-edition brew. Mirror Mirror, born of a double batch of Mirror Pond Pale Ale, is an inspired, barrel-aged barley wine layered with intriguing nuances. Explore this latest incarnation and enjoy its delicious complexity in every sip.
Malt: Pale, Victory, Crystal, Maris Otter, Cara-Pils
Hops: Millennium, Cascade
Barrel-Aging: (50%) 10 Months in Oregon Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Malbec Barrels
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Picked this one up at Uncle Henry’s deli. I have been passing this one up for the longest time and after trying the NOT the Stoic, I wanted to see what this one was all about as I heard great things about this one. Pick this one up if you can find it. Deschutes makes some bad ass beers that are very coveted. Like I said, I missed this one by like a sliver and lucky for me Uncle Henry’s in Downey California had this one in stock.
Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, cherries, toffee, molasses, maple, earthy notes, oak, port wine, old mango, leather, anise, blackberry and grape preserves, dark chocolate notes, vanilla and cinnamon grilled apples.
Flavors:
Lots of dark fruit raisins, figs, cherries, plums, lots dulce de leche caramel, oak, wine grapes, earthy hop notes, papaya, grilled pineapple,coconut, old mangoes, papaya, dragon fruits, molasses, grape marmalade of rye bread, toffee, grapefruit, butterscotch, clove spice, brown sugar, cinnamon apple pie, pecan pie, pralines, maple syrup and French vanilla ice cream.
Aftertaste:
Earthy hops, rye bread, grape marmalade, leather notes, oak, caramel, toffee, dark fruits and maple lingers but then has a semi dry finish. Well hidden alcohol, none in the taste, a sipping yet smooth beer. Syrupy and deadly!
Overall:
Well…Damn…. Needless to say, this is pretty damn fantastic. It is definitely on top notch with some of the best Barleywines in the world. The addition of the wine barrel aging gives this one a semi barrel age feel that is freaking delicious and is responsible for that semi dry finish. Now you are drinking a closer to wine beer. Highly recommended for those that can find this beauty.
Anime Corner:
Reaper Angel original artwork by artist unknown (Please let me know who this belongs to) was used in this review to show case the aspect of mirror mirror. Mirror Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all. Beauty is only skin deep and this pairing goes to show that no matter how beautiful one is on the outside, it is what is on the inside that counts. We all have to answer to the reaper in the end and the duality of the beer making half be aged in wine barrels is showcased by the reaper side. So either way, enjoy life, take it one step at a time, have some beers and realize that perspective of the world can be an interesting when you look at both sides of the coin.
NOT the Stoic by Deschutes brewing
Rating: 5.95/5
NOT the Stoic by Deschutes brewing is a 12% Belgian Quad brewed with pomegranate molasses and aged 11 months in 15% Pinot Noir oak wine barrels and 15% Rye Whiskey Barrels.
Label:
A prized, Potent, Belgian-Styled Quad of Stirring depth & complexity.
A Virtuous return. Aged and sequestered in select oak casks. The result – A contemplatively brewed quad, created in homage to all those who doubted the original. This unrepentant rendition is definitely, NOT THE STOIC.
Malt: Pilsner, Special B, Crystal Rye
Hops: Czech Saaz
Other: Pomegranate Molasses
Barrel-Aging: 11 months in 15% Pinot Noir and 15% Rye Whiskey Barrels
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Been waiting for this sucker for a very long time. I have never tried the original as I have never been lucky enough to find it before they stopped making it. With this release, I was not gonna miss this one up. Quadruples and Dark Belgian beers are some of my favorites and it really takes a lot to make a really bad quad, well, bad. This is highly coveted for its rarity and increasing popularity, although very limited. Get this one if you can.
Aromas:
Lots of dark fruits like dark cherries, figs, plums, cranberries, pomegranates, oak, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, marshmallows, smores, flan, pecan pie, hazelnut, walnuts, bananas, clove spice, burnt sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, chocolate notes, rye, lots of wine grapes, coconut hints, peaches and cream, apricots and apples.
Flavors:
Rich Dark cherries, dark fruits, raisins, plums, figs, currants, pomegranate, cranberry, wine grapes, oak, leather, port wine, rye bread, rye whiskey, coconut, dulce de leche caramel, burnt sugar, vanilla, maple syrup, molasses, flan, brown sugar, chocolate notes, hazelnut, pecan pie, walnut cream, bananas, clove spice, oak, peaches, apricots, apples, marshmallows, smores, molasses and cinnamon.
Aftertaste:
Lingering maple, wine grapes, pecan pie, caramel, vanilla, oak, dark fruits and molasses linger. A silky mouthfeel with no alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer still even it is pretty damn smooth.
Overall:
One of the 5th strongest ABV quads I have ever had, Strongest being the Forgotten Island Quad (15%) and maybe Sede Vacante to some extent. A quad definitely exceeding a lot of my expectations! The blend of the whiskey barrel and wine oak barrels reminding me of what would happen scenario if we took St. Bernardus and Trois Pistoles and we aged them in Wine and Whiskey Barrels. That beer would be even crazier but for now, the possibility of such a thing is highly exemplified in NOT the Stoic. This is not your typical quadruple that is damn sure. I highly recommended!!
Anime Corner:
Flandre Scarlet from the Touhou series was used in this pairing to exemplify the craziness of the character as it relates to the beer. For fans of the character, yes, I do mean with the whole U.N. Owen was Her Name which is her theme in that crazy game. This beer is no longer the stoic. It has been tainted, corrupted and demented in darkness and complexity that it will never be the same. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s increase in complexity with its increase in ABV make it very dangerous as this drinks rather easily. That is the dangerous part. Just like Flandre Scarlet. Enjoy at your own damn risk, cuz trust me, you won’t want to finish her in one sitting!
The Sinner Series Wrath by Amager Bryghus
Rating: 4.85/5
The Sinner Series Wrath by Amager Bryghus is a 6.5% ABV Saison/Farmhouse Ale aged in Pinot Noir barrels.
Label:
Danish: Saisoner er in. Saisoner er hippe. Simpelthen. Endnu har ingen givet den helt gode forklaring på, at denne uhyre traditionelle belgiske ølstil pludselig nyder en voldsom opblomstring blandt toneangivede ølnørder. Bortset fra selvfølgelig, at det er en uhyre delikat drik i al sin forfinede enkelhed. Men vi har begået en synd. Vi kunne ikke lade være. Vi har nemlig hældt vores Amager-variant af en Saison på et træfad. Vi håber, at de bløde tanniner fra træet og de noble Pinot Noir-druer giver et saftspændt ekstra twist. Vi ved, at vi måske påkalder os Saison-fundamentalisterne vrede med denne gavtyvestreg. Men ærlig talt, så er vi ligeglade.
Vi er ikke stolte over at være syndere, men i det mindste er vi åbne omkring det…
English: Saisons are in. Saisons are hip. It’s as simple as that. So far, no one has come up with a good explanation as to why this very traditional Belgian farmhouse style has suddenly skyrocketed in popularity amongst the in- crowd of the beer geek nation. Except, of course, for the fact it’s simply a very delicate drink in all of its refined simplicity. But we’ve committed a sin. We couldn’t resist. We poured our Amager Saison variety into a barrel. We hope the soft tannins from the wood and the noble Pinot Noir grapes add a juicy extra twist. By doing so, we may bring the wrath of Saison fundamentalists upon ourselves. But frankly, we don’t give a damn!
We’re not proud to be sinners, but at least we’re open about it…
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The second Amager beer I had my eyes on that may have implemented Anime, or not, but still looked awesome and one I wanted to pick up was Wrath. The funny part is that Sweden made a bigger deal about Lust than they did with Wrath even though Wrath has the boob showing with no nipple. Crazy Swedes and their morals. It really does not matter as I am sure you mainly came to read the review or mainly just stare at Wrath and her physique. Either way, hope this beer makes its mark to appeal your beer taste or anime. Whichever you prefer, we do both here and brewerianimelogs .
Aromas:
Citrus, Tomato, wheat bread, caramel, apples, funky farmhouse hay, floral notes, basil, banana notes, sour grapes, red wine, oak, herbal notes, peppercorns, cranberries, pecans, tree sap, mushrooms, honey, old yeast, smoked BBQ meats, leather, brown sugar, grapes and old oranges.
Flavors:
Citrus and tomato, raw like the sun, floral notes, caramel, green apples, funky farmhouse hay, wheat bread, old bananas, sour wine grapes, oak, pinot noit, wine and cheese party, herbs, peppercorn spices, cherries, Amber sap, brown sugar, leather, tart cranberries, pecans, mushrooms, honey and mild smokey ham notes.
Aftertaste:
Finishing mostly dry with dissipating Caramel, pinot noir wine notes, hay, vegetable flavor, fancy cheese, amber sap, honey, earthy notes, peppercorn, herbs and spices. No alcohol in the taste, medium to sipping drinkability with medium to full mouth feel.
Overall:
This beer kind of reminds me of The Bruery White Oak except without the bourbon complexity. An interesting Saison and just to add the Pinot Noir Barrels makes it very interesting for sure. The flavors of the barrel are very prominent in this one. I would recommend this one if you can find it but if if you have tried White Oak from the Bruery, it is similar in flavor except for the tart aspect of it.
Anime Corner:
Original Artwork by paparins and the other Original Artwork by unknown (Artist info needed) was used in this pairing to pair with the label artwork as well as the beer. While this is definitely not your typical saison, the Wrath aspect of the beer may not be prominent immediate upon trying the beer, it comes surely after and is what best represents it well. The artwork of a demon on a rampage best represents wrath but the sweetness of this beer is what is represented in the second pairing which shows that sometimes, a rampaging demon has to take a brake from time to time. Just like lust, do not take her so suddenly, she will make quick work out of the unsuspecting victim.
The Abyss 2013 Release by Deschutes Brewing
Rating: 5.75/5
The Abyss 2013 Release by Deschutes Brewing is an 11% World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Black Strap molasses, Licorice with cherry bark and vanilla added with 6% aged in oak bourbon barrel, 11% aged in Oregon Oak Barrels, and 11% aged in oak Pinot Noir wine barrels.
Label:
It’s dark. It’s deep. It’s mysterious. Aged in French Oak and Bourbon barrels, this special brew has immeasurable depth inviting you to explore and discover its rich, complex profile. The flavor of molasses and licorice draw you in further and further with each sip. The Abyss beckons. Enjoy the journey.
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I have previously reviews the 2009 version of this beer. I decided to give it another round as I may not often get around to reviewing this one again. Upon looking at this one, I saw it was made a bit differently than the 2009 version. I had to give it a shot.
Aromas:
Madrugada Obscura, basically sour stout notes, wine notes, roasted coffee, dark and milk chocolate, smokey oak, dark fruits, coconut, cherry notes, flan notes, espresso, molasses, licorice, clove spice, cinnamon and other complex notes.
Flavors:
Wine, Bourbon, Stout, Marugada Obscura, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cherries, dark fruits, raisins, figs, smokey quality, Port wine, vanilla, caramel, oak, roasted chocolate, coconut, flan, licorice, molasses, pinot noir and earthy hops. After letting it warm up it started to evolve in flavors again. Funny as the 2009 version evolved too. Now this thing is tasting a bit like banana notes, crème brulee, raisin bread pudding, overall bitter roasted coffee, Kahlua, mocha, barley wine caramel, toffee, butterscotch, almonds, pecan pie, cherry, plums, hazelnut and well, it seems to keep going. I will stop right here.
Aftertaste:
Finishes off very complex with the dark chocolate, dark fruit, dark oak, dark bourbon, dark flan, dark dark dark!! Good Luck finding the 11% ABV in the taste. She is pretty deadly seeing as it is asipping beer but with chances are you want to drink and drink. Evil!!
Overall:
Exceptionally World Class just like the 2009 version. However, the addition of the extra blending has definitely changed the flavors to even more complexities giving it that much earned extra credit. Like I said in my last review: (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/the-abyss-2009-vintage-reserve-by-deschutes-brewing/ ) it keeps you on your toes trying to see what other complexities come up. Think of it as a Haunted house, you have no clue what the fuck is gonna pop up as you go along. Scary shit… Evil Beer…. Loveable experience. Much needed recommendations
Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki (Hollified version) from Bleach was used in this pairing to show several things I had in mind when pairing this beer. In the series, the hollow form is what happens when after a soul passes and loses its tie to the body. If the soul reaper does not cleanse the soul, it will roam the earthy, become a monster and try to eat other souls. Rukia is a Soul reaper in the show but there are many characters such as humans and even soul reapers that have treaded into the hollow form and were able to come back to their original form. Rukia never becomes hollow but this only serves as a representation of what that form would look like. Most hollows are mindless and possibly evil. In some cases, she can be seen as sadistic with no remorse or pity for anyone. Aim for the kill, hunger for more flavors. Thus, this evil version of Rukia is paired with this beer to show how evil the beer is. That is why you have to be careful not to drink it all in one sitting. Since the hollow form is a form of evolution into possibly higher form of power, you can say the evolution of flavors as the beer warms up and the alcohol content represents this hollow form. Also, the Cero Blast that Rukia is charging up in her hand represents, The Abyss. The Cero is like an endless charge of energy concentrated and sucked up like a black hole. This infinite darkness is this beer, The Abyss.
Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore) 