Tag Archives: Portola Coffee Lab

2017 System of a Stout by Beachwood brewing

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

 

Rating: 6/6

2017 System of a Stout by Beachwood brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class Armenian Imperial Stout brewed in the Armenian Coffee way with cardamom, molasses and Portola Coffee beans aged in oak brandy barrels.

Label:
System of a Stout incorporates the ingredients of a traditional cup of Armenian-style coffee: cardamom, molasses, and a massive infusion of coffee from our good friends at Portola Coffee Lab in Costa Mesa, CA. This robust and flavorful brew is then oak aged, adding even more layers of complexity. Enjoy fresh or cellar at 45-55°.

==Introduction==

An awesome release that I haven’t tried in a while made in tribute to System of a Down. The last time I had it, it was very limited as you could only get it at the brewery. This year, many locations were able to receive this beer. Essentially, the public can now get the brew. I wanted to bring this one back since it was one of my favorite and well in the theme of System of the Down, I wanted to rock while drinking this one. There isn’t many beers made with Armenian ingredients and it is awesome to see that type of tribute many times as well. Let’s see how this one is this year, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian chocolate, mocha, dark espresso, java, cappuccino, Irish cream, roasted coffee, fancy coffee, anise, molasses, rye bread, toasted coconut, marshmallows, brandy, tiramisu, fruit cake and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Dark espresso, java, mocha, cappuccino, Irish cream, roasted coffee, fancy coffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, brandy notes, dark fruit cherries, plums, raisins, figs, cardamom, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian chocolate, pecan pie, flan, almonds, chocolate cake, bananas, anise, molasses, rye bread, toasted coconut, marshmallows, earthy spices, piloncillo sugar cone, rocky road ice cream, tiramasu, fruit cake, sweetened condensed milk, steamed milk, malted chocolate and Cadbury chocolate eggs.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with fancy coffee, marshmallows, dark chocolate dark fruits, dark cherry, caramel, vanilla, oak, brandy and earthy spicy notes. No alcohol in the taste, Dark abyss full body, smooth, chewy, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A supremely exceptional brew as before. Full of complex flavors, rich chocolate, coffee, oak, brandy and much much more. The kind that will definitely age for many years. I’m glad they started releasing this one again and this time to more hands than before. I just hope one day they release it more frequently. I highly recommend you get this one.

Anime Corner:
Marceline from Adventure Time as well as Raven/Rachel Roth and Starfire/Koriand’r were chosen for this pairing for many reasons. Marceline mainly since I used her in the original pairing to represent the rock and dark theme of System of a Down. This time, I brought Raven and Starfire using a pairing artwork from Sakimichan which goes well with the label. You can see how the blue sky and upper mountains are raven and the land and dessert are starfire. It was definitely something I really loved.

Sources:
http://artgerm.deviantart.com/art/Marceline-466739861
http://dandonfuga.deviantart.com/art/Marceline-648391984
http://en-so.deviantart.com/art/Marceline-the-Vampire-Queen-386640262
http://sakimichan.deviantart.com/art/Raven-Starfire-684968674

 

2017 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery

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

Rating: 6/6

2017 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery is a 19.9% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

The utmost in true choco-coffee-mocha liquid gold. I have reviewed this one many times but wanted to bring this years to light. Check out my last year’s review. Cheers!

https://animebeers.com/2016/02/26/2016-mocha-wednesday-by-the-bruery/

Derde Golf by The Bruery Terreux

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

15370053_10103789137794450_9010744031922016226_oRating: 7/7

Derde Golf by The Bruery Terreux is a 12.3% ABV Belgian Sour Quadrupel Oak aged with Blackberries and Bourbon Barrel aged Old Ale with Portola Coffee Lab’s coffee beans.

Label:
It’s time for the third wave – a beer that awakens the senses from first sniff to first sip. This sour, blended ale folds our sour, oak-aged Belgian style quadrupel with blackberries into our malt-forward, bourbon barrel-aged old ale, and finishes with a Flemish good morning kiss, for an awakening, robust and sweet & sour twist. It’s complimented and balanced by the gentle, roasty character imparted from freshly roasted coffee from our friend’s at Portola Coffee Lab – a blend that was specifically selected for this complex, sour coffee ale, and a concept that was nearly a year in the making.

==Introduction==
15419756_10103789136931180_5633207706107288733_o
Released to Hoarders and Reserve society members. I did not think much about getting this one at first. Then I saw what it was made with. Essentially, they took their awesome Quadrupel Tonnellerie and Anniversary ale, combined it and added coffee. Ridiculousness! But I say that in an awesome epic way. Both base beers are already exceptional. Therefore, taking this to the next level is definitely what the Bruery does best. Now the question is, should one get this one? Well, that is where we come in to advise you, the reader, whether we think you should give this one a shot. Let’s do this, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit currants, dark cherries, plums, raisins, figs, raspberries, wine grapes, blackberries, concorde grapes, fruit cake, oak, bourbon, dark candi sugar, bananas, clove spice, anise, tobacco notes, molasses, dark candi sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, hazelnut nectar, mocha, Khalua liqueur, java and sweetened condensed milk

Flavors:
Bourbon, oak, wine grapes, pan dulce, blackberry cobbler, fruit cake, concorde grapes, blueberry muffins, dark fruit currants, dark cherries, plums, raisins, figs, dark candi sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Cadbury caramel and chocolate cream eggs, lemon peel, red wine, toasted coconut, marshmallows smores, bananas, clove spice, anise, tobacco notes, molasses, leather, raspberry Chambord liquer, blackberry and blueberry cheesecake, rock candy, capirotada raisin bread pudding, figgy pudding, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, mocha, Khalua liqueur, java, espresso, coffee cake, steamed milk, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, flan, chocolate cherry cordials and Tres Leches/Three Creams cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich dark fruits, of blackberries, dulce de leche caramel, toasted coconut, vanilla, clove space, bananas, dark candi sugar, rock candi, blackberry yogurt, toffee, dark chocolate, oak, and pecan pie. No alcohol in the taste, full dark amber body, effervescent, smooth and silky mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
This is damn insane! This is indeed the best Belgian Sour Quad ever! The Blackberries and Coffee just raise it to those OVERKILL levels. Not in a bad way but of the deep and supremely luscious bliss kind of way. Heck even the fact that the base beers are already above exceptional, this just takes it to that bucket lister level. Definitely find a way to get this one. A lot of awesome stuff in this bottle.
15325245_10103789136951140_2695745719859371971_o
Anime Corner:
Hsien-Ko/Lei Lei and Zabel/Lord Raptor (Midnight Bliss) were used in this pairing to go somewhat with the label but mainly the colors of the dark fruits and flavors of the beer. I have not used Hsien-ko in a beer for the Bruery before so I definitely thought this was the perfect opportunity. Zabel was merely there as you can think of the 2 beer fusion in coffee as represented by Hsien-Ko coming to Zabel from behind.
15369115_10103789136936170_8223865831569385061_o
Sources:
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsL6t_gXYAQAEGW.jpg
https://jr4rt.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/hsien_ko_small.jpg
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/3d435-lei_lei_by_genzoman.jpg
http://blog-imgs-27-origin.fc2.com/m/o/u/moudamepo11/24(s).png

2016 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

12803284_10103093362733250_7549125410621227032_n 12794777_10103093363322070_2128403442201128551_o 12764864_10103093364789130_2203106446519043956_oRating: 6/6

2016 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery is a 19.4% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. Layers of artisan dark chocolate and bold coffee collide (especially when consumed fresh) thanks to cacao nibs from San Francisco’s TCHO and OC’s own Portola Coffee lab.

==Introduction==

Mocha Wednesday is back and this time, like last year, it is released to Reserve and Hoarders society. I think as time continues, it will slowly be released onto Preserve society and maybe one day, publicly. Like the other Black Tuesday variants I have tried before, these are some of the best beers in the world. Hence, since I have tried them and this one a couple of times, this is the last review I will be doing of this brew. I believe after a while, the reviews start to get repetitive. If I had tried them at their finest, anything less would just be quality control over the brews. Which the Bruery has had to separate facilities to alleviate the issues they had run into in the past. With that being said, I definitely recommend this one right off the bat. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, Kahlua coffee, Kopi Luwak Coffee, mocha, java, espresso, Dulce de Leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, maple syrup, pecan pie, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, brown sugar, mint, anise, toasted coconut, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries and almond joy.

Flavors:
Very Mocha forward, fancy coffee, Kahlua coffee liqueur, java, espresso, Kopi Luwak, bourbon, oak, rum hints, vanilla beans, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit cherries, currants, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, blueberries, milk chocolate dark chocolate, baker’s chocolate, bitter and sweet cocoa, Belgian chocolate, German Chocolate, chocolate cherry cordials, toasted coconut, mint chocolate chip ice cream, Bailey’s Irish Cream, almond joy chocolates, anise, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, maple syrup, pecan pie, coffee cake, double chocolate cherry cake, port wine and fudge brownies.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with fancy mocha Kahlua coffee, rich dark chocolates, dark fruits, caramel, cherry chocolate and coffee cake and bourbon notes. Slight alcohol burn going down but none in the taste. Pitch black full body, ridiculous smoothness, creamy, velvety, syrupy and chewy mouthfeel along with a moderate drinkability. Yeah imagine that, be careful not to finish the bottle in one sitting. Wine stoppers are your friend.

Overall:
Definitely a lot more reminiscent of Rue D’Floyd for some delicious godly reason. Yes, that coffee chocolate cherry ambrosia they made in 2014. For being the last time I review this brew, this is one hell of a way to go out with a Mocha Wednesday bang! Yes, there is not much else I can say about this brew that has become one of the best along with the other Black Tuesday variants in the series. Heck, I had to try and stop myself from finishing the whole bottle. The brew was damn ridiculous and I enjoyed every damn minute of it even for a 19% ABV. I highly recommend you get this one along with any of the “Weekday Series”. Mind BLOWING!

Anime Corner:
Konan of Amegakure from the Naruto has returned like in last year’s review and she is looking mighty gorgeous as the beer has allowed to give way to stronger and richer sweet mocha flavors. They got that right. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reasons her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess what other aspects of this pairing complement each other?

Sources:
http://kriscounette.k.r.pic.centerblog.net/vbjyttlo.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/EpwlvJR.jpg

Rice & Beans by The Bruery

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

12644661_10103047257079350_663090464497006054_nRating: 6/6

Rice & Beans by The Bruery is a 7.1% ABV Belgian Blonde ale brewed with Rice, Cinnamon, Vanilla beans and Portola Coffee beans.

==Introduction==
Essentially, this is Or Xata (Horchata) aged Coffee Beans. The thought really didn’t cross my mind how well this would work. In fact this seems unheard of to take an already awesome drink and add coffee, although the idea is very intriguing. I first had this one at the Bruery and lucky for me, since I loved the original Or Xata, I really loved this one too and they had this on growler fill. So I went ahead and took some home and brought it to the site. Now we take a look at this one to see how good it is in comparison to the regular Or Xata. From what I found, it was damn amazing and really hope it is released in bottles in the future.

Aromas:
Cinnamon, Coffee, milk chocolate, Danish cream, rice pudding, espresso, whipped cream frosting, Kahlua coffee liqueur, dulce de leche caramel, brown sugar, Mexican Custard/Jericalla, Mochi ball ice cream cane sugar, steamed milk, cookie dough ice cream, crème brulee, piloncillo sugar cone, cane sugar, agave nectar, mint hints, toffee, and churros.

Flavors:
Fancy Java coffee, coffee cake, mocha, milk chocolate, cinnamon, Danish cream, rice pudding, waffle cone, liquid churros, whipped cream frosting, Kahlua coffee liqueur, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, pan dulce, leche nestle(sweetened condensed milk), coconut candy, clove spice, Danish cookies, cookie dough ice cream, crème brulee, piloncillo sugar cone, cane sugar, agave nectar, mint hints, toffee, mango notes, milk sugar, nutmeg, fruit cake, brown sugar, Mexican Custard/Jericalla, Mochi ball ice cream cane sugar and steamed milk.

Aftertaste:
Coffee Cake, Java, mocha, milk chocolate, vanilla rice pudding, caramel, banana notes, coffee churros, champurrado maize and flan. No alcohol in the taste, honey colored light body, silky, smooth, creamy and refreshing mouth feel and is easy to drink.

Overall:
Damn exquisite dessert. This beer proves that you can combine ingredients that have not been combined before to make something new in a new experience of flavor or even improving on each that was not done before. Horchata and coffee never looked so good together but this proves that its possible and very delicious. Now the Bruery just has to release this in bottles and it will be a win win!

Anime Corner:
Korra from the Legend of Korra was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair something with the colors of Horchata and the coffee beans. While Korra is a blend of the elements like this beer is a Coffee and Horchata fusion, her fashion and similar to the indigenous which reminded me of where the drink of Horchata is popular and where the majority of the world’s coffee comes from, essentially Latin countries like Mexico and Columbia. Now I don’t know which variety of Portola Coffee was used in this beer since they range from different parts of the world but it is symbolic of the name as Rice and Beans but is something of indigenous origin. Heck I grew up on Rice and beans! Horchata as well. So I think as a subtle tribute, this pairing worked well.

Sources:
http://pre14.deviantart.net/8de2/th/pre/i/2012/215/7/7/korra_by_sakimichan-d59m55f.jpg

2015 Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery

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

11024683_10102435683228250_161914295699782922_o 10860872_10102435682928850_8692333946929483078_o 11021293_10102435682419870_2904449592190317089_oRating: 6/5

2015 Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery is a 18.6% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. This invigorationg ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the both chocolate and freshly ground coffee flavors will be most prominent when consumed fresh.
___

So this year, because I had reviewed this one last year, I will bre pretty much referring to the same stuff I talked about in the last review. This time though, this beer was part of the Reserve Society and it was about freaking time too. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and Melange #3 have been my top favorite Bruery beers and now, Mocha Wednesday is here again this year. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Similar ridiculous aromas like last years. Alesmith Kopi Luwak coffee aroma complexity, rich mocha coffee, espresso, roasted coffee beans, Kahlua, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazel nuts, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, mint, anise and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
This time the Mocha and chocolate move much more forward than last years. Toasted coconut, Kahlua, mocha, java, espresso beans, Kopi luwak coffee, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates as in the aromas, dark fruits like currants, cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, See’s coffee candy, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, oak, bourbon, rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, cookies and cream ice cream, anise, mint chocolate ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, earthy chocolate sugar notes, tobacco, roasted cashews, mocha syrup and more chocolate, damn!

Aftertaste:
Lots of Kahlua coffee. You know the alcohol is there but all you taste is sugary sweet Frappucino and coffee to the point where you can’t sense it until it is too late. A major sipping chocolate mocha syrupy mouth feel beer, but scarily, a smooth beer as well. This beer is no joke.

Overall:
Holy Shit, this kicks a lot of the best coffee beers right in the nuts. I think this is really the best damn coffee beer I have ever had with Alesmith Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout being the second runner up. This definitely is a warming welcome to the already great line up of Bruery beers specifically the ones I had mentioned earlier in my post. This time, the mesh of chocolate and coffee come forth like no other, chocolate rain style. Even so, like the previous review of this, the consistency and the coffee to give it a complex coffee-mocha flavor makes it extremely unique. Something like this is what meets the highest expectation exceeding criteria that I look for in some of the best beers in the world. A rarity, but a lovely beer just the same as last years beer. It may not be the 19.2% ABV that it used to be but damn still strong and leading the pact of beers into the future.

Anime Corner:
Konan of Amegakure from the Naruto has returned like in last years review and she is looking mighty gorgeous as the beer has allowed to give way to stronger and richer sweet mocha flavors. They got that right. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reason her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess, what other aspects of this pairing compliment each other?

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1168065
http://kriscounette.k.r.pic.centerblog.net/vbjyttlo.jpg
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/06/2b/3e062b8799a391d6b3439578726d3dce.jpg

(Brewerianimelogs On The Road) Caffè Della Vita (The Coffee of Life) by Monkish Brewing

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

10481170_10102243541237340_8379347680054953754_nRating: 5.25/5

Caffè Della Vita (The Coffee of Life) by Monkish Brewing is a 9.8% ABV Belgian Tripel brewed with Pistachios, Vanilla Beans and Portola Labs Ethiopian Kochere Coffee

==Introduction==

Recently on tap, Monkish created a variant of their Seme Della Vita which I had reviewed long ago. Seme Della Vita itself is probably my favorite beer yet from Monkish and is pretty much my goto when I am at their brewery. So you can only imagine how much I wanted to try their Coffee Variant and possibly bring it forth to the site. Now to this day, Seme Della Vita is the only Pistachio Belgian beer I have ever tried and has yet to see a bottle release. I am sure the day it does, people will definitelywant to get their hands on this. So this particular variant may or may not even see the light of public day but at least you know such existed. Either way, if you happen to be in the Torrance area, you have to try this one and try some of Monkish Belgian beers, they are pretty damn phenomenal. Thanks to my friend Oscar for joining me on a Friday (12/12/2014) to be able to get this picture of the beer.

Aromas:
Rich coffee, mocha, espresso, java coffee, Khalua cream, vanilla, pistachio ice cream hints, peppercorns, cinnamon, White chocolate notes, chocolate hints, biscuit bread, butterscotch, stone fruit apricots, peaches and cream, apples, flan, tres leches cake, hazelnut nectar, underlying citrus, coriander spice, clove spice and bananas.

Flavors:
Rich Vanilla, mocha coffee, roasted coffee, Java coffee, dulce de leche caramel, biscuit bread, maple syrup, frappuccino, almonds, pecan pie, hazelnut, stone fruit apricot, peaches, apples, butterscotch, Khalua hints, peppercorns, pistachio ice cream, Irish cream, tootsie rolls, strawberry hints, grape, white chocolate, Danish cookies, cake batter, Twinkies, Tres Leches cake notes, citrus, orange peel, coriander spice, phenolic notes, candi sugar, rock candy, flan, crème brulee hints, bananas and clove spice.

Aftertaste:
Coffee lingers along with rich nuttiness of pistachios, cinnamon, vanilla, and candi sugar hints then leavings dry. No alcohol in the taste, clear as day yet golden amber body, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Perfect and more! With the original Seme plus the introduction of the complex Ethiopian coffee brings out some extra richer notes that were typically not found in the original Seme. The fact that this is a light clear beer but drinks like dark Belgian coffee, is simply crazy. Almost reminds me of those golden stouts, but I digress. All I can say is that I am an even greater fan of this one for sure. If you love the original Pistachio Seme Della Vita and love coffee, well let’s just say this is damn bliss!

Anime Corner:
Anemone from Eureka 7 was used in this pairing as she resembles Eureka which I used in the first Seme Della Vita Pairing. As you can see, the darker colors and pinks represent the change of the beer into the strong dark coffee and more fruity like version of the original Seme Della Vita. This is a coffee dream indeed…

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/93656

Mash & Grind by the Bruery

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

10365814_10102242084566520_3966754426991846494_n 10869828_10102242084960730_6678622636617135545_oRating: 6/5

Mash & Grind by the Bruery is a 13.7% ABV English Barley Wine aged in Bourbon Barrels with Portola Lab’s Lucio Delgado (Columbia) Coffee beans.

Label:
TO HAVE

An English-style classic with rich flavors from time spent aging in bourbon barrels, plus fresh roasted coffee from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mash & Grind is best enjoyed fresh for bold coffee notes, but may develop pleasantly with time if cellared properly.

==Introduction==

After reviewing the other MASH variations, I am unsure how the Coffee variant could top the coconut, but we definitely have to focus on this one now. This was also released to Reserve Society members only and you may have to trade to get this variant. MASH by the Bruery is in itself an insanely rich and delicious beer that really shoots up to the top of the best Barleywines in the world in my opinion especially of the English style. This coffee variant is something I have been meaning to try and is one that I passed off a taster as I was too exited to the coconut and the fact that I was willing to wait to focus on this one. So let’s dive and see how this one differs from the regular MASH. By the way, Portola labs is one of the best I have seen for brewing some of the best coffee beers out there. Well, except for the rarities of Kopi Luwak, Intelligentsia, Jamaican Blue, Jobella and Dark Matter and their variants such as Unicorn’s Blood, but I digress. Check out my other reviews on those if you want. As for this one, let’s take close look shall we? Cheers!!

Aromas:
Rich milk chocolate coffee, rich roasted coffee grounds, java coffee, espresso, frappuccino cream, coffee cake, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, oak, banana split, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, banana clove spices, rich mocha, coconut hints, marshmallow, chocolate smores, custard, sweetened condensed milk (Leche Nestle), rocky road icecream, pecan pie, tobacco, brownies, chocolate bread, toffee, butterscotch, raisin bread pudding and maple.

Flavors:
Rich mocha coffee, Java, espresso, Khalua, dark chocolate abuelita, roasted coffee notes, coffee grounds, dulce de leche caramel, frappuccino, mocha latte, flan, plantain hints, almond joy, dark chocolate pecan pie, danish cookies, cinnamon, bananas, hazelnut, tocacco, rocky road icecream, bourbon, toasted coconut hints, butterscotch, macadamia nuts, dark fruit, plums raisins, dark cherry, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, custard, chocolate cake, coffee cake, crème brulee and maple.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee, vanilla, caramel, crème brulee, rye bread, marshmallows, coconut hints, almonds and frappuccino cream lingers. No alcohol in the taste, moderate drinkability, creamy mouthfeel and a dark brown full body.

Overall:
Hot Damn, if you love coffee, this one is like Coffee Central! The coffee is strong in this one. The colder the sharper coffee strength. You get more coffee roast as it is cold, but when it warms up, that is when you get the best out the beer. I definitely suggest trying it a variant temperatures as it will vary as the temperature gets warmer. Aging this will let more coffee and other flavors go through but as it is right now as it warms up is definitely pure coffee beer Nirvana. I do think this reaches the heights of best coffee beers in the world and the best coffee Barleywine ever and I highly recommend if you can get some bottles to age too.

Anime Corner:
Aqua from Kingdom Hearts makes a triumphant return in the beer scene with this pairing. The last couple of times I used her were in pairings such as 1556 Ale from New Belgium, Rochefort 10 and Jamaican Blue Coffee Speedway Stout from Alesmith. She relates to this beer in the sense of the deep and by that I mean deep darkness. Darkness which is presented by the rich coffee roast but mainly because even with the strongest of the Dark, she can battle it with light as she is a Key Blade Master which are very few from the series. You see, Mash & Grind is not a dark beer. It retains its barleywine caramel colors, super strength and complexity and yet presents the darkness. Aqua has been locked in the darkness for a long time but her light is always brimming never to extinguish!

Sources:
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/002/1/d/dark_aqua_by_annria2002-d4l2k63.jpg

System of a Stout by Beachwood brewing

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

10556441_10101935648057740_6808822718300916755_n 10532943_10101935649380090_6744576644527777012_nRating: 5.75/5

System of a Stout by Beachwood brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class Armenian Imperial Stout aged in oak brandy barrels.

Label:
System of a Stout incorporates the ingredients of a traditional cup of Armenian-style coffee: cardamom, molasses, and a massive infusion of coffee from our good friends at Portola Coffee Lab in Costa Mesa, CA. This robust and flavorful brew is then oak aged, adding even more layers of complexity. Enjoy fresh or cellar at 45-55°.
___

What a beer, named after the System of a Down in reference to being a beer made in the Armenian style of coffee. Definitely traveled far and wide to Long Beach California where I had to pick this one up before it was gone. That and the fact that the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals and Anime Expo in downtown Los Angeles were going on all at the same time. That day was totally worth it and the fact that I was able to bring this for a review for you may hopefully make you decide to seek this one out for yourself. Let us see why this one is so, ‘World Class’!

Aromas:
Immediate rush of dark and rich espresso coffee fragrances, dark chocolate, dark fruit notes, molasses, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, flan hints, oak, brandy, dark cherries, chocolate cake, bananas, flan, almonds, pecan pie and vanilla ice cream.

Flavors:
Rich Dark Espresso coffee, Vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, oak, brandy, dark cherries, toffee, rye, earthy hop notes, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, milk chocolate, rocky road ice cream, cinnamon, brown sugar, dark fruits like raisins and plums, cardamom spice, molasses, anise, pecan pie, flan, almonds, banana and chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Lingering coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, oak, brandy, cherry hints and earthy spicy notes. No alcohol in the taste, drinks smooth yet syrupy mouthfeel. Dark full body with no trace of light in site.

Overall:
Exceptionally awesome! This is my favorite beer from Beachwood so far aside from the Mrs. Stoutfire collaboration they did with the Bruery. This beer is pretty close to Mocha Wednesday but misses the super complexity of that one. It is way delicious and up there with the greatest of the the great and the Brandy oak aging definitely takes it to that next level. I highly recommend getting this one as it is freaking amazing and close to one of the best coffee stouts in the world for sure!

Anime Corner:
Ellie from the Last of Us and Marceline from Adventure Time were used in this pairing for many reasons involving the dark aspects of the flavors and tribute to System of a Down. In the art work from Ellie it actually reminds me of the song B.Y.O.B video where it shows an army of soldiers in suits marching forward. The soldiers in the artwork you can say represent those soldiers from the video. The Marceline artwork just represent overall rock and basically the darkness of this beer and System of a Down as a Rock Band.

Sources:
http://artgerm.deviantart.com/art/Marceline-466739861
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/andyrobertson/files/2014/05/The-Last-of-Us-concept-art.jpg
System of a Down: B.Y.O B https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUzd9KyIDrM

Melange 8 (1 year later) by The Bruery

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

10277430_10101804508193080_7556593570689666125_n 10298828_10101804509036390_3362487710672901208_n 10302036_10101804509280900_6569062955315578700_nRating: 6/5

Melange 8 (1 year later) by The Bruery is a 14.5% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Don Pachi Geisha Coffee Beans and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
GEISHA!

A rich blend of our Anniversary ale, White Oak Sap along with locally roasted coffee from Portola Coffee Lab. Flavors of toffee, vanilla, oak and roasty coffee beans.

Melange No. 8 will age gracefully for many years when cellared properly. Best stored and cellared arund 55 degrees Fahrenheit in a cool, dark place.
___

Bottled on 1/16/2013, this beer has been sitting for way past a year and I am sure has developed some crazy flavors. I searched all last year for this beer was unable to find it until I was able to trade it from a friend. This piece of art was so damn exclusive, that you had to be part of the Elusive and Exclusive and Expensive, Hoarders society from the Bruery. This beer, like the Kopi Luwak Coffee beans, is brewed with some very expensive coffee beans. Maybe that is why it is so exclusive. Either way, I wanted to get the review in to show case what this beer is all about.

Aromas:
Rich complex and fancy coffee with whipped cream and dulce de leche caramel, espresso, dark fruit raisins, waffle cone, bourbon, vanilla, oak, mocha, toasted coconut, marshmallows, java, milk chocolate, chai tea, flan, green tea, coriander spice, cherry, crème brulee, leather, clove spice, bananas, Kahlua liqueur, pecan pie, nutty clusters, cinnamon and some very mild tropics.

Flavors:
Very complex and fancy Coffee, mocha, espresso, vanilla, oak, bourbon, flan, dulce de leche caramel, cinnamon, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, pecan pie, hazelnut, earthy notes, coriander and clove spice, toasted coconut, marshmallows, milk chocolate, java coffee, Kahlua liqueur notes, chai tea, herbal green tea, brown sugar, mild tropical citrus, apple butter, leather notes, berry marmalade on rye toast, coffee butter scotch, whipped cream on frappucino, cashew butter, purple sweet potato hints and waffle cone.

Aftertaste:
Sweet complex coffee, vanilla, caramel, purple sweet potato, chai tea, frappuccino, marshmallow and earthy notes linger. Alcohol is grown so you can kind of sense it in the taste but still not detracting too much from the flavors. A sipping beer for sure with full bodied mouthfeel.

Overall:
As expected, definitely one of the greats exceeding the upper flavors as only some of the best beers I love can only do. However, this is still no Melange 3. There is a reason I gave that one a 7 and there is no way I have changed my mind from this one. Nevertheless, right next to Bourbon County Coffee Brand Stout,Mocha Wednesday and the Alesmith Kopi Luwak Bourbon Barrel Aged beers this one is one of the best worldly coffee beers out there. The only way to get this one is by basic trading unfortunately and I had a hell of time to try and get this. So if you have a bottle, now you know what it can be like, at least so far.

Anime Corner:
Franco il Nero (Frank the Black) and her group of Donne Annonime and Lily Salvattana from Tre Donne Crudeli were used in this beer pairing because I wanted to find a pairing that reminded me of the worlds best coffee beer as well as match the colors. Since this beer is a blend of different beers, I mixed in the them three since I used them in many epic beers like the Bourbon County Brand Stouts variants. Since Coffee was the main aspect and a fancy coffee at that, I wanted to relate those flavors and bourbon as how they related to the old west. Many cowboys and cowgirls would drink bourbon while others would drink coffee. The blend in these together along with the Old Ale aspect of the Old West and the White Oak Sap reminding me of the hot sun was just the mix up I needed to bring this together. That and I wanted to find an excuse to use Franco il Nero in a Bruery beer since I have not done so in the past. That and the fact that her name is “The Black”, like a cup of rich fancy coffee!

Matrimonium by Monkish Brewing

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

1901209_10101743508162630_2099535038_n 10001476_10101743505952060_1882047046_n 10167994_10101743506495970_1610258862_nRating: 5.25/5

Matrimonium by Monkish Brewing is an 11.1% ABV Belgian Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Coffee beans and Lavender.

Released on 3/22 (My Birthday) limited only to the Brewery and in limited quantities. This beer caught my attention since it was like for the”occasion” moment. There are several good friends of mine getting married in March and April and I wanted to do a beer review for the occasion I guess. A limited, yet accessible release from one my local Belgian inspired breweries was a must.

Aromas:
Very fancy chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, chocolate mousse, lavender flower notes, vanilla, anise, hazelnut, peppercorns, herbs, spices, dark fruit raisins, plums, mocha, java, figs, dark cherry, earthy notes, tobacco, oak, marshmallow smores, molasses, toffee, dry apricots, brown sugar and other stone fruits.

Flavors:
Herbal chocolate, lavender flowers, mocha, really fancy coffee, milk and dark chocolate, espresso beans, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, plums, stone fruits like peach, dry apricots, , vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, peppercorns, hazelnut, anise, Bakers chocolate, earthy hop notes, tobacco, leather, oak, marshmallow smores, chocolate abuelita, cinnamon, capirotada bread pudding dipped in a frappuccino with vanilla coffee beans and lavender garnish.

Aftertaste:
Lingering Lavender, fancy coffee, caramel, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, herbs, bakers chocolate and more. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer with a full to syrupy mouth feel.

Overall:
Exceeding expectations in the sense that this is way different from the other Monkish beers I have tried, except Apophatic. This beer takes it to the level of best coffee beers out there. Lavender is already a very enjoyable fragrance of mine but they were able to exact it on the taste with is very unique. A very different and very enjoyable beer. This is not Mocha Wednesday or even a Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Imperial Stout but this is still in a very special category of flavor. Maybe not as super complex as the others but it falls high in a very unique aspect. This is why local breweries rule, First, the pistachio vanilla ice cream Seme de La Vita beer, and now this. Very damn good and props to Monkish for making such an outstanding beer.

Anime Corner:
Rider from Fate Stay/Night, Nun original artwork and Tokiko and Morichika from Touhou series artworks were used in this pairing to showcase the colors of the label, the flavors and the Monk, church and marriage aspects from the beer. Lavender, the color purple was the perfect choice for Rider, The Monk aspect or in this case the Nun as well as the church represent matrimonium as the woman must take a vow of celibacy like the man but in doing so, it is like saying she is marrying Jesus Christ, so to speak. The Tokiko and Morichika was obvious as it shows the bride and groomsman in holy matrimony. I definitely like how Tokiko’s hair with the blueish purple and white hair pairs very well with the flavors and colors of the label. All in all, I was very happy with choosing the right pictures for the beer as it took a very long time.

Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery

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

1014082_10101671495491600_1756682980_n 1966856_10101671498834900_1504673027_n 1970798_10101671497782010_137021336_n 1922342_10101671498161250_1633794177_nRating: 6/5

Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery is a 19.2% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Coffee and Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. This invigorationg ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the both chocolate and freshly ground coffee flavors will be most prominent when consumed fresh.
___

Fucken right, the only beer this year from the stupidly exclusive and expensive hoarders society of the Bruery I was able to obtain thanks to a great donation. You will most likely have to trade or spend a grip of money on this rarity of rares. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and Melange #3 have been my top favorite Bruery beers and today on this very Wednesday, a Mocha Wednesday, I contribute this beauty to the reviews. Thank you so much mystery person for the generous donation. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Alesmith Kopi Luwak coffee aroma complexity, rich mocha coffee, espresso, roasted coffee beans, Kahlua, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazel nuts, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, mint, anise and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
Toasted coconut, Kahlua, mocha, java, espresso beans, Kopi luwak coffee, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates as in the aromas, dark fruits like currants, cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, See’s coffee candy, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, oak, bourbon, rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, cookies and cream ice cream, anise, mint chocolate ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, earthy chocolate sugar notes, tobacco, roasted cashews, mocha syrup and more chocolate, damn!

Aftertaste:
Lots of Kahlua coffee. You know the alcohol is there but all you taste is sugary sweet Frappucino and coffee to the point where you can’t sense it until it is too late. A major sipping chocolate mocha syrupy mouth feel beer, but scarily, a smooth beer as well. This beer is no joke.

Overall:
Holy Shit, this kicks a lot of the best coffee beers right in the nuts. I think this is really the best damn coffee beer I have ever had with Alesmith Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout being the second runner up. This definitely is a warming welcome to the already great line up of Bruery beers specifically the ones I had mentioned earlier in my post. No doubt about it, it is not as chocolatey as Chocolate Rain, but the consistency and the coffee to give it a complex coffee-mocha flavor that makes it extremely unique. Something like this is what meets the highest expectation exceeding criteria that I look for in some of the best beers in the world. A rarity, but a lovely beer just the same. That and at 19.2% is the 3rd highest ABV I have ever tried next to Chocolate Rain and Tactical Nuclear Penguin (32% ABV although too harsh).

Anime Corner:
I looked for a couple of days figuring out which character to choose and after watching Naruto this past weekend, who else can actually make a great pairing but the 3rd Akatsuki Rogue Ninja leader and one of the top female ninjas in the series (next to Temari ofcourse), Konan of Amegakure. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reason her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess, what other aspects of this pairing compliment each other?

The Ghost of Jacob Barley collaboration between Noble Ale Works and Beachwood Brewing

by tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

1517543_10101588105660490_1459661081_n 1491616_10101588105740330_1046275011_n 1546449_10101588105939930_293451625_nRating: 4.85/5

The Ghost of Jacob Barley collaboration between Noble Ale Works and Beachwood Brewing is a 9.6% ABV Winter Warmer brewed with Coffee and Cinnamon.

Label:
Noble Ale Works teamed up with Beachwood BBQ & Brewing and Portola Coffee Lab to brew this Spiced Winter Warmer with coffee. Layered rich with English caramel malts, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon and some of the best coffee on earth, the result is exactly what you’d expect…DELICIOUS! Brewed to celebrate the 2nd Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival, we recommend that you drink this winter treat as soon as possible in order to experience the vibrant coffee character at it’s peak.
___

Picked this one up at Total wine and more. Beachwood and Noble Ale works are part of the Socal breweries and are definitely growing in distribution. If you are lucky to get this for Christmas, give at go and see if it is to your liking. It sure is an awesome idea.

Aromas:
Very Rich coffee forward, cinnamon, caramel, toffee, nutmeg, gingerbread, brown sugar, toffee, biscuit bread, all spice, fruit cake, pecan pie notes, dark fruit notes, maple syrup, hazelnut and mild earthiness.

Flavors:
Coffee, caramel, cinnamon, roasted coffee grounds, oatmeal, brown sugar, hazelnut, pecan pie, toffee, rye bread, fruit cake, raisins, mocha, java, mild chocolate notes and mild apple butter notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing of with bitter coffee grounds, fruit cake, maple syrup, caramel and cinnamon lingering.
Moderate to Sipping drinkability. No alcohol in the taste. Syrupy mouth feel.

Overall:
Very delicious beer if you love coffee. The combination of Coffee in a winter warmer is quite the interesting one. I would definitely recommend it. I saw that the breweries also released this on tap with eggnog. I will see what this does to the beer and regular eggnog. Although it may not work. Either way, I would definitely recommend this one

Anime Corner:
Ghost Rider and Black Rock Shooter I chose for this pairing as well as the last artwork piece with the ghost with chains visiting the person behind bars was to portray Jacob Marley who visits Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. You can say Ghost Rider visits Black Rock Shooter to warn about something or ensue a battle with her. Black Rock Shooter is a mysterious character from another world or dimension that carries chains and a sword. Like Ghost Rider, you may also say she is a ghost herself. I am unfamiliar as to the origins of the last piece but it still fits the whole ghost visiting Scrooge as the Christmas theme of the beer shows.