Chernyy Medved Collaboration by Valiant and Black Market Brewing

June 1, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Birdy Cephon Altera, Birdy The Mighty, Black Market Brewing, Chernyy Medved, cherries, Kneesocks, Kneesocks Daemon, Panty and Stocking, PSG, Russian Imperial Stout, Scanty and Kneesocks, Valiant brewing, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Chernyy Medved Collaboration by Valiant and Black Market Brewing is a 13% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Cherries and Vanilla

Label:
A powerful and fearless Russian Imperial Stout brewed in collaboration with our comrades at Black Market Brewing in Temecula CA. Chernyy Medved was brewed in tribute to the OC Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival which takes place in December in Orange County CA. Brewed with smoked wood, pine, vanilla, cherries and coming in at 13% ABV this intense black beauty will warm you right up this winter or will cellar nicely to be enjoyed in the years to come.
==Introduction==

Cerny Medved or Black Bear was a beer my friend Neal provided me as a trade for some homebrews. Valiant Brewing was a brewery that recently closed in March 2017, essentially, last month. So some of these beers are so limited that you might not see them again. I had only recently got into their brews especially their Candy Sours series. It is unfortunate we will not have them again but let us look at how at this one and see what it was all about, Cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted coffee, molasses, anise, dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Dark fruit raisins, currants, Cherries, Earthy and smokey oak notes, flan, vanilla, cherry crème brulee, strawberry, tootsie roll chocolate and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Chocolate Mousse, Dark fruit raisins, currants, Cherries, Earthy and smokey oak notes, earthy hop bitterness, burnt sugar, roasted coffee, molasses, anise, flan, vanilla, cherry crème brulee, strawberry and cherry cheese cake, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, brown sugar, tootsie roll chocolate, Cherry Chocolate milk, hazelnut nectar and cherry cake fudge chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with roasty chocolate, earthy and smoky notes, cherry notes, vanilla, caramel, toffee earthy hop bitterness and caramel. No alcohol in the taste despite the 13% ABV, smooth. Creamy and velvety mouthfeel, dark full body, with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
An awesome perfect stout. Very Roasty and flavorful like many of the Russian Imperial Stouts I have had before. The cherry flavors this one introduces pairs well with the roasty flavors and vanilla. While I do not think this is at the strongest in terms of the Choco Cherry Cordial beers, but it is a cherry cordial in its own sense. Not as sweet, but earthy and balanced. I would highly recommend checking this one if you can still find it.

Anime Corner:
Birdy Cephon Altera from Birdy The Mighty and Kneesocks Daemon from Panty and Stocking W/Garterbelt were used in this pairing as I wanted to mainly go with the colors of cherries and while I don’t think Birdy is Russian or a bear, I mainly paired for the colors and ingredients of the beer. Kneesocks on the other hand is much closer to the dark red cherry color so bringing her here works awesomely.

Sources:
http://cdn30.us1.fansshare.com/image/birdythemighty/birdy-the-mighty-512466661.jpg
http://cdn26.us1.fansshare.com/photo/birdythemightydecode/birdy-the-mighty-decode-shared-image-unknown-1334427343.jpg
http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/originals/2013/Anime_Birdy_the_Mighty_053034_.jpg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/iamsukebe/imgs/5/3/53ff0cb2.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Birdy.Cephon.Altera.full.73854.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Birdy.Cephon.Altera.full.73861.jpg
http://i57.beon.ru/45/32/793245/79/64651079/14873385.jpeg

Sea Rose by Ballast Point

May 26, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged American Wheat, Ballast Point, Kneesocks, Kneesocks Daemon, Panty & Stocking, Pomegranates, PSG, Scanty and Kneesocks, Sea Rose, tart cherries | Leave a comment

Rating: 2.95/5

Sea Rose by Ballast Point is a 4% ABV American Wheat Ale brewed with Tart Cherries and Pomegranates.

Commercial Description:
A crisp wheat ale with a tart cherry twist.
Our Sea Rose tart cherry wheat ale is a fresh take on fruit beers. Originally conceived during an employee-led R&D brew, it’s one of our most imaginative recipes yet. The American wheat style is light and clean, while fresh cherry juice adds a soft coral color and fruity nose that gives way to a dry, slightly tart finish. It’s approachable, yet unexpected—exactly what we love to brew.

==Introduction==

I first heard of this one while searching online for information for the Red Velvet on nitro from Ballast Point. So since it was a new fish to the list of fish added to the Ballast Point labels, I wanted to bring it to the site. It looked awesome so I chose it for that reason. Tart Cherry Wheat brews are something that I like since the Sam Adams Cherry Wheat and my own homebrew, Heff By Black Cherries. So based on my experience, they are typically awesome brews. So one made by Ballast Point has got to be awesome. Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Wheat grain, cereal notes, cherry hints, biscuit bread, cane sugar and lemon notes.

Flavors:
Cereal grains, pilsner malt, pomegranate hints, tart cherry, cranberries, wheat bread, cane sugar, honey notes, lemon and seltzer notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing very dry with tart cherry, cranberry and pomegranates along with biscuit and cereal hints. No alcohol in the taste, super clear amber to honey light body, crisp, clean, refreshing and smoooth mouthfeel and very easy to drink.

Overall:
Close to Average at best. While I feel this is super great for non craft beer drinkers and a great entrance for those that want to try other beers since it is so light and refreshing. Ultimately, it falls short on flavor with only notes of the mentioned fruit flavors. I personally would like more flavor but that is just me. I really feel for those that hardly drink craft beer and want something that is only hinted and still super light, this is an awesome beer for that. Worth a try if once but there is better out there.

Anime Corner:
Kneesocks Daemon from Panty & Stocking W/ Garterbelt was used in this pairing for the colors mainly of cherries and pomegranates. I also wanted to find something to pair with the red fish and that is where Kneesocks comes in. She is a red hot devil with a spiky hair looks frilly like the waves of the fish.

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfIw4QIUYAAPPcn.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh186/erik_zorninsson/eec23fdbf997b33890d54f7fcafe2911.jpg
http://i57.beon.ru/45/32/793245/79/64651079/14873385.jpeg
http://tbib.org/images/5142/1e5a290ff1744f9ee2feddaa40b7d6f5b3972834.png?5656721

Victory! Victory! Victory! brewed by Angel City Brigade (Do-It-Yourself Brew)

March 3, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, coffee, Do-it-yourself, Panty and Stocking, PSG, Stocking, Stocking Anarchy, vanilla, Victory! Victory! Victory!, Zymurgy Brew Works | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.95/5

Victory! Victory! Victory! brewed by Victory! Victory! Victory! is an American Porter brewed with Coffee and Vanilla beans.

==Introduction==

The cousin of my friend William Carranza, founder of El Borracho homebrewing, created this recipe while working with Zymurgy Brew Works and Angel City Brigade. Essentially, they opened up a “Do-It-Yourself” brewing experience where the public can brew a recipe for a fee. They would get assistance from the brewers there in making the recipe they would like to make and provide them the finish product upon completion of fermentation. William’s cousin brewed this beer and was gracious enough to allow me to do a review for it on the site. When I first tried it, I was pleasantly amazed at how good this was. Something definitely worth reviewing. While the recipe maybe a onetime deal, I’ll share it with you as a favor to my friend. Cheers!

Aromas:
Vanilla, dark fruit raisin hints, currants, cherry hints, mocha, roasted coffee, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cocoa, Irish cream, brown sugar, earthy hop notes, and mint chocolate chip hints.

Flavors:
Mocha, Roasted coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cocoa, Baker’s chocolate, caramel, anise, molasses, whipped cream, espresso, Irish cream coffee notes, mint chocolate chip, dark fruit raisin hints, currants, cherry hints, steamed milk, pecan pie hints, hazelnut nectar, earthy hops and lactose hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with a very nice fancy coffee and mocha roastiness, chocolate, vanilla, dark fruit and caramel. No alcohol in the taste. Dark full body, Smooth, creamy and velvety mouth feel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious porter. Definitely very well made having great body, smoothness, no off flavors and delicious. I loved how it had rich coffee and vanilla forward overall and some complex flavors of the dark fruits coming through. I am definitely glad I brought it here. Hopefully they can brew this one again.

Anime Corner:
Stocking Anarchy from PSG was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to show Victory as a Victory to a battle. With the name being more of a tribute and a victory pose like that of Final Fantasy VII’s cloud, I figure it would fit nicely. In addition, the beer is dark, like the artwork being used. This version of Stocking is evil.

Sources:
https://archive.nyafuu.org/foolfuuka/boards/w/image/1444/86/1444868907939.jpg

2017 Deliverance by The Lost Abbey

February 25, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Angel Share, Barleywine, Beer Hybrid, Bois Bourbon Barrel Aged, Bourbon Barrel Aged Serpent stout, brandy, Brandy Barrel Aged, Brandy Barrels, cuvee, Deliverance, Garterbelt, Imperial Stout, Panty & Stocking, Panty Anarchy, Panty and Stocking, PSG, Scanty, Scanty and Kneesocks, Scanty Daemon, Serpent Stout, Serpent's Stout, The Lost Abbey, The Lost Abbey Deliverance | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

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2017 Deliverance by The Lost Abbey is a 12.5% Angel Share (Brandy Barrel aged Barleywine) and BBA Serpent Stout (Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout) hybrid/cuvee.

Label:
Whether you’re a “Lead us not into Temptation.” or a “Deliver us from Evil” son of person matter not. The end of the world is no longer near. It’s Frigging upon us! Apocalypse. Doomsday and Armageddon have all converged on earth rendering it one gigantic volcanic lake of pestilence. Free will caught the bus out of town and Salvation can only be found in the outstretched hands of His Redeeming Angel’s. It’s sad but true. Our lots were cast long ago and Judgment has arrived. There is nothing we can do to improve our standings. They don’t offer cuts in the Line of Heaven. So stop trying to “Love thy neighbor” and join us as we kick back waiting for our souls to be fetched. In honor of civilization’s end, we put together your own personal Deliverance in a bottle. It won’t save you from Satan’s grasp. But sin tastes good. So, bottom’s up. Or is it down?

==Introduction==

Another favorite of mine. Possibly even more than the Serpent’s Stout, the Deliverance Ale. A brew I once travelled over several hours on several busses to and forth to a store that had this beer. This was my first experience with a “Double Barrel” or “Double Spirit aged” beer blend. A blend of a stout and barley wine. It was also hard to find way back then and was one of the beers responsible for my passion of collecting beer artwork along with the other Lost Abbey beers. So when they updated the label and brought it back to the marketplace, I had to bring it to the site. A pricey little bottle but in my opinion, worth all the pennies. So let’s go and embrace the amalgamation of the liquid consciencecial turmoil, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, currants, prunes, plums, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, flan, vanilla, Bourbon, Brandy, oak, Chocolate Ice cream, Cadbury cream eggs, port wine, notes, sweetened condensed milk, dark candi sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, banana sundae, Danish cream, Irish cream, capirotada raisin bread pudding, mocha and coffee notes.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, flan, vanilla, Bourbon, Brandy, oak, toasted coconut, chocolate mint ice cream, tobacco, molasses, leather, anise, rocky road ice cream, Cadbury cream eggs, port wine, notes, sweetened condensed milk, dark candi sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, banana sundae, Danish cream, Irish cream, capirotada raisin bread pudding, dark fruit raisins, figs, currants, prunes, plums, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, marshmallow chocolate smores, waffle cone, rye bread, toffee, roasted coffee, mocha, espresso, Kahlua coffee liqueur, brown sugar, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Chambord raspberry liqueur and red wine notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with toasted coconut, oak, chocolate, hazelnut, brandy, bourbon, dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, banana, dark candi sugar hints and coffee. Despite the ABV, the alcohol is not burning but the barrel oak of the spirit is greatly displayed. Dark abyss full body, smooth, cream, velvety, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Simply because I say so, this beer I consider a bucket lister. There maybe greater beers that blend 2 spirits, a good and evil spirit, but none that had some crazy influence to me when I first started reviewing beers. This beer was damn elusive at the time. In some cases, it still is an elusive beer. Regardless, this one still packing those great and rich bourbon and brandy complexities over dessert. Yes, the actual flavors of from the spirits are present while not giving alcohol in the flavor. Beers like these are ones I wish they made in 750ml bottles. Regardless, I highly recommend this double barrel aged brew, cheers!

Anime Corner:
Panty and Stocking Anarchy as well as Scanty and Kneesocks Daemon from Panty & Stocking w/ Garterbelt were all used in this pairing as it makes sense to use Angels versus Demons. Although this was the original ideal I had since I first reviewed this beer and one that I have expanded upon as I brought the beer to the site oh so long ago. That has not changed but I added more awesome pictures that work well with the pairings. So much love for the series and this beer.

Sources:
http://orig03.deviantart.net/e4da/f/2011/181/d/8/d8c4a943377c5d7258a73c5ea9a9eda6-d3kisoy.jpg
http://orig07.deviantart.net/eb8b/f/2011/134/3/2/panty_vs_scanty_by_lo_wah-d3gcxis.jpg
https://images.ttcdn.co/media/products/508428-5cc0a8ab0fdc4de8994c672cd8746854/s/tmilhouse/panty-and-stocking-0.jpeg
http://static2.fjcdn.com/comments/5072993+_3d8fb7e9b4b9a639485ec6ea921d06ad.png

Firestone XX Twentieth Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker

December 8, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged anniversary ale, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Beer Hybrid, Bravo, cuvee, Evangelion, Firestone Walker, Firestone XX, Firestone XX Twentieth Anniversary Ale, FLCL, FW, Gainax, Haruko Haruhara, HellDorado, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Panty & Stocking, Panty Anarchy, Parabola, PSG, Rei Ayanami, Stickee Monkee, Stocking, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagan, Trigger Studios, Velvet Merkin, world class beers, Yoko Ritona | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Firestone XX Twentieth Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker is a 13.80% ABV World Class Strong Multi-liquor Barrel Aged Style Hybrid Blend Ale.

Description: (Please Click On The Strategy Guide/Letter From Firestone Walker and the Box)

==Introduction==

The time has finally come for another review of some of the best World Class beers out there. Each year, I wait in anticipation for these releases. Many know Firestone Walker for being one of the best breweries when it comes to their barrel program and have maintained that status for many years. Their ability to brew barrel aged beers and create delicious Cuvees has been outstanding from release to release. They celebrate 20 years in business bringing many awesome beers like Double Barrel Ale, Double Jack, Parabola and Velvet Merlin just to name a few. Today I bring their anniversary beer to the site and it is with damn pleasure to see what this 20th year brings. Cheers to many more years!

Aromas:
Rocky road ice cream, almonds, walnuts, hazelnut nectar, rich marshmallows, chocolate smores, oatmeal cookies, oreo cookies and cream, flan, chocolate chip cookies, whiskey, brandy hints, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, prunes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, bananas, clove spice, honey comb, waffle cone, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, rich oak, toasted coconut, almond joy chocolate, Irish Cream coffee, Danish Cream cookies, capirotada raisin bread pudding and Chocolate Banana Sundae.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, prunes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate milk shake, bananas, clove spice, honey comb, waffle cone, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, rich oak, toasted coconut, almond joy chocolate, rocky road ice cream, almonds, walnuts, hazelnut nectar, rich marshmallows, chocolate smores, oatmeal cookies, oreo cookies and cream, flan, chocolate chip cookies, whiskey, brandy hints, molasses, anise, leather, tobacco, sweetened condensed milk, port wine, Irish Cream coffee, Danish Cream cookies, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Chocolate Banana Sundae, cinnamon, coriander hints, stone fruit peaches, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar and earthy hop notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with a grand variety of complex flavors ranging from dark chocolate, dark fruits, oak, marshmallow smores, rocky road ice cream, flan, fruit cake, bourbon, banana split, maple syrup, earthy hop notes and wine notes. No alcohol in the taste, crimson pitch black body, silky smooth, creamy, velvety, chewy and slightly syrupy mouthfeel with and easy to moderate drinkability despite the ABV.

Overall:
For being in the business 20 years, they got their stuff down and hands down, this is ridiculously delicious! They have Cuvee experts for years and even getting winemakers to assist with their creations to make something that is nothing but legendary. The best part about this beer and any of their other anniversary beers is that they have sold them to the public in many quantities for many to enjoy. Now it is your turn, seek this one as it is a must experience!

Anime Corner:
Gainax and Trigger Studios Crossover characters were all used to represent all the flavors and all the beers used in this beer but in general all the years of blending awesome beers. Moreover, really for celebration in general. Some of the best characters in Anime are in this pairing.

Sources:
http://cdn30.us1.fansshare.com/image/mahoromatic/ogza-fanservice-1437649123.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ywcJbAA.jpg

2016 White Mocha by The Bruery

May 26, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Blonde Barley Wine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Coffee Beans, Panty, Panty & Stocking, Panty Anarchy, Panty and Stocking, PSG, TCHO Cacao nibs, The Bruery, Tierra Mia, wheat wine, White Chocolate, White Mocha | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 White Mocha by The Bruery is a 16.3% ABV Wheat Wine Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with TCHO Cacao Nibs and Tierra Mia Coffee Beans.

Label:
RISE & SHINE
This bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale snuggled up with cacao nibs from TCHO and fresh coffee beans from TIERRA MIA COFFEE

White Mocha is our bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale with cacao nibs and fresh coffee beans. Notes of coffee and chocolate are joined by warm flavors of coconut, honey and vanilla that rise & shine on the palate. If you’ve never fancied yourself a morning person, today might just be your day.

==Introduction==

Released to Reserve and Hoarders Society members of the Bruery, this beer is essentially White Chocolate with Coffee. While in the past, White Chocolate has been a rarity and guilty pleasure along with Black Tuesday and the variants. It was so much so, that they would hardly release enough even to Reserve members. Now in 2015 and 2016, there is a lot of White Chocolate and White Oak to go around which is I guess how they got to experiment with a new brew and so this one was born. Let’s see if this is worth the find, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Flan, crème brulee, coffee cake, White Chocolate, Bourbon, Cookies and Cream, Cookie dough ice cream, Jamoca ice cream, Espresso coffee, Mocha Chocolate, Irish Cream, Danish Cookies, butterscotch, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, 3 leches (3 milks) Mexican cake, almond joy, honey, almond milk, tropical fruit like pineapple hints, pears, mango, brown sugar, oak, vanilla, rich hazelnut nectar and pecan pie.

Flavors:
White Chocolate, Espresso coffee, Mocha Chocolate, Jamoca Ice cream, Kopi Luwak fancy notes, coffee cake, bananas, clove spice, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, bourbon, brown sugar, oak, vanilla, rich hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, marshmallows, stone fruit peach, apricot, toasted coconut, 3 leches (3 milks) Mexican cake, almond joy, honey, dark fruit cherries, plums, tropical fruit like pineapple hints, pears, mango, almond milk, chocolate mousse, chocolate coffee milk shake, Irish Cream, Danish Cookies, cookie dough ice cream, butterscotch, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, coriander spice, orange notes, wine grapes and choco flan.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with coffee cake on sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla, milk chocolate, bananas, clove spice, bourbon, mocha ice cream and almond cream. No alcohol in the taste but definitely feel the impact later. Honey Gold Amber medium body, silky, syrupy, velvety, and chewy mouthfeel with a dangerously easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Just like the original White Chocolate but in the Fancy supreme coffee direction. I’m a sucker for some of these beers, I admit it and definitely tend to lean my opinion sometimes but just know that this one, just like the White Chocolate, is vastly up there with some of the best beers in the world. In fact, many of the special variants from Black Tuesday and the Bruery process are insane. Made with their house strain, it really gives off some of the beers I like, like the Belgian strains. Anyway, I highly recommend this one. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Panty Anarchy from the Panty & Stocking series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair mainly with the colors of the label and the WheatWine/BlondeBarley Wine aspect. With the addition of coffee to the White chocolate, the beer becomes very unique. Although white chocolate is not real chocolate but to think of a White Mocha? Well, that’s just a myth… like angels, or could it be true they live among us. Possibly, Panty Anarchy is an angel. A sexually driven one but the seduction of the idea of a white mocha and the complex flavors of the beer are very appealing.

Sources:
http://www.hkcgart.com/Public/static/kindeditor/attached/image/20150811/20150811083942_64879.jpg
http://holichii.deviantart.com/art/Anarchy-Panty-by-Hagiwara-Rin-314568375
http://www.zerochan.net/full/501682
http://static.zerochan.net/Anarchy.Panty.full.1500839.jpg

Abbey Normal by BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

August 27, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged abbey ale, Abbey Normal, Belgian Abbey, Belgian Dubbel, Belgian Trappists, BJ's Brewhouse, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Panty & Stocking, Panty and Stocking, PSG, Stocking, Trappist, Trappist beer, Trappist monks | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.85/5

Abbey Normal by BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a 6.6% ABV Belgian Dubbel.

Label:
BJ’s Abbey Normal is a light brown ale with a sweet malty profile. The style is what the Belgians call Abbey Ale, molded after the famous ales brewed by Trappist Monks. BJ’s Abbey Normal is full-bodied and rich tasting, with a complex bouquet of fruit and spice derived from fermentation with an authentic Trappist yeast. Subtle aromas and flavors emerge as the beer warms up – caramel, plums, raisins, currants and figs. BJ’s Abbey Normal may not be brewed in an abbey but it sure tastes heavenly.

This ale is bottle-conditioned and flavorful enough to age in the bottle for several years. Like a fine wine, the balance of flavors will change over time. For optional aging, we recommend that you store BJ’s Abbey Normal at between 55 and 65°F. Or enjoy it now!
___

Since 2010, when I first really started exploring beers, BJ’s brewhouse was a central theme to explore different beer styles as well as different beers. Abbey Normal was one of the first Belgian style beers and it was damn good back then. I never realized until a recent visit with my brother and my friend Alex that they started releasing these beers in bottles. I definitely had to bring one home for review as they ran out of the tap. So if you happen to visit BJ’s, this maybe something to try that is out of the ordinary there. Unless they have Westmalle which is more expensive but way more awesome. Either way, this is a very good Belgian dubbel even pre-review.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dates, phenolic banana notes, clove spice, stone fruit apricots, peaches, apples biscuit bread, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, honey, rock candy, pecan hint, ginger bread, chocolate hints, cinnamon and hints of brown sugar.

Flavors:
Phenolic notes of bananas, clove spice, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, trappist yeast hints, rock candy, candi sugar, pecan notes, hazelnut hints, dark cherries, ginger bread, cinnamon, chocolate hints, coffee, nutmeg, biscuit bread, bubble gum and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Biscuit bread, rye, dulce de leche caramel hints, dark fruit and phenolic hints fade into a dry finish. No alcohol in the taste, medium drinkability, amber medium to full body, light to medium mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good Dubbel for sure despite this comes from restaurant & brewhouse chain. I love sweet Belgian beers so even at the ABV presented, this drinks like champ. It nice in terms of balance providing you a very nice rich complexity of flavors while still not being over powering. Wish I had this more often but now I realize why I loved this one so much back then. This one I would definitely recommend if you are able to get it at BJ’s on tap or snag a bottle from them to take home and relax.

Anime Corner:
Stocking Anarchy from Panty & Stocking with Ganterbelt was used in this pairing in relation to how awesome this beer was back in the day. At my youth of craft beers, this presented me with something very distinct that I had never had on tap and really drove me to try out more beers. Now, how it relates to the Abbeys, the monks and heaven, well guess what, Stocking, along with her sister Panty are angels fighting for humanity vanquishing ghosts. She is lover of sweets to the point where she should be diabetic but she is not. The colors of the label fit her perfectly and in respects to heaven, she is just that. The flavors of dark fruits and dark sweet flavors are basically her whole embodiment. She is a sweet dark Gothic angel with a lot of heart and power.

Sources:
http://oi61.tinypic.com/2cgf23k.jpg

Devil Dancer by Founders brewing

August 9, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Devil Dancer, Founders Brewing, india pale ale, IPA, Panty & Stocking, PSG, Scanty, Scanty and Kneesocks, Tripel India Pale Ale, Triple IPA | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/5

Devil Dancer by Founders brewing is a 12% ABV Triple India Pale Ale.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Founders most complex, most innovative, most feared and yet most revered ale produced. Massive in complexity the huge malt character balances the insane amount of alpha’s used to create this monster. More IBU’s than any brewery has documented, more than you would believe and dry-hopped for twenty-six days straight with a combination of 10 hop varieties. Dangerously drinkable and deliciously evil. We dare you to dance with the Devil. 112 IBUs.
___

There is no way we here at California can get Founders beers regularly as well as the central states in the U.S. They pop up very far few and between. Thanks to Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com, we bring you a doozey of an IPA. This one from Founder brewing is probably their arsenal at the plinys and headys of the world. At a really heavy, 12% ABV, this is probably the strongest IPAs I have had right next to the 18% 120 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head. Well, without further ado, here is the review, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark cherries, grapefruit, piney, herbal and floral hops, caramel, toffee, dark fruit hints, some tropics such as passion fruit, dragon fruit, papaya, peach, biscuit bread, rye bread, vanilla, lemon zest, blood oranges, dank hop oils and maple syrup.

Flavors:
Dark Cherries, dark fruit raisins, figs, rye bread, grapefruit, floral and earthy hops, toffee, caramel, vanilla, biscuit bread, honey, blood oranges, old mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, papaya, peach hints, lemons, maple syrup and hop oils.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, dark cherries, citrus, honeygrapefruit, piney and earthy hops. No alcohol in the taste. Sipping drinkability but yet smooth and easy at the same time. Syrupy mouth feel, full body, crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
One of the strongest Triple IPAs I have ever tried for sure. This one is mainly on the malty and yet hoppy side showing a good amount of uncommon fruity complexities which make this one pretty unique. The potency of the beer makes it like you are drinking tropical hop and caramel oils. I really enjoyed this one and I do think this takes its place well up there with the plinys and Headys for sure. I definitely recommend this one for sure. Thanks Again Aaron.

Anime Corner:
Scanty from Panty & Stocking was used in this pairing because I wanted to pair with the colors and the devil dancer name. Scanty is a demon that fights with her sister Kneesocks against the angels Panty and Stocking. During their transformation sequence from formal attire, they pretty much strip like exotic dancers. Therefore, the name and the pairing stuck. Also, the fact that Scanty is obviously awesome.

Sources:
http://chitanime.3bb.ru/uploads/0000/0a/4a/33891-3-f.jpg

Hel & Verdoemenis (Hell & Damnation) by Brouwerij De Molen

May 8, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Brouwerij De Molen, Coffee Beans, Damnation, dark chocolate, Hel & Verdoemenis, Hell & Damnation, Imperial Russian Stout, Panty & Stocking, PSG, Rare Beer Club, Russian Imperial Stout, Scanty, Scanty and Kneesocks, Serpent's Stout, The Lost Abbey | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Hel & Verdoemenis (Hell & Damnation) by Brouwerij De Molen is a 10% ABV Russian Imperial Stout

Label:
Brewed & Bottled in Bodegrave, the Netherlands.
24 deg Plato www.brouwerijdemolen.nl EBC 297 102 EBU
Handcrafted. Unfiltered. Unpasturized.
Enjoy within 25 years. Keep cool and dark.
Recommended drinking temperature 10 degrees Celcius.

Ingredients: water, pale malt, brown malt, chocolate malt and cara barley malt, premiant and saaz (bittering hop), yeast (top fermenting).
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Available at www.luekensliquor.com and the Rare Beer Club, this beer was part of their selection for April 2014 Rare Beer Club Members. While this is not as exclusive as I thought, there is a good chance you may be able to find this one. Good luck finding the 666 version of that beer as I am sure that is even rarer than this one. Also, this sucker will age up to 25 years!! Like you can literally wait until your kids are out of college and have them try it. That is crazy stuff. On to the review!

Aromas:
Dark roasted coffee grains, earthy hop notes, dark, bakers and milk chocolate, dark fruit raisins, plums, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toffee, leather, oak, smokey campfire, tobacco, molasses and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark, Milk, bakers and fudge chocolate, smokey oak campfire, earthy hop notes, roasted coffee beans, raisins, currants, toffee, subtle caramel, tobacco, leather, vanilla notes, brown sugar notes, anise, molasses, mocha, roasted coffee grains, graham crackers, black pepper, butterscotch and hints dark cherries.

Aftertaste:
Earthy notes, smokey oak, coffee grains, dark chocolate, caramel and very mild old raisin. No alcohol in the taste, a sipper and syrupy mouthfeel, liquid evil and no carbonation at all!

Overall:
Very good and delicious! This is reminiscent of the Lost Abbey’s Serpent Stout except with like a more smokey and roasted flavor but also has more coffee and chocolate hints. This bottle is in its prime. It is just a baby. Bottled January 22 2014 and still, makes me wonder what it would be like in the year 2039. Would definitely exceed expectations for sure. I really would like to know how it would compare to that Serpent’s Stout. It is not a clone, or is the Serpent a meer clone of the this demon. Either way, they are both liquid evil and both are highly recommended!!

Anime Corner:
Scanty and Kneesocks from Panty and Stocking as well as Panty (Knocked out on the right) and Stocking (Trying to get up on the left) were chosen for this pairing with nothing about the label but the name to show case Hell and Damnation. Just like Serpent’s stout, now this demonic dark liquid, the representation of hell and damnation can be seen in the defeat of the Angels, Panty and Stocking at the hand of the Demon Sisters. Kinda like the “Bad Ending” in a video game. Either way, if you drink this you can sure spend eternity trying to get both the Good and the bad endings. This devil’s water is sweet and bitter!

Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout (2013 Odd year Edition)

April 29, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged 2013 Odd Year Edition, caramel brownies, dessert, espresso coffee beans, Imperial Russian Stout, Imperial Stout, odd year edition, Panty and Stocking, PSG, rich dark chocolate, Russian Imperial Stout, Ryan Bros. Coffee, Scanty, Scanty and Kneesocks, Stone, Stone Brewing, Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout is an 11% ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout brewed with espresso coffee beans

Label:
Stone Imperial Russian Stout is so thick, rich and well, sinful, you might worry that you’ll be doomed to the fiery pits just for thinking about a sip. It almost seems evil. Rest assured, however, that even though this seemingly pernicious brew is indeed as black as sin, we guarantee that no actual sin was committed in it’s production…you’ll have to add that on your own. This Odd Year addition was brewed in the authentic, historical style of an imperial Russian stout, but with the addition of several hundred pounds of espresso beans from our friends at Ryan Bros. Coffee. Actually, this could be considered historically accurate, since the Russian nobility were as fond of earthy breakfast beverages as they were of hearty dark beers. Catherine the Great herself bolstered her finesse for ruling an empire by drinking five cups of black coffee every morning during her lengthy reign. While we couldn’t fit five cups coffee in every bottle of this darkly delicious libation, we assure you that the deep, rich espresso flavors are unmistakable and meld beautifully with the roasty bitterness of the dark malts. Catherine would have whole-heartedly approved.
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Stone’s Imperial Russian stout has been considered by many to be one of the best Russian Imperial stouts in the world. This year they added some espresso. I have many awesome coffee beers before but I wanted to see what this one is about so I could bring forth to you why this one is so good. Immediately off the nose you get rich dark chocolate, espresso coffee aromas with notes of vanilla, caramel, brownies and some earthy hops . The flavors are of rich espresso coffee, caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, camp fire smores, marshmallows, Irish cream, molasses, rye chocolate brownies, milk chocolate, earthy hops and roasty notes. This beer reminds me of Black Xantus but expresses itself closer to a more earthy and roasty coffee bitterness side. Despite the roasty bitterness, it still manages to be very smooth and very drinkable going down. For some the roasty bitterness and the great balance it has with the sweetness is also what makes this world class. You can sense the booziness slightly but that take nothing from the beer itself which is very awesome. The Espresso adds some extra complexity and sweetness that brings out the RIS into a the “Stronger Coffee” zone which really awesome. I am sure this beer will age very nicely. A must try for sure 😛

Young’s Double Chocolate Stout by Wells & Young

February 27, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged chocolate dessert, chocolate malts, dark chocolate, dessert, hop bitterness, Milk chocolate Stout, Milk Stout, Panty & Stocking, PSG, Pure Luxury, Stocking, Sweet Stout, Wells & Young, Young’s Double Chocolate Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.65/5

Young’s Double Chocolate Stout by Wells & Young LTD is 5.2%ABV Milk Chocolate Stout made with chocolate malts and dark chocolate.Available quite common and year round. It is probably one of the first stouts aside from Guinness that I had tried back in college. I have neglected this beer for a while so I figure I come back to it 🙂

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Available filtered and pasteurised in 500ml bottles and in nitrocans. Also Nitro Keg on Tap
Production moved from Youngs to Wells & Youngs in 2007.
Ingredients: Pale ale and crystal malt, chocolate malt, special blend of sugars, Fuggle and Goldings hops, real dark chocolate and chocolate essence.
Chocolate malt and real dark chocolate are combined with Young’s award winning rich, full flavoured dark beer to craft a satisfyingly indulgent, but never overly sweet experience.
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The aromas are of strong malty chocolate, underlying coffee and mocha notes, vanilla, caramel, earthy hop bitterness and some smokey fragrance. The flavors are of like a borderline brown ale. A great amount of dark, milk and sweet chocolate shines in the taste along with coffee, mocha, vanilla crème, cocoa, smokey bitterness but only slight, caramel, toffee, a bit of hazelnut, earthy hop bitterness, some minor graininess. While it is not at the level of some of the most extreme imperial chocolate dessert beers, like organic chocolate, or even chocolate rain, it’s emphasis on being chocolate is more apparent than other stouts. Hence the reason why beer fusions work very well with this stout. This beer works way better as a dessert beer on its own even. Just the fact that it is a common beer is also worth getting as this is as close to a more chocolate beer than any of the rare stuff out there. Recommended? Yes, if you enjoy chocolate. In fact if you ever plan on doing beer fusions, this is the choice 😛

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