2016 Blue BBLS by The Bruery Terreux

13433224_10103320746279800_2640103366717163946_o 13427909_10103320746189980_9112990814529630980_n 13443287_10103320746120120_3369049914240740891_o 13394066_10103320746170020_1931009500556845568_nRating: 6/6

2016 Blue BBLS by The Bruery Terreux is a 16.3% ABV World Class Imperial Sour Stout blend (30% Tart of Darkness Sour Stout and 70% Black Tuesday Imperial Stout) aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blueberries.

Label:
Berries – Stoked – Oaked
IT’S SWELL

A sweet, sour, and fruity ale. Extended oak aging and an addition of blueberries results in a delightful vinous quality.

In brewing, BBL is the notation for “barrel,” a unit of a measurement equal to 31 gallons. This is not to be confused with an oak barrel, which typically holds nearly two BBLs of beer. Still with us? Great. Blue BBLs is best enjoyed fresh for peak fruit flavor, but may develop pleasantly with time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C). Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==

Released to the Bruery Reserve and Hoarders society, the original version of this brew was released to Hoarders a couple of years ago and since I finally had a chance to try before, I had to get this one again. With only so few variants of Black Tuesday ever released in bottles, this one is a staple just like the others. From the first time I tried it, I had fallen for this one. Reminding me similar to wineification but in blueberry form and still showcasing the flavors of the Black Tuesday along with the flavors of Tart of Darkness. So with the release under the Terreux now, let’ see how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Blueberry flan, Dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, Concorde grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, vinous grapes, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, blueberry fudge cake, bananas, port wine, chambord raspberry liqueur, rocky road ice cream, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, Belgian Chocolate, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Super blueberries, tart blueberry skins, concord grapes, blueberry flan, blueberry muffins, blueberry cheese cake, blueberry fudge cake, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, Concorde grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, vinous grapes, port wine, chambord raspberry liqueur, rocky road ice cream, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, banana notes, Irish cream, molasses, anise, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, crème brulee, pecan pie, blueberry preserves and blueberry chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Blueberries that linger forever, with flavors of the dark chocolate, bourbon, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, flan, sweetended condensed milk. Sweetness covers up a lot of the alcohol so only slight in taste but mainly sweet. Dark and Pitch black full body just like the original. Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel, and a sipping drinkability although it seems easy to drink at times like many of the dangerous yet “plug it into my veins” beers go.

Overall:
If the Draco was the Blueberry Barleywine heaven and Smashed Blueberry the Wee Heavy Porter Blueberry heaven, then this must the imperial and sour stout of blueberry heaven. It is just as delicious as I had remembered when I first tried it. I am really happy they decided to release this one again and hope they make this a staple in their variant beer blends. There is a rich amount of blueberry yogurt chocolate complexity going on in this beer that can only be understood with every sip. This one is one of my favorites along with the Black Tuesday variants and is definitely one for the list. This beer is a must have if you have not tried it. Best to all that love Blueberry Stouts.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma ½ was my girl for this beer as well as the original Blue BBLS. In the show, the main character Ranma hardly paid any attention to her even though she was the hottest girl in the show giving any man there including real men/women a boner. She was a huge representative of Amazonian women as she was huge but also very skilled kung fu master as well as a waitress. Her passion to fight for Ranma would be the kind that would destroy mountains and that is why even to this day she is one of my favorite characters of anime from back in the 90s. When I thought of Blue BBLs it not only reminded me of her being that representative of giving blue balls to others that liked her but mainly her Chinese style of hair with the little buns that looks like two blue balls. Shampoo’s strength and sweetheart of a personality but vicious for her passion is representative of the beers alcoholic strength and sweet super complexity.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Shampoo.(Ranma.½).full.875459.jpg
http://pds25.egloos.com/pds/201602/04/56/f0027756_56b3675f4c9ff.jpg
http://asha47110.deviantart.com/art/Shampoo-Ranma-FANART-D-509416937
http://orig14.deviantart.net/da6a/f/2015/142/1/a/shampoo__palette_challenge__by_animusubi-d8uapeg.png

Cinnamonk by The Bruery Terreux

12419309_10103054368448110_6949345653539037773_o 12687935_10103054368817370_1169873662771043043_n 12672065_10103054369411180_4557524291294427020_o 12646907_10103054370079840_2549892336434155442_oRating: 6/6

Cinnamonk by The Bruery Terreux is a 12.1% ABV Imperial Sour Brown brewed with Blueberries and Cinnamon aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Description:
MALTY – FRUITY – TART
Cinnamon and monks are both known for being found in remote locations. Their stories separately stretch back several millennia, and both can pinpoint their popularity to modern day Egypt. But here’s something else they have in common: together, they make a formidable team in creating wildly traditional bière™. Cinnamonk is a dark, imperial, Belgian-style sour brown ale – the type of beer a monk might brew if he took up permanent residence in Southern California. Cinnamon was used to amplify the subtle spicing derived from the Belgian yeast while blueberries catapult the dark fruit flavors. After spending time in bourbon barrels, the result emerges with notes of candied dates and tree nuts, toffee-drizzled dark winter fruits, maduro earthiness, autumnal spicing, tart flavors and oak-aged character.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one from the Bruery under their Reserve Society membership last year. So it took me a while to get to try it until recently. I actually did try it at the Bruery but was not too impressed. It was nice and tart with some nice bourbon notes but wasn’t major. Now I bring the bottle as I wanted to review it even though it was decent on tap. They say for these types of Belgian beers, bottle conditioning does wonders. However, how much of the bottle conditioning change the brew? Well let us check it out. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche, banana notes, cinnamon, ginger spice, ginger bread, oak, clove spice, dark fruits, raisins, blueberries, plums, figs, raspberry notes, Blueberry Funnel cake, stone fruit apricot, peach preserves, sweetened condensed milk hints, mild chocolate notes, citrus, lemon notes and toffee.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruits, raisins, blueberries, plums, figs, raspberry notes, Cinnamon, ginger spice, ginger bread, oak, bourbon, toasted rye bread, vanilla, dulce de leche, banana notes, clove spice, blueberry cobbler, fruit cake, toffee, molasses, wine grapes, port wine, blueberry wine, mild chocolate notes, citrus, lemon notes, stone fruit apricot, peach preserves, sweetened condensed milk hints, blueberry flan, piloncillo sugar cone, Blueberry Funnel cake, Blueberry Churros, Danish cream, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rock candy and Belgian Date sugars.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with very nice dark fruit notes, caramel, vanilla, oak, tart grape and wine notes, bourbon and banana hints. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Crimson, purple and brown full body, smooth, creamy, tangy and effervescent mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Waayyy better than when I first had it. I think this one being bottle conditioned like Belgians do probably makes the difference. This one is damn enjoyable ranging from the sweet, tart and sour complexities. In my opinion, one of the best sours I have had in the longest time. Specifically since the combination of fruits and bourbon barrel aging does wonders. I would highly recommend you find this one. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Shampoo and Ranma-Chan Saotome from Ranma ½ were used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the Cinnamon and the Blueberries, the Chinese monks in relation to monks in general and the colors, flavors and ingredients of the beer. The strength of the blueberries in this one complements very well the cinnamon hence the picture where it shows Shampoo whispering into Ranma. The strength of both martial artists coincides with the beers strength and complexity with bourbon aging.

Sources:
http://www.fondosescritorio.net/wallpapers/Manga-Y-Anime/Ranma/Ranma_24.jpg
http://image.smart-ero.net/full/http://livedoor.r.blogimg.jp/nijilab/imgs/0/8/08b45d6a.jpg
http://static.minitokyo.net/downloads/03/10/45503.jpg
http://i3.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2013/11/02/00/37/34/39486974_p0.jpg

Sweep The Leg (Karate Kid Beer) by Infamous brewing

12496128_10103028515148330_7497048736315441768_o 12525358_10103028516096430_8474102060784746472_o 12494973_10103028515562500_7610933351124326119_nRating: 4.85/5

Sweep The Leg (Karate Kid Beer) by Infamous brewing is an 8% ABV American Stout brewed with Peanut Butter.

Label:
Cobra Kai

Peanut butter & Chocolate are a match made in heaven. Sweep The leg has roasted peanut nose and a subtle but noticeable peanut butter finish. Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy!!

Commercial Description:
“Sweep the Leg” Peanut Butter Stout is based on an American Stout with the unique addition of peanut butter. The peanut butter is added during the fermentation process for maximum flavor. The beer has a roasted peanut butter nose, smooth body, light hop profile and a noticeable but subtle peanut butter finish.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one through one of the many awesome trades with my friend Aaron Mendiola at www.beermetaldude.com. This is indeed, the Karate Kid beer. For many that do not know about the original 1980’s classic, Cobra Kai was the dojo for martial arts where the antagonist sensei John Kreese was the master. He taught his student Johnny Lawrence to “sweep the leg” of the protagonist Daniel LaRusso during the match near the end of the movie which caused Daniel to almost lose the match, was it not for Mr. Miagi’s awesome healing. Anyways, this tribute is for the dojo and the movie and seeing as it is one of a kind, I am glad I was able to get this to the site thanks to my friend Aaron. Much awesomeness! Cheers a many!

Aromas:
Rich roasty notes of barley, coffee, Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Irish cream, mocha coffee, espresso, nutter butter cookies, dark fruit notes of raisins, cherries currants, vanilla, pecan pie, hazelnut chocolate mousse, peanut butter and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, roasted barley, peanut butter, peanut brittle, earthy hop notes, chocolate mousse, dark fruit raisins, currants, cherry, vanilla, molasses, roasted peanuts, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar hints, walnuts, pralines, caramel, butterscotch hints, Irish cream, mocha coffee, espresso, nutter butter cookies and lactose milk sugar sweetness.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with a nutty unsweetened peanut butter flavor, dark fruit, dark chocolate, earthy hop and roasted barley bitterness. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel and an easy to moderate mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good beer displaying more characteristics of actual peanut butter than natural peanut butter flavorings like some of the other beers I have had. Basically more of a peanut and nuttiness which is very pleasant for those that do not like absolute sweetness in their beers. It reminded me of my home brew as I did actually add the dry peanut butter in the primary fermentation as they did as well so the outcome is great. I am glad I did something right and this beer proves it. An awesome beer especially if you love peanut butter beers but also Karate Kid.

Anime Corner:
Ranma Saotome and Shampoo from Ranma ½ were used in this pairing to pair with the colors of the label, martial arts and sweep the leg as you can see Ranma do so in the artwork. In this case however, Shampoo, the hot Amazonian with the blue hair is the antagonist in this case where as Ranma is the protagonist. Interesting how it is the opposite of the movie. However, in recent film theory, there is information showing that Daniel was the true antagonist. Check this video out to see what I mean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Gz_iTuRMM


Sources:
http://orig10.deviantart.net/9e8f/f/2009/104/6/0/ranko___ducked_by_leeyiankun.jpg
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2015-02-04-708551.png
http://img.chikubeam.com/images/2015/10/21/china-151021-04.jpg

Rexx by Clown Shoes brewing

11060457_10102795643160660_1873927782144925610_oRating: 5.65/6

Rexx by Clown Shoes brewing is a 12% ABV Imperial Amber/Red Ale aged in Heaven Hill and Four Roses Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
We like dinosaurs. We especially like Rexx, our prehistoric pal who wears clown shoes, drinks bourbon, and spends his doomed days in exile from the other Tyrannosauruses, choosing to romp with friendlier beasts. Rexx, we dedicate this Imperial Red Ale aged in Heaven Hill and Four Roses bourbon barrels to you buddy.

==Introduction==

Clown Shoes releases another awesome Barrel aged beer. This time, Bourbon Barrel aged red. Granted, the last time a Barrel Aged Red was from Anderson Valley which was pretty good for the low ABV. Now we are dealing with a heavy hitter at 12% ABV. A style that is aged in any type of spirit is always welcome to the site. Especially Clown Shoes stuff which has been for the majority of the time, exceptionally great, just like the Blaecorn Unidragon series and its Beast Variants and more! Now let’s take a trip to the ancient past, to the time of the dinosaurs and study this, Amber Nectar. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich bananas, caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, whiskey, toasted coconut, marshmallows, dark fruit raisins, cherry notes, Rye bread, flowery rose hints, lavender, hibiscus, earthy, citrusy and grapefruit hints, toffee, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate, milk chocolate, rocky road ice cream notes, hazelnut, very mild tropical fruit like prickly pear, passion fruit, papaya and mango notes.

Flavors:
Rich Rye, whiskey, bourbon, floral notes of hibiscus, lavender, rose petals, toffee, rich caramel, plantains, rich bananas, marshmallows, toasted coconut, earthy, citrucy, piney hops, rich grapefuits, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate, milk chocolate, rocky road ice cream notes, caramel, vanilla, oak, tropical fruit like prickly pear, passion fruit, mango notes, dragon fruit, sweetened condensed milk, flan, dark fruit raisins, cherries, cinnamon spice, brown sugar and hazelnut nectar.

Aftertaste:
Rye, earthy notes, grapefruit hops, lots of whiskey, vanilla, toasted coconut, caramel, marshmallows and banana notes are left in the taste. Slight booziness in the taste, crimson full body, smooth, creamy, velvety, mouthfeel, sipping drinkability

Overall:
An exceptionally bourbony, whiskey rye flavored Amber ale. The last time I tried a bourbon barrel amber ale was long ago. Come to think about it, this reminded me of the Bourbon Barrel aged Bock but this is a red so the flavorful hops do come out to play as well. It almost borderlines a certain Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels. The only thing to pick at is the boozeyness. I think with time this one will mature into something incredible. I still highly recommend it as is. Clown Shoes barrel aged beers have been extremely awesome!

Anime Corner:
Ranma Saotome from Ranma ½ was used in this paring to pair with the style of the beer (A Red Ale) but also to pair with the beers sweet flavors and rich complexity which are complemented by Ranma’s sweet and sexy appearance. She is pretty sweet in general but she is also a dangerous martial artists. You see, being the protagonist of the show, Ranma has shown immense strength and power which goes well with the ABV of the beer. Although Ranma can be hot headed at times, she means well which goes with the booziness of the beer. Give her sometime, she will age just right and be good to you. As for th T-Rex in the label, her colors complement it too but like I said before, this T-Rex can be hot headed just like Ranma. Give the T-Rex a beer, calms right down, just like Ranma!

Sources:
http://static.skynetblogs.be/media/37519/ranma5.jpg

Srirachelada by Angel City Brewery

11896262_10102786502229160_53777606260050741_n 11891994_10102786502788040_7418054808719715634_nRating: 4.75/5

Srirachelada by Angel City Brewery is a 4% ABV Chile beer brewed with Sriracha, Clamato, lime juice, agave syrup, juice pickled banana peppers and Worcestershire sauce.

Label:
Serve over Ice—Brewed To Share
Not you Abuelita’s breakfast beer.

Angel City Brewery is committed to the continued grows and revitalization of our urban neighborhoods by being a supportive partner of the arts and business communities, as well as the burgeon craft beer movement in Los Angeles.

==Introduction==

This is the first time I tried a bottled beer from Angel City here in Los Angeles. I have tried a lot of their other stuff on tap but to be honest, even for being part of my home town, I feel that they are still in the early stages of being as delicious as some of the other beers out there I have tried. I usually try pretty unique stuff or even great things I have heard about but when I first saw this beer, I think it finally hit me. I have to do a review on this one and see how true to it’s flavors is this. Essentially, they have done other beers like an Avocado IPA which I have yet to try but also it has not been bottled so I guess until I see something more unique from Angel City, I will bring it forth. This is great start as beer geek aside, I really like some delicious Micheladas, yes the Mexican side of me speaking. Cheers!

Aromas:
Clamato, lime, lemon, salt, Sriracha, pickled yellow peppers, peppercorn, avocado hints, soy sauce hints, Worcestershire sauce, Michelada flavors, pickled eggs, pickles, spicy tomato juice, oysters, clams, dank hop hints, celery, bloody Mary and agave hints.

Flavors:
Rich Sriracha, pickled yellow peppers, agave syrup, avocado hints, soy sauce hints, Worcestershire sauce, peppercorn, lemon, salt, Michelada, pickles, jalapeño, spicy tomato juice, oysters, clams, biscuit bread, avave hints, bloody Mary, celery, pickled egg hints, cayanne pepper, lemon zest, citrus, garlic, oniony and some dank hop notes.

Aftertaste:
Heat from the peppers and Sriracha linger but the flavors of the salt, lemon, Worcestershire and Clamato tomato juice linger for a bit. No alcohol in the taste, spicy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, Redish Gold medium body and a easy to moderate drinkability depending on your heat tolerance

Overall:
Hot damn! This is spicy stuff. The main reason I give this one a good grade is not for being complex but really for putting the true flavors of the ingredients forward. If you don’t like spicy chile beers, Sriracha or Micheladas, don’t get it, but if you are one who loves his Sriracha and lots of spicy beers, this is a must try! Yes, I will admit, this is way more different than what I have had from the tap stuff. I think I will reexamine Angel city to see how their bottling line is in comparison to their tap, that is, if there is something really amazing or sounds like wise.

Anime Corner:
Ranma-Saotome from Ranma ½ was used in this pairing mainly since she has an awesome tomato hair color but also the colors she wears compliments the flavors of the beer like the lime, peppers, and agave syrup. Micheladas are mainly red as the Clamato tomato juice actually has a higher consistency than the rest of the ingredients, even if this beer is only slightly red.

Sources:
http://orig12.deviantart.net/c3e7/f/2013/088/e/9/ranma_saotome_by_alyson676-d5zq2sh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YPWjEdg.jpg

Blue BBLS by The Bruery

11539161_10102689867775380_4459820175359433840_o 11013619_10102689868369190_7373646105113154523_oRating: 6/5

Blue BBLS by The Bruery is a 15.9% ABV World Class Imperial Sour Stout blend (Tart of Darkness and Black Tuesday) aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blueberries.

Label:
IT’S SWELL

A sweet, sour, and fruity ale. Extended oak aging and an addition of blueberries results in a delightful vinous quality.

In brewing, BBL is the notation for “barrel,” a unit of a measurement equal to 31 gallons. This is not to be confused with an oak barrel, which typically holds nearly two BBLs of beer. Still with us? Great. Blue BBLs is best enjoyed fresh for peak fruit flavor, but may develop pleasently with time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C(. Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==

Released to the Hoarders society members in 2014, this elusive beer caught my eye a while back when I heard what this one was all about. The mere covetedness and the the fact that I got a small sip of this one last year left me wanting more so I was left with Blue Balls, umm I mean Blue BBLs. Either way, I was able to find someone that had it but was in Canada. So basically, this beer took a long trip from California to Canada and back here to California and will forever live in the infamy of the interwebs as an awesome anime review. So while being a Reserve Society member, Hoarders beers tend to be a slight step above what we get but sometimes I could care less bu in the case of this one, I was no stranger to a new Black Tuesday variant blended with Tart of Darkness and then aged again in bourbon with Blueberries. Quite the damn conundrum. If this is anything like Smoking wood or better, the we might have ourselves a gracious winner here.

Aromas:
Chocolate Blueberries, Blueberry flan, Blue berry cheese cake, blueberry preserves, blueberry muffins, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, concored grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, piloncillo sugar cone, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, milk chocolate, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake, port wine and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Blueberry cheese cake, Blueberry chocolate truffles, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, piloncillo sugar cone, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, milk chocolate, blueberry preserves, blueberry muffins, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, concored grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, banana notes, blueberry flan, cinnamon, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake, port wine, rocky road ice cream, double chocolate mousse and vinous grapes.

Aftertaste:
Rich Blueberry lingers for infinity along with the gracious bourbon, deep dark chocolate, port wine notes, dulce de leche caramel, oak, dark fruits to the max, molasses and toffee. Sweetness covers up a lot of the alcohol so only slight in taste but mainly sweet. Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel, Dark and Pitch black of the 5th and 6th dimensions full body and a sipping drinkability although it seems easy to drink at times like many of the dangerous yet “plug it into my veins” beers go.

Overall:
The epitome of blueberry heaven!. This beer should be in the Weekday Serries on the fact that combining Black Tueday and aging it in bourbon barrels again with the Tart of Darkness and blueberries is a supreme beer. The sour aspects are lowered down but still traceable tart goodness here and there. A beer orgasmic enough to satisfy even though the name would imply that you would be left feeling tempted to have more but the truth is, the name is name really implies that you really wanna try it but you can’t unless you find it through trades.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma ½ was my girl for this beer. In the show, the main character Ranma hardly paid any attention to her even though she was the hottest girl in the show giving any man there including real men/women a boner. She was a huge representative of Amazonian women as she was huge but also very skilled kung fu master as well as a waitress. Her passion to fight for Ranma would be the kind that would destroy mountains and that is why even to this day she is one of my favorite characters of anime from back in the 90s. When I thought of Blue BBLs it not only reminded me of her being that representative of giving blue balls to others that liked her but mainly her Chinese style of hair with the little buns that looks like two blue balls. Shampoo’s strength and sweetheart of a personality but vicious for her passion is representative of the beers alcoholic strength and sweet super complextity.

Sources:
http://asha47110.deviantart.com/art/Shampoo-Ranma-FANART-D-509416937
http://orig14.deviantart.net/da6a/f/2015/142/1/a/shampoo__palette_challenge__by_animusubi-d8uapeg.png

Cocoa Psycho by BrewDog

10639688_10102064055642910_7445525846017925624_n 10678745_10102064057374440_2695895940114046964_nRating: 4.95/5

Cocoa Psycho by BrewDog is a 10% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with cocoa nibs, coffee beans and vanilla pods.

Label:
Welcome to the world of Cocoa Psycho, a liquid dimension where pure indulgence reigns.

Originally brewed some 250 years ago to celebrate the Russian Royal Family, this 10% Imperial Russian stout borrows from the decadence of the time with its extravagantly smooth blend of crushed coffee beans, cocoa nibs and dark malts.

To fully unleash the aromas and bittersweet luxury of this stout, we recommend drinking it from a stemmed beer glass before taking a sledgehammer to a Faberge Egg.
___

So this beer had eluded me until I stumbled upon a random liquor store (the one in front of the Bruery) who surprisingly had a ton of rare craft in stock. When I saw this, I didn’t even think twice. This Cocoa Psycho isn’t going anywhere but for us here at brewerianimelogs.com. Therefore, I decided to bring this forth to you, the readers. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, prunes, dark cherries, Vanilla, oak, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, brown sugar, molasses, mocha, java coffee, maple and hints of rye.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark fruit raisins, prune, dark cherry, caramel, oak, vanilla, earthy notes, coffee roast, java coffee, mocha, molasses, brown sugar, maple, smokey notes, maple and rye bread.

Aftertaste:
Coffee roast, dark chocolate, earthy notes, vanilla caramel and dark fruits quickly dry up. No alcohol in the taste, sipping drinkability, creamy mouthfeel, Dark full body with even a dark head that quickly dissipates into the darkness.

Overall:
The addition of the chocolate, vanilla and coffee definitely keep this at the level of perfect but without it, this may have been good to very good on the rating scale. The roasty notes and bittersweet chocolate are more present overall than the complex sweetness. That is okay though as what makes it perfect is that it still has some complexity to it. I think it seems to be at that Chocolate Oak Yeti. Would I recommend it? Only if they would lower the price In that aspect, I think you get way more from the Great Divide Chocolate Oak Yeti, Clown Shoes Vampire Slayer/Undead Party Crasher or hell, even Lost Abbey’s Serpent Stout. It is majorly worth trying thought I will give it that.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo/Xianpu from Ranma ½ was used in this pairing for several reasons having to do with the Ranma show, Shampoo herself, the color of the label and more. The color of the label is obvious as it pairs with Shampoo’s beautiful hair. The second is that she is literally obsessed with Ranma-kun and will literally kill anyone who dares stop her from having him. She gets into constant battles with Ranma-Chan (The Female version of Ranma-kun who was cursed and turns into a girl with cold water and back with hot water. Unfortunately for Shampoo, she cursed Ranma-chan with the kiss of death meaning she has to kill her but not want to kill Ranma-kun. Quite the complex scenario and just goes to show how far she can go. In the art, she kinda looks like a psycho with her obsession, but to be honest and fair, her intention may be a bit psycho but the cocoa or sweet aspect of her heart means she really is kind at heart. She knows she will not win in the end but at least she risks her life to help Ranma in many cases. Shampoo is awesome and one of a kind Amazon chick. Very sweet but powerful (ABV) due to her special teaching in the martial arts.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/87677
https://cs.sankakucomplex.com/data/fe/62/fe624c62f9148b856836e61cdbcd4cde.jpg?3452269

Death By Hops by Smog City brewing

10462012_10101879186931290_6469231238760077614_n 10305411_10101879187924300_682767545809776915_nRating: 4.8/5

Death By Hops by Smog City brewing is a 9.3% ABV Double India Pale Ale.

Released recently at the brewery exclusively, I wanted to pick up this beer to give it a review but mainly to get a growler as well. This is Smog City’s first Double IPA. I have reviewed El Segundo’s Tripple IPA from a growler before so I figured I give Smog’s DIPA a shot too as a lot of Smog City’s beers are awesome.

Aromas:
Dank grassy, floral, piney and grapefruit hops, citrus, dank garlicky, oniony, oily hop scents, biscuit bread, some tropical notes like, tangerine preserves, caramel, toffee, passion fruit, kiwi, prickly pear and berry notes.

Flavors:
Grassy, Grapefruit, floral, pine and herbal hop dankness, citrus, tangerine preserves, tropical notes like mango, kiwi, prickly pear, passion fruit, biscuit bread, garlic and onion dankness, caramel, toffee, berries and honey.

Aftertaste:
Lingering citrus with lots of piney hop goodness and dank hop resin. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer but very crisp and refreshing.

Overall:
A very good beer if you like your Double IPAs grassy and herbal with not overpowering tropics. Personally I enjoy more tropical IPAs but this one has enough to keep me interested so the flavors work really well here. It is also very damn fresh so the freshness really helps. The hops really resonate in all aspects of the beer. Worth stopping by again for another growler fill of this!

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma½ was used in this pairing since I got the crazy idea of linking Death by Hops to Death by Snu-Snu from the Futurama episode “Amazon Woman in the Mood”. In that episode, the main characters travel to a planet where it is ruled by Amazonian women and when they have men around, they kill them by snu-snu which is essentially having their pelvic regions crushed while having sex with these womanly giants. Shampoo, according to the Ranma show is actually an Amazonian woman herself. In the picture we see her almost looking like a giant looking down at the beer and the drinker. Meaning she will kill you!! Also, along with the second picture, when I meant to say she is a killer, well yes!! So if death by snu snu is related to Shampoo, then Shampoo killing is Death by Shampoo or Death by Hops!

Sources:
https://1-media-cdn.foolz.us/ffuuka/board/a/image/1335/86/1335864780033.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/289079

Koko Brown by Kona Brewing

390634_10101169743162290_1540138818_nRating: 4.25/5

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

Description: 
Is there anything more iconic of the lush tropics than the coconut? The delicious heart of this island treasure has a nutty, toffee flavor and aroma that sends you straight to the beaches of Paradise. Kick back with a Koko Brown, brewed with real toasted coconut, and savor the mahogany color and smooth, roasty malt taste. Available Winter/Spring Koko Brown pairs well with coconut and caramel flavors, such as Thai curries, BBQ meats and carne asada. Its refreshing nutty aroma makes for the perfect beer after a day on the water.
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The first time I had this beer was at my friend Chino’s house. We were trying different beers and our friend Johan brought a 12 pack of Kona Brewing beers. I had to get this one again as this one made the most impression on me. As I remember the beer, there was a lot of coconut and coffee flavors but also vanilla and caramel which are essentials in some of the notes found in some of my favorite Barrel Aged beers. So I am doing an actual review now to break it down.

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