2017 Iridium Flare collaboration by Bottle Logic and Superstition Meadery

 


Rating: 7/7

2017 Iridium Flare collaboration by Bottle Logic and Superstition Meadery is a 13.3% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Honey and Marionberries aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

Enter level II clearance – Arizona’s Superstition Meadery runs the gauntlet on high scores in the mead area. Our mead-inspired combo breaker is a concentrated punch of sweetness drawn out across a thick, viscous body. Arizona wildflower honey succumbs to the tart brightness of marionberries with bruleed sugar barrel finish. End transmission.

==Introduction==

Holy shit what a find. They say rare treasures are only there for those that look into the deep! What a rare find indeed. Bottle Logic hyped beers are stupidly ridiculously hard to find. If there are any beers in the current age of 2017 that would ask the question, well, whats the latest trend in terms of rare beers, Bottle Logic is it! Or at least their super damn special releases which are ridiculous to get. Like there is no way I could of ever got this bottle and I live locally. Unless I actually made a huge overnight light at Bottle Logic to get a chance to land some of these, they are just not worth it. One of the biggest beers they have is Fundamental Observation along with Number Crunch, Dark Star November, Leche Borracho, Fundamental Forces and so so so many others that are quick to sell out. Hell, it was only this year that they barely even got to a damn retail store let alone not have to pay 100$s of dollars of beers just to get one of their beers. Yea I know, ridiculous right?!?! I however, did not have to do any of this. Granted it was the very damn last bottle I saw by pure fucking luck on my way out of Whittier Liquor Mart. In fact, there was no way, there was just no fucking way I was this lucky to land something like this especially at the store. It’s just not possible. Heck I’m here right now with this beer and I still don’t believe it. But it was true. That damn bottle peered like a ghost who taps you on that cold shoulder but there it was. The last fucking bottle of a beer called Iridium Flare, a beer named after the shooting star effect that happens on the night sky due to the glare that’s given off when sunlight hits a satellite moving at hundreds of MPH. Yes, it was not the most hyped like the others but it had something to back it up for sure, that bottle logic name and a special release written all over it and somehow ended up in my hands with none the wiser as to this being the last bottle. So yeah, when I find something I think might be considered a great lost treasure worth taste and experience, you best believe that this might be it. Let’s have a looks, cheers!!!

Aromas:

Dark fruits of cherries, boysenberies, currants, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, marrionberries, raspberries, pomegranates, cranberries, raisins, plums, figs, dragon fruit, mango, Danish cream, Irish cream, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, 3 milks/tres leches cake, mixed berry cordials, fruit cake, banana sundae, mixed berry chocolate mousse, Chambord Raspberry liqueur, steamed milk, whipped cream, bourbon, almond joy and mild oak.

Flavors:

Liquid Berries and Cream! Rich Wild flower honey, orange blossom honey, crème brulee, mixed berry cheese cake, dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla, bourbon, maple, biscuit bread, rye bread, bananas, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits of cherries, boysenberies, currants, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, marrionberries, raspberries, pomegranates, dragon fruit, mango, cranberries, raisins, plums, figs, lychees, strawberry short cake, raspberry ice cream, marshmallow smores, toasted coconut, berry almond joys, Danish cream, Irish cream, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, 3 milks/tres leches cake, mixed berry cordials, fruit cake, whipped cream, butterscotch, chocolate cherries, pomegranate chocolates, strawberries in cream, banana sundae, grilled plantains, whiskey notes and leathery hints.

Aftertaste:

Long and ever lasting berries and cream, herbal honey, wld flower honey, dark fruits, chocolate, flan, crème brulee, 3 leche cake, mixed berry cheese cake, raspberry Chambord, banana sunday,

No alcohol in the taste, Deep Magenta and Crimson light to medium body, creamy, smooth, syrupy

Overall:

Berries and cream, Berries and cream, I’m a little lad that loves berries and creeeeaaamm!! f y’all don’t remember that commercial from back in the late 90’s then where have you been? Berries and cream was like my mixed berry chocolate and white chocolate. No joke, legit, there is a damn crazy reason why the hell this one is hyped. I swear, I really swear I have tried so many awesome beers and do honestly believe there I better out there, but this? This right here is really ridiculous. I’m really mad because this is so damn awesome and for the longest time I was such as skeptic about some of these beers believing it is all hype. I don’t know what it is but this beer is only a sample of the many beers I have not tried and hope to try granted I could find them and not have to trade for them or get them online. I’m pretty torn because I want to say, you should really check this out if you can get it but I really don’t recommend you go out of your way if you can’t find it. Yes, it is a definitely a bucket lister in so many ways but the fact of the matter is, with the current hype it is just not worth it to get it unless you can find it locally or are really willing to trade for this. Luck is the devil of details, you decide!!

Anime Corner:
Reiko Mikami from the Ghost Sweeper Mikami series was used in this special occasion to pair with the rich colors of berries mixed into this. The reds, the purples, the oranges and even the greens. Whatever you would like to see. However, the other reason why I chose Mikami for this pairing is mainly that as a Ghost Sweeper/Buster she takes down malignant spirits. Being’s of the undead you can only see glimpses of as they blend into this reality like a bad reception of the television. Essentially, like the actual Iridium Flare that cuts through the night sky like butter and a shooting star, Reiko can see them. Let’s be honest, her damn special ghost saber is what cuts those ghosties like butter. In a way, her weaponry is like that of the Iridium Flare, the beer/sattellite that I only got a glimpse of by pure fucking luck and have no way of getting a chance at this again. Let’s see what the future holds, cheers!

 

Blackwater series Salted Caramel by Southern Tier

14556653_10103598533786410_2286201946465247160_oRating: 6/6

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

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

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

WORTH OUR SALT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victoria by Inland Empire brewing

11902529_10102772115016250_8905767293887676579_nRating: 5.35/6

Victoria by Inland Empire brewing is an 11% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Orange zest and Orange Blossom Honey.

Label:
Named after Victoria Avenue in Riverside where we get oranges to hand zest. The orange zest lends a slight bitterness, which together with the hops, creates a unique citrus flavor and aroma. Orange blossom honey is also added to augment the already apparent malt flavors. Enjoy!

==Introduction==

Inland Empire is making some great brews as I heard but this is actually the first time I get a shot at one of these brews. I got this one at craftshack.com since I have yet to even see one in my side of the neighborhood. At 11% ABV, American Strong this seems like a winner as there aren’t many American Strong beers out there that are purely Strong and do not belong to a specific style but are very rich in flavor. If that is the case, then this one must awesome! Let’s take a look a this one. Cheers!

Aromas:
Great amount of malty deliciousness like caramel, orange honey blossom flowers, honey, maple, Oranges, Blood Oranges, Citrus, Tangerines, Grapefruit hops, caramel, vanilla, rye bread, mango, butterscotch, sourdough bread, flower notes, oak, earthy hop notes, toasted barley, butterscotch, sourdough bread, flower notes, oak, earthy hop notes, toasted barley and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Oranges, Blood Oranges, Citrus, Tangerines, Grapefruit hops, rich honey, rich toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, rye bread, mango hints, butterscotch, sourdough bread, flower notes, oak, earthy hop notes, toasted barley, toasted coconut hints, dark fruit raisins, dates, figs, dark cherries, stone fruit apricots, honey dew melon, dragon fruit hints, passion fruit, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, flan hints, brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk hints.

Aftertaste:
Grapefruit hops, rich honey, toffee, vanilla, stone fruit, dark fruit, earthy hints and toasted coconut hints. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full deep amber and honey body, creamy, syrupy and velvety mouthfeel and way too easy to drink despite the ABV and should be take in carefully.

Overall:
Reminding me of Double Bastard but with more citrus and honey flavors, this beer is pretty damn exceptional! For being named after a Mexican Lager, this is not that light lager beer and is a completely different Victoria! The dangerous part about this beer is its drinkability. I almost finished the bottle just by trying to figure out all the goodies this posses. Citrus, Honey, Malty goodness and all around awesome. A definite winner and one I will need to seek again if I can find it. If you can find it, it is a must win win!

Anime Corner:
Reiko Mikami from Ghost Sweeper Mikami was used in this pairing as I wanted to contrast the rich flavors of the beer such as the orange, honey, complex fruits and malts as well as complement the label. Mikami shows her flavors like orange and honey of her hair, green hops in her eyes and her dress of complex dark fruits. She is strong in the show as represented by the ABV and it is her sexiness that makes this beer attractive and smooth.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/tBvrMzv.jpg

Soroboruo by The Bruery

10378307_10101822127394060_5934336538667097250_n 1010074_10101822127628590_7370317982538466049_nRating: 5.75/5

Soroboruo by The Bruery is a 12% ABV Sour Wee Heavy aged in Scotch and Bourbon barrels with heather flowers.

Label:
WEE SOUR
Rich malt, sour funk, notes of oak and a floral balance. Unlike any Wee Heavy you’ve ever had.

Soroboruo is a backwards take on a Scotch Ale. Typically known for big toffee-like malt and subdued yeast flavors. Soroboruo allows our wild yeast and bacteria to shine full-heartedly, adding a delightful tartness, balanced by the soft floral notes of the heather flowers. Soroboruo is best enjoyed fresh, but may pleasantly evolve over time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55 °F (13 °C) in a dark place.
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Released by the Bruery as part of their Reserve Society releases. This beer was a surprise since it was one that was not listed and was one that was listed shortly after their release of Sucre. If you want to get your hands on this one, you may have to go ahead and trade for it. Unless the Bruery makes it available for release to the masses. I have never had a Sour Wee Heavy before and Wee Heavy Scottish ales are always awesome.

Aromas:
Dark fruit raisins, figs, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, proliferation of Sour wine grapes, funky musk, coconut, marshmallows, butterscotch, toffee, scotch whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows, coconut hints, leather, herbs, hibiscus flowers, honey, currants, smoked peat, tart cranberries, cherries, raspberries, chocolate notes, port wine, brown sugar, maple bar and black berry yogurt.

Flavors:
Sour funk notes, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, wine grapes, funky notes, scotch whiskey, bourbon, wine grapes, tart cranberries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, butterscotch, leather, marshmallows, coconut, honey, currants, smoked peat, flowers, hibiscus, dark chocolate, herbs, port wine, maple, black berry cheese cake, berry yogurt, hazelnut, pecan pie hints, citrus and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruit raisins, tart wine grapes and cranberries, toffee, rich caramel, vanilla, oak, molasses and earthy notes. Hints of alcohol in the taste but I think it is mainly the whiskey and wine like characters. A sipping beer for sure with a medium body.

Overall:
Let his one warm up, the flowers, scotch, bourbon and Wee Heavy aspect take over the tart sourness to make it awesomely balanced. This beer is quite the different one. I have never had a Wee Heavy and I really thought this one deserved some major credit. It is not all sour, you can tell there is a barrel aged wee heavy there. The sourness is only there enough to remind you that this beer is kind of evil but not. Overall delicious and recommended!

Anime Corner:
Reiko Mikami from the Ghost Sweeper Mikami Series was used in this beer to maintain the aspect of the beer that is still sacred, which is the Wee Heavy aspect you see, Mikami is a paranormal investigator and the demon Soroboruo is a Wee Heavy that went backwards on its style. It was possessed by wild yeast and is not longer the same. In other words tainted by evil. One can honestly say that maybe in truth, Soroboruo is a reflection of Reiko Mikami herself. While she fights her own inner demons. Like the fact that she is money hungry…lol! Regardless though, Reiko is one bad ass chick that no one fucks with and a bad ass Ghost Buster/Sweeper. Mikami is one of my first Anime favorite characters since back in the 90’s, so to bring her forth into this beer was a delicious move. She may seem a little sour on the outside but inside, she is all sweet and caring. The colors of the label and the flowers fit her perfectly. Let’s be honest too, Soroboruo looks like a Talisman and somewhat paranormal. That and the purple of her dress being the dark fruit aspect and the ABV her passion she has for what she does in her life.

Nugget Nectar by Tröegs Brewing

480270_10101095687470490_1642446342_n 388897_10101095687934560_144207266_nRating: 5.45/5

Nugget Nectar by Tröegs Brewing is a 7.5%ABV Imperial Amber/ Red Ale. Considered by many, the best Amber ale in the world

Description: 
Squeeze those hops for all they’re worth and prepare to pucker up: Tröegs’ newest single batch brew, Nugget Nectar Ale, will take hopheads to nirvana with a heady collection of Nugget, Warrior and Tomahawk hops. Starting with the same base ingredients of our flagship HopBack Amber Ale, Nugget Nectar intensifies the malt and hop flavors to create an explosive hop experience.
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Almost missed out on this piece of gold. If you are still looking for it, Witty’s wine (www.wittyswine.com) still has some. This is not a west coast beer but something that comes close to this is the Ale smith Bloody Valentine and the Evil Dead Red. The aromas are very nice. Cherries, grassy hops, nutty walnuts, rich caramel, toffee, honey, peaches, mango, grapefruit, papaya, . The flavors are reminiscent of the 120 minute IPA with is extremely rich maple and honey flavor with bleeding piney, grassy and grapefruit flavors. Although this is not 18% ABV so it goes beyond. While it does not have the focus of rich cherry and fruit punch flavor like that of the Bloody Valentine, it’s emphasis on almost barley wine like aspect with tropical fruits like mango, papaya, peaches, apricots, dragon fruit almost coconut flavor, pecan pie, vanilla in walnuts, citrus, orange juice, Christmas tree, a very minor scotch note, biscuit bread with grapefruit marmalade and sweet rich pineapples. This was just.. epic!!.. The crazier part is that it has so much flavors that you would expect from a high ABV beer but lowered into the realms of refreshing and crisp drink ability. I can only describe it as taking all the flavors you would get from like lets say for example, a beer like Chocolate rain with its strong strong flavors and super high ABV then just removing almost all the alcohol but still maintaining an extremely rich flavor profile of complexity. The balance is awesome as well. I love the way Bloody Valentine tasted but this is just super amazing. Hard to find around in the West coast but if you can find it… DO NOT MISS OUT. Amber ale lover’s dream…