Tag Archives: Ryoko

Coffee Bourbon Barrel Oil of Aphrodite by Jackie O’s brewing

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Rating: 7/7

Coffee Bourbon Barrel Oil of Aphrodite by Jackie O’s brewing is a 12.1% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Black Walnuts, Belgian Candied Sugar syrup, Coffee and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

==Introduction==

The elusive ambrosia of gods! This is the first time I try this beer but also anything Jackie O. Back in the day, I would always see this beer and others from Jackie O to not be able to find them anywhere I would look. It was only recently that I got a chance to snag a bottle from one of the local shops who had it only limiting one. I guess it really must be a gift from the gods. The bottle shows that it is made with Belgian Candi sugar and walnuts, DAMN! Sounded amazing. Especially since I have brewed beer and ciders with all kinds of Candi sugar so it is a very special ingredient indeed. I’m surprised it is not in the Belgian category but hey, it’s Greek themed so I would call it a Greek stout. Anyways let’s see what the goddess of beauty has left us mere mortals, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich pecan pie, walnuts, maple, peanut butter, hazelnut nectar, pralines,trail mix, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, dark fruits, dark chocolate, dark fruit, banana, piloncillo sugar cone, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, smores, oak, bourbon, leather, tobacco, mocha, Irish cream, toasted coconut candy, tiramasu and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Pecan pie, walnuts, pralines, macadamia nuts, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, almond joy chocolate, peanut butter, marzipan, mazapan, maple syrup, port wine, rocky road ice cream, jamoca ice cream, toasted coconut, Belgian dark candi sugar, molasses, star anise, rock candy, bananas, grilled plantains, Irish cream, fancy coffee, mocha, Khalua coffee Liquor, dark fruit raisins, raisins, figs, plums, cherry cordials, rye bread, tobacco, leather,. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, double chocolate, cherry chocolate cake, cookie dough ice cream, bourbon, oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, whipped cream, flan, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallow smores, tiramasu, coffee cake, fruit cake and earthy notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing flavors of dark fruit, banana, lots of mixed nuts, almond joy chocolates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, cashews, dark chocolate, oak hints, bourbon notes, earthy notes, tiramasu, Belgian dark candi sugar, banana notes and port wine notes, No alcohol in the taste despite the 10% ABV, pitch black darkness supreme body, smooth, silky, creamy, velvity, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Nothing short of amazing! If this is what gods are drinking up in the celestial cosmos, this is damn insane! Truly like a love potion. Lots of rich nutty, chocolate, coffee, dark fruit, banana, bourbon and other special complex flavors. Describing this one would be to describe none other than a Bourbon Barrel Belgian Stout. Heck, One of my special brews “Sangrileche” edition 1 has elements found in this beer and even some aspects of edition 2. Simply glorifying!! If you love bourbon barrel imperial stouts, this one is definitely a must try if you can find or trade for it.

Anime Corner:
Ryoko Hakubi from Tenchi Muyou! Was used in this pairing to represent Aphrodite. A very beautiful woman. While some may disagree, beauty is skin deep. As you can see, Ryoko relaxing is like that of Aphrodite relaxing while her minions bring the oil. Heck in one of these pictures, Ryoko is literally covered in what appears to be oil so yeah, I think this overall pairing works well.

Proprietor’s Reserve 2013 No. 001 PNC (Publican National Committee) by Firestone Walker

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11850738_10102772115849580_6665640499603677096_o 11882380_10102772116288700_2643056241050320290_o 11896528_10102772116822630_838293242918506299_oRating: 6.35/7

Proprietor’s Reserve 2013 No. 001 PNC (Publican National Committee) by Firestone Walker is a 13.7% ABV World Class Imperial Buckwheat Stout brewed with Agave Nectar aged in Tequila Barrels, Bourbon Barrels and retired Firestone Barrels.

Label:
This bold and deliciously complex beer is an Imperial Buckwheat Stout aged in Tequila barrels for 13 months. Only a collection of pioneering, well seasoned, extensively traveled and passionate pub owners could come up with such a notion. A massive grain bill consisting of Pale, Munich and toasted Canadian Buckwheat was blended with pearled drum-kilned barley from Chile, a generous amount of Wisconsin roasted wheat and a slug of British Crystal malts. A couple of lumps of Mexican Turbinado sugar were added for good measure while we loaded the kettle with Styrian Golding hops. This carefully calculated collision of flavors, concocted over copious amounts of Orval well into the night, was laid down in fresh Tequila barrels wrangled over our southern border by the beautiful Meg Gill. W simply call this beer “PNC” in honor of its collaborative creators – The gothic symphony of flavors speak for themselves.

The week that the PNC rolled info Paso was one to remember , but more importantly, the PNC’s role in the Craft Beer Revolution should never be forgotten.

Cheers to the PNC!
Matt and the FW Crew

Ideal Aging Temperature: 45F

11225253_10102772118569130_2654165456272206785_n

==Introduction==
It has been 2 years since the release of this beer and only at the actual brewery or through trading could this one become available. An elusive beer, yet the one that I really wanted to get my hands on. Thanks to some online sites like www.mybeercollectibles.com, this is a possibility. The one beer of their Proprietor’s Reserver series that was aged in Tequila and a component of the Firestone XVI Anniversary ale (considered on of the supreme best). Who knows if this beers was such a component that took that beer to the awesomeness it became but only here and now will I find that out. That and the fact that it has been sitting in condition for more than 2 years, well, that is just damn amazing. Cheers! To this beauty of a beer!

Aromas:
Tequila, oak, rich agave, sangria vampiro, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, mezcal, pancho pantera milk chocolate shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, roasted coffee,bourbon, toasted coconut, honey comb, sweetened condensed milk, capirotada raisin bread pudding, vanilla, mazapan, pecan pie, soy sauce, anise, port wine, dark fruit raisins, black cherries, currants, blackberries, tamarind, smokey marshmallows smores, graham crackers, lechugilla agave juice, sugar cone, cane sugar, rock candy, candi sugar, grilled banana hints, almond joy chocolate, buckwheat roasted, coffee notes, earthy notes, molasses, anise and licorice.

Flavors:
Deep Dark chocolate, mezcal, pancho pantera milk chocolate shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, roasted coffee,bourbon, oak, tequila, rich agave, sangria vampiro, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, buckwheat roasted, coffee notes, earthy notes, molasses, anise, licorice, dark fruit raisins, black cherries, currants, blackberries, tamarind, smokey marshmallows smores, graham crackers, lechugilla agave juice, brown sugar, aloe, floral hints, fruit cake, toasted coconut, honey comb, sweetened condensed milk, capirotada raisin bread pudding, vanilla, mazapan, pecan pie, soy sauce, anise, port wine, piloncillo sugar cone, cane sugar, rock candy, candi sugar, grilled banana hints and clove hints.

Aftertaste:
Smokey notes, cane sugar, agave, Sangria Vampiro, marshmallow smotes, rocky road ice cream, rich dark chocolate, roasted coffee, dark buckwheat roast, super dark fruits and rich dark rock candy. No alcohol in the taste despite the ridiculous ABV, Dark eternal full body, rich, smooth creamy, syrupy, velvety, mild bite to the mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Two years into the aging and I never thought how crazy good this beer could be. It is very rich in dark fruit, oak, mezcal, mild tequila, agave sweetness, licorice and a whole bunch of complex goodies. Distinguishing how much actually went into the Firestone XVI Anniversary is definitely hard but some of the individual flavors of this one are a major component of that one but also the flavors you see in Parabola and Velvet Merkin such as the Rock Road Ice cream flavors. I have no idea how you can get this beer as I don’t see this much anywhere which makes me hope they re-release this great beer again. For now, just hope you can trade for it or buy it if possible.
11935173_10102772117436400_8301588607587086863_o
Anime Corner:
Ryoko Hakubi from the Tenchi Muyo series was used in this pairing as she is one of my favorite anime characters from when I was growing up during High School. A Bad ass girl with monstrous beauty and strength. Her hair resembles the Agave plants that are harvested for its creation in the world of Tequila. Her space pirate outfit works in conjunction with the dark colors of the stout while the other colors represent the other flavors and complexity such as the Sangria and Mezcal with her yes as gold as the rich honey and hazelnut sweetness. With the other beers from Firestone in terms of their reserve beers, I have always paired them with something that best represent the beers in terms of job class, like a fantasy game. Parabola= Knight, Stickee Monkee=Monk, Velvet Merkin=Sorceress, etc. Ryuko the Space Pirate represents somewhat of an organization acronym. In this case, an organization or Pirates!
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Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/58/b8/91/58b891d1e2d2d1652ef2a8f6aa8d0ad3.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/d5f890c2a627a250e1ab60bff82aad7f/tumblr_nrgy7tOSn01s1mohso1_1280.png
http://img01.deviantart.net/13fe/i/2014/020/c/2/ryoko_with_lighthawk_wings_by_tr3s_sss-d730i4o.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/468286
http://i.imgur.com/5R2AP8M.jpg

St. Bernardus Abt 12 Oak Aged by Brouwerij St. Bernardus

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1979163_10102669026925610_227415077313366870_oRating: 7/5 * A bucket list beer, just saying 😛

St. Bernardus Abt 12 Oak Aged by Brouwerij St. Bernardus is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadrupel Aged in Oak Calvados (Apple Brandy) Barrels

Label:
Brewery St. Bernardus was founded in 1946 in Watou, Province of West Flanders in Belgium.

St. Bernardus Abt 12 is Brewery St. Bernardus’ flagship and is considered as one the best beers in the world. The Abt 12 is brewed following the original recipe from 1946.

This St. Bernardus Abt 12 Oak Aged is brewed using the same recipe and then matured for 6 months in oak Calvados barrels before it is bottle coditioned. This maturation in oak kegs gives the beer a deeper and richer taste, leaving the palate remarkbly satisfied and thirsty for more.

“Bringing Heavenly nectar within reach”

Serve this noble and wonderfully balanced brown ale at 53-56° F in a goblet glass to best enjoy its delicate bouquet.

==Introduction==

Never did I ever think that St. Bernardus would step up their game and release a barrel aged version of their Quad. Not just any barrel either, but the Calvados Apple Brandy barrel. Beers that usually are aged in these barrel jump 100 times the price of the original beer. Good thing this one just doubled the price. By that I mean it is still pricey as hell ranging anywhere from 25-30$ for a 750ml bottle. I didn’t care. I just just didn’t care as unlike any beer from the past, the St. Bernardus is a beer that always held a special place in my heart as it was my favorite when I first started trying different beers as early as 2010 and to this day I can always go back and say it is still my favorite despite the fact that there are others like the Weekday Bruery beers that are levels above it, it still don’t matter. Even after trying the Heady Toppers, the Dark Lords, even the Westvleteren 12… still didn’t matter… Abt 12 was my beer along with Trois Pistoles and Three Philosophers and others… So you can see the fact that this exist must be testament to my resolve not only as a reviewer but for myself and what I truly love and even to my first quadruple that I personally made… Cheers from this is like Cheers of the Heavens!

Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel Apple pie, Brandy oak, vanilla, Goat milk caramel, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, tamarind, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peach cobbler, mango, pie crust, Dark Candi sugars, Belgian Bread, Danish cream, Rock Candy, figgy pudding, piloncillo sugar cone,Bananas, plantains, clove spice, bubble gum notes, raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, cinnamon, flan, Mexican sweetened condensed milk, Red Apples, Golden Apples, Caramel apples, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry pie and burnt brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, Goat milk Caramel, piloncillo sugar cone, vanilla, oak, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, tamarind, Bananas, plantains, clove spice, bubble gum notes, raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, cinnamon, flan, Mexican sweetened condensed milk, Red Apples, Golden Apples, Caramel apples, Brandy, Port wine, chardonay, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peach cobbler, pie crust, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry pie, dragon fruit, passion fruit, old mangoes, honey dew melon, butterscotch, chocolate notes, tangerine preserves, tobacco, leather, anise, grilled funnel caramel cake, Dark Candi sugars, Belgian Bread, Danish cream, Rock Candy, figgy pudding, Rich caramel Apple Pie goodness with vanilla cake and more.

Aftertaste:
Lingering Apple Pie, dark fruits, stone fruits, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, sweetened condensed milk, Apple brandy, port wine, Danish cream, leather, rye and mild chocolate lingers. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, silky, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel, Dark Golden Brown medium body and a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
No surprise why this version of one of my favorite (commonly available) beers in the world is simply another one I needed to add to my bucket list of beers. The original St. Bernardus was my inspiration for making the original quad I made a couple of months back as it was one of my favorites in the world while started trying different craft beers along with Trois Pistoles, Three Philosphers and many delicious others. This version is something that really took it above the heaven into that “Ambrosia of the Gods” status. I really didn’t care about the price, I really wanted to bring this one for a review ever since its announcement and I finally did it! I think the whole Calvados/Apple Brandy aspect is what really did it here taking this liquid caramel into an Apple Pie beer goodness. Who knows what will happen to this in … 15 years!

Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto, Kos-Mos from Xenosaga, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach as being my favorite anime characters always get the best pairings in some of the beers I truly feel are deserving of that ‘Heavenly and Godly Ambrosia’ Liquid status as with many of the beers I have tried, I have used them in the previous St. Bernardus Abt 12 review except with the introduction of my recent favorite girl, Ryuko Matoi. Like I said before, the original version of this beer was my world favorite, my desire, my love and passion that became my favorite style of beer and today, the fruit of my labor with my homebrew ‘Las Quad-tro Monjas’. Yes indeed, I don’t have to explain much about this and long time readers can already infer why I choose them. The greatest of the greats.

Blue Moon Agave Nectar Ale by Coors Brewing

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400625_10101146738608600_700180079_nRating: 3.25/5

Blue Moon Agave Nectar Ale by Coors Brewing is a 5.6%ABV American Pale Wheat Ale

Label: 
Inspired by our brewmaster’s travels through Mexico, our limited summer release is crafted with agave nectar for a subtle sweetness and a smooth, crisp finish.
___

Growing up I used to drink non-alcoholic agave juice. It was basically a sugary juice that was made from the extract of the agave plant. That stuff was very good. When you try Tequila, its that sugary plant flavor that is the agave. So when I saw this I wanted to see what it was all about. The fragrance is very mild. Adjunct grains, almost wheat, sweet agave notes, minor notes of wheat, orange, corn, cereal and sugar. What can be said, it is definitely close to a lager. The flavors are a little more interesting. You do get that sugary plant flavor of the agave (not sure how much is artificial), cereal grains, touch of wheat, cane sugar sweetness, citrus orange, mild hop and grain bitterness, that sweet corn flavor mixed in with agave, Wasn’t the best Agave beer I’ve ever had, (The best being the Tequila Barrel Aged Barley Wine from Cucapa of Mexicali), but still brings some of that minor agave sugary flavor I remember as a kid. Agave beers aren’t that common. So to find something like this which is at least decent is pretty good in my book. Blue Moon for many is faux craft, but for me it is a great way to introduce craft beer to people. A craft gateway. Blue Moon has been trying out different ideas and even if it does come from macros, I’ll still give it a shot. Blue Moon, Shocktop and New Belgium’s Fat Tire were craft gateways for me. So why wouldn’t I recommend some :P. In terms of this beer, some people that are not into craft beer may like this. Now I am wondering how this will mix with a Tequila mixed drink as it is light enough to probably mix with something :P.