Peach Honey Wheat Ale by Brew Rebellion

April 25, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Pale Wheat Ale, Brew Rebellion, honey, Metroid, Nintendo, Peach, Peach Honey Wheat Ale, Princess Peach, Samus, Samus Aran | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Peach Honey Wheat Ale by Brew Rebellion is a 6.5% ABV American Pale Wheat Ale with Peaches and Honey.

Label:
No Description.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one through a trade with my friend Neal from work for some of my homebrew. This is one I have seen before but had not had a chance to try it. It is a fruit heffeweizen with honey but unlike mines which is made with Black Cherries, this is made with peaches. One of the first concerns that I had when I originally brewed the beer back in last year was when it tasted kind of tart. This year, it is expected. So the only thing I can tell from this is that this beer, especially since peaches are tart, is that this will be a tart sour heff. Let’s see what this one is about. Cheers!

Aromas:
Honey notes, Funky and tart stone fruit peach, apricots, floral notes, wheat bread, coriander spice, clove spice, wine grape hints, lemon and cane sugar.

Flavors:
Tart Stone fruit Peach, apricots, cane sugar, honey, coriander hints, biscuit bread, wheat bread, citrus, tangerine candy, pineapple hints, wine grape notes, funky floral hints, banana, clove spice, passion fruit, peach cobbler hints, lemon hints and waffle cone.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with tart stone fruit peach notes, honey, floral notes, wine grape hints, wheat bread but mainly dry finish. No alcohol in the taste, honey colored amber light to medium body, crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfeel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very tart wheat beer that definitely stands out to more of a Berliner weisse with peaches and honey than sweet peach. The honey gets more noticeable as the beer warms up which helps balance the beer. It is definitely nice for those that enjoy sours and this one is delightful. Thanks again to my friend Neal for hooking me up with this brew.

Anime Corner:
Princes Peach Toadstool from Mario Bros. And Samus Aran from Metroid were used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the name of the beer. Peach being the peach and Samus the honey. The goal I was going with this is that I have used Samus and honey when I made a double IPA last year so trying to find a character that related to honey to go along with Peach was definitely a task. Overall, I like how this one paired up.

Sources:
http://wallpaperswa.com/Games/Mario/mario_samus_aran_solid_snake_peach_princess_peach_1280x1079_wallpaper_1755/download_1600x1200
http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/001/000/209/2d1.png

Pumpkin Spice Milk Stout by Belching Beaver

September 16, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Beaver, Belching Beaver, fall flavors, Metroid, Milk Stout, Nintendo, Pumpkin beer, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, Pumpkin Spice Milk Stout, Samus, Samus Aran, Sweet Stout | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.45/5

Pumpkin Spice Milk Stout by Belching Beaver is a 5.3% ABV Sweet/Milk Stout brewed with Pumpkin spices.

Label:
It’s all about the Beaver
We came out with this beer when we first opened in 2012; our first derivative of our Nitro “Beaver’s Milk” stout and people loved it. Everyone, but the brewers. The spices were clogging up the nitro spouts. We were constantly cleaning them. Troy would not make it the same again the following year. So now you know what I have to deal with. It’s always production verse sales. Dave and I love the beer and wanted it back. So basically this year, I pre-sold some rather larger accounts, I’m just sneaky that way. So we have to make it now, and we did. Hints of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, you know, Pumpkin Pie! – Tom

==Introduction==

Belching Beavers has been one of those awesome breweries that has really nailed the aspect beer and beer flavors almost to the T in taste. The Peanut Butter Milk Stout has been a super favorite for my friends Oscar and Julio for the longest time. Our trip earlier even justified it with their brewery only release of the Milk coconut stout. Since then, I have reviewed other beers like the Me So Honey, Great Lei IPA and the Me So Honey, All great beers. So now that they released this Fall offering, it was obvious I wanted to bring this one to the site as well. This is the first pumpkin beer I review this year. I have reviewed many of the best in the craft beer world and hold Belching Beaver to high standards but still going non biased, I will try this one and see where it stands in my many pumpkin beer reviews. Cheers!

Aromas:
Chocolate, coffee cake hints, mild pumpkin, nutmeg, allspice, clove spice, ginger spice, mint, marshmallows, anise, licorice hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate,pumpkin pie, roasted malts, milk sugar, pumpkin spice latte, citrus, vanilla, caramel and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Pumpkin, candy corn, mint, anise, licorice hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate,pumpkin pie, marshmallow hints, roasted malts, milk sugar, pumpkin spice latte, vanilla, caramel, ginger spice, ginger bread, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove spice, banana hints, citrus, Danish cream hints, buttermilk crust hints, brown sugar, citrus and coffee cake hints.

Aftertaste:
Pumpkin spice, earthy notes, vanilla, cinnamon, roasted malt notes, milk sugar, dark chocolate and mint. No alcohol in the the tastes, dark full body, creamy, smooth and silky mouthfeel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good Pumpkin beer for sure but even while it does lean toward the pumpkin spiced milk lattes in a way, it unfortunately does not exceed my expectations in terms of some of the other pumpkin beers I have had before. What can I say, I’m a Picky Pumpkin Eater/Drinker. It is still the delicious Belching Beaver type of beer many love which I really do but I come from a background where pumpkin beers actually taste like actual pumpkin pie, pumpkin flesh, or rich pumpkin in Mexican pilloncillo and, milk and cinnamon stick, like the kind of desserts my mom used to make. I’m looking at my all time faves, Smashing Pumpkin by Shipyard. I have to be fair though because this is not strictly a pumpkin beer and it actually falls more with the pumpkin stouts and porters. The best one of those styles was the Midnight Sun T.R.E.A.T. Still though, this is a delicious little minty pumpkin pie milk stout and as that, it is very good so I recommend it even worth the try.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Metroid makes her way to this Halloween pairing. Reason I wanted to pair Samus with this beer is because pumpkins and she has many delicious pumpkins. That and this is the first time I try a Halloween pairing with Samus anyway. The beer and the art says how good the beer is that you will want to leave that candy pumpkin glass dry!

Sources:
http://pre08.deviantart.net/561c/th/pre/f/2014/300/1/c/halloween_by_splashbrush-d84e3tt.jpg
http://img08.deviantart.net/ad07/i/2014/266/c/d/sweater_samus_by_splashbrush-d80a8vz.jpg

Hop Squeezed Tropic Hunter by Nubis Sanctum Ales

July 17, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged amarillo, Arizona Wild Flower Honey, banana mango, citra and mosaic hops, Citra Hops, Double India Pale Ale, Double IPA, Home brewing, Hop Squeezed Tropic Hunter, mango, mango puree, Nubis Sanctum Ales, Samus, Samus Aran, Simcoe, Triple India Pale Ale, Triple IPA, tropical flavors, tropical IPA, Wild flower honey | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.95/5

Hop Squeezed Tropic Hunter by Nubis Sanctum Ales is an 11% ABV Double (Triple) India Pale Ale brewed with Mango Puree, Arizona Wild Flower Honey, Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo and Simcoe.

Label:
The Last Mango is in Captivity. The Galaxy Hops, are at peace… as they were not harmed in the making of this beer…

Tropic Hunter S.A.M.U.S (Savor Analyze Monitor Unite & Save)
Log OG:1.100 FG:1.020…
Login METROIPA…Accepted…
Transmitting Data—->
“My name is SAMUS. I first encountered the Mango-troid colony on their home Planet Citra Zest. It was there that I was introduced to the rich delicious Nectar these creatures produced. These creatures though harmless had offered me something I’ve never seen in all my visits through the Galaxy of Barley way. The Mango-troids, after pollination which would involve squeezing sugars from fruits and hops, would then leave behind a secret bitter sweet liquid that was gold in color and aromatic like the tropical fruits of the Planet 4U2EAT. My mission… To collect a sample of this ambrosia and present it to the lab for analysis. Here is what this liquid is composed of:

Ingredients: Water, Malts, Amarillo, Simcoe, Mosaic & Citra Hops, Freshly made Mango Puree, Arizona Wild Flower Honey, Candi Sugar and San Diego Super Yeast.

As I completed my mission, a Mango-troid followed me back to my ship. I think it is a baby. So it seems I was able to produce enough of the ambrosia with the help of the Mango-ling that I am providing some for your research as well!

SAMUS Over And Out… Cheers and see you next mission!”
End Transmission…

==Introduction==

Project#9 is my attempt at brewing a tropical double IPA and an inspiration from El Segundo’s Power Plant as well as the Sure Bet Double IPA from Pipeworks is this beer right here. While studying a good recipe for a couple months and buying ingredients bit by bit, I finally was able to create my first ever IPA in the similar recipe to tribute to some of my favorite tropical/leche nestle Triple IPAs out there. I have no idea if my beer can even top the Pliny the Younger but I hope it can beat the elder atleast. Either way, it was a lot of work, a great learning experience and one damn great beer I was very proud to make. Cheers!

Aromas:
Mango hints, Wild flower hints, rich citrus, rich pine needle, herbal, floral, grassy and grapefruit hops, tropical fruits like guava, prickly pears, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, lychee, pineapples, apricots, stawberrries, raspberries, cherries, tangerines, tuna fruit, stone fruit peaches, creamy vanilla, caramel, agave notes, sweetened condensed milk, tangerine gummy bears, citrus peels, grapefruit peels, coconut hints, marshmallow and tres leches/3 milks cream hints.

Flavors:
Rich Mango, Wild flower honey, agave notes, tropical fruit like dragon fruit, papaya, kiwi, honey dew melon, strawberries, passion fruit, prickly pear, papaya, guava, piney, grassy, grapefruit hops, citrus, tangerine oranges, orange peel, grapefruit peel, sweetened condensed milk, caramel, toffee, vanilla, stone fruit apricots, banana hints, raspberries and cream hints, orange gummy bears, mild coconut hints, tres leches/3 milks cream hints, almonds and macadamia nut hints.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Orange peel, Grapefruit peel, Mango hints, Wild Flower honey hints, caramel, gummy bears, tangerines, tropical fruit hints, and stone fruit hint with left over piney hop goodness that pops for a bit. Slight alcohol in the taste, Golden Amber Honey full body, silky, syrupy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel and a moderate drinkability

Overall:
While I give it 5 stars for the rich flavors I still was disappointed slightly that my carbonation was definitely not on par. There is a slight amount of head but not a lot of carbonation. Call it beginners foil but also a great learning lesson. Don’t get me wrong, I really love this beer it is damn scrumptious but with the carbonation it would have been way better. Either way, I know for next time and surely, next time I make an IPA and do secondary, definitely pitching some extra yeast to compensate for the high ABV but also the yeast viability after those several weeks after fermentation finished. A perfect yet “semi flat” yet super tropically delicious masterpiece.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Metroid was used in this pairing as I wanted to give representation of the whole tropical colors and flavors as shown in the label by the metroids being the mangos and Samus squeezing them extracting this very IPA. The idea was solid and I lived it. I give more details in the label description but the shine of the beer in its strength, love, passion and dedication to making one of the best tropical IPAs I could. The lil’ metroid baby sure loves to help out Samus(Squeeze)! But I digress. Maybe the condensed milk like hints were… nah it couldn’t be 😉 …

Sources:
http://genzoman.deviantart.com/art/Metroid-259341497
http://planetgameboy.de/images/db/58621.jpg
http://orig09.deviantart.net/4d4e/f/2015/045/d/1/metroid___samus_be_my_valentine_by_genzoman-d8i0z23.jpg

Ground Control by Ninkasi Brewing Company

April 22, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Apollo hops, Bravo Hops, cocoa nibs, Comet Hops, Dark side, Galaxy hops, Ground Control, Hazelnuts, Imperial Stout, Metroid, Ninkasi, Ninkasi Brewing, Ninkasi Brewing Company, Ninkasi Space Program, Nintendo, Oregon Hazelnuts, Samus, Samus Aran, Space Yeast, star anise, Yeast Sent into Space | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.85/5

Ground Control by Ninkasi Brewing Company is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Oregon Hazelnuts, Star Anise, Cocoa Nibs and Ale Yeast Sent Into Space!

Label:
NSP (Ninkasi Space Program)
Born from a relentless pursuit for innovation, this limited release Ninkasi Space Program beer is brewed with yeast that went into space and back.

Seven years after we started brewing in Oregon, we decided the sky was not the limit. One year, two rockets and
countless lab hours later, we successfully launched a payload of brewer’s yeast into outer space with the help of rocket
scientists. After a much awaited return to Earth, the mission of creating space beer is now complete.

Ground Control boldly combines local and out-of-this-world ingredients. This rich, complex Imperial Stout is brewed
with Oregon hazelnuts, star anise and cocoa nibs, and fermented with an Ale yeast that survived a trip to space and back.
Mankind will enjoy the sweet finesse of this beer that only fares better with time.

Beer Stats
• Name: Ground Control
• Style: Imperial Stout
• Packaging: 22oz. Bottles, Draft
• Enjoyed Since: 2015
• Date Available: April 13, 2015
• OG: 1100
• IBU: 80
• ABV: 10.0%
• Malt: 2-Row Pale, Black, Chocolate, Munich, Crystal, Honey,
Special Roast, Peated
• Hops: Apollo, Bravo, Comet
• Special Ingredients: Oregon Hazelnuts, Star Anise, Cocoa Nibs
http://nsp.ninkasibrewing.com/assets/Press/NSP-Ground-Control-Fact-Sheet-0326.pdf

==Introduction==

The Metroid/Yeast is in captivity… The Galaxy Hops are at peace [Since they were not included]… To boldly go where no yeast has gone before… and new hope in brewing, from the dark side with the force of space… The Final Frontier!! I bring forth, a brew from none like any other… a brew who’s yeast took a long field trip into space and has returned, brewed and tells a store. The space alien colony that has fermented this dark liquid brings forth a flavor from its new explorations. Whether this is a gimmick or not, Space and SciFi fans rejoice! Let’s explore the darkness of eternal ether… get ready to Blast off!!

Aromas:
Rich dark chocolate, coffee notes, mocha, anise, molasses, licorice, vanilla, caramel, tobacco hints, mint chocolate chip ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, oreo cookies, rich cocoa nibs, milk chocolate, oak notes, pecan pie, walnuts, earthy hop notes, dragon fruit notes, toffee, cinnamon, candi sugar, rock candy, star burst hints, chocolate abuelita, rye bread, tobacco, leather, and banana notes.

Flavors:
Rich Dark chocolate, clove spice, anise, mint chocolate chip ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, oreo cookies, rich cocoa nibs, milk chocolate, oak notes, mild bourbon notes, vanilla, caramel, smokey notes, rich dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, rich coffee notes, mocha, hazelnut nectar, peanut butter hints, pecan pie, walnuts, earthy hop notes, dragon fruit notes, toffee, cinnamon, candi sugar, rock candy, star burst hints, chocolate abuelita, rye bread, tobacco, leather, banana notes, phenolic notes, stone fruit apricots, coriander spice, ginger bread notes and espresso.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits, hazelnut nectar, mocha coffee, dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, anise, molasses, earthy notes, vanilla and caramel linger for while. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Pitch Black Hole body, Silky, syrupy, smooth, creamy and velvety mouth feel, easy to drink despite the ABV.

Overall:
Exceeding my expectations for beer. This really reminded me of the W00tSt0ut from Stone but also like Black Xantus but then also has some hidden Belgian Stout characters in there. The beer is delicious regardless of balance or what not. It is freaking way more than what the ABV shows it almost with a Dark Lord syrupy mouth feel. You can almost cut this one like you would a dessert. Is it worth the 20$ just to say you had a beer made in Space? Maybe, but I would really want to see what from what I tasted in the flavors actually contributed from it’s space voyage! I’m sure “Gravity” (ABV/Sugar measurements) has drastically changed due to a change in thinning atmosphere and low gravity. Who knows, but I really damn well enjoyed this one regardless.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Metroid , the bad ass space bounty hunter is back to represent some space black gold here. When it comes to space and adventuring the universe, not many characters come close to space exploration like Samus does, (except maybe KOS-MOS) but to get to the real nitty gritty of space, Samus does it. Her colors as well as her Varia Space suit go well with complimenting the colors and the label of the beer. She has successfully gone to space and back on many missions. The vial colony of yeast can be represented in the baby metroid she brought to the space station in Super Metroid for the SNES. So yeah, pretty bad ass.

Sources:
http://i4.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2015/03/20/12/00/36/49372667_p0.png
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6c/d8/ae/6cd8ae2fc59e8fcb9bddd40f5105a0bc.jpg
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/170/4/7/samus_by_jimbo0311-d542a9j.jpg
http://freezeex.deviantart.com/art/Samus-Badass-Bounty-Hunter-411542716

Space Cake by Clown Shoes brewing

February 25, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Bionic, clown shoes, Clown Shoes Brewing, DIPA, Double India Pale Ale, india pale ale, IPA, layer cake, Metroid, Miracle Mike, Nintendo, passion fruit, Samus, Space Cake | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Space Cake by Clown Shoes brewing is a 9% ABV Double India Pale Ale.

Label:
Why are Miracle Mike and his dog, Bionic, being chased by many evil laser beam shooting cupcakes and two giant layer cake mother ships? Because we’re straight lunatic fools? Well, maybe, but with a few brains cells remaining we managed to craft Space Cake double IPA, utilizing citrusy Mosaic hops and an immaculate West Coast style malt backbone. Dude… Chill out. Enjoy some Space Cake.

==Introduction==

I finally got around to bringing this one for a review. I had tried this one on draft last year but did not get a chance to get a bottle of this one until recently. From what I can remember, this IPA was very good introducing fair amounts of tropics. Later this year, they will be released a California exclusive one of this which will be like a session (lower alcohol) version. There is also the Lemon one but that is unfortunately out of my reach. Maybe in a future released. So why space cake? Maybe it is due to the fruity flavors that made it like a dessert. It is hard to remember as I did not get a chance to analyze this one all the way, until today. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich citrus, grapefruit, piney, grassy, floral, herbal hops, tropical fruits like mango,pine apple, papaya, oranges, lemon peel, honey dew melon, dragon fruit, passion fruit, cherries, citrus and tangerine preserves on rye.

Flavors:
Grapefruit, citrus, piney, grassy, floral and mild herbal hops, old mango, pineapple, papaya, dragonfruit, passion fruit, honey dew melon, oranges, cocoa nib hints, cherries, Strawberries, raspberries, Sweetened condensed milk, biscuit bread, toffee, caramel, vanilla, Tangerine preserves on toasted buttery rye bread, orange gummy bears, stone fruit apricots, peaches, lychees and faint hint of cherry chocolate cake?

Aftertaste:
Citrus, tropical fruits, stone fruits, vanilla, caramel biscuit bread, toffee, cocoa nib hints, hoppy, grapefruit and herbal hops. No alcohol in the taste, creamy, smooth, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, orange amber light to medium body and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
There is some crazy malty component to this beer that reminds me of a dessert for some reason. After trying over and over, I can only conclude so much but still wonder if the name Space Cake wasn’t just a pun and they managed to make an IPA who’s sweetness starts to transcend into a dessert like chocolate cherry cake…nah! Well… maybe. I really don’t know. Maybe it is up to you to decide this one but I can definitely agree, this one is kind of unique and definitely recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Nintendo’s Metroid series was used in this pairing to pair with the label of space and the space cake aspect. Samus is with the metroid hatchling which is the one from Super Metroid that considered her a mother. Maybe the bond they had is similar to the dude on the label and his dog. Either way, I tried to get it as close to space related as possible. Samus strength is represented by the ABV and hop character but the sweetness of cake is who she is inside the suit and as a person. Very sweet and caring but when it comes to hunting evil aliens trying to eradicate civilizations, well someone has to be the word of justice in the universe.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/309859
http://luigiix.deviantart.com/art/Zero-Suit-Samus-505527148

2014 Bourbon Barrel Aged Magnificat by Monkish brewing

December 24, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, belgian ales, Belgian beer, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Dark Christmas ale, Bourbon Barrel Aged, California Beers, christmas beer, dark chocolate, Holiday Ale, Holiday Fruit Cake Ale, Magnificat, Metroid, monkish, monkish brewing, Nintendo, Samus | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2014 Bourbon Barrel Aged Magnificat by Monkish brewing is a 12.6% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Holiday/Christmas Ale brewed with holiday spices and aged in bourbon barrels.

Description:
Following the traditions of Belgian Noel beers, Magnificat is our first offering of a Christmas beer. Like a Belgian-style strong dark or quadruple ale, this dark beer has a rich, silky malt profile of caramel and roasted malts, rye, and oats, and reveals complementary accents of dark stone fruits and spices from our Belgain yeast. And to create that liquid-Christmas experience, the beer is spiced with clover honey, sweet and orange peels, coriander seed, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Aged in bourbon barrels for 10 months.

==Introduction==

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all in the world. Another year is almost done and more beers to come for next year. Monkish Brewing in Torrance has released it’s, what I believe is, first bourbon barrel aged beer for Christmas. Only 50 cases of this was released to the public so if you want to get your hands on this winter warmer of a quad like dessert, visit them for sure. For being one of those breweries that is specifically inspired by the awesome works of Belgian beers, this is an awesome brewery. Cheers to another year of beers and have a Merry Christmas. Here is to you and your loved ones, Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel, fruit cake, vanilla, hazelnut, pecan pie, coconut cream, toffee, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, chocolate cherry cordials, brown sugar, molasses, anise hints, banana, clove spice, coriander spice, pumpkin spice, ginger spice, ginger bread, all spice, nutmeg, stone fruit peaches, applies, red velvet cake, Danish cream cookies, port wine hints, marshmallow chocolate smores, almond joys and dark chocolate.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel,oak barrel forward, bourbon, vanilla, flan, cinnamon, rich fruit cake, chocolate cherry cordials, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, almond joy chocolate, maple syrup, coconut, marshmallow, dark chocolate smores, hazelnut, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, bananas, clove spice, allspice, nutmeg, red velvet cake, Danish cream cookies, waffle cone, milk sugars, rock candy, candi sugar, burnt sugars, key lime pie, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apples, coriander spice, ginger bread, molasses, anise hints, brown sugar, toffee, port wine hints, leather notes and tobacco hints.

Aftertaste:
Holiday spices like allspice, nutmeg, bananas, bourbon, pecan pie, dark fruit, fruit cake, gionger bread and bourbon. Some alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors, sipping drinkability, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel and dark crimson full body.

Overall:
Holy cow! This almost feels like drinking a Bruery Barrel Aged beer, like the Black Tuesday. This beer was quite unexpected as I was not sure how much bourbon and oak barrel character I would get and even enough to see if it would have a dramatic effect on the original magnificat. Damn, was I surprised. The richness I would expect from drinking some very epic bourbon barrel beers is right here but the fact that this one is a holiday beer and a Belgian one at that changes the direction this one goes to. IT goes into an awesome holiday direction. It is understandable that this one is limited but this one is one that would do extremely well with age. This is their strongest beer yet at Monkish and is one I truly enjoyed. If you can somehow find this one or if they still have it by the time you read this, get it. Even at 20$ I think it was all the while worth it.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran from Nintendo’s Metroid series was chosen in this pairing since I wanted to show a Christmas time anime character. However, due to the fact that this was bourbon barrel beer, I had to bring forth a bad ass yet sexy bounty hunter santa. Samus pairs well with the colors since this beer’s label is very bright and colorful pairing with the colors of her original Zero suit but also the background. The light reds and colors of the Christmas lights also pairs with her and the Metroid hiding behind the Christmas bag. The beer is as strong as complex as her character in the variety of Metroid games but she was also one I used with Founder’s KBS. A great pairing to end the 2014 Christmas year.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/237404-1000×1200-metroid-samus+aran-kuroma+%28atapi%29-long+hair-tall+image-light+erotic.jpg

2014 Kentucky Breakfast Stout by Founders Brewing

April 16, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged chocolate mousse, chocolate nibs, coffee, Dulce de leche, Founders, Imperial Stout, Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels, KBS, Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Metroid, mocha coffee, Nintendo, rocky road ice cream, Samus | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

2014 Kentucky Breakfast Stout by Founders Brewing is an 11.2% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with chocolate and coffee and aged in oak Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
The Amazing Kosmicki’s
Highly Acclaimed KBS
A Flavored Stout is good for everything a flavored stout ought to be Good For.
___

Considered by Beeradvocate.com as the 5th best beer in the world (April 2014). An extremely special thanks to my great friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com for hooking me up with a limited and highly sought after beer that pretty damn near impossible to get around California. Highly rated and one that I’ve had in my list of most wanted to try. Story goes that this beer is actually aged in a cave in whiskey barrels. Something about this makes it, I guess adventurous for the most part. Let us see how glamorous the hype is.

Aromas:
Damn, the difference in complexity of the Bourbon is very complex. Not just the typical bourbon here. This in fact blends so well with the chocolate rainbow I get of the milk, dark, sweet, bakers, fudge, and chocolate shake along with aromas rocky road ice cream, prailine, chocolate mousse, marshmallows, smores, waffle cone, brown sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, oak, dark fruits like plums, cherries, raisins, dulce de leche caramel, mocha coffee, espresso, vanilla, toffee, cocoa, maple, molasses, honey and lots of other great sweet aromas.

Flavors:
Milk, dark, sweet, bakers, fudge chocolate, chocolate milk shake, coconut, vanilla, oak, maple syrup, honey, rye whiskey, bourbon, almond joy, flan, toffee, mocha, cherries, choco flan, dark fruits like raisins, plums, black currants, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, waffle cone, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, pecan pie, prailine, hazelnut, dulce de leche carame, molasses, cocoa pebbles cereal, chocolate mousse, crème brulee, frappuccino, pancho pantera milk shake, rye toast, chocolate funnel cake and more. I have to stop there as trying to keep up with the complexity was quite the task and well, just like some of the best beers I have reviewed on this site, this is very damn well made.

Aftertaste:
Lingering complexities of the chocolate mocha coffee, waffle cone, bourbon vanilla, oak and roasted notes. No alcohol in the flavors, sipping yet damn smooth with a full body making this one of those beers that is dangerous since you want to keep drinking a lot of this, but just take your time with this one.

Overall:
Damn Damn Damn!! It’s like Firestone Parabola with coffee and well a more complex Black Xantus but you somehow got all the uniqueness of the barrel and sweet flavors of the chocolate and the fancy coffee all are exceptional and exceed my expectations greatly. This is definitely on par with the best beers in the world and rightfully so along with the beers I have tried that blew me away. Not one thing takes form the other and it is balanced out very well. This is damn delicious and well I can’t thank Aaron enough for this great beer. Highly highly HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Anime Corner:
The one and only, powerful bounty hunter, Samus Aran from Metroid was used in this pairing for several reasons. First, the cave aging brings me back to the days of Metroid and the subterrania that she had to explore killing aliens and obtaining powers. This beer is quite the cavernous adventure and just as such deserves an unleashing at the complexities of not just the cave aging but the what Samus has to offer. Yes, under that bad ass Varia sweet is a warm hearted yet very mind strong and and powerful lady (alcohol, complexity, ABV%). I had no other choice but to choose such a bad ass character. She partially pairs with the label colors as some of her Varia suit compliment. She is definitely hard to get as she is always lost in space claiming the next bounty. She has visited the site as she has with some of my other beers, but specifically pointing out such great characteristics of her very damn well compliment this world class beer. See You Next Mission!

By the way Nintendo Fans, I approve of her bad ass new look and high heel speed boosters!

Bone Warmer by Grand Teton Brewing

December 3, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Bone Warmer, Bonewarmer Imperial Amber, christmas beer, Coco Bandicoot, Grand Teton Brewing, Holiday Ale, Imperial Amber Ale, Imperial Red Ale, Krystal Fox, Metroid, Samus, Starfox, Winter Warmer | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Bone Warmer by Grand Teton Brewing is an 8.2% ABV Imperial Amber/Red Ale

Sleeve Description:
2013 marks the 25th anniversary of Grand Teton Brewing. In celebration, we’re bringing back three of our favorite styles for this year’s Cellar Reserves. Bonewarmer Imperial Amber was first brewed in 2006 and sold out faster than any other beer we’ve made. Bone Warmer, brewed in the “strong ale” tradition, is a beer of great character, with exceptional malt flavor and warming alcohol content.

Historically, brewers often drew three different runs from the same barley mash. The first, used for strong ale or “best beer,” had the most flavor, color and fermentable sugars, and produced beer with the most alcohol. The second was used for a less strong “table beer,” and the third, a lighter and cheaper “small beer.”

Our Bone Warmer is brewed the same way, using only the first runnings from an extraordinarily thick, strong mash of Idaho 2-Row Metcalfe and Harrington barley malt, along with dark German Munich and caramel malts. We subtly spiced it with Idaho Chinook hops, fermented it at cool temperatures and cold-conditioned it for smoothness and drinkability.

The resulting ale is the color of roasting chestnuts. It is voluptuously malty and only slightly sweet- with a hint of toffee and a warming dry finish. It’s an ideal accompaniment to rich meaty stews, wild game, roasted fowl or root vegetables, and aged cheddars.
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This beer peeked my interest a couple of times at the store but I never got around to grabbing it until I saw it a second time. I love winter warmers and holiday beers so I figured, what the hell, why not. I haven’t tried Grand Teton stuff in a long time so I figure I was over due to come back and try some of this brewery’s great beers. I have yet to have a bad experience from any of the beers I have tried form them so far. Hell, they are the ones to made Black Cauldron Stout, one of my favorites.

Aromas:
Lots of toffee, caramel, nuts, plums, raisins, subtle earthy hops, fruit cake, apple notes, apricot nints, cantaloupe, biscuit bread, maple syrup, toasted rye bread notes, brown sugar, honey and mild berry notes

Flavors:
Caramel, toffee, fruit cake, dark fruits like raisins and plums, hazelnut, apples, walnuts, earthy notes, toasted rye bread with blackberry preserve notes, biscuit bread, ginger bread, pecan pie notes, nutmeg, oak notes, maple, marshmallows and spices

Aftertaste:
Finishing off with rich caramel notes, fruit cake, ginger bread, dark fruit and spices, this beer is quite in the holiday spirit.

Overall:
A very good amber that generally is peeking into the Winter warmer direction. The fact that there is a lot of holiday spices is definitely what makes I closer to the winter warmer category. While it may not be the end all be all of winter warmers or amber ales for that matter, it is definitely a very delicious brew and one that should be obtained for the holidays if you are still able to find it.

Anime Corner:
Samus Aran and Krystal from Nintendo are used in this pairing along with Coco from Crash Bandicoot. While it is not obvious as to why I chose them, I will explain. For the label aspect, the color of the dog and the blue rug and chimney compliment Krystal, Samus and Coco’s suit. While Samus is not a dog, she has some colors that fit the blond color of the dog as so does Coco. The winter warmer or bone warmer aspect might be an innuendo really. With a warm and sunset evening, if Samus and Krystal had a kid, could it look like Coco? Well, in a weird way, that is essentially what I was going for. You can also say that when love is in the air or when the winter comes, one wants to keep warm and stay close.

Fuego del Otoño (Autumn Fire) by Jolly Pumpkin

November 1, 2012 by cloudx30 tagged Fuego del Otoño, jolly pumpkin, Samus | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.5/5

Fuego del Otoño (Autumn Fire) by Jolly Pumpkin is 6.10%ABV Bière de Garde brewed with Chestnuts and spices. This is the second time I try this beer. The fall is coming in and setting fast. First of all, for many who do not like sour beers, this may not be for you. For those that like somewhat sour and like to explore, this is one delicious.

Label:

Ale brewed with chestnut and spices To catch a bit of soft radiance in each special bottle, we wait for fall colors to begin their bright and fleeting glow before brewing this wonderful ale under their autumn fire. Gentle amber malts lead smooth caramel notes, gently lapping against a shore of distant forgotten spice. A beer to contemplate and enjoy! Fragrance of tangy grape, campfire, trees in the fall and orange. Flavors of caramel, roasted chestnuts, pecans, smokey glazed ham notes, oak wood (like campfire wood), herbs, orange but not to the level of Maracaibo sweet, cherries, lemon, cinnamon, apples, wine grapes, grapefruit, tea leaves and llerba buena. Definitely grasps what fall would be like as it would taste. As you go deeper into the beer, the less the sourness is there and you begin to appreciate what this beer is truly all about. Fan of sours or somewhat sours would definitely get a major kick of this.

2011 Review:
If camping in the fall and doing a campfire had a taste, this would probably be it. The beer has a nice sour and tangy taste to it (Jolly Pumpkin Style). A beer brewed in chestnuts and all sorts of spices. A smooth caramel flavor exist from the malts and has a nice oak finish to it. 6.1% ABV but this one is sure meant to be enjoyed slowly