Tag Archives: Selvaria Bles

20th Anniversary Ale by Weyerbacher

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14567529_10103596944661030_1894206684023985654_oRating: 5/5

20th Anniversary Ale by Weyerbacher is an 11% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale Brewed with Coriander and Star Anise.

Description:
Weyerbacher is turning 20 this year! How do we celebrate 20 years of bold and innovative beers? With the release of our 20th Anniversary ale!

Our 20th Anniversary brew is a Belgian-Style Dark Ale weighing in at 11% ABV. It’s malty with notes of caramel, raisins and berries, as well as subtle hints of coriander and star anise.
14570827_10103596944840670_2458665555605216748_o
==Introduction==

Weyerbacher is a brewery I wish I had more beers to try from. We do not get these beers in the west coast but for the brews I have been able to get from them have all been phenomenal. My favorite of the brews is the Blasphemy. One of the best Quadrupel ales that I would consider as one of my top beers. This brew was like a Dark Fruit and pecan pie in a bottle. So since I had the opportunity to bring more Weyerbacher beers, I decided to bring their 20th anniversary ale. In the theme of Belgian beers which I see they like to take, it would be a great honor and addition to review it. Let’s have a look.

Aromas:
Dark fruits like black cherries, currants, raisins, plums, figs, dates, raspberries, butter pecan ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, flan, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, chocolate, pecan pie, buttery Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, bananas, clove spice, port wine, raspberry chambord, apples, rye bread, cinnamon and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like black cherries, currants, raisins, plums, figs, dates, raspberries, leather hints, cinnamon hints, coriander spice hints, bananas, clove spice, stone fruit peaches, pears, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, chocolate, pecan pie, buttery Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, Belgian candi sugar, port wine, raspberry chambord, apples, rye bread, anise, molasses, blackberry preserves, dragon fruit hints, brown sugar and butter pecan ice cream, sweetened condensed milk and flan.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits and dulce de leche caramel linger with a slight sweet port wine and earthyness. No alcohol in the taste. Dark crimson body, moderate to sipping drinkability, velvety, syrupy and bold mouthfeel with a very rich and smoothness.

Overall:
A perfect Belgian Dark strong. So much of what I love from Belgian beers. Bananas, dark fruit, candi sugars and more! They even managed to have some of those pecan pie flavors that I loved from the Blasphemy. I can only assume it is the special yeast strain that they are using. Either way, this is the stuff of great beers and I highly recommend you to look for this one!
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Anime Corner:
Selvaria Bles from Valkyria: Azure Revolution was used in this pairing mainly for the colors of label but also fits with the somewhat dark theme of beers presented by Weyerbacher. The colors just caught my eye and seems it would work overall.
14570805_10103596944750850_2357168035829487754_o
Sources:
http://cdn3.dualshockers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Valkyria-4-2.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUPVDTIUwAEdWYo.jpg:large
http://www.51modo.cc/upload/kindeditor/image/20151120/20151120165055_66986.jpg

 

Plead The 5th by Dark Horse Brewing

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12694508_10103065567380360_1890059998842830703_o 12657921_10103065565863400_4529280787460920162_oRating: 5.35/6

Plead The 5th by Dark Horse Brewing is an 11% ABV Imperial Stout

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
It’s big and full bodied with lots of roasted malts and balanced with heavy hops to put this imperial in a league of its own.
Previously known as Dark Horse Imperial Stout.

==Introduction==

I got this one as an extra when I purchased the Cigar City Error Establishing Database Connection. I have heard many great things about this beer and especially the bourbon barrel version of this. Since I don’t have the bourbon barrel version, just the fact that I get to try this one and bring it to the site is a fine honor. Even on their own, Imperial Stouts have shown to be more than perfect. Like some stouts go above and beyond even when they are not barrel aged. With that being said, I do have high expectations for this one. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, coffee, toasted coconut, chocolate chip cookies, rocky road ice cream, dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, blackberry, plum sauce, soy sauce, marshmallows, caramel, sweetened condensed milk and roasted malty notes.

Flavors:
Super Rich Dark roasted notes, coffee, Kahlua, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, blackberry, plum sauce, soy sauce, cherry and fudge cake, vanilla, molasses, milk sugar, chocolate smores, marshmallows, caramel, sweetened condensed milk, tobacco, smokey notes, toasted coconut, chocolate chip cookies, rocky road ice cream, almond milk, espresso notes, pecan pie, hazelnut, crème brulee and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich with roasted malts, earthy hops dark fruit, dark cholate, molasses, licorice, vanilla and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, Dark full body, smooth, silky and creamy mouthfeel and moderate drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional stout! It is just as I thought, this stout is a great example of how a regular stout can go beyond its base style. While it is not Dark Lord or Surly Darkness, it does bring its own roasty uniqueness that reminds me of some of the best stouts I have tried in the world. The kind that can really just stand higher in quality and taste just on its own. I hope to try the barrel aged version of this one day. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles was used in this beer pairing to go with the spirally artwork of the label and the colors but also a proof of authority. While she seems to be a representation of lawful good, this fits with law in terms of the name, Plea the 5th. Aside from that, she has several colors of dark fruits but also the dark colors that represent the stout colors as well.

Sources:
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/valkyria/images/0/0c/DBFC_Selvaria.png/revision/latest?cb=20141215184003
http://wallpoper.com/images/00/28/15/22/selvaria-bles_00281522.jpg

Crispin 15 men by Crispin Cider Company

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12038956_10102889103031330_5647808259732274757_o 12183721_10102889103839710_4367296928197495932_o 12188231_10102889104458470_6258601938385881335_oRating: 5/5* Cider Rating

Crispin 15 men by Crispin Cider Company is a 6.9% ABV Hard Cider brewed with Wild Flower Honey & Dark Candi syrup and then aged in Rum Casks

Label:
On a Dead Man’s Chest

Buccaneers & Buried treasure.
Mutiny & Murder. For the love of adventure and a barrel of rum. Drink and the devil had done for the rest.

An epic saga of Colfax classic apple wine matured in dark rum casks, then laced with wild wildflower honey and dark candi syrup.

15 Men rolls strong like a deep ocean swell with notes of burnt caramel and oak, gentle hints of ripe fall apples, vanilla, and exotic floral fruit carried on the trade winds.

Before pouring, give a solid bottoms-up tilt and swirl to disperse sediment evenly and experience the complex aroma and bouquet.

==Introduction==

It’s been a very long time since I brought a cider from Crispin for review. When I saw this one at Ramirez liquor, I wanted to give it a shot since I feel after creating a cider similar to the Saint, creating something like this maybe awesome. Basically, the inspiration to create a rum barrel/oaked cider will help me gauge how I can do more cider experiments. This one seems very delicious. I am still wondering why the cider is not dark as the dark candi sugars usually leave some liquids dark. Possibly a subtle amount was added as to not dilute the color into darkness! Cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical rum hints, oak, golden apples, marshmallow hints, wild flower honey, waffle cone, floral notes, white raisins, vanilla, cane sugar, candy sugar, dulce de leche caramel, plum hints, peach hints, pecan pie hints and sweetened condensed milk

Flavors:
Crisp Apples, vanilla, cane sugar, candy sugar, dulce de leche caramel, rum hints, oak hints, maple, marshmallow hints, wild flower honey, waffle cone, floral notes, white raisins, plum hints, golden apples, peach hints, pecan pie hints, hazelnut hints, cherries, strawberry hints, coconut hints, bubble gum, banana hints, sweetened condensed milk hints and Danish cream hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with a nice honey caramel and slight hints of oak and rum hints, candi sugar and white raisins. No alcohol in the taste, clear to medium golden apple body, crisp, clean and refreshing and super easy to drink despite the ABV. Even so, do take your time with it to enjoy its infinite subtleness.

Overall:
Damn delicious and complex little cider. The flavors are not super overwhelming but the hints are super complex which was kind of hard to find but became apparent as the cider became warmer. I think that is why I was able to find this one very delicious. The fact that something like this can be replicated makes me want to brew my own cider in accordance to Crispin’s ingredients. This is how I was able to make a similar yet stronger version of “The Saint”. Definitely give this one a shot if you love ciders.

Anime Corner:
Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles and the original character pirate girl were used in this pairing to pair with the pirate theme of this cider. The colors may correlate to the flavors of the beer as they do not correlate to the color of the cider or the label although some colors may do. The dark candi sugar, oak, rum and wildflower honey definitely goes with the colors of Selvaria and the pirate girl for sure though.

Sources:
http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/12/127673/1868893-230ae2915dd2a565897e25fb2deef206.jpeg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/414864-1000×1333-gang+road+joker-tob-long+hair-tall+image-black+hair-fringe.png

Barrel Aged Narwhal by Sierra Nevada

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1656012_10102208033849430_251021361797540762_n 10433210_10102208034298530_3532816921638340399_n 10690120_10102208034587950_454112675975574613_nRating: 6/5

Barrel Aged Narwhal by Sierra Nevada is a 12.9%%ABV World Class Russian Imperial Stout aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.
Label:

Barrel-Aged Narwhal is our deliciously dark Imperial Stout aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels. Barrel aging is a strange science; it mellows some characteristics of the original beer while intensifying others. Narwhal’s aggressive roastiness has calmed, but the rich, chocolate-like malt backbone is brought to the fore. Black as midnight, this intense stout is complex with notes of cocoa and espresso balanced with hints of vanilla and toasted coconut from the oak casks. Nearly as rare as it’s nautical namesake, try Barrel-Aged Narwhal while you can because like the creature itself, it will soon dive into the depths and leave nary a trace behind.

==Introduction==
The Jedi of the Sea has returned to save the beer world of whalez. Well, this one is a pretty elusive and will be more so as time goes on. Released in very limited quantities, this one is already a sought for item as the original beer was a major success for Sierra Nevada and is definitely one of the best Russian Imperial Stouts out there. It is my hope that this beer does turn out to be the hype it deserves otherwise, it might as well just get lost in the sea of beers altogether. Let’s take a look at this rare opportunity to learn more about this beast in nature… Cheers!

Aromas:

Lots of bourbon oak forward, toasted coconut, espresso coffee, mocha, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, roasted coffee, vanilla, whiskey bourbon, rye bread, whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate smores, Khalua, smokey hints, dark fruit currants, prunes, raisins, figs, flan, brown sugar, banana hints, pecan pie, hazelnut, minty hints and molasses.

Flavors:

Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers chocolate, chocolate abuelita hints, vanilla, oak bourbon, flan, sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, roasted coffee notes, espresso notes, Khalua, mild smokey oak, dark fruit prunes, currants, raisins, mild cherries, figs, mocha, toasted coconut, marshmallow cream, chocolate smores, graham crackers, molasses, anise, mint, rum hints, whiskey, port wine hints, rye bread, leather, tobacco, whipped cream, brown sugar, Irish cream, bananas, pecan pie and hazelnut nectar.

Aftertaste:

Marshmallow cream, oak, leather, caramel, chocolate,coconut, bourbon, earthy notes, rye bread and vanilla with an almost dry finish. No alcohol in the taste, silky and creamy mouthfeel, drinks easy despite the ABV and pitch black motor oil full body.

Overall:

The Jedi of the sea struck with a hard vengeance brought forth from learning its way in the dark side. Now accepting its darkness, it can now deliver you into a sweet world of awesome. This beer is similar to the Barrel Aged Old Rasputin except this one has more barrel, dark chocolate, roasty coffee and coconut flavors forward along with the complexities I was able to explained as I tried dissecting this one. This is one of the best Russian Imperial Stouts out there but next to Darkness, well that’s just another dimension. Still, a whale by name enters its glory into fame when it comes down to the most coveted beers to claim. Highly recommended and possibly their best beer ever!

Anime Corner:

Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles was used in this pairing since I wanted to show someone that would be similar in color even to a Narwhal as well as a general or captain of a ship. In the original Narwhal, I showed a captain of a ship with a map basically looking for the legendary beast. Here now we can see the similar map and as Selvaria dashes into the adventure, it represents her in search of the beast. You can also see that her armor, shield and sword look similar to the Narwhal, not to say she killed one, but maybe, since it is a part of her and changes shapes, it is almost as if she is the very beast she searches for and doesn’t even know it. As you can see her in the bathing suit, this pairs well with the colors of the label as well but also represents the smoothness and silky aspect of the beer as it was barrel-aged afterall. Plain and simple, she is Jedi of the Sea, she is the Narwhal!

Sources:

http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/238/1046597-selvaria_bles.jpg
http://keywithoutatone.deviantart.com/art/Selvaria-Bles-283643503
http://idnar.deviantart.com/art/Selvaria-Bles-203546525

The Kaiser from the Dictator Series by Avery brewing

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560196_10102186515532310_4103063470338008700_nRating: 5/5

The Kaiser from the Dictator Series by Avery brewing is a 9.5% ABV World Class Imperial Märzen / Oktoberfest Lager.

Label:
MALT LIQUOR
The Kaiser once said, “Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.” If the Kaiser and his significant other had tipped this bottle, we’d all be “sprechenden Deutsch!” We took all that is good in a traditional Oktoberfest – gorgeous, deep copper sheen, massive malty backbone and spicy, floral, pungent noble hops – then intensified each into this, an Imperial Oktoberfest.
___

Yes, so unfortunately I missed Oktoberfest this beer to attend the Black Tuesday release party. However, any time is a great time to enjoy a Märzen / Oktoberfest and this one has been an eluding one simply because I have not had a chance to find it. When I saw it this year, I knew I had to pick it up. This is an imperial Märzen / Oktoberfest so I do not know what to expect but since I have love this style I am sure this is gonna be pretty intense at 9.5% ABV. Let’s get on with this beer now, Prost!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, biscuit bread, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, pumpkin flesh, maple syrup, pilloncillo sugar cone, Danish Cookies, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger spice, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, bananas, graham crackers, trail mix and bananas.

Flavors:
Rich dulce de leche caramel, citrus, blueberry, black berry, grape and raspberry preserves, rye bread, coriander spice, bananas, Danish cookies, brown sugar, pumpkin spices, cinnamon, ginger, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, pilloncillo sugar cone, graham crackers, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, toffee, bananas, trail mix, leathery notes and butterscotch.

Aftertaste:
Rye bread, cinnamon, pumpkin flesh, citrus, dark fruit, berry preserves in rye bread, Danish cookies and earthy notes. Slight booziness but not detracting from the flavors, medium to full amber body, syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn, possibly the best Oktoberfest beer I have ever had! I think the fact that Avery uses specialty ingredients or special yeast that is like a sweet maple like flavor that I have tried in some of their other amazing beers. Well, that in combination with the style is simply rich and delicious. If this was the main Oktoberfest beer everywhere, damn, not sure how long I would be able to be like Zicke, zacke, zicke, zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi, before I pass out. Yeah this one is rich and definitely highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles was used in this pairing since I wanted to get something that would pair with the Kaizer. Selvarias clothing and pose compliments that of the Kaizer in the label. The caramel sunset and color of her hair and overall artwork represents many of the flavors of the beer. The strength of a leader and general is the strength of the complexity and the ABV this beer offers.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/247253