Tag Archives: TCHO Cacao nibs

Bruers’ Barrel-Aged Zesty Mounds by The Bruery

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Rating: 6/6

Bruers’ Barrel-Aged Zesty Mounds by The Bruery is a 13.6% ABV Belgian Dark Ale brewed with Cacao Nibs, Vanilla Beans, Coconut and orange zest aged in bourbon barrels.

#BABEERDAY
Barrel-aged Beer Day is our staff’s day for premiering flavors that cannot be achieved outside of the art of the blend or by any one beer. This staff-winning blend, created by Jennifer Anderson, Conner Coghill, Adam Funderberg, Jeff Scott, Andrew Stretch and Patrick Traster, showcases mounds of candy bar-esque flavors, with vanilla, coconut, cacao nibs from TCHO and orange zest folded into an exclusive fusion of some of our darkest, richest and most malt-forward bourbon barrel-aged beers.

Orangey chocolate almond joys!!

2017 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery

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Rating: 6/6

2017 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery is a 19.9% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

The utmost in true choco-coffee-mocha liquid gold. I have reviewed this one many times but wanted to bring this years to light. Check out my last year’s review. Cheers!

https://animebeers.com/2016/02/26/2016-mocha-wednesday-by-the-bruery/

2017 White Chocolate by The Bruery

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Rating: 6/6

2017 White Chocolate by The Bruery is a 13.8% ABV Wheat Wine Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.

Encore:
https://animebeers.com/2016/10/14/2016-white-chocolate-by-the-bruery/

2016 White Chocolate By The Bruery

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2016 White Chocolate – The Bruery’s White Oak Wheat Wine with Cocoa Nibs and Vanilla Beans. I have reviewed this one many times so I figure this year, I leave it to a previous review to take care of the recommendation. Cheers!

https://animebeers.com/…/2015-white-chocolate-by-the-bruery/
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2016 White Mocha by The Bruery

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13307465_10103279138287550_6291594818918929177_n 13240585_10103279138636850_6355648886233025049_n 13247797_10103279138512100_1772785327298192205_o 13308234_10103279138801520_3949168034485202993_oRating: 6/6

2016 White Mocha by The Bruery is a 16.3% ABV Wheat Wine Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with TCHO Cacao Nibs and Tierra Mia Coffee Beans.

Label:
RISE & SHINE
This bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale snuggled up with cacao nibs from TCHO and fresh coffee beans from TIERRA MIA COFFEE

White Mocha is our bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale with cacao nibs and fresh coffee beans. Notes of coffee and chocolate are joined by warm flavors of coconut, honey and vanilla that rise & shine on the palate. If you’ve never fancied yourself a morning person, today might just be your day.

==Introduction==

Released to Reserve and Hoarders Society members of the Bruery, this beer is essentially White Chocolate with Coffee. While in the past, White Chocolate has been a rarity and guilty pleasure along with Black Tuesday and the variants. It was so much so, that they would hardly release enough even to Reserve members. Now in 2015 and 2016, there is a lot of White Chocolate and White Oak to go around which is I guess how they got to experiment with a new brew and so this one was born. Let’s see if this is worth the find, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Flan, crème brulee, coffee cake, White Chocolate, Bourbon, Cookies and Cream, Cookie dough ice cream, Jamoca ice cream, Espresso coffee, Mocha Chocolate, Irish Cream, Danish Cookies, butterscotch, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, 3 leches (3 milks) Mexican cake, almond joy, honey, almond milk, tropical fruit like pineapple hints, pears, mango, brown sugar, oak, vanilla, rich hazelnut nectar and pecan pie.

Flavors:
White Chocolate, Espresso coffee, Mocha Chocolate, Jamoca Ice cream, Kopi Luwak fancy notes, coffee cake, bananas, clove spice, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, bourbon, brown sugar, oak, vanilla, rich hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, marshmallows, stone fruit peach, apricot, toasted coconut, 3 leches (3 milks) Mexican cake, almond joy, honey, dark fruit cherries, plums, tropical fruit like pineapple hints, pears, mango, almond milk, chocolate mousse, chocolate coffee milk shake, Irish Cream, Danish Cookies, cookie dough ice cream, butterscotch, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, coriander spice, orange notes, wine grapes and choco flan.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with coffee cake on sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla, milk chocolate, bananas, clove spice, bourbon, mocha ice cream and almond cream. No alcohol in the taste but definitely feel the impact later. Honey Gold Amber medium body, silky, syrupy, velvety, and chewy mouthfeel with a dangerously easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Just like the original White Chocolate but in the Fancy supreme coffee direction. I’m a sucker for some of these beers, I admit it and definitely tend to lean my opinion sometimes but just know that this one, just like the White Chocolate, is vastly up there with some of the best beers in the world. In fact, many of the special variants from Black Tuesday and the Bruery process are insane. Made with their house strain, it really gives off some of the beers I like, like the Belgian strains. Anyway, I highly recommend this one. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Panty Anarchy from the Panty & Stocking series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair mainly with the colors of the label and the WheatWine/BlondeBarley Wine aspect. With the addition of coffee to the White chocolate, the beer becomes very unique. Although white chocolate is not real chocolate but to think of a White Mocha? Well, that’s just a myth… like angels, or could it be true they live among us. Possibly, Panty Anarchy is an angel. A sexually driven one but the seduction of the idea of a white mocha and the complex flavors of the beer are very appealing.

Sources:
http://www.hkcgart.com/Public/static/kindeditor/attached/image/20150811/20150811083942_64879.jpg
http://holichii.deviantart.com/art/Anarchy-Panty-by-Hagiwara-Rin-314568375
http://www.zerochan.net/full/501682
http://static.zerochan.net/Anarchy.Panty.full.1500839.jpg

2016 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

12803284_10103093362733250_7549125410621227032_n 12794777_10103093363322070_2128403442201128551_o 12764864_10103093364789130_2203106446519043956_oRating: 6/6

2016 Mocha Wednesday by the Bruery is a 19.4% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. Layers of artisan dark chocolate and bold coffee collide (especially when consumed fresh) thanks to cacao nibs from San Francisco’s TCHO and OC’s own Portola Coffee lab.

==Introduction==

Mocha Wednesday is back and this time, like last year, it is released to Reserve and Hoarders society. I think as time continues, it will slowly be released onto Preserve society and maybe one day, publicly. Like the other Black Tuesday variants I have tried before, these are some of the best beers in the world. Hence, since I have tried them and this one a couple of times, this is the last review I will be doing of this brew. I believe after a while, the reviews start to get repetitive. If I had tried them at their finest, anything less would just be quality control over the brews. Which the Bruery has had to separate facilities to alleviate the issues they had run into in the past. With that being said, I definitely recommend this one right off the bat. Cheers!

Aromas:
Dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, Kahlua coffee, Kopi Luwak Coffee, mocha, java, espresso, Dulce de Leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, maple syrup, pecan pie, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, brown sugar, mint, anise, toasted coconut, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries and almond joy.

Flavors:
Very Mocha forward, fancy coffee, Kahlua coffee liqueur, java, espresso, Kopi Luwak, bourbon, oak, rum hints, vanilla beans, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit cherries, currants, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, blueberries, milk chocolate dark chocolate, baker’s chocolate, bitter and sweet cocoa, Belgian chocolate, German Chocolate, chocolate cherry cordials, toasted coconut, mint chocolate chip ice cream, Bailey’s Irish Cream, almond joy chocolates, anise, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, cashew butter, maple syrup, pecan pie, coffee cake, double chocolate cherry cake, port wine and fudge brownies.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with fancy mocha Kahlua coffee, rich dark chocolates, dark fruits, caramel, cherry chocolate and coffee cake and bourbon notes. Slight alcohol burn going down but none in the taste. Pitch black full body, ridiculous smoothness, creamy, velvety, syrupy and chewy mouthfeel along with a moderate drinkability. Yeah imagine that, be careful not to finish the bottle in one sitting. Wine stoppers are your friend.

Overall:
Definitely a lot more reminiscent of Rue D’Floyd for some delicious godly reason. Yes, that coffee chocolate cherry ambrosia they made in 2014. For being the last time I review this brew, this is one hell of a way to go out with a Mocha Wednesday bang! Yes, there is not much else I can say about this brew that has become one of the best along with the other Black Tuesday variants in the series. Heck, I had to try and stop myself from finishing the whole bottle. The brew was damn ridiculous and I enjoyed every damn minute of it even for a 19% ABV. I highly recommend you get this one along with any of the “Weekday Series”. Mind BLOWING!

Anime Corner:
Konan of Amegakure from the Naruto has returned like in last year’s review and she is looking mighty gorgeous as the beer has allowed to give way to stronger and richer sweet mocha flavors. They got that right. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reasons her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess what other aspects of this pairing complement each other?

Sources:
http://kriscounette.k.r.pic.centerblog.net/vbjyttlo.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/EpwlvJR.jpg

2015 White Chocolate by The Bruery

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

12375244_10102978464365500_5935363256036572072_o 1781175_10102978476815550_6063849372309455678_o 12068671_10102978480218730_5557919350919305652_oRating: 6/6

2015 White Chocolate by The Bruery is a 16.6% ABV Wheat Wine Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.

Label:
OAKALATE

This sumptuous version of our barrel-aged wheat wine style ale has an addition of fresh vanilla beans and TCHO cacao nibs.

White Chocolate is best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor, but may evolve pleasantly over time if cellared properly.

Notes/Commercial Description: (per beeradvocate)
The primary component of our “White Oak” ale is a 100% barrel aged wheat wine that we affectionately refer to as “White Oak Sap.” Essentially a “summer” barley-wine style ale, but made with a wheat heavy grain base, White Oak Sap is aged in used bourbon barrels for nearly a year and comes out rich in flavors of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla. To compliment the already rich flavors of the beer, we’ve added cacao nibs and vanilla beans to give this beer the delicate flavor of white chocolate…hence the name.
___

Was available to Preservation and Reserve members for December 2015, the almighty white chocolate has returned. Unfortunately, like the 2013, the 2014th version ended up getting sour if not consumed fresh. I will say this much as my version did not sour at all after taking it out of the cellar. Something I had mildly regretted as I would have to wait patiently to replace the empty spot with another White Chocolate. This year, with the separation of facilities (All Sours are made at The Bruery Terreux) we should not see this type of situation happen again. This decadent piece of liquid chocolate white has been on one of my top favorites of all time in terms of rare beers and Now that it back in town, I have to come clean. Just like Black Tuesday, this will be the last time I review this magical brew. Sad, but I think I have made an important point over the years as why I love this beer so much. Heck, even my banner has this beer. So I bring it forth one last time, one of my all time favorites in my quest to seek the truest of the truest, White Chocolate! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich hazelnut, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel,Velvet vanilla, white chocolate, flan, rich bananas, rich Lechera sweetened condensed milk, oak, toasted coconut, marzipan, wine grapes, marshmallows, 3 leches, biscuit bread, dark butterscotch, stone fruit peaches, apricots, plums, white raisins, light butterscotch, biscuit bread with rich lechera, raisin bread pudding, crème brulee, Bavarian yeast phenolic notes, tropical fruits like sweet pineapple, dragon fruit, mango, pears, apples,, coriander spice, clove spice, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate and more complexities!

Flavors:
White chocolate, milk chocolate, rich bananas, rich dulce de leche, Rich Lechera Nestle sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, bourbon, brown sugar, rich hazelnut, marshmallow, flan, mild citrus, marzipan , oak, toasted coconut, biscuit bread with creamy 3 leches spread (Three milks), pecan pie, almond joy, almond cream, tropical fruit like mild dragon fruit, sweet pineapple, mango hints, pears, apples, wine grapes, Stone fruits like peaches, apricots, plums, white raisins, butterscotch, coriander spice, clove spice, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Bavarian yeast phenols, dark butterscotch, piloncillo, crème brulee and more!

Aftertaste:
Lingering sweet condensed milk, white chocolate, vanilla, milk chocolate, bananas, clove spice
No alcohol in the taste despite the 16.6% ABV, sipping yet smooth drinkability, syrupy and velvety mouth feel, medium to full hazy body and supremely dangerous to drink in one sitting.

Overall:
Supreme, Luscious and Exquisite. Even for trying the 2014 version almost a year later and it did not sour on me (lucky?) the 2015 is damn promising. Even stronger in and more delicious than that of the 2014. White Chocolate, despite not being the new Melange 12, it is still a major component that still supreme. Mind blowing as always and a constant reminder of the love I have for it and my patiently waiting for it. Like many before, a bucket list beer along with Black Tuesday, Chocolate Rain the Wineification variants, Grey Monday, Melange 3 and my newest favorite, Melange 12, certainly all a must try.

Anime Corner:
Temari Sabaku from Naruto is no mystery to this beer. She has appeared in all the instances I try this beer and may do so even if someday I decide to review the beer again. Temari is simply and awesome ninja as I stated in previous reviews. She represents the color of the beer blonde to gold as in the color of her hair. She represents a partial tropical aspect in terms of the White oak that is added which I refer to “Raw as The Sun” but subdued by the overall sweet chocolate and vanilla which are pretty intimate to me. Temari’s strength is also in the ABV and just like a ninja, will flow easy if you try to consume her in one sitting. White Chocolate Temari, I Love You Chiquita!!! :3
921347_10102978503606860_6765306843139867962_o 10402628_10102978504569930_7020024732956877430_n
Sources:
http://www.hdwallpapersdesktop.com/Anime/Naruto/images/Naruto%20Wallpaper%20257.jpg
http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2015/01/12/584231/fd464741294dd813f56956bd2fecde55.jpg
http://img09.deviantart.net/6829/i/2013/234/f/b/temari_happy_birthday__by_rikamello-d6jbbmw.jpg

2015 Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery

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11024683_10102435683228250_161914295699782922_o 10860872_10102435682928850_8692333946929483078_o 11021293_10102435682419870_2904449592190317089_oRating: 6/5

2015 Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery is a 18.6% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Portola Labs Coffee beans and TCHO Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. This invigorationg ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the both chocolate and freshly ground coffee flavors will be most prominent when consumed fresh.
___

So this year, because I had reviewed this one last year, I will bre pretty much referring to the same stuff I talked about in the last review. This time though, this beer was part of the Reserve Society and it was about freaking time too. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and Melange #3 have been my top favorite Bruery beers and now, Mocha Wednesday is here again this year. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Similar ridiculous aromas like last years. Alesmith Kopi Luwak coffee aroma complexity, rich mocha coffee, espresso, roasted coffee beans, Kahlua, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazel nuts, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, mint, anise and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
This time the Mocha and chocolate move much more forward than last years. Toasted coconut, Kahlua, mocha, java, espresso beans, Kopi luwak coffee, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates as in the aromas, dark fruits like currants, cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, See’s coffee candy, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, oak, bourbon, rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, cookies and cream ice cream, anise, mint chocolate ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, earthy chocolate sugar notes, tobacco, roasted cashews, mocha syrup and more chocolate, damn!

Aftertaste:
Lots of Kahlua coffee. You know the alcohol is there but all you taste is sugary sweet Frappucino and coffee to the point where you can’t sense it until it is too late. A major sipping chocolate mocha syrupy mouth feel beer, but scarily, a smooth beer as well. This beer is no joke.

Overall:
Holy Shit, this kicks a lot of the best coffee beers right in the nuts. I think this is really the best damn coffee beer I have ever had with Alesmith Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout being the second runner up. This definitely is a warming welcome to the already great line up of Bruery beers specifically the ones I had mentioned earlier in my post. This time, the mesh of chocolate and coffee come forth like no other, chocolate rain style. Even so, like the previous review of this, the consistency and the coffee to give it a complex coffee-mocha flavor makes it extremely unique. Something like this is what meets the highest expectation exceeding criteria that I look for in some of the best beers in the world. A rarity, but a lovely beer just the same as last years beer. It may not be the 19.2% ABV that it used to be but damn still strong and leading the pact of beers into the future.

Anime Corner:
Konan of Amegakure from the Naruto has returned like in last years review and she is looking mighty gorgeous as the beer has allowed to give way to stronger and richer sweet mocha flavors. They got that right. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reason her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess, what other aspects of this pairing compliment each other?

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1168065
http://kriscounette.k.r.pic.centerblog.net/vbjyttlo.jpg
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/06/2b/3e062b8799a391d6b3439578726d3dce.jpg

Blueberry Smoking Wood by The Bruery

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11043107_10102435330824470_7921038035839086774_o 10974666_10102435331228660_8753003098432424969_o Rating: 6/5

Blueberry Smoking Wood by The Bruery is a 12.8% ABV Smoked Imperial Rye Porter Aged in Bourbon barrels with Blueberries, Cacao Nibs and Maple Syrup.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Bourbon Smoking Wood aged on Blueberries and cacao nibs with maple syrup.

==Introduction==

Only at the Bruery for a limited time growler fill. Thanks to my friend Richard Avila for hooking me up with this one. We tried it at our visit to the Bruery and thought this beer was pretty damn delicious. I was glad I agreed to take a small growler home with me so I could bring this one forth to the site. I don’t know if this variant will ever see a bottle release but for now, if you are in the area and visit the brewery, here is what you can expect. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, whiskey, rye bread, blueberries, oak, smokey notes, campfire marshmallow smores, graham crackers, anise, bacon, toasted coconut hints, Milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers chocolate, dark fruit raisins, blackberries, cherries, currants, figs, molasses, cinnamon, crème brulee, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, brown sugar, BBQ honey glazed jerky and blueberry fudge cake.

Flavors:
Rich Dark fruits forward of blueberries, blackberries, currants, raisins, figs, raspberries, dark cherries, dulce de lechec carame, vanilla, oak, campfire smoke, bourbon, maple syrup, molasses, anise, bacon, toasted coconut, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, bakers chocolate, cinnamon, flan, Mexican Custard/Jericalla, beachwood oak, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rye and sourdough bread, BBQ honey glazed ribs, crème brulee, Blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake and Irish cream.

Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruit blueberries, maple, vanilla caramel, dark chocolate, smoked oak, BBQ hints, marshmallow sugars, flan and bourbon. No alcohol in the taste, A sipping beer with a full mouthfeel, Pitch black body and yet very smooth. Syrupy and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Raising the original to a newer level of flavor, the Blueberries, chocolate and maple really raise the levels of awesomeness of the beer. You still get the same flavors of the Smoking Wood Bourbon Barrel Aged, but the blueberries drag it into some rich dark fruit world of sweet goodness. So much going on here but like I said before, if you are around the area, surely, give this a try. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Rera from Samurai Showdown/Spirits was used in this pairing since I wanted to get an aspect of the smoking wood and the forest or campfire smoke like I have done in the Whiskey Rye and the Bourbon barrel version of these beers. Essentially that covers the smoking wood part but the blueberries are all her with the colors she wears of the blue and the red pendant she wears being a cherry. Rera is a ninja, she is pretty damn sweet looking which represents the sweet and smooth flavors but her attack comes from the alcohol she brings along with her wolf Shikuru.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/wFSvW9E.jpg
http://blog-imgs-61.fc2.com/a/d/a/adasokuniji/3VfCdydp0oh6HPc7e23be79.jpg

Box Set Track #10 (Bat Out Of Hell) by The Lost Abbey

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11043333_10102430209337970_2441233685176576585_o 1534998_10102430208290070_10216307217524649_nRating: 6/5

Box Set Track #10 (Bat Out Of Hell) by The Lost Abbey is a 13.5% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Ryan Brothers Coffee And TCHO Cacao Nibs Added.

Label:
The morning headlines hit the streets with apocalyptic alliterations describing the offensive odor that sprang from the underbelly of New York’s sewers. The Times splashed “Rancid Reckoning” as the Daily countered with “Fetid Funk.” The New York Sentinel doubled up stating “Phillip’s Putrid Petulant Problem.”

Each paper speculated on the arrival of thousands of bats. Tree Huggers ascribed it to global warming. The noxious gasses emanating from the sewers had stymied the City Engineers leaving the clergy to invoke worldly moral decay and the book of Revelations. A live press conference was convened to coincide with the start of the 5 O’clock news as Mayor Phillip Paulson attempted to allay his citizen’s concerns.

As the mayor took to the podium, a cyclone of evil emerged as the bats formed into one large satanic storm of hate. Heathens and heretics held hands in the ensuing panic. Some dropped to their knees and prayed. Chaos reigned supreme in the streets and as quickly as the whirlwind emerged, it was gone. To this day, no one is sure what happened that night. But to a man, everyone prays that Phillip’s Fetid Funk never returns…

==Introduction==

Formerly known as “Serpent’s Stout – Bourbon Barrel Aged With Cocoa Nibs & Coffee”, this beer was released back in 2012 as part of the 13 tracks of rock and roll for the lost abbey. It was renamed as Track#10 “Bat Out of Hell” by Meat Loaf. These 13 beers were hard to get since once needed to purchase a lottery ticket and then if they won, they would get the option to but the whole thing for about $300. Yes, that set of 13 beers is pricey and it was definitely something I did not bother to invest in. I don’t like hyped stuff when it comes to jumping through hoops or “Black Friday” style of overnight camping and standing in line. I have usually obtained beers either online or through trades. This set was pretty ridiculous to get but I figured one that one day they would release them one at time. I figure I would get the ones that intrigued me the most. Well, this one was one of those and I am glad they have it for the public. You should be able to find this wherever they sell Lost Abbey beers or in most places. I am here to see if this beer is worth what I was hoping for. Serpent’s Stout is one of my favorite Lost Abbey beers and now this being barrel aged, I know it can only be way better . Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich oak, vanilla, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, fancy coffee, whiskey, bourbon, Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, Fancy coffee, Khalua Coffee, Marshmallow smores, oreo cookies, choco flan, Irish cream, almond joy chocolates, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, coffee cake, tobacco and tons of dark fruits.

Flavors:
Rich Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, roasted coffee, fancy coffee, Whiskey, Bourbon, oak, khalua coffee liqueur, vanilla, marshmallow smores, oreo cookies, choco flan, Irish cream, coffee cake, tobacco, leather, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, black berries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, pecan pie, toasted coconut, coffee grounds, espresso, java, bananas, clove spice, cinnamon, rocky road icecream, butterscotch, hazelnut, raisin bread pudding, macadamia nuts, anise and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Rich fancy coffee, chocolate, marshmallow smores, vanilla, caramel, crème brulee, whiskey, toasted coconut, almond joy, frapppuccino, dark fruits and tobacco. No alcohol in the taste the despite the ABV, sipping drinkability, rich, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and pitch black abyss body.

Overall:
Serpent’s Stout never tasted this great. Holy crap this beer is freaking awesome. There are so much rich flavors going on here with a lot of complexity. I wish they released this in a 750ml bottle but even then, that is just danger waiting to happen. I really enjoyed this one a lot that I will get it again. I can only speak for the other beers, but at $300$ for the set, well $1000, I say get this one but unless you have money, buy the whole set. I will only invest my time on the more intriguing ones. Serpent’s Stout rules!

Anime Corner:
Asmodeus from ShinraBansho was used to represent the “Bat Out Of Hell” in the label. I also chose her since she pairs really well with the colors. While Rukia and Ichigo were used in the previous review of Serpent Stout to go with Rukia seduced by the snake and becoming evil, Asmodeus represent that bat that is in full frontal rage. Asmodeus can be really sweet and nice representing the smoothness of the beer and rich flavor, but this is when she is pissed off. So luckily you only have 370ml bottle otherwise her rage would really consume your soul!

Sources:
http://www.liliah.info/img/Other%20Backgrounds/pissed.jpg
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2011-08-30-435143.jpeg

2014 White Chocolate by The Bruery

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10704016_10102064060488200_6522346157109251908_n 10690230_10102064058537110_8015519350436253030_nRating: 6/5

2014 White Chocolate by The Bruery is a 14.3% ABV Wheat Wine Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans.

Label:
OAKALATE

This sumptuous version of our barrel-aged wheat wine style ale has an addition of fresh vanilla beans and TCHO cacao nibs.

White Chocolate is best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor, but may evolve pleasantly over time if cellared properly.

Notes/Commercial Description: (per beeradvocate)
The primary component of our “White Oak” ale is a 100% barrel aged wheat wine that we affectionately refer to as “White Oak Sap.” Essentially a “summer” barley-wine style ale, but made with a wheat heavy grain base, White Oak Sap is aged in used bourbon barrels for nearly a year and comes out rich in flavors of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla. To compliment the already rich flavors of the beer, we’ve added cacao nibs and vanilla beans to give this beer the delicate flavor of white chocolate…hence the name.
___

Available to Preservation and Reserve members this fall, they released this beer once again. Unfortunately, the 2013 version ended up getting sour if not consumed fresh. This year, they plan to redeem themselves and release it again. This decadent piece of liquid chocolate white has been on one of my top favorites of all time in terms of rare beers. Not counting my top favorite common ones. So I bring it forth once again, one of my all time favorites in my quest to seek the truest of the truest, White Chocolate! Cheers!

Aromas:
Velvet vanilla, white chocolate, flan, rich bananas, rich Lechera sweetened condensed milk, oak, toasted coconut, marzipan, rich hazelnut, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, tropical fruits like sweet pineapple, dragon fruit, mango, pears, apples, wine grapes, marshmallows, 3 leches, biscuit bread, dark butterscotch, stone fruit peaches, apricots,plums, white raisins, light butterscotch, biscuit bread with rich lechera, raisin bread pudding, crème brulee, Bavarian yeast phenolic notes, coriander spice, clove spice, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, pecan pie, almond joy chocolate and more complexities!

Flavors:
White chocolate, milk chocolate, rich bananas, rich dulce de leche, Rich Lechera Nestle sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, bourbon, brown sugar, rich hazelnut, marshmallow, flan, mild citrus, marzipan , oak, toasted coconut, biscuit bread with creamy 3 leches spread (Three milks), pecan pie, almond joy, almond cream, tropical fruit like mild dragon fruit, sweet pineapple, mango hints, pears, apples, wine grapes, Stone fruits like peaches, apricots, plums, white raisins, butterscotch, coriander spice, clove spice, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Bavarian yeast phenols, dark butterscotch, piloncillo, crème brulee and more!

Aftertaste:
Lingering sweet condensed milk, white chocolate, vanilla, milk chocolate, bananas, clove spice
No alcohol in the taste despite the 14.3% ABV, sipping yet smooth drinkability, syrupy and velvety mouth feel, medium to full hazy body and supremely dangerous to drink in one sitting.

Overall:
Need I say more? Despite the fact that the 2013 version had its issues, 2014 comes back even stronger and more velvet and chocolatey sweet. They really brought it back in the right way, damn!! I really am mind blown and it comes as a damn reminder why I love this beer so much and hence the reason I always keep ordering at the Bruery when they have it on tap. I don’t even have to say it, I truly believe this is a bucket list beer along with Black Tuesday, Chocolate Rain the new Wineification and Grey Monday. Oh yeah, let us not forget the ultimate Melange 3!! Go try them all!….

Anime Corner:
Temari Sabaku from Naruto is no mystery to this beer. She has appeared in all the instances I try this beer and may do so for as long as I keep reviewing this beer. Temari is simply and awesome ninja as I stated in previous reviews. She represents the color of the beer blonde to gold as in the color of her hair. She represents a partial tropical aspect in terms of the White oak that is added which I refer to “Raw as The Sun” but subdued by the overall sweet chocolate and vanilla which are pretty intimate to me. Temari’s strength is also in the ABV and just like a ninja, will flow easy if you try to consume her in one sitting. White Chocolate Temari, I Love You Chiquita!!!

Sources:
http://www.hdwallpapersdesktop.com/Anime/Naruto/images/Naruto%20Wallpaper%20257.jpg
http://media.animevice.com/uploads/0/7354/579647-e2d0db9b48a8f67534fbec4c6e4ed11b.png

Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery

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1014082_10101671495491600_1756682980_n 1966856_10101671498834900_1504673027_n 1970798_10101671497782010_137021336_n 1922342_10101671498161250_1633794177_nRating: 6/5

Mocha Wednesday by The Bruery is a 19.2% ABV World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Coffee and Cacao Nibs aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
MORNING AFTER

This exquisite version of Black Tuesday is brewed with TCHO cacao nibs and coffee beans from Portola Coffee Lab.

Mocha Wednesday is a perfect follow up to a Black Tuesday. This invigorationg ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the both chocolate and freshly ground coffee flavors will be most prominent when consumed fresh.
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Fucken right, the only beer this year from the stupidly exclusive and expensive hoarders society of the Bruery I was able to obtain thanks to a great donation. You will most likely have to trade or spend a grip of money on this rarity of rares. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rain and Melange #3 have been my top favorite Bruery beers and today on this very Wednesday, a Mocha Wednesday, I contribute this beauty to the reviews. Thank you so much mystery person for the generous donation. Cheers!!

Aromas:
Alesmith Kopi Luwak coffee aroma complexity, rich mocha coffee, espresso, roasted coffee beans, Kahlua, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates, bourbon, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, hazel nuts, pecan pie, Bailey’s Irish cream, dark fruits, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy, rocky road ice cream, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, molasses, oak, earthy notes, brown sugar, mint, anise and toasted coconut.

Flavors:
Toasted coconut, Kahlua, mocha, java, espresso beans, Kopi luwak coffee, dark, Belgian, German, sweet, bitter, milk, fudge and baker’s chocolates as in the aromas, dark fruits like currants, cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, plums, raspberries, cherries, almond joy chocolate, See’s coffee candy, brown sugar, chocolate mocha flan, coffee cake, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, oak, bourbon, rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, cookies and cream ice cream, anise, mint chocolate ice cream, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, earthy chocolate sugar notes, tobacco, roasted cashews, mocha syrup and more chocolate, damn!

Aftertaste:
Lots of Kahlua coffee. You know the alcohol is there but all you taste is sugary sweet Frappucino and coffee to the point where you can’t sense it until it is too late. A major sipping chocolate mocha syrupy mouth feel beer, but scarily, a smooth beer as well. This beer is no joke.

Overall:
Holy Shit, this kicks a lot of the best coffee beers right in the nuts. I think this is really the best damn coffee beer I have ever had with Alesmith Barrel Aged Kopi Luwak Speedway Stout being the second runner up. This definitely is a warming welcome to the already great line up of Bruery beers specifically the ones I had mentioned earlier in my post. No doubt about it, it is not as chocolatey as Chocolate Rain, but the consistency and the coffee to give it a complex coffee-mocha flavor that makes it extremely unique. Something like this is what meets the highest expectation exceeding criteria that I look for in some of the best beers in the world. A rarity, but a lovely beer just the same. That and at 19.2% is the 3rd highest ABV I have ever tried next to Chocolate Rain and Tactical Nuclear Penguin (32% ABV although too harsh).

Anime Corner:
I looked for a couple of days figuring out which character to choose and after watching Naruto this past weekend, who else can actually make a great pairing but the 3rd Akatsuki Rogue Ninja leader and one of the top female ninjas in the series (next to Temari ofcourse), Konan of Amegakure. The alcohol shows her unique strength. The perfect pairing idea came from the label and a need to find one of my favorite characters to fit. Her blue hair and hazelnut eyes fit perfect with the beer label colors. Her strength is not the only thing that matters, but the rich sweet aspects of her flavors characterizes the deep love she has for her friends Nagato and Yahiko (Also known as Pain). The rarity of this beer is the rarity of her discipline. For the smallest times you do get to see her fight, she is a bad ass ninja. Hence the reason her smoothness and seduction will make you pay greatly later on if you try to consume her in one sitting. Patience is virtue!! Aside from these aspects, if you know this character or can even guess, what other aspects of this pairing compliment each other?

White Chocolate (2013 Release) by The Bruery

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1392755_10101469956028300_1900644049_n 65615_10101469955993370_1841643671_nRating: 6/5* This years is same score as the last

White Chocolate (2013 Release) by The Bruery is a 14.75% ABV Wheat Wine Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla Beans. 

Label: 
OAKALATE
This sumptuous version of our barrel-aged wheat wine style ale has an addition of fresh vanilla beans and TCHO cacao nibs.
___

Last year, I reviewed white chocolate, essentially the Polar opposite of the Chocolate Rain which can be aged up to 5 years. This year, I wanted to give it another shot as it was released more frequently but to California. If you are able to get your hands on this one, definitely give it a shot. One of my top favorites

Aromas are of vanilla, milk chocolate, white chocolate, oak, dulce de leche caramel, oak, coconut. Citrus, banana, orange, bourbon, tropical fruit, hazelnut, pecans, cinnamon, marzipan, almond, butterscotch, wine grapes, pears, raisins and apricots

The flavors are of white chocolate, vanilla, chocolate, orange, coriander, bourbon , coconut, pears, peaches, wine grapes, cinnamon, pecans, hazelnut, brown sugar, oak, marzipan, almonds, raisins, tart apples, pineapple, tropical fruit, dulce de leche caramel and butterscotch

The aftertaste leaves off with that nice oak and white chocolate goodness with some nice tart and citrus flavors. Definitely a sipper who’s alcohol becomes more and more hidden as it warms up

Overall, still one of my most favorite top Bruery beers. This year’s though, definitely shines more on the white oak and citrus side, at first. Temari plays hard to get second round (2013), so let it warm up and as it goes, you bet damn right you get the white chocolate. Highly recommended if you love Barrel aged beers no doubt.

Anime Corner: Temari Sabakuno from the Naruto series is one bad ass female ninja. One of my favorite all time Anime characters. She is from the Sand Clan of the ninja world, sister to their leader Gaara, Naruto’s close friend. Temari can seem rude and tomboyish on the outside and very cold hearted at times. Sometimes without a care in the world except when it comes to her family and friends. She takes charge and doesn’t hesitate to risk it all. This beer is a representative of her, not just in the colors of the label, the even if she may be harsh in the beginning (tart flavors) she has been known to open up and show her true side of compassion for others (White Chocolate, Vanilla, Cacao) especially her friend Shikamaru, the smart ninja from the Leaf Village (Naruto’s Clan). The part of the tropical and sunny citrus flavors are in terms of her hair (Pineapple, Tropical, wheat wine) and the dessert (Orange, Sunny, citrus, oak). So if you experience her sharp and tart at first, let her warm up to you, you will find the true White Chocolate you’ve been waiting for.

Board Meeting by Port Brewing

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Rating: 4.8/5

 is an 8.5%BV Brown Ale brewed with Coffee and TCHO Cocoa nibs

Label:
It’s 6 AM and you have two appointments on your calendar for today. A Board of Directors meeting at 10 AM requires your attention. But Last night you got the call signaling a dawn patrol session this morning. Surf is out of the west and the swell is building. A morning stop for a cup of Joe on the way to the ocean’s edge has you fueled. Early morning surf report on the radio indicates clean conditions up and down the coast. A Parking lot surf check at the break confirms the conditions are perfect. 

All systems go and your first board meeting of the day looks promising. You trade a neoprene wet suit and a brisk ocean paddle knowing full well later you’s be surrounded by stodgy old men and fussy women sitting in over stuffed leather chairs reviewing corporate minutes as the smell of pastries and burnt coffee hang in the air. It’s a scene that repeats itself year after year . But none of this bothers you anymore. Life taught you early on not all board meetings are created equal. 
___

New from Port Brewing comes a brown ale unlike some of the brown ales I have had before. This beer is more full bodied like a porter or a stout. But I guess in terms of brown ales I would have to look and see how it would differ. The aromas are of coffee, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, earthy notes, and brown sugar. The flavors are great. It is not as bitter as a porter or a stout in terms of hops and smokeyness. This lets flavors of bakes chocolate, dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, caramel, biscuit bread, coffee cake, brown sugar, hazelnut, berries, figs, and other sweet flavors shine through. The bitterness is very little as it is mostly from the coffee. This beer was so good it was hard not to stop drinking it. It is pretty drinkable and the aftertaste is sweet and nutty. Quite frankly one of the best brown ales I have had in a while. Aside from hazelnut nectar. This is going to be a new beer that will appear regularly. Brown Ale fans will love this one and those that do not like Brown Ales will start to love the style with this one