Tag Archives: The Lost Abbey

2017 Serpent’s by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

2017 Serpent’s by The Lost Abbey is a 13.7% ABV Belgian Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
Serpent’s Stout aged in Bourbon barrels

==Introduction==

Finally, the in between beer between the original Serpent’s Stout and Track 10 as well as the half portion of Deliverance finally in its own installment. Something I have not tried on its own in the past and was definitely one I needed in the books all the way spanning since 2010 when I first had Serpent’s stout. The Lost Abbey recently sold this one into the world online and those that got a chance to get it are most likely the only ones that have it. So if you have a chance for a trade you may want to look at this one depending on how this review goes. I have had the Track 10 which adds vanilla and cacao beans adding that extra level of awesomeness but this one being at that perfect in between spot might be onto something very different and we will only get a chance to see. The original evil evil beer now has escalated into another depth of hell so come with me as we journey into some crazy shit here, cheers!

Aromas:
Bubulubu chocolate, capirotada raisins bread pudding, Rich bananas, Flan, tres leches cake, vanilla, crème brulee, grilled plantains, platano burro, brown sugar, dark cherries, prunes, plums, currants, raisins, blackberries, vinous Caramel, dulce de leche caramel, rye whiskey, bourbon, marshmallows,oak, vanilla, Danish cream, Khalua coffee, mocha, leather, tobacco, pecan pie, Gansito Chocolate berry pastry, honey, graham crackers, waffle cone, stone fruit peaches, chocolate mangos, mature mangos and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich oak, marshmallow smores, bourbon, rye whiskey, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, vinous caramel, toffee, mocha, roasted barley, fancy coffee, espresso, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, banana sundae, grilled plantains, platano burro, leather, tobacco, toasted coconut, pairotada raisin bread pudding, dark fruit prunes, dark cherries, raisins, currants, plums, Belgian dark candi sugar, , brown sugar, fruit cake, oreo cookies, port wine, Danish cream, Irish cream, chocolate mousse, Khalua coffee, liquer, raspberries, rocky road ice cream, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, prailines, rye bread, phenolic notes, almond joy chocolate, mint, anise, licorice notes, burnt candi sugar, Mexican pan dulce, flan, crème brulee, stone fruit mango, tres leches cake, honey, graham crackers, honey, waffle cone and Gansito cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of complex chocolates, Gansito, mousse, Belgian, Dark, German, Milk, Mexican, Baker’s, cherries, raspberries, caramels, banana sundae, dark fruit, vanilla, oak, and dark candi sugar. No alcohol in the taste despite the 13.7%ABV, insane!! Pitch black dark abyss full body. Creamy, Smooth, velvety and chewy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Of the many many bourbon barrel aged brews I have had before, especially from commons to whalez, this one is a huge slice in the toe to toe versus cake of competition and a bucket lister to me. So damn complex while still employing the great Belgian notes that I loved of the style but amped by a thousand. It’s crazy how these beers are the equivalent of next level evolution of the originals making them into something damn amazing. Surely, if you can get this one, get it!!!

Anime Corner:
Ichigo Kurosaki and Fade to Black Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach as well as many iterations of Rukia, Bankai, Devil, Hollow, Mugetsu and others were all used in the emphasis of showing evolution from the original beer that I love so much over to this new iteration that is super duper insane. The Adam and Eve theme of the beer is taken to an alternate dimension roles are reversed and Satan was the one that created the the world and it was God trying to tempt Adam and Eve into what is good. It’s a crazy beer.

Box Set Track# 11 Devil Went Down To Georgia by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

 

 

Rating: 6/6

Box Set Track# 11 Devil Went Down To Georgia by The Lost Abbey is a 12% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Peaches and Black Tea aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels.

Label:

Commercial Description:

Formerly known as “Vern”. Reviews from 2011 are for the initial pilot batch (Vern) of what would become Track 11 the next year.

A experimental re-mix track, Track 11 is our Angel’s Share that we aged in fresh Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels for 9 months. To this we added some awesome whole peach slivers, black tea, and a splash of Brettanomyces Clausenni to ferment the peaches. The beer has a great peach nose and a long carmelized bourbon finish. One of the most experimental of all the track series beers.

==Introduction==

Formerly known as “Angel’s Share – Bourbon Barrel Aged With Peaches & Black Tea”, 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#11 “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band. 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. Angel’s Share along with Deliverance and Serpent’s Stout are one of my favorite Lost Abbey beers and now this being a variant, I know it can only be way better . Let’s take a look, cheers!

Aromas:

Caramelized peaches, oak, dulce de leche caramel, fruit cake, vanilla, tropical mango notes,whiskey, crème brulee, dark fruits, chocolate, rocky road ice cream, leather tobacco, rye, molasses, hazelnut nectar, maple syrup notes.

Flavors:

Rich peaches, stone fruit apricots, mango, dragon fruit, passion fruit, black tea, green tea, juniper berries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, whiskey, oak, dark fruit raisins, prunes, currants, raspberries, flan, crème brulee, peach cobbler, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, maple syrup, raisin bread pudding, anise, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, rye bread, rocky road ice cream, butterscotch, molasses, tobacco, leather, fruit cake, peach fuzzy navel, memosa, port wine notes and dark cherry chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:

Sweet Peach schnappy lingering, fuzzy navel oblivion, dulce de leche caramel, flan, and chocolate notes. No alcohol in the taste the despite the ABV, sipping drinkability, rich, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and pitch black abyss body.

Overall:

Simply orgasmic! Like a pleasure music in the form liquid and super pleasing to the mind and the taste buds. This being part Angel Share makes it happen already but that Peach and Black tea take things to a whole new level of complexity. I can definitely hope The Lost Abbey releases some of their other brews out as they are very enticing and supreme. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:

Astaroth from Shinra Bansho was used in this pairing as she was the first demon girl aside from Morrigan and Lilith that I was very fond of. A character that is sweet at heart like the peaches in this beer but just happens to look very sinister like the Black Tea and the bourbon barrels this was aged in. Just because a devil is a devil doesn’t meant it will always be evil or have bad intentions. This was made with Angel Share afterall. The sweet melody is very enticing.

 

 

Ex Cathedra by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
Rating: 6/6

Ex Cathedra by The Lost Abbey is a 12.5% ABV Belgian Quad brewed with Ginger and Orange and aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
The Holiest protector of dogmas, doctrines, faith, and spirituality, the Pontiff is in charge of it all. He’s got his own Italian city and a bullet-proof Popemobile to take him wherever he wants. And he answers only to the big guy upstairs. Dude’s living large, all while acting as The Rose to the world’s moral compass.

That’s a ton of pressure being the wisest sage in the land and having your finger on the trigger of Ex Cathedra. Maybe it causes him to throw back a few glasses of the Sacrament from time to time? Lord knows if we were in that situation, we’d tipple to.

==Introduction==

It is not often I get these little Lost Abbey bottles. In fact, many times I won’t simply on principle since I can get their beer on tap for much cheaper. If I ever do get one though, I do it to put it on the website. I take the hit so you don’t have to unless you want to and mainly to see if it is worth the price. With some new releases especially the religious ones, I definitely always want to bring them here to the site especially since I’m a sucker for the artwork and Lost Abbey was one of the primary reason I started label collecting before I did reviews. The last time I tried a pope beer was the Sede Vacante in which pope Benedict was leaving office and the new pope was given the chance to appear which is the current one, Pope Francis. This beer seems more of a tribute than Sede Vacante. Let’s have a look and see how this beer is, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark Belgian candy sugar, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, bourbon, anise, clove spice, ginger bread, coriander, oak marshmallows, chocolate smores, dark chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, prunes, currants, cherries, orange preserves, fruit cake, orange pound cake, piloncillo sugar cone, allspice, nutmeg, pecan pie and mint chocolate chip.

Flavors:
Rich anise, clove spice, Ginger bread, coriander, bananas, oak, marshmallows, toasted coconut hint, licorice, mint chocolate chip, dark chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, prunes, currants, cherries, Dark Belgian candy sugar, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, rocky road ice cream hints, toffee, orange preserves, tangerine jelly on rye bread, piloncillo sugar cone, allspice, nutmeg, pecan pie, whipped cream, fruit cake, orange pound cake, Belgian chocolate, marshmallow chocolate smores, chocolate waffle cake, capirotada raisin bread pudding and flan.

Aftertaste:
Finishes rich with dark fruits, fruit cake, ginger bread, orange notes, orange pound cake, oak, pecan pie, and dark chocolate. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Dark murky brown full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Definitely amazing! Especially if you love fruit cake and ginger bread cookies and orange pound cake. For a barrel aged quad I think it is sure damn exceptional and supremely complex. The most awesome parts of the quadrupel mix super well with the mix of uncommon ingredients and the fact it is barrel aged, this one is a winner for sure! While I do believe this beer is damn exceptional and I highly recommend it, the only down side is the price at 17$ for a 350ml and while I think it is damn delicious, I recommend you get this one on tap if you don’t wanna pay 17$ for it. I would get this one again only if it was cheaper priced or if I can get it off the tap.

Anime Corner:
Dizzy from Guilty Gear was used as I wanted a character that represents the divine and the deathly. Dizzy literally has a wing of death and an angel wing. So the way the give advise to her is similar to the way the archbishops give advise to the pope in the label. Also, I think the white out fit she wears fits the white robe the pope wears as well.

Sources:
https://i.pximg.net/img-master/img/2016/08/09/01/00/51/58333424_p0_master1200.jpg
http://medicalwhiskey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dizzy.jpg
https://i.pximg.net/img-original/img/2016/09/08/19/00/01/58878047_p0.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/29691-1280×960-guilty+gear-dizzy-white-center+opening-tagme.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/150707-1920×1200-guilty+gear-dizzy-tagme+%28artist%29-long+hair-single-looking+at+viewer.jpg

 

Sticks N’ Stones of the Stone Berlin Groundbreaking Collaboration Series #4 by Stone Brewing & The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Sticks N’ Stones of the Stone Berlin Groundbreaking Collaboration Series #4 by Stone Brewing & The Lost Abbey is an 8.3% ABV Dark Imperial Pilsner Finished on wood chips and granite

Label:
Series 4 of 14

Before the meaning of the name is revealed for that “ah-ha” moment, we must elaborate on the significance of the collaboration. Three key Stone brewers gathered together with long-time friend and Lost Abbey brewmaster Tomme Arthur in Berlin. There they collaborated on a beer representative of our presence in Germany and the craft beer crusade we have been on and never lost sight of despite all of the words of criticism. Too aggressive, too many hops, too expensive, too impossible to break into centuries of German tradition…all of that was just words. It didn’t break us. And here we are, two decades later with a foothold in Berlin and our fingertips on the international craft beer moment. In honor of that we brewed a dark imperial lager with a German yeast strain and partially aged it with wooden chips “sticks” in stone granite barrels. Ah-ha.

STYLE Dark Imperial Pilsner
ALC/VOL 8.3%
SPECIAL INGREDIENTS German yeast. Partially aged with wood chips in granite barrels

Tasting Notes:
An explosion of Dark toast followed by oaky vanilla and clove. Crisp and earthy.

Aroma:
Roast earthy and sweet oak, aromatics as a handful of Black Forest

Pairings:
Humboldt Fog cheese-stuffed medjool dates, balsamic glazed pork tenderloins, baklava, mushroom sesame udon

Our dream to be the first American craft brewery to independently build, own and operate a brewery in Europe has become a reality. Located in a historic 1901 building, our state of the art brewhouse and destination restaurant in the Mariendorf neighborhood is a true thing of beauty! As promised, we invited some of our best friends in craft brewing to create an exceptional series of celebratory beers. We hope you enjoy the international camaraderie that went into making these fourteen truly groundbreaking collaborations!

MIT STOLZ GEBRAUT IN BERLIN

==Introduction==

In 2014, Stone was raising money to open a brewery in Berlin, Germany. It would be the first time an American craft brewery would open up a business in Europe. For Germany who has Bavarian laws on the beer making process, craft beer would no coincide with their laws. However, Stone being some crazy arrogant bastards were able to make their way into the market and were successful to open up shop. At the time, I had donated money on promised collaborations with different breweries. Mainly some of the ones I like such as Brew Dog, Lost Abbey, The Bruery, Surly and even Devil’s Gate/Will Wheaton. So, with the donations I made in that year, I was wondering if I would ever see a return on my investment. Long behold, Stone contacted me to inform that they were going to release the beers and so today I bring Sticks N’ Stones.

A Lost Abbey Collaboration? What? Lost Abbey has been a brewery that got me into the artwork of beer labels and was there in the beginning of my craft beer adventures but so was Stone. The fact that they collaborated, which I believe is a first, is simply awesome. So when I first heard they were in on the Stone Berlin Project, I had to get this beer and bring it to the site. While I did not know what they would brew together, I was surprised it was a Dark Imperial Pilsner. It does seem like a rare style but also I had my slight doubts. This was only because pilsners, while very delicious, don’t always appeal to the esoteric beer drinkers so I was wondering if this would actually work. To my surprised, it was very good when I had a sample of it when I visited Stone Pasadena to get my bottle. Here’s the breakdown, cheers!

Aromas:
Belgian candy sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German chocolate, rye bread, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, marshmallow cream, toasted coconut hints, bananas, clove spice, trail mix, Neapolitan ice cream hints, dark cherries, earthy and herbal hops and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Neapolitan Ice Cream! Or at least the complexity makes it seem, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German chocolate, rye bread, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, cherries, strawberries, currants, figs, figgy pudding, dates, vanilla, oak, marshmallow cream, toasted coconut hints, bananas, clove spice, Belgian candy sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisins bread pudding, fruit cake, butterscotch notes, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee, cinnamon, flan, ginger bread pudding, tapioca pudding, trail mix, dark cherry yogurt, rock candy, earthy and herbal hops.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with nice flavors caramel, oak, vanilla dark fruits, caramel, butterscotch, crème brulee and Neapolitan Ice cream. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, creamy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A supremely exceptional pilsner. Even though to be honest, its more like a German Doppelbock but that’s the best part. I love Doppelbocks as they always have the dark fruit flavors. This oak imperial dark pilsner is very similar and with the oak whatever process they did to make it taste kind of like Neapolitan was what I definitely loved from this one. Very complex and well worth waiting several years for. Highly recommended if you can get this one!

Anime Corner:
Neopolitan from RWBY was used in this pairing since that was the flavor I essentially got when I first had this beer off the tap when picking up the stone collab, Neapolitan Ice cream! The name Stick N Stones is reminiscent of the quote “sticks n stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me”. For this pairing, that is why I got Neo with a skull, in relations to bones. In addition, Neo is deaf she she cannot really say anything to the effect of names to make fun of any one. I realized this pairing wen’t beyond just the flavor profile, so Neo was perfect for this.

Sources:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8uzi06UwAIVcp2.png
http://68.media.tumblr.com/8a605ffa2baa9c950918f7786a27e2ae/tumblr_ogpw1dNLgp1r2x2amo1_1280.jpg
http://2static2.fjcdn.com/comments/You+and+i+seem+to+think+alike+i+cant+wait+_7fb9f1208b30ff669851f09755955448.jpg
http://76.72.168.19/images/2016-12-24-879722.jpeg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/81/42/cc/8142cc7a94133ada0ce455ee4df1eeaf.jpg

2017 Serpent’s Stout by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

16587111_10103986360698170_4799979030853963563_oRating: 6/6

2017 Serpent’s Stout by The Lost Abbey is an 11% ABV World Class Belgian Imperial Stout.

Label:
From the beginning of time, it was so decreed, “From the this Tree of Knowledge, you shall not eat this fruit”. Soon enough, the Serpent slithered through the Garden convincing Eve to taste the nectar from this forbidden fruit. Once bitten and shamed, she then tempted Adam. Together, their actions brought Original Sin upon our world.

Discontent to rest on his laurels the Serpent continued his cunning ways bringing forth more temptations. Ultimately, he foisted upon the world his own Serpent Stout – a liquid so dark and viscous that all who tasted soon fell victim to this evil incarnate. Some turned to false prophets seeking advice. None of it mattered. Each struggle revealed the battle between Good and Evil. And now that you are holding a bottle of this liquid, it is certain he has tempted even you… So, welcome to our Darker Side of Life – home of the Serpent Stout’s Original Sin and the tastiest beers known to man.

==Introduction==
16665328_10103986359141290_1823721034845980223_o
It has been years since I last did a review on this beer. Being one of my top favorite brews of all time, I wanted to bring it back as it is sporting an awesome label design with some of my favorite colors. Therefore, I definitely took the opportunity to show that beer some love. One of the strongest stouts I had when I first started trying different beers and once that stuck to me, I was hooked on trying more. An evil looking brew with a pitch-black darkness that would seem malevolent but regardless is still very good. Even with the release of so many special stouts that would try to rival this one, to me, this can still go toe to toe despite others being barrel aged. Heck, Box Set Track #10 (Bat Out Of Hell) is the answer to that as it is the bourbon barrel version of this with coffee and chocolate. Anyways, tribute to the roots is always something I love doing, let us see what this is like after many years, cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted coffee, espresso, Khalua coffee liqueur, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate,marshmallow chocolate smores, toasted coconut hints, rocky road ice cream notes, Oak, tobacco, leather, dark candi sugar, anise, molasses, brown sugar, toffee, earthy hops, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, figs, bananas, Danish cream and capirotada raisin bread pudding hints.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Oak, tobacco, leather, dark candi sugar, anise, molasses, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, figs, bananas, mild phenolics, marshmallow chocolate smores, toasted coconut hints, rocky road ice cream notes, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, brown sugar, toffee, earthy hops, roasted coffee, espresso, Khalua coffee liqueur, raspberry notes, port wine hints, sweetened condensed milk hints, flan, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Danish cream, Irish cream coffee and chocolate mousse.
16602428_10103986358577420_6500897733042272420_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of earthy notes, dark chocolate, dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, oak, banana and dark candi sugar. No alcohol in the taste despite the 11%ABV. Pitch black dark abyss full body. Creamy, Smooth, velvety and chewy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A truly exceptional brew that is surely lasting the years. The flavors are just as complex, if not better, from what I remember. I may not remember every detail, but still an awesome beer. Lots of roasty notes, dark chocolate, dark fruits and flavors of Belgian dark stout and oak. It is not barrel aged but it has that aged oak feel to it. I highly recommend this one as it is definitely still one of my favorites out there.
16462920_10103986358592390_3625999490333012979_o
Anime Corner:
Ichigo Kurosaki and Fade to Black Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach were the perfect pairing back then when I did a review for this beer still continuing the tradition are used to pair the Adam and Eve label. The aspect of Adam and Eve relate to Rukia and Ichigo since Rukia was possessed by evil twins and Ichigo tries to fight Rukia to try to save her from the possession. As you can see in the picture where Rukia attacks Ichigo, it is synonymous with Eve trying to lure Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. Crazy idea I had back then but damn it works. Hell, Serpent’s Stout is pitch black like the “Fade to Black” version of Evil Rukia. Definitely one of the best pairings I have for one of the original beers that started me into craft beer. Cheers!!
16601573_10103986358607360_8725456328305055717_o
Sources:
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/polls/1133000/1133279_1350862708265_full.jpg?v=1350863217
https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w1280/8bhxW4w4wQdPdIWEkPIsXeRZcPU.jpg
https://images3.alphacoders.com/827/82715.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/39/4a/df/394adfd598e65b1debc3a17f03ceda18.jpg

2016 Judgment Day Ale by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

14589941_10103605759850320_39191442757353233821_oRating: 6/6

2016 Judgment Day Ale by The Lost Abbey is a 10.5% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with Raisins.

Label:
Do you believe there would be a Judgment Day? Have you ever thought about what you’ll be doing when the Four Horsemen arrive? Perhaps you’ll be drinking this Belgian Dark Quad Styled Ale when they appear? However, since we have no idea when our time will expire or when we’ll be forced to cash in our tickets, we offer this simple advice. Live an inspired life. Find opportunities in everything to make a difference. Seek out new and spontaneous adventures and when you find them, embrace them as if they were the devil’s song. For an interesting life is one worth living. Challenge yourself to embrace passion, persistence and a motivated way of life. So that when Judgment Day arrives from nowhere, you’ll go out knowing full well that you’ve lived your life on your terms and they can’t take that away from you.

Commercial Description (Lostabbey.com)
A massive beer in every sense of the word. A stronger and more contemplative version of our Lost and Found Ale. Judgment Day is the base beer for our Cuvee de Tomme. Many of the Trappist Breweries produce a version of beer which ages incredibly well for many years to come. And, since none of us knows when the end of the world is coming, we suggest you stock up with lots of Lost Abbey beers so that when the end of the world magically appears from nowhere, you’ll have a beer or two on hand for even the stingiest of angels. Available in 750ml bottles and on draft at select inspired locations. The Judgment Day story

The story has been told and we have been warned about this very moment- Judgment Day and the end of the world as we cease to know it. There will be but one instance where the sunny blue pastoral skies turn sickly black revealing the imminent demise of every soul caught between heaven and hell. From the skies the angels of heaven will race to rescue the virtuous souls before the thundering herd of the 4 Horsemen arrive from the depths of hell to claim more than their fair share. Each of us will ride a wave of terror or relief not knowing from which lot our souls have been cast. It is wholly possible that the Sinners and Saints alike will unite. For sure, each will thrash about in the tumultuous sea of uncertainty not knowing in this abyss whether they bear the mark of the Father or the mark of the Beast himself. There will be a litany of screams from the departing souls riding bareback on the shoulders of the Black Horse. Each of us will be examined and our lives will be scrutinized. It is decreed and so written. Life as we know it will one day cease to exist. Surely you will stand there having all your questions answered.

==Introduction==
14608686_10103605759875270_4923039467734354852_o
The very first Quadrupel I have ever had in my life is essentially one of the beers in the world close to my heart along with the St. Bernardus 12abt that really started everything for me back in 2010. This beer being one of my top 10 while being very common is one that really got craving it ever since I saw it at Bevmo when I visited my friend Adrian in West Covina so many years ago. I had no idea what the hell craft beer was and back then the only thing I really knew in terms of craft beer was New Belgium Fat Tire. The stunning artwork was what really brought me in to the world of craft beer. Coming from an anime background, I really had a strong appreciation for different types of artworks that moved into the label appreciation to eventual taste and art comparison to what you know today as the beer and art pairings and ultimately, my own homebrewing and brewing ideas for recipes. Today I pay tribute to those amazing days and this beer that really lead me to an awesome appreciation for something I consider very mystical, perplexing, awe inspiring and really, the lost treasures of taste and art. TO my favorite style of beer, I salute you. To my fans, I say raise a glass, cheers for many beer years!!

Aromas:
Very rich dark fruit raisins, plums figs, fates, prunes, currants black berries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, marshmallow, anise, molasses, flan, phenolics, stone fruit peach, plums, slight mango, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pan dulce, fruit cake, fruit cake, agave, bananas, clove spice and piloncillo sugar cone.

Flavors:
Super duper rich dark raisins, prunes, black berries, currants, dark cherries, raspberries, figs, dates, Belgian candi sugar, rock candy, chocolate cherry cordials, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pan dulce, fruit cake, capirotada Mexican raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, brown sugar, fruit cake, agave, bananas, clove spice, anise, molasses, flan, phenolics, stone fruit peach, plums, slight mango, dulce de leche caramel, piloncillo sugar cone, toasted rye bread, wine grapes, port wine hints, Chambord raspberry liqueur, marshmallows, chocolate waffle cone, pecan pie , hazelnut nectar, walnut pie, almond joy chocolate and hints of rocky road ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich flavors of dark fruit, bananas, clove spice, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, anise, molasses, flan, raisins bread pudding, fruit cake, brown sugar and cherry cordials. No alcohol in the taste, dark crimson ruby clear to medium body, smooth, creamy, syrupy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptionally delicious!! There is always a reason to go back to one’s roots. Despite having tried better quadrupels and world class beers, there is no denying that the beers that started it all which, for most part, “common beers”, are the ones that will always be the best and hold a special place. For being the first quad I tried in 2010, this one is world class to me. So much dark fruit and dark candi sugar forward. Many quadrupels have different appealing characteristics. St. Bernardus is a Dulce De Leche La Trappe Quad is Banana and caramel driven and Weyebacher Blasphemy is pecan pie driven. These are just examples of great quads I have loved and each one delicious and unique in their own ways. I highly recommend this one to all!
14566185_10103605759865290_7238543635128886213_o
Anime Corner:
KOS-MOS from Xenosaga was brought once again since I had used her to pair with the first time I did an anime beer review pairing of the Judgment Day ale. She is one of my favorite characters so since I chose her the last time I choose her again. The reason I chose her has to do with Xenosaga in general. If the coming for the 4 horseman of the apocalypse also involves the return of Jesus, then it fits perfectly. Xenosaga has many themes of the Christian religion and bible references. Heck, KOS-MOS is essentially supposed to be a vessel for the return of Mary Magdalene, Jesus wife in some scriptures. Although, KOS-MOS ends up being her own individual as we find out near the end of the trilogy that Mary Magdalene is separate from KOS-MOS. Regardless, her ties to Christianity is one of the main reasons I chose her for this pairing.

Sources:
http://orig03.deviantart.net/4364/f/2011/247/1/1/11b1ace5857fa4a466e0fd321bd9eb5c-d48t9r6.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/KOS-MOS.full.34385.jpg
http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad240/moke1200/46/dr035_zps02144e2f.jpg

Santo Ron Diego by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

11057215_10102499720497050_5654941414074297582_n 11080818_10102499720951140_3847920897589398650_o 11070269_10102499721165710_5238222731638397278_oRating: 5.45/5

Santo Ron Diego by The Lost Abbey is a 12.5% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with ginger, orange peel cacao nibs and aged in Rum Barrels.

Label:
In name, he was Diego and no one knows exactly where he was from. Everything about Diego was speculation at best. A legend of Caribbean sailing lore, many whispered he was an agent of heaven sent to protect the “ron” produced on the hill. The monks trusted only Diego for the safe passage of their remarkable liquid.

For is ship was not the fastest on the sea, but the locals whispered that he only set sail on full moon nights, when the wind of a thousand angel’s wings helped him take flight. His vessel was never boarded by pirates, nor was a single drop of the precious cargo ever lost to the seas.

To most, he always looked more of a sinner than a saint, and in truth, Diego was a wildly unpredictable, almost crusty captain. Made a saint by the Vatican after he vanished at sea, the many mysteries of Santo Ron Diego live on with us today in this beer bearing his name.

==Introduction==

I got this beer at qualityliquorstore.com. Being a fan of the Lost Abbey I was intrigued when I heard about this beer as this is their first time they do a Ron (Rum in Spanish) Barrel aged offering. Unfortunately, unless you truly like the Lost Abbey, the beers can be pricey at times except for their year round servings. It is interesting as going to the brewery is less pricey (at about 1$ per taster). Regardless, let us see how worth the price this Rum Barrel aged beer is. Cheers!

Aromas:
Toasted coconut, rum soaked raisins, sangria, agave syrup, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, plums, figs, anise, molasses, plantains, bananas, pecan pie, stone fruit peaches, apricot, port wine notes, dark chocolate, brown sugar, oak, coriander, ginger bread, pineapple and coconut.

Flavors:
Rum, oak, vanilla, plantains, bananas, agave syrup, almond joy chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, port wine hints, ginger bread, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pecan pie, stone fruit peaches, apricots, rye, pineapple, passion fruit hints, coriander spice, hints of pumpkin spice, toffee, toasted coconut, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, currants, sangria, hazelnut nectar, molasses, anise, licorice, Danish cream cookies, marshmallows, chocolate smores and dark cherries.

Aftertaste:
Rum lingers, plantains, dark fruits, caramel, vanilla, oak, grape, port wine notes and earthy notes. Slight boozyness in the taste, murky brown full body, sipping drinkability, creamy and moderate mouthfeel.

Overall:
An exceptional beer for sure but the reason it wasn’t supreme exceptional has to do with some of the sharp hints at time from the spices and rum. I really think it is probably too early to drink this but I am sure it will become mellower over time. Regardless, I really enjoyed this one and think it was exceptional. I really don’t know if it is worth the price as you are only getting 375ml bottle of this. Then again, it is meant to be taken in a sip at a time. I highly recommend it though if you are willing to buy it.

Anime Corner:
Terra Branford from Final Fantasy VI was used in this pairing to go with the colors of the label and the somewhat pirate aspect of using Rum barrels. In a way, Terra’s clothing has this look kinda like a pirate. That and the sword she has in the artwork kind of looks like that. In the first artwork, it displays what the beer is going through as it is infusing and evolving into something bigger through the rum. The angel wings are representative of Santo or the Saint in the name of the beer.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/de/97/7a/de977a2d4221791158f6c983582a0cfb.jpg
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2011-07-19-422876.jpeg
http://i.imgur.com/TJcRk8A.jpg

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

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Hel & Verdoemenis (Hell & Damnation) by Brouwerij De Molen

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10341899_10101807567287630_3071049936284309866_nRating: 5/5

Hel & Verdoemenis (Hell & Damnation) by Brouwerij De Molen is a 10% ABV Russian Imperial Stout

Label:
Brewed & Bottled in Bodegrave, the Netherlands. 
24 deg Plato www.brouwerijdemolen.nl EBC 297 102 EBU
Handcrafted. Unfiltered. Unpasturized.
Enjoy within 25 years. Keep cool and dark.
Recommended drinking temperature 10 degrees Celcius.

Ingredients: water, pale malt, brown malt, chocolate malt and cara barley malt, premiant and saaz (bittering hop), yeast (top fermenting).
___

Available at www.luekensliquor.com and the Rare Beer Club, this beer was part of their selection for April 2014 Rare Beer Club Members. While this is not as exclusive as I thought, there is a good chance you may be able to find this one. Good luck finding the 666 version of that beer as I am sure that is even rarer than this one. Also, this sucker will age up to 25 years!! Like you can literally wait until your kids are out of college and have them try it. That is crazy stuff. On to the review!

Aromas:
Dark roasted coffee grains, earthy hop notes, dark, bakers and milk chocolate, dark fruit raisins, plums, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, toffee, leather, oak, smokey campfire, tobacco, molasses and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark, Milk, bakers and fudge chocolate, smokey oak campfire, earthy hop notes, roasted coffee beans, raisins, currants, toffee, subtle caramel, tobacco, leather, vanilla notes, brown sugar notes, anise, molasses, mocha, roasted coffee grains, graham crackers, black pepper, butterscotch and hints dark cherries.

Aftertaste:
Earthy notes, smokey oak, coffee grains, dark chocolate, caramel and very mild old raisin. No alcohol in the taste, a sipper and syrupy mouthfeel, liquid evil and no carbonation at all!

Overall:
Very good and delicious! This is reminiscent of the Lost Abbey’s Serpent Stout except with like a more smokey and roasted flavor but also has more coffee and chocolate hints. This bottle is in its prime. It is just a baby. Bottled January 22 2014 and still, makes me wonder what it would be like in the year 2039. Would definitely exceed expectations for sure. I really would like to know how it would compare to that Serpent’s Stout. It is not a clone, or is the Serpent a meer clone of the this demon. Either way, they are both liquid evil and both are highly recommended!!

Anime Corner:
Scanty and Kneesocks from Panty and Stocking as well as Panty (Knocked out on the right) and Stocking (Trying to get up on the left) were chosen for this pairing with nothing about the label but the name to show case Hell and Damnation. Just like Serpent’s stout, now this demonic dark liquid, the representation of hell and damnation can be seen in the defeat of the Angels, Panty and Stocking at the hand of the Demon Sisters. Kinda like the “Bad Ending” in a video game. Either way, if you drink this you can sure spend eternity trying to get both the Good and the bad endings. This devil’s water is sweet and bitter!

Agave Maria by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10320558_10101791712740270_976442647783950907_nRating: 6/5

Agave Maria by The Lost Abbey is a 13.5% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Agave syrup and aged in Tequila barrels.

Label:
It was an oppressively hellish day in dusty Jalisco when I first encountered Margarita Mary. The locals preferred a more sacred name and simply called her Agave Maria. Painted on a courtyard mural over a century ago. Maria stood like a mother watching over her children protecting them as their divine inspiration.

She blessed every child birth in the village and acted as the refuge during feverish outbreak that threatened the workers. But most importantly each and every day employees dropped to their knees in prayer asking her to provide safety to the jimadors in the fields and the distilleries in the factory. Maria was simply everything to everyone.

All of the agave piñas harvested from the fields passed beneath her outstretched arms as if she was bearing witness to the liquid they would weep while the candles at her feet flickered, never being allowed to extinguish. Because we love the spirit she blesses so very much, we have released this beer in her honor. We hope that you too will find some room in your life for Agave Maria.
___

A seasonal by the Lost Abbey and I am sure I would gladly pick up more as I go. I was pretty surprised that the Lost Abbey decided to use the virgin Mary for their label. While none of it seems to be pocking fun at religion, I am sure there maybe the conservatives that may see this as blasphemous. I am a Catholic and I for one like what they have to say about this beer as it is made to honor her name, even if the name is a little different but her not is not said in vain and that is what is important. Aside from that, this beer as Tequila Barrel aged so just the thought of trying a Tequila barrel aged beer made by the Lost Abbey especially, there was no way I wouldn’t try this.

Aromas:
Wow! It smells like Mezcal, tequila, agave nectar and rich dark fruit raisins, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel and more. It also has oak notes, pepper, plums, bananas, candi sugar, pan dulce, capirotada, walnuts, pecans, plantains, dark chocolate, flan, crème brulee, coconut, sangria, prunes, marshmallows and toffee. Lot’s going on here.

Flavors:
Very rich agave nectar, mezcal, sangria, dark fruits like raisins, plums, bananas, dulce de leche caramel, capirotada raisins bread pudding, pepper, oak, tequila, flan, cinnamon, chocolate covered plantains, leche nestle condenced sweetend milk, coconut, rich vanilla, molasses, grape jelly on rye toast, currrants, cherries, chocolate cake, marshmallow, rocky road ice cream notes,wine notes, toffee, leather notes, molasses, anise, prunes and honey.

Aftertaste:
Lingering Tequila, mezcal sangria, raisins, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, bananas, . While the may seem slightly present, it does not detract from the taste nor is it harsh. A sipping yet very smooth beer. Full mouth feel but syrupy in a way as well.

Overall:
No denying it, the best Tequila barrel aged beer I have ever had and that’s a lot since there is hardly many Tequila barrel aged beers out there and of the few I have had this one, is damn amazing. Right next to the Barley wine they made (Sede Vacante), this is the next best one. So much going on here. It is almost like a Belgian quad meets Mexican tequila barrels and creates a truly heavenly beer. I am glad they are releasing this more often as many will want to try it and I am sure many will definitely be intrigued. Go get this bottle of holy!

Anime Corner:
What goes good with Agave Maria? Well, I wanted to keep this pairing very special but also wanted to be awe inspiring and artistic so I paired with it with Mary/Madonna and Child by ninebreaker of deviantart.com. Sure it may note be all the way anime, but some artistic aspects of this piece are both honoring and anime. It pairs very well with the colors of the label but also the story in the label advising about how Maria took care of her children. This is one pairing I definitely loved. Let me know what you think.

2013 Serpent’s Stout by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1654447_10101659994000680_1743785428_n 1653412_10101659995482710_476630824_nRating: 5/5

2013 Serpent’s Stout by The Lost Abbey is an 11% ABV World Class Belgian Imperial Stout.

Label:
From the beginning of time, it was so decreed, “From the this Tree of Knowledge, you shall not eat this fruit”. Soon enough, the Serpent slithered through the Garden convincing Eve to taste the nectar from this forbidden fruit. Once bitten and shamed, she then tempted Adam. Together, their actions brought Original Sin upon our world.

Discontent to rest on his laurels the Serpent continued his cunning ways bringing forth more temptations. Ultimately, he foisted upon the world his own Serpent Stout – a liquid so dark and viscous that all who tasted soon fell victim to this evil incarnate. Some turned to false prophets seeking advice. None of it mattered. Each struggle revealed the battle between Good and Evil. And now that you are holding a bottle of this liquid, it is certain he has tempted even you… So, welcome to our Darker Side of Life – home of the Serpent Stout’s Original Sin and the tastiest beers known to man.
___

When it comes to drinking craft beer, sometimes you always find your self going back to some of the beers that started it all. This evil brew of sin was the original and first Belgian Imperial Stout that I have ever tried. Back in 2010 when I first started getting into collecting beer labels, this was one of the most artistic ones that I have tried from the Lost Abbey, and was one of my top favorites. A beer like this something that you really don’t forget. To many people, they all have a special set of beers sometimes they always want to go back and try. For me, this so called “blood of Christ” was something evil, dark, special and delicious. I try once more after those many times I tried it oh so long ago! It is a common here in California and in some places too. Sometimes, you just gotta go back.

Original Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/serpents-stout-by-the-lost-abbey/

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, dark fruits like raisins, currants, plums, figs, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, roasted coffee notes, earthy hops, toffee, mild mocha, graham crackers, smores, brown sugar and molasses.

Flavors:
Dark, milk, bakers and fudge chocolate, roasted coffee beans, dark fruits like raisins, currants, plums, dulce de leche caramel, eathy hops, vanilla, brown sugar, molasses, toffee, mocha, graham cracker smores, flan, tobacco, oak, candy sugars, anise, raisin bread pudding soaked in chocolate syrup and coffee.

Aftertaste:
Earhy notes, oak, dark chocolate, coffee, dark fruits and caramel. No alcohol in the taste with a sipping, yet scary, smooth drinkability. I am not kidding, this is is why this beer is so evil. It goes down smooth like hell even with a syrupy mouthfeel. 

Overall:
Perfect example of one of the best Belgian Imperial Stouts. This beer was so good back then, I am currently aging one for a couple of years to come still. By then, I am sure it can sure fly above the “more than perfect/exceeding expectations” ratings. Even for a bottle as early as this, it is still damn great complex beer. One of my top favorites and a highly recommended stout. 

Anime Corner:
Ichigo Kurosaki and Fade to Black Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach were the perfect pairing back then when I did a review for this beer still continuing the tradition are used to pair the Adam and Eve label. The aspect of Adam and Eve relate to Rukia ad Ichigo since Rukia was possessed by evil twins and Ichigo tries to fight Rukia to try to save her from the possession. As you can see in the picture where Rukia attacks Ichigo, it is synonymous with Eve trying to lure Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. Crazy idea I had back then but damn it works. Hell, Serpent’s Stout is pitch black like the “Fade to Black” version of Evil Rukia. Definitely one of the best pairings I have for one of the original beers that started me into craft beer. Cheers!!

Duck-Duck-Gooze edition 2013 by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1000496_10101456505613040_1491869114_n 1375226_10101456505707850_1816375210_n 1385557_10101456505702860_534572643_n 1376508_10101456505637990_319582315_nRating: 5/5

Duck-Duck-Gooze by The Lost Abbey is a 7% ABV World Class American Wild Ale

Label: 
There’s an art to corralling a bunch of ducklings A nip to turn Suzy this way or a nudge to launch little Johnny towards the water and suddenly they are all lined up ready to follow along. Or are they? This isn’t something they teach you at Mother Gooze School. You see, there always seems to be that one duckling (or two) who has an agenda all their own. At that point, all bets are of. Then mama goose loses control and her inner Devil comes out. 

Blending Oak Barrels can be a lot like corralling little ducklings. Each barrel has its own personality. Some, like good little ducklings, get in line from the very beginning. Others are quite more problematic and need more nurturing. Duck Duck Gooze is made from all sorts of barrels. Some were great from the beginning while others needed more attention. Duck Duck Gooze was three years in the making. We hope you find it worth the wait
___

Only released exclusively at the Lost Abbey every 3 years since 2009, this beer ha made a return this year. Last year They could not do it as they had to make way for the Ultimate Box set which was released in 2012. This beer will be slated to release in 2016 again. The beer is made with 3 sets of barrels each aging 1, 2 and 3 years apart and then blended together. I was only lucky enough to get a single bottle eligible for review here at the site. Being probably the best sour ale ever released, I will do my best to review in as much detail as my ability will allow. 

Aromas are very citrusy, lemon, lime, biscuit bread, funky bitter grapes, oak, peach, pears, hints of dragon fruit, earthy must, barnyard hay, floral notes, chamomile and roses

The flavors are musty, and citrusy but some very nice sweetness and oakiness lurks. Lemon, oranges, roses, hay, biscuit bread, chamomile, sour apple, apricot, sour lemon candy, teguacan (Mexican Lime and seltzer water with spices), pineapple, musty grapes and spices.

The aftertaste leaves like lemon on a sour fruit with oak. Basically, it leaves sour but then fades into like a fruity and hay finish. Clear body, but you definitely have to take your time with it

Overall this is puckeringly Awesome. It starts off sour but as you go on and it warms up, it gets good giving some really nice fruity, citrusy and oaky taste. You really have to enjoy sours to like this one, otherwise this beer may not be for you. I think this is one of the reasons it was made this way. Having an open taste to sour helps finding good flavors in them. Jolly Pumpkin helped out for many years to find it. The good thing is that this one is more tart than pure sour. Clearly some sours may be pure vinegar taste but some beers when done very well, are exceptionally awesome, like this one.

Saison Blanc by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1391713_10101447275899460_1663932238_nRating: 4.25/5

Saison Blanc by The Lost Abbey is a 5.5% ABV American Farmhouse Ale/ Saison brewed with Golden raisins and white pepper

Label: 
It’s honest brutal work out there in the fields. There’s no shade between you and the land needing to be farmed. Harvest time brings longer days spent toiling under the fiery sun as sweat and dust bake mud cakes on your face. All day every day, it’s always the same. Been that way for years and it’s not changing anytime soon.

Your family has been turning this soil since your daddy was knee high to the grasshoppers and your son will soon learn the important of this earthen existence as well. Someday, he’ll pass your work ethic on to his son. And the pulse of this land will continue beating. Without families and farms there would be no crops. Without barley, there would be no beer. Neither is a world we want to live in. So as you CAREFULLY pop this cork, please pause to reflect on those who reap what they sow enabling us to have amazing bottles of beer at the end of each day…
___

Picked this one up at Ramirez Liquors. A Lost Abbey beer doesn’t go by that I don’t review. Unless it is a super exclusive box set that offsets you a grand just to get. While that idea was awesome I would have loved to review the box set, I will leave that story for another day. Anyways, they are known for awesome raisins they use to make their beers, like judgment day ale for example. This offering is made with Golden Raisins and white pepper, so it should be good I hope.

Aromas start with the nice floral, spice and fruity notes. Definitely sweet golden raisins, white grapes, peach, pear, apples, biscuit bread, pepper corns, champagne, white wine, flowers, hibiscus, citrus, lime, grassy and piney hop notes.

The flavors are or golden grapes, banana, phenol, cloves, bread, grassy, floral and piney hop presence, white peppercorns, coriander spice, brettanomyces, green apples, apricot, white wine, flowers, hibiscus, waffle cone, Belgian sweet bread yeast and hay.

The aftertaste leaves like bready, buttery, hoppy with flowers and fruity sweetness. It is a full bodied beer even at 5.5%ABV. It is pretty refreshing but with moderate drinkability

Overvall, it was a very good beer with very good flavors. However, in terms of distinguishing itself from others I have tried in the past, well it doesn’t do it for me. Worth a try but even for the $5 price tag, you can definitely get yourself a different saison that may be just as awesome or even better. I am looking at Stillwater Artisanal. A great job none the less, it delivers a pretty awesome and solid offering of a saison but nothing too overwhelming or unexpected.

Isabelle Proximus (Allaverdogportrush) collaboration between Allagash, Avery, Dogfish Head, Port Brewing’s The Lost Abbey and Russian River Breweries

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1383150_10101445803435290_828107755_n 316047_10100288110635940_826948610_n 393050_10100312481960610_850996889_nIsabelle Proximus (Allaverdogportrush) collaboration between Allagash, Avery, Dogfish Head, Port Brewing’s The Lost Abbey and Russian River Breweries is a 7% ABV American Wild Ale. This beers is retired and no longer brewed. This information is from an old review. It is merely a reminiscent of a time when 5 brewers did a large collaboration.

Description:
AKA Belle Proximus, a collaborative effort between Tomme Arthur, Vinnie Cilurzo, Lorenzo Dabove, Rob Tod, Adam Avery and Sam Calagione. 

Label: 
In March of 2006 five guys-Adam Avery, Vinnie Cilurzo, Rob Todd, Tomme Arthur accompanied Sam Calagione and Lorenzo Dabove The Prince of Pajottenland through a tour a tour of Belgium’s finiest Gueze producers. Many of the mysteries of Lambic production were answered along the way. They vowed to return to the states to brew a sour beer celebrating their experiences. In November of 2006 the reunited at Port Brewing to brew Isabelle Proximus. 

In this bottle, you’ll find the answers to many of the questions that were first posed along their journey near the river Senne. However, like the mysteries of lambic beers, there remains one lingering question that was left unresolved. we hope like us, the next time you’re on a pilgrimage to Brussels you’ll drop by the Empire Club and let us know whether you prefer Green or Orange….
___

As a toast to the Anniversary of my blog, I take a step back and show you an old review. Back then I never had the idea of anime and beer pairings as I do now. However, I found a picture that I think would have fit perfectly with that beer from yore. Not to mention the fact, that I may have give this one a high rating as well since this beer was made with a great collaboration effort of 5 breweries. It was one awesome beer, it was drunk at its best aging state as any longer and it would have gone bad. But here it is for your reading pleasure, my review of the Isabelle Proximus.

2011 Review:
How prestigious the occasion to try a beer such as this. I never thought it be possible. A retired beer that is extremely hard to find. Where do I begin to describe this world class oddity of beerdom. The Isabelle Proximus Wild Ale is a massive collaboration of Allaverdogportrush (better known as Allagash, Avery, Dogfish Head, Port Brewing’s Lost Abbey and Russian River Breweries….wooh thats a lot. Put it simply, this beer came out in like 2006 and was only meant to age for some time. In fact it was recommended that this be consumed by this year to get the best freshness out of it. Since I will be taking a vacation soon on beer tasting to focus working out better and eating better, I decided to celebrate my new routine with this cellar treasure. Hey you only live once, so here’s to a long life and to the memories of trying awesome beers. I will be back soon, but what I will do is beer taste in moderation as well. A hobby break but not forgotten….love this hobby …Anyways…about the beer itself. This beer is made with Wild yeast. If you read any of my other postings, wild yeast is used to make these delicious beers have a more sour, winey, like flavor which compliments its already existing ingredients such as malts and hops and other awesome things. Like the Jolly Pumpkin ales . This beer however is a little more special an magical. The balance comes from tart, refreshing and citrus taste. There is some malty sweetness (Dogfish Head) to compliment and some slight bitterness (possibly from Avery or Allagash) as well as the bready goodness (Port and Russian). Story goes that owners of the breweries took a trip to Brussels in Belgium to answer the mysteries of Lambic brews. And so in this bottle that’s what is is. Truly one of the best and most collaborated brews I have ever had and a great way to try my new routine…CHEERS GUYS !!!!!

Saint’s Devotion by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

526927_10101095686682070_1742354079_nRating: 4.75/5

Saint’s Devotion by The Lost Abbey is a 6.66%ABV Belgian Pale Wild Ale brewed with Brettanomyces.

Label: 
It’s an unassuming road leading to the priory. Here, off the corner of two intersecting roads, dedicated monks have been making beer for over 150 years. It’s always been a simple life — the kind that requires they brew only enough to sustain the activities of their monastery. In the silence of passing seasons, they pray, they brew and retire in solitary existence behind the sheltering walls. They live a most interesting life. Most likely one we couldn’t sustain.
Nearby, each summer, the trellised fields spring to life as rows of resinous green cones are trained toward the heavens. Rumor is some monks love these hops and being surrounded by budding yellow aromas and the leafy pungent fields inspired them. Since we aren’t sensible enough to locate our brewery near hop fields, we can only offer this blond ale in celebration of our Abbey brethren and their steadfast Devotion.
___

The last time this beer was released years ago. Way before I got into beer tasting or any thing related to craft beers. This year it was released in small batches. For those that never tried this one. I’ll admit, I have yet to try the regular Devotion, which I will be getting soon. So being a big fan of The Lost Abbey beers is no excuse. The aromas are very sweet. Cane sugar, flowers, vanilla, pilloncillo sugar cone, caramel, flowers, peaches, apples, honey, biscuit bread, orange marmalade, slight mango and herbs. The flavors are a bit different. Some vanilla, sugar cane, caramel, and honey, peaches, citrus and mango are still there. Although since this is a Pale and Wild ale, there is some hoppy, grassy, and rich grapefruit bitterness and some funky grape wine sourness as well. Nothing too detracting from the ale but balances out the sweetness. Some other flavors like peppercorns, prickly pear, papaya and banana notes. As you let the beer sit, some more grapefruit sweet, sour and bitter flavors come out. This was quite good and got way better as I let it sit. So now there is no reason to not try the regular. Although the regular may not taste like this awesome one, I am sure it will still be Holy…

Red Poppy Ale by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

304305_10101089984459370_2002973560_nRating: 4.5/5

Red Poppy Ale by The Lost Abbey is 5%ABV Flanders Red Ale brewed with poppy seeds, cherries and aged in oak barrels.

Label: 
Perhaps no country embraces the use of fruit in beers more so than Belgium. Numerous traditional as well as regional specialty ales are infused with every sort of fruit imaginable. In this way, the flavor of the fruit becomes especially prominent. 

Red Poppy Ale is a veritable celebration of Sour Cherries in an explosion of aromas and tastes. Brewed from a brown ale base and aged in our oak barrels for over 6 months, this beer is not for the faint of heart. The Golden Poppy is the state flower of California and the Red Poppy is found in Flanders Fields where our inspiration for this beer comes from.
___

It has been a while since I last this one. Almost like 2 years. I decided to do another go to see how it is. The fragrance is nice and sour like I remember it. Aromas of cherries, peach, some oak and coffee bread like notes, somewhat flowery, grape, raisins, some vanilla, almost chocolate scent, wine, sweet bread, brown sugar and caramel. The flavors are of immediate tart cherry, wine grapes, peach, apples, vanilla, sour tart cranberries, coffee cake, a little bit of chocolate, raisins, green apples, some slight raisin bread pudding, caramel, some citrus sour and funky notes. This beer is reminiscent of La Roja from Jolly pumpkin except this one is more focused on other different types of flavors other than wine. Sour beer lovers will like this one although for me, while it is still pretty awesome in terms of sours, I have tried other sours like those of JP and were pretty delicious. The Lost Abbey is one of my favorite breweries and their beers are definitely world class 🙂

2011 Review:
Lost abbey Red Poppy ale. Flanders Red Ale brewed with cherries. No head from the pour. Awesome fragrance of cherries, vanilla , and peach immediately overwhelm the nose. The taste is a complex mix of sour tart cherries with oak like after taste. Lost Abbey yeast is also present as usual :P. In short, like smelling and drinking a flower..LOL Red Poppy..desert like brew >:3

Mayan Apocalypse Judgment Day Ale by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
224949_10100956403816050_40157343_nRating: 5.25/5

Mayan Apocalypse Judgment Day Ale by The Lost Abbey is a 10.5%ABV Belgian Quad brewed with Raisins, Chiles and Spices. The original Judgment Day Ale with the 4 horseman of the Apocalypse is one of my top 10 favorite beers. So this will probably give it a slight twist 😛Label:
Five thousand years ago the Mayan Calendar last turned over. Since then, Nostradamus. The Book of Revelations and random Shaman have all prognosticated that mankind would meet a fateful end. Currently, our demise is is scheduled for December 21, 2012for it has been so decreed our world is about end not in a Christian Judgment Day but rather a Mayan Apocalypse.

Funny thing is. The Mayan’s don’t actually believe in the concept of an Apocalypse. We at The Lost Abbey didn’t want to miss an opportunity to update our original judgment Day recipe to accompany us as we collide towards this impending Rapture. Like us, we’re pretty sure you can believe in dried chiles. Cinnamon and Tamarind working well together in this beer. This means, you can count on this little bottle of beer to help you survive this cultural Armageddon. Please pop the cork and enjoy this version. We’ve got you covered. See you on December 22nd wherever life may take us.
—–

So it has finally come….opened this one at 12:00 AM on the dot 12-21-2012…trying this one for the occasion, the special Judgment day Mayan Apocalypse Ale. So let’s get into it…before the world ends today…. Immediate fragrance of this was something else. Being a fan of chiles and spices and Belgian quads (Ale fermented 4 times). Aromas of Cinnamon, Mole, chocolate abuelita (Dark chocolate Mexican hot cocoa), guajillo, chipotle, dulce de leche/cajeta caramel, candy sugar, some minor capirotada fragrance (Mexican Raisin bread pudding with pecans, bananas, spices and other fruits and flavors. Definitely rich in smell. The flavors of the end of the world are a Mexican and Belgian clash. I have never had a quad that was melded like this… WOW….. It took Judgment day to a new level. Immediate Dulce de leche/ cajeta, Capirotada with mild chile peppers (not too hot but enough to notice you are drinking chiles), coffee cake, Belgian candy sugars, pan dulce/sweet bread, dark fruits like figs, raisins, plums, cinnamon, dark chocolate like that of abuelita, and some tamarindo/tamarind at the end of the flavor. In the after taste, the Tamarindo calms anything that has to do with the chile spices leading them into Belgian Abbey redemption. Even the Devil can redeem for his sins…. lol although the Mayans and early indigenous did not believe in such things…but greater beings from the stars. Great Mathematicians creating meaning for the moon sun and the stars… and that is what this is about. It may not be the end of the world just yet, but the beginning of something new…something else. Keep in mind, as my dearly mother one said: “The end of the world comes to those who’s time has run out” explains that no matter what..whether it is the end of the world today or tomorrow…every one is on a schedule to someday pay the piper a.k.a death and will do so regardless of Apocalypses, End of Times, Armageddons, Raptures…you name it….I leave this this…. and the message explained from the original Judgment day ale…Belgian and Mexican alike will love this creation…. so if you seek this after 12-21-2012….try it out… as for finding meaning in your lives and this whole End of the World business…According to the original label: 

“Live an inspired life. Find opportunities in everything to make a difference. Seek out new and spontaneous adventures and when you find them, embrace them as if they were the devil’s song. For an interesting life is one worth living. Challenge yourself to embrace passion, persistence and a motivated way of life. So that when Judgment Day arrives from nowhere, you’ll go out knowing full well that you’ve lived your life on your terms and they can’t take that away from you.”
http://lostabbey.com/beer/judgement-day/

Framboise de Amorosa by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , | Leave a comment
Rating: 4.75/5

Framboise de Amorosa by The Lost Abbey is a 7% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with raspberries and aged in oak barrels. This is not your typical Framboise. What we have here is something delightfully different. A sweet and sour complexity. This is the second time I try this beer and well, sometimes certain beers are better the second time around ;)…She’s a keeper

Label:

The 10 Commandments and its “Thou Shalt Nots” do not apply to Amorosa. A courtesan, she has no need for the morality of denial. A stunning beauty with depth of spirit and sensuality. Amorosa is ruled by the fruits of her loins and mother earth. Sweet and sour, Amorosa is equal part lover, liberated soul and the object of every suitor’s affection. She is desire incarnate and sensuality embodied. In choosing to open this bottle, you are now courting this magnificent woman. For some she will arrive like the Siren’s call breathing upon your lips and dancing across your taste buds. Others will be denied. For you see, a wanton woman. Amorosa beckons all and chooses few. Will your prayers be answered? 

So really it depends on whether you are willing to look past the sourness of her (Am I right guys :P?) to find the true sweet flavor inside. It takes time but aside from the wine and sour grape like funky acidity (like some of the Jolly Pumpkin beers although not too sour..) then you will find a rich raspberry tart and cherry pie. Some oak, caramel, vanilla, apples, cranberries, buttered toast and honey. I would recommend this only if your truly looking to look past the bit of sourness really. Otherwise you may not be worthy of this mistress. Oh yeah and by the way, good luck finding it, Ramirez Liquor in Boyle Heights has it sometimes.

2011:
Framboise de Amorosa is a wild ale that can only be tamed by those worthy of her taste…LOL. Sweetness from raspberries and sourness from the wild yeast strains. Tart and dry finish. The aromas are awesome with notes primarily of raspberries and fruity fragrances. LOL I like how the label talks about “Courting” the beer….Respect the lady like you would a fine brew 😛

Avant Garde by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rating: 3.8/5

Avant Garde by The Lost Abbey is a 7.0%ABV Bière de Garde style ale. I have had many Lost Abbey beers in the past but I have never tried this one. This one is a pretty good beer. Not the best beer in their selection but a very good one. 

Wikipedia shows something awesome about the word: Avant-garde represents a pushing of the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm or the status quo, primarily in the cultural realm. 

So yeah it is pretty cool. If something mean something important, go for it regardless of what others think.

Label:
From the French word “Garde” meaning something worth keeping, this Farmhouse Styled Ale is a most delicious companion to a loaf of freshly baked bread from the oven. Grab a seat on the porch, some soft cheese and a tree ripened apple from your grandmother’s old orchard. Relax and watch the evening arrive as the afternoon sun is consumed by the illuminating moon over the gardens. We brewed Avant Garde for you, our friends and families. Here’s to things worth guarding over.http://www.lostabbey.com/ 

So this beer is tries to be in the Farmhouse categories but it is not quite like a Saison. It smells like honey, pilsner, sweet bread and apples.Flavors are of caramel, honey, buttered up toast, apples, apricots, pears, some minor banana clove and spices. Like I said not a bad beer. Since the the flavors are not overwhelming and, well it hides the alcohol, I would recommend to even the people the drink the yellow fizzys. You may like this one 😛

Serpent’s Stout by The Lost Abbey

by tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Evil Evil beer…LOL my friend Nataly called it the blood of Christ, a very viscous but sweet stout….One of their strongest and a fav 😛

REVISIT: Another year has passed by and finding this beer on the shelves is hard as it is a seasonal ale. Luckily it is out while supplies last. This is the evil brew, Serpent’s Stout by The Lost Abbey brewing at a whopping 11.0%ABV. Story goes about the tree of life and how it is forbidden to eat the fruit of Knowledge. Long behold, the serpent with his cunningness convinced Eve to partake of this fruit of knowledge. She also was able to convince Adam to partake of the fruit. So it goes, original sin is born!! However according to the story, the serpent was not satisfied with his evil deeds. So he brought forth this dark liquid of temptation. Those who would try it would be mesmerized by evil. For those seeking cleansing, they would find nothing. Struggling between good and evil, or so is told by Lost Abbey. After trying this liquid, yeah its pretty evil, but it is so sweet and tasty. So let me explain what this is all about if you ever want to try it >:)….. It has hints of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, vanilla and caramel, some earthy and oak bourbon (possibly from the strength of the alcohol). The amazing thing too is that it does contain some hoppy bitterness and some minor yeasty bread flavor. Chocolate chip cookies anyone? There is some dark fruit like raisins which is big with The Lost abbey brewing. The aftertaste of chocolate and cookie cream linger after every sip. You will notice the alcohol in this one and it has to be taken with small sips at a time. If your doing something really bad like sinning by having this beer…at least enjoy it while you are at it :)…Also, moderation is very important.

Judgement Day Ale by The Lost Abbey

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

ImageA revisit to the beer that started it all for me. The beer art, beer tasting, and beer experience. This is that Very beer that has the awesome label about life. Very inspiring reading “Live an inspired life. Find opportunities in everything to make difference. Seek out new and spontaneous adventures, and when you find them them, embrace them as if they were the devil’s song. For an interesting life is worth living. Challenge yourself to embrace passion, persistence and a motivated way of life. So that when judgement day approaches from nowhere, you’ll go out knowing you’ve lived your life on your terms and they can’t take that away from you.” Simply amazing quote and simply and amazing Quad ale which is this, The Lost Abbey Judgement Day Ale brewed with raisins. Flavors are very impacting from the dark fruits, cherries, chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla and caramel. A creamy smooth beer yet heavy at 10.5% ABV. The Belgian yeast of bready goodness is there for sure and is fermented 4 times. Quads are definitely some of my favorite beers in the world and this is definitely in my most 10 ten best beers of all time. I highly recommend this one without a shadow of a doubt. Come to think of it, it was around this time last year when I enjoyed my first bottle. Looking back with a more experienced tongue brings a greater appreciation to this crazy hobby of mine. Something that will last me for quite a long time …and I am thankful because my life is interesting to me and doing it in my terms is always the best :)….Cheers for beers…..and say your prayers >:)