Tag Archives: Tia Harribel

Breakfast Beast by Clown Shoes

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Rating: 6/6

Breakfast Beast by Clown Shoes is a 10% ABV American Imperial Stout aged with Barrington Coffee Roasting and aged in bourbon barrels.

The beer is Breakfast Beast, a blend of Blaecorn Unidragon Russian imperial stout (12.5 percent ABV), Undead Party Crasher imperial stout (10 percent ABV) and an “experimental new stout” that was aged in bourbon barrels. In addition, cold brewed coffee sourced from Barrington Coffee Roasting Co. in Lee, Mass. was added to the beer before being bottled.

That type of beer you gotta wake up in the morning to. So damn good!! But the beast has always been awesome

Hammer of The Beast by Clown Shoes

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15391413_10103789103652870_8829238715709750546_oRating: 7/7

Hammer of The Beast by Clown Shoes is an 11.75% ABV American Strong Ale Cuvee consisting of a Smoked Imperial Stout brewed with Holy water, a Russian Imperial Stout and an English Style Barley Wine all aged in 40 year old Jamaican Rum Barrels. An even more ultimate, Cuvee of dreams!

Label:
How do you amplify a beast that is half unicorn and half dragon and who has already escalated from angry, to very angry, to extremely angry? Give it a hammer! The fifth installment in The Beast series blends equal part Undead Party Crasher, Billionaire, and Blaecorn Unidragon, all aged in rum barrels. We’ll respect you if you run, but respect you even more if you can tackle The Hammer Of The Beast

==Introduction==
15440577_10103789103662850_287387259537397327_o
Every year, the Blaecorn Unidragon gets armored up more and more as the variety of barrel aging spirits are added. Similar to the way one chooses variants of equipment in video games, it seems each year they just get better and better. This year they combined 3 beers and aged them in rum barrels in the style of the Hammer of the Holy. Essentially, I am not sure how much more powerful they can make the Unidragon but damn, I will sure try and cover each awesome installment in the series as I go along. Let’s take on this beast! Cheers!

Aromas:
Rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, crème brulee, honey, butterscotch, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, figgy pudding, tobacco, tres leches cake, Oak, Bananas, plantains, clove spice, rum, pecan pie, smokey oak, marshmallow smores, toasted coconut, almond joy coconut and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Oak, Bananas, plantains, clove spice, dulce de leche caramel, smokey oak, marshmallow smores, toasted coconut, almond joy coconut, rocky road ice cream, crème brulee, tobacco, rums, piña colada, tropical fruit dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychees, honey, butterscotch, rum, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, figgy pudding, tobacco, tres leches cake, stone fruit mango, peach, leather, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, triple chocolate cherry cake, hazelnut nectar, macadamia, pecan pie, walnut pie, cashew milk, nutter butter peanut butter cookies, cookie dough ice cream, Raspberry jelly doughnuts, mint, anise and molasses.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich chocolate, rum, oak, bananas, dark chocolate, rocky road ice cream, molasses, earthy notes, pecan pie, tropical fruit, stone fruit, fig pudding and mixed nuts. Slight alcohol in the taste but this does not take away from the rich complexity. Dark pitch black body, smooth, velvety and creamy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Another exceptionally awesome release from Clown Shoes and definitely a bucket lister. Each year unique and ever adding more or varying the aging of spirits and beers but this was very damn amazing. Tropical flavors and chocolate flavors work very well. Complexity is definitely through the roof as goes with many of the beers I enjoy and especially if you been a fan of the series, do yourself a favor and get this one. I highly recommend you find this one. Clown Shoes killing it every time!
15304639_10103789103657860_5357699774643688747_o
Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Yoruichi Shihouin and Matsumoto Rangiku from Bleach have always represented some aspect of the clown shoes beers in my past reviews. Tia is the Undead Party Crasher/Vampire Slayer. Nelliel has always been the original Unidragon and Yoruichi would be added for good measures since the Porcine Unidragon came out. This time she represents the Barleywine. The blend of each beer together and the unleash of the Extremely Angry beast can be best represented when all three together are looking like bad asses powering up to team up against great foes. The other thing though is since Tia also represented the Hammer of Holy, in this instance she unleashes pure fury so all three battle it out in this bottle. It really kicks ass. The strength and complexity has come together very epically that I could not think of any other pairing artwork that would be the best representative of this beer. Also I included Matsumoto Rangiku as an extra to be Rum.

Sources:
http://wallpapersinhq.online/images/big/bleach_battle-890883.jpg

A Fistful Of Unidragon by Clown Shoes

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13243787_10103279208726390_2555084938296607179_oRating: 6/6

A Fistful Of Unidragon by Clown Shoes is a 14% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with mesquite smoked malt from Texas’ Blacklands Malt and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
A West Texas town terrorized by depraved outlaws, hired The Artist and his Smitty – Forged Unidragron Hand Cannon. The Artists, while emp and a bit sensitive, gets rough with bad guys, so he went ahead and incarcerated them. This beer, made with mesquite smoked malt from Blackland Malt Company, is a bourbon barrel aged version of The Good, The Bad and The Unidragon.

==Introduction==

I obtained this brew thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. This brew is based on Clown Shoes The Good, The Bad and The Unidragon which I had reviewed some time back same thanks to my friend Aaron. Thanks to him, we were able to bring forth the collection from Texas provided by Clown Shoes. In return, I was able to send him the California Clown Shoes beers. I remember the brew was very good and now that it comes in a bourbon barrel aged form, let’s see if we can compare. Cheers.

Aromas:
campfire smokey oak, bacon notes, dark coffee roasted grounds, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, molasses, anise, toasted coconut, tobaccco, leather, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, currants, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, crème brulee and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Rich rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, campfire Smokey oak, bacon notes, dark coffee roasted grounds, roasted barley, mocha, java, vanilla, bourbon, oak, Kahlua liquer, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, currants, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, molasses, anise, toasted coconut, tobaccco, leather, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, rye whiskey, earthy notes and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with touch of smokey, whiskey, bourbony notes and complexity like dark fruit, dark chocolate, vanilla, coconut, rocky road ice cream, vanilla and caramel. Slight alcohol in the taste but despite the ABV, does not detract from the flavors. Pitch black abyss body, smooth, velvety, creamy and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Hot Diggity, this is better than the original. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to have a good friend that shares common interest and has been able to send me the beers. It is all possible with the help from my friend Aaron. I think this beer is definitely worth the find especially if you are out in Texas or can trade for it online. The fact that Clown Shoes works with the local craft community at Texas shows a lot of love and effort goes into making these collaborations. So definitely get a bottle if you can.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel, Yoruichi Shihouin, & Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck from Bleach represent the good, the bad and the unidragon from the original beer. I brought them back in this pairing as well but this time with different attire to fit the beer’s label a little better. Especially with the old west scene with Yoruichi and more fashionable for all 3 of them and looking bad ass too.

Sources:
http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/daraunon/d6579bc08371d50fbd4fe9e3b8d5f876_zps62ad63eb.jpg
http://www.less-real.com/imagevault/uploaded/images/part1/1145.jpg
http://k31.kn3.net/taringa/0/9/3/1/1/2/_-Kirito-_/6E5.jpg

Flight Of The Angry Beast by Clown Shoes

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12525224_10103028521590420_3691132951949207996_o 12622023_10103028522563470_7450857629756014706_oRating: 6/6

Flight Of The Angry Beast by Clown Shoes is a 10.75% ABV American Strong Ale consisting of an Smoked Imperial Stout brewed with Holy water aged in bourbon barrels, a Scotch Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout and an English Style Barley Wine aged in Scotch. Another Cuvee of dreams!

Label:
For the fourth installment in our “Beast” series, Sir Walter Scott has finally tamed the creature, who was about to attack a group of innocent unicorns. To celebrate, we blended 1/3 Undead Party Crasher aged in bourbon barrels, 1/3 Blaecorn Unidragon aged in scotch barrels and 1/3 Billionaire aged in scotch barrels. Hooray!

==Introduction==

Another year, another incarnation of the Unidragon beast. This time, they combined the Imperial and Russian stouts with their English Style Barley wine. Each time I try these beast beers, there is always something different and unique about them. Some brews have been made specifically for certain states and are variants of the Unidragon. While I have had the opportunity to try these one offs, I am glad some really complex beasts still come about every now and again. The flight of the Angry Beast seems so cool so without further ado, let’s see what this one is about. Cheers!

Aromas:
Smoked Peat, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, currants, earthy notes, butterscotch, Scotch bourbon, whiskey bourbon, oak, Bananas, clove spice, sweetened condensed milk, toffee, figgy pudding, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, bakers chocolate, molasses, anise, mint, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconuts, macadamia nuts, pecan pie, doughnuts, oreo cookies and smokey notes.

Flavors:
Scotch bourbon, whiskey bourbon, oak, Bananas, clove spice, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, bakers chocolate, oreo cookies, smokey notes, almond joy chocolate, smoked peat, dark fruit raisins, plums, currants, earthy notes, butterscotch, molasses, mint, anise, rye bread, caramelized sugars, waffle cone, marshmallows, chocolate smores, rocky road ice cream, toasted coconuts, macadamia nuts, pecan pie, doughnuts, cookie dough ice cream, hazel nut nectar, sweetened condensed milk, toffee, figgy pudding, tobacco, leather, tres leche cake, fudge chocolate cake and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Good mix of Scotch and Bourbon oak in the finish along with some lingering flavors of banana, dark fruit, chocolate notes, smokey notes, marshmallow, vanilla and caramel. Slight alcohol in the taste but this does not take away from the rich complexity. Dark pitch black body, smooth, velvety and creamy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
No surprise how every year, the Cuvee of different beers really brings about the really extreme and special of what Clown Shoes has to offer. The velvety flavors and spirits collide with a complex array of deliciousness. There is much that can be said when spirits get together like this and create an exceptional beer that, for me, tends to break the rating scale. Highly Recommended.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck and Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach have always represented some aspect of the clown shoes beers in my past reviews. Tia is the Undead Party Crasher/Vampire Slayer. Nelliel has always been the original Unidragon and Yoruichi would be added for good measures since the Porcine Unidragon came out. The blend of each beer together and the unleash of the Extremely Angry beast can be best represented when all three together are looking like bad asses powering up to team up against great foes. The strength and complexity has come together very epically that I could not think of any other pairing artwork that would be the best representative of this beer.

Sources:
http://img01.deviantart.net/2276/i/2010/054/8/1/hot_battle___commission_by_toppera_tpr.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5FJtEATaK3M/VTAYgyGwShI/AAAAAAAABOk/qVd6HEd1Nts/w850-h703/Yoruichi%25252C%252520Halibel%252520%252526%252520Nel.jpg

Chimera by Birrificio Del Ducato of Italy

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1512736_10102980467855490_6193384398576883752_n 3563_10102980468349500_3568249495145359942_nRating: 4.85/5

Chimera by Birrificio Del Ducato of Italy is an 8% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This is a top fermented beer which undergoes a secondary fermentation in bottle. It draws inspiration from the great Belgian Abbey beers. With the color of a friar’s robe, it has aromas of caramel and alcohol preserved fruit (pear, plum and morel) with light roasts. The mouth is warm and complex with an unexpected dry finish that makes drinking easier.
“To all those who still hold dreams and will never cease to search for the happiness they deserve”.

Perfecting this beer was certainly challenging. Countless variations were jettisoned before arriving at the refined version we are proud to brew today. The current Chimera is most easily compared to a Belgian Dark Strong Ale. I traveled frequently in Belgium as a young man and I always enjoyed very much its beers. Today’s Chimera resembles those beers that awakened a lifelong fascination with the creation of this wonderful drink.
“It is like following an illusion we fell in love with a long time ago leaving us with the realization that when we pursue our dreams the immortality of spirit is found”.
18°

==Introduction==

Obtained this one from my friend Steve in Iowa who was able to send me this and other brews we found while I was in Ames Iowa. This one caught my eye mainly because it was from Italy and I really loved the design. Many of the Italian beers I have tried in the past like Draco and Demon Hunter were some of the best beers I have ever had. So needless to say, this was a rarity as I have never seen it before. The colors of the label also intrigued me. That and the fact that this was Belgian style, it was definitely going to go back with me somehow. Now that I got it, let’s bring it to the site and see what it is about.

Aromas:

Rich dark fruit, raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, black currants, blue berries, dark cherry, candi sugar, beat sugar, rock candy, toffee, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice, leather, tobacco, dulce de leche cramel, vanilla, blue berry cobbler, stone fruit peach, apricot, chocolate notes and rum hints.

Flavors:
Rich dark fruit, raisins, prunes, plums, figs, dates, black currants, blue berries, dark cherry, candi sugar, leather, tobacco, dulce de leche cramel, vanilla, blue berry cobbler, stone fruit peach, apricot, chocolate notes, beat sugar, rock candy, toffee, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, port wine hints, red wine hints, oak hints, pepper corns, rum hints, citrus notes and fruit cake.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruits, vanilla, caramel, wine notes, floral notes, and stone fruit. No alcohol in the taste, dark chestnut brown body, smooth, creamy and watery mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good Italian beer made in the Belgian Dark arts. There were so much berries and malty flavors to pick out. It was definitely vinous at some points and definitely reminded me of some of the other Italian favorites but mainly unique to this brewery. A small little bottle but definitely worth the try and worth the pick up.

Anime Corner:
Franceska Mila Rose, Cyan Sung Sun, Emilou Apacci and Tia Harribel from Bleach were used in this pairing since they become a Quimera Parca so naturally, the name of the beer and the label just seemed to fit so well with them and the colors just stand out as well. Granted, Tia Harribel was not part of Quimera Parca but she is their leader and one of my favorite anime characters from Bleach so ofcourse I would include her.

Sources:
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/dcdf3-19.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/92/b6/d5/92b6d58a3a82a592a853736f30771d01.jpg

Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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11947677_10102786507992610_7982179915986756099_n 11905793_10102786508366860_4808204856211084518_nRating: 4.85/5

Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 7% ABV Imperial Belgian Golden Stout brewed with cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, lactose, candi sugar and Unicorn Blood Coffee.

==Introduction==
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Partial base wort was brewed using brewing equipment at Monkish for the “Monster Home brew Event” back in June 2015. The idea was to create a base pale wort using the equipment at Monkish brewing. Each person would get 5 gallons (or 10 or more depending on how much you would pay) from this concoction you would take it home add to the wort to change the style completely to more than 10 different styles of beer. I purchased 10 gallons and for the first 5 decided to go with a style that is super rare but super delicious and that was the Gold Stout. However, adding my own spin to things and creating a Belgian Golden Milk stout was definitely the key. With all the sweetness in play and complex ingredients, I was sure to maybe get something like a Golden Stout or Ghost Stout as I like to call it because looks can be very deceiving to the taste. So here is my take at the first White Chocolate Stout beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Coffee notes, caramel, peanut butter hints, Milk chocolate,white chocolate notes, vanilla, flan hints, honey, honey dew melon, pecan pie notes, white grape notes, banana notes, clove spice, maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch hints, candy sugar, agave syrup hints, marshmallow, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apple notes, herbal tea hints, milk sugar and slight coconut.

Flavors:
Vanilla, Irish Cream, Coffee notes, caramel, peanut butter hints, Milk chocolate,white chocolate notes, flan hints, honey, coconut hints, marshmallow, stone fruit peaches, apricot, apple notes, herbal tea hints, milk sugar, honey dew melon, pecan pie notes, white grape notes, banana notes, clove spice, maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch hints, candy sugar, agave syrup hints, biscuit bread and raspberry notes.

Aftertaste:
Belgian bready notes, vanilla, stone fruit hints, chocolate, caramel, milk sugar, earthy notes and slight berry notes. No alcohol in the taste, Clear Golden body, creamy, smooth, silky, velvety and mellow mouthfeel with a easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious first attempt at a clear Golden Stout seems to be a great success. It is clear, it is easy to drink, not too overwhelming or strong and a variety of delicious flavors. My only complaint would be that the carbonation was not where I wanted it to be, the flavors are more toward a Golden ale and minorly a Golden Stout. Either way, that is most likely nit picky but a great learning experience.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel from Bleach was used in this pairing to be the firs in the Monster Brew Theme. The monster I went with is a Ghost and in a Shell at that. She is not Motoko Kusanagi but let me explain. You see, under here beautiful exterior of golden locks and soft dark skin which represents the color of the beer and flavors, underneath, she is all bones. Meaning her skin is like a shell of chocolate. The name Bubulubu derives from the Mexican candy with the same name. A marshmallow chocolate and raspberry treat but it also means Ghost. Like Boo!! Boo!! Lubu! Essentially. So Tia was the closest I can come up with. Why use the name of gold like the locks of her hair? Easy, as I explained earlier about Golden Stouts defying perception because the true identity is in the flavor, it is easy to see why her outer exterior is as deceiving as the true flavor which is the ghost or skeleton in side her white chocolate exterior is what truly hides the purpose. That and the fact that I used Unicorns Blood Coffee so that just adds to the whole creepy aspect of Ghosts and beers!

Sources:
http://img.manga-sanctuary.com/big/bleach-serietv-coffret-54-limitee-78620.jpg
http://orig08.deviantart.net/9faa/f/2009/317/3/3/halibel_by_sketchtastrophe.jpg

Extremely Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing

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10734114_10102190593869290_982614530459635213_nRating: 6/5

Extremely Angry Beast by Clown shoes brewing is a 12% ABV Imperial Stout blend of Bourbon Barrel Aged Smoked American Imperial Stout brewed with Holy water, a Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout and a 40 year old Jamaican Rum Barrel Aged Smoked American Imperial Stout brewed with Holy water….. Now that’s a Cuvee!

Label:
How do you create an Extremely Angry Beast? Mix one part bourbon barrel aged Blaecorn Unidragon, one part bourbon barrel aged Undead Party Crasher, one part Hammer of the Holy, then add a massive dose of incendiary rage.

==Introduction==

Essentially a Cuvee of different barrel aged beers. The Unidragon series has one of the ultimate series out there or Russian and Imperial Stouts by Clown Shoes brewing. While they are trying to release special variants to individual states only, the original Unidragon keeps evolving more and more and more. Now with this year’s addition of Hammer of the Holy, this brings this beer to yet another level of crazyness. It really depends if one can take on this even more advanced version of this beast. I don’t think I am worthy, but Let us give it a try.

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, spiced chocolate, tootsie rolls, chocolate milk shake, roasted coffee notes, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, oak, smokey campfire notes, graham cracker smores, marshmallows, hints of tropical fruit, rum, bananas, brown sugar, rye bread, coconut, dark fruit raisins, plums, cherries, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, flan, mocha, toffee, pecan pie, chocolate cake, butter scotch, tres leches cake and sweetened condensed milk (Leche Nestle).

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, spiced chocolate, tootsie rolls, Dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla,Dr. Pepper Cherry notes, earthy notes, roasted coffee, smokey campfire, rum, bourbon, oreo cookies and cream, tropical fruit hints of pineapple, dragon fruit, mango, fudge brownies, leather, tobacco, smoked campfire notes, chocolate graham cracker smores, BBQ meat, marshmallows, coconut, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherries, black berries, oatmeal cookies, flan, hazelnut nectar, mocha, rye bread, brown sugar, almond joy, rocky road icecream, chocolate chip cookies, butterscotch, flan, crème brulee, pecan pie, anise, mint chocolate chip, piña colada hints, tres leches cake and sweetened condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, dark fruit, chocolate, smokey notes, hints of tropics, hints or bourbon rum and brown sugar linger. Slight alcohol in the taste but nothing detracting too much from the rich flavors. Silky yet smooth mouthfeel, sipping drinkability and pitch black dark body.

Overall:
Damn epic!. The bourbon and rum blend very well. This reminds me of the Bruery Smoking Wood if it was mixed with Rum Black Tuesday. The flavors are so rich in all the spectrums that there is a lot that can be said about this Cuvee of Barrel aged goodness. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough more I can say about its complexity as it keeps going and evolving ever so stronger as it warms up. What I will say is that you should really consider taking o this beast. Come one, bring it on! It will be fun.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck and Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach have always represented some aspect of the clown shoes beers in my past reviews. Tia is the Undead Party Crasher/Vampire Slayer. Nelliel has always been the original Unidragon and Yoruichi would be added for good measures since the Porcine Unidragon came out. The blend of each beer together and the unleash of the Extremely Angry beast can be best represented when all three together are looking like bad asses powering up to team up against great foes. The strength and complexity has come together very epically that I could not think of any other pairing artwork that would be the best representative of this beer.

Sources:
http://s15.postimg.org/i37agkebt/harribel_nelliel_yoruichi_copy.jpg
http://wallpapersinhq.com/images/big/harribel-1403215.jpg
http://quantumotaku.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/223167.jpg
http://www.rubberslug.com/user/0233baa15b054e8c988441e924824aeb/765947-3953101-bleachyoruichibig.jpg

Other Unidragon and Vampire Slayer/Undead Party Crasher Reviews:
Blaecorn Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/blaecorn-unidragon-russian-imperial-stout-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

Vampire Slayer/Undead Party Crasher Review:https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/vampire-slayer-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

Angry Beast Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/angry-beast-by-clown-shoes/

Porcine Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/porcine-unidragon-by-clown-shoes/

Very Angry Beast Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/very-angry-beast-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

Hammer of The Holy:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/12/30/hammer-of-the-holy-by-clown-shoes/

Itasca Loonidragon Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2014/11/15/itasca-loonidragon-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

The Good, The Bad, The Unidragon:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/the-good-the-bad-the-unidragon-by-clown-shoes/

The Good, The Bad & The Unidragon by Clown Shoes

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10698426_10102150674817390_88086393993892274_nRating: 5.45/5

The Good, The Bad & The Unidragon by Clown Shoes is a 14% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Texas Dark Malts.

Label:
We brewed this special version of Blaecorn Unidragon using dark malts sourced from Texas, attitude sourced from the burning pit of a bad tempered spirit, and righteous fury from the hand cannons of The Good. As you sit down to a glass, remember, there are two types of people: those who drink unidragons and those whose ashes drift in the breeze.
___

Clown Shoes has been on the move brewing beers specifically for certain states to have taking advantage of the awesome Russian Imperial Stout known as the Blaecorn Unidragon and creating super variants. This is the Texas Only version and there would have been no way I could of obtain this beer if it wasn’t for my friend Aaron and his wife from www.beermetaldude.com. California will get their version soon, but since I am a fan of the Unidragons, I was very exited to bring this one over to the site for a review. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark roasted coffee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, burnt caramel, rocky road ice cream, vanilla, mild smokey notes, smokey notes, tobacco, marshmallow smore hints, pecan pie flan, brown sugar, fudge cake and milk sugar.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, rich roasted coffee grounds, bakers chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, mocha, Khalua, milk sugar, java, flan, rocky road icecream, mocha, brown sugar, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, oak hints, molasses, anise, marshmallow smores, coconut hints, smokey notes and tobacco.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, earthy notes, tobacco, caramel, vanilla and caramel hints. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. It is hidden so damn well. Creamy, silky and smooth mouthfeel, for some reason this has an easy to medium drinkability which really does not make sense despite the ABV. What can be said about the body other than pitch black as the darkest soul of the night and yet an extremely dangerous beer due to the ABV and the drinkability.

Overall:
This beer is insane and way too drinkable for its own ‘good’, which makes it ‘bad’ since it will get you drunk but its a ‘unidragon’ so drink drink drink! The other thing about this beer is that it is very balanced. I was very surprised about how well I could drink this one to the point where I had to stop myself from drinking the whole bottle in one sitting. Yeah it was that good. If you live in any other state, find a way to trade for this but if you live in Texas, you have to get this one for sure!!

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin, Tia Harribel & Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck from Bleach represent the good, the bad and the unidragon. Yoruichi is made to look like the bad guy in the label or the wolf man, although she can turn into a cat at will but it fits. She is good and kind hearted though. Harribel is the Bad in the sense that she was bad in the beginning of the series but now is good and she was the vampire slayer beer so for the purposes of the cowboy in the middle, she is good but in the name of the label is the bad. Neliele was always good and neutral and the unidragon of the original pairings so yeah she is awesome. I made this custom screen to fit the need of the scenery and story telling yet you can find the sources below. Can you find any other way of how this beer pairs?

Sources:
http://kriscynical.deviantart.com/art/BLEACH-Yoruichi-by-Washu-M-107334912
http://bleach.ucoz.net/_ph/2/255749857.jpg
http://tremblax.deviantart.com/art/Neliel-Tu-Oderschvank-327882456

Floyd D’ Rue Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds

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10174993_10101791726482730_9039393417013231374_nRating: 6/5* Rating given at the time of tasting (4/28/2014)

Floyd D’ Rue Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds is a 14.7% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with spices and aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
DARK TUESDAY

This collaboration brew was made in the spirit of experimentation…. and then condemned to barrels for one year. We hope you enjoy!

Floyd D’Rue is the complement to Rue D’ Floyd and was brewed with our good friends from 3 Floyds in Indiana. This invigoration ale will age gracefully if cellared properly, but the spice flavors will be the most prominent when consumed fresh.
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Obtained as part of the Bruery’s reserve society, this beer was made with high expectations as it was collaborated with 3 Floyds. The label on the beer advises “Drink by 6/30/14” and “May contain Lactobacillus”. The Bruery does advise this was not on purpose but the odds of such a great beer to be a ticking time bomb, basically consume it before it sours, is such a damn shame. If you can get this before the time runs out, definitely get it. This one is the Floyd’s attempt at the recipe with the Rum barrels with spices. So basically drinking both at the same time would probably be over kill. This one is called “Dark Tuesday” just like the other one was called “Black Lord”. A poke at both their awesome super beers, Black Tuesday and Dark Lord… in my previous review, this would be the offspring’s twin sis…oh!!?? wait…

Aromas:
Rich Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake Rum, lots of cinnamon, dark fruit raisins, capirotada raisin bread pudding, hazelnut, dark, milk, bakers and chocolate, ginger bread, nutmeg, cookies and cream, holiday spices, fruit cake, rye bread, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, oak, marshmallow, cookie dough ice cream, citrus, earthy notes, hazelnut, pecan pie, peach cobbler, flan, crème brulee, Danish cream, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin flesh, pillocillo sugar cone, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, molasses, brown sugar, anise, mint notes and candy sugars.

Flavors:
Taste exactly like rich Rum pumpkin spiced coffee cake! Vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, capirotada raisin bread pudding, fruit cake, pumpkin flesh, honey, maple syrup, ginger bread, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, Kahlua liqueur, coffee, molasses, pecan pie, hazelnut, peach cobbler, marshmallows, flan, waffle cone, Danish Cream, cheese cake, all spice, cinnamon, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, cookie dough ice cream, oak, holiday spices, earthy notes, citrus, apples, apricot hints, brown sugar, candy sugar, mint, anise, crème brulee, pilloncillo sugar cone, chai tea ice cream, sweet potato pie, sweet potato pudding, old mango, banana clove spice, banana bread, walnuts and nutella.

Aftertaste:
Rum, cinnamon, fruit cake, sweet potato, flan, chocolate, pumpkin and coffee cake linger. No alcohol in the taste and just like the other beer, dangerous and smooth. While moderate sipability, it goes down nice and warm with a syrupy consistency.

Overall:
What can I say about this one that I haven’t said about the other one. They are definitely exceeding great. One taste like chocolate coffee cherry cake and the other like rum pumpkin coffee cake to say the least. There is no denying it, they are both exquisite collaborations and both worth the merit. The Ultimate sadness is not being able to see the potential that this beer has as it’s existence is only as brief as the candle in the wind. If you can some how get this one or both or the other one, I suggest you get to it before they are gone. I really hope they brew this one again as it was really good. Combining both would probably be a insane!! Maybe I will save that type of fusion for another review.

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel and Tōshirō Hitsugaya from Bleach were used in this pairing to represent another aspect of the Bruery’s and 3 Floyds collaboration, in terms of the label, flavors and greatness of the two. These 2 are in the highest caliber of awesomeness and the battle they had in the series was awesome. Reflecting on 3 Floyds and the Bruery’s reputation in terms of awesome shows the insanity of the two to have come together, hopefully not once in a life time, but to show case their insane abilities that both share. Tia Harribel, obviously with the 3 on her breast which was used in a previous review to show case the Zombie Dust. She was the perfect candidate for this pairing as she came forth like a beast and like death in the night show casing the awesomeness of the 3 Floyds. Hitsugaya was used in as the Floyds adding the aspect of Cold. Why cold you ask? Well, Cold in relation to his ice ability which relates to Winter in relation to the holiday spices that this beer is abundant with. Without these 2 in the game, such a beer would not come into fruition. The irony of 2 such great breweries is that the release of this beer in the spring is like the opposite which is the fall. Like if Rue D’Floyd and Floyd D’Rue were like the sun and the moon or the spring and fall, or summer (Tia) and the winter (Hitsugaya). Hence forth, just like the Summer approaches, so will the Sun (Lactobacillus/Tia Harribel) consume the beer, forever lost in the pits of hell where once the shining light of hope of pandora’s box once stood. Sour Sour, everything returns to Sour (NOTHING)!!……

Aloha Piña by Five Stones of Cibolo Texas

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1610106_10101650971332180_1630488230_nRating: 4.85/5

Aloha Piña by Five Stones of Cibolo Texas is a 6.43% ABV Golden Ale hand crafted with fresh Pineapple and Roasted Jalapeño.

Label:
“Dude, you need to brew a beer with pineapple and jalapeno!” The inspiration, of course, came while eating a Hawaiian Fire pizza with those toppings. 5 Stones Craft Brewing Company has brewed this American Golden Ale with massive amounts of fresh-cut pineapple, two-row crystal and dextrine malts, Amarillo hops, honey, and roasted jalapenos. Our hope is that you will enjoy this ale, share with friends, and have a “Aloha-Pina Moment” for yourself. To you, we say “Mahalo!” and thank you!
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Another sweet hook up from Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com and his friends at Five Stones brewery out in Texas. Mahalo! Guys., it is an honor. So this beer is brewed with pineapples and Jalapeños. The only thing that I have tried that may come close to this could be the Stone 11.11.11 but then again this is more tropical than that I am sure. Well, on to the review to see what this special treasure is all about, Cheers!

Aromas:
Wow, very tropical aromas, citrus, mango, papaya, apples, grapefruit pineapple, peppercorn, honey, biscuit, flowers, caramel, subtle pepper spice. 

Flavors:
Definitely tasting the Jalapeño, not to the overwhelming heat but the very nice toasted and peppery notes are there along with pineapple, cherry, oranges, mango, papaya, kiwi, lemons, grassy and floral hops, mild honey, mild rye, caramel, biscuit bread, sourdough, apricot, peach, apples, melon, flowers, herbs and spices. Damn, just needs the sauce and we got us a pizza!

Aftertaste:
Finishing with the pineapple, mild peppery notes, flowers, honey and biscuit bread. No alcohol in the taste with a easy to moderate drinkability. Very refreshing and almost crisp. Also, after a couple of sips, the roasted Jalapeño heat will longer a bit. It is quite nice and warming.

Overall:
Crazy and very delicious tropical beer. I can definitely see why the whole pizza thing was definitely the inspiration. It would pair so damn well too. Lots of tropical fruits along with the Jalapeño comes out freaking amazing. Damn, I wish they sold this here in California. I know I would pick this up often. Definitely recommended if you can get your hands on this for sure!

Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel from Bleach in her Resurreccion mode is the perfect pairing for this. You may not know, but here original form hides her face which is basically all skeleton all the way from her nose, down to her mouth, breast and collar bone. In her unleashed form she takes on a more human like persona. She is mainly a water type Espada that is truly more along the lines of a Shark. That aspect pairs with the just the tropics as well as the skull on the label. Her blonde hair and skin represent that of the golden ale and pineapple flavors. Her skin is that of a sunny suntanned which pairs with the beaches of Hawaii. The Flames in the background represent the fire blaze and kick of the Jalapeños in the beer. I you look at some of my other reviews with Tia Harribel, you will see her skeleton form. Can you find any other details about this pairing?

Hammer of the Holy by Clown Shoes

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1485095_10101588091728410_1789017953_n 1471755_10101588091568730_279533253_n 1488143_10101588090969930_463653566_nRating: 5.66/5

Hammer of the Holy by Clown Shoes is an 11% ABV Smoked Imperial Stout aged in 40 year old Jamaican Rum barrels Holy water.

Label:
Hammer of the Holy, an American Imperial Stout aged in 40-year old Jamaican rum barrels, incorporates holy water, signature dark malts, and malt smoked with vampire killing stakes. Dear Undead, “Die, monsters, die!”
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Essentially it is their Vampire Slayer beer aged in Jamaican Rum. Vampire Slayer on its own has been one of the best beers along with Blaecorn Unidragon and the Angry/Very Angry beast line up. Some of the best and exquisitely delicious and to me, world class beers. Ramirez in Boyle Heights California has this one.

Aromas:
Dark Chocolate, sweet milk chocolate, rum, mild tropical hints, caramel, vanilla, oak, smokey campfire, graham crackers, mocha, dark fruits, raisins, plums, coconut hints, rye bread, molasses, brown sugar, earthy and tropical hop presence.

Flavors:
The mild smokey campfire notes of the beer makes it taste like Old Rasputin but not to a bitter degree but smokey, but then the sweet flavors take over. Caramel, dark fruits, raisins, plums, rich dark chocolate, sweet tropical rum notes, oak, graham crackers, marshmallow notes, coconut, rye bread, oatmeal cookies, mild flan notes, hazelnut, coffee and mocha.

Aftertaste:
Sweet berries, oak, smoke, rum, tropical and dark fruit longer for a bit. A sipping beer but closer to easy drinking? Damn dangerous. Dangerously smooth and damn good luck trying to find the alcohol

Overall:
Vampire Slayer was delicious on its own, adding the 40 year old rum, FUCK!!!!! is what I say to that. Very delicious indeed and one that I loved a lot!!! Definitely recommend getting this one and don’t let this one get away. Hammer of the Holy is your weapon against the shitty dead beers of the world.

Anime Corner:
Vivid Blue from the Vividred series and Tia Harribel from the Bleach series I used in this pairing to represent the hammer of the holy as an awesome weapon but as well as to compliment the colors of the label. Tia was mainly used as a remind of what the beer was originally, Vampire Slayer, so in the epic artwork where she stands unleashing the gush of holy water and 40 year old rum towards the evils of the world, you can remember how bad ass that beer was and now enjoy this new epic beer.

Very Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing

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14164_10101347409567390_363804656_n 1151034_10101347408599330_1481012420_n 1185157_10101347409183160_519431837_n Rating: 5.55/5*

Very Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing is an 11.5% ABV World Class Imperial Stout blended with equal parts of Blaecorn Unidragon and Vampire Slayer both aged in bourbon barrels.

Label: 
Hoppy Feet guy extinguished evil via a sharp stake through an undead chest. Now, Blaecorn Unidragon, full of fury, has expelled another bloodsucker from Earth. We hate vampires, but love Vampire Slayer, which we blended in equal parts with Blaecorn Unidragon, bourbon barrel aging the mix to beget Very Angry Beast.
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I have been following this series carefully since the first release of the awesome Blaecorn Unidragon. Both Blaecorn and Vampire slayer very awesome beers as well as the Porcine Unidragon. When they aged the Blaecorn Unidragon and blended it with basic vampire slayer, that was awesome within itself. Now both are blended for the ultimate concoction.

Aromas are of deep bourbon vanilla, oak, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, flan,coconut, dark chocolate, graham crackers, bit of rocky road ice cream, sweet milk chocolate, pecans, almond joy, mocha coffee, toffee, butterscotch, chocolate cake and some dark fruit notes.

The flavors are of bourbon, lots of nice warm bourbon (not overwhelming boozy, just sweetnes) and oak flavors, vanilla, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, coconut, marshmallows, raisins, butterscotch, almond joy, not as big on the rocky road as the smell but some notes are there. There are also flavors of black berries, possibly dark cherry notes, dulce de leche caramel notes, graham crackers, earthy hops, fudge brownies, more bakers chocolate that sweet milk chocolate, almost semi sweet but the flavors seems to work. Some other flavors are of mocha, honey glazed ham notes and brown sugar.

After taste is a litle boozy leaving very nice residue of vanilla, coffee, chocolate, bourbon and minor smokey notes. While the beer can be boozy later on after several sips, it is quite the smooth beer. Take heed though, while it is easy to drink it will hit. This dynamic duo of Femme Fatale (Obviously referencing the art ) shows no mercy

Overall it was quite an overwhelming experience in many aspects. Beers that go over the 5 rating seem to be beers that usually are Chocolate extreme or amazingly sweet or caramel extreme or just something that is way out of the ordinary in terms of flavor. This beer, while it may not have reached the heights of chocolate, the concoction of the bourbon, the coffee notes, dark fruit notes, buttery caramel, vanilla rich, the oaky and let us not forget the chocolate, is what set the score for me. Really great job by Clown Shoes brewing in bringing this amazing beer to the hands of many. Salute to you and Cheers!!

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Blaecorn Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/blaecorn-unidragon-russian-imperial-stout-by-clown-shoes-brewing/ 

Vampire Slayer Review:https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/vampire-slayer-by-clown-shoes-brewing/

Angry Beast Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/angry-beast-by-clown-shoes/

Porcine Unidragon Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/porcine-unidragon-by-clown-shoes/

Filmishmish (في المشمش) by The Bruery

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72889_10101143596794820_900467783_nRating: 4.65/5 

Filmishmish (في المشمش) by The Bruery is a 5.8% ABV Sour Blonde Ale aged in Oak with Apricots

Label: 
Tart and Fruity with notes of oak and grandma’s homemade jam.

Description:
Filmishmish, an Arabic term for “when the apricots bloom”, is a barrel aged sour blonde ale to which apricots have been added. The beer’s already fruity esters are enhanced by the hint of fresh apricot jam and wood shavings. Filmishmish is a well balanced beer, keeping the apricot and oak character present, but putting the flavor of the well formed sour ale at the forefront.
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First the Strawberries, then come the apricots. The aromas of this beer are of apricots, peaches, sout grapes, oak, citrus, lemon, apples, honey, sweet peach preserves, almost like wine funkyness. The flavors are of sour apricots, vanilla, stone fruits like plum and cherry, brown sugar, melted whole sugar cone, mushroom notes like the Fantome beers, lemon citrus, apples, peaches, honey notes, wine grapes, oak, floral spices, apricot or peach preserves on biscuit bread. Aftertaste leaves with apricots and honey alone with some dry sour grape and lemon notes. This was pretty good. Very balanced and not just pure sour. Almost like a Jolly Pumpkin or a Fantome beer. This beer is sour overall but has enough fruity tartness to not make displeasing. If you are still not into sours, this will probably be good to try. It really is good and not overpowering with sourness.

Vampire Slayer by Clown Shoes Brewing

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480280_10101112241830420_2006912402_n 483242_10101112254080870_1771976731_nRating: 5/5

Vampire Slayer by Clown Shoes Brewing is 10% ABV American Imperial Stout, cousin of the Blaecorn Unidragon

Label: 
In a world full of uncertainty, hardship, and people trying to hold us back, do we need Vampires, too? Clown Shoes says, “No! Die, monsters, die!”

Our second anniversary ale incorporates signature dark malts, holy water, and malt smoked locally with hickory, ash, and vampire killing stakes.
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I have had the Blaecorn unidragon (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/blaecorn-unidragon-russian-imperial-stout-by-clown-shoes-brewing/)
The Angry Beast which is essentially a blend of both Blaecorn Bourbon Barrel Aged and Vampire Slayer (This beer) (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/angry-beast-by-clown-shoes/)
Even the Porcine Unidragon (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/porcine-unidragon-by-clown-shoes/)
However, now I complete the series by trying that Vampire Slayer

The aromas are of light coffee, dark and bakers chocolate, some soy sauce, some anise, roasted coconut notes, slight vanilla and caramel fragrances. The flavors are of Milk chocolate, coffee, smoked malt, honey glazed ham minor notes, some caramel, molasses, slight licorice, almost like oreo cookies and crème, mocha, cappuccino, vanilla, almost like a pecan or hazelnut dessert and some dark fruit notes like a raisin, cherry or currant. It gets sweeter as it warms up and the smokiness starts to fade away. That’s where this beer strikes gold, just like the Blaecorn Unidragon. I think now that I have tried this one, I think the Angry Beast was more a full hybrid of the two beers with only some bourbon notes. I understand where this one is coming from so I probably would have rated the Angry beast higher. Oh well, maybe next time 😉 . This has Holy water, so it is definitely a bonus 😛 . Those that love imperial stouts will love this one as it is a very exceptionally awesome one. Just like its cousin, it draws it’s sword to fight Vampires while its cousin fights Dragons…. so yeah….it works ^.^

Breakfast Stout by Founders Brewing

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Rating: 5/5

Breakfast Stout by Founders Brewing is a 8.9%ABV Double Chocolate Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout.

Label:

You’ve got to love coffee to truly appreciate this phenomenal brew. Brewed with an abundance of flaked oats, bitter and sweetened imported chocolates, Sumatra and Kona coffee. We’re actually not sure if this is some type of coffee cake or a beer. Either way you can drink this ale with a fork. Breakfast Stout has an intense fresh roasted coffee nose topped with a cinnamon colored frothy head that seems to never fade and makes you wish breakfast could last forever.
–A world class beer that seems to be highly rated on the interwebs. Had to figure out what it was about. This beer comes in a 4 pack and available in the Fall and Winter. To be honest I couldn’t help my self but to have the first bottle as a beer float. Pure mocha goodness mixed in with that cookies and cream Ice Cream. Even though it was sweetened out, I could still taste the roasted malts and bitter earthy hops. Quite nice. So This is a review for the beer stand alone, I just figured I add that stuff extra to say it goes good as a beer float too. The aroma of this beer is like a nice rich coffee. I think one of the biggest reasons it is highly rated is because it is closer to a nice cup of coffee than a lot of other beers. Don’t know a lot about coffee types since I don’t drink that often but yes the fragrance is rich with it. Also, it is not just pure coffee, I can smell some vanilla, cocoa, caramel and crème sugar. The flavors of this beer is quite exquisite. This definitely like drinking a cold coffee that is sweetened up. However, not to the level of an Espresso. Although, the fresh flavors reminds of a light Khalua.. Notes of dark, bitter chocolate, followed by a light crème, oatmeal, raisin, mocha, vanilla, and alittle bit of caramel. Not too complex but as close as a very good cup of coffee goes. As for the alcohol…what alcohol?…hard to find it in the taste but it does get you after. Definitely because it is the closest to Liquid cold Coffee a beer can be is probably the reason why it is rated highly. If you can find this at the store or online, go try it. Coffee drinkers and Stout lovers will find this one very pleasing. I think the hype definitely lives up to it

Angry Beast By Clown Shoes

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576408_10100948791331530_453790620_n

Rating: 4.75/5

Angry Beast by Clown Shows Brewing is an 11% ABV Imperial Stout that is a blend of Blaecorn Unidragon aged in Bourbon Barrels and Vampire Slayer Imperial Stout .

Label:

Hoppy Feet guy extinguished evil via a sharp stake through an undead chest. Now, Blaecorn Unidragon, mad as hell, has expelled another blood sucker from Earth. No, we do not like Vampires, but we love Vampire Slayer, which was blended with bourbon barrel aged Blaecorn Unidragon to beget Angry Beast.

 

Been meaning to find this beer for a very long time. Was not the easiest of task but I finally got a chance to try it out. Angry Beast has aromas of roasted coffee, chocolate, little bit of bourbon vanilla, some coconut and caramel. The flavors of the Angry Beast are of smooth dark chocolate, roasted coffee, mocha, rich vanilla and caramel, some oak, smokey notes, and a little bit of coconut and bourbon but enough to not burn. It is kind of weird because at this ABV I would think there should be some boozy burn feel but in actuality it is just smooth and pretty drinkable. Hides the alcohol very well. While I was expecting something super strong, I was actually quite impressed how they can get some of the Bourbon and oak in there without being to hot of a beer on the palate. It is also quite balanced which will make it appealing to those that have not been exposed to Barrel Aged Beers. While it may not pack a punch right to the front, it will get you in the end just give it a while >:P. I am glad I found this beer, if you ever find it, try it out 🙂

Sexual Chocolate by Foothills

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Rating: 5.75/5

Sexual Chocolate by Foothills is a 9.75% ABV Russian Imperial stout aged in Bourbon barrels. If a beer was like having sex, maybe the flavor and aroma would be so good it would make some orgasm….maybe..lol. This is a beer you take your time with. Too fast would make you pass out. LOL!!

Label:

A smooth, dark, cocoa infused Imperial Stout barrel aged for 4 months. Perfect for sipping and cellaring. A rich chocolate aroma twines seamlessly with delicious overtones of bourbon, vanilla, and oak. Notes of espresso, black strap molasses and caramel accentuate a dark chocolate backbone and complex layers of toffee and dark fruit.This beer is reminiscent of the Nectar Ales Black Xantus (which pairs awesome with chocolate cheese cake) with its delicious dark fruit flavors like cherry and raisins. Rich Milk chocolate, coffee, mocha, vanilla, caramel, bourbon, butterscotch, toffee, coconut, cherries, raisins, figs, oatmeal, french toast with chocolate and maple syrup. Maybe not as strong in terms of alcohol as Chocolate Rain or White chocolate, but it sure as hell gets way up there in the upper rank breaking beers for me :P. What can I say, I love chocolate, I love chocolate beers and these just happen to be that good and unfortunately hard to find. Consider yourself lucky to find this…Foothills was kind to release this once more this year but unfortunately at a limited supply.

Zombie Dust By Three Floyds

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Rating: 5/5

Zombie Dust By Three Floyds is a 6.4% ABV American Pale Ale. According to many reviews and websites, the best American pale ale in the world. Upon opening this beer it was definitely a sure thing. A pale ale trying to be at the level of a Double IPA but without the mass amounts of alcohol. Meaning, it is easier to drink and it is sweeter than bitter IPA and well this is quite important because obtaining the flavors of this beer would seem to take a level of Double IPA brewing…but it is not that heavy. Amazing….

Label:
This intensely hopped and gushing undead pale ale will be one’s only respite after the zombie apocalypse. Created with our marvelous friends in the comic industry. Art by Tim Seeley. Opening this I really thought it was a Double IPA. Most Double IPAs are generally caramel, very tropic sweet and hoppy. Ofcourse with a good amount of alcohol and possibly more bitter. This beer consist of much sweeter flavors such as caramel, pineapple, mango, peaches, pears and oranges while still maintaining the grassy hops and alittle bit of pine. It still has notes of lemon and grapefruit but not to the level of IPAs. For people that do not like IPAs, this would probably be a great alternative that is definitely not so bitter. The awesomeness of a DIPA but without the massive bitters and alcohol. This beer is what many close to lager like beers should be. Great amount of flavor, less alcohol and over all delicious and refreshing. Pale Ale fans or hell, IPA and DIPA fans should go grab this. Its very good.

Maracaibo Especial a.k.a Special Brown ale by Jolly Pumpkin

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Rating: 4.75/5 

Maracaibo Especial a.k.a Special Brown ale is a 7.5% ABV Brown Ale by Jolly Pumpkin of Michigan. This ale is brewed with Cacao, orange peels, cinnamon and spices in the Belgium yeast as brewed by the monks. Ofcourse it is also brewed with the Jolly Pumpkin tradition to make it a Sour Belgian Brown Ale. This beer is quite delicious. By infusing sour and Belgian yeast, they made a beer that is magical. Flavors of bread, wine, orange, cinnamon, caramel, chocolate, hazelnut, apples, raisins and tangerine. Almost like having a piece of toast with orange and grape jelly, peanut butter, Nutella and drinking it down with Lemon Iced tea and a little bit of wine. Leaves with this buttery feel that is a lot like butterscotch candy.Definitely not as sour as other JP beers but just enough to let you know hey…this is a JP beer… it is awesome. If you are not a fan of sours maybe this might not be your beer but this might actually be more tolerable than other JP beers. Go ahead and try it, you will be glad you did 🙂

2011 Review:
Maracaibo Especial is another awesome masterpiece by Jolly Pumpkin. Initial flavor of Jolly Pumpkin sourness (as expected :P) is present. Made with wild Belgian yeast, Cacao, cinnamon, citrus peals and other spices. Flavors are as such, more of a sweet than sour flavor as opposed to other JP ales. Definitely finishes well with the citrus and cinnamon after taste. Definitely a fruity beer with the awesomeness of Jolly pumpkin.

Wytchmaker RIPA or Rye India Pale Ale by Jester King

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Wytchmaker RIPA or Rye India Pale Ale by Jester King is a brewjery at 6.7 % ABV. The is a story that goes back to dark times when people were accused of witchery and sorcery. Times where stuff was just not fully understood. Unfortunately for the damned, they were done for :(. The real culprit for the Salem witch trials was not demonic possession. As I mentioned before in my review of the Black Cauldron Imperial, it wasn’t magic or evil they were making, but beer. In some instances, rye as key component for the brewing process, it was used mainly as a food or even for those to get drunk and start to see stuff. The stuff of magic is merely a science and how it chemically makes people react depending on what is done. This beer for many may or may not do it for you, but it will at least get you thinking about your choices in life, maybe even the type of beers you choose, but mainly your overall choices of betterment of the self. This beer has many types of flavors for a Rye IPA. It is very fizzy to start. Rye bread, notes of honey, Grassy and piney hops blend well with the rye/caramel bready goodness. Some nice peach and grapefruit. The odd thing about this beer is also that there seems to be some wild yeast at play similar to a saison of sorts. What mean sorcery is this :O. A beer that starts to change well as you go on? Some thing quite good indeed /-). This beer may not turn you into a witch, but it will make you see how good other selections of beers can be. Just like you have choices in life to do what you want, you have the choice to choose what you like to drink or eat or whatever….Enjoy the potions >:)

High Tide IPA by Port Brewing

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ImageFresh Hops High Tide IPA by Port Brewing is their most hoppy and makes bitter lovers happy :P. I get a nice bitter bite form this one. No sweetness here, mainly grassy, piney, citrus, lime and spicy taste. This beer is special as I have not seen this beer anywhere so I had to try it. The beer is made with centennial and simcoe flower hops which are just right at their freshest this time of year. S

o the beer comes out extra strong and bitter :P. Almost thought this was ruination for a sec. This one does give you a chance in terms of complex flavor and not too bitter to overwhelm the taste buds but just enough to compliment the rich flavor.It’s brewed dry so the bitterness comes and goes..LOL just like the crashing tides of the sea as they gently crash the shore. Surely if you are an IPA lover or bitter and hoppy beer seeker, don’t miss this one..because it could be taken back to sea and you may miss your chance to ride this wave 😛