Marzipandemonium by The Bruery

December 29, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, almond extract, almond joy, almond milk, almonds, American Imperial Stout, Black Tuesday, Marzipandemonium, Sally, Sally Acorn, Sonic The Hedgehog, The Bruery, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Marzipandemonium by The Bruery is a 16% ABV Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels with vanilla and flavored with Almonds and Natural Almond Extract.

#LETSPARTY
Some people sculpt marzipan into flowers and animal shapes. We went nuts and recreated it as a beer. This limited release brings the party to your palate, showcasing the flavors of marzipan while kneading it into our favorite day of the week. We took our Tuesday-inspired imperial stouts, already roaring with flavors of vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate and bourbon barrel-aged bliss, and folded in almond character and extra vanilla to mimic the sweet, nutty notes found in marzipan. It’s unbridled enthusiasm in a bottle, just waiting to be unleashed amongst friends.

Such an amazing Marzipan liquid brew. There is so much nutty and chocolate complexities that just keep going endlessly!

Cherry Top Belgian Stout by Garage Brewing

October 25, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Amy Rose, Belgian Stout, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Cherry, Cherry Top Belgian Stout, Dark Amy Rose, Garage Brewing Company, Sonic The Hedgehog, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6.5/7

Cherry Top Belgian Stout by Garage Brewing is a 9.2% ABV Belgian Stout brewed with Cherry and Vanilla and aged in Bourbon Barrel Aged.

Label:

==Introduction==

I once saw they were making this one a while back yeah, as soon as I saw it and got my hands on it, it was going to be put on the website. My love for Belgian stouts has been a long time coming and with Garage Brewing coming up with some barrel aged magic and some nice adjuncts to the styles, it is something that I really want to share here on the site. Let’s have a look, cheers!

Aromas:

Chocolate Milkshake, cherry chocolate, banana sundae, butterscotch, brown sugar, banana, hazelnut nectar, oak, marshmallow smores, banana, cherry yogurt, dark fruit raisins, fruit cake, prunes, plums, cherry cola, dark cherries and pecan pie.

Flavors:

Rich cherry chocolate cordials, dark candy sugar, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgian chocolate, cherry cola, bourbon, oak, marshmallow, graham cracker smores, rye bread, molasses, anise, banana sundae, dark fruit raisins, prunes, plums, figs, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Dark Cherries, Cherry Yogurt, chocolate milk shake, sweetened condensed milk, butter scotch, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, fruit cake, brown sugar, Pancho Pantera cherry choco milk shake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate flan, rocky road ice cream and tootsie roll chocolate.

Aftertaste:

Finishes with rich cherry chocolate cordials, banana sundae, milk shake, bourbon, oak, flan, vanilla, marshmallow, rocky road ice cream, and dulce de leche caramel. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Dark crimson full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:

Freaking amazing! I swear, I had to stop myself from finishing the whole bottle in a sitting. It is very damn smooth and super easy to drink. I think aside from their first release of the Cherry Milk stout, this is the next big winner for me. It is amazing and I definitely recommend this highly to those that love Belgian stouts!

Anime Corner:

Amy Rose from the Sonic series was used in this pairing as a return to the original cherry stout pairing I did with the Dark Amy rose. Now the difference is with showing a different side of her with the barrel aged an vanilla aspects being complemented by her different cosplays.

Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery

October 12, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, American Porter, bakers chocolate, Black Butte, Black Butte XXIX, Black Butte XXV, Black Butte XXVIII, black currants, blue berries, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, cayenne, chocolate aroma, chocolate mocha coffee, Cinnamon, cocoa, cocoa nibs, coconut fruit, currants, Dates, Deschutes Brewery, Deschutes Brewing, Double Barrel, Dubbel, Dutch Cocoa, Figs, Imperial Porter, Legend of Zelda, LOZ, Midna, Porter, Quad, Rum barrel aged, Saigon Cinnamon, Sweet Orange Peels, Twilight Princess, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery is a 12.2% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Dutche cocoa, Saigon cinnamon, and cayenne. 50% aged in Bourbon and Rum barrels.

Label:
In celebration of our 29th anniversary this year’s Imperial Porter delivers notes of dark chocolate and cinnamon spice with hints of coconut, vanilla, and dried fruit finished by a warm dash of cayenne.

==Introduction==

Essentially a Double Barrel Porter aging in both Rum and Bourbon. Every year, I try to pick up this annual release of their anniversary beer. Each year is a different blend entirely and while I feel some blends I really liked for the ingredients used, overall, I think each installment is more and more delicious with time. This year they decided to go with a chocolate, cinnamon and cayenne take with Rum and bourbon. That is crazy using a double barrel half take with what seems to be like a Mexican inspiration. Let’s see how the flavors of this one are, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich piloncillo sugar cone, cinnamon, nutmeg, yams, sweet potato pie, vanilla, caramel, bananas, dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, rum, bourbon, oak, mint, sweetened condensed milk, coconut and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Sweet potato pie, capirotada/Mexican yams, piloncillo sugar cone, maple srup, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake Mexican Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, cocoa powder, rum, bourbon, oak, Dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, currants, cherries
Pancho Pantera chocolate milk shake, banana sundae. Sweetened condensed milk, flan, crème brulee, tres leches cake, pecan pie, bourbon, marshmallows, almond joy, toasted coconut, molasses, mint, clove spice, bananas, grilled plantains, Danish cream, rye bread, piña colada, oatmeal cookies, raisins bread and more!

Aftertaste:
Finishing with dark fruits, cinnamon, ginger bread, fruit cake, earthy notes, dark chocolate, pecan pie, tobacco, oak, marshmallows, floral tartness, caramel, vanilla and tobacco hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black Midnight Full body, silky, velvety and smooth mouthfeel and a super easy drinkability which is dangerous. Just like each year, its smoothness will make you want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting.

Overall:
Seems like every year, a different beer and a different way of preceiving the greatness which is the Black Butte anniversary. This year it seems more of a Mexican style of taste. While although spicy, the overall consensus, it was not super hot but definitely zlong the lines a Mexican desert flowing. Indeed this scream sweetness but the peppery heat is not present. Along with the many versions out there, this one should definitely be picked up!

Anime Corner:
Twili Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was chosen once again this year for the Black Butte release as well as the other releases. Just like previous tears, I had chosen her in the previous releases since I wanted to represent the mixing of 2 of the same ale together but one specially blended. Since I did not use the chibi version of Midna for this iteration, I figure I let the adult version of her do all the talking. In this year, the Chocolate, Cinnamon and cayenne represent somewhat of a Mexican Dark Mole feel to the beer. It is actually more towards a Mexican sweet potato pie if it was mixed in with Mexican Hot Chocolate. So since Midna has a cloak like the tilma of the virgin of guadalupe it sorta ties in that Mexican culture aspect of this beer. Who’d of thought Midna would complement this iteration even more!

Neapolitian Dynamite collaboration by Stone Brewing, Abnormal Beer Co, Paul Bisckeri and Patrick Martinez

September 1, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Abnormal Beer Co, American Imperial Stout, Chocolate, coffee, Napoleon Dynamite, Neapolitan Dynamite, Neopolitan, Patrick Martinez, Paul Bisckeri, Rwby, Stone Brewing, Strawberries, vanilla, Vote For Pedro | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Neapolitian Dynamite collaboration by Stone Brewing, Abnormal Beer Co, Paul Bisckeri and Patrick Martinez is an 8.5% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberries and Coffee.

Label:

==Introduction==

Quite possibly, the next Xocoveza, or so I have heard, this beer was totally unespected. The last time I had a Neapolitan beer, aside from the Lost Abbey collab Stone did which was really close to Neapolitan ice cream, is the Neapolitan Bourbon Barrel Milk Stout from Saugatuck brewing. Granted that beer was so damn amazing, I wouldn’t think I would see another Neapolitan beer for a while. Man was I wrong. So much so that when I saw they were having it release soon, I had to take a 2 hour mission on the bus to Pasadena to get this beer and bring it to the site ASAP! Yes, it is the 1^st of September 2017 and I’ll be one of the first reviewers of the beer before it hits the public. So aside from the enticing label and the fact that this is supposed to mimic Neapolitan Ice cream, let’s have a deeper look, cheers!

Aromas:

Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, Bakers chocolate, chocolate Abuelita Mexican chcoolate, vanilla, chocolate doughnut glaze, strawberries and cream, roasted coffee, Irish cream coffee, strawberry and chocolate milk shake, fruit cake, dark fruits, roasted barley and spicy earthy notes.

Flavors:

Neapolitan Ice cream galore! Dark semi sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raspberries, currants, raisins, cherries, strawberries, chocolate dipped strawberries, triple chocolate cake, chocolate, fancy coffee, roasted coffee notes, roasted barley, Danish cream, Irish cream, steamed milk, honey, maple syrup, toasted coconut hints, malted strawberry chocolate milk shake, chocolate glazed strawberry cream filled doughnuts, spiced coffee, clove spice, bananas, anise, dark fruits, hazelnut nectar, flan, three milks/3 leches cake, cookie dough ice cream and cotton candy.

Aftertaste:

Finishes with Doughnut notes, strawberry chocolate cordials, vanilla cream, Mexican chocolate, earthy hop hints, banana notes, fancy coffee, cotton candy, fruit cake and dark fruits. No alcohol in the taste. Pitch black dark body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:

Damn decadent and exceptional. It is not a sugary caramel bomb but damn, that balance of dark chocolate with the roasty coffee flavors is closely tying even some Doughnut flavors into the already blissful Neapolitan Ice cream flavors this thing gives. Holy jeebuzz, this is too damn amazing. So much so that one could possibly drink the whole bottle in one sitting. Oops! But that’s what happens with liquid ice cream/pastry beers like these. Make sure you get several, I highly recommend this one!

Anime Corner:

Neopolitan from RWBY makes a return to the Stone side mainly since she is the only character that is literally, the embodiment of Neapolitan Ice Cream, hence, her nick name of Ice Cream Girl. There really isn’t much to explain why she fits this beer so well. About the Dynamite thought, this girl has huge sass for being the silent type, she really can make things go BANG!!!

Mash & Spumoni by The Bruery

August 31, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, barleywineislife, Betterman, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cherries, English Barley Wine, Mash & Spumoni, Neapolitan, Pistachios, Sai Hinoki, spumoni, The Bruery, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Mash & Spumoni by The Bruery is a 12.8% ABV English Barleywine brewed with cherries, vanilla and pistachios aged in bourbon barrels

==Introduction==…

The ancestor pastry of Neapolitan, this incarnation of Mash from the Bruery takes a page from the Italian version of Neapolitan, a layered ice cream with Chocolate or Vanilla, Pistachios, Cherries and whipped cream (where as Neapolitan is Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla). A trifecta/quadrafecta of pure bliss. The Bruery recently had this on tap and I skipped trying it since I didn’t know about it but when I heard how great it was, I had to get whatever few bit of it they had and bring it to the website. Surely an almost missed treasure of bucket listing proportions. I definitely thought that as I had a pour of it from the tap. I sure don’t know if they will still have this as I write this but it is is true, this should definitely be bottled. Now, let’s have a look at this amazing beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich pistachios, cherries, vanilla, chocolate, dulce de leche, bourbon, dark fruit raisins,currants, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, fruit cake, walnuts, almond joy chocolate, hazelnut cream, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, crème brulee, flan, sweetened condensed milk, honey, rocky road ice cream, waffle cone, Danish cream, Irish cream, Raspberry Chambord, banan sundae, butterscotch, chocolate brownies and reed velvet cake.

Flavors:
Super rich Spumoni and Neapolitan ice cream, Spumoni pie, dark cherry yogurt, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, toasted coconut, pistachios, walnuts, almond joy chocolate, hazelnut cream, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, German Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, crème brulee, flan, sweetened condensed milk, honey, rocky road ice cream, dark fruit raisins,currants, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, waffle cone, Danish cream, Irish cream, Raspberry Chambord, Mexican Alfajor Coconut pastry, madamia nuts, Macaroons, Chocolate brownies, butterscotch, graham crackers, pistachio ice cream, cookie dough ice cream and mint chocolate chip, red velvet cake, banana sundae.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich rich super ice cream flavors right off the scoop and cone of pistachios, cherries, vanilla, chocolate, dark fruit, fruit cake, almond joy, toasted, banana sundae, flan, waffle cone and marshmallows. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, should be a sipper but drinks way too easy, full black body.

Overall:
The Seed of Life from Monkish was a tincture of something that truly was supreme, but when you take that and make a #barleywineislife recipe and add the cherries, you just entered something that can only be described as inter-dimensional taste of experience. Like the episode 5 of Rick and Morty Season when Rick, Jerry and Risotto Groupon amalgamate their experiences over 1,000 life times of space and time to come to some existential enlightenment, then this is what this beer is like. Funny how the three of them were fused together kind of like the 3 layered fusion of this dessert beer. With a deeper understanding of what Barleywines are supposed to be, even the greats cannot judge something this vast. Most likely since they are drunk but regardless, this is something that is must to find if you can get it! Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Sai Hinoki from Betterman was used in this pairing as I wanted to promote the primary ingredients of cherries, pistachios, chocolate and vanilla. Essentially, you can easily see how her hair streaks of these colors would make for such a perfect pairing. Even though there is hardly any artwork of her as Better such an old series, the appreciation of bringing her into this pairing is what I really needed to do in my quest to pair one of each character of anime/video games that I am fond of to beer.

Midnight Autumn Maple by The Bruery

August 26, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Autumn Maple, Belgian Dark Ale, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Cowboy Bebop, Faye Valentine, Maple Syrup, Midnight Autumn Maple, Spices, The Bruery, vanilla, yams | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Midnight Autumn Maple by The Bruery is a 9% ABV Imperial Belgian Dark ale brewed with Yams, maple syrup, vanilla and spices.

Label:

Darker Times

==Introduction==

It’s been years since I tried the original Autumn maple so when I saw they were releasing this one, I had to bring it to the site. The same recipe but adding Midnight wheat definitely is sure to add some nice dark tones to the beer. Possibly in the realm of dark fruit or chocolate possibly. Let’s have a look at this new treat. Cheers!

Aromas:

Ginger bread cookies, prunes, dark candi sugar, burnt sugar, pumpkin flesh, sweet potatoes in maple syrup, milk sugar, dark chocolate and ginger bread cookies.

Flavors:

Dark candi sugar, molasses, dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, maple syrup, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, banana bread, pumpkin flesh, sweet potato pie, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger bread cookies, cookies, burnt sugar and pecan pie.

Aftertaste:

Finishing with some anise notes, dark fruits, ginger bread cookies, cinnamon, banana bread and pumpkin pie. No alcohol in the taste, dark brown full body, smooth, creamy and syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:

An exceptional beer! Definitely better than the original with the dark fruit and anise notes creating some very very delicious fall flavors that definitely are not replicated by the original. This one is a huge step up and I highly recommend it!

Anime Corner:

Faye Valentine from Cowboy Bebop was used in this pairing since this is the first time I used her in a Bruery pairing. The pairing works so damn well with the colors of the label but as you can see, the colors of dark fruit are also paired with her. It was a very nice pairing in my mind.

2017 Imperial Biscotti Break by Evil Twin Brewing

August 10, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged almond joy, almonds, Bakuretsu Tenshi, Burst Angel, coffee, Cookies, Evil Twin Brewing, Imperial Biscotti Break, Imperial Stout, JO, Tiramasu, vanilla, vanilla beans | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

2017 Imperial Biscotti Break by Evil Twin Brewing is an 11.5% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Coffee, Vanilla beans and almonds

Tiramasu, almond joy and sweet vanilla awesomeness…. Like cookies!

¡Guava Libre! Collaboration by Funky Buddha and The Bruery

July 8, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Capcom, cream ale, Funky Buddha, Guava Libre, Guavas, Rainbow Mika, Street Fighter, The Bruery, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

¡Guava Libre! Collaboration by Funky Buddha and The Bruery is a 7.5% ABV Imperial Cream ale brewed with Lactose, Guava and Vanilla.

Label:
GUAVANTANAMERA

This collaborative brew with our Floridian friends takes a page out of both of our books – a bold, experimental beer with culinary inspiration. Specifically, a Cuban guava party

This sensory getaway transports you to a corner bodega with our friends at Funky Buddha in South Florida to recreate the flavors you’d find in a “pastelito de guayaba.” Championing the big, bold flavors that both our breweries are known for, we brewed an imperial cream ale, adding lactose and vanilla to impart sweet, custard-like ribbons, and guava for filling its conceptual authenticity. It’s a collaboration that’s equal parts inspiration and admiration.

==Introduction==

A new Bruery release to the public brings the talents of Funky Buddha from the east coast to the west. Funky Buddha has been a brewery that, just like the Bruery, loves doing special beers that taste super close to desserts. Their experimentations are definitely worth note and while I have not been able to bring their beers to the site as obtaining them is difficult other than online trading, I have had a chance to try them at some beer tasting sessions with friends. For the few I have tried, all were damn top notch. Therefore, as soon as I found out they were collaborating with the Bruery, I realized it could only be pure magic. Let’s have a look and see if that truly is the case, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Guava Pastries, Vanilla, Danish cream Sweetened condensed milk, Guava crème brulee, Guava yogurt, Rich Guayaba Membrillo, banana, dulce de leche caramel, dried apricots, dried apples, grapes, fruit cake, guava cheesecake, stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, prickly pear tuna, honey dew melon, dragon fruit, passion fruit, strawberries and cherries.

Flavors:
Rich Guayaba Membrillo (Guava preserves block), guava pastries, Danish cream, cane sugar, kiwi, cherries, stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, prickly pear tuna, honey dew melon, dragon fruit, passion fruit, strawberries, flan, Guava Cobbler, Peach cobbler, dried apricots, dried apples, grapes, fruit cake, guava cheesecake, sweetened condensed milk, guava yogurt, banana, steamed milk, orange juice, candied apples, vanilla, burnt caramel, dulce de leche caramel, piloncillo sugar cone, guava crème brulee, guava pie, toasted rye bread with guava jelly, guava maize atole and agua Fresca de guayabas.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich with guava pastry flavor all around, vanilla, caramel, flan, sweetened condesed milk, stone fruit, grapes, apples and lots of tropical fruit. No alcohol in the taste, Pulpy Orange Juice orange and golden full body, creamy, smooth, velvety and refreshing mouthfeel along with a ridiculously easy drinkability.

Overall:
Another ridiculous collaboration! Damn! Funky Buddha and the Bruery did it! A true pastry of a beer. It was so ridiculous, I finished the beer in one sitting and wanted more. Yeah its really bad when a beer is so damn good you want to finish it in one sitting. So pleasant and delicious and super easy to drink making this one a bucket lister to me. Definitely get this one if you can!

Anime Corner:
Rainbow Mika from Capcom’s Street Fighter series was used in this pairing mainly since I wanted to pair this beer on the name pun for ¡Lucha Libre! It was to be paired with wrestling as the movie goes. So Mika was the closest wrestler I could think of that would fit with the colors of the beer in general and it was a good reason too as I have not paired her with a Bruery beer before.

Sources:
http://ps4.tgbus.com/UploadFiles/201508/20150828093542350.jpg
http://orig03.deviantart.net/0cda/f/2015/255/7/f/r__mika_by_speeh-d993vlb.jpg
https://rnkdusrsctnts-mlseauq9snbpoibmw.netdna-ssl.com/images/original/fd341f2954ef1d32acef7ced8b500db9.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COWICwGUkAARXlv.jpg:large

Beret with Peaches and Vanilla by The Bruery Terreux

June 2, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Beret with Peaches and Vanilla, Imperial Wit ale, Lina Inverse, Oak aged, Peaches, Raspberries, Slayers, Sour Wit, Spices, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, vanilla, Witbier | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Beret with Peaches and Vanilla by The Bruery Terreux is an 8.9% ABV Imperial Wit ale brewed with spices and aged in oak with Raspberries, Peaches and Vanilla.

Label:
Peachy – Keen – Sweet

Commercial Description:
Beret has been a staple in our lineup since Bruery Terreux launched in 2015. While the classic release of our spiced, imperial sour witbier aged in oak with raspberries has an enduring and endearing sense of style, we felt it was time to start weaving in a few new threads. Peaches and vanilla provided a peachy keen sweetness to cast the fruity personality of the refreshing, piquant ale in an all new artistic light.

==Introduction==

Released to all Bruery Societies, this is the Beret Raspberry sour but with peaches and vanilla. Last year’s version was pretty awesome and it was a sour I haven’t had in a long time. While sours from the Bruery have been getting better as the years go by, I still have to try the sours before I get them. Unless it has some ingredients I really like, then I will get it but since this came with the Preservation package, it was a great way to gage the beer. You may actually get this one by purchasing on their online store www.thebruerystore.com while they still have it. Let’s take a look at this, cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit apricots, peaches, biscuit bread, raspberries, wheat bread, coriander, brettanomyces, funky fruit, musty grapes, mandarins, tangerines, mango, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, oak caramel and honey.

Flavors:
Rich Peach Cobbler, Fuzzy Navel, Peach and Raspberry smoothy, stone fruit apricots, wine grapes, vanilla, toffee, caramel, oak, raspberries, strawberries, Concorde grapes, currants, cranberries, floral notes of lavender, hibiscus, tart fruit skins, wheat bread, coriander, brettanomyces, funky fruit, clove spice, musty grapes, mandarins, tangerines, mango, waffle cone, marshmallow hints, peach and vanilla cheesecake, chardonnay, sweetened condensed milk, honey, peppercorns, bananas, yerba buena spearmint, old oranges, lemon zest, lemon juice and lemon candies.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with over layering stone fruit peach, raspberry, vanilla, whipped cream hints, white grapes and oak. No alcohol in the taste, hazy golden peach medium body, crisp, refreshing, mild creamy and smooth mouthfeel along with moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Liquid Tart Fuzzy Navel in a bottle! This sour was better than I expected and this is definitely the sour to get. While the sour aspects are overlying due to the fruit, the sweetness of that same fruit is what I love and the vanilla works with it super well. I am not sure if this will reach details but this one is a recommendation worth seeking.

Anime Corner:
Lina Inverse from Slayers was used in this pairing as she seems to fit greatly with the colors of the label and the beer overall. Lina is a character I have not used in a long time and a favorite of mine. Since I have done a lot of Bruery beers, doing the pairings with at least one Anime character that I know of or fits well is definitely an accomplishment.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/b2/b5/b8b2b5b347cd0542222f715aa316f6ba.jpg
http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w408/a86680572/17/3139.jpg~original
https://img.fireden.net/a/image/1469/98/1469980206919.jpg

Chernyy Medved Collaboration by Valiant and Black Market Brewing

June 1, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Birdy Cephon Altera, Birdy The Mighty, Black Market Brewing, Chernyy Medved, cherries, Kneesocks, Kneesocks Daemon, Panty and Stocking, PSG, Russian Imperial Stout, Scanty and Kneesocks, Valiant brewing, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Chernyy Medved Collaboration by Valiant and Black Market Brewing is a 13% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Cherries and Vanilla

Label:
A powerful and fearless Russian Imperial Stout brewed in collaboration with our comrades at Black Market Brewing in Temecula CA. Chernyy Medved was brewed in tribute to the OC Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival which takes place in December in Orange County CA. Brewed with smoked wood, pine, vanilla, cherries and coming in at 13% ABV this intense black beauty will warm you right up this winter or will cellar nicely to be enjoyed in the years to come.
==Introduction==

Cerny Medved or Black Bear was a beer my friend Neal provided me as a trade for some homebrews. Valiant Brewing was a brewery that recently closed in March 2017, essentially, last month. So some of these beers are so limited that you might not see them again. I had only recently got into their brews especially their Candy Sours series. It is unfortunate we will not have them again but let us look at how at this one and see what it was all about, Cheers!

Aromas:
Roasted coffee, molasses, anise, dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Dark fruit raisins, currants, Cherries, Earthy and smokey oak notes, flan, vanilla, cherry crème brulee, strawberry, tootsie roll chocolate and pecan pie.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Chocolate Mousse, Dark fruit raisins, currants, Cherries, Earthy and smokey oak notes, earthy hop bitterness, burnt sugar, roasted coffee, molasses, anise, flan, vanilla, cherry crème brulee, strawberry and cherry cheese cake, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, brown sugar, tootsie roll chocolate, Cherry Chocolate milk, hazelnut nectar and cherry cake fudge chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Leaving with roasty chocolate, earthy and smoky notes, cherry notes, vanilla, caramel, toffee earthy hop bitterness and caramel. No alcohol in the taste despite the 13% ABV, smooth. Creamy and velvety mouthfeel, dark full body, with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
An awesome perfect stout. Very Roasty and flavorful like many of the Russian Imperial Stouts I have had before. The cherry flavors this one introduces pairs well with the roasty flavors and vanilla. While I do not think this is at the strongest in terms of the Choco Cherry Cordial beers, but it is a cherry cordial in its own sense. Not as sweet, but earthy and balanced. I would highly recommend checking this one if you can still find it.

Anime Corner:
Birdy Cephon Altera from Birdy The Mighty and Kneesocks Daemon from Panty and Stocking W/Garterbelt were used in this pairing as I wanted to mainly go with the colors of cherries and while I don’t think Birdy is Russian or a bear, I mainly paired for the colors and ingredients of the beer. Kneesocks on the other hand is much closer to the dark red cherry color so bringing her here works awesomely.

Sources:
http://cdn30.us1.fansshare.com/image/birdythemighty/birdy-the-mighty-512466661.jpg
http://cdn26.us1.fansshare.com/photo/birdythemightydecode/birdy-the-mighty-decode-shared-image-unknown-1334427343.jpg
http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/originals/2013/Anime_Birdy_the_Mighty_053034_.jpg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/iamsukebe/imgs/5/3/53ff0cb2.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Birdy.Cephon.Altera.full.73854.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Birdy.Cephon.Altera.full.73861.jpg
http://i57.beon.ru/45/32/793245/79/64651079/14873385.jpeg

2017 White Chocolate by The Bruery

March 17, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Chocolate Rain, dulce de caramel, milk Chocolate, Naruto, orange, TCHO Cacao nibs, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, The Sun, tropical flavor, vanilla, vanilla beans, wheat wine, White Chocolate, White Oak | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

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

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

Victory! Victory! Victory! brewed by Angel City Brigade (Do-It-Yourself Brew)

March 3, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, coffee, Do-it-yourself, Panty and Stocking, PSG, Stocking, Stocking Anarchy, vanilla, Victory! Victory! Victory!, Zymurgy Brew Works | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.95/5

Victory! Victory! Victory! brewed by Victory! Victory! Victory! is an American Porter brewed with Coffee and Vanilla beans.

==Introduction==

The cousin of my friend William Carranza, founder of El Borracho homebrewing, created this recipe while working with Zymurgy Brew Works and Angel City Brigade. Essentially, they opened up a “Do-It-Yourself” brewing experience where the public can brew a recipe for a fee. They would get assistance from the brewers there in making the recipe they would like to make and provide them the finish product upon completion of fermentation. William’s cousin brewed this beer and was gracious enough to allow me to do a review for it on the site. When I first tried it, I was pleasantly amazed at how good this was. Something definitely worth reviewing. While the recipe maybe a onetime deal, I’ll share it with you as a favor to my friend. Cheers!

Aromas:
Vanilla, dark fruit raisin hints, currants, cherry hints, mocha, roasted coffee, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cocoa, Irish cream, brown sugar, earthy hop notes, and mint chocolate chip hints.

Flavors:
Mocha, Roasted coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cocoa, Baker’s chocolate, caramel, anise, molasses, whipped cream, espresso, Irish cream coffee notes, mint chocolate chip, dark fruit raisin hints, currants, cherry hints, steamed milk, pecan pie hints, hazelnut nectar, earthy hops and lactose hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with a very nice fancy coffee and mocha roastiness, chocolate, vanilla, dark fruit and caramel. No alcohol in the taste. Dark full body, Smooth, creamy and velvety mouth feel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious porter. Definitely very well made having great body, smoothness, no off flavors and delicious. I loved how it had rich coffee and vanilla forward overall and some complex flavors of the dark fruits coming through. I am definitely glad I brought it here. Hopefully they can brew this one again.

Anime Corner:
Stocking Anarchy from PSG was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to show Victory as a Victory to a battle. With the name being more of a tribute and a victory pose like that of Final Fantasy VII’s cloud, I figure it would fit nicely. In addition, the beer is dark, like the artwork being used. This version of Stocking is evil.

Sources:
https://archive.nyafuu.org/foolfuuka/boards/w/image/1444/86/1444868907939.jpg

2017 Mash & French Toast by The Bruery

January 16, 2017 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Cinnamon, Darkstalkers, Maple Syrup, MASH, Mash & French, nutmeg, Q-Bee, The Bruery, Vampire Savior, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2017 Mash & French Toast by The Bruery is a 13.4% ABV Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, Natural Flavors and Maple Syrup.

Label:
NO UTENSILS
We took Mash, drizzled it with more gooey barrel character and added a morning mix of spices and maple notes.

This is our bourbon barrel-aged barley wine ale, Mash, joining forces with even stickier malt-forward forces from our barrel warehouse to create the gooey-sweet profile you’d expect from a French toast-like creation. It rouses the senses with hints of caramel and rich maple character, summoning spices and warm vanilla notes.

==Introduction==

Released to the Reserve Society in 2017 with a possible release to the public. This is a new iteration for the Mash series. There have been many variations recently ranging from coffee, vanilla, coconut and now French Toast. The last time I can remember trying a French Toast like brew was when my friend Aaron Mendiola from BeerMetal.net sent me the “Brunch Money” by Armadillo Works in Texas. This one is quite unique as there aren’t many “French Toast” beers out there in general but based on the addition of ingredients in this beer, I can only tell that this is going to just like or close to French Toast as possible. Let’s take a look and see how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Cadbury Chocolate cream eggs, sweetened condensed milk, French Toast maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch, caramel, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, waffle cone, clove spice, bananas, dark fruit prunes, plums, cherry, rocky road ice cream, rum soaked raisins, toasted coconut, chocolate marshmallow smores, graham crackers, pecan pie, vanilla, oak, bourbon and flan hints.

Flavors:
Rich French Toast maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch, caramel, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, waffle cone, nutmeg, fruit cake, vanilla, oak, bourbon, rum soaked raisins, dark fruit prunes, plums, coffee cake, brown sugar, Danish cream, milk chocolate truffles, toasted coconut, marshmallow, chocolate smores, graham crackers, pecan pie, Cadbury Chocolate cream eggs, sweetened condensed milk, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rocky road ice cream hints, French vanilla, crème brulee, anise, molasses, macadamia nuts, hazelnut, flan, almonds, bananas and clove spice.

Aftertaste:
Finishes and long lingers with rich French toast, maple syrup, toasted coconut, oak, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, dark fruits and chocolate. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Dark Crimson honey medium body, smooth, creamy, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Ridiculous! This is damn exceptional! A bit boozy but will sure as hell age like a beast. Even now, I could tell, this is literally, freaking French Toast in liquid form. Granted, time will mellow out the slight alcohol from the flavor but to be honest it does not bother nor detract from the amazing flavors this already has. Yes, it is a brand new batch of barleywine right off the barrel but even so I can see how this will age awesomely. Their Mash series is definitely an amazing series and I hope to see more in the future. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Q-Bee from Darkstalkers was chosen even though the beer is made with maple and not honey. The reason I went with this because just like honey, maple syrup is just as sticky and added to breakfast items like French Toast or waffles was similarly sweet. Even the design of the label was closer to a honey comb. This and the fact that Q-Bee’s weapons are utensils, I think it worked out nicely. Bees are attracted to sweet maple syrup too!

Sources:
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn246/rise15/DarkStalkers-QueenBee01.jpg
http://i4.pixiv.net/img-original/img/2015/12/14/13/05/51/54036163_p0.jpg
http://static.wixstatic.com/media/4608b1_3287cd81593047be9f0d235008414f14.jpg_srz_1573_880_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz
http://orig06.deviantart.net/2282/f/2015/044/c/8/qbee_keyshot_mainshot_by_llazar-d8hw9w3.jpg

Imperial Mexican Biscotti Cake Break collaboration by Evil Twin Brewing and WestBrook brewing

December 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Cinnamon, cocoa nibs, coffee, Collaboration Beer, Evil Twin Brewing, Habanero Peppers, Hatsune Miku, Imperial Mexican Biscotti Cake Break, Miku, Moembelu, Street Fighter, vanilla, vocaloid, Westbrook Brewing, Yoruichi Shihouin | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Imperial Mexican Biscotti Cake Break collaboration by Evil Twin Brewing and WestBrook brewing is a 10.5% ABV Imperial Stout with Coffee, Cinnamon, Almonds, Cocoa Nibs, Vanilla and Habanero peppers added.

Label:
None

==Introduction==

Now this is something I never knew would ever happen. You take 2 of some of the best beers out there and make a blend recipe. Now, I have seen the Cuvee that has done something similar to this like when Boulevard and Firestone did their Collaboration beer which used Velvet Merkin, Stickee Monkee, Imperial Stout Tart Cherry X and Bourbon Barrel Quad to create a very special Cuvee. This is a similar idea although while many of those beers are awesome, Mexican Cake has been one of those aftermarket second hand beers that sells for a damn markup and is hard to get. Essentially, taking an awesome coveted brew like that one and using one of Evil Twin’s finest, the Imperial Biscotti Break and making something special that many people can actually get. Although I would not be surprised if this one goes the way of the “hard to find” brews as it is Mexican Cake after all. I had tried their Tequila Barrel Aged Mexican Cake in the past which was awesome in it’s own rights. Now as we get a chance to see what this one is all about, I cannot wait and am excited for the anticipation. Vamonos! A provar esta Cerveza, Let’s go try this beer! Cheers!

Aromas:
Mexican Chocolate, Chocolate Abuelita, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, mild habanero peppers, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, chocolate smores, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, dark fruit raisins, currants, cherries, bananas, Danish cream almond joy, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, champurrado, tobacco and molasses.

Flavors:
Champurrado, Maize Atole, Mole spices, Habanero, Mexican Chocolate, Chocolate Abuelita, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, coffee cake, roasted coffee, Kahlua liqueur, bananas, molasses, fruit cake, marzipan, mazapan, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, almond joy, macadamia nuts, oreo cookies, Danish cream, Irish cream coffee, mocha, jamocha, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, chocolate smores, dark fruit raisins, currants, cherries, sweetened condensed milk, flan, cinnamon, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, toffee, dulce de leche caramel and oak notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing rich in toffee, caramel, dark chocolate, dark fruits, dark cherries, earthy notes, molasses, bananas, spicy pepper notes, champurrado, almond joy and marzipan. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark full body, smooth, creamy, chewy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Unbelievable! The blending of the Imperial Biscotti with Mexican cake is definitely something completely different. I have had the Mexican Cake in Tequila form which was amazing as well as the Imperial Biscotti break in many variants. The fact that this one is a special blend is seriously amazing especially for the fact that both beers are in a league of their own. It’s like if The Bruery and Three Floyds blended Dark Lord and Black Tuesday. Anyways, the beer itself is a complex drink of both worlds blending some spicy heat from the habanero peppers and Mexican chocolate with the Marzipan like flavors of the Biscotti imparted by the coffee, vanilla and almonds. The outcome is something that works in a directions that is unfathomable. For the original Mexican Cake being so pricey, now you can enjoy something that is bigger than than into a Super Saiyan Fusion of beer. A huge recommendation for a bucket lister like this one.

Anime Corner:
Noembelu from Street Fighter, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach and Vocaloid Hatsune Miku were used in this pairing as I wanted to mainly do the Mexican characteristics of the beer. Noembelu is essentially from the indigenous tribe where T. Hawk is from in Mexico so she was a perfect pairing for this beer. Yoruichi I have used in a previous Mexican brew and Miku I used in in the Tequila barrel Mexican Cake. Funny thing about Miku is that she has sung concerts in Mexico in Spanish sporting Mexican attire. So definitely had to bring her for this pairing as well.

Sources:
https://k61.kn3.net/taringa/2/7/6/5/2/6/94/panthyhero-/83B.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b580/qinchao1204/chuyin%2012/wwwafterschoolsyscom-938.jpg~original

Lizard of Koz by Founders brewing

December 12, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Blueberries, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chocolate, Founders Brewing, Imperial Stout, King of Fighters, KOF, Leona Heidern, Lizard of Koz, Metal Slug, SNK, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Lizard of Koz by Founders brewing is a 10.5% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Blueberries, Chocolate and Vanilla aged in Bourbon Barrels.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This one is near and dear to our hearts. Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki wanted to make the birthday of his little sister, Liz, a special one. So he did what he does best and brewed a stout using a few of her favorite ingredients: fresh Michigan blueberries, rich chocolate and vanilla aged in bourbon barrels to round out those beautiful flavors. Liz was floored and we think you will be too.

==Introduction==

Founders does not release many barrel aged brews but the ones they do release are bad ass! KBS and Backwoods Bastards are no exceptions to these rules as both are world class beers. This one comes towards us like bat out of hell or a Godzilla rising out of the water ready to start a fight with some bitch ass monsters. Oh wait, it is a lizard on the label. The name Lizard of Koz can have many meanings. Koz as in the 7th division head priest or according to the urban dictionary, a word you can use any way you want and it will still make sense. The only thing that makes sense right now is this brew review so let’s show the world what this blue berry radiation from Godzilla’s spines is all about, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Blueberries, vanilla, bourbon, oak, caramel, anise, molasses, dulce de leche caramel, brown sugar, cinnamon, coffee cake, Kahlua liqueur, dark fruit raisins, blueberries, currants, pomegranates, raspberries, blueberries cheese cake, blueberry marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate and toasted coconut hints.

Flavors:
Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, dark fruit raisins,blueberries, currants, pomegranates, raspberries, blueberries cheese cake, blueberry marshmallow smores, blueberry mint ice cream, anise, molasses, tobacco hints, bourbon, oak, pecan pie, bananas, coffee cake, Kahlua liqueur, fruit cake, licorice hints, maple syrup, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, cookie dough ice cream, Danish cream, steamed blueberry milk, blueberry yogurt, blueberry preserves on toasted rye bread, mocha, sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee and toasted coconut.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich dark fruits, blueberry yogurt, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, bourbon, banana hints, marshmallows, Danish cream and brown sugar. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Another Barrel aged bucket lister hitting the list right next to BBA Smashed Blueberry by Shipyard and Birra Artigianale Draco by Birrificio Montegioco. This one definitely lets the blueberries, chocolate and vanilla drive the point forward long with a rich complexity provided by the base beer and the bourbon oak. They were for going for a damn decadent rich blueberry dessert and damn, the achieved gold! This literally hits you flat on your face with rich flavors. I highly recommend you get this one!

Anime Corner:
Leona Heidern from SNK’s King of Fighters/Metal Slug series was chosen not only because they relased a bad ass brew, but because sometimes you just need a bad ass character to make a bad ass representation. Leona gives the manliest of men blue balls not just by her looks but by kicking the shit out of her opponents and them saying thank you and coming back for more. Leona don’t take shit from no one and just like this beer is ridiculous, so is she. Can you really dominate this brew? Good fucking luck!!

Sources:
https://k61.kn3.net/taringa/2/7/8/2/1/0/95/zangetsuariel/8DB.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/bc/5f/59/bc5f59ab5c12b200f5caba427e38a594.jpg
https://cdnb3.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/003/013/155/large/mu-hyeon-seong-.jpg?1468492529
https://yt3.ggpht.com/-o9yX4hZJKRY/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAA/Pimj5zsj1fg/s900-c-k-no-mo-rj-c0xffffff/photo.jpg
http://img0.reactor.cc/pics/post/king-of-fighters-Игры-leona-heidern-taroimo-(00120014)-3340752.png

9 Ladies Dancing by The Bruery

December 8, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 9 Ladies Dancing, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, cacao nibs, coffee, Lactose, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Naruto, Overwatch, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, Twelve Beers of Christmas, Twelve days of Christmas, Twelve Days of Christmas series, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

9 Ladies Dancing by The Bruery is an 11.3% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Ale brewed with cacao nibs, vanilla, coffee and lactose.

Label:
WÆS HÆIL!

The Ninth Verse of Our Twelve Beers of Christmas series dances with flavors inspired by tiramisu. Happy Holidays!

Here’s a pick me up for the latest verse in our Twelve Days of Christmas series. Inspired by flavors and ingredients found in tiramisu, including ladyfingers, 9 Ladies Dancing mimics the Italian dessert by whipping together flavor combinations and layers of its own. This includes notes of vanilla, chocolate and coffee – clearly the leading ladies in this rich, dessert-like beer.

==Introduction==

The Bruery has recently released their latest Christmas beer to the public and should be hitting many distribution areas publicly where they sell The Bruery beers. An Italian dessert inspired beer huh? I still can’t believe it has been so long and in four more years, the Christmas beer saga comes to a conclusion. Every year they release amazing beers. What I find intriguing though is that they use some of the ingredients that I used in my Sangri Leche beer. These are the Lactose, Coffee, Vanilla and Cocoa Nibs. Plus, it’s a Belgian Dark Strong so that makes me think about the flavors. But why wait, let’s see how it is, cheers!

Aromas:
Belgian candi sugar, rock candy, piloncillo sugar cone, sugar plums, capirotada raisin bread pudding, dark fruit prunes, raisins, dark cherries, coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, lactose, Bananas, clove spice, tiramisu, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, honey, maple syrup and fruit cake.

Flavors:
Rich Coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, lactose, Bananas, clove spice, Tiramisu pastry, flan, dark fruit prunes, raisins, dark cherries, Belgian candi sugar, rock candy, piloncillo sugar cone, sugar plums, capirotada raisin bread pudding, butterscotch, rye bread, toffee, Dulce de leche caramel, ginger bread man, Danish cream, Irish cream, crème brulee, Kahlua Liqueur, stone fruit peaches, peach cobbler, apricots, peanut butter, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, honey, maple syrup, biscuit bread, tobacco hints and sweetened condensed milk.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with coffee, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, stone fruit, pecan pie and toffee. No alcohol in the taste, dark crimson amber full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Very Exceptional brew! I can honestly say this did remind me of 2 creations I made. The Bubulubu Ghost In the White Choco Shell which was a Belgian Golden stout with the same ingredients as this one as well as the partial ingredients used in Sangrileche Belgian Stout. Using Coffee, Vanilla and Cocoa nibs does come through when used well and can make many beers even more decadent and complex. Which makes me believe that it may add the necessary complexity or in some cases dominate the flavors of the rest of the beers. In this instances, it balanced out made for one awesome complexity. Definitely get this holiday brew, cheers!

Anime Corner:
Naruto Girls, Mahou Shojo girls and Overwatch girls were all chosen for this pairing to essentially be the 9 ladies dancing. Every year I try to find pairings that match the number of gifts from the Christmas song. It is does get difficult at times but other than going with the theme, there really isn’t anything else specific that matches the pairing unless you can infer some of the colors do match.

Sources:
http://65.media.tumblr.com/734581b30e3a75e6baa874e38f85afec/tumblr_njv7tlkmns1t5cwh1o5_1280.jpg
http://orig11.deviantart.net/4944/f/2016/246/5/c/ladies_of_overwatch_by_minacream-dagbj56.jpg
http://www.theanimegallery.com/gallery/image:185903/

2016 White Chocolate By The Bruery

October 14, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged 2016 White Chocolate, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Chocolate Rain, dulce de caramel, milk Chocolate, Naruto, orange, TCHO Cacao nibs, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, The Sun, tropical flavor, vanilla, vanilla beans, wheat wine, White Chocolate, White Oak | 1 Comment

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

https://animebeers.com/…/2015-white-chocolate-by-the-bruery/

2016 Salted Gose by Angel City brewing

October 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Angel City, Angel City brewing, Batman, Caramel, DC, German Gose, Gose, Harley Quinn, Joker, Salted Gose, seas salt, Suicide Squad, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

2016 Salted Gose by Angel City brewing is a 4.3% ABV German Gose.

Commercial Description:
Gose (Goes-uh) is a very, very old German beer style that has been gaining popularity stateside over the past few years. A traditional gose is a low alcohol, sour wheat beer brewed with coriander and salt. Our version is soured in the traditional way using Lactobacillus, but instead of coriander, we complement the salt with caramel and vanilla for a deliciously refreshing treat

==Introduction==

Found this one at my local market. While I don’t often review Angel City brews since the most common ones are average to subpar at times, I have reviewed the intriguing and unique ones. It is difficult to tell the quality of Angel City’s stuff as I know they contract brew through Samuel Adams so the beers you get in bottles are not always the same as the stuff you get at the brewery. Although the beers in the bottles have been very good recently. I can’t really speak for their local stuff as I have only been there twice. Needless to say, this Salted Caramel Gose was a unique one and I wanted to bring it to the site. Let’s have try shall we? Cheers!

Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, salty caramel popcorn, vanilla, honey, passion fruit, Guava hints, lemon merengue pie, funky notes, earthy hops, sea salt, lemon juice, floral notes, biscuit bread, bananas, clove spice, peppercorn, mild butterscotch, salted maize tejuino, sour apples and tart strawberries.

Flavors:
Vanilla, honey, almond, cereal notes, Dulce de leche caramel, Tart Guava, Lemon merengue pie, tart lemon juice, floral notes, biscuit bread, bananas, clove spice, peppercorn, salty caramel popcorn, candy corn, ginger notes, ginger bread, grapes, wine grape hints, funky notes, earthy hops, sea salt, mushrooms hints, maple syrup, mild butterscotch, salted maize tejuino, sour apples, tart strawberries, kiwi, mild passion fruit and toffee hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with cereal and honey hints, almond, caramel, vanilla guava and salted caramel popcorn.
No alcohol in the taste, honey colored clear body, crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
Very delicious gose. It is amazing how they were able to get the sweet caramels, toffee, vanilla and other flavors to meld with the salty and dry flavors of from the Gose. Simply put, a light fluffy dessert beer. I must admit, I really hope this taste just as good locally than in the bottle because bottle wise they really have a winner here. I will definitely get this again and would recommend you give this one a shot too.

Anime Corner:
Harley Quinn from DC’s Batman and Suicide Squad was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair her with attitude. The name of the beer is Salted Caramel Gose. Essentially, sweet but salty. Harley is an awesome sweet and hot looking character but she is too unpredictable and psychotic like her partner, the Joker. Well, Joker is technically leagues above her in that department but the funny part is that she can take you on a pleasure cruise before it is all over and you’ll be swimming with the fishes in the salty sea.

Sources:
http://www.artworkz.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cdnb3.artstation.compassetsimagesimages002931003largemichelle-hoefener-harley-quinn-2-e4eca2583be7ca22aab8078a68dc45fc148fb58b.jpg
http://oboitut.com/uploads/posts/oboitut.com_9070.jpg
http://66.media.tumblr.com/2412ac08a972e100930f6d2bdd6307a9/tumblr_obdsfpwJFG1rin8ioo1_1280.jpg

2016 Mash & Vanilla by The Bruery

October 5, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Alia, Barleywine, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Capcom, MASH, Mash & Vanilla, Megaman X, The Bruery, vanilla, vanilla beans, VANILLOAK | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

2016 Mash & Vanilla by The Bruery is a 13.3% ABV Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Beans.

Label:
VANILLOAK

We took our classic release, already oaky, sticky and sweet from extensive bourbon barrel-aging, and amplified that barrel character with the addition of vanilla.

This is our classic bourbon barrel-aged barleywine – kicked up a notch. We took Mash, already oaky, sticky and sweet, and amplified its barrel character with the addition of fresh vanilla beans. This vanilla prominence is complemented by the woody bourbon flavors and coconut notes that are imparted to the beer as part of its extensive maturation in oak bourbon barrels.

==Introduction==

Released to the public, this beer uses their base Barleywine in bourbon barrels which I have tried different variants of. So far, the best one of the variants was the Mash and Coconut. The other one, Mash and Coffee was awesome too. This time around, we have the vanilla version. Vanilla beers in general are awesome! In fact, when making strong vanilla beers, they typically have flavors of all sorts of sweets like sweetened condensed milk, crème brulee or flan. Essentially, when I think of the Bruery making beers with vanilla, like the White Chocolate, you know it’s gonna be awesome. Let’s see how this is.

Aromas:
Dark fruit figs, prunes, raisins, marshmallows smores, bourbon, oak, fruit cake, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, vanilla, flan, sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, Jericalla Mexican custard, banana cream pie, grilled bananas, clove spice, toffee, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rye bread, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, plantains, almond joy notes, oatmeal cookies, stone fruit plums, peach hints, brownies and cookie dough ice cream.

Flavors:
Rich Vanilla, Flan, sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche caramel, crème brulee, Jericalla Mexican custard, banana cream pie, grilled bananas, clove spice, toffee, dark fruit figs, prunes, raisins, marshmallows smores, bourbon, oak, fruit cake, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, macadamia nuts, hazelnut nectar, maple notes, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rye bread, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, plantains, almond joy notes, oatmeal cookies, stone fruit plums, peach hints, brownies, cookie dough ice cream, Danish cream, cheese cake, chocolate cherry cordials and chocoflan.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with smooth vanilla, Cheesecake hints, bourbon, toffee, caramel, dark fruit, oak, flan, Jericalla custard and crème brulee. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full deep brown crimson body, syrupy, smooth, creamy and velvety mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Damn exceptional! While I agree that I lean more towards the Mash & Coconut, this is definitely at the league or above the Mash & Coffee. So much dark fruit and flan flavors it ridiculous. This is the kind of beer that, especially since it was released to the public, you want to get several bottles of. Some to enjoy whenever and some to just cellar to see how it will do in 5, 10 or even 15 years from now. A high recommendation on this one.

Anime Corner:
Alia and Megaman X by Capcom was used in this pairing because I wanted to use her and X in a Bruery pairing and I think the colors of them fit well with beer’s label, ingredients and flavors. X would be like the original Mash and Alia by his side is the vanilla. I definitely like to go all out with the different possible pictures to pair well with the characters I choose.

Sources:
http://keichan411.deviantart.com/art/Aya-Commission-290959370
http://orig01.deviantart.net/0996/f/2007/282/b/f/bfa4cbe2d9101c4c.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d4/a3/c3/d4a3c3c667c665333f92bd364be6a530.jpg
http://img10.deviantart.net/a37a/i/2008/256/7/7/maverick_hunter_alia_by_louisblack78.jpg

Black Butte XXVIII (28th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery

September 28, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, bakers chocolate, Black Butte, Black Butte XXV, Black Butte XXVIII, black currants, blue berries, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, chocolate aroma, chocolate mocha coffee, cocoa, cocoa nibs, coconut fruit, currants, Dates, Deschutes Brewery, Deschutes Brewing, Dubbel, Figs, Imperial Porter, Legend of Zelda, LOZ, Midna, Porter, Quad, Sweet Orange Peels, Twilight Princess, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

Black Butte XXVIII (28th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery is 11.5% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Cocoa, Vanilla, Peated Malt and Sweet Orange Peel with 50% aged in Bourbon and Scotch barrels.

Label:
Imperial Porter brewed with cocoa, vanilla, peated malt and sweet orange peel, with 50% aged in bourbon and scotch barrels–“The result is our 28th anniversary imperial porter with bright orange and vanilla aroma, layers of roasty chocolate and a warm, smokey finish”

Description:
Every year, we celebrate our anniversary with an imperial, barrel-aged version of our flagship Black Butte Porter. Our brewers love to experiment and they always add some fun new ingredients to this beer like chilies, cranberries, figs and other such treats. This year, to celebrate 28 years of brewing, they’ve added the interesting mix of ingredients above for another multi-layered flavor experience.

==Introduction==

Essentially a Porter and Wee Heavy Blend. Every year, I try to pick up this annual release of their anniversary beer. Each year is a different blend entirely and while I feel some blends I really liked for the ingredients used, overall, I think each installment is more and more delicious with time. So with year’s version, they decided to go with a chocolate and orange and additionally aging in Scotch. Let’s see how the flavors of this one are, cheers!

Aromas:
Dark fruit raspberries, cherries, prunes, raisins, figs, currants, blackberries, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Smoked Peat, Chocolate Orange cream hints, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, chocolate covered pomegranates, bananas, piloncillo sugar cone, raspberry preserves, Danish cream, coffee cake, Mexican Gansito cake hints, clove spice, licorice, anise, molasses and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Smoked Peat, Chocolate Orange cream balls, orange candies, dragon fruit, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, chocolate covered pomegranates, bananas covered in chocolate, roasted malts, Bourbon, Scotch, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugar, coffee, chocolate mousse, oak, bubblegum hints, fudge cake, dark fruit raspberries, cherries, prunes, raisins, figs, currants, blackberries, walnut cake, pecan pie, clove spice, licorice, anise, molasses, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Mexican Gansito cake, creme brulee, flan, sweetened condescended milk, marshmallows, wine grapes, almond joy chocolate, rye bread, abuelita chocolates, piloncillo sugar cone, raspberry preserves, Danish cream and coffee cake.

Aftertaste:
Dark fruits, stone fruits, earthy notes, Dark chocolate, pecan pie, tobacco, oak, marshmallows, floral tartness, caramel, vanilla and tobacco hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black Midnight Full body, silky, velvety and smooth mouthfeel and a super easy drinkability which is dangerous. Just like each year, its smoothness will make you want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting.

Overall:
Incredible, each year’s version of this beer is nothing short of supremely exceptional. They really out do themselves every anniversary. The complex flavors of the wee heavy, bourbon, chocolate orange and much more really stood through with every sip. This brew was so damn amazing I accidently finished the whole bottle in one sitting! Whoops! Lol but seriously though, not a lot of beers make it this far and even if common ones are this good, you know hypes are trends. Never underestimate what a common beer can do! I highly recommend getting a bottle of this one or two to drink and cellar.

Anime Corner:
Midna (Both Forms) from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was chosen once again this year for the Black Butte release as well as the other releases. Just like last year’s, I had chosen her in the previous releases since I wanted to represent the mixing of 2 of the same ale together but one specially blended. They are both the same person and both are kick ass but that was obvious from the fact that I use them for the same beer every year that I represent Twili Midna, the taller one, as the one that represents the barrel aged percentage. In this year, the orange peel and vanilla do complement both of them as they both have orange hair and the chocolate and vanilla by the black and white of their tones.

Sources:
https://66.media.tumblr.com/5d0541f783409437d3cfe56e7b4b5479/tumblr_o0iuklT29i1t09dnqo1_500.jpg
http://orig00.deviantart.net/af6d/f/2014/274/9/f/midna_zelda_by_cyberunique-d819kdh.jpg
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/LtIYhP7FvNFFJmYSrV1JyyKN5mRHlegqU8LXSFrgz3PC5IgfYHRWIlLiEUJWzZcV_large.jpeg?w=1600&v=D6NyMcMd9e6pwTpO6MkN9AEAN0KG77_QH9m8_jmGNSc%3D

Orange Vanilla Fathom by Ballast Point brewing

September 28, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Ballast Point, Chrono Cross, Fathom, India Pale Lager, IPL, Kid, orange, orange cream, Orange Vanilla Fathom, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Orange Vanilla Fathom by Ballast Point brewing is a 7% ABV India Pale Lager made with Orange and Vanilla.

Label:
A sweeter take on an award – Winning IPL
Our Orange Vanilla Fathom India-Style Pale Lager continues our quest for exploration. The piney and citrus hop aromas of our India-Style Pale Lager combine with sweet orange and creamy vanilla – while staying true to classic lagering techniques. Brewed with a touch of nostalgia, it may remind you of a childhood treat, but this one is just for adults.

==Introduction==

I first tried this as my friend Augie’s friend’s house for a BeerBumz beer session. They are a close community of beer tasting enthusiasts and when I was invited for a second time, someone brought this beer. I remember it for being very delicious and easy to drink. Not to mention the fact that it was like an orange cream sickle beer. Ballast Point has been making some really nice variants of their original beers and definitely something I personally enjoy even if they do add fruit to their beers. So let’s take a look at this one and see what it is about.

Aromas:
Biscuit bread, honey, lemon Heads candy, lemon zest, grapefruit, floral, honey dew melon, hints of Orange cream-sickle, strawberry hints, tangerine peel, lemon starbursts and stone fruit.

Flavors:
Orange cream-sickle, vanilla, biscuit bread, honey, lemon Heads candy, lemon zest, grapefruit, floral, piney and grassy hops, herbal notes, stone fruit peach, apricots, lyche, mango, tropical fruit papaya, pineapple notes, honey dew melon, kiwi, passion fruit, strawberry hints, tangerine peel, lemon starbursts, cherries and flan hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes dry with hints of orange and vanilla in the aftertaste along with grapefruit, piney, citrus and floral hops with tropical and stone fruit hints. No alcohol in the taste. Clear golden body, smooth, crisp, clean and refreshing mouth feel with a very easy drinkability.

Overall:
A very delicious and refreshing brew. Definitely Orange creamsickle beer. The vanilla and orange flavors definitely play a good role in making the sensation that this is liquid creamsickle. Some of the brews by Ballast Point have been on par while others are decent at best. This one is definitely worth the try if you like hoppy lagers but would enjoy a creamsickle brew.

Anime Corner:
Kid from Chrono Cross and an original character were both used in this pairing to represent the colors of the ingredients, flavors and the label. As it goes with the theme of deep ocean and the name. Kid under the depths was a really good pairing.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/fKBnfYg.jpg
http://cfile24.uf.tistory.com/image/11363242517E840612FA8D

2016 Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery Terreux

August 1, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Wild Ale, cherries, cherry vanilla, Claymore, dark chocolate, Fate Night, Fate Stay Night, Fate Zero, Madrugada Obscura, oak barrels, Saber Alter/Dark, sour ale, Stout, Tart of Darkness, Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, vanilla, vanilla beans, vanilla ice cream | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/6

2016 Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery Terreux is a 7.% ABV American Wild Stout aged in Oak Barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans.

New Label:
Roasty – Midnight – Delight

Old Label:
SAUERSTAUT

With a roasty aroma and a tart finish, this sour black ale is a contortion of style and flavor, creating an unexpected delight.

Tart of Darkness with Cherries & Vanilla is best enjoyed fresh for bold spice and fruit character, but my pleasantly if cellared properly.
___

Released to the Preservation and Reserve Societies once again and possibly the a public release, this is the second time I try this beer. I was not going to do a review of this one since I had already done one in the past but as soon as I tried it and the new label came about, I had to give it a shot. This beer is a variant to the publicly sold Tart of Darkness. I will be honest, while the tart of darkness is a very good sour, it does not compare to my favorite sour stout Madrugada Obscura by Jolly Pumpkin. The cherries and vanilla from the last time I reviewed this beer made a huge difference. Draw your puckeringly sour sword and get ready to take action!

Aromas:
Dark cherry yogurt, Vanilla ice cream, caramel,Lavender, cotton candy, strawberry cheesecake, lemon peel, citrus, dark chocolate hints, blueberry skins, earthy notes, Cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, molasses, anise, licorice, lemon peel, sour funky notes, citrus, port wine hints, blue berry muffin and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Toasted coconut, coffee, mocha, rich dark fruit cherries, raisins, prunes, concord grapes, currants, blueberries, vanilla cream, caramel, tart wine grapes, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, sour cherry cordials, floral lavender, dark cherry yogurt, strawberry cheese cake, brown sugar, blueberry muffin, lemon peel, Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, grape skins, port wine hints, oak, earthy notes and musty sour funky notes.

Aftertaste:
Tart wine grapes, oak, dark cherry yogurt hints, vanilla, coconut hints, and earthy notes finishing all fast and dry. No alcohol in the taste, murky amber brown full body with no head retention, soft, smooth and slightly creamy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Awesome sauce this year. I don’t know if I liked this one more or the last time I tried this one more. There is so much more chocolate coconut in this one along with vanilla and cherry sour stout goodness that I think it actually is beating the Madrugada Obscura. The Bruery definitely out did themselves this time and I would highly recommend this one if you love sours!

Anime Corner:
Saber Alter/Dark Saber from Fate/Stay Night/Hollow Ataraxia was used in this pairing since I used Jean from Claymore. Basically both represent the “Dark Knight” In the Tart of Darkness. The return of this brew show cases Saber as she tries to battle her inner darkness but realizes that without embracing both the light and evil, she is nothing. You can also say Saber is Vanilla and Dark Saber is the Cherries. The aspect of the warrior of darkness and the fact that I have used Saber in many Dark chocolate and cherry flavored beers just pushes my conviction that much further. The Dark Arts have to do with blasphemy against the church but the strange part, as holy as some organizations are, some hold deep dark secrets that the public never knows about. Tart of Darkness with Cherries and Vanilla brings that aspect of sour evil but yet sweet and forgiving aspects that are pretty damn Holy if you ask me. Think of it as the sweetness delivering the darkness of the beer from evil Either way, great beer and great pairing I think.

Sources:
http://tsundora.com/image/2014/10/fate_stay_night_673.jpg
http://pm1.narvii.com/5832/37ca0cfb16b4e985b40f227f7ae4a7b2aafa50da_hq.jpg

La Muerta EC12, Vanilla EC12 & Coconut EC12 by Freetail brewing (Triple Review Special)

June 3, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Black Rock★Shooter, Bourbon Barrel Aged, coconut, Dead Master, Dia de los Muertos, EC12, Elyjah Craig 12 Year Old Bourbon, Freetail Brewing, Imperial Stout, La Muerta, vanilla | Leave a comment

==Introduction==
A very special gift from my friend Aaron Mendiola, owner of BeerMetalDude.com, this is the 3 Elijah Craig 12 variants of Free Tail’s La Muerta! Which to me is like the Dark Lord of Texas in a way that Black Tuesday is the Dark Lord of California, or so I would think. Anyways, the variants are all aged in Elijah Craig 12-year-old bourbon and 2 of them are made with coconut and vanilla. The reason I wanted to do a triple review is to see how each one varies in the flavors not just to the EC12 by its self but even to the original La Muerta. Let’s take a look, Cheers!

Label (All 3):
A growing South Texas tradition, La Muerta is brewed each year for Día de los Muertos in honor of our departed friends and family. A big, lush Imperial Stout, La Muerta is full of roast, smoke and chocolate flavors from an array of specialty malts that go into this garnetblack ale. Perfect for sharing with your closest compadres, La Muerta will age wonderfully for years to come – we recommend enjoying one now and save some for the future, if you can. ¡Salud!

EC12
==============

La Muerta EC12 by Freetail brewing is a 10.01% ABV Imperial Stout blend with 33% Ale and 67% Aged in Elijah Craig 12 Bourbon Barrels.

Aromas:
Rocky road ice cream, vanilla, dark fruit raisins, currants, prunes, pecan pie, cinnamon, anise, fruit cake, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, Mexican chocolate abuelita, German chocolate, campfire smoke, cherry cordials, coconut notes, rye bread, coffee notes and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Dark Chocolate, Milk chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, Mexican chocolate abuelita, German Chocolate, rocky road ice cream, molasses, tobacco, anise, bourbon, oak, vanilla, marshmallows, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, coconut notes, rye bread, coffee note, cinnamon, capirotada raisin bread pudding, dark fruit raisins, currants, prunes, pecan pie, piloncillo sugar cone, brown sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, rock candy, candi sugar, ginger bread, fruit cake, chocolate flan, earthy notes, pretzel notes, bananas, clovey notes, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, campfire smoke, cherry cordials, port wine and dark chocolate cherry cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with earthy notes, rocky road ice cream, caramel, dark fruit, toffee, smokey notes,cinnamon and choco fruit cake finish. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth, syrupy and velvety mouth feel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

EC12 W/ Vanilla
==============

La Muerta EC12 by Freetail brewing is a 10.01% ABV Imperial Stout blend with 33% Ale and 67% Aged in Elijah Craig 12 Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla.

Aromas:
The vanilla comes through more on this one but still similar aromas to the original with some other notes like banana and more chocolate.

Flavors:
Similar to the original but the Vanilla accentuates flavors into something additional. More flan, more crème brulee, Jericalla Jaliscan custard, burnt sugar, more dulce de leche, more chocolate, almond milk, chocolate mousse and more rocky road ice cream.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich vanilla notes, flan, crème brulee, earthy notes, rocky road ice cream, Jericalla, more caramel, dark fruit, toffee, smokey notes,cinnamon and choco fruit cake finish. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth, syrupy and velvety mouth feel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

EC12 W/Coconut
===================
La Muerta EC12 by Freetail brewing is a 10.01% ABV Imperial Stout blend with 33% Ale and 67% Aged in Elijah Craig Bourbon 12 Barrels with Coconut.

Aromas:
Even richer coconut, flavor, macaroons, almond joy chocolate, rye, more flan notes, bit more dark fruits, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie and Cocada Mexican coconut candy along with the aromas of the original EC12.

Flavors:
Similar to the original but coconut seems to amplify the flavors way higher. Super Almond joy coconut chocolate note, rye bread, oakier, flan, chocolate coconut pie, hazelnut nectar, Irish cream, Danish cream, richer sweetened condensed milk, raspberry chambord hints, cocada Mexican coconut candy and macaroons.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with super rich with coconut, vanilla, flan, almond joy chocolate, bourbon, flan, crème brulee, fruit cake, rocky road ice cream, caramel, dark fruit, toffee, and smokey notes. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black dark full body, creamy, smooth, syrupy and velvety mouth feel and an easy to moderate drinkability.

==================
Overall:
While all the beers are supremely exceptional showcasing more complex flavors than the others, it was hard to choose which one I loved the most. Well, more than the original EC12 as that one was the base which was way better than the Original La Muerta ofcourse. However, the EC12 I really loved the most was the coconut one. While vanilla is my thing, the coconut one just blew everything out of the water for me and definitely the best coconut beer I’ve ever had so far. These variants should be highly sought out and I can never thank my friend Aaron Mendiola enough for these as he really went out of his way to get me something very special. Please support his site www.BeerMetalDude.com to see some more awesome beer reviews.

Anime Corner:
Original characters and Dead Master from Black★Rock Shooter were used to pair with each of the labels. I tried to get as close as possible to the labels using the different colored skeletons but also representing either the reaper, death, dead lady and grimm overall.

Sources:
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/toregazou/imgs/0/8/081b6e19.jpg
http://img.diyidan.net/post/2015/10/25/WfsRJg74djmEkEW8.jpg!webmedium
http://i.imgur.com/UXQV0l4.jpg
https://41.media.tumblr.com/560d2231a3934e6bcc4809a377578b4f/tumblr_o0hkk7hI331rd89lxo1_1280.png
http://i.imgur.com/K7JZPgP.png
https://k61.kn3.net/taringa/2/3/8/8/5/2/70/agente867/1CE.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/fA8bJVj.jpg
Rating: 6/6 EC12
Rating: 6.25/7 EC12 Vanilla
Rating: 6.35/7 EC12 Coconut

La Porter Del Templo Vanilla Porter by Cervecería Rámuri

April 2, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged American Porter, Cervecería Rámuri, La Porter Del Templo Vanilla Porter, Luka Megurine, Mexican Porter, vanilla, Vanilla Porter, vocaloid | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

La Porter Del Templo Vanilla Porter by Cervecería Rámuri is a 5% ABV Mexican Porter brewed with Vanilla.

==Introduction==

On my visit to Tijuana, B.C. in Mexico, I visited Plaza Fiesta located in La Plaza de los Zapatos with my friend Oscar. While we were on a Taco run, he had mentioned about this sanctuary for the craft breweries and pulquerias. When we visited the place, I was amazed as to how much the craftbeer scene in Mexico was alive and well. The location had many on site microbreweries and tasting rooms that we got to try many things. One of the breweries that stood out for us, aside from the many great ones like Insurgente, Legacy, Border Psycho and Donkey Punch, was Ramuri. Ramuri has a vast offering including one beer called the Lágrimas Negras Peanut Butter Stout. That stout was so mind blowing with chocolate peanut butter that we felt it was above even the likes of Belching beaver. Having had a couple of pints of it, I tried to see if we could get a growler to go. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Fortunately, for us the barkeep, David had given us some secret pours like the sour Berliner and the Barleywine. Since I did not want to leave home empty handed, I bought a couple of 6 packs of this beer. This one was one that was not on the taps and it was one I wanted to review for them. So I present to you, an exclusive Mexico craft brew, La Porter Del Templo Vanilla Porter. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich piloncillo sugar cone, nutmeg, vanilla, hazelnut nectar, toffee, pumpkin notes, chocolate abuelita, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, maple notes, dark fruit prunes, cherries, tobacco notes, brown sugar and anise.

Flavors:
Rich Piloncillo sugar cone, Burnt sugar, toffee, pecan pie, Mexican caramel cajeta, Mexican vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin notes, chocolate abuelita, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, tobacco, leather, molasse, anise hints, dark fruit prunes, plums, raisins, currants, cherries, capirotada raisin bread pudding, candi sugar, hazelnut nectar, maple syrup and coffee cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with earthy notes of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Mexican vanilla, rich piloncillo, burnt sugar and dark fruit. No alcohol in the taste, dark full body, smooth, creamy, and chewy mouthfeel with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A perfect vanilla porter. This brew was definitely different from any Vanilla porter I have ever tried. My assumption is that they probably did use some ingredients native to Mexico like the Piloncillo Sugar cone which was definitely prominent in this one. Also, Mexican vanilla is different from other vanilla as well. So the rich and complex flavors coming from this beer, even if 5% ABV, was definitely something that was definitely worth the purchase. That and the fact that I enjoyed their other offerings definitely made it more awesome. If you ever find this one or go to Tijuana for the craftbeer scene, definitely check this place out and their beers.

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid Megurine Luka was used this pairing as I wanted to pair with some of the colors of the label and the beer flavors. Also, in the name, it mentions La Porter del Templo or the Porter of the Temple which I would believe is in reference to Belgian or Abbey beer tributes. Hence, the reasons why I have Luka with a cloak like the monks. All in all, it fit the scene of the pairing well I think.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/bzIWh.jpg

2015 Quingenti Millitre Series Batch No. 07 Xocoveza Mocha Stout Charred Collaboration by Chris Banker, Stone Brewing and Cerveceria Insurgente de Mexico

February 27, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Backstreet Billiards, bittersweet chocolate flavors, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Cerveceria Insurgente, Cervezeria Insurgente, Charred, chocolate abuelita, Chris Banker, Cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, Collaboration Beer, Dulce de leche, May, mexican beer, Milk Stout, Mocha Stout, nutmeg, Quingenti Millilitre, Quingenti Millilitre Series, Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Stone Brewing, Sweet Stout, vanilla, Viva Mexico, World class, world class beers, Xocoveza, Xocoveza Mocha Stout Charred | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

2015 Quingenti Millitre Series Batch No. 07 Xocoveza Mocha Stout Charred Collaboration by Chris Banker, Stone Brewing and Cerveceria Insurgente de Mexico is an 10% ABV World Class Milk/Sweet Stout brewed with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg then aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
Pronuced (SHO-CO-VAY-ZA)

Brewed August 17
The base beer is the recipe of 2014 Stone Homebrew Competition winner Chris Banker, an intensely flavorful milk stout brewed with coffee and spices to mimic the rich flavors of Mexican hot chocolate.

In The Mash
U.S. Pale, Maris Otter Pale, Crystal, Black Patent, Coffee Malt & Chocolate Malt

In The Boil
Challenger & East Kent Golding Hops.

Special Ingredients
Lactose, Flaked Oats, Coffee, Vanilla, Pasilla Peppers, Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Cocoa

Unfiltered and Aged 3 months in American Oak Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.

CELLAR NOTES: Time spent in bourbon barrels gave an already complex beer even more complexity and flavor intensity, layering additional caramel-like and vanilla flavors on top of those already present. Aromas of rich coffee and dark chocolate are followed by nutmeg and cinnamon; a lush, heavy mouthfeel laden with charred oak and toffee engulfs the palate on the first sip. Lingering pasilla pepper and soft oak flavors persist through an exceptionally long finish in this intensely rich and satisfying beer.
==Introduction==

I received this one as a gift by my new friend Joseph Taitano whom I was introduced by my friend Augie Escobedo, both of BeerBumz on Facebook. I had tried the Tequila variant but missed out on getting the Charred one. However, thanks to the wonderful donation, now I can share my thoughts on the beer. The reason I got it was as a special thanks as I had shared my homebrew on a beer tasting session. Every one of which who enjoyed my beers a whole lot. I even got a name, calling me “The Prodigy” of homebrewing. It is true, I have only been brewing beer for a year but the fact that I have been inspired by awesome beers that already exist make me take matters into my on hands and come up with recipes that mimic some of the best beers in the world. While I know I hope to one day make my own brewery, I still need years of experience as well to make it big. So to Augie, Joseph, My friend Will Carranza who introduced me to Augie and to all the BeerBumz as well as my fellow homebrewer Richard Avila, to my friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com from Texas and people reading my blogs, Cheers to all and a sincerest Thank You!!! Someday, I hope you get to try my brews.

Aromas:
Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Dulce De leche cajeta/caramel, Kahlua Liqueur, Ancho chile, pasilla chile, Molé, cinnamon, nutmeg, smokey oak, bourbon, pan dulce, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, marshmallow smores, butterscotch, rocky road ice cream, mocha, roasted coffee notes, cafe con leche, Mexican vanilla, coconut hints, cocada mexican coconut candy hints, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, Milk sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, Champurrado, earthy notes, molasses, clove spice, grilled platanitos/bananas and Churros.

Flavors:
Charred smokey oak, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel/ cajeta, toffee, rye, Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Molé, cinnamon, nutmeg, tres leches cake, Champurrado, earthy notes, molasses, clove spice, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, cookies and cream, dark fruit raisins, dark cherry, grilled platanitos/bananas, Churros, marshmallows, campfire smores, graham crackers, honey comb, Kahlua Liqueur, Ancho chile, pasilla chile spices but no heat, Milk sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, pan dulce, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, butterscotch, cocada mexican coconut candy hints, mocha, roasted coffee notes, Jericalla Mexican custard, espresso, cafe con leche and Mexican vanilla.

Aftertaste:
Lots of smokey oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, bourbon notes, marshmallow, dark chocolate, campfire smores, piloncillo, chocolate abuelita, pumpkin notes,spicy chile notes, earthy notes, dulce de leche and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, ridiculously smooth drinkability, very creamy, velvety and smooth mouthfeel, and pitch black body just like the original.

Overall:
Supremely above and beyond. I had no idea the Xocoveza could take it to another level of enjoyment. Granted, I enjoyed the Tequila version but this is also just as good in its own league. The bourbon and charred oak brings about more smokey caramel and marshmallow flavors forward that you would find in the regular Xocoveza or even the Tequila and Wine one. Complexity on its own terms essentially. With that being said, I would highly recommend this one as well. Heck, I would recommend all 3 brews, they were one of the biggest hits for Stone Brewing.

Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach, art by trzaraki of Deviantart.com and May from Backstreet Billiards for the PS1 were chosen in this pairing for different reasons. The original Xocoveza I used May as she represents the Mexican culture of where the recipe was inspired from especially the Mexican brewers that helped Stone with the creation. Since the upgrade using the bourbon barrel aging, I wanted to pair with one of my favorite anime characters, Yoruichi, since I wanted to show case how this was a more powerful beer than the original. I found a pic where she is what looks to be indigenous attire but also the colors of both pictures represent the colors and flavors of the beer. Her becoming a Goddess of Thunder with the purple hair represents the increase in the complexity and strength of the brew bringing the beer to a new league of its own.

Sources:
http://trzaraki.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-Shihouin-12-01-583945424
http://s27.postimg.org/ht9xex4cj/bsb_copy.jpg
http://i99.beon.ru/s013.radikal.ru/i325/1410/46/59c868e49075.jpg

Moses and the Misfits (a.k.a Whammy Bar) by Clown Shoes brewing

January 31, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged Asuka, Asuka Langley Shikinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Asuka Shikinami Soryu, cacao nibs, clown shoes, Clown Shoes Brewing, cream ale, Evangelion, Moses and the Misfits, Neon Genesis Evangelion, vanilla, vanilla beans, Whammy Bar | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.95/5

Moses and the Misfits (a.k.a Whammy Bar) by Clown Shoes brewing is a 9.1% ABV Imperial Cream Ale brewed with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla beans.

Label:
Soulful tunes and great beer touch the best part of us here at Clown Shoes. Moses and the Misfits is an Imperial Cream Ale with cacao nibs and vanilla beans added for a unique contrast in flavor, and it was brewed in celebration of our 6th anniversary. We encourage those who drink this beer to tune into the music they love most and join the misfits of the Clown Shoes brigade.

==Introduction==

It is once again, the anniversary of an awesome brewing company. Clown Shoes celebrated their 6th anniversary in December and to kick off stuff, they released a cream ale with chocolate and vanilla. Last year they had the Quadruple ale which was an awesome feat. While this is not a barrel aged beer, I am sure it is not too far from awesome. Or at least I would like to assume given the fact that I have yet to have a bad beer from Clown Shoes. So with the addition of chocolate and vanilla, I am hoping for a much richer cream ale than its base may hint to be. Let’s see what this is about.

Aromas:
Tropical fruits like pineapple notes, passion fruit, dragon fruit, citrus, floral, and grapefruit hops, Irish cream, graham crackers, cherry hints, white raisin hints, white chocolate, caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, banana cream, marshmallows, crème brulee and waffle cone.

Flavors:
Vanilla, Chocolate notes, white chocolate hints, tropical fruit like passion fruit, dragon fruit, kiwi, pineapple, citrus, floral, and grapefruit hops, waffle cone, marshmallows, pilsner grain, white grapes, crème brulee, dulce de leche caramel, Irish cream, graham crackers, cherry hints, white raisin hints, rye bread, biscuit bread, peanut butter hints, pecans and banana cream pie.

Aftertaste:
Finishes mildy dry with graham crackers, vanilla, white chocolate hints, caramel and grassy hops.
No alcohol in the aftertaste, Golden medium to full body, creamy, crisp, refreshing and smooth mothfeel.

Overall:
A very delicious cream ale ranging from different sweet flavors. While not the biggest complex thing I the world, the flavors it did have were varying and delicious. One of the best cream ales I have had in a while. It is out there for a limited amount of time so I think if you love cream ales, this is a hefty and delicious one.

Anime Corner:
Asuka Langley Shikinami Soryu from Neon Genesis Evangelion was used in this pairing to represent all the characters wailing on the guitars. Her colors represent the colors of the beer, nice gold but also the red and brown from the cacao nibs and vanilla all the way to the theme of Moses in which it pairs with the Evangelion series being about Angels and Heaven and Demons. All in all awesome.

Sources:
http://konachan.com/sample/27862827785381547defb325adca7ae8/Konachan.com%20-%20103991%20sample.jpg

Barrel Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout by Saugatuck brewing

January 21, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged aged in Bourbon Barrels, Barrel Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Chocolate, Double Barrel, Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels, Milk Stout, Neapolitan, Rwby, Saugatuck brewing, Strawberries, Sweet Stout, vanilla, Woodford Reserve | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Barrel Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout by Saugatuck brewing is a 6.5% ABV Sweet/Milk Stout brewed with chocolate, vanilla and strawberries double barrel aged in Woodford Reserve and Heaven Hill bourbon barrels.

Commercial desription:
Barrel Aged Neapolitan Milk Stout, a full-bodied milk stout with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry added during brewing……the beer you know and love now aged in a mixture of Woodford Reserve and Heaven Hill Barrels for 9 months.

==Introduction==

A while back my friend Aaron had mentioned something about a Neapolitan ice cream beer that I wanted to try out. I was unable to find it until I checked www.mybeercollectibles.com and saw this one for a very small price. I figured I go for it as I don’t think I would have found it anyways. The idea of a Neapolitan ice cream and beer was mind blowing. It is an idea that makes me want to actually make a recipe like this. Anyway, let’s see what this brew has to offer. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Milk shake, Neapolitan ice cream, cotton candy, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shake, marshmallows, hazelnut nectar, almond joy, pecans, cookie dough, Danish cream, Glazed and cream filled doughnuts, crème brulee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, graham crackers, Irish cream coffee, spiced coffee, bananas, clove spice, cinnamon, pecan pie, Double Chocolate fudge cherry cake, flan, three milks/3 leches cake, brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk.

Flavors:
Rich Neapolitan ice cream, crème brulee, cotton candy, raspberries, cherries, coffee cake, steamed milk sweetened condensed milk, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shake, marshmallows, hazelnut nectar, almond joy, pecans, cookie dough, Danish cream, Glazed and cream filled doughnuts, oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, graham crackers, Irish cream coffee, spiced coffee, bananas, clove spice, cinnamon, ginger hints, molasses, anise, Double Chocolate fudge cherry cake, flan, three milks/3 leches cake, dark fruit raisins, currants, and more.

Aftertaste:
Leaves with rich chocolate, milk shake, vanilla, strawberries, dark fruit, mild spicy notes, oak and bourbon hints. No alcohol in the taste. Dark full body, smooth, velvety and creamy mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Like an unbelievable frothy Neapolitan ice cream. Whatever they did to get this beer to be like Neapolitan, they did it. It is literally a liquid ice cream. There’s so much flavor goodness, so much its crazy. This is definitely a must try and worth the money. I think though they should have made this one a 22oz bottle though. Now with that being said, I have to figure out how to make this brew a reality and brew my own recipe. Highly recommended.

Anime Corner:
Neapolitan from RWBY was the obvious choice in this pairing. She is technically one of the Antagonists of the series. Her sweet stare is only that, sweet. She along with Cinder are evil. She is kind of the psychotic one. I am not sure what she has to do with the beer in terms of her personality but for characteristics, she is all over this beer, colors, flavors, label and all.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/QfsJfFY.jpg
https://41.media.tumblr.com/8d951887d7d5d68095365932a6497d3f/tumblr_nef85kXQhb1ti0udjo1_500.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/d36f1644c0d226c607a936d2f4025b92/tumblr_nf7dwbfXvk1s5wms6o1_1280.jpg

2015 White Chocolate by The Bruery

December 23, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged 2015 White chocolate, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Chocolate Rain, dulce de caramel, milk Chocolate, Naruto, orange, TCHO Cacao nibs, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, The Sun, tropical flavor, vanilla, vanilla beans, wheat wine, White Chocolate, White Oak | 1 Comment

Rating: 6/6

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

Label:
OAKALATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anime Corner:
Temari Sabaku from Naruto is no mystery to this beer. She has appeared in all the instances I try this beer and may do so even if someday I decide to review the beer again. Temari is simply and awesome ninja as I stated in previous reviews. She represents the color of the beer blonde to gold as in the color of her hair. She represents a partial tropical aspect in terms of the White oak that is added which I refer to “Raw as The Sun” but subdued by the overall sweet chocolate and vanilla which are pretty intimate to me. Temari’s strength is also in the ABV and just like a ninja, will flow easy if you try to consume her in one sitting. White Chocolate Temari, I Love You Chiquita!!! :3

Sources:
http://www.hdwallpapersdesktop.com/Anime/Naruto/images/Naruto%20Wallpaper%20257.jpg
http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2015/01/12/584231/fd464741294dd813f56956bd2fecde55.jpg
http://img09.deviantart.net/6829/i/2013/234/f/b/temari_happy_birthday__by_rikamello-d6jbbmw.jpg

Imperial Cabinet collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Jester King

December 5, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged American Wild Ale, collaboration, Imperial Cabinet, jester king, Kaguya Otsutsuki, Naruto, Oak aged, Spices, The Bruery, The Bruery Terreux, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Imperial Cabinet collaboration by The Bruery Terreux and Jester King is an 8.3% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with spices and aged in oak barrels

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Many things can happen when collaborating breweries come together. Like us and Jester King. We both share a deep affinity for sour and wild beers. But rather than rest on our laurels, we challenged ourselves to brew a beer reminiscent of a nearly forgotten, early 20th century cocktail, the Ramos gin fizz, employing our wildly traditional methods to do so. We began with some of the cocktail’s signature ingredients – lemon, lime and orange citrus fruits, botanicals and sweeteners (sorry, no egg whites) – and then let our collaborative brewing process run wild. The result is laden with herbal and floral notes, bright lemon and lime zest, orange blossom honey, vanilla, warm oak and comforting spices. The Ramos gin fizz is a hard cocktail to find, and when you do, it takes 10 minutes to make. Our collaboration with Jester King will be similarly elusive; however, it took nearly a year in the making.

==Introduction==

Released for the Bruery’s Reserve and Hoarders Societies, this beer would bring one of Texas best breweries, Jester King, to birth a beer that would probably just as coveted as wen Three Floyds toured last year. My friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com has sent me some very awesome stuff from Jester King and even had his wedding reception at the brewery. It is no joke that Jester King is one of the best when it comes to complex saisons and wild ales just like Jolly Pumpkin up in Michigan. So for this beer, I really want to see how The Bruery and Jester King minds bring forth something awesome. Let’s do this!

Aromas:
Funky notes, farmhouse hay hints, vinegar sour, black tea, lemonade hints, floral notes, hibiscus, roses, poppy, lavender, rich vanilla, oak, stone fruit apricots, mango, lemonade hints, biscuit bread, anise, coriander, gin hints, herbs, mint tea, yerba buena, salt, tejuino maize, peppercorns, Juniper berries, caramel, citrus, lemons, lime, Danish cream, candy sugar hints and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Lots of floral notes, hibiscus, roses, poppy, lavender, rich vanilla, oak, caramel, citrus, lemons, lime, salt, tejuino maize, peppercorns, Juniper berries, tart stone fruit apricots, honey, waffle cone, farmhouse hay hints, vinegar sour, black tea, lemonade hints, biscuit bread, anise, coriander, gin hints, herbs, mint tea, yerba buena, Danish cream, candy sugar hints, brown sugar hints and old mango.

Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with oak, vanilla, stone fruit, tart lemons and flowers. No alcohol in the taste, clear honey colored body, crisp, effervescent and refreshing mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A Perfect sour. While the overall beer is a sour, some hints of fruity and floral notes do come through but just a touch to cleanse out the sourness. It was a damn fine collaboration and I feel that many people that love sours will find it’s strong herbal, vanilla and oak flavors to really pop with this one. I think some time would do wonders, cheers!

Anime Corner:
Kaguya Otsutsuki from Naruto was used in this pairing to represent what is inside the Imperial Cabinet. Reminiscent of Pandora’s Box, Kaguya was sealed long ago in the series and when the world was set into the infinite illusion of sleep by Madara Uchiha, he did not realize that he opened that very box (basically unsealed her) and thus Kaguya was back. The beer’s name and the complexity it represents goes along with the originator, Kaguya, who was basically the mother of all the Shinobi powers in the series. Sour and evil but the sweetness and complexity of the beer do showcase some of Kaguyas traits.

Sources:
https://hdwallpapers.cat/wallpaper_high_contrast/kaguya_ootsutsuki_fantasy_girl_hornes_art_high_contrast_hd-wallpaper-1823783.jpg
http://pre01.deviantart.net/ad47/th/pre/f/2014/175/9/e/kaguya_ootsutsuki_by_olggah-d7mr064.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/NARUTO.full.1748450.jpg

Beer Geek Dessert by Mikkeller brewing

September 2, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Beer Geek Dessert, beer geeks, breakfastbeer, chocolate dessert, cocoa, cotton candy, dessert, Dessert in a botle, league of legends, Mikkeller, Oatmeal Stout, Shon, vanilla, VI | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/6

Beer Geek Dessert by Mikkeller brewing is an 11% ABV Oatmeal Stout brewed with Cocoa and Vanilla.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
From the beer geek breakfast series – the beer that really put Mikkeller on the map – we added cocoa and vanilla to the french press coffee trick, creating a whole new dimension to the beer that are loved by freaks and geeks worldwide. It’s dark, dangerous, sweet and incredibly tasty as you would expect, but most of all; it’s ready to conquer your breakfast table routines.

==Introduction==

Mikkeller released a Beer Geek breakfast beer once again. While I have avoided them due to the fact that unless you live by the brewery in Europe, this stuff can get insane and expensive (talking 10$+ for a 12oz bottle) then avoid it altogether especially those on a budget like me. However, I could not get away from this one. The Mikkeller beer called kept calling me back to try this beer. To try it over and over again until I said fuck it! I am going to get this beer Now that I finally have it, I need to see if all the fuss in my mind was definitely worth it and please the beer gods for sure. Let us check it out, cheers!

Aromas:
Rich Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy Ice cream, Rich vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, milk shake chocolate, Coffee, mocha, rocky road ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, maple, candi sugar, roasted coffee grounds, earthy hop notes, rich doughnuts, flan, Danish cream, Irish cream, oreo cookies, sweetened condensed milk, Chocolate Cherry cordials, candi sugar, rock candy, marzipan dark fruit cherries, currants, blackberries, oatmeal cookies, lactose milk sugar, pecan pie and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Rich Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy Ice cream, Rich vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, milk shake chocolate, Coffee, mocha, roasted coffee grounds, earthy hop notes, rich doughnuts, flan, dark fruit cherries, currants, blackberries, oatmeal cookies, lactose milk sugar, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rocky road ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, maple, candi sugar, Turkish Delights (the way I imagined them in my head), Danish cream, Irish cream, oreo cookies, sweetened condensed milk, Chocolate Cherry cordials, candi sugar, rock candy, marzipan and chocolate mousse.

Aftertaste:
Roasted coffee grounds, rich marshmallow, cotton candy ice cream, doughnuts, sprinkles
No alcohol in the taste despite the high ABV, Sipping drinkability, pitch black dark full body, and finally smooth, syrupy, creamy, luscious and velvety mouth feel.

Overall:
Holy Cotton Candy Batman! This is a different type of dessert altogether. I have no idea what kind of cocoa or vanilla they are using in this beer but damn, It truly is a major major dessert pointing in the Cotton candy and chocolate direction. As hard as it was to describe what type of sweetness it was at first, this beer for being so small packs so much variety of flavor that is hard to mimic. I have not tried anything like this even if they use cocoa and vanilla there has got to be some deeper magic and sorcery among this! Don’t believe me? Get a damn bottle and try it yourself. Makes me want to try the other beer geek series aside from the cognac kopi luwak I had years ago. If I could have this for breakfast every day, well, that is wishful thinking. Now to the drawing board in trying to make something like this is going to be difficult but fun.

Anime Corner:
VI from League of Legends and original desserts character by Shon was used in this beer heavily due to the colors and the variety of sweets and dessert and flavors this beer brings to the table. You can tell a lot of the items pair and while I may not know much about either of these characters, I felt visually it was a damn perfect fit.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/98/77/57/987757f3f62a3461d9f4ee0b7a2edd8e.jpg
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/418139-1406×1938-original-shon-single-tall+image-blush-blue+eyes.jpg

2015 Quingenti Millimitre Series Batch No. 2 Xocoveza Mocha Stout Extra Añejo Collaboration by Chris Banker, Stone Brewing and Cerveceria Insurgente de Mexico

August 22, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Añejo Tequila, Adelita, Backstreet Billiards, bittersweet chocolate flavors, Cerveceria Insurgente, Cervezeria Insurgente, chocolate abuelita, Chris Banker, Cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, Collaboration Beer, Dulce de leche, May, mexican beer, Mexican Revolution, Milk Stout, Mocha Stout, nutmeg, Red Wine, Red Wine Barrels, Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Stone Brewing, Sweet Stout, Tequila, Tequila Barrel Aged, vanilla, Viva Mexico, wine barrel, World class, world class beers, Xocoveza, Xocoveza Mocha Stout Extra Añejo | Leave a comment

Rating: 7/7

2015 Quingenti Millimitre Series Batch No. 2 Xocoveza Mocha Stout Extra Añejo Collaboration by Chris Banker, Stone Brewing and Cerveceria Insurgente de Mexico is an 11.3% ABV World Class Milk/Sweet Stout brewed with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg then aged in Red Wine & Tequila Barrels.

Label:
Pronuced (SHO-CO-VAY-ZA)

Brewed July 19 & November 11, 2014
The base beer is the recipe of 2014 Stone Homebrew Competition winner Chris Banker, an intensely flavorful milk stout brewed with coffee and spices to mimic the rich flavors of Mexican hot chocolate.

In The Mash
U.S. Pale, Maris Otter Pale, Crystal, Black Patent, Coffee Malt & Chocolate Malt

In The Boil
Challenger & East Kent Golding Hops.

Special Ingredients
Lactose, Flaked Oats, Coffee, Vanilla, Pasilla Peppers, Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Cocoa

AGED in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels that previously held Bordeaux Wine

CELLAR NOTES: We were so smitten with the initial batch aged in extra añejo tequila barrels that we brought in more barrels and brewed more beer specifically to fill them. The barrels smelled amazing, with aromas of vanilla crème brulée, dulce de leche and tequila. The result is both satisfyingly expected and surprising at the same time: Sweet caramel-like flavors, black pepper, vanilla and tequila notes meld seamlessly with the spice, roasted coffee and chocolate flavors of the base beer for a richly intense experience.
==Introduction==

Standing in line for 3 hours sucks and getting a chance to get only 1 bottle since the beer sold out within the hour sucks even more. I will tell you this thought, even if I did not know it was going to sell out so damn quickly, I am fortunate to be able to bring this beer to the website as the beer was way more coveted than it should have been. That and the fact that if you wanna get more of this, you will need to trade or look for it online. It is sad that they only made so few of this and the fact that the Bourbon Barrel version sold out quicker than the Tequila version (Although I personally wanted this one way more than the other one) so now I will have to look for the bourbon/charred version. Either way, let’s take a look and see if this beer is really all that is cracked up to be. I can only say the original blew mountains away so I’m kinda scared but excited to see what this one does. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich oak, Port wine, Agave syrup, Tequila notes, lechugilla agave juice hints, pan dulce, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, marshmallow smores, butterscotch, magey plant, mocha, roasted coffee notes, cafe con leche, Mexican vanilla, Wined Goat milk Caramel/Dulce De Leche de cabra Envinado, coconut hints, cocada mexican coconut candy hints, wine grapes, sangria vampiro, honey comb, Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Dulce De leche cajeta/caramel, Kahlua Liqueur, Ancho chile, pasilla chile, Molé, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, dark cherry, Milk sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, Champurrado, earthy notes, molasses, clove spice, grilled platanitos/bananas and Churros

Flavors:
Tequila, oak, Wine grapes, port wine, sangria vampiro, honey comb, Rich Chocolate Abuelita, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Dulce De leche cajeta/caramel, Kahlua Liqueur, Ancho chile, pasilla chile spices but no heat, Molé, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark fruit raisins, dark cherry, Milk sugar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, Champurrado, earthy notes, molasses, clove spice, grilled platanitos/bananas, Churros, agave necar, lechugilla agave juice hints, pan dulce, piloncillo sugar cone, capirotada raisin bread pudding, marshmallow smores, butterscotch, magey plant, mocha, roasted coffee notes, cafe con leche, Mexican vanilla, Wined Goat milk Caramel/Dulce De Leche de cabra Envinado, coconut hints and cocada mexican coconut candy hints.

Aftertaste:
Cinnamon, pumpkin notes, nutmeg, dark chocolate, chocolate abuelita, mezcal, tequila, oak, port wine hints, spicy chile notes, agave notes and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste despite the richer ABV, ridiculously smooth drinkability, very creamy, velvety and smooth mouthfeel, and pitch black body just like the original.

Overall:
It’s hard to get more Mexican than this beer unless you pair it with some actual Mexican cuisine. Holy shit, one of the Best Tequila beers I have ever had considering the original was one of the best chocolate abuelita beers. It is so damn complex that I really wonder if the charred one is even necessary. Bourbon really isn’t a “Mexican” Spirit, but maybe good though. I still think this one would win over the bourbon one. Either way, I am thankful I was able to at least snag a bottle while it was painful for me to see the line behind miss out so much would have given them the bottle. However, I feel the fact that I present my findings here on the site maybe more beneficial as it could make you wanna find it online/ trade for yourself. Well, I damn sure recommend it as a bucket list beer for sure y que Viva Mexico y Las Cervezas Artesanales de mi patria…. AHUEVO!!

Anime Corner:
An original Adelita character by Genzoman and May from Backstreet Billiards for the PS1 were chosen in this beer to really bring out what made Xocoveza so damn special. Specifically, with the addition of Tequila along with the Mexican Hot chocolate flavors and Insurgente which were one of the 3 collaborators of this beer, I really wanted to show case an actual Mexican pairing with pride. Adelitas being women soldiers during Mexican revolution of 1910, along with the barrels behind her are like the Tequila barrels that were infused with the already awesome Xocoveza which I had brought May for that to show case the indigenous roots of the recipe as well. Solo lo mejor!

Sources:
http://genzoman.deviantart.com/art/Adelita-162831459
http://s27.postimg.org/ht9xex4cj/bsb_copy.jpg

The Temptress by Lakewood Brewing

February 8, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Alucard, Hellsing, Imperial Milk Stout, Lactose, Lakewood Brewing, milk Chocolate, Milk Stout, Milk Stouts, Seras Victoria, sinful pleasure, The Temptress, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.5/5

The Temptress by Lakewood Brewing is a 9.1% ABV Imperial Milk Stout brewed with lactose sugar and vanilla.

Label:
Va-va-voom! Our Temptress is seduction in a glass. Curvy in all the right places, this Imperial Milk Stout pours with a thick, milk chocolate head. Chocolate and caramel malt give it a rich and complex body while the lower carbonation gives the beer a silky mouth feel. She’s voluptuous, with a soft alcohol warmth that grows deeper with every sip. Take your time with her and she’ll reward you.

==Introduction==

Up next is the Temptress which was given to me by my great friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com. Milk Stouts can be some of the best beers ever when done right. I have had many Milk stouts and many like Smoglifter are really guilty pleasures as they are a dessert in a bottle. For being 9% ABV, this could get messy but delicious, so come join me as we take a look at the Temptress. Cheers!

Aromas:
Rich dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, chocolate milk shake, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, milk sugar, whipped cream, crème brulee, marshmallows, smores chocolate, oreo cookies, Danish cream, flan, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, rocky road ice cream and oatmeal cookies.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German chocolate, bakers chocolate, chocolate milk shake, milk sugar, vanilla, caramel, crème brulee, marshmallow, roasted coffee notes, mocha, dark fruit raisins, cherry, currants, Irish cream, Danish cream cookies, oreo cookies, cookies and cream, oatmeal, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, flan, sweetened condensed milk, molasses, rocky road ice cream hints, chocolate and cherry cake.

Aftertaste:
Finishing sweet with mocha, vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, milk sugar and earthy roasted notes. No alcohol in the taste, creamy, silky and smooth mouthfeel, easy to drink despite the ABV and pitch black body.

Overall:
One of the perfect examples of a milk stout that is so damn good, it truly is a guilty pleasure!! The balance, complex flavors and drinkability is ridiculous. Texas has really brought out some of the best craft beers the industry has to offer and having a great friend like Aaron to hook me up with something like this is amazing. I hope to some day see some of these beers in California. I highly recommend this one and would get several if I had the chance.

Anime Corner:
Seras Victoria and Alucard from Hellsing were chosen for this pairing since I wanted to pair the name of the beer, the temptress and the fact that this beer is a guilty and sinful pleasure. So it works with the whole seduction by Seras onto Alucard. This beer is also evil as it is smooth and easy to drink despite the ABV. Finishing several of these 12 ouncers will do you in and mess you up like a succubus/incubus. It is like saying Leading into Temptation and Delivering into Evil.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/770330

Horchata Imperial Stout by Belching Beaver

November 17, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Belching Beaver, Betterman, Caramel, Chocolate, Cinnamon, coffee, Horchata, Horchata Imperial Milk Stout, Horchata Imperial Stout, Imperial Milk Stout, Milk Stout, Milk Sugar, Sai Hinoki, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Horchata Imperial Stout by Belching Beaver is a 9% ABV Imperial Milk Stout brewed with Horchata flavors.

Label:
Hecho En Vista , CA.

Made for our 2nd anniversary beer. Our Horchata Imperial Milk Stout is a salute to our over the border brothers who are making some fine craft beer. One of our brewers “Ivan the Terrible” lives in TJ and commutes to start his shift here at 2:00AM. He is also in charge of making our casks. When he made this Horchata with our own Milk Stout, we thought it was fantastic. Troy brewed it as an Imperial Stout and we just love it. Thought you might too. Notes of Coffee, Chocolate and Cinnamon.

-Tom
___

Belching Beaver has been making some crazy and delicious beers starting with the Peanut Butter Milk Stout. That beer is possibly one of the best Peanut butter beers ever. This time, they released an Horchata one and and to be honest, this just sounds way too good to be true. Even far fewer are there any Horchata beers out there and all the ones I have tried are very delicious. So let us see how this version does. Salud!

Aromas:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, mocha, churros, milk sugar, rice pudding, dark fruit raisins, cherries, brown sugar, molasses, dulce de lecher caramel, toffee, ginger bread cookies, flan, pecan pie, almond milk, earthy notes, Kahlua, hazelnut, molasses, mint, anise and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate abuelita, Rich Horchata notes, chocolate churros, Dark fruit raisins, cherries, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, mocha, chocolate mousse, chocolate truffles, roasted coffee, flan, sweetened condensed milk lechera, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, tapioca, Khalua, anise, molasses, chocolate cherries, toffee, milk sugar, ginger bread, almond milk, pecan pie, burnt sugar, hazelnut, brown sugar and rock candy.

Aftertaste:
Horchata, milk sugar, cinnamon, rice pudding, chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, mocha, roasty notes and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste, smooth and creamy mouthfeel, should be a sipper but drinks way too easy, full black body.

Overall:
Damn… just simply damn… So much Horchata and chocolate flavors here and the crazy part is that it drinks very smooth too since it is still a milk stout. The crazy thing is that it is crafted as an imperial so you really cannot tell the alcohol even though it is heavy. Definitely exceeding my expectations and being one of the best close to Horchata beers just like the other great Horchata beers I have tried before.

Anime Corner:
Sai Hinoki from Betterman was used in this pairing since hair colors pair with the colors of the label and the Mexican flag. Also, there is a version out there of Horchata that is made in Oaxaca called Horchata con Tuna y Nuez and the colors make the Horchata have a pink layer and the nuez is the walnuts. Adding fruit makes it like an Horchata cocktail. So that fits the flavors of the beer somewhat and the hair color as well. The fact that she is next to some kind of ancient ruin holding some kind of gem represents the indigenous roots of the beverage in terms of the ancient civilization, the label’s animal on the flag and the fact that this dessert is a rich treasure just like that gem she holds.

Sources:
https://sites.google.com/site/aquahds/1182929665276.jpg

2014 White Chocolate by The Bruery

September 17, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged 2014 White Chocolate, Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Chocolate Rain, dulce de caramel, milk Chocolate, Naruto, orange, TCHO Cacao nibs, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, The Sun, tropical flavor, vanilla, vanilla beans, wheat wine, White Chocolate, White Oak | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

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

Label:
OAKALATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery

September 15, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged American Wild Ale, cherries, cherry vanilla, Claymore, dark chocolate, Fate Night, Fate Stay Night, Fate Zero, Madrugada Obscura, oak barrels, Saber Alter/Dark, sour ale, Stout, Tart of Darkness, Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla, The Bruery, vanilla, vanilla beans, vanilla ice cream | Leave a comment

Rating: 5/5

Tart of Darkness Cherries & Vanilla by The Bruery is a 7.1% ABV American Wild Stout aged in Oak Barrels with Cherries and Vanilla Beans.

Label:
SAUERSTAUT

With a roasty aroma and a tart finish, this sour black ale is a contortion of style and flavor, creating an unexpected delight.

Tart of Darkness with Cherries & Vanilla is best enjoyed fresh for bold spice and fruit character, but my pleasantly if cellared properly.
___

Released to the Preservation and Reserve Societies this fall. This beer is a variant to the publicly sold Tart of Darkness. I will be honest, while the tart of darkness is a very good sour, it does not compare to my favorite sour stout Madrugada Obscura by Jolly Pumpkin. The fact that they added the cherries and vanilla to this may actually make some kind of difference. I can only hope that this is the case. Let us see how this warrior fairs. Draw your puckeringly sour sword and get ready to take action!

Aromas:
Dark Cherry yogurt, Vanilla ice cream, caramel,Lavender, cotton candy, strawberry cheesecake, lemon peel, citrus, dark chocolate hints, blueberry skins, earthy notes, Cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, molasses, anise, licorice, lemon peel, sour funky notes, citrus, port wine hints, blue berry muffin and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Blueberries, Vanilla cream, coconut, caramel, tart wine grapes, chocolate, lavender, dark cherry yogurt, strawberry cheese cake, brown sugar, blueberry muffin, lemon peel, Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper hints, dark fruits like prunes raisins, concord grape skins, port wine hints, oak, earthy notes and musty sour funky notes.

Aftertaste:
Tart wine grapes, oak, dark cherry yogurt hints, vanilla, coconut hints, and earthy notes finishing all fast and dry. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer, medium to full mouthfeel and with a murky amber brown full body.

Overall:
Way better than the original. I have no idea how the addition of the cherries and vanilla seem to suppress the overall ‘sour’ aspect of this beer making it more of a sweet tart. The original did not do as well as my favorite, Madrugada Obscura but tasting more sour than a balance of stout chocolate roastiness with sour aspects. This beer however, redeemed the original big time. While the chocolate aspect is there but hinted, the sweetness of cherry and vanilla change the aspect of the beer not just to make it fruity tart but also dessert like yet still puckeringly sour. Definitely recommended. So does it win against Madrugada Obscura? I guess it really depends on my mood. Chocolate coffee sour or Cherry Vanilla sour.

Anime Corner:
Saber Alter/Dark Saber from Fate/Stay Night/Hollow Ataraxia was used in this pairing since I used Jean from Claymore. Basically both represent the “Dark Knight” In the Tart of Darkness. You may not tell from the label, but a sword pierces through the cherry and in the original, there is a sword involved. The aspect of the warrior of darkness and the fact that I have used Saber in many Dark chocolate and cherry flavored beers just pushes my conviction that much further. The Dark Arts have to do with blasphemy against the church but the strange part, as holy as some organizations are, some hold deep dark secrets that the public never knows about. Tart of Darkness with Cherries and Vanilla brings that aspect of sour evil but yet sweet and forgiving aspects that are pretty damn Holy if you ask me. Think of it as the sweetness delivering the darkness of the beer from evil Either way, great beer and great pairing I think.

Sources:
https://omisyth.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/1217501555092.jpg
http://gallery.minitokyo.net/view/500829

Blue Moon Cinnamon Horchata Ale by Coors Brewing

August 22, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Blue Moon, Blue Moon Cinnamon Horchata Ale, Cinnamon, coors brewing, Herb beer, herbs and spices, Horchata, Megaman X, Rice, rice pudding, Spiced Beer, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 4/5

Blue Moon Cinnamon Horchata Ale by Coors Brewing is a 5.5% ABV Herbed/Spiced beer.

Label:
In the Street markets of Mexico, our founder and head brewmaster, Keith Villa, first experienced a refreshing, creamy drink known as Horchata. Our cinnamon-spiced ale is his interpretation of this delicious Latin treat.
___

An Horchata beer? Well yes it is possible. I have actually tried 2 horchata beers in the past and both have been very exceptional. While I understand Blue Moon is considered ‘crafty’ by some, I am always open to try new beers. Especially those that catch my attention. Now I have only reviewed few blue moons that have caught my interest. Because there is a lack of Horchata beers, I definitely did not want to miss out on an opportunity to try this one. Expectations aside, I can only know that this may or may not be as good as what I have tried before. Regardless of this fact, I will do my best to break it down for ya and maybe see if you would like to try it.

Aromas:
Cinnamon toast crunch cereal, apple jacks, Citrus, coriander, biscuit bread, brown sugar hints, vanilla hints, caramel hints, apple jacks cereal, rice milk notes, honey, cereal grains, pilsner malt, apple cider notes, lemon peel and wheat.

Flavors:
Citrus, lemon peel, vanilla hints, caramel hints, cinnamon toast crunch cereal notes, biscuit hint, cereal grain, rice milk horchata, rice pudding, sweetened condescended milk, apple jacks cereal, honey, apple pie hints, earthy notes, graham cracker, wheat bread, milk sugar and flan hints.

Aftertaste:
Cinnamon lingers for a very long time. Like you just ate some cinnamon toast or apple jacks cereal other than that it has a dry finish. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink crisp and refreshing.This beer has a light body with a light mouth feel. Good for the summer or even what is left of it but mainly for Fall.

Overall:
This ended up being pretty good I was quite surprised. At first, the cold may give you more of a cinnamon and grainy cereal taste but as you let it warm up, the rice, sweetened milk sugar and more cinnamon come out to play to hide the grainy taste. Despite this, it keeps stuff balanced so nothing is too overwhelming. Possibly, the best Blue Moon variant I have ever had. This beer started to grow on me the more I had it. I would recommend at least a try if you are skeptical. It may change your mind.

Anime Corner:
Cinnamon from Megaman X Command Mission was used in this pairing not only to pair with the colors of the label but also the color of the beer and the ingredients. Cinnamon is the obvious reason and just the fact that she is blonde fits with the colors and the flan and vanilla hints as well as the other flavors of the beer. She is the healer in the game so by choosing her I wanted to imply the pleasantness of this beer. Makes you feel better as you give her a chance.

Sources:
http://31.media.tumblr.com/2a42f392c6413336905ad9eaa25aa508/tumblr_mrk1lmpm1x1rl0xtno1_500.jpg
http://liline.deviantart.com/art/Cinnamon-7474209

Señorita by Elevation Beer Co

June 25, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged Cinnamon, Colorado beer, Dia de los Muertos, Elevation Beer Company, Horchata, Imperial Porter, Kaguya Otsutsuki, Mexican Tradition, mexican vanilla, Naruto, Señorita, Señorita Beer, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5

Señorita by Elevation Beer Co is an 8.2% ABV Horchata Imperial Porter brewed with Vanilla and Cinnamon.

Label:
Black Series
Southern Colorado is deeply steeped in the history of the pueblos of the American Southwest and the first European settlers from Spain who settled our beautiful state. Horchata is the classic Spanish/Mexican style drink still served at authentic local restaurants from Durango to Alamosa to Denver. Paying homage to my family’s roots in the San Luis Valley, we decided to make a beer worthy of this classic drink and our state’s Spanish roots.

Cheers!
Sheila Atencio Bustamante
Co-Founder

This beer pours a deep dark brown with a snow-white head. Aroma notes of Vanilla, Cinnamon and sweet milk hit the nose bringing up images of the delicious Mexican drink this beer is styled after. The beer hits the palate with Vanilla, sweet chocolate malts, and a hint of cinnamon; all with a medium body and a balancing hop bitterness. Enjoy this beer next to a roaring fire with your amigos in a cozy cabin after a long day of skiing the deep powder of the Rocky Mountains

Bottle#04050
Style: Horchata/Imperial Porter
Alc/Vol: 8.5
Hops: Northern Brewer, Chinook
Malts: Two-Row, Crystal, Aromatic Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Flaked Barley
Extras: Milk Sugar, Cinnamon, Madagascar Vanilla Beans
Pairings: Mexican Chocolate Cake, Mole, Barbacoa Street Tacos
___

Another special release that was donated to the website thanks to my good friend Aaron of www.beermetaldude.com of Texas. This beer pays homage to our heritage of Mexican decent. Horchata is a very delicious Rice, cinnamon and vanilla drink. I have only once had another Horchata beer which was the Bruery’s Or Xata. As I remember that beer, when I first had it on draft with actual authentic tacos, it was bliss! So now, we have a chance to show what this beer is about. Will it come close to that? Let us see.

Aromas:
Vanilla, Cinnamon, dark chocolate, chocolate abuelita, roasted coffee, churros, milk chocolate, milk sugar, rice pudding, raisin bread pudding, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, prailines, flan, chocolate covered cherries, dark fruits, brown sugar, hazelnut, molasses, anise, earthy hop character and toffee.

Flavors:
Chocolate Churros, Horchata, Milk Chocolate, rich Dark Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, Flan, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like raisins, capirotada raisin bread pudding, chocolate cherries, molasses, anise, Kahlua hints, earthy hops, toffee, milk sugars, pecan pie, prailines and hazelnut.

Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and earthy hops linger. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer with a silky and creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
This one is over the top delicious. It does have flavors which reminded me of the Or Xata but with chocolate and a roasted and earthy notes. It was very awesome in its own way and I think I like it a bit better than Or Xata although what really makes Or Xata special is much more rice, milk and sweet flavors. I love them both and I would definitely recommend them both if you can find them.

Anime Corner:
Lady Kaguya Ootsutsuki from Naruto and Original Skull Face Girl Artwork were used in this pairing because I wanted to show the flavors of the Horchata. Kaguya has the milky colors of the Horchata as well as the cherry and chocolate flavors of the dark beer. She is a coldhearted demon trying to take over the world. Her power represents the complexity of this beer, even if she is evil. The skeleton girl pays tribute to the Mexican heritage of Dia de los Muertos but it also pays tribute to the label of Señorita!

Sources:
http://shikaobing.deviantart.com/art/20140604-Bloody-Moon-458500195
http://ifeergirl.deviantart.com/art/Naruto-679-Kaguya-459716749
http://www.desktopbackgrounds.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Skull-Face-Girl-Dia-De-Muertos.jpg

Luchador En Fuego by Clown Shoes

June 3, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged ancho chile, anniversary ale, Blaze Blue, bourbon barrels, chipotle chile, chocolate abuelita, Chocolate Sombrero, Clown Shoes Brewing, El-Hazard, flan, Imperial Stout, Luchador en Fuego, Mexican Chocolate Stout, milk Chocolate, raisin bread pudding, Shayla-Shayla, Taokaka, Third Anniversary ale, vanilla, Wild Turkey bourbon barrels | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.7/5

Luchador En Fuego by Clown Shoes is an 11% ABV Mexican Chocolate Imperial Stout brewed with ancho and chipotle chiles, spices, vanilla and aged in Heaven Hills and Wild Turkey bourbon barrels.

Label:
Spiced with vanilla, cinnamon, ancho and chipotle peppers, then aged 100% in Bourbon Barrels, this beer wants to leap onto your palate like a luchador who dives into the ring from atop the highest rope.
___

Here is the original review I did for this beer: (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/third-anniversary-ale-luchador-en-fuego-by-clown-shoes-brewing/) Back then, this beer was their third anniversary beer and was re-released again due to the great demand. This beer is essentially their Chocolate Sombrero aged in bourbon barrels with chile peppers.

Aromas:
Dark chocolate abuelita bricks in milk, milk chocolate, cinnamon, Vanilla ice cream, cherry, oak, subtle ancho and chipotle chiles, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, flan, chocolate abuelita, pilloncillo sugar cone, bananas, champurrado hints, mole, coconut, waffle cone, marshmallow smores, hazelnut, leche nestle, crème brulee and capirotada raisin bread pudding.

Flavors:
Dark and milk Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, vanilla, flan, bourbon, oak, coconut, marshmallow smores, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream, ancho and chipotle subtle pepper heat, bananas, dulce de leche caramel, leche nestle, mole, pecan pie, cinnamon, champurrado, capirotada raisin bread, dark chocolate raisins, prunes, pilloncillo sugar cone, hazelnut, crème brulee and coffee.

Aftertaste:
Chocolate, champurrado, flan, coffee, bourbon vanilla, cinnamon, oak and bananas. Subtle alcohol but its the variety that helps qualm the heat. A sipping beer with a velvet and silky mouthfeel.

Overall:
Very exceptional beer and one that is still very delicious. Taking the Chocolate Sombrero and amping it up to the next level makes this one very coveted. Highly recommended and very enjoyable. The best part, is that this will most likely be released yearly which is awesome as it will not be a limited released. This is one of those beers that when it comes to barrel aging, it really brings out some of the Mexican desserts that I really like. Awesome stuff.

Anime Corner:
Shayla Shayla from El Hazard and Taokaka from Blaze Blue are used in this beer pairing as I used them in the last time I did the review for this beer. I haven’t really broke it down why I chose them Taokaka was used for chocolate sombrero because I wanted something that would pair with some of the colors and the hidden aspect of the Chocolate sombrero dude with the mask. In this case, Taokaka’s hoodie was the sombrero and the fact that you can’t see her face is the mask. Now Shayla Shayla in the previous review had painting on her face similar to a mask and her colors paired very well with the colors. To put the icing on the cake, I found the Shayla Shayla one where she is surrounded by fire completing the Luchador en Fuego or Wrestler on Fire aspect. Taokaka represents the deadly aspect of how far and strong the Luchador is.

Floyd D’ Rue Collaboration by The Bruery and Three Floyds

April 29, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged beer collaboration, Black Tuesday, Bleach, Dark Lord, Dark Tuesday, Floyd D'Rue, Holiday Ale, Imperial Porter, pumpkin spice, Rue D'Floyd, Rum Barrels, Spiced rum, Spices, sweet potato, The Bruery, Three Floyds, Tia Harribel, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 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.
___

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)!!……

Pumpkinator by Saint Arnold brewing

January 9, 2014 by cloudx30 tagged pumpkin flesh, pumpkin pie, pumpkin seeds, Saint Arnold, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.2/5

Pumpkinator by Saint Arnold brewing is a 10% Imperial Pumpkin Stout brewed with pumpkin & Spices.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION:
Important: let this beer warm to at least 50° before enjoying. This beer is black with some ruby highlights. The nose is full of pumpkin pie spices and some alcohol. There are notes of nutmeg, caraway and vanilla. The taste starts with chocolate malt with a hint of spice and rolls into a warm spicy alcohol taste which has the effect of creating the balance that usually comes from the hop bitter. There is some hop bitter on the finish, but not much. Overall, this beer finishes relatively dry for such a big beer. As it warms, the spices move forward in the taste and the chocolate moves to the finish. The pumpkin provides a pleasant undertone and a nice mouthfeel. The spices will probably fade some over time; they mellowed considerably while still in the fermenter.
___

A special shout out to my friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com for hooking me up with this fine masterpiece of a pumpkin ale. Some of these goodies are not easy to get in California due to distribution laws in Texas. Regardless, it always good to know someone who can provide some ales from the outside. This is my first beer from St. Arnold brewing, the patron saint of brewers, and I have heard great things about this beer as being one of the best pumpkin beers out of Texas. It is a pleasure and an honor to review this beer and if you can find it, yes, do get this one.

Aromas:
Dark Chocolate, caramel, pumpkin seeds, rich pumpkin flesh, pilloncillo sugar cone, cinnamon, sweet potato pie, ginger bread, nutmeg, dark fruits likes raisins, coffee, vanilla, graham crackers, brown sugar, pecans and clove spice.

Flavors:
Dark and milk Chocolate covered pumpkins boiled in milk with cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, pilloncillo sugar cone, nutmeg, sweet potato, pumpkin flesh, clove spice, marshmallow hints, graham crackers, roasted coffee, ginger bread, hints of rum and oak, raisins, figs and apple butter.

Aftertaste:
Clove spice, pumpkins, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, caramel, vanilla and ginger bread. Not sure about the description as the sweetness does linger and is not dry. There is no alcohol in the taste. This one is meant for sipping. Very well balanced, not overly spicy and not overly sugary. Just right.

Overall:
There is no denying it, this is definitely one of the best pumpkin beers I have tried from 2013. It does great on its own to be come into par with even the barrel aged ones. I was able to find this one more appealing than even the Pumking and the Smashed Pumpkin. Although to be fair, they are not stouts, but this one is better than even T.R.E.A.T. Just like the label says, let it warm up to the proper temperature and you will get more flavors out.

Anime Corner:
The original artwork for this piece is actually unknown. I took a picture of both the black and white one and the variant to showcase the unleash of the sweeter flavors. The artwork is mainly Halloween themed so it goes great with the beer. As far as the Saint Arnold part, I will leave that up to you to guess who Saint Arnold is in these pictures

Reunion Ale ’13 A Beer For Hope collaboration by Shmaltz and Terrapin

November 5, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged beer collaboration, Beer for Hope, Brown ale, Cinnamon, Cloud Strife, cocoa nibs, coffee, collaboration, Cure for cancer, Final Fantasy VII, He’Brew, Reunion Ale, Reunion Ale '13, Shmaltz, Terrapin, Terrapin Beer Co., The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, Tifa Lockhart, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Reunion Ale ’13 A Beer For Hope collaboration by Shmaltz and Terrapin is an 8% ABV Brown Ale brewed with Cocoa Nibs, Vanilla, cinnamon and Coffee

Label:
Benefiting the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research

Teaming up with Terrapin Beer Co. for the third time, Shmaltz Brewing returns as a production partner for Reunion ’13. We brew Reunion each year in memory of our dear friend and partner in this venture – Virginia MacLean. Virginia lost her battle with Multiple Myeloma in 2007. It was her wish that we continue to raise finds and awareness on behalf of The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research (www.imbcr.org).

This year’s beer is a dark ale brewed with cocoa nibs, vanilla, cinnamon and coffee from NYC and Upstate NY. It was inspired by a fantastic dessert that we used to share with Virginia at our favorite restaurant.

Many thanks to all who have supported this project and have helped us honor Virginia’s Memory.

Cheers – Pete & Alan
___

This is the first time I try the Reunion series. A beer with cocoa nibs, vanilla, cinnamon and coffee? Yes Please. The good thing about the beer as well is that it is for a good cause. My mother died of cancer so anything that works toward fighting the dreaded disease is a definite win in my book.

Aromas are of coffee, hints of chocolate, mocha, hints of vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, caramel, biscuit bread, clove hints and nutmeg

Flavors are of coffee mainly, roasted coffee grounds, nutty mocha, vanilla notes, chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, toffee, biscuit bread and clove spice

Aftertaste leaves with cinnamon, dark chocolate notes, coffee roast and a little bit of vanilla and close to dry finish. Alcohol hidden but moderate drinkability.

Overall, the beer is really good although, just be cause it says cocoa nibs and vanilla, you gotta be a little picky. The chocolate and vanilla though comes in subtle being taken over by cinnamon and coffee flavors near the end. It is one that you may want to be careful though because if you do not like cinnamon and coffee, this beer might not be for you I personally like this combination but I think I like chocolate and vanilla better. It is more on the spicy side than the sweet side. Recommended especially since it is really good and for a good cause.

Anime Corner:
Tifa Lockhart and Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII are paired with this beer for a couple of reasons. Besides the fact that Reunion is important in the series when it comes to Jenova and Sephiroth form the same series. However, reunion of Cloud and Tifa in this sense because they come together to thwart off the evil. The colors in the label represent mako energy from the series which you can see is greenish. Fighting for a good cause to save the world, this beer fights for the battle against cancer, therefore, fight on!!

White Chocolate (2013 Release) by The Bruery

October 31, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Bourbon Barrel Aged, cacao nibs, Chocolate Rain, dulce de caramel, milk Chocolate, Naruto, orange, TCHO Cacao nibs, Temari, Temari Sabakuno, The Bruery, The Sun, tropical flavor, vanilla, vanilla beans, wheat wine, White Chocolate, White Oak, White Oak Sap | Leave a comment

Rating: 6/5* This years is same score as the last

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vanilla Oatis by Ninkasi Brewing

October 27, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Chocolate, milk Chocolate, Nia Teppelin, Ninkasi, Ninkasi Brewing, oatmeal cookies, Oatmeal Stout, pecans, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, vanilla, vanilla beans, Vanilla Oatis | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.45/5

Vanilla Oatis by Ninkasi Brewing is a 7.2% ABV Oatmeal Stout brewed with Vanilla Beans

Label:
A delicious Oatmeal Stout with just enough hops to balance the copious quantities of dark roasted malts, oatmeal for a creamy smooth drinkability, and whole vanilla beans for a rich complexity. To achieve this higher level of decadence, we added whole vanilla beans to the final stage of fermentation – the same process we use to dry hop a beer.
___

Ninkasi brewing has been popping up in California really recently. They have been releasing some nice beers worth trying. So far, this is the second beer I try. I will pick up more as I can but so far everything is going pretty good.

Aromas are of Milk Chocolate, caramel, mocha, hints or raisins and dark fruits, earthy hops, oatmeal cookie notes, coffee, roasted barley and oats, pecans, dark cherry notes and walnuts

Flavors are of Vanilla, roasted oats, milk and dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, earthy hops, hints if dark cherry and raisins, notes of nutty pecans and and walnuts, caramel, mocha, roasted oats and notes of oatmeal cookies

The after taste is roasty and bitter with just enough vanilla beans to maintain and balanced finish. Moderate drinkability with no alcohol presence

Overall, the beer is very good. Without the Vanilla beans to keep everything in check, the roasted notes and earthy hops would most likely over power the beer. If not for the Vanilla, it be a decent stout but the vanilla beans just make it way more delicious. Worth trying once.

Anime Corner: This is Nia Teppelin from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagan. In the show, she had not revealed her this true form to her friends and this was because this form (Anti-Spiral) of hers was hidden dormant until the second half of the series. In this form, she was brainwashed and had to do everything the anti-spiral threat told her to do including lead the world to destruction. The beer comparison is complemented not just the label to her colors in the artwork, but the Vanilla it self. Just like the vanilla is used to keep stuff in check for the rest of the roasted character of the beer, Her will and love (Vanilla) for the main character Simon, allowed her to break control of the anti-Spirals hold and regain her consciousness back keeping her self balanced and in full control. At that point, she went back to her friends to help fight off the anti-Spiral threat

Bombay Berserker by Clown Shoes Brewing

October 25, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged bakers chocolate, BB Hood, Blazblue, Blaze Blue, Bombay Berserker, cardamom, chai tea, chocolate abuelita, Chocolate Sombrero, Cinnamon, clown shoes, Clown Shoes Brewing, Darkstalkers, ginger, Indian-style Chocolate imperial Stout, Kotonoe, lei-lei, Lilith Aensland, Luchador en Fuego, makoto nanaya, Mexican spices, Morrigan Aensland, Taokaka, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.75/5

Bombay Berserker by Clown Shoes Brewing is a 10% ABV Indian-Style Chocolate Imperial Stout

Label:
This exotic stout is a relative of Chocolate Sombrero, with the Mexican spices replaced by the flavors of chai tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla. Dear head banging craft beer drinkers, please remember, “Our love for you is like a truck… BERSERKER!”
___

Recently releases in many markets. You can get this one online but if you live in California, it may come out soon as clown shoes beers are becoming more famous here. I was able to get this one online though. Clown shoes has many series. This one is the next follow up to the Chocolate Sombrero and Luchador en Fuego

Aromas are of ginger, chocolate abuelita hot chocolate, caramel, vanilla, chai tea, non spicy curry, dark chocolate, cinnamon, cardamom, bakers chocolate and molasses

Flavors are of Bakers chocolate, caramel, vanilla, roasted malts, mocha, chait tea, hints of curry but nothing overwhelming, cinnamon, chocolate abuelita, molasses and brown sugar

The aftertaste leaves with minor spiciness, hints chocolate, vanilla, mocha and roasty notes. A moderate to sipping drinkability beer with alcohol well hidden. Pretty balanced and nothing too overwhelming

Overall it is a very good beer in it’s own unique way. While I started to taste some of the spices from Chocolate sombrero, it turned the other way around. In good way of course. It it is nothing overwhelming like the other Curry beers I have had like Indra Kunindra or the coconut curry from New Belgium. It definitely has its spices under control. I think it is not a full flavor bashing beer but the offering of variety of these flavors and balance is well hit. Very solid beer and yes, worth the try for damn sure. Especially since you cannot feel the 10% ABV. If this was Barrel Aged, well it would definitely heighten this to a new level of Rock Stardom!!

Bier De Chocolat by Almanac Beer Company

July 21, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Almanac Brewing, American Porter, Bier De Chocolat, Chocolate, chocolate mocha coffee, cocoa nibs, Farm to Bottle, Porter, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.6/5

Bier De Chocolat by Almanac Beer Company is a 5.5%ABV American Porter

Label:
Our Robust Porter is brewed with hand-roasted cocoa nibs from Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco and organic Ivanhoe Hops grown in Clear Lake, California. Rich flavors of roasted malts and chocolate hints of smoke and vanilla makes this beer the perfect pairing for Texas-style smoked brisket, chicken mole and Dandelion’s dark chocolate.
__

This is my first take at an Almanac beer, never had one before but from what I can see of their labeling, they take pride in Farm raising beer ingredients and making beer. Good stuff and fresher than what others may provide.

Aromas of this beer are of lots Dark and milk Chocolate, mocha, coffee notes, vanilla cream, earthy hops, caramel and molasses.

The flavors are of rich dark and milk chocolate, earthy hop bitterness, mocha, coffee, vanilla notes, caramel, brownie batter and a slight bit of smoke.

The after taste is a little bitter but the vanilla and chocolate carry this one along very nicely. Could your more chocolate, but that’s just me being picky as I love chocolate beers that are more closer to chocolate than anything.

This one does a great job of giving enough chocolate but not being overly sweet and detracting from the already good flavors of roasted coffee and earthy hops. Definitely a nice pick up for chocolate porter lovers.

Koko Brown by Kona Brewing

May 10, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged bourbon barrels, Brown ale, Caramel, Coconuts, coffee flavors, Koko Brown, Kona Brewing, lush tropics, natural flavors, Ranma, Ranma 1/2, Shampoo, sted Coconut, Toasted Coconut, toffee flavor, vanilla, Xian pu | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.25/5

Koko Brown by Kona Brewing is a 5.5%ABV Brown Ale brewed with Toasted coconut and natural flavors added

Description:
Is there anything more iconic of the lush tropics than the coconut? The delicious heart of this island treasure has a nutty, toffee flavor and aroma that sends you straight to the beaches of Paradise. Kick back with a Koko Brown, brewed with real toasted coconut, and savor the mahogany color and smooth, roasty malt taste. Available Winter/Spring Koko Brown pairs well with coconut and caramel flavors, such as Thai curries, BBQ meats and carne asada. Its refreshing nutty aroma makes for the perfect beer after a day on the water.
___

The first time I had this beer was at my friend Chino’s house. We were trying different beers and our friend Johan brought a 12 pack of Kona Brewing beers. I had to get this one again as this one made the most impression on me. As I remember the beer, there was a lot of coconut and coffee flavors but also vanilla and caramel which are essentials in some of the notes found in some of my favorite Barrel Aged beers. So I am doing an actual review now to break it down.

The aromas of this beer are of toasted coconut, caramel, hints of vanilla, slight hazelnut, brown sugar and coffee. The flavors are of toasted coconut, roasted coffee, slight caramel, vanilla cream, brown sugar, hazelnut notes, maple syrup notes and buttered toast. The drinkability is good. It goes down smooth with not any one flavor too overwhelming. It is a lighter beer yet the flavors are very reminiscent of a nice barrel aged beer although it is only flavors and not intensity. Meaning if you are looking into seeing some of the types of flavors you may find in bourbon barrel aged beers but are relatively new to craft beer, this is a good gateway intro. Like I said, before I was pretty surprised by this one and enjoyed it more than I thought I would have 🙂

2011 Barrel Roll No. 3 Pugachev’s Cobra by Hangar 24

April 11, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged 2011 Barrel Roll No. 3, Barrel Roll, Barrel Roll No. 3, Black Tuesday, Bourbon Barrel Aged, bourbon barrels, bourbon vanilla, chocolate cake, Chocolate Rain, Do a Barrel Roll, Evangelion, Hangar 24, Krystal Fox, maple hints, Mari, Mari Illustrious Makinami, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Pugachev's Cobra, Russian Imperial Stout, Star Fox, vanilla, Victor Pugachev | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.8/5* Aged for 2 years, so the ABV is probably higher but the complexity is what gives it the high score.

2011 Barrel Roll No. 3 Pugachev’s Cobra by Hangar 24 is a 16.5%ABV Russian Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
PUGACHEV’S COBRA: The brainchild of Victor Pugachev — not for the faint of heart. Pilot suddenly raises the aircraft nose to near vertical before dropping back to attack mode. Get ready for an assault on your senses with PUGACHEV’S COBRA, an intense Russian Imperial Stout. This rich, black beauty with a thick caramel head is bursting with aromas of chocolate, vanilla, oak, bourbon, licorice and dark fruits, while flavors of chocolate-covered plum, sweet malt, bourbon, and roasted coffee explode on your pallet. Three different dark roasted malts and rich maple syrup are combined in a truly unique brewing process to create complexity and depth. Once fermented, it’s then aged for eight months in freshly emptied bourbon barrels. This powerful concoction is designed to be enjoyed now with friends or cellared to perfection and savored in the years to come.
___

As recommended by my friend Julio who once had it on tap about a year ago. Been looking high and low for this piece of treasure to finally be able to do a review. Time to suit up and lift off into the heights of amazing flavors. How will it do with the other great imperial stouts out there?

Upon opening the bottle, the aromas are very good. Definitely on par with some of the greats, maybe even better! Rich bourbon, vanilla, oak, sweet milk and dark chocolate, brownie batter, coconut, banana, hazelnuts, dulce de leche, crème brulee, coffee, mocha, maple, hints of dark fruits like raisins, apples and smokey wood. The flavors are very amazing. Heat of Bourbon flavor but low booziness, vanilla, bananas, coconut, dulce de leche caramel, raisins, Kahlua coffee, rum and very rich chocolate almost to the side of Black Tuesday but more focus on bourbon than chocolate yet still very strong with the chocolate. There are also flavors of flan, licorice, molasses, chocolate cake, chocolate syrup and whiskey. This one is very very good. The flavors are very rich and the bourbon flavor is amazing. Not the booziness but the actual oakyness and vanilla of it. No Joke, this beer was definitely near the top. A must get if you somehow are lucky to find it. I had to look online for this one unfortunately. Now next time it is one tap, that I will have to see. But you also have to realize, this has been aging FOR 2 YEARS!! so the much fresher version may not provide the strength and complexity. So get one now and save the other for later. Go get this beer!!

Third Anniversary ale – Luchador en Fuego by Clown Shoes brewing

April 9, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged ancho chile, anniversary ale, Blaze Blue, bourbon barrels, chipotle chile, chocolate abuelita, Chocolate Sombrero, Clown Shoes Brewing, El-Hazard, flan, Imperial Stout, Luchador en Fuego, Mexican Chocolate Stout, raisin bread pudding, Shayla-Shayla, Taokaka, Third Anniversary ale, vanilla | 1 Comment

Rating: 5.65/5

Third Anniversary ale – Luchador en Fuego by Clown Shoes brewing is an 11%ABV Imperial Stout brewed with spices, vanilla, and aged in bourbon barrels.

Label:
Our third anniversary beer us sizes Chocolate Sombrero, using extra ancho chile and adding chipotle pepper. We aged the brew 100% in Wild Turkey and Heaven Hill bourbon barrels. May it leap onto your palate majestically, like a luchador who flies into the ring from atop the highest rope.
___

They took the chocolate sombrero and amped it up. This beer has very nice aromas of bourbon, oak, vanilla, coconut, marshmallow smores with the chocolate and gram crackers, some spicy chiles, mole, hazelnut and pecan pie, Dark chocolate Abuelita bars in milk, cinnamon, dulce de leche caramel, leche nestle (sweetened condensed milk), crème brulee, raisin bread pudding and ofcourse flan :P. The flavors are dead on cinnamon, champurrado, hot chocolate abuelita, dark chocolate, capirotada (Mexican raisin bread pudding), pecans, vanilla, coconut, Bourbon, dulce de leche, oak, flan and slight chile spice but only enough to give it character. This beer is really close to Hunahpu’s Imperial Chocolate Stout, although the emphasis takes more of a chocolate sweeter and bourbon boozy side than the spicy chile and chocolate complexity. This is a great beer. Got this one at Ramirez Liquor’s in Boyle Height’s California. This one is a rarity amongst itself as it is hard to find East coast beers and especially of this caliber here in the West coast. Magnificently awesome beer! If you enjoy closer to bourbon beers than this one is a must get.

Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout by Odell Brewing

March 21, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged chocolate milk, Chocolate Milk Stout, delicious flavors, dessert, food, Halloween, Koriand'r, Lugene, milk Chocolate, Milk Stout, Milk Sugar, Odell, Odell Brewing, rich flavors, Starfire, Starfire Cow Costume, Teen titans, vanilla | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5

Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout by Odell Brewing is an 8.5%ABV Milk Chocolate Stout

Label:
If you’ve ever been to our brewery, you’ve likely seen the old, beat-up truck that hauls away our spent grain. That truck belongs to Lugene, who’s been feeding his dairy cows the hearty malt for over a decade. Named in his honor, Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout is brewed with milk sugar and milk chocolate. The rich and creamy brew reminds us of a cold glass of chocolate milk and our hometown “Aggie” roots.
___

This beer started off really good right off of the bottle. It reminded me a lot of the Moohoo from Terrapin but this one seems to emphasize even more on chocolate. Fragrances are of Rich milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel crème, very small coffee notes and chocolate cake aroma. The flavors say a lot. I find more of a mocha flavor than a coffee flavor. There is rich flavors of milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel, vanilla crème, buttery chocolate, some dark fruits, some hazelnut and some minor chocolate bready flavors. The aftertaste lingers of chocolate and more chocolate. Carbonation is super low so it makes this one ridiculously drinkable for a 8.5% ABV. Well that and the delicious flavors. The review is a bit over my expectations as well… I am a chocolate lover and many of the beers that have past my expectations are in the realms of super chocolate or just my favorite styles like Barrel aged Belgian Quads and Stouts.