Rating: 7/7
Rating: 6/6
Ol’ Dirty Barrel (ODB) by Belching Beaver is a 10.5% ABV Russian Imperial Stout aged in Oak Rye Whiskey Barrels
Label:
Gold Medal
World Beer Championships Award
Brewed and Bottled by Belching Beaver Brewery Vista Ca, USA
Bottle#1271
It’s Old! …and Dirty! Our Russian Imperial Stout is our biggest beer brewed to date. Aged in Oak Rye Whiskey Barrels. Ol’ Dirty Barrel is loaded with hints of caramel, anise, chocolate and coffee.
This beer will have you reminiscing about old times, classic tunes and lost loves. Don’t call her! She’s moved on and really, was she worth all that? This Russian Imperial Stout will keep you just as warm anyway.
Ingredients: Water, Grain, Sugar, Oats, Hops, Yeast
==Introduction==
I have tried many of the Belching Beaver beers ranging from the Peanut Butter Milk stout, Pineapple IPA, Me So honey and even had a chance to visit their brewery. For being a sought after yet very common brews, they grew well so many could enjoy their beers. I remember when I visited long ago with my friends Oscar, Julio and Jeanette we tried many of the beers but there was a picture of a mean looking beaver. That mean looking beaver was a picture of this beer. It was on a Metal sign and I was wondering, damn, I would sure one day love to try that brew. I had totally forgotten about it until my friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com had mentioned that he would like for me to find this one. That is when I remembered, they did eventually release this beer on bottles. While it was sold out in many places, I was able to find it online eventually. Now that the beer is here, without further ado, I bring you, the review for the Ol’ Dirty Barrel, cheers!
Aromas:
Oak, Toasted coconut, toffee, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, crème brulee, flan, Danish cream, toffee, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, rye bread, bourbon, graham cracker marshmallow, smores, pecan pie notes, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, currants plums, tobacco, leather notes, brownie batter, chocolate cake notes, chocolate mousse, and banana notes.
Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian chocolate, toasted coconut, crème brulee, flan, Danish cream, Irish cream coffee, oak, bourbon, whiskey, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, rye bread, bourbon, marshmallow, smores, graham crackers, almond joy chocolates, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, currants plums, Coffee, Kahlua Liqueur, coffee cake, pecan pie, bananas, clove spice, sweetened condensed milk, tobacco, leather notes, brownie batter, chocolate cake notes, chocolate mousse, anise and molasses.
Aftertaste:
Finishing with lots of oaky notes, dark chocolates, toasted coconut, cherries, flan, whiskey and almond joy notes. No alcohol in the taste, Dark full body, smooth, creamy, velvety and chewy mouthfeel with an easy to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
An exceptional barrel aged brew. Belching beaver has been one of the most top notch breweries I have tried and to finally get a chance to try their take on an imperial stout aged in oak barrels, now this was definitely worth the find. So much complexity and flavors that I love from these barrel aged brews similar to the likes of Bourbon County, Parabola, Black Tuesday and others. This one stands on its own as the nutty hazelnut and milk chocolate flavors do tend to stand out a bit more along with the coconut noted. That and the fact that the drinkability did range as there was times I felt I could drink it easily but decided not to take my time with it. There is a reason it is sold out but I am sure they will release it again. If you find it, get this one, I highly recommend it!
Anime Corner:
Yoko Littner and Boota from Tengen Toppa Gurren Laggan were used in this pairing for Boota to represent the Beaver inside the barrel. The pairing of the reds is obvious. While Boota represents the beaver, Yoko would probably represent the barrel where Boota resides. While yes it is innuendoes, I couldn’t help myself but have a couple of laughs. Besides, I use Yoko for a lot of my good beer pairings. This one just happens to be pairing with Boota.
Sources:
http://eddy-shinjuku.deviantart.com/art/YOKO-RITONA-Afternoon-Stroll-Gurren-Lagann-325565264
http://orig01.deviantart.net/9914/f/2008/054/5/d/yoko__boota__and_gurren_lagann_by_lostsamurai.png
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eh21kQvShko/maxresdefault.jpg
Rating: 6/6
Iron Joe collaboration with Avoca Coffee Roasters and Rahr & Sons brewery is an 8% ABV Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy Oak Whiskey Barrel aged with Avoca Noir Coffee
Label:
We take American oak barrels and fill them with our award winning Iron Thistle Strong Scotch Ale. Next we add fresh, locally brewed Avoca Noir Coffee to the mix and age it in our barrel room for three months. Iron Joe is the result of two locally owned and operated businesses getting together to make your beer dreams come true… Sweet dreams!
==Introduction==
Obtained this brew from my friend and fellow Beer reviewer, Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. I have tried brew from Rhar & sons before thanks to Aaron, which the one I tried was the Bourbon Barrel Aged Winter Warmer. That one was an extremely exceptional brew that was worthy of a ton of praise. So much so that I gave it a high rating. With high expectations, I will need to be more open minded with this one and see if even this one can compare to the greatness that was the winter warmer. Cheers!
Aromas:
Soy sauce, smoked peat, pecan pie, marshmallow, vanilla, oak, whiskey, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, blueberries, Chocolate, mocha, toffee, coffee cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Mexican chocolate, German chocolate, fudge chocolate, bakers chocolate, coffee flan, coffee cheese cake, Jamocca rocky road ice cream, almond milk, tobacco, leather, molasses and anise
Flavors:
Rich Chocolate, mocha, toffee, coffee cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, soy sauce, Mexican chocolate, German chocolate, fudge chocolate, bakers chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, cinnamon, piloncillo sugar cone, dark fruit raisins, prunes, cherries, blueberries, oak, whiskey, marshmallow, coffee flan, coffee cheese cake, Jamocca rocky road ice cream, almond milk, tobacco, leather, molasses, anise, smoked peat, fruit cake, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, walnuts, praline butter, toasted rye bread and mint.
Aftertaste:
Finishing with sweet vanilla, caramel, roasted coffee, whiskey notes, dark fruits, smoked peat and fruit cake notes. No alcohol in the taste. Dark Brown full body, sweet, creamy smooth and silky mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.
Overall:
Super duper delicious Wee Heavy! This was one of the best Wee Heavy’s I have had especially due to the complexity that coffee and the whiskey barrel aging process did for it. I wish they made it into a bigger bottle but beggars can’t be choosers. All I know is that this one I really enjoyed sip after very delicious sip and would recommend that if you can find this one and try it, do it!
Anime Corner:
Original Character was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair something with the woods but mainly the colors of coffee, dark Wee Heavy and dark fruits. The simulation of falling is the synonymous to how heavy the beer is in terms the strength and the complexity of the flavors.
Rating: 6/6
2015 Barrel Aged Series Yeti Imperial Stout by Great Divide is a 12.5 % ABV Imperial Stout aged in Whiskey Barrels.
Label:
This unique version of Yeti Imperial Stout is aged for at least twelve months in Whiskey barrels. The spirited aging process produces a hugely complex but mellowed Yeti, with its signature roasted flavors, hints of vanilla, oak and a whiskeyed finish. Who says you can’t tame a beast?
Suggested Food Pairings:
Grilled Porterhouse Steak, Valdeon Blue, Vanilla Cheesecake, brownies
==Introduction==
The Yeti is back! This time in a Whiskey Barrel aged form. I have enjoyed the many variants of the Yeti to date. Ever since the released of the Chocolate Oak Yeti, it was a no brainer to seek them out all the time. The original yeti was such a well-made stout that it reminded me of the many silky smooth stouts I have had in the past. Therefore, getting this special release to the site was a must. This should be distributed wherever they sell Great Divide beers but you can also get this one online. Now, before the sighting of the yeti disappears, let’s see what this is about. Cheers!
Aromas:
Bourbon, whiskey, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, plums, black currants, cherries, Bakers Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Dark chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Fudge chocolate, Soy sauce notes, plum sauce notes, oak, molasses, hazelnut nectar, Irish cream coffee, cinnamon, anise, maple, marshmallows, graham cracker chocolate smores smokey hints, vanilla, toffee, pecan pie, brownie batter, bacon hints, Mexican Custard/Jericalla and rocky road ice cream
Flavors:
Rich Bakers Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Dark chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Fudge chocolate, Molasses, Soy sauce notes, plum sauce notes, oak, bourbon, whiskey, rye bread, dark fruit raisins, plums, black currants, cherries, flan, dulce de leche caramel, campfire roasted marshmallows, graham cracker chocolate smores smokey hints, vanilla, toffee, pecan pie, brownie batter, chocolate cherry cake, rocky road ice cream, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, bacon hints, Mexican Custard/Jericalla, beachwood oak, hazelnut nectar, Irish cream coffee, cinnamon, anise and maple syrup.
Aftertaste:
Finishes with roasty notes, molassses, whiskey, oak, vanilla, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, earthy notes, fudge and dark fruit hints. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavor, pitch black body, smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy body with a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
Supreme Yeti of Yetis! This was one of the best opportunities to see how a perfect Imperial Stout can go beyond its original base of flavors into something more complex. A boss mode if you will. With so much going on, even if the whiskey is noticeable a bit, I think this can be enjoyed now but will get way way better over time. So get one for now and save another one for later. Highly recommended!
Anime Corner:
Chimpett/Saru and Hebi which compose Zanpakutou Zabimaru from Bleach were used in this beer to represent the Yeti. I really liked how well it pairs especially the silhouette one as well and the label.
Sources:
http://img01.deviantart.net/ea4b/i/2010/168/9/4/something_diffrent____very____by_tiiara.jpg
http://img13.deviantart.net/4760/i/2015/233/1/7/saru_and_hebi_by_findmytaco-d96mljk.jpg
http://orig02.deviantart.net/9705/f/2010/167/8/1/guess_who_i_am_10_____by_tiiara.jpg
Rating: 5/5
Bourbon Barrel Aged Smashed Pumpkin by Shipyard Brewing is a 12% ABV Pumpkin Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels
Label:
Our Bourbon Barrel Aged ales are brewed and carefully cellar-aged in small batches in dedicated bourbon barrels at our brewery in Portland, Maine.
Hops: Willamette, Saphir
Malts: Pale, Whole Wheat, Munich
Yeast: Top-fermenting English
Color: Honey
Aroma: Oak spiced, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon
Body: Light to medium
Finish: Warming, smooth, and velvety
IBU: 35
SRM 14.85
Recommended Serving temperature is 55 deg. Fahrenheit in brandy-style stemware. Aged over 100 days. Unlimited shelf life
___
As an added bonus last year, Shipyard released this hard to get beer along with their awesome smashed pumpkin yearly release (which to me is the “best common” pumpkin beer ever). Unfortunately, I was never able to pick this release up until recently. One of the local places had it in stock for a limited time. So as pay back for last year of missing out on this beer to review, I will spend no time wasted and get on with the show.
Aromas are of rich vanilla, whiskey, bourbon, oak, pumpkin, dulce de leche caramel, honey, squash, brown sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, maple, cinnamon, sweet potatoes, toasty coconut, chocolate hints, flan, pecans, nutmeg, coriander and citrus.
The flavors are of oak and whiskey. Vanilla, coconut, pumpkin pie, pecans, nutmeg, cinnamon, whipped creamed flan, dulce de leche caramel, sweetened condensed milk, maple, sweet potatoes, marshmallows, chocolate notes, graham crackers, pumpkin flesh in pilloncillo sugar cone syrup, milk, brown sugar, cloves, coriander, citrus and ginger pumpkin bread.
The aftertaste is oaky and sweet with pumpkin and bourbon whiskey lingering. This beer is boozy and is definitely a sipper. Do not let the moderate body fool you. The mouth feel on this is close to syrupy. YUM!!
Overall, this is way better than the original smashed pumpkin. I think I drank this way too fresh as the booze was not well hidden. It is not a problem at all as I rather enjoyed those sweet oak and whiskey notes. They compliment the pumpkin very well. This, however, needs sometime to sit in a cellar for a while in order to become exquisite or exceed expectations. Nevertheless, An awesome beer that has become on par with some of my other Barrel aged and non-barrel aged pumpkin beers I have reviewed here.
Original Smashed Pumpkin Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/smashed-pumpkin-by-shipyard-brewing/
Rating: 4.75/5
Das Wunderkind! by Jester King is a 4.5% ABV Organic Saison/Farmhouse Ale aged in oak wine and whiskey barrels with wild yeast.
Label:
There are many among us who, in spite of their best efforts, just never quite seem to fit in. It’s only a rare few, however, who, very early in life, develop the self-asurance and presence of mind to be neither conformists nor rebels, instead carving their own paths and following their own dreams, regardless of what anyone else might happen to think. Take flight, mein Wunderkind, don’t ever let gravity hold you back!
Description: (jesterking.com)
Mature beer, re-fermented in oak barrels with wild yeast and souring bacteria is blended with fresh, dry-hopped beer prior to bottle-conditioning. Dry and lightly tart, with notes of citrus, barnyard, and tropical fruit.
___
Been looking for this little prize long ago. Since last year actually. I was finally able to find one online. Soon as I saw it, I had to get it and do a review. I paired this beer with a piece of artwork that best presents it. Flight of Das Wunderkind! Or “The Wonder Kid” in German.
Aromas are those nice floral spices, peppercorn, sourdough bread notes I really enjoy in saisons. As an added treat, there are also notes of oak, grapefruit, citrus, hay, apricots, lemon, apples, dandelions, roses, sweet caramel, light whiskey notes, grapes and earthy notes
Flavors are of peppercorns, sourdough bread, wine grapes, caramel, oak, light whiskey notes, lemon peel, green apples, slight funky notes but not too sour, grapefruit, apricot, peach, hint of strawberry, flowery spices, hay, earthy hops, coriander and light vanilla notes.
The aftertaste is mildly funky with citrus, lemon , oak and wine taste but shortly sour. More like flowers and peppery spices.
Overall the beer is awesome is you love saisons that have nice funky notes which are not too sour but pleasantly tart. The added wine and whiskey barrels give it some character but do not overwhelm much of the beer. The spices, flowers and fruity flavors along with the tart and oak flavors take care of that.
Rating: 5.25/5 *Rating based on ciders reviewed and compared so far only
Bird on a Wire by Crispin Cider Company is a 6.9% ABV Blended Hard Cider aged in Bourbon whiskey casks with Tupelo Honey.
Label:
Authentic American alt.country cider. Not forever, just for now.
Dances across the palate, like a band playing and people swayin’. Spend some time, wait a minute. Set it free.
Blended using 4 unique apple-wines aged in both rye and Bourbon American whiskey barrels. Apple-wines fermented with:Irish Stout yeast, Belgian Trappist yeast,Sake yeast and our original Colfax Classic.
The final blend is finished with Tupelo Honey aged in Bourbon barrels and a lingering open-mouthed kiss of fresh-pressed apple juice.
Balanced and very smooth, toasted oaktannins, whiskey notes, with soft rye spice, cask-woody vanilla and cinnamon.
Blended straight from whiskey barrels.Give a solid bottoms-up tilt and swirl to disperse sediment evenly and best enjoy whiskey aromas and unique bouquet.
Enjoyed at cellar temperature, 50/55F.With or without 1 or 2 ice cubes. Age-worthy.
___
Regardless of being a Coors subordinate, they make some hell good ciders. So far I have reviewed the ciders fermented in Irish Stout yeast and Trappist yeast, the latter being my favorite. Now I think I have a new favorite with this one.
First aromas that come as soon as you open the bottle is whiskey and rich stuff at that. It is followed by that bourbon vanilla sweetness, caramel, coconut, rye bread, cinnamon, apple, honey, oak, spices and brown sugar.
The flavors are of cider apples, whiskey, bourbon vanilla, oak, slight coconut notes, dulce de leche caramel flan notes, honey, crème brulee, white wine, champagne, brown sugar, cinnamon, french toast with apple butter, rye bread and cinnamon, bear claw doughnut with apples and cinnamon, and apple pie with rich caramel.
No doubt about it, a little at that, but still freaking amazing. Really brings about great Cask/Barrel aged goodness as some of the best bourbon liquors and bourbon aged beers can bring but in cider form. Who knew cider can deliver a good level of craft in its own way. I gotta find more of these bottles. They need to make 22oz. Bottles of this or even make like a 6 pack. This would make for a great cider for people to try for those that are skeptical of trying the Craft Cider side of beverage connoisseurship.
Rating: 5.75/5
Cherry Rye Bourbon County Brand Stout by Goose Island Beer Co. is a 13.7% ABV Imperial Stout aged in rye whiskey barrels with whole cherries
Label:
Our brewers love experimenting with their beer almost as much as they love drinking it. This unique blend, aged in rye whiskey barrels with loads of whole Michigan cherries, is the one they are proud to finally let you share with your friends at home – or not. After your first sip, you’ll agree, this beer has some real stones.
___
I once did a review under the Original 2008 Bourbon County Stout (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/bourbon-county-brand-stout-vintage-2008-by-goose-island/) and I found it to be freaking amazing. So in 2012 they decided to release this variant which was super hard to find. I already know this is gonna be good and I highly recommended it you find it. Now on to the Review. The aroma of this amazing beer is of coconut, vanilla, whiskey, oak, flan, dulce de leche caramel, walnuts, rich dark and milk chocolate, cherry, cranberries, coffee, mocha, . The flavors are like a cherry pie or tart cherry cobbler with caramel made with chocolate dipped cherries, cinnamon, rich dark, milk and sweet chocolate syrup, pecans, raisins, coconut, vanilla, flan, oak, bourbon, coffee, whipped cream, Mexican vanilla crème filled sweet bread with vanilla cherry and chocolate pudding. The aftertaste leaves a sweet chocolate cherry trail with coconut, bourbon, vanilla and leche nestle (Mexican Sweetened Condensed Milk). No alcohol trace and no Boozy burn off of this one. I almost wanted to chew this beer as it truly is a dessert in a bottle. It is an extremely delicious world class beer. I know that Goose Island is an AB-InBev bought craft brewery but politics about beer aside, this is a new guy that stepped into the ranks of best beers in the world. I think I just liked this beer so much because it was so close to Grey Monday and Chocolate Rain it was not even funny. Just like the pictures above with Haruko, It will blow your mind!!!
Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore) 