Tag Archives: wine grapes

2016 Blue BBLS by The Bruery Terreux

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13433224_10103320746279800_2640103366717163946_o 13427909_10103320746189980_9112990814529630980_n 13443287_10103320746120120_3369049914240740891_o 13394066_10103320746170020_1931009500556845568_nRating: 6/6

2016 Blue BBLS by The Bruery Terreux is a 16.3% ABV World Class Imperial Sour Stout blend (30% Tart of Darkness Sour Stout and 70% Black Tuesday Imperial Stout) aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blueberries.

Label:
Berries – Stoked – Oaked
IT’S SWELL

A sweet, sour, and fruity ale. Extended oak aging and an addition of blueberries results in a delightful vinous quality.

In brewing, BBL is the notation for “barrel,” a unit of a measurement equal to 31 gallons. This is not to be confused with an oak barrel, which typically holds nearly two BBLs of beer. Still with us? Great. Blue BBLs is best enjoyed fresh for peak fruit flavor, but may develop pleasantly with time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C). Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==

Released to the Bruery Reserve and Hoarders society, the original version of this brew was released to Hoarders a couple of years ago and since I finally had a chance to try before, I had to get this one again. With only so few variants of Black Tuesday ever released in bottles, this one is a staple just like the others. From the first time I tried it, I had fallen for this one. Reminding me similar to wineification but in blueberry form and still showcasing the flavors of the Black Tuesday along with the flavors of Tart of Darkness. So with the release under the Terreux now, let’ see how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Blueberry flan, Dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, Concorde grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, vinous grapes, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, blueberry fudge cake, bananas, port wine, chambord raspberry liqueur, rocky road ice cream, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, Belgian Chocolate, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk and hazelnut nectar.

Flavors:
Super blueberries, tart blueberry skins, concord grapes, blueberry flan, blueberry muffins, blueberry cheese cake, blueberry fudge cake, dark fruit raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, Concorde grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, vinous grapes, port wine, chambord raspberry liqueur, rocky road ice cream, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, banana notes, Irish cream, molasses, anise, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Danish cream, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, hazelnut nectar, crème brulee, pecan pie, blueberry preserves and blueberry chocolate cake.

Aftertaste:
Lots of Blueberries that linger forever, with flavors of the dark chocolate, bourbon, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, flan, sweetended condensed milk. Sweetness covers up a lot of the alcohol so only slight in taste but mainly sweet. Dark and Pitch black full body just like the original. Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel, and a sipping drinkability although it seems easy to drink at times like many of the dangerous yet “plug it into my veins” beers go.

Overall:
If the Draco was the Blueberry Barleywine heaven and Smashed Blueberry the Wee Heavy Porter Blueberry heaven, then this must the imperial and sour stout of blueberry heaven. It is just as delicious as I had remembered when I first tried it. I am really happy they decided to release this one again and hope they make this a staple in their variant beer blends. There is a rich amount of blueberry yogurt chocolate complexity going on in this beer that can only be understood with every sip. This one is one of my favorites along with the Black Tuesday variants and is definitely one for the list. This beer is a must have if you have not tried it. Best to all that love Blueberry Stouts.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma ½ was my girl for this beer as well as the original Blue BBLS. In the show, the main character Ranma hardly paid any attention to her even though she was the hottest girl in the show giving any man there including real men/women a boner. She was a huge representative of Amazonian women as she was huge but also very skilled kung fu master as well as a waitress. Her passion to fight for Ranma would be the kind that would destroy mountains and that is why even to this day she is one of my favorite characters of anime from back in the 90s. When I thought of Blue BBLs it not only reminded me of her being that representative of giving blue balls to others that liked her but mainly her Chinese style of hair with the little buns that looks like two blue balls. Shampoo’s strength and sweetheart of a personality but vicious for her passion is representative of the beers alcoholic strength and sweet super complexity.

Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Shampoo.(Ranma.½).full.875459.jpg
http://pds25.egloos.com/pds/201602/04/56/f0027756_56b3675f4c9ff.jpg
http://asha47110.deviantart.com/art/Shampoo-Ranma-FANART-D-509416937
http://orig14.deviantart.net/da6a/f/2015/142/1/a/shampoo__palette_challenge__by_animusubi-d8uapeg.png

Blue BBLS by The Bruery

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11539161_10102689867775380_4459820175359433840_o 11013619_10102689868369190_7373646105113154523_oRating: 6/5

Blue BBLS by The Bruery is a 15.9% ABV World Class Imperial Sour Stout blend (Tart of Darkness and Black Tuesday) aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blueberries.

Label:
IT’S SWELL

A sweet, sour, and fruity ale. Extended oak aging and an addition of blueberries results in a delightful vinous quality.

In brewing, BBL is the notation for “barrel,” a unit of a measurement equal to 31 gallons. This is not to be confused with an oak barrel, which typically holds nearly two BBLs of beer. Still with us? Great. Blue BBLs is best enjoyed fresh for peak fruit flavor, but may develop pleasently with time if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C(. Best enjoyed in a tulip or wine glass.

==Introduction==

Released to the Hoarders society members in 2014, this elusive beer caught my eye a while back when I heard what this one was all about. The mere covetedness and the the fact that I got a small sip of this one last year left me wanting more so I was left with Blue Balls, umm I mean Blue BBLs. Either way, I was able to find someone that had it but was in Canada. So basically, this beer took a long trip from California to Canada and back here to California and will forever live in the infamy of the interwebs as an awesome anime review. So while being a Reserve Society member, Hoarders beers tend to be a slight step above what we get but sometimes I could care less bu in the case of this one, I was no stranger to a new Black Tuesday variant blended with Tart of Darkness and then aged again in bourbon with Blueberries. Quite the damn conundrum. If this is anything like Smoking wood or better, the we might have ourselves a gracious winner here.

Aromas:
Chocolate Blueberries, Blueberry flan, Blue berry cheese cake, blueberry preserves, blueberry muffins, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, concored grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, piloncillo sugar cone, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, milk chocolate, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake, port wine and rocky road ice cream.

Flavors:
Blueberry cheese cake, Blueberry chocolate truffles, dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, piloncillo sugar cone, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, milk chocolate, blueberry preserves, blueberry muffins, hazelnut nectar, dark fruits like raisins, currants, blackberries, wine grapes, concored grape skins, raspberries, figs, dark cherries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, marshmallow smores, burnt sugar, banana notes, blueberry flan, cinnamon, Irish cream, Danish cream, pecan pie, blueberry fudge cake, coffee cake, port wine, rocky road ice cream, double chocolate mousse and vinous grapes.

Aftertaste:
Rich Blueberry lingers for infinity along with the gracious bourbon, deep dark chocolate, port wine notes, dulce de leche caramel, oak, dark fruits to the max, molasses and toffee. Sweetness covers up a lot of the alcohol so only slight in taste but mainly sweet. Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel, Dark and Pitch black of the 5th and 6th dimensions full body and a sipping drinkability although it seems easy to drink at times like many of the dangerous yet “plug it into my veins” beers go.

Overall:
The epitome of blueberry heaven!. This beer should be in the Weekday Serries on the fact that combining Black Tueday and aging it in bourbon barrels again with the Tart of Darkness and blueberries is a supreme beer. The sour aspects are lowered down but still traceable tart goodness here and there. A beer orgasmic enough to satisfy even though the name would imply that you would be left feeling tempted to have more but the truth is, the name is name really implies that you really wanna try it but you can’t unless you find it through trades.

Anime Corner:
Shampoo from Ranma ½ was my girl for this beer. In the show, the main character Ranma hardly paid any attention to her even though she was the hottest girl in the show giving any man there including real men/women a boner. She was a huge representative of Amazonian women as she was huge but also very skilled kung fu master as well as a waitress. Her passion to fight for Ranma would be the kind that would destroy mountains and that is why even to this day she is one of my favorite characters of anime from back in the 90s. When I thought of Blue BBLs it not only reminded me of her being that representative of giving blue balls to others that liked her but mainly her Chinese style of hair with the little buns that looks like two blue balls. Shampoo’s strength and sweetheart of a personality but vicious for her passion is representative of the beers alcoholic strength and sweet super complextity.

Sources:
http://asha47110.deviantart.com/art/Shampoo-Ranma-FANART-D-509416937
http://orig14.deviantart.net/da6a/f/2015/142/1/a/shampoo__palette_challenge__by_animusubi-d8uapeg.png

Jubel 2015 by Deschutes Brewery

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10155172_10102457587736440_7352325304447475839_n 10956346_10102457588115680_8244589594332476436_oRating: 6/5

Jubel 2015 by Deschutes Brewery is a 10.4% ABV American Strong Winter Warmer with 50% aged in Pinot and Oregon oak barrels.

Label:
Affectionately referred to as “Super Jubel”, Jubel 2015 is an imperial take on our festive winter ale. Notes of toasted caramel, raisins, dates and figs are complemented by spicy and herbal hop aromas. Originally planned as a once-a-decade-ale; we just couldn’t wait another five years.

==Introduction==

This beer was supposed to be released in 2020 but it seems Deschutes wanted to release it earlier. The story behind this legend is that there was a thief who tried to steal a keg of Jubelale. When the thief realized he couldn’t carry it anymore, the beer froze over in the winter cold. When the owner found the keg, they saw half was frozen but the concentrated remains of what was left over was legend born by accident. As a result, they released this beer in 2010 but then would release it 5 years later and age it in pinot and Oregon oak barrels. This beer I was able to obtain at bringonthebeer.com I am uncertain if all stores that sell Deschutes will get this one as it is pretty damn limited. One thing is certain though, for this only out 5 years and the colors of the label speak magic and potions, I had to get this for sure.

Aromas:
Lots of dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dates, black cherry yogurt, hazelnut, pecan pie, rich fruit cake, gingerbread, wine grapes, stone fruit apricot hints, candy sugar, toffee, vanilla, dulce de lecher, butterscotch, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, pears, apples, port wine, pinot noir, nutmeg, blackberry preserves on rye bread, concorde grapes and red velvet cake hints.

Flavors:
Rich Fruit cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dates, black cherry yogurt, ginger bread, nutmeg, cinnamon, rock candy, candy sugar, figgy pudding, pinot wine, oak, port wine, dark chocolate, flan, toffee butterscotch, brandy, marshmallows, chocolate smores, molasses, anise, red velvet cake, stone fruit apricot, peaches, pecan pie, sangria, apples, blackberry preserves on toasted rye bread, sweetened condensed milk, pears, wine grapes, concorde grapes, toasted coconut hints and milk chocolate.

Aftertaste:
Fruit cake, dark fruits, hints of stone fruit peaches, caramel, vanilla, oak, pinot, port wine and chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, dark brown medium to full body, sipping drinkability and slightly syrupy mouthfeel.

Overall:
Damn exceptionally awesome winter warmer. The end of winter is pretty much near here and to end it perfectly as winter rolls trough St. Patrick’s, all green in color, this winter ends with a bang! On to the spring. The beer has so much damn complexity. I know it is not sour nor it is just a plain winter warmer but all the elements combined make for one ridiculously exceptional brew that is only out every 5 years. Do yourself a favor and if you can find this one for yourself, please do. You may not see nothing like it til 2020.

Anime Corner:
Rydia of the Mist from Final Fantasy IV was used in this pairin to pair with the colors of the label but also the magic of aging. In the story, Rydia was young but then was swallowed by a monster (Leviathan) only to come back a full fledged adult with very power magic and summoning spells. While the monster/esper world seems to go much faster than the normal world, she had spent many years in training while it was only a few days/weeks/months in the current timeline of the game. Her development from a young joyous girl (Jubelale) to a more powerful woman (Super Jubel aged in pinot and Oregon Oak barrels). The transformation into a much more complex beer/person is what really makes this one pair the best. Such Magic, Much Power, Wow Fancy.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/…/160c9d8233c1cf271e0a…
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2012-02-23-478344.jpeg

Friek by Odell brewing

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10834928_10102417170572760_455002267704386088_oRating: 4.85/5

Friek by Odell brewing is a 6.9% ABV American Wild Ale brewed with cherries and raspberries aged in oak barrels.

Label:
FRIEK is an evolution, an imaginative amalgamation invented by our brewers. Multiple KRIEK Lambic style ales are fermented with WILD yeast and TART cherries and then moved into OAK BARRELS to age and sour taking on the CHERRY flavors. As the beer matures, FRAMBOISES (raspberries) from Schroyer Family Farms in Fort Collins are handpicked and readied for the beer. The fresh RASPBERRIES are added immediately prior to the final blending. The sweet and tart flavors MINGLE on the tongue with a sparkling dry finish.

==Introduction==

A special thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of www.beermetaldude.com for sending me this one. We do not see much of Odell brewing here on the west coast so to see this one for a review here on the site is an awesome opportunity. Odell makes some really delicious beers such as the Lugene, Fifty niner or tree shaker. I can definitely feel confident that this one was going to be great. Especially with raspberries and cherries. Yes Please!

Aromas:
Dark cherries, raspberries, vanilla, oak, wine grapes, dark fruit raisins, plums, prunes, currants, caramel, brown sugar, musty notes, rose petals, lavender, Jamaica hibiscus flower drink, sweetened condensed milk notes, molasses, chocolate notes, apricots, apples and cinnamon hints.

Flavors:
Tart Dark cherries, tart raspberries, vanilla, oak, wine grapes, dark fruit plums, prunes, currants, jamaica/hibiscus flower drink, concord grapes, cranberries, funky notes, red wine grapes, sangria, apples, apricots, brown sugar, caramel, musty notes, rose petals, lavender, molasses, chocolate hints, chardonnay, champagne and sweetened condensed milk hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes sour with tart fruits of cherry, raspberries, dark fruit, wine grapes, oak, earthy notes, vanilla and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, sipping drinkability, clear crimson red body, silky and moderate mouthfeel.

Overall:
This one turned out to be a good tart and sour yet very sweet beer. Reminds me of tart of darkness with its sweet and sour notes fighting each other for balance but ultimately being a sweet tart. I would definitely like a sweeter than tart and sour but this one really does deliver not only the sweeter part but also complexity. The beer itself is recommendable if you are able to get Odell in your area and especially if you like tart and sour beers.

Anime Corner:
Ibara sisters and their mother Teresa Rose were used in this pairing to go with the colors or the label, the cherries, the raspberries and the sour tart aspect of the beer. In the game, Ibara, the sisters are actually bosses where their mother Teresa is the last boss. They may looks really sweet but they are sour evil. Sometimes, it’s not bad to dabble in the sour and evil side of beers as well.

Sources:
http://www.pelaajalehti.com/wordpress/wp-content/2009/04/ibaraiso.jpg

(Brewerianimelogs On The Road) Dr Strange Matter collaboration by Bottle Logic and Iron Fist brewing

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947246_10102087955168070_2905402736460972123_nRating: 4.8/5

Dr Strange Matter collaboration by Bottle Logic and Iron Fist brewing is a 9.6% ABV Farmhouse Ale Aged in Chardonnay Barrels.

Commercial Description:
Brewed using authentic farmhouse yeast and pink peppercorns with Wakatu and Waimea hops and a dash of locally sourced caramelized honey. Dr. Strange Matter has been aged in Chardonnay barrels and is a perfect beer for a hot summer day.
___

This past weekend I visited many places in San Diego and many breweries since I had always wanted to visit the Craft Beer Capital and essentially it was like a dream come true. Of the many places I visited, Plan 9 Alehouse, which was on my list as a brewery didn’t necessarily make their own beer but had many great selections. Of the ones I tried on Friday, this one stuck out like a sore thumb as awesome. So because I really liked it, I took a pairing picture to go with it and from my notes, I bring you forth a review of Brewerianimelogs on the Road.

Aromas:
Biscuit, peppercorns, honey, musty oak, citrus, apples, chardonnay, wine grapes, farmhouse hay, white grapes, sage spice, piney, grassy, floral and some grapefruit hoppy hints, green apples, banana notes and stone fruit peaches.

Flavors:
Farmhouse hay, peppercorns, wine grapes, sage spice, honey, bananas, musty oak, chardonnay, funky wine notes, lemon zest, citrus, grapefruit, grassy and piney hops, stone fruit peaches, apricots, hints of plum, herbs, hibiscus flowers, pecan pie notes, vanilla and caramel.

Aftertaste:
Biscuit, wine grapes, stone fruit, peppercorns, funky notes, citrus and earthy hop bitterness. No alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer yet smooth mouth feel with a hazy full body.

Overall:
This one was very good. I see this one was actually bottled so I may try to look for a bottle of this one. The fact that it is aged in a chardonnay barrel imparts some very interesting flavors into the already delicious saison. It was quite the awesome beer and would try to seek this one out again if I had the chance.

Anime Corner:
Nurse Washu Hakubi from Tenchi Muyo was chosen in this pairing since I wanted something to do with the whole Doctor and the Nurse. Essentially, Washuu is seriously strange but a genius and pairs perfect with the doctor to perform some serious flavor surgery on those taste buds

Sources:
http://www.oocities.org/ryoko_masaki_16/wash2.jpg

Brandy Barrel Bois (5th Anniversary ale) by The Bruery

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10154900_10101867879731010_6459360768481902051_nRating: 6/5

Brandy Barrel Bois (5th Anniversary ale) by The Bruery is a 15% ABV World Class Old Ale aged in Brandy Barrels.

Commercial Description:
The traditional fifth anniversary gift is something made of wood, or “Bois” in French.

Bois is our fifth anniversary ale, loosely brewed in the English-style Old Ale tradition using our house Belgian yeast strain and then blended using the solera method. A portion of each of our anniversary ales is saved in our barrels and blended in with the next year’s production, providing more complexity and depth of character that comes with age. Layered with complex flavors of dark fruit,vanilla, oak, and burnt sugar, Bois is a robust ale, surely the perfect beer to mark this major milestone.
—

This variant of the Bruery’s 5th anniversary beer has been sitting around for about a year aging. This variant is aged in Brandy barrels, the whole dynamics of the original Bois are either enlightened more or possibly stays just as delicious as when I first tried Bois last year. So here it is, Brandy Barrel aged Bois for your reading pleasure.

Here is the original review of the Bourbon Barrel one: (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/bois-5th-anniversary-by-the-bruery/)

Aromas:
Rich dark fruits, dates, bananas, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, toasted coconut, dark chocolate, pecan pie, cherry cordial, dark cherry ice cream, vanilla ice cream, Flan, crème brulee, Tres Leches, wine grapes, brandy, oak, apples, Leche Nestle sweetened condensed milk, toffee, marshmallows, brown sugar, raspberries, maple, molasses, sherry and port wine.

Flavors:
More dark fruit like prunes, raisins and figs forward than the original, brandy barrel, wine grapes, raspberries, cherry cordial chocolates, oak, apples, Tres Leches, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, toffee, coconut, macaroons, apples, dark cherry yogurt hints, flan, vanilla ice cream, dark cherry ice cream, crème brulee, wine grapes, port wine, sherry, molasses, brown sugar, maple syrup, leather, black berries and blueberries.

Aftertaste:
The Brandy with the wine like tangy notes linger along with the sweet caramel, flan, vanilla, dark cherry, coconut hints, and chocolate port linger for a little but dry up. No alcohol in the taste. Smooth yet sipping beer. Full to syrupy mouth feel.

Overall:
Simply outstanding!! Somehow, Brandy always something very amazing to beers that Bourbon does not. Each spirit barrel adds an additional component that really makes the beers vary. With Bois, it is like taking an already over the top beer and modifying it into new ways it was maybe never meant to go before. This one I got directly from the Bruery. If you go there, you should definitely get this one, I highly recommend it!!

Anime Corner:
Rei Ayanami was used in last year’s Bois and I brought Asuka Langley Sohryu Shikinami from the previous beer (Fruet) to represent the addition of the Brandy barrel to Bois. They are from Neon Genesis Evangelion. In this picture they sit holding each other like really close friends. They are both very powerful in the series. The addition of brandy adds more fruit to the beer, like in the Fruet represented by Asuka. Her colors also represent the Red Wax addition to Bois.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/1fkIfXE.jpg

NOT the Stoic by Deschutes brewing

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10169241_10101820426093480_4885748839780131857_nRating: 5.95/5

NOT the Stoic by Deschutes brewing is a 12% Belgian Quad brewed with pomegranate molasses and aged 11 months in 15% Pinot Noir oak wine barrels and 15% Rye Whiskey Barrels.

Label:
A prized, Potent, Belgian-Styled Quad of Stirring depth & complexity.
A Virtuous return. Aged and sequestered in select oak casks. The result – A contemplatively brewed quad, created in homage to all those who doubted the original. This unrepentant rendition is definitely, NOT THE STOIC.

Malt: Pilsner, Special B, Crystal Rye
Hops: Czech Saaz
Other: Pomegranate Molasses
Barrel-Aging: 11 months in 15% Pinot Noir and 15% Rye Whiskey Barrels
___

Been waiting for this sucker for a very long time. I have never tried the original as I have never been lucky enough to find it before they stopped making it. With this release, I was not gonna miss this one up. Quadruples and Dark Belgian beers are some of my favorites and it really takes a lot to make a really bad quad, well, bad. This is highly coveted for its rarity and increasing popularity, although very limited. Get this one if you can.

Aromas:
Lots of dark fruits like dark cherries, figs, plums, cranberries, pomegranates, oak, port wine, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, marshmallows, smores, flan, pecan pie, hazelnut, walnuts, bananas, clove spice, burnt sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, chocolate notes, rye, lots of wine grapes, coconut hints, peaches and cream, apricots and apples.

Flavors:
Rich Dark cherries, dark fruits, raisins, plums, figs, currants, pomegranate, cranberry, wine grapes, oak, leather, port wine, rye bread, rye whiskey, coconut, dulce de leche caramel, burnt sugar, vanilla, maple syrup, molasses, flan, brown sugar, chocolate notes, hazelnut, pecan pie, walnut cream, bananas, clove spice, oak, peaches, apricots, apples, marshmallows, smores, molasses and cinnamon.

Aftertaste:
Lingering maple, wine grapes, pecan pie, caramel, vanilla, oak, dark fruits and molasses linger. A silky mouthfeel with no alcohol in the taste, a sipping beer still even it is pretty damn smooth. 

Overall:
One of the 5th strongest ABV quads I have ever had, Strongest being the Forgotten Island Quad (15%) and maybe Sede Vacante to some extent. A quad definitely exceeding a lot of my expectations! The blend of the whiskey barrel and wine oak barrels reminding me of what would happen scenario if we took St. Bernardus and Trois Pistoles and we aged them in Wine and Whiskey Barrels. That beer would be even crazier but for now, the possibility of such a thing is highly exemplified in NOT the Stoic. This is not your typical quadruple that is damn sure. I highly recommended!!

Anime Corner:
Flandre Scarlet from the Touhou series was used in this pairing to exemplify the craziness of the character as it relates to the beer. For fans of the character, yes, I do mean with the whole U.N. Owen was Her Name which is her theme in that crazy game. This beer is no longer the stoic. It has been tainted, corrupted and demented in darkness and complexity that it will never be the same. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s increase in complexity with its increase in ABV make it very dangerous as this drinks rather easily. That is the dangerous part. Just like Flandre Scarlet. Enjoy at your own damn risk, cuz trust me, you won’t want to finish her in one sitting!

Vintage Series Barrel Aged 2012 Dancin’ Monks by Aldebert’s Brewery

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1558586_10101647502174400_1058111900_nRating: 4.8/5

Vintage Series Barrel Aged 2012 Dancin’ Monks by Aldebert’s Brewery is a 9.1% ABV Belgian Dubbel Aged in oak barrels. 

Label:
The Ale: A complex ale with a sour wine funk and plum fruit aroma. Pairs well with tangy cheeses, rich meats, fried foods and fruit based desserts.

The Story:
The Columbian Monks could really cut loose during the annual retreat hosted by Del at his Naivasha Lake House in Kenya. After a glass you might find yourself doing your own little happy dance.
___

I am familiar with Aldebert’s brewery as I have tried one of their beers back in 2011 when my friend Matt had hooked me up with it long ago. This rich goodie was provided by my good friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com in Texas. A Texas exclusive beer but generously donated to the site for review. So it is with great pleasure and a great honor to try this limited edition vintage ale here.

Aromas:
Caramel, wine grapes, funky notes, oak, mild bourbon, leather, honey, chardonay, apricots, vanilla, honey, apples, brown sugar and cloves. 

Flavors:
Caramel, plums, raisins, wine grapes, oak, vanilla, honey, wheat, funky barnyard hay, mushrooms, brettanomyces, candy sugars, tart cherry, peppercorns, apricots, sour apples, citrus, coriander, fancy cheese, bourbon, banana notes, clove spice, tangerine marmalade on rye bread and butterscotch.

Aftertaste:
A dark fruit, caramel, brown sugar aftertaste with a good amount of barnyard hay and funky wine oak notes. No alcohol in the taste but moderate to sipping drinkability on this one. While yes, it is a funky little beer, it has a smooth component too it too.

Overall:
A very good dubbel and a particular style that I have not tried before. I have tried Bourbon Barrel Aged quads before but a Wine Oak Barrel aged dubbel is quite a treat and very unique. Although, this beer reminds me of the Fantome Beers of Belgium with similar flavors. They are very good and this one is just as good if not in par to those. Amazing stuff and an honor to try them.

Anime Corner:
Wang Yuanji from Dynasty Warriors was used in this beer pairing to represent the the Monk’s dancing as in the beer name but also to represent the beer label’s colors. The blue dress with the gold pair those colors. In the background it almost looks like Wang is dancing. Can you see any other features of this pairing that best complement?

Smokestack Series Bourbon Barrel Quad (BBQ) by Boulevard Brewing

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1379780_10101445795780630_1913651140_nRating: 5.35/5

Smokestack Series Bourbon Barrel Quad (BBQ) by Boulevard Brewing is an 11.8% ABV Belgian Quadrupel divided into 16% ale and 84% aged in bourbon barrels with cherries

Label: 
Based loosely on the Smokestack Series’ The Sixth Glass, this abbey-style quadrupel is separated into a number of oak bourbon barrels where it ages for varying lengths of time, some for up to three years. Cherries are added to make up for the “angel’s share” of beer lost during barrel aging. Selected barrels are then blended for optimum flavor. The resulting beer retains only very subtle cherry characteristics, with toffee and vanilla notes coming to the fore.
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Limited release of this beer and I was able to find this one online on many of the supporters beerpulse.com has. I heard great things about this beer. Not only is it a quad, which is one of my favorite styles of beer, but also bourbon barrel aged. It is essentially the Sixth Glass in bourbon barrels with cherries

Aromas cherries, rich vanilla, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, pecans, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, oak, wine grapes, port wine, good cheese and wine, flan, cinnamon, rye bread, earthiness, bananas, clove, funky notes and brandy

Flavors are of cherries, bourbon, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, wine grapes, oak, dark fruits, raisins, figs, bananas, flan, brandy, good wine and cheese, cinnamon, brown sugar, candied sugar, dark cherries, pecan pie, walnuts and tart raspberry

Aftertaste is like a wine and fancy cheese glazed with dark fruit spread on rye bread. Oh yeah, and bourbon too. A definite sipper with alcohol presence but not present in the flavor.

Overall, the beer is freaking great. Fancy and delicious. It does not taste like BBQ but I am absolutely certain it sure pairs marvelously with a BBQ Chicken or Pork dinner. This is delicious as hell. Boulevard makes some awesome beers and I have only had the privilege to try few as they are from Colorado. Many will come soon. As far as this beer goes, it is definitely recommended. Yes it passes the extra credit course!!

Oude Tart by the Bruery

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1378644_10101428781257870_622054171_nRating: 4.5/5

Oude Tart by the Bruery is a 7% ABV Flanders/Flemish Red ale aged in oak barrels.

Label: 
Oude Tart is a Flemish-Style Red Ale aged in red wine barrels for 18 months. Pleasantly sour with hints of leather, dark fruit and toasty oak. Oude Tart is suitable for aging up to five years when cellared properly
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Of the many sour releases by the Bruery, I have not tried this one. This is readily available around the Fall season. There are a few Flanders Red ales that I have tried. The ones that I like are La Roja by Jolly Pumpkin and the Rodenbach Grand Cru. Let us give this one a shot and see how it goes.

Aromas are of caramel, funky wine grapes, tart cherries, red wine, raisins, lots of wood oak, leather, lemon, cellar mustiness, brown sugar and vanilla bread

The flavors are of toffee, caramel, vanilla, oak, wine grapes, tart cherries, cranberries, red wine, leather, raisins, lemons, raspberries, sour apples, tart raspberries and slight biscuit bread flavors

The aftertaste leaves with a tart cherry, leather and caramel flavors. The drinkability is definitely sipping and alcohol is hidden

Overall the beer is very good. More tart than sour. I think what allows for such is the fact that it is aged for a while in the oak but also the rich ingredients also counter some of the sourness. So while it is still a sour, it is more of a tart beer. This beer reminds me of La Roja by Jolly pumpkin but with more oak and less wine flavors. Definitely a good try if you love sours.

Das Wunderkind! by Jester King

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1175003_10101346418059380_1900771048_nRating: 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.
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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.

Black & Blue by Dogfish Head

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999069_10101295878895270_1465842618_nRating: 4.25/5

Black & Blue by Dogfish Head is a 10% ABV Belgian Golden Ale brewed with Black raspberry and Blueberry puree.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION (ratebeer.com)
Black & Blue is golden Belgian Ale made with over 300 lbs of fresh blackberries and blueberries. With a deep purple full body and a long-lasting lacy pink head, this ale is both attractive and delicious! It is tart and fruity, like our brewers! The subtle bitterness of Hallertau and Saaz hops shines through the fruit forward flavor and sets the palate aglow. (30 IBUs). This tasty brew has smooth but noticeable alcohol warmth. Belgian yeast gives this brew a characteristically dry spicy finish. The beautiful interplay of fruit, spice, and alcohol is complimented by a soft malt profile, and a high level of carbonation.
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Aromas are of grapes, biscuit bread, raspberries, blueberries, wheat, cherries, citrus, peach, apples, coriander spice and strawberry jam.

The flavors are of lots of tart black and blueberries, wine grapes, apple, apricots, biscuit bread, wheat, apples, citrus, coriander spice, bananas on toast with strawberry jam, and clove notes.

Pretty sweet, fruity and tart beer. Hard to sense the alcohol. It is one of those beers that hides the alcohol very well. The beer almost feels sorta like a wine in the after taste but leaves a good amount of very nice residual banana and fruit on bread.

Overall, for people that like wine or fruit beers, this is very nice. What makes it that more delicious is the Belgian yeast strain which gives it that nice clovey, banana bread like flavors through out the beer. 

Certainly this does very good in comparison to other fruit beers. Except for maybe their Forte beer and the awesome Montegiocco Draco which is brewed with lots of Blueberries and makes is actually taste like a blueberry muffin. Anyways, that is another beer in a past review. Still, this beer does very well for itself. It is one of those beers that I would go with if I am in the mood for a fruit beer. Unless its chocolate and fruit, then that would be something else altogether

Dulcis Succubus by Le Trou Du Diable

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64860_10101284538940630_830920379_n 943629_10101284537972570_671423545_n 74650_10101284541340820_893619856_n 1001522_10101284539793920_1115042580_nRating: 5/5

Dulcis Succubus by Le Trou Du Diable of Canada is a 7% ABV Saison/Wild Farmhouse Ale aged in Wine Barrels

Label: 
The beer is fermented with wild yeast and aged for six months in French oak barrels that previously held botrytized California white wine, creating a complex aroma of honey, vanilla, apricot and leather. The abundant flavor is bittersweet with notes of peach and American hops. Carpe fermentum!
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Translated as Sweet Succubus by The Devil’s Hole Brewing is a beer that was not easy to find. Had to place myself on a waiting list. I guess people do seek this one. Right now, Klwines.com has this one for a hefty price, however, if you love sours and saisons or even wine, this might be up your alley. Carpe fermentum!? = Seize the beer 

Aromas of funky funky bready yeast with wine and grape must fragrances came out of the bottle. Other notes I gathered were of vanilla, peach, oak, good fancy cheese, earthy and floral hops, pepper corn, honey, apple, pineapple and cider.

The flavors a lot like that of the Jolly Pumpkin but mainly like the Saisons from Fantome in Belgium. Flavors are of Honey, biscuits, lemon peel, white wine, vanilla oak, peach, apricot, wine grapes, dessert wine, floral and earthy hops, spices like coriander, peppercorns, lemons, leather, apples, biscuit bread and some nice fancy cheese.

Leaves like a nice fancy cheese aftertaste. Not bad at all. We are dealing with “living” brettanomyces in the beer afterall. Love these living ales. The sourness does not come in as strong. There is a good amount of funkyness and some sourness to make it appealing but also giving way to sweeter flavor with some hop bitterness. Overall it is really funky and reminiscent of those great saisons from Stillwater and Fantome. Hell even some of the Stone aged beers might be similar. Awesome stuff. I would think that this would fit the bill as a during dinner or after dinner type of beer. Wine aged beers seem that way 

All these fancy wine aged beers have something in comparison. They give off this funky cheese notes, even if minor. This is very good stuff though. Here is how I would compare this beer to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etm-qfx3Gok 

Before I forget, the label was an awesome design made by aditya777 (http://aditya777.deviantart.com/art/Succubus-156780762 )

Cheers 😀

3 French Hens by the Bruery

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993891_10101213608880040_868492750_n 988458_10101213606574660_1022864022_n 971878_10101213607417970_297930175_nRating: 4.8/5

3 French Hens by the Bruery is a 10% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Ale.

Label:
The third verse of our “Twelve Beers of Christmas” saga incorporates vinous and oaky notes into a bold and spicy dark ale. Happy Holidays!

75% Belgian-Style Dark Ale,25% Ale Aged in French Oak Barrels
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This beer is hard to come by especially since it is the 3rd installment of the Bruery’s 12 Beers of Christmas. Last year’s was 5 Golden Rings. Why am I reviewing a Christmas beer in the summer time? Well what better time than now. This is the 2010 release so it has been sitting around for about 2 and a half years bringing up the complexity and ABV to newer heights

The aromas start off quite fruity. Pineapple, peaches, cherries, plums, mango, oak, wine grapes, apricot, apple, caramel, candied sugar, wine, slight cocoa, anise, guava and biscuit bread with honey.

Flavors are of mix of a Belgian quad and a sour. However, the sour is only in funky notes, not necessarily sour. You get flavors or caramel, raisins, wine grapes, slight chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla oak, guava, pineapple, mango, papaya, plums, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger bread, honey, brown sugars, peppercorn notes, clove spice, slight funkyness like that of Jolly Pumpkin beers without the sourness, molasses, and brown sugar. The aftertaste is slightly vinous and funky but delicious. Mainly from the oak I would think.

Quite the new experience for me really. I never had a beer that gave that Belgian quad like flavors with awesome funky notes that I would with like Jolly Pumpkin. I guess something close would be like the Fantome Belgian beers. It is a very nice experience for sure and aging has definitely gave it what was necessary to bring out some epic flavors from this. Now all I need to find is Partridge in a Pear Tree.

Bois (5th anniversary) by The Bruery

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970628_10101211257098030_73146055_n 7274_10101211258066090_1797444077_n 960094_10101211259503210_304924783_nRating: 5.9/5 * Just take my word for it, this, like their other anniversary ales are exquisitely World Class

Bois (5th anniversary) by The Bruery is a 15%ABV World Class Old Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels 

Label: 
This sturdy beer marks our fifth year, and we are grateful for the outpouring of community. Together may our supporters, our brewery and this beer grow in complexity and refinement over the years.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION (beeradvocate.com)
The traditional fifth anniversary gift is something made of wood, or “Bois” in French. 

Bois is our fifth anniversary ale, loosely brewed in the English-style Old Ale tradition using our house Belgian yeast strain and then blended using the solera method. A portion of each of our anniversary ales is saved in our barrels and blended in with the next year’s production, providing more complexity and depth of character that comes with age. Layered with complex flavors of dark fruit,vanilla, oak, and burnt sugar, Bois is a robust ale, surely the perfect beer to mark this major milestone.
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I was able to finally get a hold of this beer. Every year they keep adding more of the and more. This one is no exception to the previous. I already know it is going to be awesomely great.

Aromas start with bananas drenched in vanilla and dulce de leche caramel, Roasted Coconut, Chocolate, pecan pie, dark fruits like raisins, plums, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, sherry, apples, Flan, vanilla, sweet condenced milk (Lechera), crème brulee, oak wood, toffee, marshmallows, rum, bourbon, brown sugar and burnt sugars

Flavors of this beer are of ripe bananas, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, rum, apples, peach, raisins, figs, dates, prunes, cherries, pecan hazelnut pie, marshmallows, flan, sweetened condenced milk (Lechera), crème brulee, super fancy chocolate, white chocolate, wine grapes, maple, sourdough and rye bread, toffee, sherry, burnt sugar, brown sugar, butterscotch and raisin bread pudding.The mouth feel is thick and the boozyness is there but in a good way. Has like a caramel, fruit and wine aftertaste.

What can I say but another fine year and another fine masterpiece from the Bruery. I think the fact that there are slightly more vinous and bourbon sugar flavor to it this year than last year is the fact that the Papier they added with every batch is adding more and more complexity to it a la Solera method. I am sure their other varieties are over the top. But even the regular Bois is just simply brilliant! Definitely have to get another one for aging. This beer will only get better as time goes. If you get the chance to get this beer, do not miss out!! It is not as exclusive as Black Tuesday, Chocolate Rain, White Chocolate, Melange 3 or others, but still up there in the awesome levels and ratings.

Click here for last year’s anniversary ale (FRUET)https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/fruet-by-the-bruery/

Otiose by the Bruery

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935014_10101146739631550_1924334654_n 427812_10101146739252310_1507309113_nRating: 4.45/5

Otiose by the Bruery is a 8.2%ABV Sour Brown Ale Aged in Oak with Guava.

Label: 
Created for no purpose besides satisfying an intense craving. Pleasantly tart with tropical notes balanced by roast malt.

Description:
Defined as “serving no practical purpose”, the recipe for Otiose was developed during a rare break in the brewing schedule; a recipe we came up with to satisfy our own desires and nothing more. The result is a sour brown ale aged in oak barrels to which we added guava. Riddled with tropical notes which are balanced by it’s malty backbone, Otiose is a rich and decadent sour ale. 8.2%, Cellerable for up to 3 years.
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The fragrance of this beer are of sour wine grapes, notes of caramel, guava, lemon citrus, passion fruit, plum notes, apples, cranberry, raspberry, oak and vanilla. Aside from the sour grape wine flavor, this beer has some nice sweet notes. Flavors of pecan, guava, banana notes, cherry, raspberry, caramel, toffee, vanilla, oak, brown sugar, citrus, lemon, grapefruit, honey, some toasted rye bread and some sour funkyness. The beer is quite balanced. There is enough tart and caramel notes to make it pretty interesting. This is similar to some of the great Jolly Pumpkin ales. So if you love sours, have fun trying this one 😛

Filmishmish (في المشمش) by The Bruery

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72889_10101143596794820_900467783_nRating: 4.65/5 

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

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

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

Migdal Bavel (AKA Tower of Babel) collaboration by Stillwater Artisanal and Extraomnes

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420354_10101060596353370_621134300_n 28992_10101060588050010_309083145_nRating: 4.75/5

Migdal Bavel (AKA Tower of Babel) collaboration by Stillwater Artisanal and Extraomnes is a 6.66%ABV Italian Saison made with Myrrh an Szechuan Peppercorns.

Description:
a crisp blond farmhouse ale brewed with Myrrh & Szechuan Peppercorns.
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Been looking all over the place for this one. Took almost half a year for me to find to so reviewing this one was gonna be such an awesome task. Aside from the eerie 6.66%ABV, this beer has some mysterious aromas and flavors. The aromas start off herbal, floral and spicy. Fragrances of bread notes, flowers, mango, peppercorns, citrus, grapefruit, oak wood, pears and pineapple. The taste is very rich in herbs, spices and funky wild yeast. Flavors can gather are of citrus orange, slight pineapple, lemon, herbs, flowers, honey, vanilla, peppercorns, a bit of wine grapes, banana bread, bubble gum, pears, mushrooms, basil, coriander and spices. The after taste leaves with some nice grassy and spice bitterness which still complemented by flowery sweetness. I am unsure as to how Myrrh taste but possibly the little bit of herbal and spicy bitterness maybe a result. Either way, another awesome saison and an awesome collaboration. Saison and Farmhouse ale fans will enjoy this one 😛

John John Rum Aged Hazelnut by Rogue Brewing

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13151_10101058675787200_1682231222_nRating: 4/5

John John Rum Aged Hazelnut by Rogue Brewing is a 5.6% ABV Hazelnut Nectar Brown Ale aged in Hazelnut Spiced Rum Barrel

Label:
A nutty twist to a traditional European Brown Ale. Dark brown in color with a hazelnut aroma, a rich nutty flavor and a smooth malty finish.

12 Ingredients:
Great Western 2-Row Brown, Carastan 13/17, Crystal 70/80, Crystal 135/165, Beeston Pale Chocolate & Rogue Micro Barley Farm Dare™ malts; Rogue Micro Hopyard Independence & Revolution Hops;
Hazelnut Extract, Free Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast.

Specs: 
19º PLATO
33 IBU
73.6 AA
36º Lovibond
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I am a big fan of the Hazelnut Brown Nectar, so to find that they made a Rum aged version is simply awesome. The aroma of this version is of pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, dark fruits like a wine grapes, rum, almost like a coca cola, molasses, brown sugar, slight sour grapes, prunes, biscuit bread and caramel, cinnamon, oak and other spices. The taste is of sour grapes, prunes, rum, coconut, some hazelnut, cranberries, vanilla caramel, biscuit bread, pecans, cinnamon, oak, earthy hops, lemon and spices. The aftertaste is a mix of sweet and some sour flavors. At first it was mostly sour but then the beer got better as I went along adding more spicy and sweeter hazelnut and berry notes. An interesting beer for sure, but I still liked the original much better. This version takes it into interesting places of flavor but just not where I thought it would. The beer is not bad, in fact its very good but not sure if it was because of the low ABV but sometimes with Barrel Aging beer, it takes beers into planes of higher complexity. This did it but only into the “light” type of complexity. Still, if you like Hazelnut Nectar, you may like this one.

Plum Riot by Bootlegger’s Brewery

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223427_10101057095339430_506205679_nRating: 4.8/5

Plum Riot by Bootlegger’s Brewery is a 7.8%ABV Belgian Dubbel brewed with plums and rock candy. Dubbel is an Belgian beer style that uses a double fermentation process.

Label:
For too long the plum has played second fiddle to more prestigious fruits. Biding their time in angry passage, the raging plum flavors have been plotting an uprising for centuries. The time and place for such a revolt is now. With the release of the cork, the first wave of plum flavors will attack your nose leaving nothing but the mark of their sweet and tart aromas. As this effervescent beer enters your mouth, the second wave strikes as the plum notes pummel and pillage your taste buds, surrounding them with an assault of flavor that demands respect. The age of the plum has finally arrived!
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Aromas are of sugar cane roots, plum, pears, apples, cinnamon, apple pie, peach cobbler, wine grapes, piloncillo sugar cone and dulce de leche caramel. The flavors are of plums, pears, slight pineapple, dulce de leche bread, vanilla creme, apple pie, peach cobbler, piloncillo sugar cone, unrefined sugar, raisins, dark berries, cherries, and figs. In a sense it is mainly a sugary plum beer. It is quite nice and Belgian like mainly focusing on fruit sweetness. While it doesn’t bleed more bready flavors and focuses more on dark fruits and sugar as well as some pie crust. Even so, it is still a nice beer if you are into sweet tasting beers. Which I sure as hell am so this is very delicious for me.

La Corriveau by Le Bilboquet

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486221_10100988348673300_1230825162_n 547030_10100988350364910_788662313_n 483930_10100988349317010_88185805_nRating: 5/5

La Corriveau by Le Bilboquet is a 5.5%ABV Oatmeal Stout. This beer is based on the story of Marie-Josephte Corriveau or La Corriveau as she’s know in Quebecois Folklore. She was sentenced to death by hanging in chains and cage by a British court marshal for the crime of murdering her second husband. Legend has it that she haunts people at cross roads… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-Josephte_Corriveau

Label:
Du haut de sa potence, la Corriveau vous regarde déguster une bière noire aux arômes d’expresso et de chocolat noir. Sa robe profonde est coiffée d’une crème riche et onctueuse qui cache une amertume tranchante, digne des idées noires qui hantaient l’esprit de cette meurtrière légendaire.

Translation:
Hanging from the gallows, La Corriveau watches you as you are savoring this black beer with espresso and ark chocolate aromas. Its deep color is topped with a rich and unctuous cream that hides a sharp bitterness, worthy of the gloomy ideas that haunted this legendary murderer’s mind.
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This is quite the good beer coming from Canada. Eerie tribute but damn good beer. Aromas are of coffee and chocolate with a lot of dark fruits like raisins, blue berries, black berries, tart cherries, wine grapes, oatmeal, caramel, roasted coffee, and a little bit of vanilla. It is quite potent and interesting fragrance. The flavors have another unique story to tell. The flavors are of sweet and dark chocolate covered grapes, cherries, raisins, blue and black berries, raspberries, mocha coffee, whipped cream, oatmeal cookies with cherries and toast covered in fig jelly. The aftertaste leaves with these nice coffee and caramel notes. Berries covered in chocolate dipped in coffee and mocha is a major emphasize. I am not sure if it is the Oatmeal sugars which provide the unique smoothness and special sugar which give it such a berry like sugary flavor but this is just too good. Maybe the legend is true. The sorts of flavors with a stout that was not made with certain indicated ingredients…just..supernatural stuff. Amazing Stout and a must try….I think all beers are enchanted and full of magic…take your taste buds to levels beyond reasoning.

Ron And The Beast Ryan collaboration by Evil Twin Brewing and Jolly Pumpkin

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262982_10100969380445780_390181023_nRating: 4.75/5

Ron And The Beast Ryan collaboration by Evil Twin Brewing and Jolly Pumpkin is a 7% ABV Saison/ Farmhouse Ale brewed with honey 

Label:
n Denmark we have a lovely tradition for funky beer, and what you have here is certainly no exception. This is a never before seen collaboration between Ron and the Beast Ryan. A fluffy and precious Saison-style ale brewed with a beautiful yeast called Brettanomyces. It may sound like a true fairytale, but don’t be fooled by it’s cute appearance.
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Quite floral saison here. Aromas of honey, botanicals, bread, flowers, orange citrus, herbs, barnyard hay and spices. The flavors are kind of funky like a Belgian Ale, but it is a saison. Flavors of honey, biscuit bread, wine grapes, a touch of lemon, grapefruit, apples, peaches, wild yeast bread, wheat, coriander, herbs, rose petals and hibiscus. The after taste is floral sweet with some hoppy bitterness but not a lot. This Saison is worth trying although other saisons that may come close are like the Stillwater Stateside or the Anchorage Love Buzz. Still an awesome beer to try 🙂

 
 
 

de Viento (of the Wind) by Jolly Pumpkin

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301726_10100965793144760_1977737499_nRating: 4.8/5

de Viento (of the Wind) by Jolly Pumpkin is a 7.5%ABV Oak Aged Sour Saison/Farmhouse ale brewed with coffee and spices 

Label:
De Viento … and still we dance

March 15, 2012 a tornado tore through Dexter, missing the brewery, but not all of our neighbors. What could we do to help? Hmmm. We do know how to make beer. So make a beer is what we did. This beer. Teaming up with co-conspirators Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company, Schera’s and the Abu Nawas Beverage Company to create a collaborative beer like noneother. 

A dark and smoky sour Saison full of rich aromatic coffee and the spicy heat of a secret Algerian spice blend. Proceeds go to the Dexter Relief Fund.
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It has been a while since I have tried something completely new from Jolly Pumpkin. This one was hard to come by but based on the beer information and first whiff, I knew it wasn’t gonna be a typical sour Jolly Pumpkin beer. Aromas of grapes, wine, coffee, almost like a mocha, chocolate, vanilla, citrus, apples and some earthy notes. The flavors are that of a sour Porter. Unlike Madrugada Obscura which has coffee and chocolate with nice sour notes, this breeds more of sweeter notes along with the sour notes. It seems the sourness is only like a squash or a pumpkin and wine taste. Coffee, Mocha, caramel, dark and milk chocolate, wine grapes, tart sour apple, some vanilla, oak wood, roasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin and squash (which is complimented oh so well with the sweet cappuccino flavors), some lemon, cloves, peppercorn, almonds and pecans. The flavor is quite different that what I was expecting. In a very good way ofcourse. The good thing is that the sour notes are not as dominant as other JP beers which people that don’t normally enjoy sour beers may take a liking to this one as the sweetness balances out the sourness to create a pretty tasty beer here.

Bam Noire by Jolly Pumpkin

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407283_10100953671771090_1355560881_nRating: 3.9/5

Bam Noire by Jolly Pumpkin is a 4.3% ABV Dark Farmhouse Ale/Saison. This is the second time I get to try this beer. One of the things I failed to notice when I did my first review, is the fact that… THIS BEER IS LOWER IN ALCOHOL THAN A BUDLIGHT. Also, the flavors is probably over 9000 times better than a bud light.

Label:
One of Bam’s brown eyes is, in fact, black. When mischief reigns supreme, it positively glows. Dedicated to the dark side; smooth, dark, incredibly delicious as only a Jack Russell with bat wings can be.
—

One thing to note about Jolly pumpkin ales is that there is always some aromas and flavors of like wine grape sourness. This one seems to have a lighter amount of sourness to it. The fragrance is of wine grapes, coffee, lemon, caramel, cherries, raisins and oak wood. The flavors are somewhat balanced. There are some coffee cake notes, wine grape sourness, molasses, notes of apple cider vinegar, citrus, lemon, caramel, apples, ginger, brown sugar, and cherries. This is a nice low ABV beer to try if you like Saisons or sour ales. Even for some that may not like sour ales, this is pretty moderate to low sourness. It is enough for you to taste the dark roasted malts and fruits. 

2011 Review:
Bam Noire Dark Farm House Ale is a well balanced beer consisting of sweet flavor from the malt, bit of bitterness from the fresh hops, and that Jolly Pumpkin goodness of wild yeast making this sour as well. It is refreshing and not too overwhelming in complexity. Just the right beer for the special occasion where you want to try sweet,sour,bitter at once…Definitely good stuff :P.

Fantôme Boo! by Brasserie Fantôme

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184590_10100951561021050_451599044_n563686_10100951563076930_1306320432_nRating: 5/5

Fantôme Boo! by Brasserie Fantôme of Belgium is an 8.0%ABV Saison/Farmhouse ale brewed with pumpkins. Just as a fair warning, BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN OPENING THIS BOTTLE and open over an open sink. As you can see from the picture the bottle spewed all over the place. LOL, it certainly spooked me….lucky I was able to save the majority of it 😉

Label:

Fantome Boo! Special Begian Ale. Burgundian Babble Belt. Imported by Shelton Bothers, Belchertown MA
—Been looking for this beer since October…I’m glad I found it and is more abundant now than before. I figure…One more pumpkin beer before the end of the year…why not 😉
Right off opening the bottle, there was a distinct pumpkin and vegetable smell like a tomato . Some orange zest, lemons, flowers, pine, grass and wet hay. Flavors are of peach, banana, wine grapes, tamarind, funky tart , biscuit bread, earthy must, sweet caramel, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, sweet orange, pear, old apples, pumpkin bread, pumpkin seeds, squash, mushrooms and like a cilantro or basil after taste. This has some very strange but rather delicious character. I don’t think I have tasted an ale that was like this with certain sweet and sour vegetable and fruit flavors. The sourness is hardly anything bad, more or a tart. People that love Saisons and possibly less artificial spiced, more fruity and more fermented pumpkin beers will like this one. The overall beer is sweet but the sourness balances it out.

19th Birthday Suit by Uinta Brewing

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487041_10100937574624900_1936739112_nRating: 3.5/5

19th Birthday Suit by Uinta Brewing is a 5.7% ABV Wild Sour Ale brewed with Cherries. 

Label:

In the beginning, cherry trees shaded the beer garden. Resisting temptation no longer, we picked the fruit and let it ferment into a pleasingly sour and subtly sweet ale to mark Uinta’s 19th Birthday. A sinful pleasure for the experienced and adventurous palate.
—

This bottle was bottled on 3/20/2012, only 2 days before my birthday. What a coincidence ;). This pours pink, orange, red and purple. Quite interesting for a beer like this. The fragrance of this ale is quite pilsnery with notes of cherry and grape. Hmm.. I thought it would be mind blowing sour ale like Jolly Pumpkin. The sourness is quite mild. The bitterness is like a lager at best. Yet the flavors are like that of cherry tart, pilsner, cereal grain, wine grapes, citrus, ginger ale spice, vanilla hints and raspberries. It is crisp and refreshing. Craft beginners and lovers of the yellow fizzy beers might actually like this if they don’t mind sweet beers a la raspberry shocktop for example. Yet the only thing that would be a bother would be the sourness yet this is quite mild in comparison to other beers *ahem true craft beer drinkers ahem*

Straffe Hendrik Heritage 2011 by Brouwerij Straffe Hendrik / De Halve Maan of Belgium

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Rating: 5.25/5

Straffe Hendrik Heritage 2011 by Brouwerij Straffe Hendrik / De Halve Maan of Belgium is a 11% ABV Oak Aged Quadrupel Ale. I have tried their original, the Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel II but this taken into beer levels that truly take a person into taste realms of extraordinary proportions.

Label:

This quadrupel is a heavy and dark ale, brewed in the unique family brewery “De Halve Maan”, which has been located since 1856 in the historical centre of Bruges. This quadrupel is matured for more than one year in oak casks in the ancient cellars of the brewery. It gives this ale a complex flavour and rich aroma. The ale is refermented in the bottle, and has a longer shelf life, during which the taste evolves still further. The tannins and the complex malt flavours ripen into a harmonious balance over time.
—

When I got this at Ramirez Liquor in Boyle Heights, the dude told me that they go this shipment on a wooden crate. He advised that something like this is pretty special so hopefully the ale was just as special as well. I was pretty much sold. Upon first opening the beer, there was a major amount of complexity even in the aromas of the beer. I could smell the wine and bourbon oak just screaming along with the sweet dulce de leche and pecan pie notes. I got this scent that reminded me of the way barrel aged Saison Du Buff or Escondidian 15th PA was from stone. Something really complex and fancy. Trying this and discovering bit by bit what this tasted like was not gonna be an easy task. So at first sip, it was right there. The wine grapes, bourbon vanilla, dulce de leche caramel biscuit bread , pecan pie, dark fruits like plum or a raisin, bitter sweet berries like currants, blackberries, strong wooden oak and earthy notes, apricots, apples, bananas, fancy wine cheese and coconut. Alcohol is a paradox to find. It gets you, but it gets you at the subconscious level. Drinking this is not for the meek of beer palates. It is something quite different that should only be tried if you are ready for it. The flavors are everywhere and it is a game of butterfly catch. Digging into the taste complexity of the experienced beer connoisseurist. Still, if you are a Belgian Beer lover and want to experience something quite unique, give this a go. 

I realized because it had been aging since 2011, this was gonna be something truly special. Many Barrel aged beers give off certain flavors of oak and vanilla that is almost like coconut. Some wine barrels give off wine and sour grape flavors. This beer seems to give off both. Just the mere fact that it was their Quadrupel II that was aged literally took the beer taste to another dimension. If there ever existed a St. Bernardus or Trois Pistoles oak barrel aged beers, it would jump what I would consider the best beer in the world in terms of complexity into something greater. The original quadrupel of theirs was close to a 5 in review. Now this actually exceeds it for me. May not be into the levels of sweetness that I enjoy, but the level of completely that drives it there. Highly recommend it if you can find this one. Ramirez Liquor has it in stock but only for a limited time and limited amount.