Rating: 5/5
PB&J Blonde by Belching Beaver Brewery is a 5.5% ABV American Blonde Ale brewed with peanut butter and grape jelly flavors
Blonde beer with peanut and grape jelly
Tag Archives: Yoruichi
Hazelnut Hills by Golden Road Brewing
Rating: 5/5
Hazelnut Hills by Golden Road Brewing is a 5.5% ABV Brown brewed with Hazelnuts
An English-style Brown Ale with a rich malt complexicity, hints of caramel and chocolate, and incredible aromas and flavors of freshly toasted hazelnuts.
Soo much hazelnut goodness!
2016 Eclipse – Elijah Craig 12 by FiftyFifty Brewing Co.
Rating: 7/7
2016 Eclipse – Elijah Craig 12 by FiftyFifty Brewing Co. is an 11% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Honey aged in Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon.
Matte purple wax
(AnimeBeers On The Road) 2017 Bourbon O.E. (Olde English) by Smog City Brewing
Rating: 6/6
2017 Bourbon O.E. (Olde English) by Smog City Brewing is a 13.1% ABV English Barleywine aged in Bourbon Barrels
When I first tried this beer a while back, it was one of the best beers I have had at Smog City’s taproom. Since that time, I knew they had bottle it recently and while I had not really brought the bottle to the site, I figure it was about time. So when I visited the brewery with some of my coworkers, I decided to get a bottle and share it at the brewery. That’s when I realized I never had it on the site so I decided better now than later. I love bourbon barrel aged beers and this barleywine is one of the best. Showcasing some very nice dulce de leche caramel, oak, vanilla, dark fruits and pecan pie goodness. A beer that I would highly recommend if you can find it. Cheers!
2017 Trappist Westvleteren 12 by Brouwerij Westvleteren (Sint-Sixtusabdij van Westvleteren)
Rating: 7/72017 Trappist Westvleteren 12 by Brouwerij Westvleteren (Sint-Sixtusabdij van Westvleteren) is a 10.2% Belgian Trappist Quadrupel.
Label:
None
==Introduction==
Westy 12 is back! It has been 5 years since the last time I tried this beer. Back then it was the best beer in the world and even to this day I still think it is the best only because of rarity but mainly because it was an inspiration of a beer for since my first time trying Belgians. The best beers in the world commonly found to me are the St. Bernardus Abt 12 next to Trois Pistoles and the Three Philosophers. This beer is still difficult to get as you have to have an exclusive invite to the Monastery in Westvleteren and can only buy a limited quantity. Also, it has been difficult to get in the states since the one incident a couple years ago where they sold it at Total Wine where scalpers took many to sell online. Essentially, this beer was the best before the new IPA trends took over. Oh how people have forgotten that the old world of beers that have been made for hundreds of years should still be the best over these new and up and coming brews. It is the reason why this style is still my favorite despite the fact that while I do believe the newer hyped beers are delicious, they are no worth an arm and a leg. Also, while this one was hyped at the time, people forget that St. Bernardus Abt 12 is literally the same recipe but commercialized so many people in the world can know about the great Belgians. This is why I love St. Bernardus 12. It is easy to find but because I rarely get a chance to try this beer. I consider it slight above the best but in the rarity category. Let’s have a look and see how this tastes after years of me not having tried it. Cheers!
Aromas:
Deep dark fruits, prunes, raisins, vanilla, burnt caramel, dulce de leche caramel, goat milk caramel, wined caramel, chocolate, wafflecone, butterscotch, toffee, marshmallow, rock candy, candi sugar, honey, piloncillo sugar cone, peppercorn, earthy hops, hazelnut nectar and golden apples.
Flavors:
Supreme rich dulce de leche caramel, bananas, clove spice, dark fruit dates, raisins, plums, figs, flan, sweetened condensed milk, pecan pie, Danish cream, leather, rye, earthy hops, Stone fruit peaches, peppercorn, burnt sugar, rock candy, candi sugar, honey, piloncillo sugar cone, grapes, port wine, milk chocolate, candied apples, wafflecone, butterscotch, toffee, marshmallow, bubble gum, fig pudding, rice pudding, golden apples, hazelnut nectar, cherries, Mexican sweet bread, umami, Goat milk caramel, burnt caramel, anise notes, funnel cream cake, honey dew melon, tamarind and tiramasu.
Aftertaste:
Rich lingering dulce de leche carame, dark fruits, stone fruits, vanilla, flan, sweetened condensed milk, pecan pie, port wine, Danish cream, leather, rye, earthy hops and mild chocolate lingers. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, silky, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel, Dark Golden Brown medium body and a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
A definite bucket lister! Simply because it is one of those beers that you have to try to believe. Granted, I have tried this side by side with St. Bernardus and while I think this one is only slightly better, they are pretty much in that same taste profile give or take. How does this taste to my homebrew? Well, I do have to admit how damn close the recipe came out to be to the point where I surprised myself. I actually made my dream come true and while I am not a Trappist Monastery monk, I have to say I definitely have that in spirit! It is always an honor to bring this magnificent beer to the site when I can and I suggest you give this a shot, even if one. Get that off your bucket list!
Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto, Kos-Mos from Xenosaga, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach are chosen for very special beers. Since I first had a pairing with Temari, Kos-Mos and Yoruichi in the past, it was only fitting that I do this again but this time with Ryuko too. Being my favorite anime characters always get the best pairings in some of the beers I truly feel are deserving of that ‘Heavenly and Godly Ambrosia’ Liquid status as with many of the beers I have tried, I have used them in the previous St. Bernardus Abt 12 review except with the introduction of my recent favorite girl, Ryuko Matoi. The original time I tried this beer, it was the world’s best beer and the best Quadrupel since St. Bernarudus. It is this style of beer that grew my desire, my love and passion that lead to the the fruit of my labor with my homebrew ‘Las Quad-tro Monjas’. So heavenly fitting, my favorite top characters go with my favorite beers, especially this rarity.
Previous review:
Information on the Westy 12 VS. St. Bernardus 12:
My St. Bernardus Inspired Quad: https://animebeers.com/2015/03/30/las-quadtro-monjas-by-nubis-sanctum-ales/
My Westvleteren Inspired Quad (Aged In Tequila Oak and Holy Water): https://animebeers.com/2016/10/10/home-brewing-project18-la-santequilisima-quadrinidad-by-nubis-sanctum-ales/
(AnimeBeers On The Road Series) 27th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel-Aged Double Chocolate Imperial Stout by Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Rating 6/6 (On The road series)
27th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel-Aged Double Chocolate Imperial Stout by Karl Strauss Brewing Company is a 13% ABV Russian Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels.
Description:
A full-bodied Imperial Stout with an abundance of darkly kilned malts and a decadent helping of cocoa nibs. Aging for a year in American oak bourbon barrels brings out rich layers of smooth toasted oak and warming bourbon
A sudden delish! Choco bourbon vanilla encounter!!!! *battle music intensifies*
For this year’s Anniversary: https://animebeers.com/2017/06/18/28th-anniversary-barrel-aged-belgian-quad-by-karl-strauss/
2017 The Three Philosophers by Ommegang
Rating: 6/6
2017 The Three Philosophers by Ommegang is a 9.8%ABV Belgian Quadrupple ale blended with 2% Belgian Kriek (Cherry Belgian Ale)
One of my top 3 best common beers in the world. True love for the Belgian Quads!
Original Review https://animebeers.com/2013/02/27/the-three-philosophers-by-ommegang-new-label/
Xocoveza Mocha Stout (Insurgente Release) Collaboration by Chris Banker, Stone Brewing and Cerveceria Insurgente de Mexico
Rating: 6.25/7
Xocoveza Mocha Stout (Insurgente Release) Collaboration by Chris Banker, Stone Brewing and Cerveceria Insurgente de Mexico is a 8.1% ABV World Class Milk/Sweet Stout brewed with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla cinnamon and nutmeg.
Label:
Se Un Insurgente, Toma Artesanal
Xocoveza Mocha Stout is the result of the homebrewing spirit and a cross-border collaboration. In 2014, Stone Brewing invited us to join them on this Mexican-Hot-Chocolate inspired creation. Based on Chris Banker’s winning recipe, we created this rich and decadent Imperial Milk Stout with traditional Mexican ingredients. In your hands you have Insurgente’s version of this for the first time on this side of the border. ¡Salud!
==Introduction==
Xocoveza has been an important staple in terms of what makes great Mexican Spice and Chocolate beers. It is one of my favorites and it was one that was done very well. The version I am bringing today is the one made in Tijuana Mexico, the one from Insurgente brewing. The purpose of this is to see how different it differed from Stone’s release. It is the same recipe but the process might be different. I did try this one sometime last year when I went to Tijuana for a brewery run with my friend Oscar. While I tried to remember, I could tell it was damn delicious. However, is there subtle differences from this one to the Stone one? Let’s see, Salud!
Aromas:
Mocha Coffee, Roasted Coffee, Mexican Coffee, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, , dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Cinnamon, Ancho chile spice, bananas, clove spice, vanilla, dulce de leche cajeta/caramel, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, nutmeg, champurrado, piloncillo sugar cone, Molé and pan dulce.
Flavors:
Rich Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Mocha Coffee, Roasted Coffee, Mexican Coffee, Cane sugar, Cinnamon, Ancho chile spice, bananas, clove spice, vanilla, dulce de leche cajeta/caramel, Peanut Butter, Reece’s Pieces, Molé, pan dulce, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, capirotada raisin bread pudding, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, nutmeg, champurrado, piloncillo sugar cone, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, flan, sweetened condensed milk and peanut mazapan.
Aftertaste:
Finishing off with Dark Chocolate, Dulce de leche caramel, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Mocha, chile notes, earthy notes, vanilla and peanut butter hints. No alcohol in the taste, pitch black body, ridiculously smooth, very creamy and velvety mouthfeel along with a moderate drinkability.
Overall:
Damn! This one is different than the Stone release by a good amount. While I feel both beers overall are supreme World Class but this one emphasizes sweeter flavors while the Stone one balances out with earthy hops. This one shines more in the Mexican chocolate department big time! I love this version so much but I think I love both for the differences as well. This series of beers from both breweries are definitely some of the best Mexican Chocolate and Coffee beers ever. I highly recommend getting these!
Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach and May from Backstreet Billiards for the PS1 were chosen in this pairing as they were chosen in the previous iterations of Xocoveza. 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. I used Yoruichi for the bourbon barrel aging version, but bringing one of my favorite anime characters into this to be the main focus is to showcase the roots of the ingredients in Mexico. Yoruichi is a Goddess of Thunder, like Quetzacoatl!
Sources:
http://orig05.deviantart.net/09b6/f/2015/018/7/3/bleach_yoruichi__head__in_skyrim_by_user619-d8eer4h.png
http://trzaraki.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-Shihouin-12-01-583945424
Collaboration No. 6 Barrel-Aged Blend Collaboration by Boulevard Brewing and Firestone Walker
Rating: 7/7
Collaboration No. 6 Barrel-Aged Blend Collaboration by Boulevard Brewing and Firestone Walker is a 12.5% ABV American Strong Ale Cuvee of Barrel Aged Stouts and Belgian Quads.
Label:
Imperial Stout “X” Tart Cherry
Bourbon Barrel Quad
Stickee Monkee
and Velvet Merkin
For this sixth edition of our Collaboration Series, we invited Matt Brynildson, brew-master of our sister brewery Firestone Walker, to join Boulevard brewmaster Steven Pauwels in our barrel-aging cave. Armed only with their palates, some graduated cylinders, and a bunch of tulip glasses, they arrived at the perfect balance of two barrel aged beers from each brewery. The blend celebrates the individual characteristics of each of the four while creating something entirely new and unique.
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
The Collaboration series is our way to bring shared beer ideas to life with some of our favorite brewery friends from around the world. This year, we bring you a specially blended, barrel-aged beer with the help of our sister brewery in California, Firestone Walker. With Collaboration No. 6, Brewmasters Steven Pauwels and Matt Brynildson have created a big, bold flavor combination by blending two Boulevard beers and two Firestone Walker Beers in the following percentages:
Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad – 45%
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.
ABV – 11.8, IBU – 19
Firestone Walker Stickee Monkee – 35%
Brewed with Belgian candi sugar and aged in a selection of fine bourbon barrels, Stickee Monkee trailblazes its own category as a “Central Coast Quad.” The name Stickee Monkee is a nod to the Central Coast’s native Sticky Monkey flower, as well as a shout¬‐out to the Belgian monks who pioneered the Quad style. The Belgian candi sugar imparts a signature molasses sweetness to the beer. Meanwhile, maturation in bourbon casks brings ample barrel expression with notes of toasted oak, coconut, leather and cigar tobacco.
ABV – 13, IBU – 45
Imperial Stout X – Tart Cherry (Whiskey Barrel-aged) – 10%
Our special treat for lovers of big, complex stouts, the Imperial Stout “X” series offers a year-long roster of limited releases, each with a significant variation. This riff spotlights the addition of tart cherries to fermentation as well as a lactic souring on the brewhouse. The result is a perfect marriage of robust, smoky maltiness and bracing tartness. Unlike the release version of Imperial Stout X – Tart Cherry, this portion was briefly aged in previously used whiskey barrels.
ABV – 11, IBU – 64
Firestone Walker Velvet Merkin – 10% Velvet Merkin is the beer that almost wasn’t…Indeed, this vintage oatmeal stout’s comical (or is it scandalous?) name went off the grid for several years, but now it’s back due to popular demand. Velvet Merkin is aged for a full year in retired spirits barrels from Heaven Hill, Woodford Reserve and others, yet manages to offer mind-¬boggling balance and restraint. You will wig out when you taste Velvet Merkin’s rich milk chocolate, bourbon and espresso flavors, preceded by aromas of vanilla, coconut, toasted oak and mocha. ABV – 8.5, IBU – 33
==Introduction==
Just when I thought I’d never see something like this, I was really amazed. At first I saw it as a Boulevard and Firestone Walker collab but when I realized that it was a Cuvee of some of both breweries best beers, I realized that this was a must get. I have reviewed each of these beers in the past, except for the Tart Cherry Stout X but the other ones were definitely at that World Class tier beers. So being that Firestone Walker was involved, I knew this would of came up to possibly be one of the best and unique Cuvees. Now, we can only hope that this is the case, let’s have a sip, cheers!
Aromas:
Grilled Bananas, Banana Sunday, clove spice, fruit cake, wine grapes, cinnamon, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, Rich Dark Cherries, Dark fruit, prunes, plums, figs, raspberries, currants, Dark chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Ferrero Rocher Chocolate, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, tobacco hints, molasses, stone fruits, Oatmeal Cookies, Oreo Cookies and Cream, graham cracker, Marshmallow smores and mocha.
Flavors:
Rich Dark Cherries, Dark fruit, prunes, plums, figs, raspberries, currants, bourbon, whiskey, brandy, oak, Belgian Candi sugar, rock candy, piloncillo sugar cone, maple syrup, waffle cones, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, Grilled Bananas, Banana Sunday, clove spice, fruit cake, wine grapes, cinnamon, pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rye bread with mixed berry preserves, Oatmeal Cookies, Oreo Cookies and Cream, graham cracker, Marshmallow smores, mocha, Flan, Sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, Dark chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Ferrero Rocher Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate cake, German Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate mousse, Cherry Chocolate cake, walnut pie, toasted coconut, Stone fruit peaches, leather and tobacco hints.
Aftertaste:
Finishes dark cherries, vanilla, dulce de leche, oatmeal cookies, dark fruits, stone fruits, dark chocolate, Belgian candi sugar, marshmallows, tobacco hints and rye. No alcohol in the taste. Dark Crimson Amber full body, smooth, creamy, velvety, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel and sipping drinkability.
Overall:
The Quad aspect takes over more than the stout blend but even that being the case, it does not change this from being a definite bucket lister in my mind. Having Firestone Walker who are experts at barrel aging and cuvee blending, this is no surprise that this came out the way it did. The complexity of the 2 Belgian Quads and the 2 Stouts collide into a super decadent dessert that really has taken things to another level. I highly recommend this one for those that are fans of these breweries, beers and styles! This is one for the masses!
Anime Corner:
Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill, Kos-mos from Xenosaga, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach and Temari Sabakuno from Naruto were chosen as I wanted to represent the 4 awesome beers blended in this special cuvee to 4 awesome characters. What a better way to pair than to pair with the most epic forms for my favorite 4 girls from anime. In this instance I used Ryuko as the Tart Cherry X Stout as the colors of cherry pair, KOS-MOS is the BBQuad since quads are holy ambrosia of gods and she is angelic, Yoruichi is the Velvet Merkin as she is deep, magical and mysterious and finally, Temari is the Stickee Monkee as she represents the colors of the actual flower that grows along the central coast.
Blackwater Series Choklat Oranj by Sourthern Tier
Rating: 6/6
Blackwater Series Choklat Oranj by Southern Tier is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate, Orange Peel and Natural Flavor.
Label:
Color: BLACK Body: HEAVY. Bitterness: MODERATE. Pair: roasted or smoked foods, chocolate desserts. Store: Dark upright, <48°F | Serve: Snifter
The Blackwater Series first made waves when we introduced Choklat in 2007. Through experimentation and willingness to venture into the unknown, our quest to brew the perfect stout has continued ever since.
Our love for dessert-like beers has led us down interesting paths – from the classic fusion of coffee and chocolate in Mokah to the rich vanilla and lactose sugar Creme Brulee – and now here to Choklat Oranj.
ORANGE YOU GLAD?
The flavors of oranges and chocolate have been a sweet treat for millenia, it’s fitting that these kindred spirits should meet in this way.
Enjoy Choklat Oranj in a snifter on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a float. Cheers!
25° plato; 2-row malt; caramel malt; debittered blackmalt; chocolate malt; orange peels; bittersweet Belgian Chocolate; columbus hops; natural flavor.
42° F
==Introduction==
Just when I finished with a Southern Tier Blackwater series beer, Salted Caramel, I was graced with this one. Chokolat Oranj? Like Chocolate and Orange beer? There have been plenty of chocolate orange sweets I have tried before but an actual chocolate orange beer, I think I have not. This is a great idea for a beer and as always, the Blackwater series being more desserts than beer, it surely is great. Let’s take a look and see if this one can hold its own, Cheers!
Aromas:
Citrus, Tangerine preserves, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, orange chocolate shake, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coriander spice, peppercorn spice, mocha, coffee cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, Fruity Pebbles note, creamsikle, Rocky road ice cream, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, Baileys Chocolate and Orange Irish Cream.
Flavors:
Super Rich Chocolate covered orange dessert, Fruity Pebbles, creamsikle, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, flan, Citrus, Tangerine preserves, rye bread, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate milk shake, orange chocolate shake, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coriander spice, peppercorn spice, mocha, coffee cake, Danish cream, orange tang, chocolate mango, marshmallows, chocolate smores, graham crackers, earthy hops, Rocky road ice cream, Jericalla Mexican Custard, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pudding, anise, molasses, Baileys Chocolate and Orange Irish Cream, Danish cream pastries, hazelnuts, peach cobbler and Tres Leches/3 Milks cake.
Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots or orange citrus, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, marshmallow smores, hazelnut nectar and earthy hop notes. No alcohol in the taste, super dark pitch black body, smooth, creamy, velvety and syrupy mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
Another awesome exceptional and supremely delicious beer. Like those Chocolate Orange balls, this is that special dessert but in liquid form. Sometimes I wish Southern Tier had released some stuff out here in the West Coast. Although I have seen a few of their beers like Crème Brulee and Mokah in one specialty store, I would like to see more in many stores. These beers are like what Belching Beaver and Brew Rebellion is to us here in the west. There is a world of flavor fusions that they can come up with. I highly recommend this one.
Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was chosen in this pairing because she is one of my favorite anime characters but I also chose her mainly to pair with the label and ingredient colors of the beer. In which case, the orange and black it well with her attire and the chocolate dark fruit aspects as well. Her unleashing using her God of Thunder II version is how I felt that this beer experience was. This beer unleashed so much awesome stuff. I also like how in one of the pics, the God of Thunder lightning is orange like the oranges used in the beer as well.
Sources:
http://img01.deviantart.net/0a39/i/2015/059/6/3/bleach_fan_art____yoruichi_shihoin_by_djinay-d8jw01y.jpg
http://rocky-ace.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-Shihouin-615735590?q=gallery%3ARocky-Ace%2F26324613&qo=7
http://img12.deviantart.net/7e0a/i/2016/043/2/4/shihoin_yoruichi_by_guilhermessj-d9rhb4u.png
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Yoruichi-429536105
http://charaero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/shihouin_yoruichi-bleach-004.jpg
http://img08.deviantart.net/1daa/i/2016/055/1/3/bleach_663___shunryuu_kokubyou_senki_yoruichi_by_arteemis-d9sz5cp.png
Mexican Speedway Stout by Alesmith brewing
Rating: 7/7
Mexican Speedway Stout by Alesmith brewing is a 12% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Mexican Coffee, Chocolate and Cinnamon aged in Tequila Barrels.
Label:
==Introduction==
Alesmith has been releasing many great beers over the years and many great variants of their speedway stout ranging from Kopi Luwak coffee, Jamaican Coffee, special spirits and even collaborations. This year, they released something that immediately hit me. The Mexican Speedway Stout aged with the uncommon liquor for aging, Tequila. Tequila barrel aged beers are pretty uncommon unlike Bourbon. The inspiration of that aging process is what inspired me to make my Belgian Quadrupel aged in Oak Tequila. So basically, whenever I hear of great beers made Tequila, I go out of my way to try and get them even if I have to trade. The firs Tequila barrel aged beer was a Barley wine made from Cucapa brewing in Mexicali, Mexico. Since then I have not found that one beer again and definitely made it a form of a mission to try and find those brews that are Tequila aged. I never would of thought Alesmith would release one especially one done similarly to the Xocoveza from Stone. Let’s see how this one goes, cheers!
Aromas:
Cafe Con Leche, Roasted coffee notes, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, blackberries, Jaliscan Jerricalla, burnt sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, Tequila, Mezcal, agave lechugilla nectar, oak, flan, crème brulee, 3 leche/ 3 Milks cake, coffee cake, mocha, java, steamed milk, milk sugar, marshmallows, toasted coconut, rocky road ice crea, dulce de leche, dulce de cabra envinada/ goat milk caramel, cajeta caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate mousse, bakers chocolate, chocolate abuelita, German Chocolate, Belgian Cholate, mole, almonds, Marzipan, Danish cream and bananas.
Flavors:
Cafe Con Leche, fancy coffee, roasted coffee notes, mocha, java, steamed milk, milk sugar, marshmallows, toasted coconut, rocky road ice cream, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate mousse, bakers chocolate, chocolate abuelita, German Chocolate, Belgian Cholate, mole, cinnamon, cajeta caramel, dulce de leche, dulce de cabra envinada/ goat milk caramel in wine hints, flan, crème brulee, 3 leche/ 3 Milks cake, Jaliscan Jerricalla, burnt sugar, pilloncillo sugar cone, Tequila, Mezcal, agave lechugilla nectar, oak, Kahlua liqueur, dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dark cherries, raspberries, currants, molasses, anise, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, campfire smokey hints, Danish cream, Irish cream, Marzipan, fruit cake, capirotada raisin bread pudding, Champurrado, bananas, clove spice, churros, ginger bread and Lechera sweetened condensed milk.
Aftertaste:
Finishes with rich notes of chocolate abuelita, Kahlua liquer, cinnamon, tequila oak, agave, dark fruit, rocky road ice cream, marshmallows, flan, toasted coconut, earthy notes and hazelnut. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, pitch black abyss body, creamy, velvety, silky, syrupy, chewy and viscous mouthfeel and easy to moderate drinkability.
Overall:
No doubt, a bucket lister. It’s like they took Xocoveza, Mole Ocho and Tequila Sombrero to a whole new level. The influence of the might that is Speedway Stout just works with it providing a diversly rich array of coffee, chocolate and sweet Mexican Tequila flavor. You kind of just lose yourself in its greatness. Speedway Stout has come out in so many great variants that this on sits right up there with Alesmith’s best. It sure is a beer that is a must get for fans of the Mexican Stouts and especially, Tequila Barrel aged beers.
Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was used in this pairing because she is one of my 4 favorite girls and I had remembered I did a special edit to a picture of hers for the World Cup back in 2006. What a surprise that 10 years later, it would make the perfect for this new beer to go with the Mexican Flag. Aside from the Jersey pairing well, Yoruichi has obtained 2 new powerful forms in the manga and now that I present her in a beer pairing, especially one of this caliber, I wanted to pair with those super forms. The Goddess of Thunder Yoruichi, though you be a cat, how you complement the Aztec Goddess Tlaloc who is Quetzalcoatl’s part ally in the skies almost resembling a dragon as well. Yup, Yoruichi is one bad ass character.
Sources:
http://arteemis.deviantart.com/art/God-Of-Thunder-590320394
http://img1.reactor.cc/pics/post/Shihouin-Yoruichi-Bleach-Anime-nanao-(mahaya)-3070867.jpeg
A Fistful Of Unidragon by Clown Shoes
Rating: 6/6
A Fistful Of Unidragon by Clown Shoes is a 14% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with mesquite smoked malt from Texas’ Blacklands Malt and aged in Bourbon Barrels.
Label:
A West Texas town terrorized by depraved outlaws, hired The Artist and his Smitty – Forged Unidragron Hand Cannon. The Artists, while emp and a bit sensitive, gets rough with bad guys, so he went ahead and incarcerated them. This beer, made with mesquite smoked malt from Blackland Malt Company, is a bourbon barrel aged version of The Good, The Bad and The Unidragon.
==Introduction==
I obtained this brew thanks to my friend Aaron Mendiola of BeerMetalDude.com. This brew is based on Clown Shoes The Good, The Bad and The Unidragon which I had reviewed some time back same thanks to my friend Aaron. Thanks to him, we were able to bring forth the collection from Texas provided by Clown Shoes. In return, I was able to send him the California Clown Shoes beers. I remember the brew was very good and now that it comes in a bourbon barrel aged form, let’s see if we can compare. Cheers.
Aromas:
campfire smokey oak, bacon notes, dark coffee roasted grounds, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, molasses, anise, toasted coconut, tobaccco, leather, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, currants, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, crème brulee and rocky road ice cream.
Flavors:
Rich rocky road ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, campfire Smokey oak, bacon notes, dark coffee roasted grounds, roasted barley, mocha, java, vanilla, bourbon, oak, Kahlua liquer, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, plums, dark cherries, currants, marshmallow smores, pecan pie, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, molasses, anise, toasted coconut, tobaccco, leather, flan, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, rye whiskey, earthy notes and crème brulee.
Aftertaste:
Finishes with touch of smokey, whiskey, bourbony notes and complexity like dark fruit, dark chocolate, vanilla, coconut, rocky road ice cream, vanilla and caramel. Slight alcohol in the taste but despite the ABV, does not detract from the flavors. Pitch black abyss body, smooth, velvety, creamy and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.
Overall:
Hot Diggity, this is better than the original. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to have a good friend that shares common interest and has been able to send me the beers. It is all possible with the help from my friend Aaron. I think this beer is definitely worth the find especially if you are out in Texas or can trade for it online. The fact that Clown Shoes works with the local craft community at Texas shows a lot of love and effort goes into making these collaborations. So definitely get a bottle if you can.
Anime Corner:
Tia Harribel, Yoruichi Shihouin, & Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck from Bleach represent the good, the bad and the unidragon from the original beer. I brought them back in this pairing as well but this time with different attire to fit the beer’s label a little better. Especially with the old west scene with Yoruichi and more fashionable for all 3 of them and looking bad ass too.
Sources:
http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag127/daraunon/d6579bc08371d50fbd4fe9e3b8d5f876_zps62ad63eb.jpg
http://www.less-real.com/imagevault/uploaded/images/part1/1145.jpg
http://k31.kn3.net/taringa/0/9/3/1/1/2/_-Kirito-_/6E5.jpg
Esa Negra Linda by El Borracho Homebrewing
Rating: 4.75/5
Esa Negra Linda by El Borracho Homebrewing is a 6.7% ABV Black IPA brewed with extra Magnum Cenntenial and Chinook hops.
==Introduction==
Esa Negra Linda or “That Black Beauty” was the name given by my friend Will Carranza to his first ever, Black IPA. This one was made with extra Magnum for bittering and the centennial and Chinook hops were for aroma.. I gladly assisted will on brewing day as brother help each other out when it comes to the home brew stuff like my other brother and homebrewer Richard of Avila Ales. While the original recipe and ideas were all Will’s you can almost say this was a collaboration in terms of me helping him out. So I bring forth, another awesome home brew and possibly the last for summer 2015 (what can we say, it’s too damn hot to make beer on a budget!) Hell, I still gotta review my 2 other homebrews I barely finished before the temperatures skyrocketed and we could no longer brew. Anyways, it is always a pleasure when Will donates to the site his awesome creations and always loving each as it comes by. Cheers!!
Aromas:
Rich citrus, pineapple, lychee, honey dew melon, grapefruit, floral, piney, grassy, herbal and earthy hops, minty notes, anise, coffee hints possibly from the roasted malt, licorice hints, anise and caramel.
Flavors:
Citrus, piney, grassy, herbal, grapefruit, earthy, and floral hops, pine apple hints, honey dew melon, lychee, Caramel, dark chocolate hints, anise, licorice, roasted malts, molasses, dark fruit prune hints, mango hints, brown sugar, clove spice, kumquat hints, coffee notes, lemon and mint.
Aftertaste:
Earthy hop notes, coffee, anise, tropical notes, citrus, dark chocolate hints and lots of nice bitter hops linger for a little bit. No alcohol in the taste, dark as the ether of space full body, smooth, creamy and crisp mouthfeel with an easy to moderate drinkability.
Overall:
A deliciously good Black IPA. This IPA is on that level where the hops shine through to let you know you really are drinking an IPA, it just a dark IPA at that and the maltiness adds enough character to make it interesting. The balance is decent and for hop heads this means that the best flavors from Black IPA are delivered here. I hope my friend makes this one again or a variant using different hops as it was very delicious and would love to get some more. Cheers!
Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach was used in this pairing to represent the name and the feel of the beer. Esa Negra Linda represented by the beautiful Yoruichi who is a ninja fits this beer perfectly. Like the night she strikes without warning. She is the fastest being in the world of Bleach and like this beer, it goes down very smooth and quick. It flows right through like the way a ninja attacks swift and firm for the kill and no ones the wiser. Her strength is in the complex flavors the extra hops provide but combine with the dark beer to make it shine like a light in a dark room. An elegant lady, a beauty, but deadly… If looks could kill well, fortunately, this will be the only time you see her before she strikes!
Sources:
http://static.zerochan.net/Shihouin.Yoruichi.full.1878848.jpg
Mélange 12 by Bruery
Rating: 7/5
Mélange 12 by Bruery is a 16.8% ABV American Strong Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Beans, Cacao Nibs and Hazelnuts.
Label:
NUTSO!
A curious amalgam of barrel-aged beer seeping with notes of burnt marshmallows and toasty nuts.
Mélange No 12 is best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor, but may develop pleasantly if cellared properly. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 50°F (10°C). Best enjoyed with friends and served in a tulip glass.
Mélange #12 is a uniquely debonair blend of some of our favorite strong ales that have been allowed to age gently in bourbon barrels for an average of nearly 22 months. Once these barrels were carefully selected to blend, we chose to enhance the beer and barrel flavors with three of our favorite ingredients: cacao nibs, vanilla beans and hazelnuts.
==Introduction==
Melange #12 released to Reserve Society and Hoarders society alike is a blend of several different beers that are undesclosed but based on the previous melange versions, they include, Black Tuesday, the Anniversary beers, White Oak and others I am sure as this is what Melange 3 composed of and the sequential Melange ones expanded from this other blends. I made a careful decisions as this beer comprises of many of the components that make up the Weekday brews such as Chocolate Rain, White Grey Monday, possibly Wineification, Cacaonut and Chocolate Rain. So I had no doubt that this would disappoint in any way. A Cuvee ambrosia of heavenly delight? Perhaps, let’s check this one out, cheers!
Aromas:
Dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate smores, graham crackers, White Chocolate, mocha chocolate, Flan and Mexican sweetened condensed milk,Rich Hazelnuts, pecan pie, almond milk, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, walnuts, prailines, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream, butterscotch, toasted coconut, almond joys, cocada Mexican coconut candy, piloncillo sugar cone, banana split ice cream with cherries, port wine, rum notes, stone fruit mango hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, buttery nutella and so much more!
Flavors:
Pure Flan and Mexican sweetened condensed milk,Rich Hazelnuts, pecan pie, almond milk, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, walnuts, prailines, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, Dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake, bakers chocolate, German chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate smores, graham crackers, White Chocolate, mocha chocolate, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, waffle cone, rocky road ice cream, butterscotch, toasted coconut, almond joys, cocada Mexican coconut candy, piloncillo sugar cone, banana split ice cream with cherries, port wine, rum notes, stone fruit mango hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit, buttery nutella, Mexican Duvalin candy, chocolate chip cookie dough, Danish cream, Bear claw doughnut, mousse chocolate, marzipan and more.
Aftertaste:
Super rich nutella, toasted coconut, white chocolate, port wine, Belgian chocolate, bourbon, oak, hazelnut nectar, tropical dragon fruit hints and passion fruit amongst other heavenly sweets. No alcohol in the taste, Dark yet Crimson Medium to Full body, sipping drinkabaility and Silky, creamy, syrupy, smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
Overall:
The best of the best and exclusive of elusive beers with no way of getting another unless they make this once again or you trade. It was definitely a special occasion as I tried this one. If they ever release as much of Melange 12 as they do of Melange 3, I am buying every single one!! This beer is like you took the alittle bit from each of the Bruery’s best beers and made a Cuvee. Basically, there is notes of Chocolate Rain, Grey Monday, Melange 3, Cacaonut, White Chocolate, Black Tuesday, Wineification and their anniversary beers and combined it to make this liquid Gold! Aging for 22 months is ridiculous but it is surely something that is truly unique and amazing. If you have the opportunity to get this one, do it!!!
Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto, Kos-Mos from Xenosaga, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach as being my favorite anime characters always get the best pairings in some of the beers I truly feel are deserving of that ‘Heavenly and Godly Ambrosia’ Liquid status as with many of the beers I have tried, this one to me captures what I feel is the best of the Bruery which are many of the Weekday beers into one. I once did a pairing with them doing Melange 3 except at the time, it was jusr Kos-Mos, Temari and Yoruichi. Ryuko from Kill la Kill had not come out and it wasn’t until later that I really loved her character in the series as she was a major bad ass. So I was glad I was able to pair them with this heavenly bliss of a beer. Melange 3 multiplied by 4 is Melange 12 so it makes the perfect pairing!
St. Bernardus Abt 12 Oak Aged by Brouwerij St. Bernardus
Rating: 7/5 * A bucket list beer, just saying 😛
St. Bernardus Abt 12 Oak Aged by Brouwerij St. Bernardus is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadrupel Aged in Oak Calvados (Apple Brandy) Barrels
Label:
Brewery St. Bernardus was founded in 1946 in Watou, Province of West Flanders in Belgium.
St. Bernardus Abt 12 is Brewery St. Bernardus’ flagship and is considered as one the best beers in the world. The Abt 12 is brewed following the original recipe from 1946.
This St. Bernardus Abt 12 Oak Aged is brewed using the same recipe and then matured for 6 months in oak Calvados barrels before it is bottle coditioned. This maturation in oak kegs gives the beer a deeper and richer taste, leaving the palate remarkbly satisfied and thirsty for more.
“Bringing Heavenly nectar within reach”
Serve this noble and wonderfully balanced brown ale at 53-56° F in a goblet glass to best enjoy its delicate bouquet.
==Introduction==
Never did I ever think that St. Bernardus would step up their game and release a barrel aged version of their Quad. Not just any barrel either, but the Calvados Apple Brandy barrel. Beers that usually are aged in these barrel jump 100 times the price of the original beer. Good thing this one just doubled the price. By that I mean it is still pricey as hell ranging anywhere from 25-30$ for a 750ml bottle. I didn’t care. I just just didn’t care as unlike any beer from the past, the St. Bernardus is a beer that always held a special place in my heart as it was my favorite when I first started trying different beers as early as 2010 and to this day I can always go back and say it is still my favorite despite the fact that there are others like the Weekday Bruery beers that are levels above it, it still don’t matter. Even after trying the Heady Toppers, the Dark Lords, even the Westvleteren 12… still didn’t matter… Abt 12 was my beer along with Trois Pistoles and Three Philosophers and others… So you can see the fact that this exist must be testament to my resolve not only as a reviewer but for myself and what I truly love and even to my first quadruple that I personally made… Cheers from this is like Cheers of the Heavens!
Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel Apple pie, Brandy oak, vanilla, Goat milk caramel, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, tamarind, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peach cobbler, mango, pie crust, Dark Candi sugars, Belgian Bread, Danish cream, Rock Candy, figgy pudding, piloncillo sugar cone,Bananas, plantains, clove spice, bubble gum notes, raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, cinnamon, flan, Mexican sweetened condensed milk, Red Apples, Golden Apples, Caramel apples, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry pie and burnt brown sugar.
Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, Goat milk Caramel, piloncillo sugar cone, vanilla, oak, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, tamarind, Bananas, plantains, clove spice, bubble gum notes, raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, cinnamon, flan, Mexican sweetened condensed milk, Red Apples, Golden Apples, Caramel apples, Brandy, Port wine, chardonay, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peach cobbler, pie crust, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry pie, dragon fruit, passion fruit, old mangoes, honey dew melon, butterscotch, chocolate notes, tangerine preserves, tobacco, leather, anise, grilled funnel caramel cake, Dark Candi sugars, Belgian Bread, Danish cream, Rock Candy, figgy pudding, Rich caramel Apple Pie goodness with vanilla cake and more.
Aftertaste:
Lingering Apple Pie, dark fruits, stone fruits, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, sweetened condensed milk, Apple brandy, port wine, Danish cream, leather, rye and mild chocolate lingers. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, silky, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel, Dark Golden Brown medium body and a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
No surprise why this version of one of my favorite (commonly available) beers in the world is simply another one I needed to add to my bucket list of beers. The original St. Bernardus was my inspiration for making the original quad I made a couple of months back as it was one of my favorites in the world while started trying different craft beers along with Trois Pistoles, Three Philosphers and many delicious others. This version is something that really took it above the heaven into that “Ambrosia of the Gods” status. I really didn’t care about the price, I really wanted to bring this one for a review ever since its announcement and I finally did it! I think the whole Calvados/Apple Brandy aspect is what really did it here taking this liquid caramel into an Apple Pie beer goodness. Who knows what will happen to this in … 15 years!
Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto, Kos-Mos from Xenosaga, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach as being my favorite anime characters always get the best pairings in some of the beers I truly feel are deserving of that ‘Heavenly and Godly Ambrosia’ Liquid status as with many of the beers I have tried, I have used them in the previous St. Bernardus Abt 12 review except with the introduction of my recent favorite girl, Ryuko Matoi. Like I said before, the original version of this beer was my world favorite, my desire, my love and passion that became my favorite style of beer and today, the fruit of my labor with my homebrew ‘Las Quad-tro Monjas’. Yes indeed, I don’t have to explain much about this and long time readers can already infer why I choose them. The greatest of the greats.
John Paul Jones Peanut Butter & Raspberry Jelly by Brew Rebellion
Rating: 6/5
John Paul Jones Peanut Butter & Raspberry Jelly by Brew Rebellion is a 10.2% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with Raspberries and Peanut Butter.
Label:
Everyone Enjoys a rebellious spirit now and again.
==Introduction==
It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time, Peanut Butter Jelly Time! Where you at? Where You at? Now there you go, There you go! Peanut butter Jelly, peanut butter Jelly and a baseball bat!
Holy shit! I went to pick up my local order of Bruery beers and stopped by the shop near by. This took me by surprise as it was hidden away in a box but caught my eye as I saw the different colored wax on the beer. I thought to myself, well, this must be something special cuz it is probably going to be expensive. I saw what it was, a peanut butter and raspberry jelly beer and I did not hesitate to buy it. At 1 per customer, I was like damn it!! I needed to get another one or two but I figured, well I will come back. Apparently they released this in very small quantities to limited places. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. Now I have tried many great and awesome peanut butter chocolate milk stouts but never one that was a peanut butter and jelly mix. I can only hope this is as awesome as my crazy mind thought it would be. Let’s check this out and cheers to all!
Aromas:
Super Rich peanut butter and Raspberry Jelly aromas, lactose milk sugar, molasses, dark fruit raisins, black berries, blue berries, black cherries, currants, plums, cherry cheesecake, choco flan, bananas, vanilla, caramel, roasted peanuts with shells, nutter butter cookies, toffee, coffee cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, earthy notes, Reese’s peanut butter puffs cereal, coconut hints, marshmallows, graham cracker smores and rocky road ice cream hints.
Flavors:
Rich peanut butter, Rich Raspberry Jelly, toasted rye bread, bananas, vanilla, caramel, roasted peanuts with shells, nutter butter cookies, toffee, coffee cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, earthy notes, Reese’s peanut butter puffs cereal, lactose milk sugar, molasses, dark fruit raisins, black berries, blue berries, black cherries, currants, plums, cherry cheesecake, choco flan, whipped cream, Irish cream hints, coconut hints, marshmallows, graham cracker smores, rocky road ice cream hints, dark chocolate, cocoa crispies, brown sugar, candi sugar, rock candy, oatmeal cookies, mocha hints and hazelnut nectar.
Aftertaste:
Rich peanut butter and dark fruit raspberry and other berry mixed lingers along with caramel, vanilla, hazlnut, earthy hints, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and flan hints. No alcohol in the taste, super easy to drink despite the ABV, smooth, creamy, velvet and silky mouthfeel with a pitch black and crimson surface (under the light) full body.
Overall:
WOW, Simply put, they were not joking when they were trying to get the exact! Flavors of peanut butter and Jelly. Although, this is way more than just that. There is so much rich complexity of flavors going on but none of it is intimidating and at the rate of being dangerously drinkable, it is pretty damn crazy. I will need to find more bottles of this and definitely think I will try to mimic the recipe somehow. I highly recommend this one!
Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno and Yoruichi Shihouin from Naruto and Bleach respectively were used in this pairing since I wanted to pair them with the colors of the peanut butter and jelly. They are 2 of my favorite anime characters and so using them in this pairing was awesome for me. Their colors also represent other flavors of the beer such as the chocolate, vanilla, waffle cone, coconut, flan, dark fruits and other sweet flavors colonthree emoticon
Sources:
http://76.72.168.19/images/2013-10-11-611327.png
http://gallery.minitokyo.net/download/421717
The Good, The Bad & The Unidragon by Clown Shoes
Rating: 5.45/5
The Good, The Bad & The Unidragon by Clown Shoes is a 14% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Texas Dark Malts.
Label:
We brewed this special version of Blaecorn Unidragon using dark malts sourced from Texas, attitude sourced from the burning pit of a bad tempered spirit, and righteous fury from the hand cannons of The Good. As you sit down to a glass, remember, there are two types of people: those who drink unidragons and those whose ashes drift in the breeze.
___
Clown Shoes has been on the move brewing beers specifically for certain states to have taking advantage of the awesome Russian Imperial Stout known as the Blaecorn Unidragon and creating super variants. This is the Texas Only version and there would have been no way I could of obtain this beer if it wasn’t for my friend Aaron and his wife from www.beermetaldude.com. California will get their version soon, but since I am a fan of the Unidragons, I was very exited to bring this one over to the site for a review. Cheers!
Aromas:
Rich dark roasted coffee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, burnt caramel, rocky road ice cream, vanilla, mild smokey notes, smokey notes, tobacco, marshmallow smore hints, pecan pie flan, brown sugar, fudge cake and milk sugar.
Flavors:
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, rich roasted coffee grounds, bakers chocolate, dark fruit raisins, currants, dark cherries, mocha, Khalua, milk sugar, java, flan, rocky road icecream, mocha, brown sugar, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, Irish cream, fudge cake, sweet toffee, earthy notes, oak hints, molasses, anise, marshmallow smores, coconut hints, smokey notes and tobacco.
Aftertaste:
Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, earthy notes, tobacco, caramel, vanilla and caramel hints. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. It is hidden so damn well. Creamy, silky and smooth mouthfeel, for some reason this has an easy to medium drinkability which really does not make sense despite the ABV. What can be said about the body other than pitch black as the darkest soul of the night and yet an extremely dangerous beer due to the ABV and the drinkability.
Overall:
This beer is insane and way too drinkable for its own ‘good’, which makes it ‘bad’ since it will get you drunk but its a ‘unidragon’ so drink drink drink! The other thing about this beer is that it is very balanced. I was very surprised about how well I could drink this one to the point where I had to stop myself from drinking the whole bottle in one sitting. Yeah it was that good. If you live in any other state, find a way to trade for this but if you live in Texas, you have to get this one for sure!!
Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin, Tia Harribel & Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck from Bleach represent the good, the bad and the unidragon. Yoruichi is made to look like the bad guy in the label or the wolf man, although she can turn into a cat at will but it fits. She is good and kind hearted though. Harribel is the Bad in the sense that she was bad in the beginning of the series but now is good and she was the vampire slayer beer so for the purposes of the cowboy in the middle, she is good but in the name of the label is the bad. Neliele was always good and neutral and the unidragon of the original pairings so yeah she is awesome. I made this custom screen to fit the need of the scenery and story telling yet you can find the sources below. Can you find any other way of how this beer pairs?
Sources:
http://kriscynical.deviantart.com/art/BLEACH-Yoruichi-by-Washu-M-107334912
http://bleach.ucoz.net/_ph/2/255749857.jpg
http://tremblax.deviantart.com/art/Neliel-Tu-Oderschvank-327882456
Melange 3 by The Bruery
Rating: 7/5* This is quite ridiculous of a beer which exceeds expectations, maybe way too much.
Melange 3 by The Bruery is a 15.5% ABV Barrel-Aged Blended Ale Dark & Delicious (Black & Tan). Basically, it is a fusion ale of Black Tuesday, White Oak wheat wine and Papier Old Ale.
Label:
A unique blend of Black Tuesday, White Oak Sap, and our Anniversary ales. Extended barrel aging lends flavors of vanilla, spice, and rich caramel.
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If you haven’t heard about this beer, go get it now before it is gone. I kid you not. I didn’t have to be part of their preserve, reserve, or even hoarders society. Either that, or the Bruery was graceful enough to share this magnificent brew. If you live in California, GO NOW!!!…. get this beer
I already specified the greatness that was Black Tuesday and even the greatness that was their Anniversary Ale Fruet and basically White Chocolate was their White Oak wheat wine with cocoa nibs so essentially what you have here is an ale that combines the best of 3 of my most hard to find beers that blew me away all in a single blend. In fact, this was one of those kick the bucket beers that is a favorite of Patrick Rue, founder of the The Bruery. I wouldn’t be this exited about a beer if I didn’t realized that I was able to get my hands on this so easy. I still couldn’t believe it when I ordered it on the site. Well anyways, enough rambling. On to the Review.
The aromas are pretty much of the charts. Ill try to sum up the complexity of this beer as best I can since the flavors of this beer are ridiculously rich. Yes another “Diabetes in a bottle” beer. Fragrances of Hazelnut, rich dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sweet chocolate, bananas, marshmallows, rocky road ice cream, rich toasted coconut, bourbon, vanilla, dark fruits, raisins, flan, crème brulee, wheat, leche nestle and just a lot of sugar.
The flavors are of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sweet chocolate, Kahlua, white chocolate, wine grapes, chocolate covered cherries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla beans, bourbon oak, wheat, coriander, honey, wine grapes, apples, Port wine, flan, choco flan, chocolate cake, cake batter, toffee, brown sugar, raisins, licorice, marshmallows, smores, graham crakers, cherry coke, Belgian bread, biscuits and more intense sugary and heavenly bliss….over 9000.
Talk about a ridiculously smooth beer. This is very smooth, mellow to the point where you cannot detect the alcohol. This beer is like combining Trois Pistoles, St. Bernardus 12, Three Philosophers, Black Xantus and Barrel aging all that and it comes out like a drink from the 4th dimension, maybe higher. My god, if my taste buds could bleed, they would bleed simply because the beer has taken me to the upper echelons of craft beer Nirvana. This is ridiculous. If I would drink this beer everyday I would probably never try anything else. However, because I finally tried this, I can go in peace. It is hard to believe but this is definitely a bucket list beer without a doubt. People have to try this out and the best part, you don’t have to stay and camp out for the night to get a bottle of this. Get it while it last and it is no longer offered to the public. I got this bottle without hesitation. I almost thought they would second guess my orders since I was not a preserve or reserve or craft whore society member. I got this straight from the source and I was surprised it was sent. This beer is sold or traded after market so if you are not lucky to be able to find this beer but are able to be have it shipped and bought online, I recommend this one full heartedly. Bull shit aside, This beer is worth every penny.
Parabola Reserve Series No.004 Limited Release 2013 by Firestone Walker
Yoruichi really likes this one!! 😀
St. Bernardus Abt 12 by Brouwerij St. Bernardus (Redux)
Rating: 6/5 *Like Trois Pistoles, this is a very common beer. Since my seek for the Holy grail of Westvleteren 12, I realized, that this beer is the closest but because of its commonality and its availability, it has become my favorite beer in the world right next to Trois Pistoles. Forget all the worldly hypes because this beer is truly from God!!
St. Bernardus Abt 12 by Brouwerij St. Bernardus is a 10%ABV World Class Belgian Abbey Quadrupel.
Label:
Brewery St. Bernardus was founded in 1946 in Watou, Province of West Flanders in Belgium. These exceptional quality ales are brewed by using only the finest malts, local grown hops, yeast and artesian water pumped from a depth of 500 feet. After the brewing process these traditional ales are matured in tanks for three months, before being bottle conditioned. The results is a naturally carbonated ’living ale,’ which can be aged for up to 15 years and will satisfy the taste of even the most discriminating connoisseurs.
“Bringing heavenly nectar within reach”
Abt 12 – abbey ale brewed in the classic “Dubbel” Style of Belgium’s best Abbey Ales. Serve this noble and wonderfully balanced brown ale at 52-56 degrees Farenheit in a goblet glass to best enjoy its delicate bouquet
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Here is some history from the Abbey and why it is very close to Westvleteren even without the “Trappist name”:http://belgianbeerspecialist.blogspot.com/2010/09/westvleteren-and-st-bernardus-real.html
I can give several reasons and do many more reviews of this beer’s grandeur. However, it would be nothing short of what I haven’t already covered in the past. I will be doing another review, in 15 years 😉
Past Reviews: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/st-bernardus-abt-12-by-brouwerij-st-bernardus/
UPDATE:
I changed my mind, lets have at it. I still have some left over but also I still have one cellaring for the next 15 years. More than likely, as the earthy hops go down, this is gonna literally be a complete caramel sticky mess but so good I might give it a 7/5 ;). I realize my previous review may not do this enough justice. Fragrances are of raisin bread pudding, very rich dulce de leche caramel, earthy mild hops, apples, slight apricot, slight chocolate, more dark fruits like figs, grapes, slight cherries, banana, cloves, sweet bread, candi sugar, slight peppercorn notes and spices. The flavors are of rich liquid dulce de leche caramel, apples, banana, raisins, cherries, figs, raisin bread pudding, slight Leche Nestle (Sweetened Condensed milk) sugary notes, candi sugar, raisin bread pudding, pecan pie, brown sugar, clove, bubble gum, slight earthy hop notes, stone fruits, fruit cake, currants and slight wood oak like the dulce de leche they sell in Mexico that comes in wooden boxes. So there you have it. Now go get this one. Every craft brew place has this, it is hard to miss 🙂
Chocolate Indulgence (2012 New Label Version) by Ommegang brewing
Rating: 5.5/5
Chocolate Indulgence (2012 New Label Version) by Ommegang brewing is a 7% ABV Belgian Stout brewed with Real Belgian Chocolate
Label:
Chocolate Indulgence offers a thick tan head of foam resting atop of the rich onyx-hued liquid. The aroma immediately speaks of dark chocolate and dark malts. The gentle herbal notes of perle hops compliments the darker aroma notes, making the ale savory to all the senses
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I have had this beer last year. The 2007 version which was Ommegang’s 10th anniversary beer. I loved the way the beer was back then so when I hear it was re-released, I had to try it fresher to taste the difference. The aromas are of dark chocolate, sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, slight toasted barley, dulce de caramel, coffee, some dark fruits like plum and raisins, banana and hazelnut bread, cloves and spices. The flavors are fresher than the last time I tried the 2007 version. You really get a great amount of chocolate covered raisins on coffee hazelnut bread dipped in banana pudding all layered with dulce de leche caramel. That is the just of it but to pin point this with individual terms, we get very rich dark, sweet and milk chocolate, raisins, prunes, plums, slight cherry notes, bananas, hazelnut, coffee and mocha bread, brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon, slight peppery spices and smoked barley flavor to even out all the sweetness. Ommegang makes some of the best beers in the world. This beer just happens to be perfect into the category of my favorite Belgian Stouts like Thirteenth Hour, Buffalo Stout, Art of Darkness and many others. I have never tried it fresher but it does seem that the chocolate does fade a bit over time to give way to a more complex smokey and dark fruit flavors. Which is not bad at all, but what can I say, I’m cuckoo for cocoa beers. I already gave a 5/5 rating to the original but I think really enjoyed the greater chocolate flavor of the fresher version of this beer. It is way too amazing for words. Even when it warms up, the chocolate becomes very abundant and very pleasurable. No wonder its called Chocolate Indulgence.
2007 version review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/chocolate-indulgence-by-ommegang/
Cacao Chocolate Porter by Aztec Brewing
Rating: 4.75/5
Cacao Chocolate Porter by Aztec Brewing is a 6.4%ABV Porter brewed with cacao nibs
Label:
A classic porter aged on cacao nibs to add a rich chocolate flavor
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Found this one at Ramirez Liquor in East Los Angeles. Aztec Brewing is up and coming from Vista California, so this is another example of fine beers from local micro breweries. The aromas are of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, some coffee, vanilla, caramel and a fragrance that reminds me of Molé spices on spicy rice. Pretty interesting for sure. The flavors are of dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, light notes of dulce de leche caramel, sweet milk chocolate notes, some minor spicy notes and toffee. Over all, this is very good. It has enough sweet chocolate to keep it interesting but it is mainly a rich sweet porter. It is not to the level of chocolate rain or some of the best chocolate beers, but still, pretty awesome for locally brewed stuff 🙂
Trois Pistoles by Unibroue
Rating: 6/5 *This and St. Bernardus are my top favorites in the world, so please advise as it maybe bias or ambiguous to your decisions… never the less, this one still world class and a common beer at that.
Trois Pistoles by Unibroue of Canada is a 9%ABV Belgian Strong Dark Ale. The ultimate in best beers in the world at a very common distribution.
Label:
Trois-Pistoles is a remarkably mellow dark ale. To complement its aroma of ripe fruits, it has a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on like old port wine
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Enough said, this has been one of my favorite beers ever since I started this hobby. I’ve had this beer over and over again. In fact, this beer can age for at least 7 to 9 years. So definitely will do another review then.
The aromas are of Dulce de leche caramel, Belgian bread, dark cherries, figs, plums, raisins, pears, apples, apricots, chocolate port wine, grapes, vanilla, pecans pie, candi sugar, almost like a coca cola scent, rum, earthy, brown sugar, and whole sugar cone. The flavors are just epic!!… A major rush plum, cherry, raisins, dark and sweet chocolate, port wine, raisin bread pudding, dulce de leche caramel, Belgian bread sweetness, candi sugars, rum and some maple notes. The ale is almost like a Rum and coke but if they were baked in a chocolate cake with fruits and lots of caramel all over and ofcourse the cake batter was made with port wine. While I have had other extremely awesome beers that are super rare and hard to find, this one never let me down, even since the beginning. That is why this beer and St. Bernardus will always have that special place in my heart. This is a world class beer, look it up its awesome!
2011& 2012 Reviews: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/trois-pistoles-by-unibroue/
About the Legend: http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/18/history
Trois Pistoles (Three Coins) is named after a small village of Quebec. Founded over 300 years ago, Trois Pistoles gave birth to several legends, including one about the Black Horse. It involved a local bishop who conjured up a good devil (appearing in the form of bridled black steed) to haul large brick stones to construct a new church. When someone accidentally removed the bridle, the black horse suddenly vanished just as the last remaining stone was to be set. This stone is still missing, as can be seen when visiting the local church.
Quingenti Millilitre Series Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11 (Aged in Red Wine version)
Rating: 5.11/5
Quingenti Millilitre Series Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11 (Aged in Red Wine version) is a 10.6% ABV Chile Beer brewed with Anaheim Chilies and cinnamon aged in Red Wine Barrels. BRILLIANT 😛
Label:
Our Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale proved to be an eccentric diversion from our previous lineup of innovative Belgian-inspired brews. And considering we’re Stone, that’s really saying something. This unprecedented beer was brewed with cinnamon stick and Anaheim green chiles, giving it an amazing flavor profile unlike anything that came before it. It certainly didn’t need any enhancement, but we just don’t know when to leave well enough alone (and we’ve demonstrated before that you can, indeed, improve upon perfection). So we decided to tinker with it a bit and laid a small portion to rest in wine barrels. Not wanting to limit our experiment to only red or white wine barrels, we chose both. Treat yourself to a bottle of each and compare. All in the name of science, of course…
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An already awesome Chile beer that came out in 2011. One which I had already reviewed in 2012 (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/stone-vertical-epic-11-11-11/) but now aged in Red Wine. Very Interesting. Fragrance of Red Wine grapes, apples, possibly some pepper plan, tamarind, smells like that tamarind Mexican candy as well with the chili powder, some caramel, a slight aroma of Belgian yeast and banana bread and cloves. The flavors are of Mexican Tamarind candy, tamarind juice, chile peppers, cinnamon, chile powder, pears, bananas, red wine, a bit of sour grapes, cranberries, raspberries, plums, raisins, sour apple, dulce de leche caramel, banana bread, cloves, oak wood, and vanilla. The aftertaste leaves those awesome Belgian banana esters with the chile peppers (with out the heat ) wine and tamarind. This one is pretty freaking awesome. The original, the beer I aged and the Red Wine version are remarkable beers. Especially for being chile beers. Now this is another level of awesome. If you can find it, try it. It goes down so nicely and the alcohol….hmmm what alcohol :P.
Mayan Apocalypse Judgment Day Ale by The Lost Abbey
Rating: 5.25/5
Mayan Apocalypse Judgment Day Ale by The Lost Abbey is a 10.5%ABV Belgian Quad brewed with Raisins, Chiles and Spices. The original Judgment Day Ale with the 4 horseman of the Apocalypse is one of my top 10 favorite beers. So this will probably give it a slight twist 😛Label:Five thousand years ago the Mayan Calendar last turned over. Since then, Nostradamus. The Book of Revelations and random Shaman have all prognosticated that mankind would meet a fateful end. Currently, our demise is is scheduled for December 21, 2012for it has been so decreed our world is about end not in a Christian Judgment Day but rather a Mayan Apocalypse.
Funny thing is. The Mayan’s don’t actually believe in the concept of an Apocalypse. We at The Lost Abbey didn’t want to miss an opportunity to update our original judgment Day recipe to accompany us as we collide towards this impending Rapture. Like us, we’re pretty sure you can believe in dried chiles. Cinnamon and Tamarind working well together in this beer. This means, you can count on this little bottle of beer to help you survive this cultural Armageddon. Please pop the cork and enjoy this version. We’ve got you covered. See you on December 22nd wherever life may take us.
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So it has finally come….opened this one at 12:00 AM on the dot 12-21-2012…trying this one for the occasion, the special Judgment day Mayan Apocalypse Ale. So let’s get into it…before the world ends today…. Immediate fragrance of this was something else. Being a fan of chiles and spices and Belgian quads (Ale fermented 4 times). Aromas of Cinnamon, Mole, chocolate abuelita (Dark chocolate Mexican hot cocoa), guajillo, chipotle, dulce de leche/cajeta caramel, candy sugar, some minor capirotada fragrance (Mexican Raisin bread pudding with pecans, bananas, spices and other fruits and flavors. Definitely rich in smell. The flavors of the end of the world are a Mexican and Belgian clash. I have never had a quad that was melded like this… WOW….. It took Judgment day to a new level. Immediate Dulce de leche/ cajeta, Capirotada with mild chile peppers (not too hot but enough to notice you are drinking chiles), coffee cake, Belgian candy sugars, pan dulce/sweet bread, dark fruits like figs, raisins, plums, cinnamon, dark chocolate like that of abuelita, and some tamarindo/tamarind at the end of the flavor. In the after taste, the Tamarindo calms anything that has to do with the chile spices leading them into Belgian Abbey redemption. Even the Devil can redeem for his sins…. lol although the Mayans and early indigenous did not believe in such things…but greater beings from the stars. Great Mathematicians creating meaning for the moon sun and the stars… and that is what this is about. It may not be the end of the world just yet, but the beginning of something new…something else. Keep in mind, as my dearly mother one said: “The end of the world comes to those who’s time has run out” explains that no matter what..whether it is the end of the world today or tomorrow…every one is on a schedule to someday pay the piper a.k.a death and will do so regardless of Apocalypses, End of Times, Armageddons, Raptures…you name it….I leave this this…. and the message explained from the original Judgment day ale…Belgian and Mexican alike will love this creation…. so if you seek this after 12-21-2012….try it out… as for finding meaning in your lives and this whole End of the World business…According to the original label:
“Live an inspired life. Find opportunities in everything to make a difference. Seek out new and spontaneous adventures and when you find them, embrace them as if they were the devil’s song. For an interesting life is one worth living. Challenge yourself to embrace passion, persistence and a motivated way of life. So that when Judgment Day arrives from nowhere, you’ll go out knowing full well that you’ve lived your life on your terms and they can’t take that away from you.”
http://lostabbey.com/beer/judgement-day/
Stone Vertical Epic 12.12.12
Rating: 4.85/5
Stone Vertical Epic 12.12.12 is a 9% ABV Belgian Strong Ale brewed with Spices. It is the Final release of Stone’s Epic Series. I have only had a chance to try 10, 11 and 12 but that is still cool to be part of something. Today is 12.12.12 so I figured this would be the right time.
Label:
The Final Chapter in an “Epic” Series
As with any good epic, herein lies the promise of larger-than-life experiences, heroics, and twists and turns as the adventure unfolds. This bottle-conditioned ale is chapter eleven. Now is the time to enjoy it in a “vertical” tasting side by side with its ten Stone Vertival Epic Ale brethren! Each one unique to its year of release. Each with its own “twist & turn” in the plot line. Each one released one year, one month and one day from the previous year’s edition.
This year’s Stone Vertical Epic Ale is the very last one. Yep, this is it. The final chapter. Or as they say on the last slide in some old films: “Fin.” No worries though: this edition is particularly well-suited for prolonging the experience, as it’s as cellarable as any in the series, or more. In this, the final edition, you can expect a perfectly balance *womp* of spices: cinnamon, ginger, allspice, sweet orange peel, clove (only a little!) and rosehips, all in the context of a dark Belgian style abbey-ish beer…but not as sweet. Dry even. Stone style. Thanks for coming on this Epic Stone-style journey with us! You can rest assured there will be new adventures to come…
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The fragrances of this beer are pretty phenomenal. Starting with some banana, raisin and plum notes, mint, coffee, licorice, almost like a Black Saison smoke, sugar and cinnamon cookies, flowers, chocolate, caramel biscuit and toffee. The taste of this goes into different places. Flavors of chocolate, coffee, banana, caramel, cinnamon, dark fruit, smokey flavors almost like a BBQ ribs so its smokey but sugary, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, flowers like roses, biscuit bread and ginger bread, herbs and other spices. The after taste is of chocolate, banana, mint and some earthy and citrus bitterness with some more graham cracker, sugar or ginger cookies. Not sure if they tried to combine all the beers together or something but they try to hit on many flavor aspects here. Belgian and somewhat Porter or Stout like blend with a lot of what seem to be some holiday spices. It is quite good and I think specifically brewed for the holidays and the last week before the so called end of the world. Anyways, for being the last beer it surely fits and I am sure a year from now, this will probably taste very wonderful so I will leave it room for some improvement and save one for 13 13 13…lol well 12.12.2013 🙂
Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11
Rating: 5/5 (Aged since 2011 to be drank 12.12.12)Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11 is a 9.4% ABV Belgian Strong Ale Brewed with Anaheim Chiles & Cinnamon. This is the second to last series of the Stone’s long run Vertical Epic Series started in 2002. I aged this in the dark for exactly one year to be drunk on 12-12-12. I also included my last year’s review for comparison so we can see how it has mat
ured 😛Label:
“As with any good epic, herein lies the promise of larger-than-life experiences, heroics and twists & turns as the adventure unfolds. This bottle-conditioned ale is chapter ten, and is specifically designed to be aged until sometime after December 12th, 2012. Provided you can wait that long. At that time, enjoy it in a “vertical” tasting along with its ten Stone Vertical Epic Ale brethren. Each one unique to its year of release. Each with its own “twist & turn” in the plot line. Each one release one year, one month, and one day from the previous year’s edition.
“As with any good epic, herein lies the promise of larger-than-life experiences, heroics and twists & turns as the adventure unfolds. This bottle-conditioned ale is chapter ten, and is specifically designed to be aged until sometime after December 12th, 2012. Provided you can wait that long. At that time, enjoy it in a “vertical” tasting along with its ten Stone Vertical Epic Ale brethren. Each one unique to its year of release. Each with its own “twist & turn” in the plot line. Each one release one year, one month, and one day from the previous year’s edition.
This year’s Stone Vertical Epic Ale might justifiably be considered the non-sequitor edition. We somehow came to the conclusion that adding Anaheim chilies from New Mexico’s Hatch Valley, plus whole cinnamon sticks, to an amber-hued brew fermented with Belgian Flanders Golden Ale yeast (which provides fairly invest character, with lots of clove & banana overtones) would create a very tasty result. And we believe it does! The Anaheim chili is known for its rich flavor more than endorphin-inducing heat, and the cinnamon adds a nice twist… part of the promise behind the Vertical Epic Ale series itself. As with any epic, remember that it is not just the destination, but the journey!”
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When I first had this beer back then I enjoyed it a lot since it was a blend of a Belgian bread and carmel beer with Chile spices. After opening the bottle, you can definitely tell it has fermented well. There are dark plum and raisin notes in the aroma which are stronger than before with more sweet caramel and bread. I can kinda smell the chiles in there but it probably is not as heat spicy as last year. This is nice because you can get a sense of how well beers age that it feels like maybe the ABV shot up but the fermentation is way more complex. Upon tasting this beer, I can feel that the chiles somehow gave way to like a caramelized pumpkin and tamarind taste. You definitely do not get anymore heat but the pepper is there in small notes. This is very good. It is so complex with its rich sweet bread and caramel flavor like that of like St. Bernardus as well. There are some sweet matured citrus like a orange candy . There are some notes of bananas, cloves and cinnamon. Some herbs and spices are in the after taste along with tamarind. Even after warming up into room temperature, there is a lot of sweet Belgian beer goodness and some tamarind.
A couple of sips and the beer starts to kick in. This thing had to have increase from a 9.4 to like maybe a 11 or 12. In it’s prime, this beer tasted a lot like I explained it below. If you were more into the pepper spice you won’t find it here unfortunately. But if you were looking for the Belgian beer experience here than this is the beer for sure.
2011 Review:
Banana and Chile Bitterness beer. Damn it Stone…Y you gotta be so good every year and surprising :P. Last years was manzanilla sweetness (10.10.10) lol . This is this years release of the Stone Vertical Epic (11.11.11). Yeah crazy number and crazy time to release such a beer. What if…JUST….what if they ever released a Belgian type of beer that could be made with chiles…Mexico meets Belgium kinda thing. Well here you have it. Breath taking and delicious. HELL even when I first took the first whiff off the bottle I’m like this is gonna be DAMN GOOD!!!. Damn….haven’t been stoked since the last time I found the best beer in the world. LOL well.. yeah… I know good beer when I smell it, taste and see it. Although there is not a lot of intriguing art to this beer, seeing is not always believing when it comes to stone beers and other beers with less appealing labels. Yes, even the best beers in the world don’t have a label at all (Ahem…Westy12)… Anyways…how to I begin to commemorate this beer. I have tried some chile beers but not one that told me hey…dude….capsaicin…chile flavor…here!!…It is not that its super spicy but for those that enjoy good chile not for the heat and know the flavors of chiles they know it anywhere they taste it. Hell even me and my dad who are super big fans of heat and chiles know how the flavors tastes. No doubt it is definitely in here. But also banana. Ahh yes that sweet banana flavor from the Belgian yeast, but this is specifically Belgian Golden Flanders yeast. Also the other thing that adds to the beer is the cinnamon…great compliment to tone the chile flavor. AHHH its so damn goods this beer,.. recommended…for sure..maybe its just the weird number 11.11.11 but they hit it dead on. LOL also the thing with chiles when you lick your lips you usually get a great heat. I never had a beer that reactivates the chile when you lick your lips…Surely they knew what they were doing with this masterpiece. Thanks again stone for an awesome brew and hope to have more …until 12.12.12 my friends 😛
Sexual Chocolate by Foothills
Rating: 5.75/5
Sexual Chocolate by Foothills is a 9.75% ABV Russian Imperial stout aged in Bourbon barrels. If a beer was like having sex, maybe the flavor and aroma would be so good it would make some orgasm….maybe..lol. This is a beer you take your time with. Too fast would make you pass out. LOL!!
Label:
A smooth, dark, cocoa infused Imperial Stout barrel aged for 4 months. Perfect for sipping and cellaring. A rich chocolate aroma twines seamlessly with delicious overtones of bourbon, vanilla, and oak. Notes of espresso, black strap molasses and caramel accentuate a dark chocolate backbone and complex layers of toffee and dark fruit.This beer is reminiscent of the Nectar Ales Black Xantus (which pairs awesome with chocolate cheese cake) with its delicious dark fruit flavors like cherry and raisins. Rich Milk chocolate, coffee, mocha, vanilla, caramel, bourbon, butterscotch, toffee, coconut, cherries, raisins, figs, oatmeal, french toast with chocolate and maple syrup. Maybe not as strong in terms of alcohol as Chocolate Rain or White chocolate, but it sure as hell gets way up there in the upper rank breaking beers for me :P. What can I say, I love chocolate, I love chocolate beers and these just happen to be that good and unfortunately hard to find. Consider yourself lucky to find this…Foothills was kind to release this once more this year but unfortunately at a limited supply.
Chocolate Rain by The Bruery
Rating: 6/5 *This may have just become my favorite beer ever…
HEY EVERYONE…WHO WANTS DIABETES IN A BOTTLE?? LOL just kidding…Actually only partially kidding ….. >.>
This is Chocolate Rain, by The Bruery. It is Whoopin’ 19.5%ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon barrels with cocoa nibs and vanilla beans. Well.. I don’t even know if it should be categorized as an imperial stout, more like a very complex boozy chocolate syrup drink with some major major chocolate infusion going on. Literally, the most chocolate rich beer I have ever had. The strongest beer I have ever had aside from Tactical Nuclear Penguin at 32% ABV. To me, maybe I just set this as my all time favorite. Choosing Trois Pistoles and St. Bernardus mixed in high amounts of chocolate may make something similar to this…..maybe.
As soon as I opened this bottle I realized the beer was too extreme for me. It smells like hazel and pecan pie with Chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and did I mention chocolate drizzled all over that pie with whip crème and cherries on top. That was just the smell. The taste was a maelstrom of rich complex chocolate, dark chocolate mocha, pecans, almonds, dipped in dulce de leche, vanilla, browney batter, bourbon, raisins, cherries, raspberries, Leche Nestle, Epitome of Sugar dimension times 10….. This is the ULTIMATE dessert beer. Adding ice cream may actually put you in a comma. Either that or drinking the whole bottle. BE VERY CAREFUL!!! As delicious as this is, one could get carried away. A beer designed to age for many many decades…
Trappist Westvleteren 12 by Brouwerij Westvleteren (Sint-Sixtusabdij van Westvleteren)
Rating: 5/5Trappist Westvleteren 12 by Brouwerij Westvleteren (Sint-Sixtusabdij van Westvleteren) is a 10.2% Mother of all the Beers in the world and leader of all quadruple fermented Belgian ales. Rated one of the best beers in the world right next to Pliny the Younger and Elder as well as others. One of the hardest beers to find due to its exclusivity or the Monasteries of Saint Sixtus Westvleteren. Meaning you have to buy it there physically or be stupidly lucky to find it *Ebay…ahem*. Founded in the year 1838, the brewery has been brewing and selling beer to support the monasteries as a non profit organization in Belgium. This beer goes without saying, but it doesn’t even need the label to show that this beer is something close to the Divine. You know, the stuff that Ben Franklin said about how “Beer exists because God wants people to be happy” kind of thing. Good news is that they will soon be working with distributors to make it available here in the states.
So how is this beer really… and is it really the best in the world? Well, for starters, how does it compare to St Bernardus 12 and Trois Pistoles which to me are the best in the world? This is one is very similar but more flavor intense. Like trying to eat an entire jar of sweet dulce de leche. It is actually overwhelming. This is the second time I try this beer and in comparison this one is alittle more awesome. Almost feels like my body was going numb just it was hard to describe all the good flavors. Almost like a sugar comma. The flavors just explode leaving no taste buds untouched in sweetness. The 10.2% does kick in fair. So the flavors I can make out are a ton of caramel, dulce de leche, burnt sugar, honey, raisins, grapes and plum bread, chocolate, oak and other good spices. Very chewy and creamy beer as well :P.Just like I said last year I will say it again though. It is only the best beer in the world only in comparison because I can easily find St. Bernardus 12 and Trois Pistole 1000 times much easier than this one. Trust me, even though St, Bernardus is not considered Trappists by Belgian Standards, they should be as they make the beer using the same yeast as Westy 12 made since they obtained the licensing in the 1940’s A time when Sixtus needed money and St. Bernardus, a cheese producing Monastery assisted them. After the 1990s is when Bernardus decided not to renew the license though. Either way, in a taste test, even though Westy 12 may have it down more complex, St Bernardus 12 has the 2nd best complexity that comes the closest to the Westy 12. As soon as this beer hits the states, go get one…LOL unless your willing to get on ebay or a special beer shop that knows some hookups 😉
2011 Review:
The Westvleteren 12, known as the best beer in the world is only sold by monks in Belgium to be drunk over there and not resold. They do not make any money off of this and the proceeds go to their monasteries. I was finally able to get a hold of this beer and I will wait for the special occasion to give it go. Of course being a beer geek, I will have to get the right glassware and all to give this one a go. Drinking this will probably be like reaching the peak of beer tasting experience. I’ll see how it goes..lol
UPDATE: So me and my brother finally got around to trying this beer. It was the same beer I gave to my friend as a wedding gift. The smell was very rich and fruity. A wiff of this reminded me of a lost abbey. When I finally got around to tasting it, the first thing that came to mind was a combination of a less sweet st berbardus abt 12 but as strong and deliciousness of the deliverance ale of lost abbey. Nice and creamy beer full of extreme complexity and nothing too overwhelming as another. You have your caramel, malty, dark fruits of figs raisins, alcohol sense, bready flavor from the yeast, spices and minor bitterness. Not like the st bernardus 12 where it is more sweeter, but the balance of all the flavors put together is like a roller coaster of Belgium awesomeness. It is more dry and creamy than lingering forever, but the instant you have it in your taste buds is like trying to taste everything at once but your mind isn’t fast enough…. A beer to truly remember as I had this in celebration of my new car, but also because this is a beer that is very hard to get a hold of and also once in a life time opportunity for me. I was glad I had ya westy :)…Truly the best beer in the world….LOL…only cuz I can find other beers easier too :P…..
Thirteenth Hour by Samuel Adams
Rating: 5/5Thirteenth Hour by Samuel Adams is a 9% ABV Dark Belgian Stout brewed with spices, coffee, chocolate and oak. This is the second time I finally found this beer again. It is easily in my top 10 beers that I enjoyed. I thought the last time I had this beer that it was the only time I would be able to find it again. Sam Adams was nice enough to release this again this year. In the perfect witching season too >:)
Label:
The 13th Hour Is The Witching Hour and a time when strange brews can occur With 13 ingredients, we combine the roasted chocolate and coffee notes of a stout with the complex spicy character of a Belgian-style ale aged in oak for a dark, robust, and bewitching brew.
One of our brewers’ favorite places to experiment is in the barrel room at our Boston Brewery. It’s here that each of our Samuel Adams Barrel Room Collection brews was born.
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The beer fragrance is like that of the delicious coffee cake they gave in school if it was dipped in like a chocolate cherry liqueur. Belgian Stouts of this caliber are hard to find (Buffalo Belgian Stout, Art of Darkness, Belgian Yeti, etc.) Especially for me, one that is closer to Trois Pistoles and St. Bernardus Abt 12. In fact, it is because it is close to those, that this is a Dark Strong Belgian beer more than a Stout. Yet the defining properties of the Stout shine so well. Like the moon at night. The flavors of this beer explode with coffee cake, chocolate, mocha, banana , dark cherries, raisins, apples, port wine, vanilla, cinnamon, oak and bourbon. Definitely worth the try. I was one of the best for me at the first time and still is.
2011 Review:
If St. Bernardus abt 12 was my Caramel bread.. This is my chocolate coffee bread. WOW… Simply wow!!!. I would totally say it is the truest of witches brews as the label says. This is the Samuel Adams 13th hour Dark Belgian Stout. A Belgian Dark Ale really like that of the Trois Pistole but if you were to combine a Chocolate/Coffee Imperial stout. The flavors are too good to be true. Why does this exist. Why can I only have one of these beers?. It is really sad that this is not as common as Trois Pistoles nor as common as the St Bernardus 12 becuase this is the true answer to the what if the best stout you could ever have would be something like this. A quad/stout hybrid with bready flavors, roasted malts, aged in barrels a la lost abbey. Damn it, Damn it damn it damnit !!!!. LMAO…..Samuel adams, for having a special reserve barrel room collection of beers, this is their latest and greatest and I must say…. You are the only beer on tap that I do choose when no other is available. I choose you because you don’t ever disappoint. But to bring out something this magnificent to a fan of stouts and Belgian dark ales is simply amazing. Top 3 to the best beers in the world for me…1 being between st bernardus 12, trois pistoles, franziskaner dark heff, arrogant bastard and ruination, Judgement Ale, Deliverance, Black Xantus and the 3 philosophers. How I will miss you as you are a reserve and hard to find :(…but this is why I write so I don’t forget..for beer tasting, for beer art, for beer experience, I thank you….who knew a dark Belgian could compliment a stout so extremely well
St. Bernardus Abt 12 by Brouwerij St. Bernardus
OMG!!!…put it simply, like drinking dulce de leche with a nice bread. The St. Bernardus Abt 12 is rated one of the best quad style ales in the world. It is up there next to the westvleteren 12, but not as expensive and recently easy to find at the local Bevmo. I got this one in Wally’s Wine house but say it at the Bevmo in Manhattan beach. Quite frankly, one of the best trappiste Belgian ales I have ever had. I will soon be trying the Westvleteren but this beer is by far really good. There is Belgian yeast, some roasted malts, what I believe caramelized sugar, no hops,dark fruit, raisins, cherries, and fig flavors. The sugar rush hits you instantly but it feels really good. Alcohol is there but you honestly cannot tell as it is extremely well masked by that caramelized Belgian yeast combo. This reminds me of the time I had the Black Xantus. However with this one, no chocolate dessert needed. THIS IS YOUR DESSERT!!. Right next to franzy dark, my next favorite beer 😀
REVISIT: Hands down, truly the best beer in the world in my opinion, right next to the unreachable westy 12 and the common Trios Pistoles. Ahh Quad ales…simply the best in the world. I read more about this beer. These ales are brewed with the finest malts, local grown hops, yeast and artesian water pumped from a depth of 500 feet. Truly monks beer…as brewed in those Belgian monasteries. The ales are actually “alive” mainly due to the yeast strains that consume sugar to produce the alcohol and carbonation. If the nectar of the gods was truly this, this is it and its very easy to find thank fully :). Wonder if Jesus ever had a go at beers aside from turning water into wine :P.
Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore) 