*Presenting - Darkstar November*

An Imperial Stout aged in Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrels with Molasses and Rye by Bottle Logic in Anaheim, CA.

Talk about impressive. This massive Stout tips the scales at 13.7% ABV. Pours opaque black with a creamy mocha-colored cap on top.

Aromas come off with notes of rich chocolate, molasses, vanilla, almonds, cigar-box, and booze.

The taste follows the nose perfectly. Starts off with dark chocolate, sweet caramel, coffee grounds, and stone fruits. The middle is akin to the flavors of the spirit which once graced the barrels: Buffalo Trace Bourbon. The finish is where this beer shows off its true elegance. Notes of alcohol, chocolate, slight wood indicators, sweet tobacco leaves, and a nutty, almond-like back-palate brings this tasting experience to a wonderful conclusion.

Silky and creamy structure on the tongue. As the beer warms up, the flavors and aromas are even more impressive. Serve only about 8oz at a time in a proper snifter (or similar glassware) and take your time.

Although it can be enjoyed now, this beer will age gracefully for many years and the additional port and sherry notes will contribute to the complexity. For an even more tantalizing flavor adventure, pair with a "Flor de las Antillas" cigar by My Father Cigars and let the good times roll.

Darkstar November is as black as the vacuum of space, yet the aromas and flavors shine brighter than a Type 1-A Supernova.

Cheers!

-Gilbert "Charlie" Perez, Certified Cicerone®

Presenting: Galaxy Hopper

American-Style Strong Pale Ale by Tustin Brewing Company
(Photos - Left: Taken at beer release. Right: Found on TBC's FB Page)

Not all American-Style Strong Pale Ales are created equal. This creation by Jarrod Larsen, award-winning brewer at Tustin Brewing Company, is an aromatic experience for your senses.

Chinook, Amarillo, and Galaxy hops in the boil and dry-hopped with a blend of Galaxy, Amarillo, and Citra... Twice! And it shows.

Gold in color, a rich white cap, and a slight veil over it.

The nose is where the spirit shines. Aromas of underripe melon and peaches, some orange rind, white grape, and a grassy character to hold it all together.

The palate resembles the nose with the addition of an earthy character and a slight bready note in the background. Bitter from beginning to end with all the fruit layers lingering on the finish.

The structure is medium-light bodied, fairly well attenuated, and medium carbonation. 6%ABV, 50 IBU's, and tasty. Get some while it lasts!

Cheers,

-Gilbert "Charlie" Perez, Certified Cicerone®

Presenting: Rocco Red

An American Amber/Red Ale
by Bootlegger's Brewery in Fullerton, CA

Since its pilot release back in 2011, I fell in love with this beer and quickly rose to become one of my favorite Bootlegger's offerings. I immediately described it as "Baby Knuckle" for it's similarity in flavor their DIPA, Knuckle Sandwich. I'm not the only one that thinks highly of Rocco Red; It recently brought back a Bronze Medal from GABF!

This beer is a dark ruby red, slight chill haze on the presentation topped off with a creamy, off-white head.

Aromas come out as orange marmalade, citrus sweet candy, pine, burnt sugar, and toasted bread.

Flavors of rich malt and American hops. Mouthfeel is medium-full with a semi-silky texture. At 7.1%ABV, it's a dangerously easy and satisfying drink. Pace yourself!

Check out this award winning beer for yourself at their tasting room located in famous Downtown Fullerton. Also available in bottles.

Cheers,

-Gilbert "Charlie" Perez, Certified Cicerone®