Lost Abbey 'My Black Parade' Bourbon Barrel Aged Strong Ale. 12.5% abv. Solid black color with thin beige creamy head. Moderate retention, nice lace. Nose of dried dark fruit, molasses, red wine berries, bourbon on the end. Aromas of vanilla and sweet chili emerge as the temp rises.

Front taste of dark chocolate, sweet chilies, vanilla, wood notes in the sustain. A merged sweet taste of chocolate and chili comes through as the temp adjusts. Aftertaste is chili peppers, red wine, whiskey ribbon, spiced cocoa, with a dry astringent finish. Full body. Mouthfeel is hot, creamy, boozy, sticky.

This is a superb BBA whose twist of flavor is clear and welcome. The complex flavor profile dances with abundant chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, and the ever present chili taste which is sweet and spicy but never hot. Any heat from this big beer comes from its 12% abv. and the bourbon expression from start to finish, supported by a foundation of wood notes throughout. A wonderful original and audacious beer. I urge you to seek out this gem, especially if you enjoy BBAs and experimental brews.,Strongly recommended,

From the brewery:

"In anticipation of Dia De Los Muertos and inspired by the profound flavors of Mexican Chocolate, The Lost Abbey will be releasing it’s newest and very limited celebratory creation; My Black Parade. Continuing The Lost Abbey’s trend in being inspired by worldly religious-based stories, My Black Parade tells the story of unrequited love being remembered each year on Dia De Los Muertos. A crowd of believers, that grows with each procession, making a yearly pilgrimage to an unmarked grave, waiting for true love to show up. 

"A blended Bourbon barrel-aged Strong Ale with cocoa nibs, vanilla bean and spices, My Black Parade will be limited to only 60 cases with all inventory sold online through The Lost Abbey Website. Pouring darker than a moonless night, My Black Parade begins with a deep bouquet of rich chocolate and layered hints of cinnamon and oak. Huge flavors of cocoa on the palate with notes of vanilla, bourbon, and tobacco, finishing with crisp bite from the smoked chili’s and cardamom."

[source: lostabbey.com]

Lost Coast Brewing '25th Silver Anniversary' Belgian Ale. 8.8% abv. 18 IBU. Hazy red-orange color. Finger of white bubbly head that quickly falls to a thin surface. Good retention, excellent lace.

Nose of light fruit, berries, white bread. Front taste of sweet red berries, jammy, yeasty back end. Aftertaste of bittersweet fruit, biscuit, dank earthy sustain, slightly sweet finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, round, clingy, thick on the back of the tongue.

This is an excellent beer. The aroma and flavor profile bring to mind the also excellent Toaster Pastry, of which I am a big fan. That beer is one of my go-to beers, due to its perfect balance of bready and sweet fruity tastes. Today's beer captures that balance in a meaty Belgian ale. 

Sadly, it's an anniversary ale, which means it cannot become a regular year-round experience. However, the local bottle shop where I found this had several in stock. Two years old. I plan to buy them all. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"A Belgian ale brewed with Belgian & American Malts, perfectly balanced with European hops and traditional Trappist Ale yeast for a ripe, rich fruitiness."

[source: bottle]

Lost Coast Brewing 'Great White' Ale. 4.8% abv. Hazy golden color with a finger of white bubbly head. Good retention, moderate lace. Nose of earthy hops, wheat, bread, faint citrus. Front taste of sweet biscuit, light malt, hop bitter, coriander. Aftertaste of wheat grain, light sugar, spice on the sustain. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is chewy, slightly sticky, bubbly.

This is a very good wheat beer. The aroma is hoppy with a touch of spice, followed by tastes of sweet breads and an aftertaste of fresh wheat. There are other wheats out there that stand taller than this beer, but it's still an excellent example of its category and worthy of your glass. Recommended.

From the brewery:

"A Crisp beer with a hint of citrus, made with two-row malted barley, unmalted wheat, a secret blend of Humboldt herbs, crystal clear mountain water and ale yeast."
[source: lostcoast.com]

"This light, citrus like beer is made with two-row malted barley, unsalted wheat, coriander, a secret blend of Humboldt herbs, crystal clear mountain water, and ale yeast. To serve, we suggest you pour all but the last two fingers of beer into your favorite glass. Swirl the remaining contents in a vigorous circular motion, chant the affirmation of your choice, then pour the delicious, nutrition yeast into your glass. Enjoy! Keep refrigerated, serve while fresh."
[source: bottle]

Lost Coast 'Alleycat' Amber Ale. 5.5% abc. 26 IBU. Dark amber-red in color. Over a finger of tan head with good retention and very nice lacing. Nose of caramel, toasty malt, vanilla notes. Front taste of caramel, sweet bread, bright bitter hops on the back end. Aftertaste is warm, with flavors of sweet malt and pronounced hops. A nice balanced bitter from the herbal hops stands out in the aftertaste. Medium body. Mouthfeel is slightly syrupy thick, with a nice creamy carb across the tongue.

This is an excellent amber, better than most, with a solid malty backbone, a touch sweet, followed by a balanced hoppy aftertaste. It should be considered one of the standards in its category. Highly recommended. 

From the brewery:

"A full-flavored amber ale made with roasted caramel malt and spicy German and American hops. Richly colored and medium-bodied, Alleycat is an assertive blend of malts with a sprightly cascade of hops."

I enjoyed this Alleycat outdoors, at my friend's ranch in North Fork.

Lovely lace on this excellent amber ale.