Big Bad Baptist - Epic Brewing Co.

MBrausen

Minnesota

1.5/5  rDev -65.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1

Poured from a bomber into a Town Hall Sniffer.

A. Pours a deep dark black, mild mocha head about 1 finger thick.

S. Extremely heavy coffee. Almost like fresh coffee beans. That is really the only smell coming off of this beer. Extremely strong.

T. This beer tastes of of pure coffee beans, after they have been used to make five batches. Strong toffee, bitter, lots of coffee. It really is overbearing.

M. Coarse, thick bodied. Slightly dry finish.

O. I did not like this beer at all. It is overbearing wet coffee grounds through and through. It is just too much. This is one of the two beers I have ever poured out. I would not suggest this beer to anyone.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2012 05:59:12 | More by MBrausen

mindspin315

New Jersey

2.2/5  rDev -48.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Almost black body with hints of brown. Small chocolate brown head initially on the pour but has faded to nothing. Lacing is very minimal, gradually falls back into the body.

Big aromas and they're very sweet smelling. Lots of chocolate covered espresso beans, brown sugar, chocolate candy bars, and roasted coffee notes.

Espresso and chocolate are on the palate right away. Not quite as medium or full-bodied as I was expecting this to be. Tastes are actually thin. The beer doesn't seem to be over carbonated so I can't see that being the factor in the watered down flavors. You can detect the coffee, espresso, cocoa, but they don't really shine as much as I thought they would. I do get heat here but nothing that shows me this was aged in Whiskey barrels. Alcohol is quite predominant in the middle then left with a touch of heat and a roasted semi-dry bitterness on the finish.

I was hoping for a little more from this one. It has plenty of things going on that should be good...cocoa nibs, coffee, and aged in whiskey barrels. Altough this one doesn't showcase all that much of a whiskey character and the flavors don't add up to much here. I'd like to see how this beer comes through on tap or a nitro pour.

[68/100]

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2011 06:40:04 | More by mindspin315

Oxymoron

Colorado

2.26/5  rDev -47.4%
look: 2.25 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2

Pours a midnight black color with a soft tan head. No real retention to speak of even when trying to help it out. Some viscous lingering on the glass.

The nose is coffee forward. Really no other aromas come out. Some maybe minor malt and hint of chocolate but would have liked more balance.

The taste is bit more on par although coffee is dominant. Beyond the coffee is a light chocolate note. Some minor whiskey/fusel notes as it warms but really not much beyond coffee. Again looking for balance here.

The body is moderate with a more astringent finish. Some fusel/hot notes that is more of a distraction than anything. Carbonation is not present. Overall this is more of a call coffee with alcohol than a beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2013 20:23:47 | More by Oxymoron

Vierenner

Ohio

2.48/5  rDev -42.3%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

I had very high expectations but was severly disappointed. I was hoping for a Big John sort of quality & flavor -- it's certainly not that. The smell is powerful but I'm not sure how to describe it -- musty, perhaps? The taste is out of balance ... incoherent. A mix of flavors, each trying to out do the other, certainly not in harmony. Often even a mediocre beer gets better during a sitting as the taste buds acclimate ... not the case for me with this one. Stay away.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2011 01:11:58 | More by Vierenner

FosterJM

California

2.68/5  rDev -37.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

1593rd Review on BA
Bottle to Woodshop snifter
22oz

Release #9
Purchased at Total Wine Brea for $10.99

App- A really great looking stout in the glass. It was a very deep brown. Bordered on black and very dense in the center and even the edges stay black. A good 1" tan head that faded to a small ring. Couple dots of cling.

Smell- Well it completely loses me here. Pure pressed coffee thats already been brewed with a big malt backbone. Large bitter. 

Taste- Pure over brewed and roasted coffee. I get nothing but coffee and bit roast.

Mouth- A thin medium body with a thin carbonation. Way too much coffee. Just not a great flavor.

Drink- Just a bad beer. Wont come back.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2012 02:20:50 | More by FosterJM

Ryan011235

Ohio

2.8/5  rDev -34.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured into an E&J Cask & Cream glass on 10/30/11

Release #1

Pours a stained cherry brown and settle up rather dark with a one finger cap of sandy brown foam. The head drops quickly to a skimmed layer of foam and a large patch of bubbles shoved off to the side. Drippy lace hangs from a third of the glass. Swirling helps keep the head alive.

Dang, the coffee addition rules the roost as far as the aroma is concerned. If I didn't know better, I'd assume this was a spot of espresso. Swirling draws forth meager notes of sweet whiskey and a hint of charred oak. As it warms there are suggestions of vanilla, but I'm not getting anything from the cocoa nibs. It keeps reverting back to espresso throughout the whole glass. Overtones of booze as it warms further.

After taking a sip it seems this is, in fact, beer. Hey, off to a good start, right? That said, the flavor profile table is slanted and all the ingredients are tumbling about, longing for the floor. Things start off sweet, courtesy of chocolate tones and whiskey nips. The middle finds overtones of oak as things shift toward roasted coffee, which carries everything on down. Full on espresso lingers long on the floor. Tastes a bit harsher as it warms, which is kind of a surprise.

Fairly full bodied, but not overly viscous; kind of nimble as far as imperial stouts tend to go (though it does seem to bulk up a bit over time). Carbonation is higher than I prefer, but not inappropriate here, I guess. At least it's puffy instead of prickly. Though not entirely hidden, alcohol is largely masked; it tends to be warming and is most apparent on the floor.

As far as I'm concerned, this needs some serious clean-up. Namely, the coffee is out of control and needs to be reigned in. I hate to be the one to police the Hype Pipe © usage that seems is going on here, but this is far from an astounding barreled take on the style. Perhaps it might improve as the coffee fades, but, at this price point, I'm not likely to pick up a second bottle to find out.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2011 02:23:43 | More by Ryan011235

biglite351

Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -23.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - Very dark with just a hint of red around the edges. Creamy medium-dark head that falls slowly.

S - Smells like a coffee roasters place. not like a cup of coffee, but like the actual roast. Hint of chocolate and malts in the mix. After a few moments there is a vanilla and alcohol scent. (I actually did not know this was a whickey barrelled beer until just now)

T - Not as good as the scent. Seems a bit confused. Instead of the coffee, chocolate and barrel ageing mixing, they seem to each be trying to stand on their own. it is like different parts of the mouthful have different flavors.

M - Thin, but leaves a little coating. Mild alcohol tingle in throat. Timgle on sides of tongue.

O - Very close. There is just something about the flavor palate that is odd. it is like this brew is fighting itself.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2011 02:24:53 | More by biglite351

claspada

New Jersey

3.28/5  rDev -23.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Release #1.

Pours a viscous liquid that is deep black color. Half inch of head forms and settles quickly to a thin cap. Moderate amount of spotty lacing is left down the glass.

Aromas begin with mainly fresh black coffee, lots of darkly roasted espresso beans. This does not change much even as the beer gets close to room temperature. Subtle complementary notes of roasted malt, dark bitter chocolate and the faintest trace of whiskey.

The tastes follow the nose with a straightforward coffee flavor, overtaking all the complementary base beer flavors. A little bit of roasted, burnt bitterness from the malt. Slight hint of dark chocolate. The barrel aging did not impart much flavor, definitely would have liked a lot more and I am not a fan of overly barrel heavy beers, but this needs more. Alcohol is well hidden. Just slightly warming in the finish. Quite unbalanced with the heavy coffee flavor.

Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied and close to perfect carbonation. Finish is dry and mildly bitter from the abundant coffee additions.

Overall, the flavors were way too dominated by one element; the coffee. Little to no barrel flavors, bitter roasty coffee overshaddows everything else here. It is not bad by any means, flavor-wise, but I can go get a cup of Joe for a buck at the convenience store. A coffee bomb of a beer indeed, so if that's your thing, not for me though, and I love coffee.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 03:39:23 | More by claspada

crossovert

Wisconsin

3.3/5  rDev -23.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

650ml bottle. Release #3.

Pours a blackish brown with a big tan head that leaves some nice lacing.

Coffee dominates the smell. I am not getting the bourbon and only slight cocoa.

Coffee also dominates the flavor. I feel like the flavors aren't meshing in this one. It just tastes like a coffee stout to the nth degree.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2012 01:54:26 | More by crossovert

Onenote81

North Carolina

3.35/5  rDev -22.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Never have seen this one around my area, so when I saw a bottle at Peabody's in Boone, I snagged it right up! Once I got home, I found out my local store had some cases in as well. Oh well.

22oz bottle. Batch #8 (Sept. '12 release). Poured into my brand new Hardywood snifter.

This beer just hesitantly glugs out of the bottle. This is an über thick coal black beer. Sits in the glass nicely. A small mocha head rests atop. Great spotty lace left behind, reminding me of what was. The aroma just smacks of fresh coffee. Big roasted coffee bean scent, chocolate powder, some booze quality. Really a nice inviting aroma.

Wonderful creamy feel that just envelopes the palate like a warm blanket. Subtle carbonation never forces itself. Smooth finish. This is one of the heavier beers I've had in quite some time. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Did I mention the coffee? This is one of the most potent coffee-forward beers I have ever had. This would wake up a dead man. Huge roasted flavors abound. Subtle sweetness of cocoa nibs and chocolate chips. Mild oak-like character gives it s a slight dry aftertaste. The whiskey isn't as prominent as I expected. I had hoped for more of a bourbon kick, but with this batch, there is none. This sort of muddles out at the end, and just finishes with more coffee.

I'm not sure what I think of this. I guess I expected a more balanced barreled beer, but this is a one-trick pony: a straight up coffee beer. I normally like that style, but this just seemed too much overkill. I don't think I'd revisit this batch again. Glad I tried it, but holy crap was this rich.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 01:13:42 | More by Onenote81

Rhettroactive

Virginia

3.43/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

From 22oz bomber to Bruges hybrid glass on 3/9/12
*From notes

-- Bomber split with my Pops, which is always a pleasure. --

A: Dark, velvety brown. A generous pour yields a dense 1.5 finger head. Creamy, thick lacing follows as the head begins to fall.

S: Really green. Overly so, in fact. It's freshly harvest coffee beans to the max. It's all a bit much for me.

T: Not a whole lot of bourbon here, sadly. Really, when they say "coffee infused", they aren't kidding. Sure, there's some chocolate here, but that green coffee vibe simply can't be shaken. In your face doesn't begin to describe it.

M: Now that's more like it. One of the thicker ADIS's I've encountered the last few weeks. Creamy like heavy whipping cream.

O: Where's the balance here? The coffee is untamed and out of control. I don't think aging will do much good, as there's not enough whiskey booze to keep it in check. Not a bad beer, but there's certainly better and more readily available Imperial Stouts on the market.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2012 21:09:56 | More by Rhettroactive

Beaver13

Colorado

3.48/5  rDev -19.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

22oz bottle. Pours dark brown black with a smallish light brown head that goes to a thin film and leaves some lacing.

The aroma is sweet fudgy chocolate and a little coffee. Boozy bourbon comes out as it warms.

The flavor is sweet fudgy chocolate with a lot of roast to balance and some slightly acidic roasted coffee. As I drink more, the burnt, ashy, char roast dominates. Some vanilla and bourbon come out too. The mouthfeel is light to medium bodied and a little watery.

Overall, almost really good, but I end up thinking ashy cigarettes and day old coffee.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2012 07:10:07 | More by Beaver13

ArchEnemyBrew

Washington

3.5/5  rDev -18.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into darkness tulip 2-12-12

A: Pours a deep black with a dark khaki colored head that is about 1" deep.

S: Smells like fresh roasted coffee, dark chocolate, a bit of smoke and some booze as well. Don't get much barrel character but that doesn't detract from the nose.

T: This is where the beer falls apart. Tastes of coffee and ashtray. The burnt out cigarette flavor in my mouth is just not appealing to me.

M: Medium bodied with a slight alcohol burn. Smoky/ashy flavor lingers.

O: Loved the smell of this beer but the taste killed it for me. Not enough barrel character and too much harsh coffee flavor for me. Won't seek out again.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2012 23:25:58 | More by ArchEnemyBrew

Daniellobo

District of Columbia

3.55/5  rDev -17.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Good coffee laden stout, barely fair as a bourbonesque brew.

Presentation: 22 oz brown capped bottle. Paper label with a simple light cream background and a black label with the name of the brew and series branding punctuated by drawing of a pilgrim/like bearded man opening a jar.. Side narrative Offers a small note about the special and limited character of the brew, and encourages to check their website for more details. Notes release #1, and 11.7 % Alc. by Vol. Served in a snifter.

A - Black pour with brown edges, fair 1/3" creamy brown head, poor retention and lacing with a fair surface memory ring.

S - Prominent coffee nose, not badly done… a bit plain but fair with a minimal hint of complex sweetness behind it.

T- Palate follows with a roasted coffee commanding note, malty… touch of chocolate and a sweetness that is minimally vanilla, whiskyeske… very short there, but the roasted sense and the sturdy but correct coffee do a good job to sustain the brew.

M - Medium-full body with tingly carbonation, fairly smooth ride with a small bitterness and an emerging boozy touch.

O - Nice sipper, a bit to compact and too skewed towards the coffee but pretty pleasing.

Notes: Blasphemy: in the KBS range without the hype, missing the Bourbon barrel, and with good coffee.. not too good a coffee but a fair coffee… Dunno, it is nice but nothing that I would actively seek out.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2011 17:15:40 | More by Daniellobo

maximum12

Minnesota

3.55/5  rDev -17.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This gets my nomination for beer name of the year. When I read about this release, I giggled & had to have one. Luckily it showed up locally. 22 oz. bottle split into two Darkness glasses. Release #1.

Pour is black. Nose catapults out of the bottle whilst the beer is mixing with the air with a blast of coffee, coffee, & maybe a little roast.

Big Bad Baptist should be the brew of choice for Mitt's coming campaign. This beer could keep people up a night, there are at least sixteen shots of espresso topping off whatever beer is present. There are also a few layers that come with a distinctiveness that's startling. Under the coffee there's vanilla/bourbon, then to a lesser degree, sweet malts. Roast is mixed in somewhere, indistinguishable from the coffee except for the char shadowing the aftertaste. But ultimately this is a coffee game that goes genocide on everything else, limiting its upside.

This is a big improvement on the Epic Imperial Stout, but I wish the entire ton of coffee didn't fall into the mash tun. Oh well. Ultimately, a good beer that could use a lighter spin in the coffee washer.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2011 04:00:30 | More by maximum12

zeledonia

Minnesota

3.55/5  rDev -17.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Release #7, bottled 8 September 2012. Tasted 7 December 2012.

Pours dark brown, effectively black in the glass. One finger of medium-dark tan head, good retention, and pretty darn good lacing. Looks tasty.

Smell is big on the coffee, with a chocolate chaser. Smooth, with little evidence of bourbon. I'm liking the coffee, just wishing there was more stout, or more something else in here. I get a touch of whiskey, but like I said (did I say it already?), it's heavy on the coffee.

Taste is decidedly disjunct. Starts out with coffee and a touch of chocolate, then fades, then comes ripping back with hop bitterness and a light bourbon kick. Pretty tasty, thanks to all the good parts that are in there, but they're integrated rather poorly. It's rough, in a way that I don't think would smooth out with time.

Mouthfeel is fine. Body is lighter than I expected; medium-heavy. Medium-low carbonation. Just fine.

A decent stout, but in the middle tier. Definitely more of a coffee stout than a barrel-aged stout. I really wish the components worked together better.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 04:55:23 | More by zeledonia

patm1986

New Jersey

3.63/5  rDev -15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

For a barrel-aged imperial stout, it's not as dark as others. it's more of a darker brown than a dark brown or black. Maybe the nibs have something to do with it. There isn't much of a head at all, nor any carbonation. it also doesn't look as viscous, certainly not motor oil-y.

It smells like mildly roasted coffee beans, sweet cream, cocoa powder, vanilla, and pine, all without much of an alcoholic aroma.

Pronounced flavors of coffee and cream, baking chocolate, roasted coffee beans, a little bit of whiskey--but more an oaky vanilla flavor--but, overall, it tastes like a thicker, carbonated, barely spiced or spiked irish coffee with chocolate syrup.

Finishes smoothly, but thins out greatly the warmer it gets. not much of a body, but such as it is, it lends itself to be more palatable. it leaves that nice mouth tingle though.

this is a solid barrel-aged brew at a time when we're being hit with them from all angles. the cocoa nibs are a really nice touch though. some age on this might thicken it some.
cheers

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2011 00:03:07 | More by patm1986

CuriousMonk

Virginia

3.63/5  rDev -15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bomber into tulip glass. Pours dark black with a moderate looking viscosity. The head rises an inch or two then settles after a minute. Smell is inviting at first with a rich dark carmel oaky vanilla followed by a bitter coffee smell mellowed by chocolate. The smell of the very strong coffee doesn't appeal to me. Gives off a dark rich roast almost espresso scent. Unfortunately, I am not much of a coffee drinker so you can say this was a bit dark rich bitter astringent. There is a moderate amount of vanilla oak and warm alochol. There is some carmel malt and roasty malt. Mostly coffee mocha and barrel. Light notes of ash, dark fruit and tree bark. There is a lingering sweetness cleaned up by a moderate bitter hop bite. Mouthfeel is medium body with medium carbonation that is creamy. Probably a better beer for those who really swear by coffee.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2011 19:15:04 | More by CuriousMonk

SometimesIfart

Michigan

3.65/5  rDev -15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours black, very very very black with a thing mocha head that leaves no lacing.

S - Not picking up a whole lot here. A bit of coffee and molasses and that's about it.

T - Lots of dark coffee and sweet dark chocolate up front, followed by molasses and oak.

M - Very thick body with moderate carbonation. Almost feels like a chocolate milk or something.

O - Overall, it was a heavy coffee stout , however it isn't overally complex. It's very drinkable for 11.8%.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 06:17:14 | More by SometimesIfart

billab914

Virginia

3.68/5  rDev -14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Batch 1 poured from a 22oz bottle into my Stone IRS glass. It poured black in color with a frothy tan head barely covering the top of the beer and clinging to the edges of the glass. Nice lacing as I drank it.

The aroma shows a good amount of roasty, bitter coffee flavors to it. The chocolaty flavors really come out in it as well and mix pretty nicely with the whiskey. Some notes of oak and vanilla smooth it out a little. The coffee is a little dominating, but it's a pretty nice aroma overall.

The taste also has a big roasty and bitter coffee flavor throughout. It's a a little overpowering of the other flavors for me. In the finish I do get some of the dark, bitter-sweet chocolate and whiskey flavors coming out along with just a hint of vanilla.

The mouthfeel is heavy with carbonation being low. Overall it was a pretty decent beer, but the roasty, bitter, coffee was a little overpowering for me. I liked the coffee flavors, it just overshadowed the chocolate and whiskey a little too much for me. A little more balance would have really gone a long way. Pretty decent beer of the style, but not an outstanding one for me.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2011 01:55:29 | More by billab914

Mahlik

Oregon

3.73/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bomber from Belmont Station. Poured into a snifter. Reviewed from notes.

A - Pours an opaque black with a one-finger tan-colored head. Head seems to dissipate rather quickly, leaving behind some good lacing. Appears to be quite viscous.

S - Coffee, coffee and more coffee. Notes of cocoa float about in the background. I only get marginal hints of oak. It seems that the whiskey barrel aging didn't do much for the aroma.

T - Again, lots of roasted coffee. The roasted malts, cocoa and dark chocolate become more apparent in the taste. The whiskey and oak pop out a little more but still nothing significant.

M - The mouthfeel is nice on this beer. It's full-bodied and creamy without being too viscous. Moderate carbonation. The alcohol is hidden well. The only time I really felt its presence is in the aftertaste.

O - A good imperial stout from a brewery I'm new to. I wish the whiskey/oak/barrel-aging characteristics were a bit more prevalent. The coffee seemed to dominate the other aromas/flavors.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2011 23:48:33 | More by Mahlik

morimech

Minnesota

3.73/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Release #1

Viscous liquid that is deep black color. Half inch of head forms and settles quickly to a thin cap. Moderate amount of spotty lacing is left down the glass.

I get mostly coffee in the aroma. This does not change much even as the beer gets close to room temperature. Just subtle hints of roasted malt, chocolate, and the faintest trace of whiskey.

Coffee forward flavor as well. A little bit of roasted, burnt bitterness from the malt. Slight hint of chocolate. The barrel aging did not impart much flavor. Would of liked more. Alcohol is well hidden. Just slightly warming in the finish. A little unbalanced with the heavy coffee flavor.

Full bodied and close to perfect carbonation. Just a little too fizzy upfront.

The flavor was dominated too much by one element. For the cost of the bottle I wanted a much better executed stout. The barrel-aging needed to come out more. I would still give the next release another try.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2011 18:46:26 | More by morimech

rapidsequence

Virginia

3.78/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle. $11.40 from Pints O'Plenty.

Appearance: Pitch black. Good looking tan colored head with surprisingly goog retention. Nice looking spotty lacing.

Smell: Strong coffee and bittersweet chocolate. Caramel, vanilla, a hint of smoke, and a bit of leather.

Taste: Its on the bitter-roasty side, and a bit of heat and bitterness from the whiskey barrels accentuates this. Residual sweetness from the malt and the sweeter cocoa and vanilla flavors balance it somewhat, but this one stays a bit on the harsh side due to roasty bitterness and alcohol burn. There is nice complexity of flavors, but its out of balance at this stage of its life.

Mouthfeel: The body if the beer is nice and big, but is cut and thinned by the hot alcohol. The burn steals what would otherwise be a big, soft, fullmouthfeel. Still pretty good though.

Overall: I think this beer needs some time to mellow and meld. There are lots of nice flavors that I think will come together nicely. I wish I had one to age. This beer is probably better than my review numbers indicate.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2012 01:16:39 | More by rapidsequence

matttttYCE

Arizona

3.78/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Review from notes. This was a batch 4 bottle.

Poured into a brandy snifter, the head is about 2 fingers, foamy tan. Fades with a moderate rate. Little lacing. The color is a seriously dark black. Pours with a bit of a viscosity to it as well

I would say that the aroma is dominated by coffee. Don't get me wrong, it's a pleasant aroma, but the coffee might be a little too much in this case. Anyways, the aromas at play here are tons of coffee, like I just ground up some nice dark roast beans (reminds me of Sumatra), then behind that are some big notes of fudge and dark chocolate, some rich roasted malts, smokiness or along with possible hints of vanilla. I wish I were detecting some more bourbon (and all the nuances that come with it), but sadly, I am not.

The taste is, again, dominated by coffee. I get a moderately strong dark roast black coffee taste along with notes of fudge, syrupy dark chocolate, roasted malts, smoke, char, and ash (though not necessarily bad). Again, I wish I could say I'm getting notes of bourbon or any of the flavors that come along with it, but I simply don't taste it.

The consistency is rich and velvety, the carbonation is medium, the body is full and almost syrupy, and the finish is a bit lingering and more wet than dry.

Overall this beer was nice but I wouldn't say I was too impressed with it. In fact I was more let down than anything at the fact that I couldn't really detect hints of barrel aging. The fact that this beer advertises bourbon barrel aging and doesn't evidence it sucks. What this is is a decent coffee stout. In fact, when I think of coffee stouts, it's up there with some of the nicer ones I've had the pleasure of having. But when I consider this as a barrel aged stout (with added qualities like being brewed with cocoa nibs or with coffee beans) it's somewhat lacking.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2012 02:05:54 | More by matttttYCE

busternuggz

Arizona

3.83/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a snifter.

Opaque brown-tinged black with a 1/4" mocha head. Head recedes to a thin ring but comes back nicely with a swirl. Leaves some spotty lacing.

Initially the smell is dominated by a nice rich coffee bean scent. As it warms some bittersweet chocolate and whiskey barrel comes through. So pretty much just the adjuncts and barrel in the scent, still nice and rich even if it isn't too complex.

Rich coffee comes out first in the taste too, followed by whiskey barrel and a nice overbaked chocolate chip cookie note. It then fades nicely into some roasted/charred malt, milk chocolate, and somewhat sharp whiskey barrel, the different tastes blending well. More chocolate comes out as it warms. Finishes fairly bitter with some acidic coffee and slightly astringent oak (and hops possibly). Has a medium sweetness balanced by the whiskey and oak. The astringency lingers too long for me, particularly as it gets warmer.

The texture comes on medium bodied and syrupy but ends a little thin. It contributes unpleasantly to the astringency in the end.

Overall I enjoyed it, fairly complex with the notes blending well. Grading to style, it didn't hold up to other imperial stouts I liked more, but still very good. I think the adjuncts and (to a lesser extent) the whiskey barrel overpowered the base beer a little, and I didn't really like the astringent finish, but fairly rich and nicely balanced.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2012 00:44:06 | More by busternuggz