Big Bad Baptist - Epic Brewing Co.

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

audiobean

Virginia

4.85/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Hit the spot with that coffee flavor. It was strong enough to enjoy, but not too strong. It was rich in its stout manner and engulfed my taste buds in that way that only really good beer does. This brew is definitely going on my Christmas wish list. Hopefully Santa isn't Baptist.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2012 02:31:36 | More by audiobean

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

4.05/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from tap into chalice at 1702 in Tucson. I think this is the 2012 #9 based on the abv of 11.8 abv.
Pours a pitch black with a finger of deep tan head. Nice thin tan lacing remains throughout the drink.
Smells of fresh crisp coffee, some roasted malts, chocolate, and a hint of booze - bourbon.
Taste is bitter roasted coffee and bourbon....some chocolate flavors.
Its an easy drink abv wise but its full of flavor and heavy. Its a nice brew...a bit over boozey but nice.

Serving type: on-tap

12-10-2012 01:13:21 | More by DrinkSlurm

joecast

Australia

4.75/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On tap at Hollingsheads in Orange Ca.

Well, what can I say. One of the best beers I've had in a long time. Exceptional balance, mouthfeel and drinkability.

Superb, delicate chocolate aroma. Light oak and roast. Taste is as smooth as anything. Hardly any alcohol heat which is quite an accomplishment considering the abv. And so easy to drink, not filling or overpowering. Fits as a desert beer, accompaniment with dinner, or just something to sip on before bed.

Serving type: on-tap

11-19-2012 22:03:49 | More by joecast

wedge

North Carolina

4.08/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

@ Ridgewood

Black with a super creamy beige head on top. Black coffee aroma straight away followed by wood, black malt, dark cocoa, mild creamy vanilla, and perhaps a bit of bread. Mocha, bourbon, dark chocolate, and sweetened espresso flavors. Super smooth, creamy, and heavy. Not overly aggressive with the barrel-aged-ness, which is a good thing in my eyes. Also, not boozy...another plus. I imagine, though, that this could become awesomely, ridiculously smooth(er) after a little time in the cellar. Very nice...

Serving type: on-tap

11-10-2012 03:07:35 | More by wedge

Scotchboy

Idaho

3.98/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Big Bad Baptist, on-tap @ Bier:Thirty in Bound Crossing. This is Batch #7; not sure how much batch variation has been encountered with this beer. Poured into a snifter, review from notes:

A: Opaque body with a huge tan head (impressive for a BA beer with adjuncts added) that recedes to a constant ring.

S: Tons of coffee with hints of smoke...a bit of boozy sweetness. There is an underlying whiskey note, but no real oak or vanilla, its just spirit.

T: Semi-acrid coffee on the front of the palate, with a moderate roasted malt component...hints of smoke and char again...mocha...the spirit burn on the back of the throat meshes pretty well with the notes of coffee and buried chocolate.

MF: Thinner and closer to medium than full...lighter to medium carbonation, light alcohol presence on the finish.

O: Decent but not great. I don't go gaga for this like a lot of guys buts a solid BA coffee stout.

Serving type: on-tap

11-07-2012 16:49:23 | More by Scotchboy

snpub540

California

4.2/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Cabo Taco Baja Grill in La Mirada.

Poured a deep dark brown which was almost black with a thin tan head that left delicate lacing on the glass. Small bubbles slowly rising from the bottom.

Smell is mostly roasted coffee with some vanilla and bitter chocolate notes. Alcohol soaked raisins. Smells like a good time.

Taste is a super smooth blend of bitter coffee and barrel flavors of booze and oak.

Mouthfeel is slightly thin. That was my only let down. Overall this was a great beer and I'll probably pick up a bottle soon down the line.

Serving type: on-tap

10-31-2012 19:17:54 | More by snpub540

ArrogantB

Colorado

4.43/5  rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at hops and pie. Standard imperial stout appearance: motor oil. Filmy head. Aroma was the most glorious coffee beans, so rich with a dab of chocolate. The flavor followed suit and was just as nice. Overall this was a fantastic beer and I need to score some bottles of this stuff or else head back for another glass.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2012 18:53:45 | More by ArrogantB

Halcyondays

California

4.13/5  rDev -4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

On-tap at Beachwood I,

A: Pours black with a firm creamy dark tan head, good retention, nice lace.

S: Like sticking my nose in a coffee machine, big heavenly coffee bean aroma, some secondary dark chocolate.

T: Coffee and chocolate dominated the first half. The second half gets quite hoppy and grassy, it reminded me of ST Creme Brulee in this aspect, hops when you'd never expect it. Big, full flavour.

M: Full-bodied, though it does feel a bit thinner at the finish than I'd like. Creamy, with a soft carbonation.

O: An interesting tasty beer for sure, like Peche Mortel meets Yeti. The bomber price is a bit out there, but a pour on-tap was a good deal methinks.

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2012 23:21:23 | More by Halcyondays

wethorseblanket

California

4.33/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Hops and Pie.

A: Pours oily black with a thin mocha head which fades to the rim and leaves no lace.

N: Dark cocoa powder, roasted coffee with some dark cherries on warming.

T: Rich roasted coffee with cream, toasted nearly perfect expresso and marshmellow, The bourbon is present but not overpowering. Toffee with some burnt char on warming along with a nice floral note. Smokey with tobacco and leather. Complex.

M: Rich and creamy. Full body and moderate carbonation.

O: Lucious and heavenly with a big wow.

Serving type: on-tap

10-11-2012 18:24:16 | More by wethorseblanket

womencantsail

California

4.48/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Beachwood Brewing

The beer pours black in color with a finger of tan head. There is a huge coffee aroma to this. Quite a bit of oak with just a mild vanilla note. Some nice bourbon to go with roasted malt and brown sugar. The flavor has a touch of licorice and molasses to go with vanilla, bourbon, and chocolate. Really solid mouthfeel as well.

Serving type: on-tap

07-17-2012 15:49:05 | More by womencantsail

vkv822

Oregon

3.93/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

on-tap at Belmont Station.
from notes.

Pours black with a foamy, creamy looking light brown head.

Big chocolate and faint roast.

More chocolate and roast coffee in the taste as well.

Medium-light body with bubbly, medium carbonation.

Enjoyable Imperial Stout, chocolate and coffee for the most part, with the body sitting slightly on the lighter side for the style.

Serving type: on-tap

04-30-2012 05:29:25 | More by vkv822

UCLABrewN84

California

4.2/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at The Surly Goat in West Hollywood, CA.

Pours an opaque black with a dark khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Thin streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is absolutely fantastic with dark roasted malt, cocoa powder, and huge coffee bean and coffee ground aromas. Taste is of dark roasted malt and a flavor very similar to tiramisu that has been dusted with cocoa powder and coffee grounds. There is a nice roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a medium body. Overall, this is a good stout with an outstanding aroma but the taste just doesn't match up.

Serving type: on-tap

03-09-2012 06:19:13 | More by UCLABrewN84

TheBeerAlmanac

Kentucky

3.93/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Draft poured into a snifter

A: Pours pitch black with a heavier than normal consistency and light brown bubbles that favor a coffee's creme.

S: Aroma is all coffee with hints of bitter roasted malt and some chocolate sweetness as well.

T/M: Flavor adds a dimension of smokiness to the coffee and bitter malt. Bubbles are tiny and lend a creamy mouthfeel. There's a little bite from the alcohol, which is tamed, but also thins the beer out.

This is a well balanced, strong stout with an enhanced coffee profile that adds character.

TheBeerAlmanac.com

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2012 02:12:57 | More by TheBeerAlmanac

quaybr

Colorado

4.25/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Oh my oh my, this is a fine beer.

Served in a tulip glass, a bubbly mocha head sits atop this thick black ale. The head dissipates quickly, though, and can only be brought back (modestly) with some excessive swirling.

Smell is pretty remarkable: heavy coffee notes (almost like getting a slight whiff of french press) along with cocoa. Some alcohol present in the nose, too.

Taste is of bold roasted and chocolate malts. This is balanced well, not too sweet, not too bitter. A bit of alcohol resonates as it washes down.

This is a thick-bodied beer but still manages to go down without any sludge or oily residue. Relatively little carbonation suits this beer quite fine. Well done.

This is a beer worth seeking. And as is so often true, I believe it is even more delicious in the company of good friends. Great beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-01-2012 06:12:35 | More by quaybr

challenja

Virginia

5/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Served On Tap at Fireworks in Courthouse/ Arlington VA

A: Dark Midnight Black Ink.
S: Dark milk chocolate, light smoke, malt and cherries
T: Dark milk chocolate, french press Colombian coffee, Dark cherries, bready malt, raspberry tart. Quite tasty, the creamy bourbon barrel comes on last i n the taste profile but the subtle hear comes in the third layer behind the chocolate, and coffee.
M: Light carbonation that tingles the back part of my throat. Milk and smooth. Like melted milk chocolate.
O: This is one amazing stout! I had some doubts but this one now is number 3 all time! Gonna go back for some more soon and get me a couple of overpriced bottles to stock up on!

Serving type: on-tap

01-25-2012 03:57:43 | More by challenja

BearsOnAcid

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Heard good things. Batch #2, just released I believe.

Dark brown to black pour. Some clarity in the light. Small coffee colored head.

Picking up a lot of coffee in the nose. Roasted malts, dark chocolate, but mostly dominated by coffee.

Taste had even more coffee. It was very bold and robust. Chocolate underneath. Bitter with a medium sweetness for an imperial stout. I had a little trouble picking up the whiskey barrel. At times, I tasted some vanilla, oak, and maybe some honey but it wasn't very forward at all so I wasn't sure if I was just imagining it. Mouthfeel was thinner than I'd like.

This was a nice surprise from Epic and definitely worth a try. Excellent price too. I hope they get some more character from the barrel for the next batch. This coud be a good substitute for Bourbon County Coffee.

Serving type: on-tap

01-20-2012 15:42:43 | More by BearsOnAcid

n2185

North Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +3%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: pours black with a finger of dark tan head that fades into a thin ring with no lacing.

S: lots of robust coffee and dark chocolat with oak, vanilla, and bourbon. Simple, but good.

T: similar to the aroma, lots of coffee and dark chocolate. There are some creamy vanilla, chocolate, and bourbon as well, but they're relatively subtle.

M: thick body with lowish carbonation, this beer is nice and creamy.

O: a very good beer overall. Delicious without being overly boozy or strong.

Serving type: on-tap

01-14-2012 01:54:40 | More by n2185

UpToMeBeer

Colorado

4.22/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Got to try this at Choice City Butcher in Fort Collins. A remarkable beer. It pours black/brown with slight copper tinge and minimal (brown/red) head. The most impressive feature is the cocoa-nibs. In fact, I was told by bartender that he's seen chunks of cocoa-nib floating in this beer (...didn't get to witness that myself).
The taste is a cocoa/coffee mixture, tilted toward the former.
Medium-to-heavy body. No alcohol burn, but it is robust .... Take your time because it warms nicely.

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2012 03:02:07 | More by UpToMeBeer

AmericanGirl90

Ohio

4.53/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

As a coffee addict, this beer had me sold just by the smell. A strong whiff of espresso, cocoa, alcohol, and vanilla. Color was deep black with no light escaping.

Bold taste of espresso, cocoa, and alcohol/malt, but not sharp at all. Quite mellow, balanced, and easy to drink...slowly. Slight hint of oak and vanilla in the back.

If you like coffee, this is a fantastic beer for you.

Serving type: on-tap

12-24-2011 23:42:40 | More by AmericanGirl90

schwemjw

Ohio

4.51/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Batch #11

A: Black as night, a standard 1 finger mocha head and has a creamy looking texture. looks like an imperial stout!

S: Dark chocolate, cocoa, coffee and a surprising amount of dark fruit underneath it all. definitely some nice roast and a little spicyness to it. Fantastic!

T: NICE! vanilla, chocolate cocoa shavings, a deep espresso roasted malt with a lot of coffee bitterness. There is definitely a whiskey burn and corn/rye note on the end. There is almost a graham cracker flavor.

M: Not much carbonation, very creamy, but lighter than i expected it to be. you definitely know there is alcohol in this though

O: Excellent stuff! it got better as it warmed up and gave you enough of a burn to know there was some whiskey there. but its complex and balanced. alot of depth. Gonna pick another one up to age! 95 was spot on!

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2013 06:00:03 | More by schwemjw

vfgccp

New York

4.4/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

#9 (Sep '12) - Ibis Sumatra Dark Coffee, whiskey/bourbon casks, 11.8%

A - Thick, creamy, dark khaki head. Dark black body with thin cola highlights.

S - Nice roast, dark roasted chipotle peppers, dry espresso beans.

T - Awesome flavor profile. Medium roast coffee, milk, 60% cocoa, dry cocoa nibs, espresso beans, light woodiness.

M - Thick, smooth body. Lacks a little bit in depth.

O - An excellent Imperial Stout. Great complexity and integration.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2013 02:35:55 | More by vfgccp

wordemupg

Alberta (Canada)

4.34/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

650ml bomber poured into tulip 1/5/13 cheers Rutager for sending the bottle, looks like batch 3 but it also says 12.5% so I'm guessing that 3 is really a partial 8

A black but has a deep cola edge, a finger of dark mocha foam retains well for a monster and leaves a couple thick rings and random patches deeper down the glass

S nose is mellow but solid, coffee and dark chocolate, almost fudge, a little oak and vanilla with a hint of booze, very faint char and a little more coffee to top it off, everything's working for it but it could be stronger

T its the nose but beefed up, coffees very strong and high quality, there's a little booze but I'm thinking 8ish% 12.5%? I'd never guess and I'm not even sure I believe that. the chocolates not as dark but stronger then the nose, a little cream brulee and a faint nutty aspect. The barrels working for the flavor more then the nose, in fact I'd just say its the nose on steroids

M full bodied and creamy from the bubbles, booze is very well concealed and almost scary really, tannins are stronger then I'd guess from the barrel presence, and I'm loving the coco and coffee that just keeps going long after you swallow

O I like coffee and if I didn't I'd hate this beer, seems that it builds right until its in my stomach. great stuff but I could cope with a little more intensity but I'm happy with whats in my glass

I'm impressed how well they hide 12.5%, I feel it but don't really taste or smell it. barrels there but again the base had some power on its own, I'd look for this one and would love to taste how the batches differ

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2013 01:28:26 | More by wordemupg

mdaschaf

Washington

4.35/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Review from notes.

A: Pours black with a small off-white head on top, quickly reducing to a thin cap. Minimal lacing.

S: Lots of cocoa and chocolate upfront. Some light coffee with nice roasted malt. As it warms the coffee aroma intensifies. The barrel imparts a bit of vanilla.

T: Really nice combination of coffee and chocolate here, both a bold flavors that blend nicely for an almost mocha like flavor. Nice roasted malt underneath with a slight kick from the whiskey barrels.

M: Full bodied with moderate carbonation. Abv hidden nicely, but slightly warm as it goes down.

O: Was very impressed with this beer. Glad that Epic is now in WA.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2013 15:20:19 | More by mdaschaf

garymuchow

Minnesota

4.19/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Batch #7
Cold snow and rain April night. Seems like a good time.
First whiffs are of heavy coffee and deep dark malt. The barrel aging lends a creamy quality to the aroma as part of the vanilla. The whiskey aroma is mostly background. Hints of the chocolate bits in the periphery.
Pretty much all black. Small dark head that settles to a smear but still leaves a little lacing after the drink. Dark red/brown highlights.
Still fresh enough to be sharp. Big, rather thick and chewy. Small sips fill the mouth with flavor with great endurance. Some heat. Has the complexity of the dark malts, some of the whiskey, some vanilla, bits of chocolate. Warmth pretty darn quickly in the gut. Heavy smooth. The dark malts push to the point too heavy (near burnt- could be the coffee addition). Rather fine carbonation. Aftertaste is strong on coffee with a ground like experience.
This is good. I'm not in love with it. Not sure why, but it's not inspiring a strong reaction. Interesting and well done.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 01:23:08 | More by garymuchow