Hel & Verdoemenis - Scotch Whiskey Barrel-Aged With Brett
Brouwerij De Molen

Bottled Jan. 27, 2016.

Pours flacidly, with its very dark brown body capped off by almost no head. And it pours a lot of sludge to boot. But still, the aroma flat-out stuns. The age has allowed it to develop powerful qualities of dark chocolate, peat smoke, and port wine, while brett helps accentuate the latter beautifully (and makes the former seem milky in its tone). Touches of sourness come through, while the scotch whiskey barrel adds oak and vanilla. There's a real kitchen sink vibe to the nose, yet integration is top-notch. The taste buds open up with a light cherry tartness, slightly shifting closer to dark fruits around the middle. Despite the dark appearance, it has a surprisingly bright flavor profile. The barrels here are subtle - I could use a touch more oak to help finish this off. Still, it has a vibrant chocolate ending. Touches of tobacco, leather, smoke, and pine help cleanse the finish in lieu of oak tannins. While it doesn't taste quite as alluring as the nose suggested, it's still an impressive stout that doesn't come across as an infected afterthought (as many brett stouts are wont to do). It feels full and thick on the palate, but a bit slimy due to the very low carbonation. Yet even at over two years old, there is enough hop bitterness to keep things decently dry. YMMV, but I'm impressed. This really strikes a chord with me in its uniqueness, and I'll gladly buy it again if I can find it.

4.02/5: No hell or damnation here, just a great stout