Bine of the Times
Mikkeller ApS

Type: 16-oz. can
Glass: Pure Project 16-oz. brandy snifter glass
From: Bine & Vine Bottle Shop in Normal Heights (San Diego), Calif.
Price: $11.99
Purchased: Nov. 7, 2019
Consumed: Nov. 7, 2019
Reviewed as: American Double / Imperial Stout
Misc.: Canned on Oct. 31, 2019 at 6:55 a.m. PT

Saw this on in an email from Bine & Vine and couldn’t wait to get over and buy it. Had enjoyed most of Bine & Vine’s anniversary collaboration beers and was expecting the same from this. Bine & Vine’s email read, “It's our 8th anniversary here at Bine & Vine and we couldn't be more excited to offer you this phenomenal beer; a thick, rich, fudgy Imperial Stout aged in Brandy and Bourbon barrels with coffee from our great neighbors at Dark Horse Coffee Roasters added. This special beer is a blend of two beers: a Maple Imperial Stout aged in Brandy barrels, and an Imperial Oatmeal Stout aged in Bourbon barrels. This beer is 100% barrel-aged, no fresh beer was blended in. Here are my tasting notes:
"Dark chocolate-covered almonds, chocolate covered-caramel bark, barrel char, brownie batter, M+ roastiness, both barrels come through equally, and aggressively, without any harshness. The coffee is incredibly balanced in the flavor, adding dark fruit and roasted complexities. Full-bodied, rich, absolutely decadent with amazing depth and complexity."
It's as good, or dare I say better, than how Bine Mender turned out. Mikkeller did another fantastic job, I hope you help us celebrate our 8th anniversary by drinking it. Cheers!” Great description. I may just copy and paste.

Poured a pitch black color with 1-to-2 fingers of frothy tan head. Could see some light bubbles creeping up along the sides of the glass. Very good spotty lacing. Outstanding retention. (Sight - 4.00)

Smelled sweet brandy barrel, dark fruit, dates, raisins, tobacco, purple grape, maple syrup, toasted brown sugar, oaky barrel, black roasted coffee, dark chocolate, brownie batter, dark fudge, cacao, black licorice, anise and crayon. Not quite as good out of the can, but close. Was getting that 13 pct. ABV in the nose. (Smell - 4.25)

Tasted better than the nose. Pretty complex. In order got black roasted coffee, dark milk chocolate syrup, toasted oak, sweet brandy, brownie batter, dark fudge, cacao, dark fruit, dates, raisins, tobacco, purple grape, smooth bourbon, maple syrup, toasted brown sugar, dark caramel, black licorice and woody anise. Not as boozy as the nose. (Taste - 4.50)

Full body. Sticky texture. Average-to-soft carbonation. Long, warming, oaky finish. (Feel - 4.75)

This was really good. So damn complex and smooth. (Overall - 4.50)

4.44 | 98 | A