Nine Bines a Charm
Mikkeller ApS

Very good head production and decent retention, considering the ABV and barrel treatment.

Apple brandy is rather potent on the nose, but it's accented by the deep, rich sweetness of the port. Coffee isn't particularly distinct from the malt base, which is rich with notes of molasses, espresso, caramel, leather, tobacco, and brown sugar. Smells boozy, but wonderful.

Lovely presentation on the palate; not quite as sweet as the nose implied. Chocolate up front, with rich espresso (but still malt-based; the coffee itself makes very little impression), before the apple brandy barrel notes hit. Brown sugar, caramel, and toffee throughout. Lingering red grape on the finish, along with occasional notes of apple..

Fairly noticeable booze, but it's not unpleasant; you can still chew on and savor the beer. Thick, full body.

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: American Double / Imperial Stout
Glass: Pure Project 16-oz. snifter glass
Price: $11.99
From: Bine & Vine Bottle Shop in Normal Heights (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: Nov. 2, 2020; Picked up Nov. 4, 2020
Consumed: Nov. 7, 2020
Misc.: Canned on Oct. 29, 2020

Pre-ordered this from Bine & Vine. I’m always digging their anniversary beers and this was no exception. Was labeled on Bine & Vine’s website as, “Imperial Stout brewed with Dark Horse coffee and aged in Apple Brandy & Tawny Port barrels.” Was looking forward to it.

Poured a pitch black color with one finger of tan head, which dissipated immediately. Calm setting underneath the head with no noticeable bubbles. Average watery lacing. Below average retention. (Sight - 3.25)

Smelled boozy port wine, dark fruit, black cherry, raisin, leathery oak, caramel, light vanilla, green apple brandy and some toffee. Super sweet. Same from the can for the most part, maybe a little bit more oaky wood. Seems like everything is trying to come out at once, which is hindering the nose a tad. Seems a bit raw. (Smell - 4.00)

Tasted slightly better than the nose, getting all that 14.5 pct. ABV. In order got leathery oak, sweet port wine, plum, raisin, black cherry, apple brandy, caramel, caramel apple, light vanilla, toffee and dark milk chocolate. (Taste - 4.00)

Medium-to-full body. Sticky texture. Average carbonation. Long, sweet, smooth finish. (Feel - 4.50)

This was an outstanding beer overall, although not quite as good as I hoped. (Overall - 4.00)

4.01 | 90 | A-

Excellent barrel aged Imperial Coffee Stout. The brandy and port really come together and surprisingly meld beautifully with a superior coffee. The base stout and wood are rich but again blend and support rather than compete. The body is pure velvet with no syrup or stickiness. Just a wonderfully crafted beer that fits as a true after dinner sipper. Luxurious birthday/anniversary beer. So glad I had a chance to get my hands on one of these from Bine and Vine.