Aphotic - Old Forester Bourbon Barrel-Aged With Valrhona + TCHO Ghana Cacao Nibs
Voodoo Brewing Co.

poured from a black-waxed 12oz bottle into a perennial snifter. pours a thick, goopy black with a thin layer of thin dark brown foam head. aromas of strong bourbon, oak, barrel char and rich chocolate. tastes mostly follows but you definitely get those voodoo / aphotic flavors of tobacco and earth. the cocoa nibs mask it a little on the nose but not as much in the taste. it’s still really good. as a huge chocolate fan i was thrilled to try this one. thick, full mouthfeel. maybe a little thinner than some other aphotics but it’s fine to try a voodoo barrel-aged imperial stout with some additives. this works.

 

 

Viscous tar black with some dark mocha swirls that remain on the surface after failing to build a head.

I thought the cacao would smooth out the sharp edges of aphotic’s high acid malts, but it actually highlights them. I get distinct characteristics of eating whole roasted cacao bean, which as you may know comes with a uniquely unctuous bitterness unlike anything else.

While the nose is seductive of nutty (Spanish peanut?) brownie, the palate’s unusually tangy finish has a sort of plum quality to it, brightening it up more than any other aphotic they’ve done. It doesn't bother me too much, though it does detract from my overall enjoyment. However, the old lady didn't like it at all, so your mileage may vary.

The medium to full body has a fine then expandingly soft froth that comes to a semi-dry, warming tingle in the swallow.

Thick, dense, dark. Can't knock the aphotic look.

Smells kind of mute. Distinctly aphotic series but not explosive. Very likely how I chilled this. Getting sweeter notes and actual milk chocolate as it warms in the glass (as opposed to the robust bakers cocoa I typicalky associate with these beers).

Taste is not there. Man is this series hit or miss. This one descends back to less than stellar like most of them. I had high hopes for this beer as the previous aphotic (Buffalo trace b2) was mind blowing good > majority of the magicks. This one is heavily dragged down the same old chalky and almost acrid notes of everything the majority of the series.

Feel I cannot knock. Its gelatinous AF.