Trip In the Woods: Pecan Pie Barrel Aged Stout
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

 

real impressive, sweet and rich, but very authentic too, toasted pecans and vanilla beans in a wonderfully mature bourbon barrel aged imperial stout, a nice continuation of a series i have loved, i still look forward to the special stuff these guys release. black and clean looking, less viscous than expected actually for what it is, and sporting an inch of mocha colored airy head, looks oddly delicate even. the nose is beautiful, bourbon and vanilla and roast before pecans for sure, but the nut element is there and its honest, well proportioned, and incorporated very well. the vanilla is strong and sexy, i get a cool almost umami element in here, and notes of cocoa nibs and really strong black coffee. the oak is there, the alcohol too, and this feels festive and fancy overall, highly refined for being as big as it is, immediately enticing. quite sweet in the flavor, and the vanilla exacerbates that, a really nice whiskey layer hits right away too, good mid and late palate bitterness from the dark grain, this is rich but its also well balanced. the part that had me most excited is the pecans of course, and they are evident here, toasted and earthy, sort of generically nutty, a praline thing, pie vibes with the vanilla for sure, brown sugar and maple right there with them, and some oily richness on the palate as well that could be nut derived, maybe some bitterness. long on the palate and it moves a lot, big up front vanilla, more wood and char and booze later, but its not overly hot, lovely aftertaste too. this is wintery and cozy, the base stout is excellent, the bourbon seems high end, and its robust without being overdone on the extras. great stuff!

AHS 2024 Bonus Beer #2 received 8-30-24, split 4-pack with Partner. Canned 8-20-24; consumed can #1 11-14-24.

Beer poured black with a nice brown head with the initial pour.

Nose is awesome! Getting a nice combination of the barrel and vanilla.

Taste is very nice as the large base beer presents a moderately roasted malt base that has absorbed the bourbon barrel very well and gives some notes of leather. The vanilla and pecan adjuncts comingle nicely, what a concept of running this thru the hop torpedo. Finishes with a touch of sweetness but the hopping and barrel did well with balancing this beast.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and smooth.

Overall, this is a very nice dessert beer, glad i have one left!

Can from the brewery shared with Paul Mike and Dad
Inky black with a rich frothy tan head that persists. Thick sweet nutty chocolate licorice and roast. Moderate alcohol warming with a hint of oak tannin and earthy caramel. Sweet strong sipper.