Matryoshka (Vanilla Bean, Cacao Nibs, Dates, Almonds & Strawberries)
Fort George Brewery + Public House

 

not positive there are actually almonds in this one, vanilla, cacao nibs, dates, and strawberries for sure, but i think almonds was another variant, if they are in here, its not really a big factor in the flavor, but the strawberries make this really interesting, an uncommon beer fruit, especially in stout, super intriguing and i am impressed how well they come through in it. the base beer obviously stands on its own at this point, a strong but approachable barrel aged beauty with a lot of depth, good balance, and in this vintage excellent barrel character. the dates make it sweet to me in both aroma and flavor, not super specific, like its obviously in there but also it could be raisin or something too, the nibs add some bitterness with the roast and some elegance too, while the vanilla is present from start to finish and isnt overdone, its all very cohesive, but its the strawberries that make this edition unique. jammy in the nose, slightly tangy in the flavor, easy to identify, and to me a little bit vinous as this warms, a definite red wine note at temperature. they are sweet but very natural, and i dont get the weird seed character that wild ale makers are afraid of (but i secretly love in those styles), its a clean profile here, and the fruit loves the dark roast, the coffee and chocolate character this has, and the sweetness plays amazingly well with the vanilla on the swallow, here too the dates make a neat contribution. it sounds like a lot on paper but the beer is really cohesive and honestly its quite drinkable for its strength, really no heat to this at all somehow. lovely bourbon richness through it, not so much body that it sits heavy, and overall really wonderful. i hope to get a chance to try some of the other variants from this year!