Where Is The Lava?
The Bruery

Review: 2296
Name: Where is the Lava
Brewery: The Bruery Terreux
Location: Placentia, CA
Style: Barrel Aged Sour Imperial Stout
ABV: 16.2%
Canned: 18 Aug 2021
Date: 30 Dec 2024
Continuing my cellar clearout, I am trying a sour stout from Terreux. Thus far, the sour stouts I have consumed from Terreux have been lovely sippers. I am using a tulip glass and serving the beer at 46 degrees. The pour created a frothy, airy, two-fingered tan head with average retention. The somewhat quick dissipation left no lacing on the glass. The color is dark brown, nearly black, with rich mahogany hues and opaque. The beer is average for this style.
Nosing the glass, I get a bit of funk, chocolate, vanilla, char, dried cherries, whiskey, oak, coffee, malty sweetness, molasses, light smokiness, and earthiness. I also notice caramel, toffee, raisins, alcohol, roasted malts, toasted bread crust, and a light floral note. The funky sourness added to the beer created this wonderful dynamic.
Sipping the beer, the sourness is noticeable but pleasing to the palate, with notes of dark chocolate, wood, espresso, toffee, caramel, molasses, tart cherries, char, light smoke, whiskey, and vanilla. Sipping the beer again, I taste light floral, raisins, roasted malts, light Maillard, toasted bread crust, light malty sweetness, and earthiness.
The mouthfeel is chewy and tarty with a drier but warm finish. The body is medium plus and has medium carbonation.
I was nervous about this beer, unsure if I would enjoy it. I do enjoy a lovely Tart of Darkness now and again. After sipping the beer, I fell in love with this beer; it has a Tart of Darkness vibe with heavier chocolate and vanilla flavor and is well-balanced. Overall, this is a delightful surprise to a long day at work.