Coconut Bourbon Barrel Shadow Proof
Sun King Brewing Company

Throwing shade to any and all of the stout on the market, Sun King embraces the dark while also embracing bourbon, coconut and all the sweet char that comes with the style.

Simply a general black color and building a creamy light tan froth, the Coconut Bourbon Barrel Shadow Proof really gets the show going as its striking coconut and chocolate scent hits the nose. While a tingle of booze, a robust espresso scent and the sweetness of brownie add complementary notes, its that overall scent of Mounds candy bars that leads into a first, malty-sweet, savory sip.

The Imperial Stout further opens up on the tastebuds with a host of bittersweet chocolate, espresso bean, candied walnut, and general campfire char. Trending sweeter rather than dry roast, the savory sweetness leads into a lush middle palate of blackstrap molasses, fudge and brownie batter before showing tepid bitterness late in taste. A final frame of bourbon delivers its own caramelized sweetness with vanilla, toasted oak and a simmering warmth that comforts the throat.

Deliciously sweet, the full bodied stout finishes roasty-sweet and with a long afterglow of whisky, coffee and cream. Certainly a dessert-beer from sip to finish, this collection of flavors isn't afraid to walk into the dark.

The addition of coconut slightly tamps down what is an overwhelming bourbon barrel barrage in the original BB Shadow Proof and improves it noticeably.