Big Bad Baptist
Epic Brewing Company


- From:
- Epic Brewing Company
- Utah, United States
- Style:
- American Imperial Stout
Ranked #212 - ABV:
- 11.8%
- Score:
- 97
Ranked #533 - Avg:
- 4.36 | pDev: 8.94%
- Reviews:
- 753
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Apr 01, 2025
- Added:
- Sep 30, 2011
- Wants:
- 463
- Gots:
- 1,340
It’s Big, it’s Bad, Whiskey &/or Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, with Coffee and Cocoa Nibs.
http://www.epicbrewing.com/the-beers/exponential-series/item/635-big-bad-baptist-imperial-stout
ABV varies by batch
http://www.epicbrewing.com/the-beers/exponential-series/item/635-big-bad-baptist-imperial-stout
ABV varies by batch
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by Whyteboar from Michigan
4.36/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.36/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
The pour is stout black with a one inch light brown head that dissipated to a ring and left sparse lacing. For a 12.3% BA Stout, not bad.
The taste features the coffee and cacao, not chocolate, this isn’t sweet, a little vanilla and a good dose of rye whiskey. All carried along by a top notch imperial stout.
The feel is just a little lighter than I expected, but considering the additives, it makes sense.
OA, I really appreciate the rye whiskey bite in a good stout and this is one of those. I would have been fine without the added coffee and cacao, but they don’t interfere too much at all. Glad I picked up a 4 pack.
Apr 01, 2025The taste features the coffee and cacao, not chocolate, this isn’t sweet, a little vanilla and a good dose of rye whiskey. All carried along by a top notch imperial stout.
The feel is just a little lighter than I expected, but considering the additives, it makes sense.
OA, I really appreciate the rye whiskey bite in a good stout and this is one of those. I would have been fine without the added coffee and cacao, but they don’t interfere too much at all. Glad I picked up a 4 pack.
Reviewed by DraftMonger from Denmark
4.18/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4
4.18/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4
Copenhagen 30/5 2022. 35,5 cl can from Meny, Rotunden, Hellerup. Black can with a drawing of the big bad Baptist in white. Drinking an Imperial Stout, of course. The version I am drinking only holds an ABV of 12,0,
Pours opaque, dark brown with a mid-sized beige head. Stable. Settles as thin, patchy layer of foam unable of covering the surface of the beer. Substantial lacing.
Aroma is medium intense with a dark, sweet and boozy odor. Bitter-sweet cocoa and dark chocolate. Abit of licorice. Sweet ark alcohol peeking in. Woody and bitter-sweet.
Light carbonation. Thick, viscous, oily, soft, smooth, creamy, lightly tingling texture.
Flavor is intensewith a strong sweetness followed by a medium strong bitterness. Aftertaste is bitter with a sweet and boozy undertone. A bit searing. Lingering. Finish is like a neat Bourbon with dry touch.
I do appreciate the Big Bad Baptist tastier Stout.
Jan 29, 2025Pours opaque, dark brown with a mid-sized beige head. Stable. Settles as thin, patchy layer of foam unable of covering the surface of the beer. Substantial lacing.
Aroma is medium intense with a dark, sweet and boozy odor. Bitter-sweet cocoa and dark chocolate. Abit of licorice. Sweet ark alcohol peeking in. Woody and bitter-sweet.
Light carbonation. Thick, viscous, oily, soft, smooth, creamy, lightly tingling texture.
Flavor is intensewith a strong sweetness followed by a medium strong bitterness. Aftertaste is bitter with a sweet and boozy undertone. A bit searing. Lingering. Finish is like a neat Bourbon with dry touch.
I do appreciate the Big Bad Baptist tastier Stout.
Rated by not2quick from Missouri
3.29/5 rDev -24.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3
3.29/5 rDev -24.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3
Sadly I think this is infected. It honestly is not super bad. Getting tart dark chocolate cherry notes. Not super enjoyable though
Apr 08, 2024Reviewed by Chickenhawk9932 from Pennsylvania
4.31/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.31/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a deep dark mahogany with a caramel colored head.
Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, bourbon cream, and brown sugar in the nose.
Taste follows nose with nuance and complexity- a touch sweet.
Apr 02, 2024Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, bourbon cream, and brown sugar in the nose.
Taste follows nose with nuance and complexity- a touch sweet.
Reviewed by JacobusFavier23 from Texas
4.09/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.09/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a jet black body with a lacy tan head. The head was about a quarter inch on the pour. There is some visible carbonation towards the bottom that grows towards the top.
Aroma is off the bat, an immediate mix of dark cocoa, roasted malt and coffee. I then get a good note of vanilla followed by a woody bourbon barrel aroma. There are also some notes of stone, fruit and raisin.
Follows the nose. Sweet, but not overly so. Notes of dark chocolate, coffee and roasted malt. This leads into a bitter finish that works well with the coffee. Some raisin follows. At the end there is some woody bourbon notes that work great with the that bitterness as well.
Medium bodied. Solid carb which is surprising.
O-Very well done imperial stout that is a treat to enjoy. I will seek this one out again.
Jan 06, 2024Aroma is off the bat, an immediate mix of dark cocoa, roasted malt and coffee. I then get a good note of vanilla followed by a woody bourbon barrel aroma. There are also some notes of stone, fruit and raisin.
Follows the nose. Sweet, but not overly so. Notes of dark chocolate, coffee and roasted malt. This leads into a bitter finish that works well with the coffee. Some raisin follows. At the end there is some woody bourbon notes that work great with the that bitterness as well.
Medium bodied. Solid carb which is surprising.
O-Very well done imperial stout that is a treat to enjoy. I will seek this one out again.
Rated by Antfugue from California
4.53/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
4.53/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Very rich beer. First one’s terrific, don’t have a third. Always load up on this one when in SLC.
Jan 03, 2024Reviewed by NorsemanOne from Utah
4.71/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
4.71/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Release #157
Purchased from the dabc for $5
12oz can poured into a snifter glass at about 45°F and let warm.
Pours a deep inky black with whiskey brown edges and a dark mocha head. Very reflective deep black body that is nearly mirror like. Fine ring persists after the head dies down. 4.5
Off the can the aroma is big and hot whiskey while off the glass I get raw cocoa, semi-sweet bakers chocolate, and tobacco with a hint of well burnt malt. 4.75
Taste follows, whiskey takes a back seat in favor of the chocolate, cacao nibs, medium roast coffee, and tobacco. It's truly delightful, and holds up exceedingly well at room temp for an extended time. 4.75
Hardly any boozy warmth for this batches 11.4%abv. Lingering chocolate and lightly earthy hop oil finish. Very moderate nearly light for the style which makes this dangerously drinkable. 4.5
Overall I have seriously under appreciated this year round BCBS equivalent and a fraction of the price. Enjoyed significantly more than BBBaptista and will certainly make a return to my fridge regularly. 4.75
Dec 24, 2023Purchased from the dabc for $5
12oz can poured into a snifter glass at about 45°F and let warm.
Pours a deep inky black with whiskey brown edges and a dark mocha head. Very reflective deep black body that is nearly mirror like. Fine ring persists after the head dies down. 4.5
Off the can the aroma is big and hot whiskey while off the glass I get raw cocoa, semi-sweet bakers chocolate, and tobacco with a hint of well burnt malt. 4.75
Taste follows, whiskey takes a back seat in favor of the chocolate, cacao nibs, medium roast coffee, and tobacco. It's truly delightful, and holds up exceedingly well at room temp for an extended time. 4.75
Hardly any boozy warmth for this batches 11.4%abv. Lingering chocolate and lightly earthy hop oil finish. Very moderate nearly light for the style which makes this dangerously drinkable. 4.5
Overall I have seriously under appreciated this year round BCBS equivalent and a fraction of the price. Enjoyed significantly more than BBBaptista and will certainly make a return to my fridge regularly. 4.75
Reviewed by dd53grif from Michigan
4.35/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.35/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a dark brown color with virtually no head. Aroma of coffee, chocolate and roasted malts. Taste is black coffee and dark chocolate with a good amount of alcohol warmth. Smooth and creamy.
Dec 01, 2023Reviewed by JamFuel from Sweden
4.24/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours jet black with low, tan head.
Smell is roasted with notes of coffee, coffee grounds, dark chocolate and tobacco.
Taste is roasted and a bit sweet with notes of coffee, chocolate, bourbon and vanilla. Some hints of cured meat and a bit of bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium, soft and well carbonated.
Overall, a very nice, pretty laid back impy.
Mar 25, 2023Smell is roasted with notes of coffee, coffee grounds, dark chocolate and tobacco.
Taste is roasted and a bit sweet with notes of coffee, chocolate, bourbon and vanilla. Some hints of cured meat and a bit of bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium, soft and well carbonated.
Overall, a very nice, pretty laid back impy.
Reviewed by Rotundum
4.38/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
4.38/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Pored great, it went exceptionally well with a cigarette. Very thick and strong bodied, but not in a bad way. My only complaint is that the head takes forever to dissipate, regardless of how you pour.
For taste, I have to give it a 9/10, honestly one of the best bottle of beers I have ever had.
Mar 21, 2023For taste, I have to give it a 9/10, honestly one of the best bottle of beers I have ever had.
Reviewed by highdesertdrinker from Arizona
4.49/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.49/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a dark brown black with a little tan head. The aroma kills; chocolate coffee, bourbon with the taste those same qualities, with a strong presence from the barrel, it’s like FBS on steroids, delicious, and oh so easy to drink at this high abv. Epic has a winner with this one and will definitely keep an eye peeled for this in the future!
Feb 12, 2023Reviewed by Christianriveraaa
4.63/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
4.63/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Look: Poured from a 12oz can into a sniffer - Jet black pour with about a fingers length of foam risen to the surface. A bit of lacing is left behind as it dissolves back into liquid form. Pours quite thin for a 11.8%.
Smell: Getting big notes of chocolate - rich baking chocolate. Getting some caramel and toffee as well as some molasses too. Not to much on the coffee notes here or bourbon/whiskey either.
Taste: First you get a coffee aromic taste followed by the chocolatey that backs it up. The thing that stands out the most is definitely the chocolate. I'm getting hints of oaky-ness and vanilla as well. It's rich yet not to heavy in a sense that you can drink it easily. The alcohol is very well hidden and that's surprising being a 11.8% beer. I didn't get much of a whiskey taste in this and this might be due to ageing it for months in a barrel vs some places do years. Even though the whiskey/ bourbon barrels aren't to present but it's a very good sipper.
Feel: This is so smooth that you can't even tell it's a heavy beer. It's not chewy or oily at all, very light carbonation - might throw a lot of people off by this alone yet so smooth. Easy sipper for sure.
Overall: I was hesitant paying the price for a four pack but man I'm glad I got to experience this. I'll definitely be buying again and even aging some to see how it turns out.
Dec 12, 2022Smell: Getting big notes of chocolate - rich baking chocolate. Getting some caramel and toffee as well as some molasses too. Not to much on the coffee notes here or bourbon/whiskey either.
Taste: First you get a coffee aromic taste followed by the chocolatey that backs it up. The thing that stands out the most is definitely the chocolate. I'm getting hints of oaky-ness and vanilla as well. It's rich yet not to heavy in a sense that you can drink it easily. The alcohol is very well hidden and that's surprising being a 11.8% beer. I didn't get much of a whiskey taste in this and this might be due to ageing it for months in a barrel vs some places do years. Even though the whiskey/ bourbon barrels aren't to present but it's a very good sipper.
Feel: This is so smooth that you can't even tell it's a heavy beer. It's not chewy or oily at all, very light carbonation - might throw a lot of people off by this alone yet so smooth. Easy sipper for sure.
Overall: I was hesitant paying the price for a four pack but man I'm glad I got to experience this. I'll definitely be buying again and even aging some to see how it turns out.
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