Big Bad Baptist - Solstice
Epic Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown, appearing nearly opaque black in the glass with a half finger khaki head with good retention and slippery solid lacing. Aroma of dark toasted malt, orange, clove, light cocoa and a faint unidentifiable fruit note. Flavor is dark toasted malt, anise, orange zest, light cocoa and coffee and a touch of clove lingering in the finish. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess. A somewhat busy, well spiced stout. The anise is the dominant flavor, but chocolate from the base malt and orange are also present. Not getting much pomegranate or whiskey, and clove is only a light lingering note at the end of the taste. Body is a bit lighter than many other Baptists of the past. The spicing is interesting and is harmonious enough, but unbalanced on the anise side. I enjoyed it, but too much going on in the flavor. Oddly, I'd still get this again if it was offered.

The star anise really overpowers the rest of the flavors.