Mexican Cake - Tennessee Whiskey Barrel-Aged
Westbrook Brewing Co.

650ml bottle - 11/15/19 - poured into a Teku at cellar temp.

Pours a fairly rich, thick looking deep coal black, sitting black in the glass, with a fuzzy caramel-coloured head, and some foamy swirling on top.

Nose: Big deeply roasted malts lend base notes of dark cocoa, muscovado sugar, caramel, and some dark fruit character that is squarely in strawberry territory. Vanilla becomes quite apparent, lending some cookie dough vibes. I'm failing to pick up on any cinnamon or peppers, but the notes that do come together lend this sort of white and milk chocolate-dipped strawberry aroma, complete with a small draping of barrel.

Palate: Mexican Cake greets the palate with luscious malt character - roasty with lots of dark chocolate, cacao, and some milk chocolate, with a nice roasty undertone, and then some sweeter components begin to bolster it with a sweet cocoon of brown sugar, and caramel, finding a nice balance of sweet and roasty. The vanilla comes through nicely - not dominating like a vanilla stout, but enough to see it right there. This is immediately followed by just a whisper of cinnamon, and then a very well-integrated habanero pepper. The pepper isn't fruity or vegetal, but it lends a nice warmth which grows to a fairly spicy bite that glows over the palate before slowly beginning to fade. The finish sees a lessened sweetness, with a shadow of dark chocolate, some dry oaky barrel, and a lingering pepper bite that fades over time.

Mouthfeel/Body: At first, this one drinks surprisingly full - not chewy or viscous, but a nice full, heavy body with some dense richness. It quickly opens up and begins to thin out dramatically, settling in with a more medium-full body that is much more fluid. Effervescence is on the lower side, but for a big stout, has some nice fizz. Minimal stickiness. The pepper heat also contributes to the feel, with a front end sharp bite - much like Tabasco, but not as hot. There's just a hint of sharpness in the throat upon swallowing.

Overall: Up against some of the other barrel-aged "Mexican cake"-style stouts, this one is quite good. It has a near-perfect pepper integration, and I think using habaneros was smart. It lacks the cinnamon that most of these tend to lack, but the vanilla is great. The malt is a bit thin and fleeting, and could use more presence and sweetness. It isn't perfect, but it does alright, and I think it may rival Barrel-Aged Abraxas.

 

Pours inky black at 53 degrees, with creamy dark tan head; ok cap retention; solid ring; small oil slick and grainy floaties on surface; soapy lacing; ruby edges; medium legs on swirl. Nose is whiskey and chocolate; boozy exhale; vanilla and caramel. Taste up front is whiskey and chocolate, followed by bitter dark chocolate and cocoa nibs, oak and vanilla; mild hot sauce; more spicy Cake base as liquid warms to 58 degrees; finish is creamy caramel and vanilla candy, chocolate cake and spicy peppers. Silky smooth feel, creamy tongue coating; medium plus body, moderate minus carbonation; peppery bite on tip of tongue; a little warmth from 10.5% abv, and probably the peppers. Overall another amazing barrel aged beer from Westbrook; I had to deduct a little for the floaties, but the nose and taste are base and barrel powerhouses; the cinnamon and peppers compliment the whole, which allows the malt and vanilla to shine; the whiskey puts it over the Cake top; World Class Imperial Stout.

 

 

L: Had this beer on-tap at Westbrook's tasting room, poured into a snifter glass. Had a midnight black color and a thick, opaque consistency. There was a 3/4" inch, foamy, tan-colored, very long-lasting head. Above average lacing.

S: A very nice aroma of chocolate, roasted malt, coffee, whiskey, chili peppers, and wood.

T: Tasted of bit of coffee (less than expected), a little bit of chili peppers (a nice amount of heat, but subtle), some roasted malt (present throughout), a good shot of chocolate, and a definite whiskey presence (and its barrel). A very focused and subtle flavor. The booze is there, but is more of a supporting component. Tasty.

F: An average amount of carbonation with a silky smooth finish. Full-bodied.

O: A rock solid version of Mexican Cake. Drinkable.