Imperial Biscotti Break - Bourbon Barrel-Aged
Evil Twin Brewing

22 oz. bottle stored in cellar at 45 degrees , poured into a Teku glass. Pours a beautiful, velvety jet black. A two finger mocha colored head quickly forms, then after a brief moment it slowly starts to sink into the darkness of the beer below it. Ultimately the creamy head disappears in its entirety, save for an elegant ring that forms around the glass. A beautiful beer.

From the moment the bottle was opened, a fiery explosion of vanilla and wild cherries made its way to my nose. It was closely followed by the warming aroma of bourbon and a sweet companion to it that reminds me of maple syrup. Worthy to note – I have not smelled the glass yet – this beer’s scent is so penetrating and far reaching that I’m picking these aromas out having the glass roughly a feet away . Upon smelling the beer in the glass milk chocolate and coffee ice cream flavors surface, making the vanilla and cherries even more appealing. Bourbon is still detected, as is maple syrup but these were not nearly as dominant as I expected them to be. A notably absent aroma is oak/wood. After the first few sips I can say that the taste is so well balanced and the alcohol is so well hidden that it’s almost unbelievable. A chocolaty and warming sensation is the first impression you get after tasting it, soon thereafter a soft and inviting vanilla flavor mixed with cherries takes over, ultimately leading you to a dessert like finish with characteristics of coconut, latte and maple syrup. A blend of spices can be felt in your palate – I would say nutmeg is definitely present.

Mouthfeel is as great as it gets – its rich, velvety and creamy allowing you to almost chew the flavors out of this beer. Almost no carbonation, as expected.

Overall: Every sip is an experience – this beer is phenomenal. The only drawback (and hence my lower overall score) is its price. At $25.99 a bottle – this is a beer to be had in very special occasions if at all. I do consider it unique enough and worthy of its value (no regrets!) – however, I do consider other BBA to be worthy competitors at much lower price points (Parabola, BBPt5, BCBS). Bottom line - wow. Both on your palate and your wallet.

Fresh can
Look - black and thick with an incredible thick tan head that last with sticky lacing
Smell - chocolate, coffee, vanilla and nuts
Taste - same as the smell with slight barrel, well rounded with all those adjuncts
Feel - medium full body with a slight fizzy carb
Overall - big fan

Looks badass

Smells like sour kraut

Tastes actually almost drinkabke for a turned beer but overall bad

Feel OK

Overall oh well

 

Look is black, with light copper foaming.
Smell is very boozey.
Flavor is not as full and rich and deep as I typically like. There is still complexity to it and a lot going on, which is nice, but the flavors seem to have more of a bitter flavor. I am getting licorice and fig.
Overall, not bad. I wouldn’t turn it down, but not one that I would pay up for another bomber, if there are other options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottle from 2015, consumed April 2021

Bomber into a tulip served at about 63°. Small tan head that quickly dissipated. Dark as cola, some amber when held to the light.

Fudge and bourbon on the nose. Vanilla too. Pre-pastry pastry. Just lovely drawing you in.

Very bourbon forward on the palate. Not much roast. Still super hot. Can’t imagine this fresh. Smooth coffee on the back end. Full bodied to style but not nearly as thick as modern counterparts.

Very satisfying. Great beer worthy of the old money hype.