River des Peres Row Crew Vol. 3 - Willet Bourbon Barrel-Aged Horchata Style Stout
2nd Shift Brewing

poured from a 12oz can into a TG DBA tumbler. pours dark brown out of the can but settles in the glass a shiny black with a finger of crackling mocha brown foam head that’s quick to fade away. the nose is spicy cinnamon and bourbon up front with hints of vanilla in the background. taste is sweet vanilla and light chocolate up front with a cinnamon and bourbon kick to the finish. not sure i really get the almonds in this and the cinnamon seems to be the dominate flavor additive but you still get some vanilla and also chocolate from the base stout. barrel is there but not in your face. medium-full mouthfeel. solid barrel-aged imperial stout.

Pours black with two fingers of mocha colored foam. Some oil on top of the dark, heavy-looking liquid. Aroma is horchata - a mix of spices, chocolate, roasty coffee, and vanilla bean. Roasty and toasty malts are apparent, but aren't as potent as the semi-sugary front runners. Barrel and some light char develops some additional complexity. Vanilla bean comes off as natural, not some cloying, sticky syrup. Flavor profile is a beautiful blend of horchata - milk chocolate, spices, coffee (more mild / less roasty here) and vanilla bean - with a kiss of bourbon and barrel. The dynamic is tasteful, allowing each side of the conversation to share its intent before moving to the next topic. Roasty and toasty malts work with caramel, soft toffee, and mild brownie batter to add some additional complexity, sharing both bitter and sugary sweet characteristics. Mouth feel is thick. Texture is a consistent semi-fuzzy effervescence that lands more on the soft side. Overall, this provides a smooth ride and transition to and from sugary horchata-like notes, heavy imperial stout, and bourbon barrel.

Served in a 15.5oz Spiegelau tulip from a 12oz can.