Situational Ethics - Mexican Hot Chocolate Mezcal Barrel-Aged
Monday Night Brewing

Hmm- this sounds like it would be utterly fantastic- an Imperial Stout aged in mezcal barrels with cocoa nibs, cinnamon, chile, and vanilla? Yes, please! Unfortunately, it's just good rather than great. It's ultra smooth and silky, but the flavors are all a bit muted. The mezcal aging produces a bitter light smokiness, and the cocoa and vanilla should balance this but they are too faint, ditto on the chile. I know mezcal is all the rage right now, but I really think tequila barrels would have worked better here- eliminating that smoke, and adding a touch of sweetness and complexity.