Empetus
Taps Fish House & Brewery

Poured into a tall tulip glass. Impressive dark tan head of moderate retention. Dark mahogany color. No lacing. Smell and flavor both of dark roasted grains with the characteristic bourbon barrel aged scent. Initial mouthfeel is smooth and creamy and then the fine carbonation comes to life on the tongue. Nice dark chocolateovertones. Overall very enjoyable and interesting to try this brewer's experiment of using lager yeast and de-bittered black malt. $20 for 18 oz bottle at Taps.

Poured from the bottle. Label states, "Barrel Aged Baltic Stout," yet lager yeast is used. Also, instead of roasted barley they used "pale chocolate malt and de-bittered black malt." Then they "cold barreled" it for 12 months in bourbon barrels.

Pours a profoundly swamp roil past sunset brown, nearly black. A firm mocha colored heap of foam breaches my glass. I pull back on the pour. I sniff quickly, interrupting my aroma protocol, quickly sucking off the top of that pretentious head. Before my abrupt change of tactics, I gleaned chocolate malts, barrel roast, and a smooth earthy whiskey note that is not distinctly bourbon or rye. And the taste of the head confirms the chocolate notes and roast.
Solid retention.
The flavor is elegantly carried forth with a medium body. Chocolate and roast notes, charred barrel, a mild silky molasses sweetness, along with a mildly sour port wine meets dates or figs note. Finally, back to the chocolate notes that a slightly dry bitterness gently tames.
The mouthfeel is not heavy or chewy. It is medium, but silky. And the mildly active carbonation continues throughout.
Overall, a tasty and creative venture. I'd love to try it on tap.