Ride The Bride
Bare Hands Brewery

The pour is jet black, no leakage on the edges, except at the bottom to a dark mahogany, and a rich tan head. Beautiful. The nose is sweet chocolate and oak notes from the barrel, and the slightest note of coffee.

The taste is influenced by the lactose addition, which combines with the cacao nibs to give this a creamy chocolate taste which is not typical in imperial stouts. The barrel is subjugated to the background, which fits my palate better, and allows the chocolate flavors to steal the show. This hits my sweet spot (pun intended).

 

Waxed bomber poured into a snifter, resulting in half a finger of fluffy, tan head that lingers on the rim of the glass and leaves some light lacing. Smells delicious but somewhat simple, with an overwhelming sweetness from the combination of massive oats and lactose. Behind the maltiness lies the chocolate and coffee, with the chocolate beating out the coffee for second chair. I can tell that Ride the Bride is going to be a sweet treat, but the aromas are not so over the top as to push this exclusively into the dessert-beer category. Upon sipping, the flavors somewhat temper the smells, with the lactose providing just a twinge of yogurty tartness; this was judiciously done, providing some balance. The body is moderately light for the 10% abv, encouraging some larger gulps that make this extremely drinkable.