Ralphius - Old Elk Cognac
Free Will Brewing Co.

Pours a red-hued very dark brown with a thin, soupy finger of dark khaki head that quickly dissipates to a lasting wisp and crown.

Chocolate, shoe leather, roasted malt, red wine, fig and vanilla in the nose.

Sort of a weird taste profile: there’s a flash of caramel, chocolate and vanilla up front. That gives way to some red wine, followed by walnut skins and a medicinal herb bitterness that lingers into the aftertaste. Moderately high alcohol heat, as to be expected.

Thick, creamy, smooth feel with very soft carbonation.

A fun one to try, with a better look and feel than many in the series, but not among my favorites.

Poured at fridge temp. Pours a super thick black with a thin layer of head. The nose is chocolate, cognac, cherries, vanilla,

The taste is more intense than the nose, for sure. Huge notes of berries, cognac, chocolate, toffee, maple, vanilla, prunes, hint of roasted malts (but not much), and a hint of citrus peel. This comes across as a bit odd for a stout, so I'm not sure how I feel about it. Some charred wood and tobacco come through after it warms a bit.

Overall, this is probably my least favorite of the Ralphius versions this year. Very fruity.

Dry cocoa powder up front building towards a slightly sweeter chocolate with a hint of grape towards the middle. There's a little smoke in there too. It finishes with stronger baker's chocolate, light oak, and a really nice vinous note. Really good stuff.