Sundae Sauce - Barrel Aged
Pipeworks Brewing Co.

 

Poured from undated, 16 oz. can into a tumbler. I let it warm to almost room temperature. It is virtually ink black. The foamy, medium-mocha-colored head fizzled away very quickly leaving a modest ring. The first aroma I smell is cherry, along with cocoa, vanilla, and subtle but noticeable bourbon. If you like dark fruit, then this Stout is for you. It opens like a Black Forest cake with chocolate and cherry but it isn't overly sweet. In fact, the cherry is pleasantly tart. The sweetness comes from the cocoa nibs, vanilla, and lactose. The pecan presence is subtle at first but as I sip it becomes more noticeable. In fact, the flavors blend really well. There is a strong barrel influence, which contributes additional sweetness. And it is noticeably boozy. For such a big (13.9% ABV) Stout the mouth feel is not very thick. It is a slow sipper for sure. Overall, a lesser brewer could have made a mess of Sundae Sauce but it is tasty and worth trying. The single can was pricey at $9.99.

11/28/24 - (Can - Home) (Chicago, IL) Can Notes: Purchased a single can for $11.01 with tax on August 23, 2024 at the Pipeworks Dojo, refrigerated at home until this afternoon. 16 oz can without a date stamped released earlier in the year. 13.9% ABV. Tales From the Oak. Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Cherries, Vanilla, Lactose, Cacao Nibs and Natural Pecan Flavor. Label Art by Beejay Olson. 2024 Pipeworks Brewing Company. Brewed and Canned in Chicago, Illinois.

Appearance: Poured about half the can into a 12 oz snifter. Still near black colored pour, dark tan head lasts several seconds before fading to faint white bubbles lingering around the glass. Nominal carbonation noted. 3.75

Aroma: After letting warm for 20 minutes, pecan leads the way, really nice, followed by a bourbon barrel backing, strong but smooth. Fetching some cherries and chocolate as well, no vanilla but I'm not complaining. This all comes together very well, can't wait to dive in. 4.25

Taste: Bourbon front and center here, a bit harsh at first, but smooths out over time. Pecan and chocolate backing. Getting some vanilla and malt sweetness as well. Let this sit a bit and be patient. 4.0

Mouthfeel: Faint , gentle carbonation and a creamy medium to full body. Strong from go, ABV packs a punch. Bourbon and sweet malt and flavors the primary taste sensation through the finish. 4.0

Overall: This beer is as advertised. First sip was not great, but working well through a large can between the bourbon which becomes smooth and enjoyable with the sweet flavors complementing well. This isn't my first type of BA stout, I prefer a clean treatment, but the salesman sold me with a sample at the brewery, and it delivers as it did when I pulled the trigger. If you like the beer description, you should enjoy. If it sounds too sweet, it is, but a nice blend of flavors and complement to the bourbon barrel makes this a winner, winner, Turkey Dinner! 4.25

16 ounce can into a tulip snifter. A 2024 release, had 8/21/24.

Pours near black and opaque, with a brief half inch foamy head and just as brief light foamy lacing. Aromas of bourbon, chocolate, vanilla, oak, light pecan, some leather. Fairly similar flavors: bourbon, chocolate, roasted malt, vanilla, oak, light leather, a little pecan, faint cherry when fully warmed. Has a bit of a spicy flavor. Smooth, a very good full body, well carbonated.

The barrels, chocolate, vanilla and oak notes are the standouts here. There’s enough pecan to notice, but the cherries are mostly a rumor. But overall, this is well done and quite tasty.

Pipeworks isn't really known for subtlety and usually gets right to the point. I was expecting this one to be a bit too sweet and cloying with a barrel punch to the jaw. But surprisingly this is masterfully blended. Rich dark tones of chocolate, cherries, hint of pecan. Very well tamed but present barrel. Interesting subtle discoveries after continuous sipping. What a great surprise after being punched in the face by the Murderous and to a lesser extent Little Tugboats.