The Shroud - Chocolate Hazelnut Bourbon Barrel-Aged
Bravery Brewing

Pours steady, has a little bit of viscosity which gives it some body; a short head forms and almost immediately dissipates except around the edges, leaving remnants. Aroma is sumptuous dark chocolate-covered cherries, with a slight note of lightly toasted walnuts.

Flavor is fantastic, perfectly balanced with some lovely nuances. Dark chocolate and hazelnut notes marry superbly with the barrel oak note, which gives it a bit of a vanilla/tonka bean quality. Not boozy at all, the 2023 vintage has an alcohol level of 13.3%; the bourbon note is intermixed with the former mentioned notes, where each flavor plays with one another without competing with each other; it's the bourbon that gives it just a little hint of sweetness, but it's not at all cloying whatsoever. Rich chocolate mousse on the back end; as it warms up, it gives rise to a bit more bourbon-oak. Wow, phenomenal. I think I'd like just a bit more hazelnut to shine through for a perfect 5 score, but this is truly a remarkable brew

Mouthfeel is silky smooth, goes down easy. Just enough carbonation to make it refreshing

Tasted from a distinguished-looking 500 ml, wax-sealed bottle bought at the taproom.

L - The beer is light-absorbing, deep, dark brown; but light does get through at the edges when it is held up to a light and it appears to have great clarity. The head is light tan. It is thick and fluffy at pouring, but then quickly fades to a ring around the glass.

S - Delicious aromas of chocolate, vanilla, and generic nuttiness, although I wouldn't have identified it as hazelnut without the label. There is just a light whiff of bourbon whiskey, but it blends perfectly with the other aromas.

T - Heavenly! The flavors are even more delicious than the aromas, which is saying something. Liquid Nutella with the additional dimension of bourbon, but the whiskey is more in the background and does not clobber your palate.

F - Medium to heavy body with a smooth, creamy feel. Light carbonation. Hops bitterness is not really apparent, but the beer does not hit you as overly sweet, so the hops are doing their job. The alcohol gives only a light, restrained impression, making the 15.6% ABV almost unbelievable. This is decidedly NOT a boozy mess, as the ABV might make you fear.

O - This is an amazing beer. It features crisp, warm flavors and aromas that match exactly what you would hope from the description, but does not go over the top with any of them. The combination of artful blending of distinct characteristics, but with restraint, is truly noteworthy. Not only is this probably my favorite beer from this great brewery, it is one of the highest scores I've ever given on BA.