Ferryman's Pistachio Cream, Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout with Pistachios & Vanilla
Confluence Brewing Company

The smell is a thick vanilla cream, pungent and sweet, almost seeming to suggest something that'll be too sickly-sweet, but the initial taste is very satisfying. The pistachio is very strong, giving it a bitter, toasty, nutty core followed by layers of bourbon-y maple syrup, more vanilla cream, and the usual crisp espresso that you'd expect out of a Russian stout, with notes of black currant and mocha on the way out. Unlike many bourbon aged stouts it isn't too sweet at all, it's at a perfect medium that complements the beer. The mouthfeel is excellently syrupy and layered. Overall great although it leans heavily on the pistachio, giving it a very nutty and bitter theme that might not be for everyone.