All Star Special - Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged
Aardwolf Brewing Company

Pours black with a little leakage to mahogany on the top and there’s a dark tan head, but you have to look fast to catch it, because it disappears almost simultaneously on a really aggressive pour.

The nose has some booze, as expected, but there’s also a lot of maple syrup and chocolate aromas. I am now officially salivating. The maple and chocolate are forward on the taste, but there’s also vanilla, and the barrel - oh the barrel at the end of the taste. It sits back and, as you work your way through the glass, you realize you didn’t slap Icy Hot on your chest whilst enjoying this beer, it’s the barrel slow playing your palate. Wow.

The mouthfeel is a little less substantial than I’d like to see in an imperial stout, but this is still a great sipper. Well done.

Very little head production. Attractive very dark brown body.

Maple and whiskey on the nose, along with chocolate and vanilla. Minor oak. No tones specifically reminiscent of rye whiskey.

Sweet and smooth up front; building booze and barrel heat; huge hit of chocolate on the second half. Maple and vanilla lead the way, before the restrained but tasty and oaky rye presence, which lingers through the end.

Smooth and easy to drink; shows its large character, but it's not a problem to slowly savor each sip.