Black Is Beautiful
903 Brewers

Unexpected gift from my eldest and her husband (I think he got it from his sister, who does regular beer exchanges). This is my 14th in the series, and except for the Firestone Walker and Topa Topa versions, it's my favorite. A black pour with a tan color on the foam. The aroma is great, with the coffee and vanilla aromas standing out. When you taste it, though, is when the delight turns to great joy. The combination of coffee, vanilla and cocoa are spectacular in this effort (lactose-aided?), and the oak aging brings it all together in a delightful way. Mouthfeel was medium, and an enjoyable aftertaste. Wish I had another to enjoy.

 

Nice black pour, body appears medium-rich and inviting, low head with nice tan color on the foam lacing.
I really like the nose on this. Very much. Chocolate and vanilla with coffee So nice.
Taste is a spicy version of what my nose picked up. A bitterness, kind of a roasted char, and vanilla sweetness is in there, but all with a spicy bite. The more it lingers I can pick out the oak barrel. Interesting stuff.
Feel is medium full, somewhat chewy with slight stickiness.
While I can’t see drinking too much of this because of the biting lactose impression I’m getting, but it has interesting use of flavors even though the barrel is subtle, with the aroma being about the best part.