Dragon Mask - Bovine Outline Barrels - Single-Origin Mexican Vera Cruz Vanilla Beans
Modern Times Beer

a top favorite from an epic share, some luster seems to have worn off of modern times amongst the nerds, but to me they still hit about as hard as anyone around, especially in these special stouts, this is frankly as good as it gets, a total standout, unique barrels and high end vanilla in full swing here, truly masterful, and the quality of the base beer cannot be taken for granted, this is really well made. shiny black and pretty viscous, short headed but with some bubbles for what it is. dripping real vanilla bean in the nose, lots of roast and some coffee character to it, keeping it somewhat balanced for a dessert type stout. toasted marshmallow, light cinnamon type spiciness, a hint of black pepper or something too keeping in nicely grounded, caramel in the middle, light smoke, and good whiskey, really complex but totally vanilla forward, elegant for its size, dead sexy. the flavor is sweet the whole way but its not diabetic, subtle hazelnut, coconut, and warming spice underneath the vanilla, and i get dark and milk chocolate notes here too, some nib type bitterness, and its long on the palate. the most wonderful vanilla complexion to me, and just enough barrel and whiskey to compliment everything else going on, but it doesnt take over. these guys have somehow achieved this balance in enormity, displayed some of the best vanilla character in any beer in the game, and its all seemingly without much fanfare. id kill to try some other variants of this one...

 

Dark black fudge, oily. Boozy brownies and big vanilla marshmallow presence. Decent bit of heat and oaky warmth lingers with the sweet vanilla bean on the finish. Full bodied, decadent brownies with vanilla frosting. Massive vanilla presence.