Dark Embrace Invitational 2023 - GA
Angry Chair Brewing

Let the darkness embrace you as you sip the fine elixir of Angry Char, Cycle and Ology breweries.

Pouring like cake batter, Dark Embrace settles into the glass with a rich and nearly oily consistency. With no real foam forming, the stout immediately starts seducing the senses with a dessert-like scent of chocolate, coffee, coconut, cream and french vanilla with hints of affogato and tiramisu swirling. Equally as sweet, the tastebuds drape in sugary malts and flavors that resemble brown sugar, milk chocolate, white chocolate, candied coconut and toffee.

And that sweet demeanor only doubles down on the middle palate, coating the entire palate with brownie batter. Complementary flavors of dark espresso roast, roasting coconut and a light sweet smokiness precedes the vanilla cream and bitter offset that concludes with a coffee-like balance.

Full, lavish and plush on the palate, the stout finishes decidedly sweet, pleasantly cloying and unappologetically dessert-like as it is a perfect complement to fine meals with family or friends, and as a replacement for dessert altogether.

Poured a black body with minimal head and very little tan lace. The aroma was a broad mix of coconut and vanilla with nothing too strong. Smooth, medium-bodied beer, easy to drink with well-hidden booze as it has a coconut milk-like slickness and sweetness along with good balance thanks to vanilla in the background. Clean, sweet finish, easy to drink that hides the heaviness and is a dangerous sipper.

Good coconut sweetness throughout. Vanilla compliments the barrel and adds a touch of oaky sharpness. Smooth, mildly syrupy. Warming finish.