Deadline - Orange Chocolate (2023)
Taxman Brewing Co.

09/16/23 can @ home

 

12oz can released on 4/22/23 (purchased cold at the Fortville taproom 6/16/23) poured into a tulip glass at fridge temp 14.2% ABV per can. The beer pours dense black with medium brown colored head. The head recedes to a thin ring and single layer of bubbles. Slight lacing. The aroma is moderate in strength featuring fudgy chocolate, bourbon, oak and hints of orange. The taste is semisweet, boozey bourbon dipped, orange and chocolate candy in a pretty delicious blend. In the aftertaste, hints of oak and mild roasty notes can be found before the medium closing bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with average carbonation and a semisweet & dry finish with the bourbon and oak perfectly offsetting the sweetness of the orange and chocolate. The ABV is incredibly well hidden here. I would have guessed 10ish. Overall, excellent. The Deadline series has been hit or slight miss for me so I'm glad this beer is one of the formers.

Side by side variant tasting. 12oz cans from Tavour. Near black pour, filmy beige head with ring. Boozy aroma with orange peel on the backend. Taste starts with whiskey notes, than alternates between orange and chocolate. Sweet, boozy, citrus oil, oranges and chocolate. Once you get past the first sip, it all smooths out. Plenty of warmth.