Evasion
Taxman Brewing Co.

Review: 2197
Name: Evasion
Brewery: Taxman Brewing
Location: Bargerville, IN
Style: Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
ABV: 14%
Date: 04/09/2020
After finishing the Evasion series, a collection of barrel-aged imperial stouts from Taxman Brewing, I delved into the brewery's original. Served in a stemless tulip glass at 48 degrees, the pour unveils a visually striking, inky black, opaque color charting at SRM 38. The pour creates an airy, one-fingered, dark tan head with poor retention, yet the overall appearance is still average.
Nosing the glass, I am greeted by a rich bouquet of chocolate, bourbon, and wood. A second whiff reveals the imperial stout malt profile, with its toasted malts, roasty, bready, lightly malty sweetness, and earthy notes. The barrel aging adds a unique character and a hint of nose-burning alcohol. Other aromas I discern are caramel, coffee, toffee, earthy, molasses, figs, light char, and a hint of Maillard, creating a complex and intriguing aroma profile.
The imperial stout starts with coffee, chocolate, bourbon, and wood. The flavors develop into molasses, raisins, toffee, caramel, earthiness, and light floral notes. The barrel adds wood, char, and stone fruit. The malt profile is lightly toasted, roasted, bready, and with some malty sweetness.
The finish is a bit hot from the bourbon, and the mouthfeel is chewy, reminiscent of a rich, dense dessert. The body is heavy and has low carbonation.
For me, the original is the pinnacle of the last four Evasion varieties I sampled. The other varieties, while enjoyable, often had their flavors overshadowed by the barrel or the base stout. I found the original to be a satisfying and balanced choice, and I'm glad I ended my journey with it.