Origin of Darkness - Southern Grist Maple Rum Barrel-Aged
Collective Arts Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

pours a small fizzy black head with lower retention, inky jet black color that stains the glass and decent legs

Nose thick cocoa, rich dark chocolate, plenty of roasted malts, coffee, fudgey, nutty, a hint smoky, vanilla, some rum barrel notes, some baking spices, fudge brownie, rich vanilla

Taste brings more thick fudgey cocoa, more roasted malts and hint of char like, even smoky note, lots of rich vanilla, real vanilla and some barrel notes, with more sweet fruity rum barrel, a bit of maple, a bit of smooth alcohol, more baking spices, fudge brownie, dark chocolate cocoa, thick chewy fudgey with maple lingering on the sweet finish, a bit more smooth alcohol

Mouth is full body, rich chewy thick fudgey, very low on the carbonation, fair alcohol but mostly smooth

Overall pretty good, smooth alcohol, wish it had a bit more carb, nice barrel notes that don't overwhelm

L: Pours near-black chocolate, forming a very faint light tan head that is quick to fade. There is a light effervescence that forms a thin cloud of bubbles and a light ring of lacing around the snifter. Held to the light, this beer has a thick, fudge-like complexion.

S: The maple rum barrel is prominent, and there are hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, and faint malt.

T: Plenty of maple rum barrel and chocolate. Bourbon influence as well. There is a nice alcohol burn. Traces of vanilla and a touch of malt. Something sweeter like caramel?

F: Full-bodied. Smooth, thick and oily mouthfeel, sitting heavy on the tongue. There is some light carbonation. Lingers.

O: This is a very high quality AIS. The flavors are balanced. There are no weak spots. Very drinkable at 12%.

 

500ml bottle served cool into a chalice. Purchase from the brewery.

Appearance - Virtually black from the bottle and into the glass. Nearly a finger of dark brown head with modest hang-around time. Small amounts of tan lacing linger.

Smell - Maple syrup and rum barrel dominate. Vanilla accents with a faint chocolate undercurrent.

Taste - Loads of rum and maple syrup with a sweet crackery aspect that reminds of stroopwaffel. Some heat from the booze, but well balanced and quite sweet. Vanilla pokes in here and there for extra dimension.

Mouthfeel - Full bodied, low carbonation and definite heat in the back of the throat (as expected for a near 24 proof beer)

Overall - Very solid imperial stout, one of the better ones, but to be honest, I prefer the more available Pistachio rendition of the 2023 Origin of Darkness. Nonetheless a great beer if you can find it.

 

Pours a very dark color with a slight head and lacing
Aroma has abundant bourbon, chocolate and vanilla hints
Taste has a generous and well balanced bourbon, chocolate and vanilla flavor
A medium bodied well carbonated beer
A great Bourbon stout