Dream Eater
Burlington Beer Co.

Syrupy dark brown brew with a pencil thin tan head. Roast dominates the nose, and while present in the tasting, takes a definite backseat to the dessert aspects of this stout. Chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon take their turn during the tasting; there is a nice evolution of those flavors. Any roasty qualities disappear as the milk sugar takes over at the finish. Normally, I'm not the biggest lactose fan, but the deliciousness of this Burlington effort eased all my concerns.

 

 

16oz can. No dating information found.
Black colored body, with no back lit edge. One thick finger of light tan colored head, and this eventually becomes some islands and a full ring. Leaves behind some small splotches of lacing.
Aroma of dark roasted malts, cinnamon, chocolate, coffee, highly processed crispy and sweet breakfast cereal (similar to Cap'n Crunch), and vanilla.
Taste is sweet and expresses more of the higher ABV% (8%). Flavors of dark roasted malts, with lesser expressions of chocolate, coffee, and cinnamon. Late emergence of the crunchy cereal. Vanilla sweetens throughout. Diminished flavor expressions in the aftertaste, which remains sweet.
Medium mouthfeel (which seems thin for this stout variation). The sweetness buries the inherent bitterness from the roasted malts. Creamy, though thin. Good carbonation.
Definite drop off from the aroma to the taste; the taste is lacking in body density, depth of flavors, and distinct flavor definitions.

Draft pour from Brews On The Square in Pendleton, SC.

Appearance. Opaque blackish brown body with a bubbly tan head.

Mouthfeel. Well set medium carbonation in a smooth, full body. The 8% ABV is well hidden here and in the aroma.

Flavor. Loads of chocolate notes along with coffee, dark roasted grains and cinnamon there are hints of vanilla and roasted nuts as well. The mix is harmonious and, contrary to what the cinnamon pastry aroma suggests, only lightly sweet.

Improved with warming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fills a Pretentious Glass Company snifter, "Imperial", with clear, dark brown walnut. Tiny streams of fine carbonation slowly trace along the inside of the glass. A brief, dark, golden brown head rearranges constellations of lace after each sip. Dark cola highlights the bottom of the glass.

The aroma is that of dark roasted coffee, with cigar ash and cinnamon. There is a strange sweetness of vanilla that is interesting, to say the least. Warmth allows the roasted malt to attempt, yet fail, to gain footing, while chocolate enters the fray.

The flavor closely follows the aroma; however, charred malt is front and center. Bitterness outweighs sweetness 2:1. The finish is dry, with pronounced dark chocolate malt. Cinnamon never yields, while dark chocolate and deep roasted coffee take over as it warms.

It has a medium to full body and noticeably high alcohol with mild heat. Cinnamon also adds heat. It has modest carbonation and light residual sugar that builds on the lips. The texture is slick.

This Imperial Stout straddles the line between straight-up Stout and pastry Stout. It is fun and interesting; however, it is also one and done.