Ol' Rugger - Cherry Vanilla
Zaftig Brewing Co.

 

12 ounce bottle, 2020 vintage purchased at the brewery release party on November 7th. Served in a Zaftig snifter, the beer pours dark brown/black with maybe a half inch tan head that didn't stay around for very long. There's a small amount of lacing. I like the aroma, the brew smells like vanilla, bourbon, cherries, dark fruit, tobacco, roasted malt and chocolate. For the most part I think the taste is similar to the aroma, but with the addition of some molasses and earthy flavors. Cherry flavor kicks in more as it warms, but it's also not very strong. Mouthfeel/body is full, it's syrupy and smooth with a moderate amount of carbonation. I think it's a pretty good imperial stout, worth picking up if you're into them or stronger brews in general.