Dark Charge - Bourbon Barrel-Aged - Marshmallow Cocoa Nibs Graham Cracker
Braxton Brewing Company - Braxton Covington

 

 

Roasted grains, caramelized sugars, marshmallow, graham cracker, chocolate... that poor bourbon barrel never saw it coming. But Braxton Brewing Company sure did as the weave the taste of S'mores campfire dessert into their anniversary bourbon barrel aged imperial stout.

Jet black and topped with a mocha whipped creme, the stout leads with whisky soaked coffee, chocolate and cream for a latte scent with nutty sweetness in tow. Its sweet and roasty taste leads with a robust character of blackstrap molasses, chocolate, java and that nutty granola-like character of graham cracker to pull the dessert introductions all together.

As the stout unfolds on the middle palate, the sweetness stews confidently and resists any notion to fade. But the flavors intensify with the roast turning to espresso, the chocolate turning to a more baker's cocoa character and the nuttiness drawing a black walnut depth. Caramel and cream all take on a smoky char while a bitterness ensues with a broad, woodsy, coffee-like finish.

Bourbon adds even more depth and complexity with its own nutty oak, vanilla, caramel and campfire ember quality. Full, robust and decadent, the beer's alcohol warmth is smooth and spicy like coffee liqueur, lingering long with nutty, chocolate and whisky. It's truly a dessert beer.