Baba Yaga - Kentucky Mud Cake
Ethereal Brewing

 

Can the definition of "decadence" be a flavor? If so then Ethereal Brewing is the author of such lavishness as their legendary Baba Yaga Imperial Barrel-Aged Stout takes a mud cake turn.

Devilishly black and cast in an onyx-like sheen, the scantly headed Kentucky Mud Cake version of Baba Yaga carries a mesmerizing scent pecan pie, coffee, chocolate, caramel and cream in much more of a confectionary way than that normally found in the brewhouse. Similarly to taste, its the combination of toffee, chocolate, sweet cream and honey that have the early palate screaming of praline.

A balance from espresso, campfire, bittersweet cocoa and roasted pecans provide an ideal offset of roast to combat the candied and pastry sweetness as the ale broadens across the middle palate. A full saturation of sweetness, savory roast and depth of complexity has the Stout trending savory and bitter with a late taste of coconut, caramel, charred wood, vanilla and whisky spice as the barrel influence shines in finish.

Lavishly full and pleasantly cloying, the Stout finishes plush with sweet roast and warming with kahlua-like spice. A long and savory aftertaste of roasted coconut seem to outlast the praline sweetness and softer chocolate notes. This is a beer that can troll me anytime.