Den Of Sins
Barrel of Monks Brewing

 

 

Poured from a 750ml corked and muzzled bottle (no freshness date, but the bottle release was 24 February 2018…so ~ 5 months fresh) into a Teku 3.0 glass

A - Pours a nearly pitch black with a 2+ finger mocha colored, soapy head. Retention was conservative and the edges of the glass reveal brownish hues. (4.25)

S - As one might expect of a BBA Belgian Imperial Stout, the aromas are fairly complex. Aromas from the yeast include a good bit of musty funk (but NOT tart/sour), significant clove phenols (almost star anise/licorice) and esters that include apple and pear. The barrel characteristics are also very apparent which include oak tannin, vanillins, charcoal and bourbon. Not forgotten is a bit of contribution from the malt adding a bit of bakers chocolate. (4.5)

T - Follows the nose with the barrel notes hit first followed by the contributions from the yeast and then a roasty bitterness. You can feel the alcohol warmth in the chest, but is not perceptible on the palate. This one finishes quite dry and tannic. (4.25)

M - Medium Minus body makes for a highly drinkable BBA Imperial Stout boasting 10% ABV. The bottle conditioning delivers copious amounts of carbonation which create an even lighter mouthfeel. (4.25)

O - A well executed BBA Belgian Imperial Stout that balances the yeast and barrel quite well. The body is a bit thin, but easily overlooked. Considering the size of the brewery, BoM never disappoint with their beers and their dedication to traditional processes used by Belgian brewers (especially bottle refermentation). Although not cheap at $20/bottle, I think it is a fair value for all that has gone into producing DoS. (4.25)

 

 

 

Pours a very dark black with a light caramel colored head on top that goes away quickly. Has a roasted grain smell to it. And tastes exactly like how it smells.