2019 Double Barrel P.O.D. Cognac Stout
Magnify Brewing Company

14 oz. pour on draught at the brewery. Served in a stemless glass. I ordered it with an IPA and let it warm at room temperature before drinking. Nonetheless, it was pretty cold so I nursed it for quite awhile. It pours nearly ink black. The modest, medium-mocha cap dissipated quickly leaving a small but attractive ring. I love the nose: the cognac leads but with lots of dark chocolate, freshly-brewed coffee, caramel, leather, and tobacco smoke. The taste is decidedly brandy-forward. It is quite fruity with red wine grape and raisin but after 6 years it has clearly mellowed. Beneath the fruit is dark, sweet, chocolate, caramel, honey, and oak, with a slight spiciness. The taste develops in complexity as the Stout slowly warms. The mouth feel is much less thick and viscous than a typical Magnify big Stout. The carbonation level is low and while it's not overtly boozy you can feel the 10.5% ABV. Overall, this is a real gem. Sipped slowly, it is a tasty treat.