Eight
Pulpit Rock Brewing Company

A thin mocha brown head builds over a syrupy black body with a thin reddish-brown edge.

Sharp espresso and dark chocolate cut through the motor oil thick body allowing a nutty oak to pair very well with the pecans and almonds. The vanilla isn't overwhelming, accentuating the barrel vanillin well.

Substantially better than $ticker $hock, to this palate.

Pours thick and oily; immediately the liquid begins clinging to the glass. As expected with these massive Pulpit Rock stouts, there is heavy leg retention. Tan-colored bubbles settle around the inside of the glass.

The nose takes a moment to open up, but really features the almond, pecan, and barrel character. There are abundant notes of caramelized fruit with earthy, maple tones that help to bolster the vanilla after about 30 minutes. Deep inhales when sipping bring out huge oaky bourbon notes.

The palate again is barrel-forward, with a mildly bittering influence from the adjuncts. Initially in the foreground of the palate is an even balance of apple crumble with whiskey-soaked oak. The mid-palate features burnt caramel with hints of marzipan and a subtly tannic tartness that dissipates as the beer recedes into the back of the throat. When letting the beer settle on the tongue after swallowing, it’s really interesting to begin to get very clear pecan notes; earthy, a touch floral, and very reminiscent to pecan sandies.

A full-coating, viscous mouthfeel that verges on syrupy. The ethanol warmth is present throughout, and the finish is mildly tannic and bitter.

This beer is a lot to unpack. There’s not a chance that anybody who shared this beer with friends - unable to get a large pour or time to sip slowly - could fully grasp what it has to offer. The difficult thing about including nuts in a beer is that their influence is often subtle if not given time to bloom. But, if the time is allowed they’re really underappreciated adjuncts when it comes to those that can really compliment barrel character in a unique way. Take your time with this beer; it will reward you.