Nocturnal Creatures IX
Double Nickel Brewing Company

The entire contents of a pint can were emptied into a clear glass liter mug. Recognized is the smell of vanilla and cinnamon, which outdo the standard stout aroma. The color of the brew is very dark brown, not quite black coffee like. There's very little tan head. Stoutlike flavor shows in the taste, as there's no mistaking the roasted malt backbone. But, the added flavors are equally pronounced. Behind the roasted malt is a taste much like the Iberian treat. There's plenty of cinnamon and vanilla. The vanilla especially brings a sweetness that contends with the roasted bitterness of the stout. There's nothing subtle about anything this brings to the tongue. Much of the flavors of churros are captured here and there's a heavy Imperial Stout presence, too. Glass lacing doesn't occur and the very modest head didn't last long. Overall, this might be a little too heavy handed to be thoroughly enjoyed. Paradoxically, it's very sweet, yet a bit too bitter as well. The high ABV doesn't help the mouthfeel that's already a little thin for the massive hit of flavors. Although this succeeds at capturing the intended taste target, that's not enough to overcome an Imperial Stout base that's not very pleasing.