River Run
Vanish Beer

Poured from the bottle into a large snifter glass. Vintage 2025.

Dark walnut brown body with some faint hint of clarity looking up under the small head. Faint tan color, with a real nice big bubbled collar and some actual noticeable rising carbonation.

Aroma has some interest for a barrel aged stout. Light touches of cherry fruit, a little bit of heat but not much woody character. Still it's quite pleasant with this unexpected fruited angle that seems more like brandy than whiskey.

Palate is an entirely new ball game on first sip. Real excellent creamy and full rich coated mouthfeel, with lush texture that makes the flavors just roll right off and consume you. Rich flavors of dark chocolate with a thick whip cream texture, maybe even hinting vanilla somewhere in there too. Classic boozy pit stomach warmth without the excessive burn on the aftertaste. Light touches of cream and more chocolate almost giving to piping hot cocoa just nicely.

The chocolate angle is pretty much dominant and one note, but it is exceptional even though there's little touch of barrel or distinct whiskey profile to detect. Without question though this is superb for a barrel aged stout that can easily hang with the classic big dogs that are revered in this style.

 

750 ml bottle poured into a tulip.
2019 Vintage

Pouring near black and absolutely opaque in the glass. The khaki head is small but a ring and spotty lace hang on. At three years old the barrel aged character of this bottle is light but still there, oxidative qualities are low and hop flavor is more apparent than expected. Sweet molasses, malty caramel and raisin-like dark fruit are most apparent. Mouthfeel is nice, smooth, viscous and full bodied. A little boozy but a pleasure to drink.
I’ve had this one when it’s younger, @ sixty days, and think it is better that way.