Gingerbread Stout
Talisman Brewing Company

nice stout, not over flavored and still stout first, but the barrel aged version which i had just a few weeks ago is better, albeit this one has been in the fridge for a year or something, so likely not catching it at peak. still, the barrel brings needed depth and complexity that this doesnt have, although still a lot to like about it, including the heavy roast and coffee notes, more bitter and even smoked tasting than spiced or sweet, which is to its credit. nose and flavor of chocolate malts and a lot of roasted barley and espresso beans, but warmed up just a bit with cinnamon and clove and maybe nutmeg, a nice wintery mix but tastefully dosed, the ginger part is more prominent in the flavor than in the aroma, natural and not sweet which is nice, there through the finish with chocolate and raisin notes. light in body for the style but also hiding its alcohol rather effectively, no sign of it being imperial really on the palate at all, but the buzz is there. nearly burnt coffee and dehydrated ginger on the finish, a little vanilla wrinkle, a fine night cap at holiday time, but the barrel aged edition is on another level entirely. to its credit, its dry the whole way, rare in this type of thing, well done there.

 

 

Pours nice and dark with a medium head that lingers a bit. Aroma is dark and roasty with a hint of sweetness. Flavor follows aroma and is quite roasty with a pleasant hit of ginger and warm spices combine with a bit of sweetness. A bit of a thin mouthfeel, but overall a great beer on a cold night.