Second Round: Molten Lava Cake
Wild Mind Ales

 

Poured from 750ml bottle into glass. Released in early August, 2018, for the "Two Year Anniversary" party.
Very dark brown body, with dark brown edges when back lit. Quarter finger of tan head, which settles back to islands and a ring. Oily sheen is left behind with each sip, but just a few tiny spots of foam lacing.
Dark roasted malts, chocolate, vanilla, and a whiff of cinnamon. There is a whiskey barrel component too that hangs over all.
Taste follows aroma with dark roasted malts, cocoa nibs, and vanilla. The cinnamon is even more faint here than in the nose. Has a sour rye whiskey barrel flavor too, but the sharpness and sourness may be from the wheat and oats used in the brew. The alcohol fumes are released by swirling the beer in the mouth.
Mouth feel is thin, which is disappointing. Somewhat smooth however. Okay carbonation.
The sourness and thin body are detractions, but the chocolate, vanilla, and spice work well together.

I received this from @vidblain in a BIF box. It pours ink black with almost two fingers of creamy, mocha-colored head and a thin sheen of lacing. It's a beautiful pour. It doesn't smell barrel-aged but there is lots of roasted malt, burnt coffee, char, nuts, and just a tiny whiff of vanilla. However, It doesn't taste like a straight-forward stout. There is definitely some barrel. Rye? Red wine? There is earthy char, burnt coffee, and a hint of chocolate. There is a definite sourness and it finishes with a nice note of bitterness. I'm drinking it at room temperature so the glass isn't warming but I'm nonetheless noticing more sweetness as I sip. It's complex . . . and really tasty! It has a medium-bodied mouth feel with light carbonation, and the ABV is warming. Overall, this is a first rate Russian Imperial Stout. I'm not familiar with this brewery but I'm impressed by this offering.