Soul Slab
Jackie O's Taproom & Brewery

 

 

Lots going on here, as you could guess from the brewer's notes (BBA stout blend, maple syrup, honey, walnuts, peanuts, cacao nibs, and coffee!). The overall impression is, oddly enough, some sort of creme liqueur, like a whiskey cream perhaps. All the various elements definitely blend together into a coherent whole that's pretty interesting and offers a lot of depth, so kudos on pulling off a complex feat. That said, it's verging on a cocktail, and that's the type of beer I need to be in a mood for. It's also let down by a short, dry finish thanks to the maple syrup and honey, I believe, and it also features some lightly medicinal botanicals that I found surprising.

12.7 ounce bottle, 2019 vintage. Served in a Jackie O's snifter, the beer pours dark brown/black with about a half inch tan head that didn't stay around for too long. There's a decent amount of lacing. Aroma is nice, the brew smells like peanuts, coffee, bourbon, vanilla, honey, cocoa, roasted malt, maple and nuts. Taste is similar to the aroma, but with the addition of some burnt/charred malt and oaky flavors. Nice mix of sweet and roasty flavors. Started off sweeter but it mellowed out as the brew warmed up. Mouthfeel/body is medium/full, it's slick and rich with a low/moderate amount of carbonation. Definitely worth picking up if you're into barrel aged and/or imperial stouts in general. I liked this one a lot! $11.99 a bottle.

 

Dark black with a airy mocha blanket that slowly settles to a thin collar.

This is actually very rich, luscious and complex, exhibiting more deeper barrel oak and stout properties than it does the added ingredients. A barrel char meets dark cocoa and a deep but unobtrusive mocha character as the tingly, warming but slick light liquor-like body finishes dry. The peanut is present, but in the back seat, and more contributory to aroma, with a mild roast to it. Some dark fruit and maple emerge as it warms, while a woody bourbon flavor and heat increases with time.