Chernobly - Double Barrel
Mirror Twin Brewing

 

As reckless as such a nuclear disaster may be, a stout of the same stature deserves a common namesake. Mirror Twin's Russian imperial stout aged twice in bourbon barrels is equally unneeded, dangerous and downright fillthy. ...but in a good way.

Double Barrel Chernobly pours ink black, slightly bleached by oak aging and swirling with more legging than lace. Strong whisky spice and its caramelized nuances weave in and out of a fragrant malt base of coffee, chocolate, nuttiness and hearty molasses for a decadent and irresistible robust perfume. The dark ale splashes the front of the tongue with all things blackstrap molasses, toffee, caramel and brown sugar.

Then the flavors explode on the middle palate. Its light carbonation leaves the stout resting heavily on the tastebuds, saturating them fully with a bevy of robust sweetnesses, espresso, bittersweet chocolate, black walnut, burnt toast and chicory spice. The booze soaked sweetness of bourbon brings firm nuances of caramel, vanilla, coconut and pecan for a nearly achingly decadent culmination of taste.

Fairly low on bitterness, the full and lavish stout rests on the spice of oak tannins, whisky spice and a rounded fruit complexity of vinous brandy, rum soaked stone fruit and dried pitted fruits to accompany and offset the sweetness that lingers deep into aftertaste.