First Crack
Buttonwoods Brewery

 

16oz. can served in a Rastal tulip. Pours the color and clarity of cola with a tight, 1/8th inch, mocha-coord head that gradually dissipates towards the edges. Nose expresses rich, dark roast coffee and dark chocolate with perhaps a trace of toffee, akin to a Heath bar) near the end. Taste consistent with nose, albeit intensified, such that the flavors coat the tongue and lingers between quaffs. Barrel is detectable in the background as notes of spirits and vanilla creme. Mouthfeel is light-medium in body with a smooth, even carbonation and a silky texture to the mouthfeel. All and all, a brilliant American Imperial Stout. The coffee presence is out of this world (perhaps a little too intense for me) and it over shadows the barrel but this is a top notch beer nonetheless.