Before Land Shook
Half Acre Beer Company

Canned on 8/29/2022; consumed on 10/2/2023

Pours a silky, motor-oil black body topped with a finger of creamy, hazelnut-hued foam; mediocre head retention leaves a near-blank cap, thin yet rich collar, and minimal-no lacing holding to the walls of the glass with much longevity. 4.25

Aroma rich dark chocolate fudge veering toward notes of Rocky Road ice cream, gooey marshmallow, 4.25

Taste boozy fudge, warming bourbon settles as a pointed oak profile underscores, 4

Mouthfeel medium body, slick texturing backed with distant creaminess, edgy bittering prods through ample warmth and boozy layering past the mid-palate, 4.25

4

12 ounce can into a snifter. Canned 8/29/22, had 5/12/23.

Pours near black and opaque, thick looking, with no head and oily cling. Aromas of chocolate, vanilla, roasted malt, marshmallow, bourbon as it warms, light oak, some char. The bourbon comes to the front in the flavor, then chocolate, vanilla, roasted malt, marshmallow, some oak, sea salt as it warms. Smooth, somewhat creamy, a rich and solid full body, appropriately carbonated.

Bold, hearty flavors and the vanilla and marshmallow are the stars. Loads of chocolate, complimentary barrels. Really enjoyable.

RFOB22 0425

8 ball black with a densely level but short tan head that retains well.

Nougat, Tootsie Roll, and booze make for a yummy pastry treat that retains some maturity without taking itself too seriously.

 

 

 

 

 

Had on tap. Midnight black viscous pour, with a pinky finger of dark brown foam. Great complex and richly full barrels in the nose, vanilla, marshmallow and chocolate brighten a bit but pair well. Taste is much the same, however the finish is a little hot and the salt is finally detected, which I felt was distracting. Feel is full, rich, warm, smooth and heavy.

 

poured from a 12oz can into a perennial snifter. pours a thick, deep obsidian with a finger of dark brown head. foam subsides to a few swirls here and there. beautiful yet intimidating, looking pour. huge marshmallow, bourbon and chocolate on the nose. taste is is bourbon-soaked marshmallows with a salted chocolate finish. full mouthfeel. what a stellar beer. rich, decadent and delightful. perfect balance of barrel, chocolate and vanilla. i was a little worried about the sea salt but it works on the taste (in the finish) so well. loved this!

 

 

Canned 08/29/22

a: Black as night. Dark mocha colored head - pours frothy but recedes fairly quickly.
s: Rich, decadent vanilla & marshmallow comes forth immediately. Dark chocolate hits on a 2nd wave. Oak.
t: So much going on here. Heaps of the vanilla and marshmallow with dark chocolate intermixed. Bourbon and oak. A thread of roasted malts runs throughout in the background. A bit of saltiness comes through on the tail end but as it warms this gains a bit more prominence on the second half.
m: Thick, creamy mouthfeel. medium-low carbonation.
o: This is a top notch BA Stout from HA. So much going on but never in an overwhelming way. It all balances superbly. Really need this to warm up for full appreciation. A sipper in the truest sense. Glad I have one more can left. It will be consumed sooner than later as there is no need to sit on this beer at all imo.

 

 

Pours pitch black - dark, viscous and oily. Thin mocha colored head appears and disappears quickly.

Aroma is stunning - rich notes of cocoa, chocolate, vanilla, marshmallow, roasted malts, oak and bourbon. Decadence at its finest.

Taste follows the nose with notes of roasted malts, cocoa, chocolate, bourbon, oak, vanilla, marshmallow and wood. Its sweet, but not overly so. The adjuncts shine through, and yet the barrel and bourbon shines through clearly. Its booze, warming, and decadent.

Feel is thick, smooth, luscious, and warming. Mild carbonation, but enough. Dry finish.

Overall this is absolutely delicious. Another stunning barrel aged stout from Half Acre

 

12oz can, dated 08.29.2022, poured into a 12oz stemless wine glass.

The beer pours an incredibly deep jet black, massive texture, sludge, oil, tan head, only a finger or so with no real retention nor lacing, just a thin film around the circumference of the glass. The aroma is excellent, massive barrel character, huge spirit heat, charred oak, roasted grain, bittersweet dark chocolate, toasted coconut, stone fruits, heavy vanilla marshmallow and a sea salt kick. The flavors are good, super rich chocolate, dark, bittersweet, big roast, charred oak, coconut, toffee, brown sugar, stone fruits, vanilla marshmallow and light sea salt. The mouthfeel is great, super thick and coating, massive body, creamy texture with a warm finish.

Verdict: An amazing stout from Half Acre. Incredible texture and body, super smooth and balanced flavors that really amplify the marshmallow and the sea salt without losing all the complexities layered underneath.