Black is Beautiful (Whiskey barrel aged)
Garden Path Fermentation

Bottle from the Shelter in D.C.

As I drank this beer I went back and raised my score from very good to exceptional. Spending time with this completely different iteration of the Black is Beautiful recipe reveals layers of complexity and beautiful execution. “Sour stout” isn’t always a thing I (or most?) are looking for or in the mood for but this beer transcends that by a wide margin. It’s definitely tart but that element is well integrated and it’s not at all overly acidic. The feel is medium-full with medium, fine bubbled carbonation and an overall creaminess. The balanced and carefully considered level of effervescence makes this a smooth pleasure to drink and helps tamp down any spritiziness which might undermine drinkability. I think the high abv is really welcome here in not only the flavor, which shows the wood and the whiskey influence, but also contributes to a overall depth that wouldn’t be there at a lighter weight (to wit I drank a similar beer, dark sour/stout aged in barrels, last night, that was enjoyable but lower in abv and in end came just up a little lacking, particularly in the finish). The finish here is long and pleasing. Palate carries ample chocolate, plums, balsamic, vanilla, oak, roasted malt, cherries. I really enjoyed the way all of these balls stayed in the air and when I was done I didn’t need an antacid.