Double Barrel Pretense of Knowledge
Corporate Ladder Brewing Company

Sludgy black with no head able to build.

At first I detected banana on the nose, and cinnamon in taste, but neither appear to actually be present in the adjunct list. Super viscous and decadent, it becomes butterscotchy coconut flan with a hint of caramel macchiato before a warming, sticky exhale.

 

If any pretense of knowledge isn't working for you, then try a double dose. Aged in Elijah Craig 19-year barrels and then Stagg barrels for twenty-five total months of maturation before being conditioned on both toasted and raw coconut, as well as hazelnut, this stout is all tasting if not all knowing.

Luxuriously black and pouring like chocolate syrup, Double Barrel Pretense of Knowledge simmers in the snifter with a delicate grace of espresso foam before absolutely swooning the senses with all-things brownie batter, nutella, mounds candy bars, coffee, vanilla and cream. Similarly to taste, its a rich slather of brownie batter, chocolate and coconut that provides a malty-rich first impression.

And not much changes as the savory sweetness rolls along the middle palate. A slow rise of coffee, cocoa and char elevates the savory flavors to match the candied sweetness as the stout trails into a malty-sweet late taste, all wrapped in a cocoon of bourbon, caramel, coconut, vanilla and peppery spice.

Full bodied, rich and decadent in true dessert fashion, the ale is a slow and patient sipping affair clearly meant as an after dinner digestif. Lingering like chocolate cake, the taste slowly fades into the next indefinite sip.