Decadent Darkness
Untied Brewing Company

 

 

Reviewed two weeks after bottle release. Poured into a tulip glass. It pours a very dark cola with a quickly dissipating lite mocha-colored cap. On the nose there is roasted malt, peanuts, cola, cocoa, coffee, tobacco smoke, and some dark cherry. It opens with a taste something between peanut butter and Cherry Coke. It's quite sweet and a bit syrupy. As I swish it in my mouth I can taste the cocoa nibs and vanilla. There is also a touch of char and bitterness at the finish. For a Milk Stout it has a fairly thick and creamy mouth feel with a low level of carbonation. I'm not sure why it was brewed at 14% ABV. It's too big a Stout for casual drinking or to accompany a meal. It's utility is limited to a dessert sipper. If Untied brews Decadent Darkness again it could stand more peanut butter and less cola. Good examples of what to strive for are Mast Landing's Gunner's Daughter or, closer to home, Bolero Snort's 20th and Bull. I'd also like to see it in the 9 - 10% ABV range.