The Corner of Dean Street & Borden Street
Riverlands Brewing Co

Tasted in a snifter from a 22 fl oz bottle at Beer Bazaar on December 11, 2021.

Served from the bottle in a Phase Three snifter.

This is embarrassing, uh, I can't seem to, uh, find this intersection on the map? Little help? Anyway, this stuff pours a straight onyx topped by a finger or so of tan foam. The nose comprises roasted malts, vanilla bean, light cocoa powder, and a twinge of what seems like coffee. The taste brings in more of the same, though the vanilla holds off speaking until the very end (you know those assholes from school who just HAD to ask an obvious question right as the class was being dismissed, thus making everyone stay late for the unnecessary clarification?) and meets up with the honey. Now, usually, when honey is used, it's not all that present on the tongue; here, it very much is, joining with the vanilla and whatever residual sweetness that could be gleaned from the cocoa to form a strange, overly-sweet sensation, almost bubblegum-like in character. It's a strange feeling that malingers on the 'buds for some time. The body is fairly hefty, with a light moderate carbonation and a nearly chewy feel. Overall, a decent-enough stout that finishes in just the wrong way. It's not enough to completely put me off, but it makes me wanna think twice about cracking another bottle.

One of the best stouts I've tried this year, which says a lot given that I don't usually like pastry stouts. This is on the border of that, but not too cloyingly sweet for me. The vanilla and cacao nibs are present but not overpowering, and the honey provides a nice honey flavor while also drying out the finish a bit. Finally, there is enough rye to add a little punch of spice and complexity. Really well balanced. And the mouthfeel is perfect, very full-bodied and fun to slurp, if that's a thing.