Baracus
Talking Cursive Brewing Company

Ebony with a 1/2" tan head, which dissipates. Light lacing.

Aroma of coffee, chocolate, molasses, roast malt.

Taste is coffee, cocoa, molasses, licorice, roast malt, black malt, bourbon, oak, a rye spiciness, light grapefruit.

Full body, light carbonation. Dry, astringent finish

A very good Russian Imperial Stout....Fool!

2020 edition. Undated can that I picked up in early October. Label says that it's good for up to 3 years, so should be in good condition. Let warm to about 55F before opening.

Deep cola-brown, with three fingers of long-lasting thick tan head. Leaves 1 1/2" of lacing on the glass, with a 3/16" ring , an a thin, but complete surface coverage. Bottom line : stouts don't come any prettier than this.

Smell is initially light cocoa, a hint of chocolate liqueur, and a light nutty roasted malt aroma. As the head fades, a deeper chocolate note becomes apparent, similar to brownie batter, of moderate intensity. There is also more of the roasty malt element, becoming more earthy and woody (as in charred wood that been damp and decaying for a few years).

Taste is initially dark chocolate cake, but less sweet, followed by a little tang - guessing from rye - , finishing with a bit of roasted nuts and wood , (as in the aroma, but milder) overlaying the chocolate. Light pleasant bitterness throughout. There is some light, but noticeable spiciness that lingers after finish . Guessing it's from rye and hops.

Feel is light-side-of-heavy, oily, with moderate carbonation, that has some bite towards finish. A bit of astringent burn at the back of the throat , at, & after finish.

Overall , pretty good , but that burn at the back of the throat is too apparent, distracting and detracting from the whole experience. Probably needs to be aged longer. Good enough that I'm willing to get more, let it sit, and try again in six months to a year.