Third Anniversary Imperial Stout
Slice Beer Company

2022 bottling; consumed on 8/3/2023

Pours a stark, silky jet-black body capped with a finger of chestnut-brown foam; modest head retention leaves a few paper-thin islands of cap, a large, creamy collar, and no lasting lacing holding to the walls of the glass.

Aromas waft milk chocolate-coated wafer and a touch of macadamia upfront, accompanied by a sleek bourbon overlay and accents of flaked malt as subtly smoked toffee meets splintery oak over time.

Taste opens to rich chocolate ganache and an oak barrel balance as potent roast settles nicely over the mid-palate, leaving a tinge of burnt vanilla on the back end while char grazes a dark cocoa finish.

Mouthfeel brings a medium-light body and reserved carbonation; taut char textures the mid-palate as a creamy undertone persists and a dry semi-bitterness defines a modest warmth past the swallow.

Restrained decadence yields waves of nutty cocoa tempered with an engaging barrel expression backing; an elegant, consummate display of tempered sweetness from start to finish.