The Event Horizon: Spectrum 12
Olde Hickory Brewery

 

Bottled 11/6/2018. Poured into a pint glass. It pours an inky black with a foamy, light mocha head that dissipated quickly. It smells of roasted malt, chocolate, vanilla, and tequila. It tastes a lot different than the base beer. The agave and tequila dominate but there is a base of chocolate and roasted malt and notes of vanilla and raisin. Fortunately, the tequila doesn’t overwhelm. It has a good blend of flavors. It has a fairly lite feel for a big Stout with moderate carbonation. The elevated ABV of 10.48% is noticeable but not overpowering. The bottom line on this variant is whether or not you like tequila. It’s an interesting take on The Event Horizon but I prefer the original.

 

 

I was never a huge fan of the base, but this treatment here was probably the most interesting and pleasant result of the ones I tried, delivering butterscotch, raisin, dusty nuts and cocoa powder via a weirdly watery body that finishes hot and dry.

 

Appearance: Arrives pitch black with a one finger tan head; spotty lacing

Smell: Chocolate fudge with agave and a hint of honey; the tequila is subtle

Taste: Chocolate fudge with honey and distinct agave tones; the tequila barrel appears after the swallow, but is rather subtle, as it was in the aroma

Mouthfeel: Full bodied with moderate carbonation

Overall: Tequila can be a tricky barrel but it is handled well here, as the agave flavor is more distinct than the barrel