New Beer Weekend #261

FWIW I suspect this was the goal of the brewer(s) in formulating this beer.

If I can find a single of this beer I would be willing to give it a go.

Cheers!

 

Here's my last New Beer of the weekend (which will slot in nicely for "Imperial Stout is Life"):



Baerlic Brewing Woodworker: Invisible Ghost

16-ounce can purchased at Baerlic Brewing Southeast Brewery and Taproom. Date stamp reads "11/21/24". Enjoyed in a nonic half-pint glass.

This bourbon barrel-aged Mexican hot chocolate imperial stout looks black until you tilt it into the light and catch the burnt umber color at the edges. The reddish-brown head of sudsy foam vanishes quickly without a trace and leaves no lacing. The smell is mostly cinnamon up front, followed by bourbon, dark chocolate, light cherry notes, a little caramel, some earthy peppery character, and alcohol. The taste leads with dark chocolate (not too sweet), followed immediately by cinnamon (not too much). An undertow of bourbon follows, along with a little vanilla, and notes of nutmeg, cherry, char, some oak, and enough chili heat to leave your mouth glowing. (Excellent.) Body is medium at best, and feels thin for it's 10.5% heft. Overall, the beer falls short in terms of look and feel, but delivers in flavor. Bonus points for the heat, which leaves me smiling.