Sisyphus Jim Beam Me Up Barrel-aged RIS (and part four of Minneapolis Breweries 2020)

On June 27, after La Dona, Jason and I stepped into Sisyphus as the third stop on this sunny Saturday afternoon. It was a quiet one. Andy was behind the bar and Sam, the owner, was enjoying time away from that station. It's been a one-man show throughout all of this, and he keeps pushing that rock, every damned day (except Monday, I learned when I forgot to check the hours). He gets a little help from friends, though. And every one of them is masked-up, gloves on, hand sanitizer at the ready (and available for customers, who are asked to please keep masks on when ordering or when away from their tables. Just about everyone complies.

Unfortunately, there's not much space available for outside seating, and they were thrilled to finally open up the inside. Some tables are removed, some chairs and those things we can't communally touch any more, like water stations and the game collection, are stashed away. On this particular visit, I had a Cucumber Pils, which went down with great ease, and then one of the bourbon barrel stouts in question, poured into plastic. I've noticed it's about half and half when it comes to who's using plastic and who's using glass. The very vague rules and regulations are being interpreted differently, and I can't blame anyone about their particular take. Maybe the ones who are too strict on the "reservations required" business. That's not a factor at Sisyphus, and I'm fine with that.

Comedy shows have returned, with required spacing, but the Open Mic, one of their best event nights of the week, is still postponed.

I asked Sam to break his plastic only rule, just
this once, so I could take this pic.

So, on that Saturday, Jason and I did air-clinks with our beers, he took leave and biked the three hours back to his home, and I finished my stay with an IPA called The First Beer We Named, which I reviewed almost five years ago. I made it back again last Wednesday, and Sam was thrilled at the attendance. Actually, people in here! And all socially distanced, respectful, and courteous. Not as busy as it used to be, in the before times, but getting better.

And I'll pair this report with a review of a crowler took home back on June 12. Nearly a month in the fridge ain't bad, right? It's actually appeared here, before, but this is my take on it from a crowler.



Sisyphus Jim Beam Me Up Barrel-aged RIS.
11.5 % ABV. 80 IBU.
Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Absolute blackness, slim head, complete opacity.

In the nose: spills out solid bourbon notes, hanging over a morass of cocoa, coffee, vanilla, cherries, and an abundance of more malty flavors.

In the mouth: Rich and delicious. Bourbon-barrely all the way. Powerful. Thick, but never too viscous. Full-bodied, long lasting dark malt flavors. It's got all the goods.

We're giving this beer all she's got captain! Better "Jim Beam Me Up" Our latest barrel aged beer release! This imperial stout was aged in a Jim Beam barrel, and the robust aroma lets you know before you even taste it. 

Tons of vanilla and roast notes, that follow you as you take your first sip. The taste finishes with a nice rich cracker/bread note that rounds out the beer. Come in from the Minnesota cold and warm up with one of these!