Pipeworks Phantom Unicorn Barrel Aged Imperial Stout.
14.3 % ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL.
Well, I messed up with this one. I probably purchased this can, which sold for $5, a nice price these days, because I like barrel-aged imperial stouts. But, I didn't read the label, which tells us that it also includes lactose, vanilla, and cacao nibs. I tell you this, the lactose and vanilla trend has to die. Get it together, brewers, enough is enough. And get rid of marshmallow, too, while you're at it.
Solid blackness, complete opacity, big brown head that dies off immediately.
In the nose: Bigness and richness. Cocoa and char. Licorice and leather. Blackstrap molasses. All the bourbon barrel goodness.
In the mouth: Starts out heavy on the sweet stuff. Minor if any hop bitterness. Slick and slightly syrupy. Big boned and boozy. Dark fruit aplenty. Light spice. Eternal chocolate.
I don't really pick up on the lactose or vanilla. Were they necessary? Are brewers just becoming slave to habit, and adding that to everything?
Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
A curated blend pulled from bourbon barrels accented by cacao nibs, vanilla, and lactose
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