Ritual Brewing Manhattan Barrel Aged Big Deluxe

**Aroma:** “Bright chile note up front with a slight fruity (cherries and peaches) characteristic. Low smoke note, similar to pit smoke. Light chocolate with a hint of roast.” **Flavor:** “Cumin and other Mexican spices up front remind me of enchiladas. Chocolate malt first, but then it steps aside for a strong perfumed chile flavor with a delicate flash of heat. After a moment to savor the pepper, the chocolate comes back with a touch of roast. The finish revives the slight burn, this time with an alcohol edge, but overall it’s a mild heat.” **Overall:** “I would pair this with Mexican food, although with the bigger body it would pair best with something that does not include a lot of cheese. Nice flow of flavors paces through chocolate then spices then a burst of chile heat. Enjoyable, simple, and straightforward spiced stout that with only a mildly complex chile mole character.”

Cola, brown sugar, overripe fruit nose—red Lifesavers, dark Belgian candi sugar. Fairly sweet up front—velvety milk-chocolate creaminess. Decidedly boozy, stopping short of harsh; sweet, spicy notes.

**Aroma:** “Coffee and vanilla, bourbon notes up front with a touch of sweetness and a bit of alcohol in the nose. Some dark fruits, vanilla, and bourbon. Mild barrel flavors emerge as it warms—almond, vanilla, toasted oak.” **Flavor:** “Rich chocolate and coffee flavors dance on the tongue, hitting all flavor centers. Medium barrel characters do emerge above the chocolate/coffee copulation, but the complex malt profile is the feature. Caramel and coffee are intricately bound with oak tannins to create this gorgeous palette of flavors. Finish is spicy, earthy, and sweet.” **Overall:** “Awesome. Unreal. The coffee was insanely good and this beer is amazing. Dark fruit and chocolate and smooth coffee in perfect balance. Coffee and barrel character create a truly unique and incredible experience. A delicious beer that everyone should seek out.”