Style: BA Dessert Stout

ABV: 13.0 IBU: 80.0

99/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 20
Mouthfeel: 5

Wellspent Brewing Mister Maraschino

What the brewers say

"Stout aged in whiskey barrels with cacao nibs and Luxardo cherries."

What our panel thought

"Inviting depth of aroma: coffee and chocolate, with wood-aged notes of leather, tobacco, cherry, oak, and vanilla. More notes of fig, raisin, molasses. Deep, fruity-roasty flavor—on par with the highest-quality, decadent, chocolate-cherry cordials. Extremely smooth drinkability. Savory chocolate. Rich, thick mouthfeel and pleasant warmth accentuate the sense of decadence. Cherry complements the sweetness and roast. Exquisitely balanced. Barrel vanilla notes deepen the complexity. Fairly sweet finish. Brilliant. Harmonious luxury. You’ll be unhappy when this beer is finished."

What our editors thought

"Nutty nose with undercurrents of cherries and sweet stout. The sip pulls it all together, with balanced sweetness, subtle cherry, layers of malt that pull out caramel, roast, chocolate, and umami notes, and a satisfyingly semidry finish that invites another sip. That rare dessert stout that is equally enjoyable in a glass or in small pours, shared among friends."

Review printed in: Stout: More than Just Desserts (Oct-Nov 2020) (View All Issues)


REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Perennial Artisan Ales Maman 2018

Lucious notes of chocolate and bourbon jump out instantly on the aroma, which flows perfectly into a chewy-bodied stout full of smooth chocolate bourbon cake. The base beer holds up excellently against the aging and blends the barrel character in expertly. Delicate spices dance over waves of sheeting chocolate while riding the line of overtly sweet. Finishes out fairly dry.

Perennial Artisan Ales Barrel-Aged Abraxas 2022

“Rich Mexican-hot-chocolate impression. Chocolate is primary with supporting cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of chile heat in the finish. Smooth as silk, and not too sweet.”

Free Will Brewing Company Decadent Chocolate Ralphius

Chocolate, roasted malt, dark fig, cherry, light vanilla, coconut, and hints of caramel and hot cocoa in the aroma along with a distinct boozy note give the perception of some heft to follow. The aroma doesn’t lie as the alcoholic heat hits quickly and lingers long. Within that boozy warmth is a focus on the breadth and depth of all things chocolate as well as some oak-derived leather and vanilla. A deep warming character starts on the lips and reaches into the soul (or stomach, we are not theologians or doctors). The chocolate notes are pleasant, but the boozy heat detracts some from their decadence. Mouthfeel is a bit on the thin side, given the current trend of thick, luscious examples in this style, which may further accentuate the perception of alcoholic heat.

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