Style: Stout (Barrel-aged, Flavored)

ABV: 10.4

94/100

Aroma:	12
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	19
Mouthfeel:	5

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Secret Sympathies

What the brewers say

“Imperial stout aged in rum barrels, with lemon, lime, orange peel, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, and kola nut.”

What our panel thought

“Citrus in the nose blends with cola, ginger, and cinnamon. A citric punch, spicy botanicals, and bittering cola- like flavor balance sweet chocolate and vanilla. A firm boozy warmth emerges late in the sip. Would feel at home in a tropical tiki bar.”

What our editors thought

“Shockingly fresh and unexpected citrus in the aroma with a minty herbal, almost cocktail-like, depth. Hefty in the sip with a full body highlighted by quirky but cool cola and lemon.”

Review printed in: The Expanding Maltiverse (Spring 2025) (View All Issues)

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How We Review

REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Jitterbug Perfume

“Vibrant magenta color, brilliantly clear. The nose hits with a sweet and earthy punch, like a freshly cracked jar of Grandma’s home-canned beets; a light tart-citrus undercurrent adds some brighter lift to the aroma. Gently tart and sparkling on the palate, with lemon notes and a juicy impression that again provides lift to the earthy beet flavor. Low Brett notes in both aroma and flavor. Dry, tangy, slightly salty, letting the ingredients do the talking and with a mouthfeel that doesn’t let them down. Unusual, delicious.”

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Barrel-Aged Pecan Pie Brown Ale

“Brown sugar, vanilla, chocolate-dipped macaroons, sweet cookie bars sprinkled with shredded coconut and slivered almonds. Nuttiness adds depth and bitterness. Decadent holiday cookies in liquid form.”

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Superstition Coffee Stout

“Hints of chocolate, toffee, vanilla complement fresh-roasted coffee notes in the nose. In the flavor, coffee notes balance well with a slightly sweet body and light acidity. Subtle vanilla smooths out the flavors. Finish is a touch watery but still leaves you wanting another drink.”

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