In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated

94

Beachwood BA System of a Stout

Aroma: “Rich dark chocolate malt up front with a chai coffee aroma. There’s a fair amount of booze up front as well with spicy cardamom. After the initial burst of aroma, there’s a touch of oak and dark fruit, including currants.”

Flavor: “Dark fruits, coffee, and chai dominate. Moderately strong sweetness leads into moderately strong bitterness that slowly fades. A fair amount of alcohol warmth helps to balance. Barrel character comes through nicely in the aftertaste. Complexity from the brandy, some light wood character with vanilla.”

Overall: “Distinctive as an imperial barrel-aged stout—the Arabic coffee character is well-done; the spice is balanced nicely.”

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