Fremont Barrel Aged Dark Star 2016

“Marshmallow nose with deep vanilla and dark chocolate in the background. On the tongue, a hunk of chocolate flavors followed by sweet, creamy vanilla. Dark chocolate and light earthy tobacco play nicely.”

**Aroma:** “Thick mocha shake—creamy coffee-chocolate combo with a nice spicy alcohol nose. Moderate roast and plum, touch of cherry. Perhaps a touch of cinnamon.” **Flavor:** “Moderate dark chocolate with a lighter body than expected. High coffee notes with an earthy, peppery note. Light vanilla note toward the end of the sip. High carbonation doesn’t create a bite but perhaps masks a slight alcohol note. Slightly smoky and touch of cinnamon, notes of nutmeg, smooth warming alcohol with a bit of spice. Good oak woodiness without going too tannic. Finishes medium-dry with a touch of heat and carb bite.” **Overall:** “This imperial stout has a big earthy/woodsy barrel character. It’s lighter than expected with a coffee/chocolate-forward note. Alcohol warming but not hot. Nice mocha flavor, big and smooth. A well made coffee beer. Everything comes together nicely.”

**Aroma:** “Dark chocolate, vanilla, coconut with a really nice roast character. Good bourbon character with nice oak. Other barrel character emerges as it warms, including dark cherry and alcohol sweetness.” **Flavor:** “Rich dark chocolate with dark cherry and subtle plum esters and a nice wallop of coconut to enhance the experience. The other barrel characters are there as well to provide a round richness. Finishes medium dry with a touch of roast. A decent amount of heat prevents you from forgetting the type of beer your drinking.” **Overall:** “This beer is fantastic. All the pieces fit together very well and the smoothness makes this big, bold beer dangerous. A great beer that does an excellent job blending a solid beer with a quality barrel.”