Belching Beaver Brewery Viva La Beaver

“Strong peanut nose smells more like peanut flour, with a slight extract quality. The milk stout beneath is rich and full, supporting the adjuncts without being syrupy. Acidity and bitterness bring a nice crispness but detract from the flavors the aroma seems to promise.”

__Aroma:__ “Lots of vanilla, followed closely by milk chocolate. Very light chile and cinnamon, with some roast. It’s an appealing aroma that promises a sweet holiday stout—it smells like a sugar cookie. Woody, with a slightly acidic aroma.” __Flavor:__ “The cinnamon is a dominant player on the palate. Vanilla and milk chocolate support, with a touch of cayenne and alcoholic heat in the finish. More chile heat than expected. The barrel lends some booziness, but not much sweet coconut or vanilla from the wood. Light coffee notes, with cocoa, roast malt, caramel, and sweetness to balance.” __Overall:__ “Incredibly complex, with all the right pieces, yet a bit hot. The big barrel flavor blends well with the Mexican chocolate, and just enough alcohol.”

A nice toasted bread crust aroma greets the nose, along with some low earthy notes. Rich, prominent roast character. Relatively complex, bread crust and notes of coffee. Roast masks some sweetness, caramel and dark fruit. Lightly astringent finish. Quite bitter in balance, and grassy with grapefruit zest notes.