Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company Bourbon Barrel-Aged Leon Russian Imperial Stout

Chocolate nose with a hint of tartness from the dark malt. Hints of chocolate and coffee-like bitterness com-plement the roasted malt notes and are well balanced by a subtle piney hops note. Good balance of roast, bitterness, with a bit of heat from the alcohol. Enough body and residual sweetness to create the impression of a scarily easy-drinking beer despite its ABV.

__Aroma:__ “A sweet smoky roast, with slight leather, wood, and tobacco notes. Fruity esters of cherry, prune, light lemon, blackberry, and currants. It has a slight tartness, almost sourdough character, with little-to-no hops profile.” __Flavor:__ “A healthy amount of tartness up front, with brown sugar and a vinous character that gives way to the roast character and bitterness. Malt complexity is there but secondary to the tartness. Creamy body and sweetness, which provide an incredible amount of depth and balance.” __Overall:__ “The sour acidity overwhelms the underlying roasty qualities. Not entirely ‘balanced,’ yet still inviting. Overall, a delicious beer that will force you to reckon with its intense, yet rounded flavors.”

**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.”