Style: Barrel-Aged Vanilla & Coconut Stout

ABV: 15.0 IBU: 66.0

91/100

Aroma:	11
Appearance:	2
Flavor:	18
Mouthfeel:	4

Side Project Derivation Blend 11

What the brewers say

Aged in Rittenhouse and Willett Rye barrels with Madagascar vanilla beans.

What our panel thought

Aroma is dominated by leather, smoke, sherry, dusty almond skin. Flavor is almost port-like: saddle leather, vanilla, toffee, and molasses. Mouthfeel is rich.

What our editors thought

A dark, rich marshmallow nose is enveloping and deeply engaging with a solid bourbon-oak character in the background for depth. The sip is similarly decadent but refined, with a thoroughly sophisticated mix of dark chocolate, bourbon sweetness, and rich vanilla. The economy belies its sophistication, with a confidence that’s undeniable. It pushes the bass notes to excellent effect.

Review printed in: Stouts for All Seasons (Oct-Nov 2019) (View All Issues)

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REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Side Project Derivation Blend #9

Aroma: “Loads of cinnamon and chocolate. Maple, vanilla, caramel, slight coffee, slight roasted malt. Subtle bourbony-booze aromas. Complex and inviting.” Flavor: “Spicy cinnamon. Semisweet chocolate. Slight peppery spice/heat. Sweet maple. Spicy coffee. Vanilla and caramel barrel characteristics. Fairly viscous and mouth coating. Nice warming character from the barrel without being overly hot.” Overall: “A boozy, warming, well- balanced combination of chocolate, cinnamon, and maple chased by a coffee finish. You can taste the integrity and deft handling of ingredients in this beer.”

Perennial Artisan Ales Maman 2018

Lucious notes of chocolate and bourbon jump out instantly on the aroma, which flows perfectly into a chewy-bodied stout full of smooth chocolate bourbon cake. The base beer holds up excellently against the aging and blends the barrel character in expertly. Delicate spices dance over waves of sheeting chocolate while riding the line of overtly sweet. Finishes out fairly dry.

Perennial Artisan Ales Barrel Aged Abraxas

“Rich, spicy Mexican chocolate dominates the aroma, backed by espresso, clean alcohol, and cinnamon notes. Long, spicy cinnamon finish. Well-crafted, subtle complexitiy.”

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