Style: Stout (Barrel-aged, Flavored)

ABV: 14.8

94/100

Aroma:	12
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	19
Mouthfeel:	4

Finback Brewery BQE (2022 Chocolate Coffee)

What the brewers say

“With cacao nibs and coffee. Aged in bourbon barrels.”

What our panel thought

“Aroma of dark-roast coffee with lingering chocolate, sweet malt, bourbon barrel. Flavor is mocha without the milky richness, balanced with a shot of espresso. Lingering dusty baker’s chocolate in finish.”

What our editors thought

“Strong espresso aroma with rich chocolate and just a touch of coconut and vanilla peeking around the edges. Lighter body with nutty coffee tones and a tight chocolate punch.”

Review printed in: The Malt Is the Message (Spring 2024) (View All Issues)

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Ex Novo Brewing Kill the Sun (Coffee & Chocolate)

Roast-and-chocolate nose with boozy, spicy edges; layers of bourbon, fruit-forward coffee. Medium-round body, on the sweeter side; elevated cherry, chocolate, oak. Coffee adds brightness mid-palate and tartness to the finish. Barrel out ahead of the base beer. Rich stout with pleasant rough edges.

Brown Truck Brewery Bourbon Barrel-Aged Truck Blood

“Bright boozy aroma with chocolate, light coffee, toast, date, and raisin. Flavor is like chocolate syrup (not quite as sweet) with a shot of bourbon. Light vanilla and cherry. Sweet chocolate finish lingers a long time.”

Coronado German Chocolate Cake 2018

Aroma: “Coconut and chocolate up front. There’s a nice roasted malt character that’s also very prominent and works nicely with the adjuncts. The barrel isn’t overpowering but provides some whiskey and vanilla to tie it all together.” Flavor: “Intense dark bitterness up front: roast, dark chocolate, dried fruit, with a drying oak character. Some residual sweetness, but the bitter qualities dominate overall. Pleasant nutty coconut on the finish. Lingering vanilla and chocolate on the swallow. Some nice warming alcohol notes.” Overall: “Sweet and smooth. The coconut comes through in the aroma, and the chocolate dominates the flavor. Very much a desert beer because of the sweetness and full mouthfeel.”

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