Style: Stout (Imperial)

ABV: 13.3 IBU: 32.0

95/100

Aroma:	12
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	19
Mouthfeel:	5

Firestone Walker Brewing Co PNC Imperial Buckwheat Stout

What the brewers say

“A Firestone Walker classic returns with the 2021 vintage of PNC—an imperial buckwheat stout aged in bourbon, brandy, and tequila barrels.”

What our panel thought

“A boozy chocolate mess that keeps you coming back for more. Port character on the nose. Big barrel qualities reminiscent of rum. Slightly spicy and complex with some sherry notes that come out as it warms. Chocolate, bourbon, and tobacco in the taste. The complexity balances the alcohol bite. The refined aged character gives it smooth cohesion, and the more you partake, the more you want to keep drinking it.”

What our editors thought

“Honey sweetness with an herbal and roasty zip on the nose, along with a dose of wood and a peculiar bitter tropical note, lead to a broadly sweet but layered caramel sip. Light citrus-peel bitterness buffers the bold sweetness of the body, while a gentle spirited alcohol note gives it heft. Coffee roast emerges in the finish, drying it out and providing a fantastic rhythm.”

Review printed in: Beyond Barley (April-May 2022) (View All Issues)

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REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Firestone Walker Brewing Co Paraboloid

“Smoky and roasty on the nose, like dark chocolate–coated ribs. Flavor profile is classic BA stout: cacao with rich nougat, vanilla, treacle, mocha interlaced with bourbon. Just enough bitternesss to keep it from being cloying.”

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.”

Boulevard Brewing Company Imperial Stout

**Aroma:** “Burnt and roasty with oak and vanilla up front then nice supporting notes of sweet malt, sweet chocolate, and dark roast coffee. Dark fruit esters and a hint of alcohol in the nose.” **Flavor:** “Fruity, almost Belgian yeast profile. Plenty of oak, vanilla, and tannins. Chocolate and notes of vanilla and bourbon from the oak give way to subtle notes of raisin and caramel. Roasted flavors are restrained, yet help to balance. Alcohol is subdued but evident. Hops flavor is low, grassy, and appropriate. Warmth in the finish adds to the experience of this beer and has pleasant smoothness.” **Overall:** “A nice, well rounded barrel aged stout. The sweetness is balanced by the roast character and intermingled well together. Could use a little more body for the style. Oak character is very well balanced, not over-done. Definitely a beer worth seeking out.”

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