Judaculla Nantahala Brewing Company
What the brewers say
“Judaculla (pronounced JOOda KULLa) is our Russian imperial stout made with local sorghum syrup and wildflower honey and aged in Jack Daniels barrels for three months. Judaculla, or Tsul'kalu, is a Cherokee beast of legend. This slant-eyed Master of Game was said to have had seven toes on each foot and left marks in earth and rock when he jumped up and down.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Cocoa powder and roast, with some whiskey and cherry esters peeking out here and there. Dark chocolate and rich malt, along with vanilla and toasted marshmallow. Heavy roast and French roast coffee.”
Flavor: “Rich and slightly sweet cocoa powder, with something approaching the perceived tartness of cherries. Lots of chocolate, with a bit of vanilla and oak. The medium dark roast helps to dry things out, but the sweetness carries through and fades at the end of the sip, making way for a bit of bitterness and alcohol on the finish. The velvety body drives this beer, heightening the chocolaty base, and accentuating the vanilla barrel character. Well balanced.”
Overall: “This is a really nice beer. The roast and tartness play off each other well, but the flavors are kind of overpowering. The alcohol becomes slightly harsh as it warms. The beer and barrel are in great balance—neither outshines the other, and that makes for a pleasant drinking experience.”
