Style: BA Dessert Stout

ABV: 15.7 IBU: 55.0

97/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 19
Mouthfeel: 4

Westbound & Down Opulence

What the brewers say

"Seventeen months in Heaven Hill Barrels, with extended aging on ... Madagascar vanilla beans."

What our panel thought

"Aroma of espresso, dark chocolate, toasted nuts, mild oak, and vanilla. Lighter notes of currant, raisin, cherry. Deep flavor of dark chocolate, espresso, biscuit, toast. Compelling barrel vanillin and oak."

What our editors thought

"Stroopwafel-caramel with huge, sharp vanilla nose—intense, uncompromising. The sip dives into more familiar chocolate-bourbon territory, eschewing edgier notes for straightforward whiskey and roast."

Review printed in: Stout: More than Just Desserts (Oct-Nov 2020) (View All Issues)


REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Dry Dock Sour Apricot

**Aroma:** “Strong apricot nose that’s near perfection, with a touch of pear, apple, and banana. Some tart lemony lactic notes blend nicely with the light malt sweetness.” **Flavor:** “Very juicy, with overpowering fruit flavors—mostly apricot, but with moderate banana and pear. Moderate lemon-rind acidic notes are between lactic and malic and are enough to balance the sweetness. There’s a light touch of wheat and very light noble hops note, with mouth-filling carbonation, and a lingering fruity aftertaste.” **Overall:** “This is a strongly apricot fruit sour with moderate acidity, big body, and a touch of wheat and malt notes. It’s a great sour if you really like apricot and want a slightly tart beer without significant funk.”

Westbound & Down Brewing Company Beyond Opulence

“Marshmallow nose with deep vanilla and dark chocolate in the background. On the tongue, a hunk of chocolate flavors followed by sweet, creamy vanilla. Dark chocolate and light earthy tobacco play nicely.”

Birds Fly South Empress Rising: Red Wine

Pleasant, mellow nose: high roast, dark chocolate, oak, brown sugar, dark stone fruit. Complex flavor: juicy dark fruit, raisin, port, dark cocoa, coffee. Thick mouthfeel, low carbonation. Immense character.

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