Style: Sour & Belgian-Style Stouts

ABV: 7.0

94/100

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

The Libertine Brewing Co. Stocking Stuffer

What the brewers say

“This wild stout is a continuation of our famous Christmas stout aged in spirit barrels for 12 months. This stout is tart with a smooth finish.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Beautiful vinous grape, cherry, and deep stone-fruit characters up front, with a nice rich citrus note to complement. A touch of vanilla underneath the fruity notes, with a great earthy, spicy, herbal background. Slight woody oak comes through after the bright acidity, and slight roast cuts through as it warms.”

Flavor: “Pronounced tart cherry sweet and sourness that’s balanced with stone-fruit flavors—apricot, plum, and pluot. A touch of malt complexity with a healthy amount of funk add to the experience. The barrel is restrained, adding just enough spiciness to add depth. Nice warming chocolate roast character in the back, with a woody character that’s earthy and lingering.”

Overall: “Intense flavors, but they don’t overpower. A great balance of acidity, funk, malt, and barrel that makes for an excellent beer. It really has some complexity that lends a lot of character.”

What our editors thought

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How We Review

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__Aroma:__ “A sweet smoky roast, with slight leather, wood, and tobacco notes. Fruity esters of cherry, prune, light lemon, blackberry, and currants. It has a slight tartness, almost sourdough character, with little-to-no hops profile.” __Flavor:__ “A healthy amount of tartness up front, with brown sugar and a vinous character that gives way to the roast character and bitterness. Malt complexity is there but secondary to the tartness. Creamy body and sweetness, which provide an incredible amount of depth and balance.” __Overall:__ “The sour acidity overwhelms the underlying roasty qualities. Not entirely ‘balanced,’ yet still inviting. Overall, a delicious beer that will force you to reckon with its intense, yet rounded flavors.”

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