It’s been four years since this otherworldly stout burst out of our collective proverbial chests. Four years since the primally viscous first release ooze-snaked across the galaxy. This specialty imperial stout draws its huge flavor from wheat (that’s Wil, natch), pecans and bourbon barrels (two homages to Drew’s home of Kentucky) and Greg’s lifelong quest for pushing the limits of “why the hell not?” to make bigger, bolder beers. The result is a mind-blowing amalgamation of intense yet smooth flavors, perfect for a warm summer evening, a cozy winter’s night or the approaching destruction of the entire human race (be it externally or internally inflicted).
For this year’s bottle art, we were thrilled to entrust the task to heralded comic book writer and artist Walt Simonson. He was gracious enough to work with us in exchange for our donation to The Hero Initiative, a charity organization that provides retirement funds for golden-age comic book artists.
#w00tstout
Brewed with pecans, wheat & rye, one quarter aged in bourbon barrels
Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan
Tasting Notes
Appearance
A deep, opaque, brownish-black color with a creamy brown head.
Aroma
Intense cocoa and coffee with nutty coconut. Hints of licorice and loads of fruity fermentation esters. Bourbon, vanilla and oak follow.
Taste
Some cocoa, coffee and fruitiness up front. Midpalate, the bourbon barrel-aged portion of the beer is apparent, so oak, vanilla, nut and bourbon flavors transition to a slight alcohol heat and hoppy, bitter finish. As the beer warms, a nuttiness almost reminiscent of almonds starts coming through (but we used pecans!).
Palate
Thick and hearty. At 13 percent ABV, this beer is definitely a sipper. It is smooth and creamy, with a slightly warming and drying finish.
Overall
This beer is a monster. The flavors are a wonderful blend of everything that makes a great imperial stout, loaded with roasty notes and malty complexity. Brewing with rye and nuts always creates challenges for our brewing team, but they rose to the occasion with this one – it’s simply amazing.
Pairing Notes
Appetizers
Oysters on the half shell, mushroom Gruyère tarts, onion focaccia, devils on horseback
Soups
Butternut squash, French onion soup, Irish stew, New England clam chowder
Entrées
Coffee-rubbed porterhouse steak, blue cheese-stuffed portabella, fennel and leek risotto, lamb osso buco
Cheeses
Maytag Blue, Valley Shepherd Creamery Crema de Blue, Farmstead Gouda, Gorgonzola Dolce
Desserts
Licorice ice cream, brownies, German chocolate cake, coconut macaroons
Cigars
La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel, Illusione MJ12 Maduro, Rocky Patel Fifty Robusto, Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo Maduro
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