Cerebral Vanilla Here Be Monsters

LOC: Denver, Colorado ABV: 13.1% | IBUS: N/A | SRM: N/A

What the brewer says

“Brewed with Maris Otter and copious amounts of English chocolate and crystal malt. Aged twelve months in Woodford Reserve barrels, then conditioned on Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Bold, rich vanilla up front, with a hint of sweet tobacco, followed closely by bourbon, notes of caramel and toffee, and a crystal and chocolate malt sweetness.” Flavor: “Very creamy, sweet, and barrel forward. Medium toasty bitterness with smooth warming after each sip. Cookie batter–like flavor with heavy vanilla and sweetness. Like bourbon-infused, espresso fudge brownies, with chocolate ganache. Unreal finish, with vanilla and bourbon lingering nicely. As it warms, the barrel comes out, revealing rich fruit character.” Overall: “This beer epitomizes all of the best characteristics of the style, with an amazing representation of the base beer, vanilla, and barrel character. Incredible!” 98 AROMA: 12 APPEARANCE: 3 FLAVOR: 19 MOUTHFEEL: 4 OVERALL: 10