Dead & Berried

◎ Appearance

Deep black-brown body with minimal light penetration, characteristic of the 68 SRM rating. A thin tan head forms on the pour but recedes quickly, leaving modest Schaumkleiden along the glass walls. The beer presents nearly opaque in the glass, with only the slightest ruby highlights visible at the rim when held to light.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with rich roasted cocoa and espresso, immediately followed by dark berry undertones and subtle oak influence from bourbon-barrel maturation. Vanilla and toasted coconut emerge beneath the coffee foundation, while caramelized malt sweetness rounds out the aromatic profile without dominating. There is warmth from the elevated alcohol, but it remains restrained and integrated rather than assertive.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with bold chocolate and coffee notes that coat the mouth fully. Dark berry fruit carries through the mid-palate, interwoven with caramel sweetness and bourbon-derived vanilla and toasted coconut character. The 57 IBU provides structured bitterness that balances rather than dominates, sitting beneath layers of malt sweetness and allowing the fruit and barrel character to shine through to the finish.

◑ Finish

Warming and lingering, the finish carries chocolate and berry notes alongside residual vanilla and oak. The alcohol presence becomes more apparent as the beer warms in the glass, adding a pleasant heat that invites contemplation rather than rapid consumption.