Bourbon Barrel-Aged Wake Up Dead

◎ Appearance

Deep black-brown color with minimal translucency, characteristic of a full-bodied Imperial Stout. A modest tan head forms and recedes quickly, leaving thin streaks of lacing on the glass. The body presents dense and opaque, with low carbonation evident in the slow rise of bubbles.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with prominent dark chocolate and toasted oak notes, underscored by vanilla sweetness from the bourbon barrel aging. Roasted malts provide depth, while subtle coffee and dark fruit undertones emerge beneath the warming alcohol vapors. The barrel character dominates without overshadowing the underlying stout foundation.

◐ Taste

The palate enters with smooth chocolate and oak tannins, followed by a rich, full-bodied mid-palate that balances sweetness with roasted grain character. Vanilla and bourbon notes weave through, while dark fruit and coffee provide subtle complexity. The 13.7% ABV creates a warming alcohol presence without harshness, and 65 IBUs deliver moderate bitterness that frames rather than dominates.

◑ Finish

The finish is long and warming, with residual chocolate and oak lingering on the palate. Slight drying tannins and alcohol warmth persist, inviting sips from a goblet to appreciate the complexity's gradual fade.