hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Brewers Reserve Society

Tap to rate

The 2025 blend combines rye and bourbon casks aged 2.5 to 3.5 years, set on heaps of chocolate and an assortment of vanilla beans, then finished with a light dusting of cinnamon. The brewery tastes waves of chocolate with vanilla, ending in chocolate, bourbon and cinnamon. It is listed at 14% ABV, and a 2024 version exists.

ABV
14%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark40
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
chocolatevanillaspicy
chocolate
vanilla
spicy
roasted
coffee
dark fruit
Aroma
The nose opens with rich layers of dark chocolate and roasted grain, followed by distinct vanilla notes that speak to years spent in oak and bourbon casks.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Brewers Reserve Society

◎ Appearance

Deep mahogany to near-black hue with a viscous, dark brown body that clings to the glass. A dense, tan foam head settles into fine lacing that traces the walls with each sip. The beer presents opaque and substantial, befitting its high alcohol content and extended barrel aging.

deep mahoganyopaquedense headviscous body

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with rich layers of dark chocolate and roasted grain, followed by distinct vanilla notes that speak to years spent in oak and bourbon casks. Beneath these primary impressions lie warm spice—cinnamon and clove—intertwined with subtle coffee undertones and hints of dark stone fruit. The alcohol presence is warm but well-integrated, adding depth without harsh spirits dominance.

chocolatevanilla oakwarm spiceroasted grain

◐ Taste

The palate enters with waves of bittersweet chocolate that coat the mouth fully, followed by creamy vanilla and pronounced bourbon warmth from the cask aging. Mid-palate reveals layers of roasted malt complexity and a gentle cinnamon spice that builds gradually. The finish begins dry with lingering chocolate and oak tannins, transitioning to a warming bourbon note with persistent cinnamon aftertaste.

bittersweet chocolatevanilla caskbourbon warmthspiced finish

◑ Finish

A long, warming finish that unfolds over several minutes with evolving notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and bourbon. The alcohol heat mellows into a pleasant warmth that encourages contemplation rather than aggressive heat.

sustained finishwarming alcoholchocolate bourbon fade
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
90
Taste
92
Appearance
85
Finish
88
Serve at 13–16°C

Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Can be cellared 2–5 years. Develops dark fruit, leather and port-like complexity with age.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Brewers Reserve Society

More from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company

Assassin
Assassin
Imperial Stout
14.7%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Assassin Bramble
Assassin Bramble
Imperial Stout
13.4%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Assassin Muerte Dulce
Assassin Muerte Dulce
Imperial Stout
13.6%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Assassin Rye Double
Assassin Rye Double
Imperial Stout
14.5%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Assassin Vanilla Bean
Assassin Vanilla Bean
Imperial Stout
12.1%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Aurora
Aurora
Imperial Stout
14.5%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Caramel Apple Fandango
Citrus Sue
Citrus Sue
Pale Ale
5.2%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →

About Imperial Stout

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Imperial Stout?

Stouts are dark ales with roasted barley character, 4–8% ABV and IBU 25–45. Expect coffee, dark chocolate and toast flavors with a creamy body and dry finish.

Finding a similar Imperial Stout

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same chocolate, vanilla, rich character as Brewers Reserve Society will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Imperial Stout beers in hopIQ →New to Imperial Stout? Read our guide →Browse United States beers →