Humboldt Brewing 'Black Xantus' Imperial Stout

Humboldt Brewing 'Black Xantus' Imperial Stout. 11% abv. 60 IBU. Black in color. Two fingers of thick mocha head. Sustaining head gradually recedes to a reliable collar. Outstanding retention and lacing. Nose of port, bourbon, ground coffee, bitter dark fruit. 

Front taste of dark sweet malt, red wine berries, burnt brown sugar, wood notes and bourbon ribbon underneath throughout. Aftertaste is sweet black coffee, bittersweet berries, treacle, hot and dry finish. Full body. Mouthfeel is hot, boozy, thick, syrupy, clingy, astringent sustain.

This is an extraordinary beer, a decadent barrel-aged beast that manages to be sweet, savory, and boozy all at once. The bourbon is certainly there throughout, as are heavy wine and coffee flavors, all thick and sweet with a vapory dry finish. I've been craving BBA's lately, and this is certainly a keeper. This big beer makes me want to have another, and to explore the rest of the lineup from Humboldt. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Our Imperial Stout is infused with fair-trade, organic coffee from a local roaster, Jobella, and aged for 6 months in a combination of Bourbon, retired Firestone Union and wine barrels. Black Xantus packs a powerful punch. Hungry? This brew would go great with dessert… or as dessert."

[source: humboldtbrewingco.com]