Drakes Dark Days Merlot Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Brewed by Drakes Brewing Company
Style: Imperial Stout
San Leandro, California USA

Serve in Snifter

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Draught at Rose and Crown during Drakes Night. Black with a thick tan head. The aroma is slightly sour and funky with definite oak and chocolate, like very dark, almost sour chocolate. Lightly acetic. Still pretty malty though. The flavor is dry and tart with some malty chocolate and citrus fruitiness. Barely any alcohol or heat. Dry, sour finish. Still has plenty of body and smooth, creamy carbonation. Drakes has a weird habit of pulling out these crazy experiments from the vaults that seem to turn out pretty well in my experience. I would definitely take it over their regular imperial stout.

From tap at Rose and Crown. Pours pitch black with a small chocolate brown head. Aroma is dark malty and acidic. Distinct fruity from the barrels. Chemical and acetone like, dark malty and quite fruity note. Acidic and dry finish.

Pours almost black with no head. Tart vinous fruits in the nose with some chocolate as well. Same in the flavor with a sour influence and nice oak finish.

Tasted at Triple Rock. Black with a creamy light brown head. Nice chocolate, coffee, red wine, and mild sour fruit aroma and taste with a sticky palate. Quite good.