Drakes Violet’s Transformation

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

Serve in Snifter

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On tap at Beer Revolution in Oakland. It pours black and oily with only a smattering of brown bubbles. The aroma is very tart and vinous with a rich, decadent, port like nose. Berries, chocolate, and some dry barrel notes stand out. The flavor is really great with with the port barrel shining through brilliantly without overpowering the beer. Not much roast until the very finish, which is only medium bitter/roasted. It has a slick, oily body that goes down easily. The complexity of the berries, sherry, and port qualities come out as it warms up. The barrel treatment is done to near perfection here. Very subtle, yet it definitely enhances the experience. I wish Drakes would do more of these barrel aged stouts and barleywines as they all seem to be really really good.