Weyerbacher Heresy

Brewed by Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
Style: Imperial Stout
Easton, Pennsylvania USA

This particular beer got her name because, having supped the supple divinity that is the Old Heathen from Weyerbacher, to do anything to change this liquid nectar would be nothing short of heretical. Hence, the bastard offspring of the Weyerbacher Old Heathen is named, thusly so, Heresy. He is anything but bastardly or heretical; choosing instead the higher path of inspiration by surrendering himself to the magical wiles of oak barrels. Not oak chips; we are talking the real deal here. Coming from Weyerbacher, I expect nothing short of heaven descended.

He poured deep silky black into my awaiting chalice which trembles just a bit, my hands a-tremor with barely suppressed excitement. A soft chocolate head settles like mousse which leaves no lace despite some treacherous aggravation. Instead, he lets loose a full assault of aromas of sweet oaky woody chocolate decadence to humble the most gilded of delicacies. Milky sweet with the freshest vanilla root. Dry and crumbly. Soft truffle nougat with a delicate powder dusting. The perfect measure of charred wood and burnt chocolate leads into espresso and licorice while juicy prunes and dates give meat to his center. Cinnamon sticks and nutmeg provide spice as I lay smitten, tilting her sinful depths to caress lips moist with desire. Smooth and creamy, my lips and mouth are coated in creamy milk chocolates highlighted by vanilla, spice, and lingering long in my breath with chocolate dusted truffles oozing a warm caramel nougat center. I can definitely taste the wood which fully permeates his palate without overpowering. As my chest starts to warm, I contemplate his center of temptation which has possessed my palate and refuses to let go. All right; you shall hear no complaints from me. A touch of earth and more charred barrels coated in chocolate and espresso wrap up our exotically sensual escapade, and it is with aching sorrow I bid farewell.

Thankfully, I have a couple more bottles in my fridge; but bear in mind, the Heresy from Weyerbacher is a seasonal release so grab her while you can. Twelve long months is twelve months too long to wait for this beautiful beer. It seems almost heretical to call it Heresy considering he is anything except, but who am I to argue. I’d rather surrender and sup.

Bottle. Inky black pour with no head. few bubbles give away the carbonation. roasty aroma of coffee and bourbon. light vanilla flavor to begin, with the coffee and bourbon leading to a light and dry finish. little bit of chocolate on the end

On tap at Coles, Buffalo NY. Pours apitch dark black. Aromas of vanilla, light oak & bourbon, chocolate. Taste is bourbony sweet with notes of vanilla cream, light oak, slightly burnt roasted malts. Thicker creamy mouth feel. Vanilla aspect seems to dominate the bourbon & oak to me. Still prety damn good

12oz. Pour is deep black with a frothy brown head. Aromas of vanilla, roasted malts, coffee, and oak. Flavor is packed with roasted malts, slight soy sauce, vanilla, wood, and a boozy alcohol hit. I dont see where the burbon is. I thought this was aged in barrels??? Thats my only let down here.

22 oz bomber. Thick black pour wtih a thin brown head. Aroma of chocolate, malt and burnt sugar. Taste of burnt almonds, chocolate, coffee, and faint whiskey. Nice full finish.

Bottle. Thin chocolate head that subsides quickly atop an obsidian body with copper highlights. Aroma is caramel, slight butterscotch, strong roast, some dark chocolate, strong vanilla, coffee bean and espresso notes, dark fruits, and bourbon oak. Flavor is robust caramel, light butterscotch, vanilla, wonderfully strong roast, dark chocolate, vanilla, slightly fruity, bourbon, and oak. Fine carbonation in the palate is not only refreshing but complementary to the alcohol which you feel on the back of your palate more than you actually taste it, and the body is beautifully smooth and complex.

Bottle. This bottle stands out on a shelf. Not a bad choice, definitely a solid imperial stout. Would like to see how this beer holds up with age.

Got this beer about 6 weeks ago at Sam’s in Chicago. Nice stuff. Poured with an off-white to light tan head and a bit of lace. Opaque brown. Heavy dark chocolate aroma rounded out with coffee, toffee, caramel, malt, barest hint of hop. Flavor’s similar. Body is good- natural carbonation, decent mouth. finish is easy. Session beer but for the sneaky alcohol.