Departed Spirit

Is this a dark bourbon aged in a stout barrel? No, it's the other way around. Big whiskey vapors waft from the glass, backed by nuances of blueberry, blackberry, roasted malts, light espresso, dark cherries, vanilla and allspice. Don't even try to see through this black, opaque ale that's topped off by creamy, tight, dark tan foam. Upon the first sip, whiskey and oak deliver a sharp slap to the palate, pursued by roasted and chocolate malt character, alcohol, and hints of rye, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Complex, creamy, warming and smooth with a moderately full, rich mouthfeel that seems a bit thinner in body than one might expect, this ranks as a dangerous, drinkable, alluring brew with a whiskey presence that may be a bit over-the-top.