Caribbean Chocolate Cake - Barrel Aged 2020
Siren Craft Brew in Finchampstead, Berkshire, England 🏴
Collab with: Cigar City BrewingStout - Imperial Special Out of Production
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Score
7.26
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It just wouldn’t be a complete collection without utilising the skills of barrel manager Steve, and of course, some of the finest oak barrels in our cellar. The art of ageing in wood vs spinning on wood comes with subtle differences that we love to explore, not least in this project. As soon as last year’s CCC barrels were emptied ready for release, we immediately re-filled with fresh beer to begin the journey of the 2020 vintage. The Buffalo Trace bourbon and rye barrels impart all kinds of spice, caramel and spirit notes, along with a delicate vanilla note and some tannins from the oak. We then spin the beer after it’s been aged, this brings us a fresh vibrancy of flavour and aroma to the beautifully matured beer.
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7.2/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 8
Flavor 7
Texture 6
Overall 7
Can. Nose is dark chocolate, raisin, bourbon, vanilla, cacao nibs, caramel, light fudge, hint of marshmallow, brown sugar. Taste is dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, fudge, strawberry, roast malt, light bourbon, cherry, hint of blackberry a little spice and oak in the pleasingly dry but chocolatey finish. Enjoyable but not as much as previous years. Not sure if it's me or the beer.
Tried
from Can
on 13 Dec 2020
at 22:25
8.2/10
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Appearance 10
Aroma 8
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 8
Can at home, from Siren online, 07/12/20. Pitch black with a handsome tan cap that stays to the end as a swirl. Nose is dark chocolate, raisins, cacao nibs, light coffee, dried fruits, molasses, barrel notes, dusty oak. Taste comprises chocolate dipped raisins, bourbon kiss, light spice, cocoa powder, fruit slice, light roasted bite. Medium bodied with punch, fine carbonation, semi drying close with a pleasant trace of a barrel and a light boosty spike. Solid easy drinking and well balanced BA affair.
Tried
from Can
on 07 Dec 2020
at 18:46
8/10
Tried
from Can
on 04 Dec 2020
at 20:14
8.1/10
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Appearance 10
Aroma 8
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 7.5
Black beer, thick brown head. Sweet, boozy aroma with chocolate and loads of malt. Flavours follows suit. Rich chocolate, malt a little spiciness, distinct bourbon as well but without being overpowering. Dried fruit and a little liquorice in there too. Really nicely balanced.
Tried
on 28 Nov 2020
at 23:57
8/10
Vanilla, barrel funk, chocolate, warming spice
Tried
from Can
on 28 Nov 2020
at 00:26