Our Score: 99/100
Breakside Brewery & Taproom The Trappings and The Suits of Woe
After much anticipation, I finally had the pleasure of tasting Breakside Brewery & Taproom’s The Trappings and The Suits of Woe, an Imperial milk stout aged in a harmonious blend of bourbon, American whiskey and Nocino barrels. As a fan of stouts aged in bourbon barrels, I had high hopes and to say that my expectations weren’t just met but were shattered would be an understatement.
The brewers at Breakside have carved out a unique niche for themselves, with their attention to detail, creative use of ingredients, and most importantly, a steadfast commitment to quality. This dedication is apparent in every sip of The Trappings and The Suits of Woe.
The First Sip
The moment you pour this stout, you are greeted by a creamy, rich, almost intimidating dark brown liquid, earning a score of 3 for its appearance. There’s a certain boldness that’s hard to ignore, setting the stage for the robust symphony of flavors that are set to follow.
The Aroma – 12/12
The aroma is something to write home about. As soon as you bring the glass to your nose, you are greeted by a rich and deep roast-forward aroma, backed by assertive oak and whiskey. This wonderful bouquet is further complemented by deep chocolate and light raisin notes, which playfully hint at the rich tapestry of flavors you are about to experience. Considering these characteristics, the beer truly earned the given score of 12 for its aroma.
The Flavor – 20/20
The real magic of The Trappings and The Suits of Woe lies in its flavors. It’s like a Frankenstein of all the good parts of your favorite drinks. You get the rich, creamy sweetness from the Imperial milk stout, the deep, complex notes from the bourbon and whiskey barrel aging, layered with very light smoke and an almost-maple booziness. The stout strikes the perfect balance between a strong, dominating flavor profile and a smooth finish which is quite remarkable for a beverage with such an assertive personality. The Flavor is undoubtedly a 20 on 20.
Mouthfeel – 5/5
The beer’s rich, chewy, and creamy texture is a joy. It is coercion and co-operation all at once, forcing your taste buds to surrender to the onslaught of flavors while simultaneously creating a harmonious experience. The Trappings and The Suits of Woe commands a full 5 in the category of mouthfeel.
To round off my experience, The Trappings and The Suits of Woe left me with a finish that is at once boozy, smooth, and pleasingly rich. It’s the kind of finish that makes you savor each sip, appreciating the taste long after it graces your palate.
Conclusion
Breakside Brewery & Taproom’s The Trappings and The Suits of Woe is a meticulous masterpiece. It’s a must-try for beer enthusiasts. It’s a bold, complex, yet remarkably balanced beverage that any discerning drinker would appreciate. A near-perfect 99/100 is well-deserved and any negatives critiqued are mere nitpicks shoehorned in for the sake of balance.
G truly exquisite. As soon as you bring the glass to your nose, you’re met with the enticing scent of roasted malt, chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of oak from the barrels. It’s a complex and intoxicating aroma that immediately captivates your senses and leaves you eager to take that first sip.
The Flavor – 25/25
From the very first sip, you’re transported to a world of rich, decadent flavors. The combination of the creamy texture, the notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and subtle hints of caramel and bourbon create a symphony of flavors that dance and linger on your palate. The balance of sweetness and bitterness is perfection, making each sip a moment of pure bliss.
The Finish – 10/10
The finish is long and satisfying, leaving behind a warm, lingering feeling. The smoothness of the beer is complemented by a subtle boozy warmth from the barrel aging process. It’s a finish that makes you want to savor every moment and relish in the experience.
Overall Impression
Breakside Brewery & Taproom’s The Trappings and The Suits of Woe is an exceptional beer that deserves every bit of praise it receives. The craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating this stout is evident in every aspect, from its appearance to its aroma, flavor, and finish. It’s a beer that demands to be savored and appreciated, and is a true testament to the artistry and passion of the brewers at Breakside.
With a score of 99/100, I can confidently say that The Trappings and The Suits of Woe is an absolute masterpiece and a must-try for any beer lover. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this exceptional brew for yourself.
G truly special. Notes of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak waft through the air, enticing you to take that first sip. The complexity of the aroma is a testament to the careful selection of barrels and the skillful blending of flavors.
The Taste – 28/28
From the moment the liquid touches your tongue, you know you’re in for a treat. Each sip reveals layers of flavors, from the smooth sweetness of the milk stout to the warming embrace of bourbon and whiskey. The Nocino barrels add a subtle nuttiness, elevating the taste to a whole new level. The balance of flavors is impeccable, making it a truly enjoyable experience from start to finish.
The Finish – 4/4
The finish is long and lingering, with a comforting warmth that spreads throughout your body. The flavors dance on your palate, leaving you wanting more. It’s a finish that begs you to savor every last drop.
Overall – 52/52
The Trappings and The Suits of Woe is a masterpiece of a beer. From its enticing aroma to its complex flavors and impeccable finish, it’s a beer that demands attention. Breakside Brewery & Taproom has truly outdone themselves with this creation. If you’re a fan of bold, rich stouts, this is a beer you cannot miss. It’s a perfect score in my book, and I can’t wait to taste what Breakside Brewery & Taproom comes up with next.
Score: 99/100
This comment is a glowing review of Breakside Brewery & Taproom’s The Trappings and The Suits of Woe, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial milk stout. The reviewer praises the attention to detail, creative use of ingredients, and commitment to quality shown by the brewery. They describe the appearance of the stout as rich and inviting, while the aroma is noted for its complexity and enticing blend of flavors. The taste is described as a symphony of flavors, with a perfect balance and an enjoyable finish. Overall, the beer is hailed as a masterpiece and the review concludes with a perfect score of 99/100.