Our Score: 99/100
Imperial Stout with a Luscious Mouthfeel: Perennial Artisan Ales BA Abraxas 2019
It would be easy to be swayed by the sheer scale of flavors that Perennial Artisan Ales are known to deliver and the BA Abraxas 2019 Imperial Stout is no exception. Aged for an impressive 15–17 months in rye whiskey barrels, the adjuncts of ancho chilies, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and vanilla beans are steeped to perfection into this heavyweight stout.
Irresistible Aroma: Perfect Score of 12
Upon popping the lid, your senses are immediately rewarded with a delightful aroma. The scent of prominent cocoa nibs combined with the rye whiskey creates a tantalizing experience that was simply a pleasure to take in. The blending of these ingredients produces a scent that is not just beautifully mixed, but also sets the stage for the captivating flavor to come.
Appearance That Intrigues: A Solid 3
The look of the BA Abraxas 2019 is as inviting as the scent. It’s a seductive visual treat that tempts you to take that first sip. The appeal of its aesthetic speaks volumes about the quality and effort that went into the brewing process.
Flavor That Lingers: An Impressive Score of 20
One sip of BA Abraxas 2019 is a journey of flavors in itself. The spice of chilies dances on your tongue, the sweet sincerity of cocoa nibs complements the essence beautifully, while the traces of cinnamon and vanilla beans round out a succulent taste. These adjuncts have blended together seamlessly and provide a graceful, lingering finish, characterized by a balance of bitter dark chocolate, sweet sugar stickiness, and the dry punch of rye whiskey. Perhaps most remarkable, given its potent mix of flavors, is that the alcohol is nearly undetectable. It truthfully is a very balanced and cohesive beer.
Smooth & Silky Mouthfeel: A Deserving 5
The mouthfeel of this brew is the cherry on top. It is exquisitely silky, laying a low-key umami expectation that carries over to the full-flavored body of the beer. It exists as a well-rounded beverage that manages to be both substantial and delicate simultaneously. The sensation of sipping BA Abraxas 2019 is as alluring as the taste itself. Renders a truly singular and incredible drinking experience.
Editors’ Thoughts
Woody chocolate and light spice notes on the nose lay a low-key umami expectation that carries through into the ultra-rich body. The sip is exquisitely silky and perfectly spiced, with thoroughly integrated cinnamon, peppers, whiskey, vanilla, coconut, and roast. Singularly incredible in execution. The Perennial Artisan Ales BA Abraxas 2019 truly delivers an immersive stout experience that will make an indelible impression. It is unquestionably worth savoring.
Flavors to come.
Rich and Luxurious Mouthfeel: Perfect Score of 12
As the name suggests, the BA Abraxas 2019 delivers a luscious mouthfeel that coats the palate with a rich and luxurious texture. The weighty body of the imperial stout, combined with the smoothness from the rye whiskey barrels, creates a velvety sensation that is both indulgent and satisfying. Each sip lingers on the tongue, allowing the flavors to fully develop and leaving a lasting impression.
Complex Flavor Profile: Score of 11
The flavor profile of this stout is nothing short of impressive. The combination of ancho chilies, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and vanilla beans creates a multi-dimensional taste experience. The initial sweetness from the cocoa nibs is balanced by the heat from the chilies, while the cinnamon and vanilla add depth and complexity. Each ingredient is perfectly integrated, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to delight the most discerning beer enthusiasts.
Overall Experience: Score of 12
Perennial Artisan Ales BA Abraxas 2019 is an exceptional imperial stout that delivers on all fronts. From its irresistible aroma to its rich mouthfeel and complex flavor profile, this beer offers a truly indulgent experience. The aging in rye whiskey barrels adds another layer of depth and sophistication. With a near-perfect score of 99/100, this stout is a must-try for any beer lover.
Image Source: Perennial Artisan Ales
COMMENT: The Perennial Artisan Ales BA Abraxas 2019 is a top-notch imperial stout with a luscious mouthfeel and a complex flavor profile. It delivers on all fronts, from its irresistible aroma to its rich and luxurious texture. The aging in rye whiskey barrels adds an additional layer of depth to this already impressive beer. With a near-perfect score of 99/100, it is definitely a must-try for beer enthusiasts.
Flavors that are to come. The perfect score of 12 for the aroma is well-deserved and sets high expectations for the taste.
A Luxurious Mouthfeel: Perfect Score of 12
This Imperial Stout lives up to its promise of a luscious mouthfeel. The combination of the rich, velvety texture and the lingering warmth from the rye whiskey barrels envelops your palate in a truly luxurious experience. The addition of ancho chilies adds a subtle, yet distinct, spiciness that adds depth to the overall mouthfeel. The perfect score of 12 for the mouthfeel is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail put into this beer.
Complex Flavor Profile: Score of 11
The flavor profile of Perennial Artisan Ales BA Abraxas 2019 is nothing short of exceptional. The blending of ancho chilies, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and vanilla beans creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. The sweetness from the cocoa and vanilla is balanced beautifully by the spice of the chilies and cinnamon. The rye whiskey barrels add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. While not a perfect score, a score of 11 for the flavor is still highly impressive and reflects the incredible craftsmanship of this beer.
Overall, Perennial Artisan Ales BA Abraxas 2019 is a standout Imperial Stout. With its exceptional aroma, luxurious mouthfeel, and complex flavor profile, it is easy to see why it scores a remarkable 99 out of 100. This beer is a true masterpiece for stout lovers and is a must-try for anyone looking for a beer that delivers on all fronts.