Style: Stout (Barrel-aged)

ABV: 14.0

86/100

Aroma:	11
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	18
Mouthfeel:	4

Solemn Oath Brewery The Black Corridor

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What the brewers say

Double Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout which spent ten months in Willet bourbon barrels and an additional six months in Weller bourbon barrels. After barrel-aging, the beer is laid down for an additional six weeks to bottle condition. This process produces minimal carbonation which allows the depth and beauty of the barrel character to shine without the tinge of effervescence.

What our panel thought

Loads of dark chocolate, molasses, marshmallow, roast, and booze waft out of the glass not even pretending to hide the heft that it plans to send your way. Roast, char, and toast flavors are complimented by baker's chocolate, caramel, and a vanilla-like oakiness with a nice warming boozy character that emerges as things linger on the palate. The mouthfeel is full and slick, but the relative lack of carbonation leaves you looking for just a bit of structure.

What our editors thought

Nearly still with no noticeable head and an opaque black body. Dark chocolate, raspberry, a touch of balsamic, almond, leather, and heavy oak char in the aroma. Excessively sweet in the sip as big waves of coconut and almond with minimal bitterness hover on the palate with a gravity-defying weightlessness. It's an interesting experiment, but lacks the luxurious texture that makes this style irresistible.

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REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Solemn Oath Brewery Kidnapped By Vikings

“Fruit Stripe gum collides with citrus cannabis but on the medium end of the style. Finishes lean and dry. Light hint of alcohol carries that hop profile. Well-crafted and approachable.”

Fort George Brewery Chordata

The Bruery Black Tuesday

**Aroma:** “Bourbon! Burnt toast. I could just smell this all day … until I got thirsty. Great roast and nutty qualities with hints of coconut and awesome barrel character—big, boozy bourbon with loads of vanilla. Lots of oak, even with a touch of almond. Caramel malt sweetness and chocolate in excess.” **Flavor:** “Big bourbon notes with vanilla plus huge oaky tannins, chocolate, and caramel. Yeast character is subdued and clean. Hops are hiding in the wings. Tastes like Grandpa’s tobacco pipe smells—warm, comforting, and timeless. Definite bourbon and vanilla sweetness and oak character.” **Overall:** “Such a wonderful beer. The alcohol is no joke, but it’s rich, complex, and sweet. Barrel character complements and balances the base beer. The boozy quality helps to make this beer and builds in layers with the sweet vanilla, bourbon, and chocolate.”

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