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Had a bit of the Boulder Killer Penguin Barleywine tonight in addition to some EvilTwin Big Ass Money Stout.



Hot takes/first impressions:

Killer Penguin is a much more palatable "contemplative tipple on a cold winter night". It is a nice barleywine that came out of nowhere for me (only bought it initially because it was on sale). Strong with notes of candied/dark fruit and sweet malt with maybe a touch of toast and toffee in there. Kind of a caramel-y note lingering in the finish. Hides the 10% ABV well, although I am drinking a 2018 vintage so maybe it aged a bit on the shelf. Never been out to their facility so I have never had the stuff fresh.

BAMS is an odd one. I like Imp Stouts and I stowed this one away for aging months ago. I was hoping to give it a bit more time but a newer entry displaced it in the locker. Sweet, heavy, and thick are the watchwords for this one. Pours like motor oil, sits in the mouth like a runny cream, and it is almost cloyingly sweet. There is roasted malt to be had throughout, and some pleasant notes of bittersweet chocolate as well, but the molasses and caramel sweet malt notes get a bit too assertive towards the finish. Also might be one of those occasions when alcohol is so strong as to be perceived as additive sweetness on the palate (17% ABV). I'll be honest; every other sip of this I found myself very distracted by the overarching sweetness of the brew. It was an enjoyable imp stout to explore, but clearly designed to be shared among 2-3 people in mini snifters on a chilly night (possibly as a pairing partner with a sweet dessert). Won't be getting this one again for my purposes, but it you are looking for something strong and sweet to share with good company at the end of the night then this might be the ticket.