Epic Brewing Company was founded by David Cole and Peter Erickson in Salt Lake City, Utah during 2008. This was just after the state of Utah revised its law against brewing and selling ‘strong beer’ commercially. Prior to the modification, breweries could only brew up to 4% ABV for their beers. Once this was amended, Cole and Erickson jumped at the opportunity to start the craft beer scene in Utah and beyond. Like many successful craft breweries, when the demand exceeded the original supply the company had to expand. That’s exactly what Epic did by establishing a second location in Denver, Colorado in 2013. Even with the expansion, Epic continues to stay true to its initial focus of producing small batch and experimental brews. The added space has allowed Epic to dive deeper into its sour line of beers and barrel-aged program. This segues nicely into the beer review for today, the Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout aged in whiskey barrels. Now, onto the review.
Epic Brewing – Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout (9.9% ABV)
Release # 28 – Brewed 9/9/2013, bottled on 1/29/2014. Brewed in Denver (Den #1558).
Appearance – little to no head but for what was there it was a light mocha tint, midnight black in color, could not see through the glass
Aroma – tons of chocolate, strong coffee, hints of vanilla bean
Mouthfeel – full body, very coffee forward, nice bitterness from the three hop varieties (Nugget, Chinook and Cascade), rich and smooth for a 9.9%
Taste – sweet and smooth, little whiskey notes that come through the coffee and chocolate, chocolate throughout that complements the coffee, bits of charred flavor from the whiskey barrel, slight vanilla notes
Finish – doesn’t linger long on the pallet but oh so flavorful, smooth not overly boozy, little whiskey aftertaste
Personal recommendation for fooding pairings: coffee crusted beef tenderloin, maple bread pudding, cheese cake, vanilla ice cream, really any dessert.
Overall: 9.6/10
I can’t consider myself a stout connoisseur, but I know a great one when I have it. This was indeed a world class stout. Huge notes of coffee, lovely chocolate waves that permeate through, all coming together to make a smooth and powerful brew. If you can get your hands on this one (#28), or any batch, don’t hesitate – this one is a keeper. It can be aged for quite sometime as well. This one was in the cellar for a little less than a year, probably would be safe to sit for a few years or more.
Cheers!
bitesnpints 