Greenbush Brewing Co.
Delusion (Imperial Cream Stout Aged In Rye Whiskey Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Michigan
11.7%
12oz, Single
$6.99
Modest half finger head, during the pour it looks like it might not develop but covers the full surface, more brown than dark tan, for what it starts from has good retention, leaves a broad residue across the glass with plus level stickiness. Big nose that wafts up out of the glass with sugary vanilla, coconut custard, butterscotch, milk chocolate, heavy cream, glazed nuts, just about the whole kitchen sink, some plum to prune fruitiness but this all about the confectionary qualities. In the mouth it's full-bodied and velvety smooth in a layered fashion which sinks into the palate. The carbonation provides a tiny bit of tingle but can't match the overall weight. The intensity of the chocolate, cola bean, vanilla bean, anise to butterscotch is impressive. The milkiness dampened any boozy heat which might linger from the whiskey barrels, the roast likewise seems tamed by some aging. As in the nose, not a lot of fruit presence, the same prune to fig. You keep coming back to the sheer depth of the milk cream and chocolate, relentless. Given the high level of sweetness can't call it balanced but it does drink evenly and, again, smoothly.
4 out of 5