Beer Review: Peruvian Morning

Reviewing the Peruvian Morning from Central Waters Brewing Company.
Score: 92

2012 vintage bottle (January 2012) served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 01/27/12.

Appearance: Pitch black color, opaque, with a thin later of brown highlights atop the glass and tiny ruby highlights at the bottom. Pours a half finger of creamy tan colored head that recedes into a thin ring around the glass. Average lacing with some decent cling. Lacing is a little oily. 4/5

Smell: Chocolately bourbon and light coffee. Brown sugar, campfire marshmallows, raisin creamy chocolate, tiramissu, vanilla extract, and roasted coffee. The bourbon flavors are kinda sweet and very smooth. A little shortbread cookie. Faint alcohol notes as the beer reaches room temperature. 4.5/5

Taste: Liquid tiramissu. Some super smooth, mellow bourbon, vanilla, brown sugar, raisin/fig, and creamy chocolate. Quite drinkable. Not tasting any coffee. Light alcohol warming effect as the beer warms. Increasing "straight bourbon" flavors in the finish as the beer warms, throwing off some of the balance. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-minus bodied, no carbonation. A little thin and watery for the style. Smooth, slightly sweet finish. 3.5/5

Overall: An absolutely delicious barrel aged stout that is slightly undermined by an overly watery mouthfeel. More flavorful as it warms, but the beer tastes better and is more balanced when it is 50 degrees. Drink this one on the colder side of cellar temp.

Recommendation: Worth seeking out. This is a very balanced barrel aged beer (at least until it reaches room temperature).

Pairings: Dark chocolate fondue.

Cost: $11.99 for a four pack.