From Firestone Walker (Brewers of Nectar Ales) – Black Xantus will definitely be an “odd bird” with chocolate, espresso, bourbon aromas and flavors and over 10% alcohol by volume, a slight departure from the session beers that Nectar has been known for. Local Paso Robles area coffee roaster, Jobella, was sourced to provide the organic, fair-trade coffee infused into this special brew.

Nectar Ales (Brewed by Firestone Walker) – Black Xantus – 22 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 11% abv. (The graphic shows 13%, the bottle I have says 11)

Appearance: Pours a midnight brown with a sturdy 1/8 inch layer of tan froth a top.

Aroma: Mild whiffs of roasted malts, burnt malts and bourbon notes.

Taste: Bourbon whiskey, chocolate, roasted malts, burnt malts, and charred oak.

Mouthfeel: Creamy, fluffy, and moderately fizzy.

Overall: A balanced bourbon barrel aged beer.  The roast and the booze are in harmony. I know coffee is in this recipe, but I didn’t get much of that. I still very content despite not discovering explicit coffee notes.

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