Delafield Brandy Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout

On tap at Delafield Brewhaus. Poured near black with a creamy, dark brown head.. looked like a 5, but the head receded too quickly. The aroma found sweet brandy nearly perfectly integrated with semi-sweet and sweeter chocolates.. warmth brought out another layer of vinous notes, toasted, lightly-smoked caramel, and vanilla.. WOW! The flavor followed up the nose well, with rich, sweeter chocolates and vanilla gently gliding over the tip of the tongue.. brandy gives a subtle vinous impression, and the oak and vanilla from the barrel fill out the sides.. the back-end had a cool sweet/spicy contrast, lightly amplified by a warming alcohol presence. On the sweet end of the spectrum on the palate and remarkably balanced.. creamy carbonation. This was just decadent.. like liquefying a rich, bad-ass chocolate cake!