“Master Clown Shoes began to feel despair. What was he doing? What’s the point and what’s the purpose of it all? Where, how, could he find a way to fix himself? While lost in these dark thoughts, shockingly, the brewery came under attack! A giant four armed Luchador was tearing the building apart, batting aside or crushing workers in his path. Master Clown Shoes moved to defend his new home, taking a defensive stance as he peered into the face of the monster and he saw his nemesis.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Pours dense black and forms a two finger brown head which maintains its shape pretty well. Kinda wet but webbed lacing is left in its wake.

Aroma: The bourbon/barrels are displayed brilliantly…nice and direct but integrated well enough that the other magnificent aromatics have their say – vanilla/French oak, vinous fruits, cinnamon, black pepper, chipotle, licorice, red wine tannins and coffee. As it settles in we’re getting richer notes of molasses, charred malts and dark chocolate filling it out. Solid.

Flavour: Upfront it’s big and muscly, chock full of molasses, dark chocolate, bitter espresso and a light hint of chipotle. The oak (plus the hallmark vanilla accents) present nicely but the bourbon characters seem to have dropped off which is a shame. A gentle booze burn then charred malts set up for a long, bitter and roasty finish.

Mouthfeel: Fairly smooth, medium-full bodied, mild-moderate Co2. The 10.5% ABV comes through intermittently.

Overall: It somewhat reminds us of a cheaper, much younger and unrefined Hunahpu at times. The spice/chilli components could’ve done with a boost as could’ve the bourbon. There’s a few minor blemishes but it’s a fairly decent offering.