Mortalis — Kratos Barrel Aged Red Wax

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Kratos Red Wax pours pitch black with a dense mocha crown, releasing aromas of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and warm bourbon-soaked oak. The palate unfolds in layers: rich vanilla bean and charred barrel staves give way to notes of caramel, toasted coconut, and a whisper of coffee. Mortalis showcases its barrel program with seamless bourbon warmth weaving through fudgy cocoa and a hint of maple sweetness. The finish is long and decadent, marshmallow-soft yet anchored by dark roast bitterness and lingering oak tannin, embodying the strength its mythological namesake commands.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with bourbon-vanilla whipped cream to mirror the stout’s cocoa and barrel character. Alternatively, serve alongside a slow-braised short rib with caramelized onions, where the beer’s roasted malt depth and bourbon warmth complement the dish’s savory richness and char.

About Mortalis Brewing Company

Mortalis Brewing Company was founded in 2016 in Avon, New York, quickly establishing itself as one of the most sought-after names in American craft brewing. The brewery has built its reputation on an unwavering commitment to producing exceptional barrel-aged stouts and innovative fruit-forward sour ales that push the boundaries of contemporary beer making. Mortalis operates with a philosophy centered on small-batch production and meticulous attention to detail, utilizing extensive barrel aging programs and carefully selected adjuncts to create complex, layered flavor profiles.

The brewery’s imperial stouts, often aged in bourbon and whiskey barrels with additions ranging from vanilla and coffee to coconut and cacao, have garnered a devoted following among craft beer enthusiasts. Their fruited sour ales showcase similar craftsmanship, incorporating substantial amounts of real fruit to achieve vibrant, authentic flavors. Mortalis has become particularly known for their limited releases and special collaborations, with their beers regularly commanding significant attention in the secondary market. The brewery’s dedication to quality over quantity and their willingness to experiment with unconventional ingredients has solidified their position as an innovative force in the modern American craft beer landscape.