The Bruery Chocolate Rain 2019 | Imperial Stout

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

4.4Untappd

The Bruery Chocolate Rain (2019) pours a near-opaque jet black with the faintest dark-brown corona at the edges. Head retention is minimal — a thin mocha-tinted ring dissipates quickly, as is expected at this extraordinary 19.2% ABV. On the nose, the aromatics are immediately enveloping: rich bittersweet chocolate leads, followed by waves of bourbon-soaked oak, fresh vanilla pod, dark roasted malt, and a subtle undercurrent of dried fruit and molasses. The palate is a study in decadent excess — the mouthfeel is full, slightly viscous and coating, with low carbonation that allows every layer to linger. Sweetness is prominent but never cloying, anchored by deep milk-chocolate and toffee notes, a whisper of dark cherry, and the unmistakable warmth of bourbon.

Bitterness is restrained, serving mainly to balance the richness. The finish is long, warming, and gently drying, with oak and vanilla persisting well after the sip. Despite the staggering alcohol content, this is a remarkably integrated beer that rewards patient sipping and careful cellaring. Collectors and imperial stout enthusiasts will find the 2019 vintage a definitive showcase of The Bruery’s craft. More ratings and tasting notes can be found on the beer’s Untappd page at https://untappd.com/b/the-bruery-chocolate-rain-2019/3155532.

Food Pairing

The Bruery Chocolate Rain 2019 imperial stout pairs magnificently with a flourless dark chocolate torte — the beer’s vanilla and bourbon notes amplify the dessert’s intensity without overpowering it. That for a savoury contrast, aged Comté or a bold blue cheese such as Roquefort echoes the beer’s richness and oak character while the high ABV cuts cleanly through the fat, making for an unforgettable tasting experience.

The Bruery Chocolate Rain (2019)