Judge's Review: 94 Rating - Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout 2019 by Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout 2019 by Stone Brewing Co. is an Imperial Stout brewed with pecans, wheat and rye with a quarter aged in Bourbon barrels. Evaluated as a specialty wood-aged beer (2015 Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Category 33B) according to BJCP guidelines. For this style, one looks for an affinity between the base beer, pecans and Bourbon barrel characteristics. Stone’s W00tstout 2019, despite being heavy-handed, balances all three elements creating an event in a glass.

W00tstout 2019 aromas open with warm boozy molasses aromas followed by sweet rye, banana bread covered with semisweet chocolate, graham cracker crumbs and warm candied vanilla cinnamon pecans. The appearance is an appropriately light brown head with fine carbonation that persists on a dark brown opaque beer.

It is surprisingly drinkable for the intense amount of flavor. W00tstout 2019’s flavors are of a balanced creamy chocolate syrup, roast and pecans followed by a warming vanilla caramel finished by a lingering wood tannins and an aftertaste of charred pecans. It showcases an appropriately full body and a thick and creamy texture with high carbonation fighting off the potential for this beer to turn cloying.

W00tstout 2019 is not subtle. It is a beer to get caught up in– like an action film and all its sequels. It lets you know it's all in there and while a bit in your face about it, makes for an interesting night out (or in) without you actually getting into trouble.