The driveway leading up to my childhood home was lined with plum trees, which were also my mother’s “other” babies. She tenderly cared after their arborial needs, knowing that each year they would yield the juiciest, drippiest fruits in the cul-de-sac.

As soon as that first ripe plum fell from the tree, I’d already have a napkin and fork ready. My mom would imbue a heated bowl of chocolate fondue with swirls of caramel and a dash of fresh-brewed coffee. Then, skewer some plums, and dunk, dunk, dunk!

When I caught those same flavors flowing through this bottle of Barrel Aged Ink, I had to call up my mom and thank her for all the care she put into that childhood treat, from sapling to plate.

And of course, I told her all about how she and Rhinegeist share a propensity for patience and caring — the brewers aged this roasty Imperial Stout in Bourbon Barrels for 12 months! 

All that time spent resting in the barrels gave the beer indelible layers of dark fruit, toasted oak, and soft vanilla, with just a tinge of whiskey warmth. Each taste launches me back to the days of sitting eye-level to a plate of mom’s plums at the kitchen table, giddy as a kid can be. 

I’ve already stowed away a bottle to send to my mom for the holidays so we can share in a virtual tasting together. We may not have the house with the trees along the driveway anymore, but a Stout as big and bold as this is a great foundation for making new memories together.

Rated 4.22 on Untappd; 93/100 on BeerAdvocate; 91/100 on Craft Beer & Brewing

Holiday shopping is easy with Tavour! Just head over to Tavour.com/gifts to send a gift box or gift card to the craft beer lover in your life. Cheers to holiday beers!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Rhinegeist Brewery is certified independent by the Brewers Association