I'm actually considering burying today's beer in my backyard.

That’s the only way I’ll be able to keep my hands off Decennial: Shadowman (2016) Imperial Stout! 

The dark beer masters at River North say you can cellar this 16% ABV gem for up to ten years, but how can I wait when I know how irresistibly smooth and fudgy it will be today?

Dark Beer fans have been swooning over River North ever since Paste Mag dubbed their Mr. Sandman the #1 Imperial Stout in the World in a blind taste test, beating out breweries like Three Floyds, Hoppin’ Frog, and Fremont.

And, we got a hold of less than 100 bottles of today’s wax-dipped, boozy monster that’s only going to get smoother and more nuanced with time. This cellarable (or buriable) gold will make your collection the envy of even the craftiest beer geek you know! 

Save it for special occasions like a birthday or anniversary, and marvel at how its luxurious strength beautifully stands up to the test of time.

But, if temptation gets the best of you and you hack off the wax as soon as the bottle arrives, Shadowman is still going to be a delicious treat whenever you drink it.

The thicker-than-molasses pour overflows with aromas of dark roast coffee, maple whiskey, and caramelized brown sugar. The first sip is a boozy treasure chest loaded with notes of rich dark chocolate, mole spice, and maple syrup coating the palate like gold. Hints of tobacco char and toffee reverberate on the finish for a fudgy, chewy mouthfeel.

If you do decide to bury bottles of this special 2016 vintage, don't tell anyone. Or you might wake up in the middle of the night to find a thirsty group of treasure hunters digging in your yard!

Rated 4.23 on Untappd

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