Thrillist calls 4 Hands the most underrated brewery in Missouri but we think they're just trying to take credit for realizing how great these guys are. Because there's nothing underrated about about the 4.44 BA rated Madagascar 2018 Barrel-Aged Imperial Milk Stout. It's pretty much in your face awesome.

St. Louis craft fans sure see it that way. That’s why they stand in line for hours before the brewery’s doors open, in the middle of a January snowstorm, just hoping to snag a bottle of this 9.3% ABV brew — if there are even any left!

Every new release sells out within hours, and even those in line aren’t guaranteed to take home the prize. Madagascar is so beloved by locals, that on a list dominated by Perennial, it takes a spot as one of the Top 10 Stouts in Missouri on BA. But it’s 4 Hands’ ability to craft this boozy brew with a sinfully smooth drinkability that earns it a spot as the #11 Imperial Milk Stout in the World.

Aromas of sweet Madagascar vanilla and whiskey spice brim from the black-as-night pour. Barrel-aging imparts notes of toffee and oaky vanilla that amplify the brew’s richness. Layers of decadent fudge and roasted espresso swirl around flavors of sweet cream and caramelly-bourbon. With only a hint of the big ABV appearing on the finish, it’s like sipping a spiked vanilla latte and biting into a piece of artisan chocolate.

If you weren’t already clued-in to the dessert-like stylings of the masters at 4 Hands, you will be after tasting Madagascar. And unless you’re planning to fly to Missouri and wait with hordes of other fans, the only place to snag this coveted brew is here on Tavour — long lines and snowstorms not included.

Rated 4.44 on BeerAdvocate; 4.31 on Untappd; #11 Imperial Milk Stout in the World on BA

WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.