Is it morning already? That’s what I was thinking when I took my first sip of Wicked Weed French Toast Imperial Stout. That’s because the beer sort of tastes like a slice of French Toast served up with a hot cup of coffee. We’ll break it down shortly and see what I mean. Wicked Weed is always doing interesting things, and they are one of my favorite breweries in Asheville, North Carolina. If you know higher praise than that let me know, and I’ll use it.
Let’s see what Wicked Weed has to say about the beer on their website, shall we?
We don’t recommend trying to drink from a bottle covered in syrup. It’s difficult. Sticky, also. French Toast Imperial Stout has finally made its way into package. We loaded this with copious amounts of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Available now at both the Brewpub and Funkatorium. Expect this in distro within the next couple weeks.
My Wicked Weed French Toast Imperial Stout was purchased from Stout’s Growlers. Wicked Weed beers are always expensive, which doesn’t stop me from drinking them, but I might drink them more if they were more reasonable. French Toast cost me $14 for a 32-ounce growler, or $7 a pint at home. It is equally dear in the bottle, commanding $6.99 for a half liter. I ran my growler through my Fizzics pour system to heighten the experience. This is a sipping beer at 8.8% alcohol by volume.
Wicked Weed French Toast Imperial Stout pours to a jet-black color with a thick creamy tan had and a sinfully rich nose of roast, cinnamon and maple. Taking a sip, I get a bit roastiness up front (some coffee with your French Toast?), then a hint of vanilla, rich maple, and spicy cinnamon. The beer finishes with a little more of the spicy cinnamon and vanilla that serve to dry and some alcohol warmth that helps do the same.
I will say this, a lot of maple beers don’t deliver the maple but Wicked Weed French Toast Imperial Stout certainly does. Combined with the thick texture of the beer sticky syrup is easy to imagine, and the vanilla and cinnamon help with the mental image as well, although the integral egg wash is missing (you can’t have everything I guess).
I give Wicked Weed French Toast Imperial Stout overall less ½ star for the crazy high price. I’d still buy it again though.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler