Thirsty Thursday: Epic Brewing’s Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout & Santa Cruz Brown Ale
Beer bums in the greater Salt Lake City area and beyond have come to know and appreciate the small batch creativity of Epic Brewing’s Exponential Series. The series is an ever growing selection of unique variations on traditional and non-traditional beer styles that are never lacking in character.
During my most recent excursion, or stumble over, to the brewery I picked up a few bottles for “research” purposes that included Epic’s Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout and Santa Cruz Brown Ale. Originally bold, the Big Bad Baptist is a powerful mind-numbing stout made with cocoa nibs that is built for coffee aficionados, while the Santa Cruz Brown Ale strikes memorable/enjoyable cords for hop and malt lovers alike.
Click here to see if Epic Brews are available in your neck of the woods and here are my complete reviews of each beer:
Epic Brewing Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout (Release #5, 11.2% alc)
Coffee black in color, the beer pours thick with little to no head. The nose ebbs from that of flavored coffee with hints of bitter acidity, chocolate from the nibs, and a slight nuttiness to the essence of wet coffee grounds. Medium bodied on the palate with clean coffee and cocoa on the front followed by a welcoming creaminess on the back half. Finishes with the comforting warmth of 11.2 % alc, soothing the body and mind.
Epic Brewing Santa Cruz Brown Ale (Release #2, 6.3% alc)
Molasses brown in color the beer pours with a cappuccino like foam head. The nose is a simple yet assertive combination of sweet and tart citrus notes. Your taste buds initial interaction on the palate is a 180 from the nose with toasted coco malt flavors followed by a return to bitter citrus hops that illuminate the back half of the palate. Medium-bodied with a lingering finish of coffee/coco notes and a zing of citrus.
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I’ve seen these before, but never tried them. They both sound good, but I’m not a huge fan of the cocoa flavor. Is it pretty abundant in the flavor?
The cocoa is extremely subtle on the Santa Cruz and a little more prevalent in the stout, but isn’t a dominating flavor in either…at least so says my palate.
It’s rare that I find myself in Minnesota but, at least, now I’ve something more to bring back with me other than a !0,000 Lakes bumper sticker.
Always look on the bright side of life.
I love the name of the first one
Great review as always. I wish I could taste both…
I’ll have to have to have Hubs check out your review – he’s the beer drinker in the house.
What interesting beers, Jed. I think I would like the first one, but I also like a creamy head (like Guinness) but the second one may not be my typel
You cannot know how much we readers appreciate your sacrifices in researching these products. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts
Now that I don’t research history anymore, researching libations seemed like the next logical step.
Never heard of this beer, but it sounds pretty tasty. I typically prefer a lighter beer like Blue Moon, Stella, etc., but I’d definitely be willing to give this one a try.
Ok, now by reading this I know that the beer/liquor store around here is just minimal variety at best. Some of your items from way back, they have not even heard of. Guess when it comes to new things in the way of drinks living one hour from nowhere is detrimental. So be nice and have another imperial stout for me since I cannot partake! Enjoy the weekend!
Your predicament is so sad, but I will enjoy another stout or even two in your honor.
I’m going to have to try that Big Bad Baptist just for the name. LOL. The link didn’t show anyone carrying it around me, but I’m going to search for it.
I know that they are definitely available in NOVA, so I would suspect that if you asked around you might be able to find them in Richmond.
I’ve seen this in the liquor store, but never tried it. Next time I do, might actually be a different outcome.
If you do, there is a good chance you’ll be happy you did…assuming you like these styles. cheers!