Epic Son of a Baptist
1 log on Brewskipotatoes
Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with roasted coffee and dark chocolate, underscored by a subtle smokiness and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, flavors of espresso, bittersweet cocoa, and a touch of molasses come together over a full, chewy body. The hop character is present but restrained, adding a mild earthy bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The finish is long and dry, with lingering roast and a faint warmth from the higher ABV.
About the Brewery
Epic Brewing operates out of both Salt Lake City, Utah and Auckland, New Zealand, making it one of the more geographically unusual craft operations in the industry. Founded in 2010, Epic was notably the first brewery to open in Utah dedicated solely to high-ABV beers, navigating the state's famously strict alcohol laws. They're known for bold, high-gravity offerings and have built a following around their Exponential Series and various barrel-aged releases.
Food Pairings
A burger with sharp aged cheddar works well because the roast character mirrors the char on the meat while cutting through the fat. Braised short ribs are a natural match, as the beer's dark malt depth echoes the richness of the braise. A brownie or flourless chocolate cake pairs cleanly since the beer's cocoa bitterness keeps the dessert from tipping too sweet. Aged gouda is worth trying too, as its caramel nuttiness plays off the coffee and molasses notes in the beer.
Style Guide
The American Stout is a darker, hoppier take on the classic stout tradition, building on the foundation of Irish dry stouts but amplifying both the roast character and the hop bitterness in the American craft tradition. Key flavors typically include roasted malt, coffee, dark chocolate, and a moderate to assertive hop presence that distinguishes it from sweeter milk stouts or more restrained English stouts. ABV generally runs from around 5% to 9%, giving brewers room to add body and complexity without necessarily pushing into imperial territory. The style was shaped largely by American craft brewers in the 1980s and 1990s who applied West Coast hop sensibilities to classic dark malt frameworks.