From the Beer Writer: There are some beers that just stick with you. I started drinking in the late-nineties. Back then, the landscape for local beer was much different. Most of today’s drinkers wouldn’t even recognize an India pale ale (IPA) of that era against one from present-day (except Stone or Swami’s IPA). Back then, I was more about the malt and easily gravitated to one of the first deep, dark stouts I tried, Black Magic Stout from Oggi’s. It’s a very traditional beer that gives a stout fan everything they want—roasted, chocolate, nutty and coffee flavors—along with a low viscosity that makes for a pleasant and prolonged imbibing experience. Recently, I hit up the newest Oggi’s location in Vista and was pleased to see a barrel-aged version of this classic on tap. I ordered it up and got lost in memories that were just as rapturous and enjoyable as this beer, which comes in at 7.7% alcohol-by-volume with added flavors of vanilla and dried fruits (think raisins or dates) as a result of its spirit-barrel rest. It felt good saying hello to an old friend. In terms of beer, we had both done a bit of maturing, but it remained way smoother than I’ll ever be.
From the Brewer: “This is a version of Oggi’s Black Magic Stout aged in new American oak bourbon-style barrels. The beer pours black with a tannish head. The aroma is filled with vanilla, figs, cookie-dough and Tootsie Rolls. It has a chocolate, coffee, raisin and toasted coconut flavor and delivers a good, warming sensation, finishing dry with some fruity notes. This is a solid beer with a nice, smooth flavor.”—Randal Dilibero, Master Brewer, Left Coast Brewing Company