Great Basin Brewing Co.’s sinfully delicious 13.1% ABV4 12 Scytale Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout is one of the best out there. Its outrageous 4.58 Untappd rating is in the class of Founders KBS and Fremont Dark Star. Scytale's arrival and tasting at Tavour has become a sought out annual ritual. And a reminder of how thrilled we are to have introduced Great Basin to many of you.

Aged in fresh bourbon barrels for exactly 412 days (593,280 minutes, according to the bottle), 412 Scytale’s endless dark chocolate and whiskey flavors have dark beer fans falling over themselves for more. With each batch of Scytale, the meticulous brewers at Great Basin continually test the brew to make sure it’s aged to rich bourbon and chocolate perfection, not one day more or less.

Aromas of vanilla and creme brulee carried on waves of bourbon seduce from yards away. Take a sip of this 13.1% ABV dark delight and taste roasted chestnuts and dried figs in a truffle-smooth, wonderfully dense mouthfeel. Caramel and char, vanilla and oak play off of each other for a complex experience, slipping into a bitter chocolate-dipped shortbread finish.

Great Basin locks away their most sought-after beer in custom packaging, complete with a cryptic code. We couldn’t solve their riddle -- maybe it’s better to finish off the bottle before trying to crack that chestnut. But whether or not you solve the puzzle, 412 Scytale is the solution to dark beer lovers’ quest for barrel-aged decadence. Get a few, these are rare to come around.

Rated 4.58 on Untappd
Exclusively Available Through Tavour