Epic Brewing Big Bad Baptist Reserve
Epic Brewing Big Bad Baptist Reserve is the 10.5% ABV annual Reserve blend of Epic's imperial stout — subtler and smoother than the standard Big Bad Baptist, produced in fewer than 600 cases each spring. The malt bill (Maris Otter, 2-row, crystal, light Munich, chocolate malt, black malt, roasted barley; Nugget, Chinook, Cascade hops) is aged in a mix of bourbon barrels and peated single-malt whisky barrels, then finished with coffee and cacao nibs. The bourbon barrels bring deep oak, vanilla and caramel; the peated single-malt barrels bring a mild, recognizable smokiness you won't find in the standard release. A 22oz bomber from Salt Lake City, Utah. Order barrel-aged stout online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 10.5% (varies by annual release — check bottle)
- Size: 22oz bottle (bomber)
- Barrels: Bourbon barrels + peated single-malt whisky barrels
- Adjuncts: Coffee and cacao nibs
- Brewery: Epic Brewing Company, Salt Lake City, UT
The Baptist, Blended for Patience
Each year Epic's brewers pull their best barrel-aged batches and blend them into the Reserve — the peated single-malt barrels are the signature move, adding a whisper of smoke under the loud barrel character, bold earth notes, delicate chocolate essence and heaps of coffee. Epic's own advice: "Enjoy one now and set one aside for a special occasion." It's an imperial stout built for the cellar as much as the glass. Explore more Epic Brewing and the stout collection.
Tasting Notes
Loud barrel character, bold earth notes, delicate chocolate essence, heaps of coffee. Deep oak, vanilla and caramel from bourbon barrels; mild peated smokiness from the single-malt barrels. (Official brand notes.)
How to Enjoy
Serve at cellar temperature (50–55°F) in a snifter. Epic pairs it with hard cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, Belgian waffles and BBQ brisket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Bad Baptist Reserve? An annual special blend of Epic's best barrel-aged batches — subtler and smoother than the standard release, produced in under 600 cases.
What barrels does Reserve use? Bourbon barrels plus peated single-malt whisky barrels — the peated barrels are the Reserve's distinguishing feature.
Should I drink it now or cellar it? Both — Epic's advice is to enjoy one now and set one aside for a special occasion.
A cellar-worthy imperial stout in tiny quantity — buy Epic Big Bad Baptist Reserve online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.