The Lost Abbey - Sinner’s Blend (2019 vintage)

2019 Sinner’s Blend was a Lost Abbey Sinners & Saints Club release, but we managed to snag enough remaining stock to conclude this special offer. This is a massive imperial stout brewed with Ecuadorian coffee, cacao nibs, and Mexican-inspired spices. It’s also been aged in bourbon barrels, with some chilis added for streamlining heat.

This pours an incredibly dark, essentially pitch-black color. Very modest off-white head that quickly departs. Epic layers of roasted coffee and dark chocolate lead the aromatics. Depths of chocolate and cacao throughout, with a touch of contributing heat from the chili spice.

2019 Sinner’s Blend shows a hugely full mouthfeel with very modest carbonation. Seemingly endless layers of dark chocolate, dark-roast coffee, and chewy roasted malts steer things. The Ecuadorian coffee, in particular, is expressed so well: vibrant, well roasted, and carrying the overall presentation. Definitely a great beer to try alongside Serpent’s Stout, with much more emphasis on coffee and dark chocolate. Perfect close to a stellar lineup from Lost Abbey.

This stout is still very much in the early part of its lifecycle, so don’t be afraid to cellar a bit. The coffee and subtle chili heat have us inclined to pair this with a coffee- and chili-rubbed steak—or to go for contrasts and the creamiest vanilla ice cream we can find.