Released annually, Skeleton Key is our rum barrel aged imperial stout, spiced with a mélange of ginger, all spice, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, juniper berries, and vanilla. Because we do our best to be multi-faceted (in life, and in brewing) we upped the ante with this 2018 version and pulled off enough beer on blending day to make 2 additional variants. Must I remind you what the spice of life is?

What it smells and tastes like: The heat in this variant is evident and obvious, but it's the supporting elements -- the smooth lactose, the sweet dulce de leche, and lively spices -- that create balance and drinkability.