Alvarado Street Brewery — Motor Oil XXIII (Imperial Stout)
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ABV: 13.7%
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Style: Imperial / Double Pastry Stout (Candy Bar-Inspired)
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Format: 16oz Can
Overview
The legendary Motor Oil series from Monterey’s Alvarado Street Brewery has long been a benchmark for heavy-hitting, viscous dark beers in California. For the XXIII (23rd) iteration, the brewing team pulled out all the stops, crafting a massive candy bar-inspired pastry stout built on a decadent blend of fresh and bourbon barrel-aged imperial stouts. Clocking in at a warming 13.7% ABV, this release is engineered specifically for slow sipping and dessert-level indulgence.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Pours an obsidian, pitch-black hue with virtually zero light passing through. It caps off with a dense, mocha-colored froth that leaves thick, oily legs clinging heavily to the glass—true to the “Motor Oil” moniker.
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Aroma: An immediate wave of confectionery decadence hits the senses. Rich milk and dark chocolate dominate, underscored by buttery caramel, toasted vanilla bean, and a distinct nuttiness resembling slivered almonds. Subtle undertones of oak char, dark dried fruit, and warming bourbon spice peek through from the barrel-aged component, keeping the immense sweetness grounded.
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Palate: Extremely lush, coating, and heavy on the tongue. The flavor profile reads like an upscale, artisanal candy bar: layers of molten dark chocolate, vanilla-soaked nuts, and rich, buttery toffee. There is a deep, foundational roasted-malt backbone that prevents it from becoming purely cloying, while the barrel aging adds a sophisticated layer of woody dryness and heat.
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Mouthfeel: Viscous, velvety, and almost chewy. The carbonation is low and gentle, allowing the massive body to coat every corner of the palate with a lingering, sweet confectionery finish.
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The Verdict
Motor Oil XXIII is an absolute powerhouse of a pastry stout. It leans heavily into its candy bar inspiration, offering an uncompromised, decadent experience that is practically a meal in a glass. While the 13.7% ABV is well hidden behind layers of sugar, chocolate, and barrel character, the sheer heft of this brew means it is best approached with reverence and ideally shared with a fellow stout enthusiast.
Please Note: To ensure absolute freshness and optimal storage conditions, all craft beer is sold exclusively in-store and is not available for online ordering.
Available at SF Tequila Shop
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