Rating: 6/6

2016 Infinite Wishes by Smog City is a 12.7% ABV Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels

Label:
Infinite Wishes is an inspired reimagination of a classic Imperial Stout. Decadently aged for 12 months in bourbon barrels, Infinite Wishes draws from the depths of nothingness and pours obsidian black with intense aromas of vanilla, cinnamon and cooked sugar finishing with the layered richness of a bourbon chocolate pie.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one on release date at Smog City in Torrance California. I unfortunately had missed last years released but was granted the ability to purchase last years as well. This time, I would not miss it not matter what. This brew reminded me so much of the Neverending Story. That cult classic from the 80’s which is basically their The Nothing (The Antagonistic Entity of the movie) aged in bourbon barrels. May not say much but The Nothing was pretty ridiculous and delicious. Hence, I could not wait to get this one regardless, take up Falcor the Magic Dragon and take Flight!!! Let’s take a look and see what is the true infinite wishes all about.

Aromas:
Rich Pecan pie aroma, Oak, Bourbon, dark fruits raisins, figs, prunes, bananas, clove spice, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Belgian Chocolates, Chocolate Mousse, clove spice, Vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, molasses, anise, toffee, Three Milks/Tres Leches, port wine, rocky road ice cream, crème brulee, flan, coconut, graham crackers, coffee notes and lots of marshmallows.

Flavors:
Rich Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, Mexican chocolate, chocolate mousse, chocolate cheese cake, Oak, Bourbon, Vanilla, Dulce De Leche Caramel, Pecan pie, hazelnut nectar, rich bananas, grilled Bananas, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, currants, black cherries, raspberries, flan, leche nestle/sweetened condensed milk, choco flan, brown sugar, Three Milks/Tres Leches cream, Toffee, Piloncillo Sugar Cone, Cotton candy, marshmallows, chocolate smores, choco flan, toasted coconut, port wine, clove spice, crème brulee, molasses, mint anise, maple syrup, rocky road ice cream, tobacco notes, and chocolate pudding.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with flavors of Rich Dulce de leche caramel, dark chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, dark fruits, cherry cordials, oak, bourbon, pecan pie, coconut, tres leches cake and marshmallows. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV. Dark pitch black like the nothing body. Velvety, silky, syrupy, smooth and rich creamy mouthfeel, and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
This little bottle is pure damn magic! If magic potions do exists, then this is one of them. Granting an immense amount of richness to seemingly all senses, the wishes aspect is all true. One of the the many things you could wish for is in this bottle. Ridiculously complex, just like the super well made great beers of our times and one of the most coveted. Supremely recommended and a must have!

Anime Corner:
Rydia of Mist from Final Fantasy IV was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the childlike empress who grants Bastian the infinite wishes for destroying the nothing by giving her a name, that name was *Spoiler Alert* MoonChild! *SpoilerEnds* Essentially, Rydia in the pictures I found was a child in the beginning and later you find out that she had summoning powers. A real powerful sorceress princess. She did travel to the moon to save the world another reason why I think it paired greatly. In the last picture she is holding a flame and you see the white dragon in the background paying a tribute to the Luck Dragon and the infinite wishes crystal that the childlike empress gives Bastian as well as the Auryn.

Sources:
http://mirusoft.jp/databank/gazouita_collector/thread/1380027964/11404986492811.jpg
http://s01.riotpixels.net/data/69/c8/69c8236c-267a-4d16-bf40-e517d9a10bb0.png.720p.png/artwork.final-fantasy-4-the-after-years.1021×720.2009-06-05.18.png
http://blog-imgs-47.fc2.com/g/a/m/gameinfocom/20110529194017f9d.jpg
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2011-10-13-444542.jpeg