Fantastic Voyage is a Milk Stout brewed with real coconut, by one of my favorite breweries in the business, Perennial Artisanal Ales. Well known for their beautiful, balanced and somewhat exotic beer, Fantastic Voyage is no exception.
Ranking at a 92% positive rating on BeerAdvocate, and coming in at a noteworthy 8.8% ABV, Fantastic Voyage is a beer that deserves your respect and reverence, not only in its pouring, but in its consumption as well.
One of the things about Perennial that always blows me away, is their delicate sense of balance. Harmony is key when crafting a new beer, especially something as busy as Fantastic Voyage, but Perennial pulls it off beautifully.
As you pour it, preferably into a room temperature goblet, you’ll notice a smell of sweet cream and malt, as the shadowy liquid comes to settle. It’s got a nice nose on it, with those notes coming out as soon as it’s poured, and then with a hint of that coconut goodness coming through as the beer warms up.
The body is thinner than you’d think for a stout, but upon first taste, it’s better for it, going down smooth. Your palate is going to wake up like it’s ten minutes late to work and every last busy in the city just broke down.
The first thing that’s going to hit you is that milk stout sweetness, with a beautiful bite of coconut, vanilla, cocoa and rich malt. While the taste doesn’t hit you right away up front, it’s going to linger in the back of your throat and hang out until the next sip comes. It’s an incredibly smooth beer, like drinking velvet (which is normally an awful thing), but it’s rich texture goes down well. Just be careful of that ABV.
I’m a huge fan of stouts, and this is by far one of my favorites. I’ve been singing the high praises of this beer since we got it on tap at my bar, and I’ll make anyone who is willing, try a sample.
It is only around for the summer, so if you get a chance to grab this beautiful bottle, don’t think twice.
Martin Cahill 