It took us almost a dozen years to catch on that Heavy Riff Brewing out of St. Louis is an absolute treasure, and we are more than happy to open a little vertical of their signature barrel-aged stout series, Dear Agony. Crafted from a lactose mistake, this rich and creamy imperial milk stout sees yearly release with multiple variants representing different barrel picks or adjuncts - and the only agony on this show comes from the beer’s name. Also, Ryan’s son has created a superhero with surprising powers; Craig is experiencing his 44th year molting; and neither of us can recall anything about Breaking Benjamin. 

Beers Reviewed

Dear Agony 2021 (Imperial Milk Stout aged in Willett bourbon barrels)

Dear Agony 2022 (Imperial Milk Stout aged in Old Forester bourbon barrels)

Dear Agony 2023 (Imperial Milk Stout aged in George Dickel bourbon barrels)

Dear Agony Breakfast Stout 2023 (Imperial Milk Stout w/ coffee beans aged in bourbon and maple barrels)