I have gotten a positive note or two about my “Black Is Beautiful” collaboration reviews. This just reminds me that I have the great pleasure of being able to drink beers and talk about them on the internet. The fact that proceeds from these beers are earmarked for local causes is really just gravy.

I’m now on a schedule “beat” to handle these beers. One night, I drink a beer in front of a camera, edit and post a video to YouTube. The next night, I write up the review here. If it’s not one of the nights that I need to post the schedule of events. So as of Sunday night, I’m posting about the second of five beers I’ve secured. With possibly more to come.

Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge made their brew with Liquid Love Brewing of Buffalo Grove. The two different beers are sold in mixed 2-packs, which I how I scored these. The Skeleton Key version is described as an imperial stout, with sweet plantain and toasted coconut.

First off, this is a solid black beer with a light coffee crema head. Smell upon pouring is lighter than I’d expect from the fruit adjuncts; a sort of bananas Foster without as much dessert sugar. The taste, though, does have more sweetness to it. More chocolate, but the plantain and coconut ride together. Again, this comes out very much like dessert, with roast malt and maybe oatmeal making it smooth. Alcohol is noted here, moreso than the previous “BisB” from Foreign Exchange.

Proceeds from taproom sales at Skeleton Key will be donated to My Block, My Hood, My City, which supports programs for black youth in Chicago, and the Center for Black Equity, which supports the black LGBTQ+ community.