The Dogfather (Bourbon Barrel Aged) - Laughing Dog Brewing

MorningBeer

Iowa

5/5  rDev +37%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Picked this up at dirty john's three weeks ago. Waited for the right time. Threw on some vinyl records and poured into my sam adams sensory experience glass tonight...finally.

Pours like used motor oil. Absolutely stunning viscosity. A nice mocha one finger head that settles to a milky lacing.

Smells of roasted coffee, caramel, oak, and hint of bourbon all buried in chocolate.

Taste follows. A lot of complexity, in the nose and the mouth as the brew hits the palate. Perfectly balanced...the coffee, the chocolate, the bourbon and oak...nothing dominates. The alcohol is present but well masked. A half a bomber down, and a nice buzz ensues.

Mouthfeel is a full medium body. Light carbonation. Extremely pleasant.

The worst part about drinking this beer is that it's going away. I'll definitely need to pick up another. Best imperial stout I've had. God in a bottle.

Perfect alone or shared with another. A morning or late evening drink.

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2011 02:33:07 | More by MorningBeer

ken2cart1

Massachusetts

4.9/5  rDev +34.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

black appearance, smell of rich chocolate and bourbon.had this beer on tap unbelievable flavor and mouth feel. soo creamy and has a great combination of bourbon and chocolate. probably one of the best beers i have had in a while. every sip invited me back for more. alcohol is very masked

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2011 19:08:02 | More by ken2cart1

TheCorkStopsHere

Connecticut

4.78/5  rDev +31%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

With all the hype surrounding some other stouts on the market, I've been itching to try this one. From Laughing Dog Brewing, in Idaho, this is The Dogfather. Described as an imperial stout aged in old bourbon barrels, and 10.85% abv, this should be fun!

The Dogfather pours out as black as molasses (if not darker) and almost syrupy. The foam is a dark coffee color, which fades fairly quickly, but doesn't disappear. The foam sticks to the glass a fair bit, but without the typical "lacing" look.

The nose is full of rich butterscotch, toffee, caramel, molasses, and even some dark chocolate. The nose isn't sweet though, it lingers somewhere between the malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness.

On the palate, the Dogfather definitely has a little backbone of chocolate. The boozy nature from the bourbon barrels comes through on the palette nicely, without being over-powering. Just like the aromas, this fits beautifully between hoppy and malty. There are some nice notes of sweetness, as well as just the right amount of hops.

This is really the first stout I've ever really been a big fan of. I mean, I've like other stouts in the past, like Southern Tier Choklat, but never had one that I really, really liked. This Dogfather is quite enjoyable. It is sweet enough that I don't mind taking another sip, dark enough that I feel like I'm drinking a real beer, and bold enough to keep the beer-sissies away from my glass.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 04:59:18 | More by TheCorkStopsHere

jmbranum

Oklahoma

4.63/5  rDev +26.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is a very special beer.

Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a Scotch tasting glass so as to savor each moment.

Inky black with a slight brown hue. Big fluffy tan head.

Glorious roasted aroma. Tingle of maple, lots of roasted toasted goodness. Some espresso.

Flavor is rich, if anything too rich. So much going on here. Definitely high alcohol (10.85 abv according to the label). Roasted notes. Some hops. Fairly dry at first but then very sweet. Long lingering mouthfeel.

Mouthfeel is decent.

Not as good as BCBS from Goose Island but still good. I really like this style. Also should mention that I'm very schnockered from just one bottle. This will be my only beer to review tonight. Yeah.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2011 06:18:15 | More by jmbranum

silverking

Florida

4.55/5  rDev +24.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is my first experience with bourbon barrel beer, and I have to say, it is quite enjoyable. Nearly pitch black with a tan head that dissipates rather quickly. the lacing coated the sides of my glass and sank slowly back into the black lagoon that is The Dogfather. Aromas of Vanilla, bourbon, espresso, oak and smoke are definately present. Maybe a little black licorice too. It is heavy on the palate with low carbonation and a creamy mouthfeel. vanilla, oak, and dark chocolate on the palate with a warming espresso finish. The alcohol is reletivley undetectable considering the 11% ABV. It is definately something I will pick up again. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2012 00:28:03 | More by silverking

CampusCrew

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +23.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

appearance: deep dark black, nearly ebony, loaded head

smell: loaded coffee, and heavy chocolate aromas

taste: rich and slight chocolate roasted flavors but had a smooth rich taste, Dry, not sweet at all. loads of coffee flavor. has vanilla from bourbon but sublte, not overdone. hops have faded or atleast hidden compared to regular.

mouthfeel: thick, creamy, high carbonation for stout

drinkability: nice beer and good use of bourbon aging. not bourbon dominant at all.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2011 16:22:04 | More by CampusCrew

Blakaeris

Iowa

4.5/5  rDev +23.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours velvety dark brown-black with a creamy tan head that quickly becomes a thin ring.

Aroma is surprisingly smokey, with dark fruit and chocolate sweetness along with a bit of anise. Oaky vanilla notes match well with the intense alcohol, offering a bourbon-like character.

Taste is very similar to the nose, except even more intense. Rich smokey, charred dark grain and burnt molasses bitterness balanced with more of the dark fruit and chocolate sweetness. Woody oak and vanilla comes through nicely. Alcohol is hot and strong with definite bourbon character. Finishes with a spicy, peppery quality, lingering alcohol heat and anise.

Mouthfeel is thick and resinous, coating the tongue.

A very intense and flavorful Imperial Stout. There is so much going on, but it still balanced and interesting. The bourbon alcohol heat comes on strong intensifying the experience.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2011 01:36:16 | More by Blakaeris

KomodoDragon

Virginia

4.45/5  rDev +21.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

Being fond of the other Laughing Dog offerings, splurged and bought this seasonal. Nothing better than a imperial stout on a winter day.

A - poured purply black with a rusty head. Always like some great lacing for a dark brew.

S - smells like the morning coffee, with some burnt overtones.

T - Roasted malts with cherry. Reminiscent of a california cab. An alcohol burn in the back of my mouth. This will warm you up on a cold day. finishes crisp with licorice and pepper - not spicy. Complex, there is a lot going on and I enjoy that. Smooths out as it warms. I don't pick up any oak/bourbon flavors. Boozy - yes

M- weighty. creamy. Modest carbonation

Wonderful, what a winter seasonal should be. Not exactly to style, but wonderful nevertheless

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2013 04:36:15 | More by KomodoDragon

robhunta

Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev +21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - black with thick brown head. dispipates to leave anice thin lace across the top of the beer.

S - sweet coffee, malty

T - chocolate, coffee, sweet malt, caramel, bourban.

M - medium body

D - very drinkable

I like this beer a lot, overall a very sweet beer for the style, which is nice and adds to its drinkability

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2011 01:20:09 | More by robhunta

Arkofsax

Georgia

4.43/5  rDev +21.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- almost pitch black with a reddish outline, great dark tan head with excellent lacing.

S- By no means bad, but the smell didn't quite seem to match up with the stellar quality of everything else about this brew. Very much a mirror of the taste; hoppy coffee with a hint of chocolate and raisin?

T- Excellent, the barrel-aging certainly adds a forward taste to the beer, chocolate completes the "middle-section" and the coffee and fruity tastes provide an incredibly complex aftertaste.

M- Carbonated perfectly to provide just the right amount of bite and heaviness. I definitely wouldn't want to drink more than 1 of these... or maybe i do!

O- Definitely a top notch brew. Everything comes together so perfectly to create a memorable drink that I would certainly purchase again.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2011 04:14:16 | More by Arkofsax

drpimento

Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +19.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Dark shit going happenin on the Dark Island. Poured at a good temperature with a medium sized, foamy, tan head that settles after a while and some lace. Color is an almost opaque, but clear black ruby. Aroma is roast, coffee, cherry, cocoa, molasse, vanilla, smoke, pomegranite. Flavor's like nose, mildly sweet, balanced with pleasing carbonic tang and yeast/hop bitter and just friggin good. Body and carbonation are bang on. Finish is like flavor, average length, and easy drinking. Superb beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2012 04:09:07 | More by drpimento

WesM63

Ohio

4.35/5  rDev +19.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a large snifter. No bottling date, assuming latest release.

A: Poours pitch black with a 1finger mocha head. Minimal retention but plenty of lacing.

S: Smells of vanilla, chocolate, bourbon and some roasted malts.

T: Spot on the nose. Vanilla on the tounge that evolves to a bourbon-oaky-ness finishes with some bittersweet chocolate.

M: Full body, moderate carbonation. Rich and creamy. Carbonation might be a little on the high side.

O: Color me impressed. This BA Stout walks a fine line, just the right amount of bourboun that melds extremely well with the base stout. Price isn't a factor in this review, but at less than $10 a bottle, buy it, buy all of it.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 01:47:21 | More by WesM63

BierGartenok

Oklahoma

4.3/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- Deep Dark pour, slight dark chocolate colored head

S- Smell is great! Hints of bourbon coming through, and chocolate. Some coffee on the nose as you take a sip.

T- Exactly what I was expecting. The Bourbon Barrel has mellowed out the characteristics greatly. Bourbon notes, caramel and coffee coming through, milder than some BBS but still awesome.

M- Not as heavy as some BBS I have had, but nice on the tongue. Not too chewy covers the palate nicely.

D- Wonderful!! I would definitely drink this regularly. Its a great BB IMP Stout and the price is right. I have spent a lot more on beers of equal quality. Laughing Dog got this one right!! Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 17:35:11 | More by BierGartenok

BeerSocrates12

Texas

4.26/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Enjoyed at home in a Lakewood Temptress snifter. This is the Bourbon Barrel aged version poured from a 22oz. Bomber.

Bottle was set out of the fridge to warm to a cellar serving temp.(about 20 min.)

A: Pours dark yet slight redness. A lighter tan head for an imperial stout. Lesser carbonation as expected from a barrel aged beer.

S: smells of a slight "roastiness" and a surprisingly smooth bourbon and cheery nose. Not as much of a roasted nor cocoa aroma I'd prefer in an imperial stout but still pleasant.

T: Subtle roast....a lot of Bourbon and almost no oak...I often find barrel aged beers to have more of an oak flavor...nice sweet complexity from the bourbon. This stout is very well balanced.

M: very smooth mouthfeel for 11%. Little to no alcohol burn. I like the way this beer finishes sweet...

O: Laughing Dog really surprises me. This is a really great Barrel aged Imperial Stout. Very smooth and well balanced. Caution: at 11% don't let this beer get ahead of you....its very easy.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 01:47:59 | More by BeerSocrates12

Brabander

Netherlands

4.26/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

I drank this bottle when I was in Austria last week in the lovely village of Neustift in the Strubai valley together with an American Facebook friend who was there @ the same time.

Poured out of the bottle into a wine glass, did not have the appropiate glassware with me. Nice and creamy head which gives this beer a very nice look. Little lacing. The smell is normal; stoutlike with nice coffee notes. Taste is good but not overwhealming strong. A good stout when you want to try out the stout. I did my very best but could not find any hints of the barrel aging of this beer

Glad i got to try this one!

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2013 21:16:13 | More by Brabander

Dave1999

Virginia

4.25/5  rDev +16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours pure black with no real head to speak of.

The smell is sweet bourbon,roasted malts and a hint of coffee.

The taste is much like the smell sweet, pretty strong on the bourbon with a little bit of alcohol. The aftertaste is bitter coffee.

The mouthfeel is full bodied, syrupy with low carbonation.

This is very tasty, the bourbon is strong, you can tell there's alcohol in it. I would definitely buy this again.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 00:18:02 | More by Dave1999

Allpe45

Arizona

4.22/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appears dark brown during the pour but pitch black in the glass, 2 fingers dark tan head. Leaves plenty of lacing but it dissipates quickly.

Smells of roasted malts, vanilla, coffee, and a slight booziness.

The taste is similar to the smell except the booziness isn't there. Coffee, vanilla and malt, plus a touch of cocoa sweetening up the finish.

This is surprisingly thin bodied for the style, but somehow, doesn't detract from the enjoyability of this particular brew. Seems to have the consistency, and sweetness of a milk stout

Dangerously drinkable for 11% ABV
gotta be careful with this one

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2011 00:42:46 | More by Allpe45

ryanonline

Florida

4.22/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Deep dark black and lots of tan foam. Humongous gobs of lacing.

Lots of chocolate and vanilla flavors. Even a little bit of sarsparilla scent. Light floral scent. Very sweet, not much roasty flavor which is odd.

More sweet and flowery flavors but am now findng the more roasty coffee like flavors. Not really finding a lot of bourbon but there is a there is a very dry flavor to it, somewhat woody.

The mouthfeel is very dry with a heavy body and very foamy carbination.

Actually quite drinkable, however heavy and strong.

Awesome beer. A bit odd in some respects but I really enjoy it.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2011 03:00:06 | More by ryanonline

BeerDocT

Georgia

4.22/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

-Appearance 4.0: Poured out a jet black in color like all great stouts should. Half-inch head amber head shrunk down to a cloying amber swirl on the top and sides. Good stuff.

-Smell 4.0: Fascinating hint of licorice in the bouquet of this beer, along with toasted grains and lovely wood resins. Very, very nice.

-Taste 4.5: Slightly sweet first taste is quickly followed by a BIG sweet taste with lots of bourbon hints. Then the deeply toasted grains and coffee flavors follow along with a very noticeable bourbon middle. A long, delicious finish filled with hops and wood resins follows. Delightful.

-Mouthfeel 4.0: Perfect level of carbonation. Very, very smooth mouthfeel, but the carbonation is still present and noticeable. Excellent work by the brewers at Laughing Dog.

-Overall 4.0: Very memorable Imperial Stout. I would rate this beer higher, but I found the overall taste to be a little too sweet for my tastes, but I'm sure that was partly due to the bourbon aging. Regardless, this is a fabulous Imperial Stout and I heartily recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2011 05:34:40 | More by BeerDocT

jwinship83

Illinois

4.2/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle picked up at a local liquor store. ive never seen this brand sold anywhere else in my area. hmmm. no date anywhere to be found. bottle reads 10.85% ABV. drank from my stone IRS glass.

A- this one pours out an opaque pitch black colored body with a rather large dark khaki colored head on top. the head lasts for a minute before falling, and leaves behind a nice complete wall of lacing. cant ask for anything more from the style. perfect.

S- the high level of alcohol makes itself known in a big way and fast. the bourbon barrel adds to it some. dark roasted malts. lots of chocolate (dark mostly, but some milk chocolate as well). vanilla/oak from the barrel. coffee at the end.

T- the taste starts out with some darkly roasted malts and quickly shows the alcohol again. lots of booziness without much bourbon at all. the vanilla/oak barrel still comes through and plays nicely with the copious amounts of chocolate in here. both light and dark, but the dark seems heavier. lots of coffee on the finish.

M- this is a solid full bodied beer. plenty of warmth from the alcohol. a little on the sweet side. the carbonation is at a nice and subdued level.

O- i liked this one more than i thought that i was going to. i had it at EBF, but i dont really remember the details. well call it palate fatigue. looking forward to the other bottle i have of this.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2011 03:13:55 | More by jwinship83

Scotchboy

Idaho

4.18/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Laughing Dog Dogfather Imperial Stout

This beer hissed as it was popped and seemed to be ready to be drunk as my careful pour still produced around 3 fingers of dark mocha head. No light will penetrate this beer.

Smells are...wow. Smells a little like the Abyss as the bourbon carries through. Chocolate, molasses, and some dark fruit (a little plum and fig) as well. Some of the barrel characteristics are there too. It's definitely a wee bit boozy.

Chocolate and oak and just a touch bitter. Very pleasant. The alcohol is definitely a touch hot on my tongue. So the character of the barrel combined with the chocolate bitter malts and the booziness makes up the majority of the flavors.

Not overly complex but very rich.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2011 14:45:31 | More by Scotchboy

jsh420

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

pours dark dark brown - looks black in the glass - 2 finger tan head that covered the entire glass with lacing

smell is load of chocolate and dark fruit with a hint of berries

taste is like the nose with lots of chocolate flavor and quite a bit of oak - reminds me of oaked yeti

mouthfeel is oh so smooth and creamy but falls just a bit flat

overall - great flavors of oak and chocolate - but where is the bourbon??? i got none - i will be interested in see how this differs from the non barrel aged

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 06:06:57 | More by jsh420

superspak

Michigan

4.15/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

22 ounce bottle into snifter, no bottle date. A slow gusher upon cracking the cap. Pours thick opaque black color with a nice 2 finger dense tan head with awesome retention that reduces to a dense cap that lasts. Nice thick lacing clings to the sides of the glass as well. Aromas of big caramel, roasted malt, dark chocolate, oak, bourbon, light vanilla, light coffee, and maybe a bit of spicy hops. Some nice and well balanced aromas. Taste of big roasted malt, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, molasses, oak, bourbon, light smoke, espresso, dark fruit, and a bit of spiciness. Fair amount of bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of dark chocolate, roasted malt, coffee, bourbon, smoke, and spiciness on the finish for a good bit. Nice balance of flavors; without the bourbon being overwhelming. It sits nicely behind the robust chocolate and roasted malt flavors. Medium carbonation and very full bodied; with an insanely creamy and thick mouthfeel that goes down surprisingly smoothly. Alcohol is extremely well hidden at almost 11%; with only a small warming well after the finish. Overall this is a very excellent barrel aged imperial stout! Nice flavor balance with the bourbon; with a huge lush mouthfeel and smooth drinking at almost 11%. I will definitely seek out the regular Dogfather offering in the future.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2012 03:34:20 | More by superspak

chilly460

Virginia

4.13/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a black dark color some ruby highlights when held to light. Three finger dark brown head, this is a nice looking stout.

S - Aroma is mild roasted chocolate malts hints of coffee, wood, vanilla and bourbon with a decent dose of warm booze. Very pleasant overall smell here.

T - Roasted malts with nice chocolate notes. Distinct coffee shows and mingles with vanilla, wood and hints of bourbon. When the chocolate and coffee mix the vanilla and bourbon, it hits its stride. Very mild hops profile help balance the overall sweetness, and the booze gives it the warmth I like in this style.

M - Mouthfeel is full without being "goopy", appropriate carbonation.

D - Very good for the style, this is like a big coffee stout with a small shot of bourbon, it's balanced and keeps you coming back for more.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2011 11:57:14 | More by chilly460

mattcrill

Ohio

4.13/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Aroma: Mild chocolate and vanilla notes up front. Moderate fruity esters and slight alcohol on the nose. No hop aromas. Very inviting.

Appearance: Jet black with a tan thin head. Head retention is fairly good given the ABV. Appears still in the glass.

Flavor: Mild vanilla and slight woody character up front. Roasted grains, chocolate, and coffee are in the background. Balance is towards the roasted malt character. Finish is clean and dry. Aftertaste is lingering with the barrel aged notes.

Mouthfeel: Medium-full body with moderate-high carbonation. Slight grain astringency and warming alcohol on the palate.

Overall impression: A nicely done barrel aged beer. Good enough to pick up the barrel character but not so much as to overwhelm the base beer. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2011 21:30:28 | More by mattcrill