Great Grandfather Raven - Black Raven Brewing Co.

HuskyinPDX

Washington

4.25/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2010 on tap on 12-21-12

Aged for a year in Heaven Hill 20 barrels then in stainless tanks for another year.

A - Served a dark deep brown, but not quite black with a dark tan head made up of very lard bubbles that linger around for a long time.

S - I let this one sit for awhile to warm up. Lots of nice bourbon tones are hard to miss, then some wood, vanilla, carmel, and dark fruit come through.

T - Tons of nice bourbon, more wood here and some subtle vanilla.

D - Lower carbonation and a heavier body. Very easy drinking for 10.5%

O - A really nice treat. I am it was still on. A great way to end the world, or start my Christmas vacation.

Serving type: on-tap

12-22-2012 06:03:16 | More by HuskyinPDX

HopHead84

California

4.43/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

5/2/2012

Silver medal winner at World Beer Cup 2012 in Category 22: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout (58 Entries). I don't remember the story behind this beer, aside from the fact that it's a bourbon barrel aged Imperial Stout.

A: Black as pitch with a finger of light brown froth.

S: Firm dark chocolate presence with expressive bourbon and lesser notes of oak. Light vanilla with a dash of licorice. There's a little oxidation but it's not detracting. Caramel is in the background.

T: Pleasant blend of bourbon, caramel, and chocolate with a touch of vanilla and evident brown sugar. Smooth flavor with a low bitterness and a hint of oxidation. Bourbon chocolate finish with a little booze.

M: Full body with medium carbonation. The mouthfeel is silky and sticky with a nice level of alcohol warming on the palate.

Overall: Very nice. After a disappointing first experience with Black Raven I'm pleased to see that the hype over this brewery in the Pacific Northwest has some basis in reality.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2012 16:41:37 | More by HopHead84