Kuhnhenn Bourbon Barrel Fourth Dementia - Kuhnhenn Brewing Company

srandycarter

California

4.66/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

A - Dark brown and murky. No lace. No head.

S - Fantastic. Ripe cooked dark fruits, so MUCH smell! Get drunk and happy just smelling it.

T - Big booze, cooked fruits, a meal in itself. I want more. The BA doesn't make it much woodier for me, just more complex.

M - Pretty. Thick , balanced. Yummy.

D - I only have the one. I wish I had a case.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2013 04:32:46 | More by srandycarter

Lordquackingstic

New York

4.5/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle poured into a snifter. Bottled in 2010.

A: Dark, dark ruby red with a teeny tiny head of white foam that almost instantly dissipates. Swirling it around in the glass leaves a slight residue on the sides. Clear enough to see to the bottom of the glass.

S: Aromas of cherries and currants soaked in bourbon. Molasses, sweet malts and marshmallows. Smells a bit boozy.

T: Bourbon soaked cherries and molasses. The bourbon comes through pretty smoothly, giving a kiss of smoky and sweet whiskey notes to the blend of dark fruits and fig-like tastes. Even though this brew has mellowed for three years (and nine months, according to the bottle), this beer is still a bit boozy. This is definitely a sipper.

M: Flavors linger for minutes after sipping; absolutely stellar mouthfeel. On the boarder between thick and medium body, but not viscous. The heat still hits the back of your throat and lets you know you're drinking a big beer.

O: Kuhnhenn has yet to disappoint me. This is my first barrel aged beer by them, and it absolutely kicks ass. Old ales are definitely one of my favorite styles, and while most breweries shy away from them, Kuhnhenn embraces them and makes them their bitch. A must try for any bourbon drinkers and/or BA beer seekers.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2013 18:00:43 | More by Lordquackingstic

mikeyv35

New York

4.78/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Date: 06/16/2011
Type: 12oz. Bottle
Vintage: 2010
Glass: DFH Chalice

Pours a deep brown mahogany in color w/ a skim coat white head that produces little to no lacing. Aromas of caramel, toffee, dark fruits, a touch of roasted coconut and marshmallow, and bourbon. The taste matches the nose w/ sweet toffee/caramel and dark fruits up front, leading into toasted coconut and marshmallow, and finished w/ medium levels of bourbon and tobacco. Medium bodied and maybe a touch too thin for the style, which is about the only knock on the brew. The 13% ABV is quite evident which slightly limits the drink-ability of
this tasty concoction.

Overall, a pleasure to sample! However, this could benefit even more from extended aging.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2013 23:28:32 | More by mikeyv35

milliCAN

Indiana

4.81/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Poured from a 2011 bottle in a KBS chalice.

I cracked this open after a regular 4th D.

It pours like beef stock with no head at all. The lacing is lightened from the lack of head but it exists.

It smells of dates, malt, and booze. It's fantastic. The taste is damn near the same with a nice slightly bitter raisin and bourbon finish.

This is a great beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2013 01:23:27 | More by milliCAN

Cadbury

Ontario (Canada)

4.76/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Picked this up from the recent shipment to the LCBO . Best before date of 2017/01/01. Enjoyed from a tulip.

Appearance: Dark brown. Very little foam associated with the poor, but consistently had about 1-2mm laced on the glass. 4.5/5.

Smell: Truly intoxicating. Sweet caramel that had a warm feel to it. I wish I could smell this all day long. 5/5.

Taste: Wow. Sweetness hits first. Clearly a caramel and sugary component. Very minor vanilla taste lingers shortly afterwards. That's all I can discern at this point. 4.75/5.

Mouthfeel: A very nice mix of minor carbonation and smoothness. 4.75/5.

Overall: I am very impressed with this beer. Although I am just getting into the craft scene, this is most certainly one of the most enjoyable gustatory experiences I've had in my life. I am very glad I bought more than one of these beers so I can age it and see how it changes over time. Truly an impressive beer. 4.75.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2013 23:11:44 | More by Cadbury

ngeunit1

California

4.7/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A - Dark brown-black with a touch of bubbly head that fades right away.

S - Sweet caramel and dark caramel malts, caramelized sugars, Bourbon, oak, vanilla, some dark fruits, and booze.

T - Sweet caramel and dark caramel malts, oak, vanilla, Bourbon, caramelized sugars, raisins and other dark fruits, some molasses, a bit of black licorice, and some booze.

M - Full bodied, moderate carbonation. Smooth and a bit thick with a sweet and warming finish.

D - Fantastic barrel aged old ale. Balance is spot on.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2013 05:43:46 | More by ngeunit1

Fux

France

4.58/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Review from notes (May 2012).
A: Dark with mahogany glints. Very thin off-white head that fades quite quickly.
S: Woody, oaky scent. The nose is also sweet, with aromas of caramel and soaked orange. Nice!
T: Mainly caramel, toffee, chocolate upfront. Also wood, vanilla, soaked red fruits ans dark fruits.
M: Mouthfeel is sweet, buttery, thick, actually fat. A bit boozy on the finish, so a long time sipper rather than something very drinkable. Still appropriate for the beer.
O: SI had this side by side with Närke Kaggen! Stormakstporter on an epic day. Very different beers indeed, still it stood the comparison!

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 17:16:23 | More by Fux

CharlatanSin

Connecticut

4.83/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

From a bottle into a tulip.

A: Pours a murky brown with almost a red or purple tinge. Good finger or so of light tan head with good retention, no lacing.

S: Just outstanding. Aroma is of sweet boozy bourbon and vanilla. Caramel. Almost nutty.

T/M: Big vanilla. Caramel. Charred brown sugar. Bourbon. Sweet dark fruit. A woody, almost maple character. Sweet, but balanced by the booze. Mouthfeel is incredibly thick, with low carbonation.

O: Truly remarkable. So very sad that I only have one bottle. Worth whatever hype it gets.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 00:19:09 | More by CharlatanSin

Hamburgers

California

4.39/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2012 vintage. Poured into a Courvoisier tumbler. Appearance is a slightly cloudy Burnt Sienna color. Not even a hint of head on this one. Wonderful bourbon aroma with notes of caramel, vanilla, dried figs and chocolate. Flavor is heavy on bourbon but not overwhelming. Full bodied with only a slight carbonation. Long finish. Perfectly balanced.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2013 04:28:32 | More by Hamburgers

tut2528

Illinois

4.96/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

first and foremost. Thank you matttYCE for this one! seriously appreciate it man

2011 vintage poured into Bruery Snifter

A: very dark maple brown in color, created a thin film that was tan in color. absolutely no transparency even when held directly up to the light

S: the aroma is just massive and it was immediately notice during the pour. this is simply off the charts. just absolutely massive amounts of alcohol soaked dark fruits (raisins and figs), huge vanilla, oak chips, bourbon. immense sweet caramel.

T: unbelievable balance. again, just a ridiculous amount of vanilla and caramel sweetness, alcohol soaked dark fruits, bourbon and oak.

M: oh my God. this has to be one of the thickest beers I have even had. this could pass off as syrup. It coats the mouth with a terrific sugary sweetness and just sticks to the palate and the vanilla lingers.

O: absolute 5's (expect in appearance) for me. and I am now in forever ISO of this brew. I was blown away by its viscosity, and for it being 13.5%, I do not detect any alcohol heat whatsoever. Seriously, I cannot thank you enough Matt!

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2013 02:54:00 | More by tut2528

Beerandboards

New Mexico

4.44/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

poured from a bottle into a large wine glass

A - pours a thick black coffee type color, very little light brown head. Wispy foam swirls around on top.

S - Smells really nice. Toffee, burnt sugar, caramel, brown sugar. Really damn good. If it were a little more pronounced, it would be a 5, but really close to perfect either way.

T - Leads with the caramel, toasty marshmallow, sticky sweetness, pretty great. But, there is a sort of metallic finish that I noticed throughout. I noticed it when it was cold and it stayed present through the entire time it warmed over the course of 40 minutes or so. Not really bad, but right or wrong, I was sort of expecting perfection, and that definitely held it back.

M - Nice and thick, Actually a little more carbonated than I expected, but not off putting.

O - If not perfect, it was very very good. Great sticky rich sweet flavor. Not the best beer I've ever had, but very tasty.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 03:53:38 | More by Beerandboards

jlindros

Massachusetts

4.44/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I'd had this before, but somehow never reviewed it, so thanks to rudzud for this sample to make a review with.

Light fizzy almost non-existent head, dark molasses brown color that lets just a bit of brown light through, thick legs on the glass.

Nose tons of caramel, toffee, brown sugar, some molasses even, sweet malts galore, then vanilla and toasted oak barrel, light bourbon in there even, and sweetened dark fruit like brandy soaked raisins, dates, etc.

Taste brings more of the same, fairly sweet, plenty of caramel and toffee, brown sugar molasses, candied dates, little nutty like, booze soaked raisins, fig paste, then barrel, some vanilla and toasty oak, and some nice bourbon, and a nice tingly warming booze. Finish is sticky sweet, long lingering sweet malts, caramel toffee, dark fruits, bourbon barrel, etc.

Mouth is fuller bodied, lighter carb, plenty of warming tingly booze.

Overall a very nice beer, top of the top in the style, bourbon barrel aged old ale executed almost perfectly.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2013 02:21:17 | More by jlindros

tectactoe

Michigan

4.38/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Kuhnhenn, also a few times out of the bottle. Pours an opaque, sienna-brown color with a dark-beige, creamy head that smokes out pretty quickly and is kind of hard to bring back, even with aggressive swirling. The aroma is powerful right from the start, and only grows more so as the beer warms up. The bourbon barrel aging is apparent immediately, thanks to the heavy boozy-oak notes. Light vanilla, candied, booze-soaked dark fruits, and an intense sweetness build up the rest of the aroma. There's a nice clash between the dry warmth from the bourbon barrels and the savory sweetness of the malt.

This one is very creamy as it hits the palate, with a body on the thicker side and a medium amount of carbonation. Bourbon infused fruits up front; dates, figs, ripe raisins. Toasted brown sugar charges through and sweetens things up a bit, as well. Along with the brown sugar comes a delicate vanilla flavor that lasts into the aftertaste. Oak and bourbon flavors are hanging in the background from start to finish - although the word "background" may not do them justice, as they play a much larger role in the flavor. The taste has the same head-butting of flavors as the nose did aromas - a nice, smooth, mellow boozy warmth with a dry oak underbody competes with a delicate and delectable sweetness in the form of toasted, sugar-coated dark fruit. Booze is, as mentioned, very apparent - but in a "flavor" kind of way, rather than a "burning" kind of way - although it's additional warmth should be noted.

At 13.5% ABV, this beer is no slouch, and it deserves to be slowly sipped. Heavy oak, bourbon, sugar, dark fruits, and vanilla make for a nicely executed barrel-aged old ale. There's a reason people rave about this stuff. It's great.

Serving type: on-tap

02-17-2013 05:24:17 | More by tectactoe

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

4.93/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

This thing is ominous coming out of the bottle pure murky brown liquid falls out of the bottle into the glass. No noticeable carbonation until it sits in the glass for a second.

The smell is just littered with barrel notes everywhere (this beer is still fresh): dry woodiness, oak flavors, and a small hint of vanilla. The barrel notes kind of remind me of KBS or New Holland Pilgrim's Dole. I get even more vanilla the more smells I take it. The old ale earthiness comes out a bit, but its definitely a bourbon barrel bomb on the nose.

Now this is exactly what I expected from the hype. Strong notes of caramel and toffee dominate pretty much the whole thing. Lots of vanilla and dry woody bourbon from the barrel mix beautifully with the sweet caramel and toffee. They are just intertwined so beautifully, that you can't tell where one begins and the other ends. The bourbon heat makes an initial attempt at coming out, but loses to the amazing sweet flavors, then it warms the back of the throat in the finish. The old ale is woven seamlessly into the huge bourbon and barrel notes. The earthiness helps keep this beer from being cloying.

There isn't much of a body at all, but it feels super slick. The caramel and toffee make it drinkable for 13.5%. I didn't even notice it in the flavor that much, which is scary as all get out. Its a sipper for sure, but a tasty one at that.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2013 21:41:42 | More by VncentLIFE

Docrock

Illinois

4.81/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

served on tap at Kuhnhenn in a tulip:

This is from the 2012 Winter Solstice release, still on-tap in February:

A - a beautiful dark toffee muddy brown color. There was minimal head and what head there was disappeared to a small ring around the top of the glass, with the small head there was a small amount of lacing, the lacing had great legs.

S - Man this smells great, toffee and marshamallow followed by the booziness of the Bourbon. There is a sense of some fig and raisin with the backbone of the malt present as well.

T - The taste is different from anything I have had before, the bourbon and toffee along with the marshmallow were dominant and just like the aroma there was just a hint of some fruit mostly figs and raisins but something else along with it I just couldnt place.

M - very smooth with minimal carbonation, nice full body.

O - wow, this is an outstanding beer. Was very dissapointed they didn't have any for sale in bottle even though the menu indicated they had some. would gladly pay $8.00 per bottle for a few of these. This is rapidly going to be something I search for and has moved into the upper tier of beers that I have enjoyed.

Serving type: on-tap

02-14-2013 04:26:45 | More by Docrock

TheHoppiest

Ohio

4.85/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

A friend brought this back after a trip to Michigan. This review is of the 2011 version, served at about 55 degrees.

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into an oversized snifter. Pours a deep mahogany brown, with a minimal might tan head. Moderate cloudniess in the beer gives it a bit of a murky quality; otherwise, it is the color of cola.

The aroma is intense and boozy, with tons of burnt toffee, malt and dark cherry. I don't quite get the burnt marshmellow advertised on the bottle, but there is a burnt quality to the brew.

The taste is malty, boozy, yeasty and strong, with dark fruit, caramel and burnt sugar. This is an intensely flavorful beer that demands it be sipped. A bit peaty and earthy, there's tremendous depth to this ale. Chocolate notes begin to come out the warmer it gets.

Full bodied with low bitterness, the brew has the feel of heavy creme it is so thick. There's a bit of fruity tang in the finish that balances out the ale nicely.

This is a slow sipper of a beer, meant to be enjoyed like one would enjoy a sherry, port or cognac, perfect for a cold winter day. You don't come across many olde ales that are as "English" as this; a true treat!

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 23:45:01 | More by TheHoppiest

claaark13

Indiana

4.73/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Ah, and Mike sends me a box of De Dolle happiness with a bottle of this....2012 bottle. Served at cellar temp into a HF tulip.

A - Mahogany with no head...wait a second...the small head rises. Perfect. White head with a hint of tan, beautifully turns into lacing, which returns when necessary. Foam doesn't stick to the glass, but the body does. Looks great for the style.

S - Tons of wood, caramelized dark fruits pushing through, note of brown sugar.

T - Spiced, creamy wood, caramelized dark fruits, brown sugar and a lot of oak in the back half. Sweet oak is strong on the finish with a hint of heat in the throat, but not really on the tongue. The caramelized fruits blend well in the finish with the oak, but the barrel is stonger.

M - Thick. I love it.

O - We tried this about a year ago (2011 version) next to the BA Papier / Coton / Cuir set and it was better than everything except the BA Coton. I didn't rate it because I was in poor form, but I can now say that the 2012 has proved that this beer is quite incredible. I almost wish that Mike didn't send it, because now I need more.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 01:46:34 | More by claaark13

standardcherry

Massachusetts

4.68/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75

2012 vintage thanks to Steimie! Poured into a snifter.

A: Almost completely opaque black/dark brown color. Tiny off-white head forms but it rapidly dissipated.
S: Tons of bourbon. Caramel, vanilla and brown sugar follow. A bit of alcohol that blends well with the rest of the aroma.
T: Taste is just exceptional. Caramel, bourbon, chocolate, marshmallows, maple and alcohol blend together perfectly. It has an excellent oak/vanilla finish (in a way it reminds me of BVDL). A bit of an alcohol bite at the end.
M: Medium/thick body with low carbonation. This is dangerously drinkable, especially for the ABV.
O: Amazing beer. I'm afraid I'll be disappointed by any old ales that I come across next.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2013 02:58:45 | More by standardcherry

davey101

Connecticut

4.61/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

2012 vintage, 12 oz gold foil topped bottle into a Founders 15th anny glass. Thanks to steimie for this mega-want!

A - Pours a nearly opaque dark, dark brown body that is just a shade below black. Holding this up to the light creates a sheen of dark red illumination through the beer. One finger of light khaki foam forms but doesn't stick around long. A swirl generates a long lasting lace of tiny bubbles that falls down slowly leaving behind some alcohol legs.

S - As soon as I cracked the bottle I got a huge whiff of bourbon and oak. The nose is strong on the dark fruits and vanilla. Dates, raisins, and mincemeat. A warming blast of alcohol followed by smooth and rich caramel, brown sugar, toffee, and marsh mallow. Spicy and woody with a lingering ethanol presence. The aroma does not hide its alcohol, instead it puts it on full display like a fine high proof bourbon.

T - Caramel, marshmallow, molasses, brown sugar, maple, raisins and some chocolate. Smooth and earthy english toffee with a smooth oak and vanilla finish. A very complex drinker with a plethora of sweet and decadent flavors attacking your tongue. The alcohol has a pleasing burn on the end.

M - Medium bodied and slick, well carbonated. Probably not for those who don't enjoy boozy beers.

O - Very impressive BA old ale. Been wanting to try this beer for a long time and its certainly lived up to the hype. This beer is drinking phenomenally out of the gate, I have no idea why anyone would intentionally age this beer. Forever ISO!

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 07:13:00 | More by davey101

ehammond1

California

4.83/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Bottle (2011)

Acquired via trade
Thanks, whartontallboy!

(Aged for 1+ year)

Murky dark brown and dark copper in color with a very small light brown head. Leaves the glass with an oily sheen, and only small specks of stick. Appropriate, though not particularly pretty, though that isn't exactly expected with a beer of this style.

The aroma is superb, and one of the best I've experienced within the style. Layers of caramels and toffees, earthy and vanilla-forward bourbon, some oak, along with marshmallow create something truly exceptional. A bit of an alcohol in the aroma prevents this from reaching perfection.

The flavor is, however, perfect. As with the aroma, the complex layers of caramels, toffees, marshmallow, bourbon, vanilla, and alcohol combine for the ultimate drinking experience. Such a delight.

Medium to near full in body, with moderate though creamy carbonation. Exceptionally drinkable.

The ultimate benchmark within the style. Perfection.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2013 05:47:37 | More by ehammond1

ZorPrime

Quebec (Canada)

4.08/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Thanks to liamt07 for sending me this one.

The beer is brown in color. Viscous looking beer. Light film of foamy head on top of it. Not much. Looks is similar to the original one.

The aroma shows more presence of vanilla. Caramel malts in there too. Sugar and possibly some rum. In the mouth, the vanilla is strongly present. More complex. Full bodied. This is an excellent beer. A true sipper. The alcohol is present and provides good warmth to the body.

Love this old ale.

Thanks liamt07

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 14:06:44 | More by ZorPrime

dbc5

Ohio

4.63/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a muddy, murky dark brown. Almost no head to speak of and no lacing. Not a particularly good looking beer, but it is in a charming way, exactly what you expect from Kuhnhenn.

S: This smells amazing. Caramel, toffee, tons of dark fruits, bourbon, a sweetness that has a vanilla/marshmallow character.

T: The lofty expectations established by the nose were somehow exceeded by the very first sip. Phenomenal. First thing coming to my mind is raisins or figs soaked in bourbon with a bit of dark brown sugar sprinkled on top. A sweet beer, but brilliantly balanced by the bourbon, oak, and underlying roasted malt. Picking up so many flavors, including caramel, toffee, vanilla, even maple syrup. The alcohol is incredibly well hidden for a 13.5% beer.

M: Thick and syrupy. Very little carbonation which works well with the thickness.

O: One of the better beers I have had recently. Simply fantastic and something I would recommend to anyone. Flavor and aroma rival any other beer in the style. A bit more carbonation would have upped the score slightly.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2013 00:40:54 | More by dbc5

jacewg

District of Columbia

4.76/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Huge thanks to pest for this one. A continually great trader.

Appearance: Syrupy murky brown. As expected not much head or head retention. Not a beautiful beer, but works for the style.

Aroma: Incredible. Waves of dark fruit, bourbon, caramel, toffee. Some chocolate undertones and definite sweetness.

Taste: Just as good as the nose. Vanilla, caramel, bourbon. Lots of dark fruit from the base beer. Rich and decadent. Sweet but not cloying. A really interesting earthy hop tone creeps in the more you drink. Can't decide 100% how I feel about it. Regardless, this joins a handful of other beers on my "I'd like to have six ounces of this every night before bed" list.

Mouthfeel: Not much carb. A bit on the syrupy side, but appropriate for what it is. Rich and decadent. Drinks like it should.

Overall: Easy to see why this is so highly rated and it deserves every point of it. Marvelous stuff. Perfect sipping, cold weather beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 17:16:39 | More by jacewg

smalenberg

Michigan

4.93/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Straight from the tap at Kuhnhenn, in their tulip.

A - opaque brown with hints of a ruby tinge in the light near the edges. Thin ring of reddish-tab foam clings to the glass with each sip.

S - big malty sweetness with subtler bourbon notes than many barrel aged offerings I've tried.

T - wonderfully executed balance of smooth bourbon character with toasted malt, dark candied fruits (black cherry, Cabernet grapes), and hints of chocolate.

M - thick, but not syrupy and surprisingly little alcohol heat or tingle considering the ABV. There is a hint of it on the back of the tongue in the aftertaste. This could sneak up on you.

O - if you have the chance to try it, particularly on draft, don't miss it.

Serving type: on-tap

01-18-2013 23:45:05 | More by smalenberg

sleuthdog

Illinois

4.88/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This one thanks to franklinn!
2011 vintage poured into snifter

Pour: Color is a dark murky brown reminding me of very dirty water. No head to speak of but does leave a small collar around edge of glass. No light penetrating this at all. Not a pleasant looking beer to be honest.

Smell: Well here we go! Right up front is a big punch of bourbon and a huge sweet dark fruit component. I get booze soaked raisins and figs and plums. I get toffee, butterscotch, molasses, vanilla, marshmallow, and caramel. Now this is one hell of a nice smelling beer!

Taste: First sip had me reeling and I said out loud, this is fantastic! I taste initially the sweet toffee, caramel and vanilla. This yields to the dark fruits noted in the smell and then the alcohol and bourbon take hold on the finish and linger in the aftertaste. The barrel character really shines at the end and in the fantastic aftertaste with some wood notes rounding it out. A sweet beer for sure but does not get cloyingly sweet as everything seems to be in harmonious balance. Let me note that at 13.5% abv I would like to know how it is so well hidden? A slight burn but very enjoyable because it lets me know I am drinking a well crafted beer.

Mouthfeel: Medium to reaching for a full feel. I think it is the sweet sticky like quality that gives it the feel here. No carbonation really to cut the sweetness but I don't care. Sticks to my lips and tongue with syrup like consistency that has me craving more.

Overall: First time for me with this one and I have to say it has lived up to it's hype. I find this to be a fantastic sipping beer with absolutely everything I look for in this style. I am now on an indefinite ISO for this beer. I truly can not say enough good things about this beer. Hits all the marks for me! Well minus the appearance but honestly who the fuck cares what it looks like when it smells and tastes this good!!

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 02:43:23 | More by sleuthdog