Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Lord (Pappy Van Winkle) - Three Floyds Brewing Co. & Brewpub

Scrumtralecent

Illinois

4.9/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a bottle into a snifter, bottle 304/484.

A - Black with a little head but an off brown color on the edges. Quite viscous.

S - Smell is wonderful of dark fruit, cherry, oak, bourbon, fig. Very complex, and I could just sit here and smell this all day. Could smell this beer as soon as I cracked it.

T - Rich, deep flavors in this one. The bourbon is well integrated, a little aging did this beer well. The sweet, dark fruit stout taste of the DL is still present, but that bourbon adds a deep complexity that the base beer is missing. Very dark flavor forward on this one, if you are looking for any lighter flavors, don't come here.

M - Very full mouthfeel, the barrel makes this DL even more coating. Not the most drinkable as it's so heavy, but the flavor makes this very enjoyable.

O - Amazing beer, I had my hopes up for it and it did not disappoint for me at least. I'm a huge fan of DL and don't mind the sweet flavors, so I'm not surprised that the the barrel makes this beer that much better.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2012 19:44:38 | More by Scrumtralecent

jeonseh

Indiana

4.9/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

Bottle as part of NWI tasting group 2011 DL night

A - Dark chocolate brown with a golden overtone around the edges. Not much of a head as it only leaves small bubbles on the sides. As the beer swirls in my glass, I can tell it's going to be a thick one as it leaves lots of residue on the sides

S - This has a great Pappy and bourbon nose with vanilla, sweet wheated bourbon, and the typical PVW butterscotch aspects

T - Vanilla, caramel, butterscotch are up front. As the beer goes, on there is a sweet milk chocolate that comes through as well. The finish is light oak and cinnamon. The flavors meld together well and make this one really delicious beer

MF - Smooth, thick and creamy mouthfeel with a slight stickiness to it. That slight sticky sweetness is what remains in the finish. The best way to describe this while drinking it is velvety

O - This is an amazing beer and worth the bottles we had to trade to try it. It is a sweet beer that really allows the PVW aspects to shine through. I was also amazed at how much it did shine through compare to the bourbon DL's that I've had before.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 21:29:04 | More by jeonseh

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

4.88/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Barrel-Aged Dark Lord tasting! Thanks to all the guys in the tasting group who helped make this happen.

The beer is very dark brown with a small beige head. Great aroma with inviting bourbon scents. So subtle, delicate, and smooth. Wow. Effortless to drink. Where is the alcohol?!? I could easily sit in my cabin in the woods with of keg of this and sip the night away. Silky smooth feel. World class beer. One of the best bourbon barrel stouts I have ever had. My highest recommendation.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 00:48:54 | More by Huhzubendah

Millyvfloyd

Texas

4.88/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Dark as night. Minimal lacing

S: Chocolate, vanilla, oak and sweet, rich bourbon

T: Perfect bourbon character that complemented the sweet, creamy texture of the base stout. Hints of vanilla and chocolate up front followed by a truly wonderful bourbon flavor. I would have never guessed this beer was 15%. The alcohol was so well hidden behind the complex flavor profile

M: The very little carbonation gave way to a truly exquisite, smooth mouthfeel that coated the palate with a thick, oily stout glaze

O: One of the best beers I have ever had the privilege of trying. I would live inside the bottle if I could. Well done!

Thanks kingkong for sharing!

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2012 20:17:57 | More by Millyvfloyd

TroopScoop

Indiana

4.85/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This was enjoyed directly after we opened a yellow wax 2011. 5/12/12

A: As dark as night, no light can escape the glass once it enters. The head is typical of other years of dark lord: thin, coffee brown, and dissipates quickly

S: The sweetness that overwhelms in this 2011 year has been subdued and replaced with a gorgeous hint of bourbon. The fruity and molasses tones exist, but the pappy steals the show.

T: It starts out exactly like it smells. The sweet fruit and molasses is just toned down to where the coffee and bits of chocolate come out as well - a wonderful combination. As great as this is, it is simply your second favorite band in the world opening for your favorite band in the world. Very quickly the pappy van winkle takes over and just steals the entire show. It is not boozy or overdone in anyway.

M: Way more viscous than other standard stouts and even some other famous RISs. It's great though! It coats your mouth and throat with an amazing bourbon aftertaste. Between sips, are comforting breaths of pappy van winkle, reminding you why $50 was worth every penny of this glass.

O: This beer officially makes it into my personal list of "greatest things I have ever put in my mouth". It's a beer that is so good, it makes you rethink your religious or spiritual beliefs. If you think i'm being sensational - you probably haven't tried this stuff yet. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2012 20:18:48 | More by TroopScoop

coreyfmcdonald

Georgia

4.83/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

22oz bottle served with the other versions and 2004-2011.

A: Like the others, completely black with small amount of very dark head.

S: Sweet chocolate with coconut and light bourbon flavor. Very well integrated bourbon.

T: Chocolate and vanilla with light coconut and bourbon. Light roast to balance. Everything in the perfect proportions. Amazing.

M: Thick mouthfeel, good carbonation. This added to the flavor for sure.

O: Perfect mix of roast, vanilla, chocolate, and bourbon.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2011 00:09:38 | More by coreyfmcdonald

spdyfire83

Ireland

4.83/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

35th Review
Bottle to snifter.
Bottle 109/484

Thanks to Brian (deadmule) for sharing at our epic DL Variant & Other Ticks Tasting in Chicago! Stoked to try this one.

L: Jet black with a few bubble on light/medium pour. From the tasting group, there was not a significant amount of head, even on a vigorous pour. Such goes life because this beer looks awesome!

S: Slight hint of dark chocolate with a subtle hint of Pappy. Reminds me of a glass of 20 year old Pappy that I shared with a generous BA in Denver a while back. Either way, it smells delightful and basic – not overly complex, but I’m ready to drink after a dozen or so smells.

T: Strong fig and dark raisin flavor up-front. A slight hint of chocolate mid-palate, but just right. Smooth, long finish of sweet bourbon at the back – this was my favorite part of the entire experience. Not hot, but just right. Pure and fantastic!

M: Medium carbonation with a very, very smooth finish.

O: One word…awesome! I don’t really like Bourbon, but this beer is so well-balanced and smooth. Not overly complex, but just right. I think had it spent any more time in the barrel it would have been too much for me; however, I also think this thing will age well. Wish I had another bottle to age and try again in the future because this was definitely my favorite of all the variants. Standing ovation!

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2011 05:45:11 | More by spdyfire83

oline73

Maryland

4.83/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I had this at the epic tasting last weekend held at finewinemike's. Poured from the bottle into a Colossus snifter.

Appearance: Pours black with just a little light coming through at the edges. There is hardly any head at all on this one.

Smell: Sweet and chalked full of roasted malt. There is some dark chocolate as well as vanilla and caramel. Really smooth bourbon in there as well.

Taste: Just amazing. Really smooth, the bourbon and the roast mix flawlessly. Also getting some caramel, dark fruit, and chocolate notes as well.

Mouthfeel: The body is quite thick with just a tingle of carbonation and a slightly dry finish.

Overall: This is so much better than the base beer. The barrel aging has done amazing things to this beer. I would have this one again anytime, but I'm not so sure I'll get the chance.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2011 03:13:32 | More by oline73

JoEBoBpr

Missouri

4.83/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured into a tulip glass from a 750ml bottle.

The beer pours a pure black darkness color with a no head whatsoever. There is a slight ring of carbonation that form bust the brew is pretty "flat" looking. (4.5)

Delicious caramel and molasses notes come up strong and quick. Tons of toffee and sweetness. There is some nice vanilla notes and with the vanilla comes some nice woody barrel notes. The Bourbon is obviously at the forefront with sweetness and vanilla present. Very sweet yet delicious. There is some nice chocolate notes that can come through some of the intense sweetness. Quite nice. (4.5)

This brew is sweet as sweet can get. But I must say it is complex and delicious as well. It is nice and oily and smooth. Starts off with intense molasses and caramel. I am a big fan of PvW 15 and 23 and the Bourbon notes this brew has definitely reminds me of these spirits. There is a very honey-like and vanilla-like sweetness to the Bourbon notes. There is also tons of chocolate that can be perceived more in the palette as opposed to the nose. The middle of the brew shows me some more dark fruit notes like prunes as well as some slight roast. The finish is nice and sticky but oily and velvety with some definite boozy heat. The Co2 is on the low end but its still very good. (5.0)(4.5)

This brew is delicious. Very complex and sweet. Boozy chocolate with some nice caramel and brown sugar notes. Some nice heat and a slight bitter finish. (5.0)

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2012 00:09:21 | More by JoEBoBpr

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

4.8/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Thanks Andrew for this one! 371/484

Pours very little head. Color is a deep brown black.

Aroma: Amazing bourbon notes. Rich chocolate with sweet vanilla and caramel. Cocoa powder. Molasses and dark fruits in the background. Oaky. Stunning.

Taste: Brown sugar and molasses. Warming bourbon with oak and vanilla. The -bals are fantastic. Chocolate and dark fruits. A light roast. Fantastic.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, warming, and creamy. Full bodied with a light to medium amount of carbonation. Ends clean.

Overall, a very tasty beer. One of the best. Very drinkable. Those pvw barrels did wonders to dl. This was incredible.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2011 01:10:46 | More by mothman

Brabander

Netherlands

4.8/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is one of the beers you should try to drink. I had the opportunity to drink this one @ the Borefts beerfestival 2012 in Bodegraven, the Netherlands. My all time American beerbuddy Matt Rooney who lives in Antwerps saved this bottle quit some time for me so that we could drink it at special moment, Borefts was the place to be.

I was at the friday sessions when (later in the evening) Matt came to my table with this bottle. Served in the De Molen tasting glass this beer had some problems to present itself. The fluid was a bit too cold so we had to warm it up for a while. After the fluid warmed up the smell got extremely good. Rich in the nose with the bourbon complexity. Boozy and warm. Boy this was one hell of a treat! Thanks again Matt for making this possible! At the table where i sat were some Spanish beerlovers who got a small pour out of this bottle. I dont think they will ever get a more epic beer than this one...

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2012 09:24:44 | More by Brabander

drabmuh

Maryland

4.75/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Served along side the other barreled variants of this beer and a 2010 Dark Lord, all served in a Dark Lord snifter because I am capable of this. Thanks to everyone that provided bottles for this. Once in a lifetime sort of thing. This was also my favorite out of all the variants.

Beer is dark brown with nearly no head, no lacing, low carbonation.

Aroma is sweet, oaky, bourbon, strong, nice.

The beer is medium to heavy in body on the front half but the back half of the beer falls flat, thins out giving way to a nice slightly drier tannic finish, the sweetness and booziness from the barrel pops in the midpalate, dominating the normal candy sweetness of the Dark Lord base, rounding it out to a phenomenal beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 05:34:12 | More by drabmuh

mdfb79

New York

4.75/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Fromm 01/14/12 notes. Huge thanks to Dreadnaught33 for sharing this one; thanks Jonathan! Tried it side by side with the base beer and the other three variants with some friends. I liked this version the second best, after the Vanill Brandy. Poured from a 750ml bottle into a snifter. Bottle 342/484.

a - Pours a pitch black color with one inch of dark tan head and low carbonation evident. Looks like the normal version and all the other variants.

s - Smells of sweet bourbon, roasted malts, sweet dark fruits, oak, light vanilla, sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, and toasted malts. An awesome nose here, it's really perfect. One of the best smalling BBA stouts I've smelled.

t - Tastes of bourbon, vanilla, wood, sweet chocolate, roasted malts, sweet dark fruits, brandy, aok, dark chocolate, toasted malts. Very, very awesome taste. Nice bourbon here; close to a 5 for me.

m - Full bodied stout and low carbonation. Body is thick and creamy; pretty perfect for a big RIS.

o - Overall I thought this was a fantasic stout. The nose is pretty perfect, and though I rated the Vanilla Brandy slightly higher, this is right there with it. I think the nose here is better while I liked the VB taste better. I think the nose on this one is closer to the original Dark Lord, as I get more sweet dark fruits here, and obviously has less vanilla than the Vanilla Brandy version. Really great, would love to have it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2012 03:05:16 | More by mdfb79

david131

Michigan

4.73/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle 388/484. Thanks to warnerry for sharing.

A- Pours an absolutely pitch oily black with a tiny splotchy brown head. Looks absolutely beautiful and menacing. With a bit more head this would be perfect.

S- Smoke, coffee, blackberries, vanilla, maple syrup, and alcohol. Very very interesting and maybe a tad rough around the edges.

T- Very roasty and sweet with coffee, vanilla, smoke, and blackberries. The vanilla and maple syrup are delicious. Very complex and delicious.

M- Oily and slick with just a bit or carbonation. There is a lot of lingering flavors.

O- Absolutely delicious. Maybe a bit rough around the edges and the flavors could be blended better, but this is still outstanding.

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2012 01:26:37 | More by david131

Mississipping

Mississippi

4.73/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to StayWhatYouAre for sharing this the night before his wedding.

A: Pours jet black and settles to create a mini abyss, although it was poured into a hotel paper cup. Almost no head at all, only a wispy mocha film that disappears quickly.

S: Dark fruit, dark chocolate, oak, bourbon, roasted barley, vanilla, toffee, coffee, and booze. Really complex and extremely well balanced aroma. Not overly boozy, roasty, or sweet.

T: Taste is comprised of what comprised the aroma, but the roastiness and coffee come out first with the oak and dark fruit. Transitions to a sweet, fudgey finish with hints of toffee and vanilla. As it warmed, it almost tasted like melted chocolate/fudge ice-cream. However, it wasn't overly sweet. It still had warmth, very subtle bitterness from the coffee, and some roast. Pretty exceptional.

M: Full bodied with lower carbonation that coats the tongue and mouth. I really, really enjoy the mouthfeel on this one. Great transition from roastiness to sweetness without overdoing either.

O: I'm not that big of a Dark Lord fan. I find it way too sweet and hot sometimes. However, this is one fantastic variation that blows away the regular version, and many other RISs. Extremely complex but astoundingly balanced. Incredibly smooth with really nice barrel characteristics. Booze was hidden almost complete, which was not expected at all. I absolutely loved this and am grateful for the opportunity to try this one, especially on such a special occasion. Thanks Alex!

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2012 06:12:07 | More by Mississipping

largadeer

California

4.7/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle generously shared by Mike/AgentZero.

Pitch black, somewhat oily appearance with a thin brown head. Clings impressively to the walls of the cheap plastic cup I drank it out of.

Sweet, mellow bourbon and chocolate are the first thing my nose picks up. The Pappy barrel did good work here, lending overt but smooth bourbon tones. Plenty of caramel and molasses, vanilla and chocolate. Just a touch of booze.

This tastes rather awesome, possibly the best of all the barrel aged Dark Lords. Incredibly smooth and integrated bourbon, lending layers of caramel and vanilla, paired with molasses and chocolate from the base beer. Very sweet, basically dessert in a glass, but it's hard to imagine a barrel aged stout tasting much better.

Couldn't drink a ton of this due to the sheer richness of it, but it's remarkably good in small quantities.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2011 16:55:22 | More by largadeer

Chriscrundwell12

Minnesota

4.7/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bottle split with many BA's at the Darkness Eve tasting, thanks to Andrew for sharing this.

A- Pours a dark black color, very opaque, thin brown layer of head around the glass, no lacing, typical appearance for a Dark Lord beer.
S- The aroma makes my mouth water, really nice bourbon and vanilla upfront, very slight coffee presence, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, slight dark fruits, the aroma is not in your face but rather mild as it warms up, can’t wait to try this bad boy.
T- Wow is my first impression, really smooth, velvety smooth, the bourbon and vanilla really come out in this beer, sweet caramel, sweet toffee, slight chocolate, dark fruits (raisins, plums) pretty complex, some oak and roasted malt in the finish, really well balanced.
M- Big mouth feel, coats the palate, smooth and silky, not too much carbonation but just the right amount, sticky, dry finish.
O- This beer lived up to the hype, really smooth, complex, well balanced, not too hot, the alcohol is definitely present but does not take over the beer, really impressive, absolutely loved it.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2011 18:13:55 | More by Chriscrundwell12

cosmicevan

New York

4.7/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Consumed on 7/28 as part of the NYC BA DarkLord Voltron tasting!!! thanks to jim for providing this gem.
bottle #049 / 484

a - black with minimal off brown tan head. soft of what i was expecting for a barrel aged dark lord.

s - smells pretty boozy, but just right. leads with the pappy bourbon...very smooth booziness.

t - dark chocolate soaking in pappy bourbon. fantastic. super boozy, but for a booziness you simply can't beat it. really leads with the pappy with the dark lord sitting in the back ground. the 2012 bourbon is better integrated mix, but in this case, it is probably better to lead with the booze since the booze is so tasty.

m - this one has a bite. a bite of awesomeness.

o - overall, impressive. i expected this one to be great, but i did not really believe that it would be this good. don't get me wrong, the heat is on for this beer, but the booze is just sooo good that you can't complain that it is so forward. a totally different animal than the 2012 bourbon which is a killer in its own right.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2012 03:12:50 | More by cosmicevan

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.68/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The belle of the ball at the finewinemike tasting, and one of the more amazing beers I've ever tried.

The beer pours a blackish brown color with fairly good head retention and minimal lacing. This is a beer that appears to have undergone CONSIDERABLE barrel aging. On the nose... whoof! I pick up a huge aroma of bourbon, roaty malt, milk chocolate, light coffee, vanilla and cherry. The flavor profile replicates the nose, and if anything is even more impressive. There is a light, seamless quality that I rarely see in a beer, and the array of flavors in this beer is complimented very well by the excellent bourbon flavor. You can sort of tell that some exceptionally fine bourbon went into the making of this beer. The mouthfeel is also very fine in this beer, as the finish is so, so smooth and long, with the richness buoyed nicely by the bourbon.

Just an altogether fantastic beer. The high alcohol is noticeable, but in no way detracts from the quality. It was an absolute privilege and a treat to sample this beer at the tasting.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2011 16:07:56 | More by johnmichaelsen

Dreadnaught33

District of Columbia

4.68/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

342/484, was super fortunate to get this at dark lord day! Tried next to all variants from last release, what an extreme blessing.

A: the beer has a really great black color with brown edges and really not too much head at all or lacing, but it looks very thick, viscous and inviting, almost like a black black spirit.

S: This must be the most balanced smelling bourbon imperial stout I've smelled, it strikes such an amazing balance of th amazing complex bourbon spirit, oaky vanilla and earth, and then some great roasty molasses notes from the dark lord base. The is a little heat but it really only accents the amazing complex spirit and beer smells that seem to be perfectly mingled.

T/M: the taste does not disappoint and adds on top of the smell a load of dark fruit, leather, some more molasses, raisin, and a little more vanilla. A really nice complex taste, but it isn't quite as big as the aroma, though it does have flutters of the bourbon and oak that certainly come through. Amazingly, it has no heat and has plenty of viscous body that flows over the palate smoothly. Very nice.

Overall this beer is certainly a winner, what a great beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 00:24:36 | More by Dreadnaught33

Phelps

Arizona

4.63/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle 115 of 481, poured into a snifter.

Inky, absorbing black. Almost no head to speak of. Looks thick and filling.

Spicy and bourbony nose, spiced with vinous new oak. Lots of coffee, lots of molasses, lots of chocolate. Toasted coconut and buttery vanilla enhance the sweet, chocolatey aroma.

Dark Lord is a sweeter — one of the aspects that makes me love it so much — and this barrel-aged version is equally sugary. Big chocolate syrup in the front of the flavor, followed closely by toffee, butterscotch, vanilla beans, smooth oak and toasted coconut. Each flavor melds beautifully with the next, culminating in an obscenely tasty finish.

Very little carbonation, almost flat. Soft, viscous medium body. I get almost no alcohol heat, which is amazing considering the booze that’s in here. Obscene.

One of the best barrel aged stouts ever. EVER. My favorite Dark Lord will always be the Vanilla Bean DL I had on tap during Dark Lord Day 2011, but this is a very close second. Amazing integration, good balance, and crazy drinkable for what it is.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2012 05:22:51 | More by Phelps

Jeffo

Netherlands

4.6/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to a few people we were able to put together the entire vertical and almost all the BA variants. Lots of fun gents! A big shout out to jbeatty for sending me this many moons ago.

From a 750 into a snifter
2011 vintage
Bottle 261 of 484

APPEARANCE: Just like all the rest of them. Pours relatively clear for an imperial stout. Produces a small, one finger medium-looking head that quickly fades to a wisp and ring. Black body in the glass with some carbonation evident. Only a ring remains until the end and leaves no real lacing down the glass. A little too light a pour and an average head at best.

SMELL: Pretty nice. Bourbon for sure, with vanilla, oak, caramel, sweet cream and some nice coconut on the nose. Nice chocolate notes as well in the back. Slightly milder than the bourbon version, but the light, dark chocolate notes mesh well with the rest of the PvW barrel. Pretty nice actually.

TASTE: Excellent for sure. Bourbon, vanilla, oak and some dark baker's chocolate at the swallow as well. Bold and boozy finish of bourbon barrel, coconut, sweet molasses and caramel from the base beer, as well as a touch of bitter dark chocolate for good measure. A little more boozy than the bourbon version, but the added complexity with the baker's chocolate and coconut notes make it pretty decadent. Bold and very enjoyable.

PALATE: Slightly lighter than the base beer, but still big enough. Just like the other DL variants as well. Medium body with medium levels of carbonation. Creamy enough, goes down fine and finishes rather sticky on the palate. A bit of a burn and some heat lingers.

OVERALL: By far the best BA variant, with the regular bourbon and cognac versions rounding out the top three. This is the only one I went back to for a second round. The barrel here works really well here, surpressing the soy and dominating sweetness of Dark Lord and bringing in an array of interesting and enoyable flavors into the mix. This is evidence that while the base beer is questionable at best, it is big and sturdy enough to barrel age with grace when the right barrels are used. The regular bourbon and cognac versions are more evidence of this. Loved this and could easily drink a bottle on my own. Cheers again jbeatty!

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2013 12:38:38 | More by Jeffo

yourefragile

District of Columbia

4.58/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

22 oz yellow waxed bottle, thanks to Mr. Dreadnaught33 for sharing!

Pours a viscous, oily dark brown with a thin light tan head. Aroma is sweet, decadent and smooth with vanilla, bourbon, oak with molasses and brown sugar from the base and very subtle alcohol heat. Oily, chewy body in the front with a silky bourbon presence throughout and a slightly dry, oaky finish. The PvW barrel sweetness complements the normally sweet Dark Lord base without becoming overwhelming or causing fatigue. Easily my favorite of the Dark Lord variants, but still did not quite reach the level of Rare or PvW Eclipse for me.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 16:18:59 | More by yourefragile

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.56/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed from notes. Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a Half Acre snifter.

A- Pours black with very little head. Small tan ring of lacing around the glass.

S- Sweet chocolate, oak, vanilla and bourbon

T- Sweet chocolate, vanilla, nice bourbon flavors with some oak woodiness.

M- Full body and low carbonation. Nice slick, creamy and smooth feel.

O- Nice bourbon notes with some vanilla mixed in. Right there with the Brandy Vanilla for me.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2013 20:40:49 | More by kawilliams81

4DAloveofSTOUT

Illinois

4.53/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Huge thanks to kawilliams81 for the bottle share! Thanks kent!

bottle number 076 of 484.

Poured into a snifter and drinking this side by side with Rare BCBS!

Reviewed from notes taken on 2/23/2013.

Appearance: black bodied beer with a cap of brown head. Drops to a thin ring of brown head. Its a glass staining neer just like the brandy vanilla BA DL that we just drank.

Smell: This beer honestly smells exactly like BCBS Rare, but it has more wood notes. Some noticable smokiness too.

Taste: Dark chocolates and cocoa. Mellow bourbon, vanilla, oaky, tobacco. Hint of coconut. Lingering oaky finish. A touch of oxidation.

Mouthfeel: full bodied beer with low carbonation. Super smooth big beer. Thick and chewy. Well hidden ABV.

Overall: This beer is just as good as Brandy Vanilla Dark Lord and identical to BCBS Rare. The only thing that is differenct between Rare and PvW BA DL is that Rare has a much more noticable coconut profile in the taste. What an awesome night to be able to try this beer out!

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2013 01:52:40 | More by 4DAloveofSTOUT