Uncle Jacob's Stout - Avery Brewing Company

Scotchboy

Idaho

4.53/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle from Dope (thanks!) split into tulips with the bro. Batch #1, bottled MAR 27th 2012.

A: Dense, oily opaque black pour with very little head.

S: Big sweet bourbon and malty notes, tons of brown sugar, toasted sugar, dark caramel, and vanilla. Very, very nice sweetness without being cloying, and really not boozy, though you can tell its a big one!

T: Again, excellent barrel notes, a lot like drinking BCBS. The booze is smooth and warm but isn't offensive; there is a dry bitterness on the finish. Lots of dark caramel and vanilla.

MF: Viscous, oily, full-bodied mouthfeel. Exactly what you would want from a big bba stout. Lower carbonation.

O: Well-integrated bourbon barrels! Seriously this thing tastes as good as BCBS in my opinion. Very good!

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 13:50:59 | More by Scotchboy

joefuzz

New York

4.66/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Batch 1
Pours pitch black with a very small dark brown ring of bubbles. Very sweet on the nose, huge chocolate notes with a little bit of smoke. Taste is all chocolate upfront with sweet sugary toffee and a little bit of char that leads into an amazing warming bourbon aftertaste that lingers in your mouth. Mouth is on the thicker side with just enough carbonation to carry it. Overall I was very impressed with this brew and can't wait to see how it does in the cellar.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 04:13:25 | More by joefuzz

Damian

Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Drank from a 12 fl oz bottle purchased at Liquor World, Cambridge, MA
Batch No. 1
Bottled MAR 27 2012
Served in a snifter

Motor oil-like appearance. The beer poured a super thick and viscous, dark brown color. A whisp of coffee colored froth topped the liquid, but it quickly dissipated to a clingy ring.

Aroma-wise, this was a total mocha bomb. Super rich and robust. Loads of roasted and caramel malts. Creamed coffee. Semi-sweet chocolate. Tons of vanilla. Strong brown sugar notes. Some woodiness. Not a lot of actual bourbon initially, but the bourbon came out in full force as the beer warmed. The booziness was surprisingly subdued considering the extremely high ABV.

The flavor profile was intense and a bit rougher than the nose. Lots of alcohol warmth. Deep, rich, robust malts. Roasted and caramel malts came through on the front end. Loads of espresso. Good dose of vanilla. Some sweet cream. Tons of brown sugar sweetness. Overall, a nice balance of sweet and roasty flavors. The finish was boozy (in a good way) and surprisingly hoppy. The hops were piney and minty. Moderately bitter. Roasted malts and pine resin lingered on my palate long after each sip. As the beer warmed, the bourbon notes really came forth, but the beer never turned overtly boozy or harsh.

The mouthfeel was intense. Super lush, creamy and thick. Ultra viscous on the palate with a fine, tongue blanketing effervescence. The residue from the liquid left a sticky film on my lips.

Even though this beer registers in at over 17% ABV, it was amazingly smooth and drinkable. With a year of age on my bottle, now seems to be the perfect to drink this. If you enjoy huge, sweet, bourbon-forward beers, you will probably love this.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2013 12:58:44 | More by Damian

ehammond1

California

4.33/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle (2012)

Acquired via trade
Thanks, quirkzoo!

(Aged for 1 year)

A fairly standard, though incredibly appropriate, pour for a big, barrel-aged, imperial stout. Black throughout, relatively thick in appearance, and just the smallest bit of visible carbonation. Leaves the glass somewhat oily on the way down.

Still some harsh alcohol notes during the initial whiff, though once that peels away there are very nice chocolate and bourbon notes. This isn't a particularly expressively aromatic bourbon barrel-aged stout, but what's here is very nice.

Where this leaves something to be desired in the aroma department, this beer comes through with a knockout in the flavor. The alcohol is hidden magnificently, butted up against layers of chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, and oak. Exceptional, and scary drinkable, especially at its given strength.

Medium to near full in body, oily, slick, and full in the mouth. Coating. Sticky. Leaves a long, seemingly never-ending chocolate finish.

Exceptional. One of my favorites.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2013 01:52:40 | More by ehammond1

BlurryVisi0n

New York

4.58/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Served in a snifter glass. Vintage bottle dated March 27, 2012, poured 02/26/2013.

Appearance: Thick pitch black from the pour you can tell light carbonation on the body. Head is subtle, dark tan that rises to maybe half a finger's length. After a sip it does disappear quick but this is very expecting with the high ABV level.

Smell: Hint of a strong vanilla and molasses. Very potent, this smell is more aroma than anything.

Taste: First thought; you feel the alcohol right away with strong molasses feel that is almost perfect. Incredibly complex coming off a notch sweet and still bitter coming off a little bit raw.

Mouth: An easy medium carbonation, smooth and strong. The bourbon is evident before you place the glass down off each sip.

Overall: This brew is a true animal in it's own class. It's strong, tasty, ridiculously full of flavor that maybe some might find overwhelming. One glass is all you need. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2013 03:29:22 | More by BlurryVisi0n

cosmicevan

New York

4.18/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

thought i had reviewed this one, but must be in the backlog from tastings. none-the-less, enjoyed from a DL mini snifter.

a - poured a pretty stunning black. thick and rich with a thin tan head. looks pretty tasty.

s - big and bold. chocolate, some roast, black licorice and booze. smells decadent and rich, like a slice of chocolate chocolate chocolate cake (with chocolate chips).

t - taste follows the awesomeness of the nose. fairly hot but very drinkable for the size. chocolate and booze soaked wood. roast and sweetness. VERY sweet. intensely sweet.

m - make no mistake, this is a big beer...and there is no hiding that. big and boozy. thick and chewy.

o - overall, avery pulled it off. a drinkable 17.42 stout. not quite as drinkable as a rumpkin, but a worthy stout. great beer for a one and done.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2013 04:45:27 | More by cosmicevan

bobhits

Kentucky

4.41/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Big, black, dark, deep, viscus, what else is there to say? At 17% this is a black hole screaming to be consumed.

Notes of espresso, dark chocolate. sherry, vanilla, oak, raisins, and bourbon.

Gone is the espresso infused base beer and in its place is a bourbon barrel aged monster all to itself. This is an amazingly dark, chocolate and sherry infused oaked beast.

The scariest part of this beer is one simply can't tell how strong it is. Sure you know you're drinking something that you could pour on a pancake, but is it 8%, 10%...17%? You're clueless.

One of the most intense and powerful beers I've had. Having this next to Bells Black Note and the Bells just doesn't have the intensity to stand up to it. While there are flaws here, and I feel perfect is still out of reach, this is a must try for anyone lucky enough to find it on tap or better yet in a bottle with a few years age on it!

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2013 04:07:50 | More by bobhits

tomfneph

Kentucky

4.89/5  rDev +12.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

I had this beer on tap at The Beer Trappe in Lexington, KY. It was poured into a 4 oz. snifter.

Appearance is a viscous opaque black oil, with a mocha head that dissipated quickly.

The aroma is of a dark chocolate coffee, followed by the fruity scent of cherries and raisins. Underlying the fruit is a subtle meaty aroma of peppered maple bacon.

The taste is immediately chocolate coffee followed by the sweet (but not cloying) flavor of dark fruits. There is a slightly peppery but not bitter finish. The bourbon is there, but the scary aspect of this beer is that it hides the 17.4 ABV so well. No burn at all.

The body is just how it looks: a pleasantly thick coating of the tongue and mouth that is immensely satisfying.

Overall, this is one of the best bourbon barrel stouts. Don't pass up a chance to try this beer. It is really well put together and drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2013 01:28:23 | More by tomfneph

barczar

Kentucky

4.46/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a jet black opaque color with a frothy quarter inch mocha head that slowly dissipates into a thin layer.

Dark chocolate, espresso, roast malt, and dark fruit begin the aroma. Further investigation reveals a substantial soy presence, asking with vanilla and oaky bourbon.

Rich dark chocolate and bruised cherries are accented by coffee grounds and burnt breadcrust, which hit mid palate and carry into a somewhat oaky finish. Underlying notes of prunes, raisins, and dates add complexity. Dark fruits eventually dominate the flavor after several sips. Bourbon is present, but not overpowering. The finish is lightly bitter.

Body is fairly thick and slick, with minimal carbonation and significant alcohol heat, which ignites in the throat and carries into the gut.

Great chocolate character initially, but dark fruit notes become a little overpowering. Of course it's a little hot...a lot hot, actually, but mighty tasty. Wish the chocolate or roast were a little more prevalent.

Serving type: on-tap

02-18-2013 22:19:27 | More by barczar

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.76/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Incredible thickness, richness, and strength exudes from Avery's newest Barrel Aged collection. And though over 17% abv., the beer hides its alcohol deceptively well.

The beer pours with a highly viscous and creamy weight. Jet black in color and completely opaque, the beer is heavy headed with a dense mocha froth that piles on top. Extreme persistence in its foam stance, the beer laces remarkably, especially for its high alcohol and barrel character.

Powerful seduction of aromas radiate from the rim of the snifter with a collage make up with rich Belgian chocolate, espresso, light smoke, cake batter, sherry wine, bourbon alcohol, and a dash of worcestershire sauce. The complex scent is highly appetizing and ooh so savory.

Flavors follow with even more strength and complexity than those of the nose. A lust creamy taste of brownies, espresso and black-strap molasses command its robust taste. But then other savory notes of sherry, port, mesquite, and light soy sauce offer a sultry, savory, almost meaty taste that you can really sink your teeth into.

The beer coats the mouth like heavy whipping cream because of its proportions and viscosity. But with the bolder, roastier taste, the stout remains lush, velvety and silky in body. The beer's taste and texture linger infinitely on the palate with strong alcohol warmth and evading any unnecessary burn. Finishing malty-sweet, the palate is rewarded as well as with the most savory of desserts.

This stout weaves together its web of tastes seamlessly and provocatively. Its truly seductive to the taste buds and easily makes you forget about its power- an absolutely devilish stout!

Serving type: on-tap

02-18-2013 18:06:46 | More by BEERchitect

KevinA107

Oregon

4.45/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

I received this beer as a gift and what a very pleasant surprise. the pour was very rich and reminded me of a rich heavy stout. the appearnce is dark brown with a hint of gold.

Bourbon is really present with a rich caramel and toasted element on the nose.

The beer is pleasantly heavy with a rich element of that sought after bourbon taste with the elements of quality stout coming through.

the lingering taste is well balanced and holds up well.

I really like the beer and will look for some more.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2013 03:40:27 | More by KevinA107

Star80

Illinois

3.2/5  rDev -26.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.75

Bottled March 2012, one bottle out of 694 cases,

A- Pours out a thick, oily black with a quickly disappearing black head.

S - Smells more like a bock than a bourbon stout for some reason. Very sweet malts, some chocolate, vanilla and faint dark ripe fruits.

T - Tastes extremely sweet, to the point where the malts aren't rounding anything out with any usual roasty bitterness. Again, this beer tastes like a double bock and not at all like a stout, let alone a bourbon stout. I can pick up some very faint vanilla, toffee, and quite a bit of raisin.

M Mouthfeel is medium/heavy bodied as it should be.

O - Overall not at all what I expected from a bourbon imperial stout. Way way too sweet and not roasty, or even remotely hoppy for what I would expect from the style.Admittedly my only reference point is Goose Island Bourbon County, and this is far from it. Taste just like a double bock with NO bourbon at all. Quite disappointing when I wanted a bourbon stout comparable to Goose Island's. Jeez, I hope that every other bourbon stout doesn't pale quite as badly in comparison.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 23:22:28 | More by Star80

Greywulfken

New York

4.65/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

A: into a tulip glass, pitch black thick beer coughed up a slim collar of dark tan foam that left a few motes behind

S: bourbon and chocolate syrup; fragrant earthy hops

T: mmm - rich dark malt chocolate, sweet and slightly bitter; nice hop profile over the malts - almost rye-like notes; grains peek through the deep syrup, vanilla, touches of anise/fennel

M: silky, smooth, creamy, heavy, dense; surprisingly clean finish topped off with drier whiskey notes

O: sometimes I wonder what I need to find in an Imperial stout to really blow me away these days, but this was a real treat of a beer - great combination of the rich stout flavors, herbal hops, and bourbon whiskey. Was sweet but not too heavy-handed about it, truly great balance of flavors and feel; with its high abv, a real decadent way to end the day.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 03:25:02 | More by Greywulfken

CruisaC

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Received this in a recent BIF, I think, thanks Apaisncsu!

Pours motor oil black and manages a quarter inch mocha head that fades quickly. Not too surprising with the ABV.

Smell is there, pleasant, but not too powerful. Maybe my bottle got a little cold? Subtle bourbon and chocolate try to register with my senses but I don't come away overwhelmed.

Fortunately the taste makes up for this. Loads of dark fruits and dark chocolate wrapped up in a bourbon coating. Really a pleasant tasting brew.

Mouthfeel is, dare I say, chewy? Still some carbonation to move things along. The alcohol seems to greet you up front, announce its intentions early on but there is no noticeable burn, which is dangerous of course.

Really good brew on a cold night in January. Impressed.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2013 01:45:13 | More by CruisaC

Viciousknishs

Virginia

4.64/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- pours pitch black with a finger of dark tan head. Decent head retention especially considering the abv.

S- superbly aromatic brew! Huge barrel character of vanilla, American oak and high end bourbon blends perfectly with rich dark chocolate, malted milk balls and molasses. Only a hint a booze on the tail end!

T- sweet malted milk balls and dark chocolate flavors envelope the plate with notes of molasses, licorice and sticky dark fruit. Creamy coffee and sugary candy bar comes out in the middle. Rich bourbon, vanilla and American oak hits on the tail end without overpowering the brew. Alcohol warmth lingers on and on with a blend of all the complexity of this amazing beer. Simply an amazing brew!

MF- full sticky silky mouthfeel with heavy body. Soft carbonation.

D- a sipper for sure but you can't wait to go back for each one.

Overall a phenomenal barrel aged stout.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2013 04:46:19 | More by Viciousknishs

Gosox8787

New Hampshire

4.29/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Presentation: 12 oz. bottle chilled and poured into a Cigar City tulip glass. Bottled on date of March 27, 2012 so this is almost a year old right now.

Appearance: Near midnight black in color. Actually pours a very slight, less than one finger, medium brown head that holds very well. Keeps a nice, relatively thick lacing that holds well.

Aroma: Huge chocolate fudge, bourbon, molasses and caramel notes are in the forefront. The booze is hidden well behind the really strong sweetness. Some lighter tones of coffee roast, vanilla and coconut. I wouldn't call this well balanced, but the huge sweetness does a great job at hiding the ABV.

Taste: Milk chocolate, fudge brownies, big bourbon and lots of dark fruit tones. The sweetness is definitely over the top. Tons of caramel, molasses and vanilla tones provide a really strong base for the barrel tones. Beneath all the chocolate and bourbon, there is also some coconut from the barrel, some light oak and a roasted coffee bean flavor. Definitely some warming tones from the alcohol, but considering the ABV, the booze is not overwhelming at all.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied and really creamy. Very smooth, coats the mouth very well.

Overall, a really well done take on a big, sweet barrel aged stout. This one definitely doesn't hold back at all. It does feel a bit too sweet at times. A little goes a long way. The dark fruit character and the barrel notes are really well done. Definitely would try this again, but even 12 oz. is a lot.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 03:06:41 | More by Gosox8787

Alieniloquium

Florida

3.75/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle poured into a snifter. Reviewed from notes.

Appearance - Black with a mocha head. Slight collar. Leggy and sugary with a nice swirl. Looks like a big one.

Smell - Super chocolatey. Bourbon is secondary. Some dark fruits come out too, but it's a bucket of chocolate.

Taste - Chocolate is the dominant flavor. Fudgy sweet chocolate. Barrel is faint again. Molasses and a cherry flavor in the middle which is interesting. Hot finish.

Mouthfeel - Thick as hell. Chewy and boozy. Definite sipper, but I guess that goes without saying for something like this.

Overall - Tasty and very big. All of the hazards of its style and size. Would like to see more barrel influence on it.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 23:31:55 | More by Alieniloquium

BarrytheBear

Wisconsin

3.9/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Batch Number 1...12 oz bottle split with steepH2O. Upon first sip, he smiles. This is right in your wheelhouse, I say. This constructed my wheelhouse he replies. How far is Avery? he asks....Ah, Boulder he muses while stroking his beard. Steep is in love. Appreciatons go out to Leschkie for the opportunity. Thank you Kurtis!

Pours an oily evil

Smells of molotov raisin cocktail...just one pissed off beer

The respective wives had their faces turned inside out by a single sip and this while actually drinking bourbon. Hot, hot, heat...just a shit ton of char and bourbon. This I what I wish bourbon tasted like says Steep....though I would drink a fifth a night. Ol' Uncy Jake just wants to eat through the galss and leaves a noticeable film...a partially developed Polaroid.

Chris loves this...if Steven Tyler is any guide this is what a Flaming Moe should taste like. Plan on spending some time with Uncle Jake, he simply does not allow short visits.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 03:09:41 | More by BarrytheBear

FeDUBBELFIST

Pennsylvania

4.63/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle to mini snifter. I think I paid $16 for the single.
Sampled 11AUG12.

[A] Pours thick and black as night with a thin rim of dark auburn around the rim. The head is meager, dark reddish brown in color and is quick to recede. Lacing is nonexistent, but that was a tall order.

[S] All things considered, the intense ABV is masterfully concealed. Buttery caramel, clean and smooth bourbon, vanilla-y oak, and maybe a hint of black strap molasses.

[T] Follows the nose to a T. My only complaint: the sugary sweetness gets to be a bit much toward the end of the glass.

[M] Velvety smooth, rich and thick as hell. Super sweet throughout with surprisingly very well incorporated alcoholic heat.

[O] I loved this beer and would gladly purchase again, many times over if it weren't for the exorbitant price tag...or maybe just on payday.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2012 23:45:02 | More by FeDUBBELFIST

oline73

Maryland

4.05/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from the bottle into a Hunahpu's snifter.

Appearance: The beer pours a very thick black color with a layer of thick, creamy tan head. The head fades quickly to a ring around the pour.

Smell: The beer is quite sweet, but I expected as much. I'm getting some bourbon and mild oak. Lots of dark fruit and roast along with a hint of vanilla and caramel.

Taste: This one is quite smooth considering the lack of age and the abv. Lots of sweet roasted malt with some dark chocolate and dark fruit notes. There is a strong bourbon component that teams up with the alcohol burn. Just a touch of vanilla and caramel along with some oak. The finish is sweet and a bit hot.

Mouthfeel: The body is definitely thick with lots of smooth carbonation and a mostly slick finish.

Overall: This is a really nice high abv beer. Quite smooth given the abv. I'd love to have some of this with some age on it.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 03:09:42 | More by oline73

TheSevenDuffs

Ontario (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Robbie for this bottle!
Bottled on March 27, 2012. Batch #1.
Poured in to CBS snifter.

A - Deep black, dark as night. A thin layer of espresso coloured head formed and quickly reduced to a few scattered bubbles.

S - Massive barrel aromas up front - bourbon, vanilla and oak. The base beer adds a huge chocolate fudge aroma, roast, molasses and dark caramel. Fairly sweet and very decadent nose. The ABV is well hidden.

T - A big hit of alcohol up front that warms the palate before giving way to bourbon and sweet vanilla from the barrels. Charred oak is present as well and mixes with a heavy roast presence as the barrel integrates very well with the base beer. Chocolate fudge, molasses and caramel flavours add to the robust flavour profile. The finish is warming with a a touch of alcohol burn but considering the ABV, it is not overly hot.

M - Full body. Thick and viscous. Sludgy. Light carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2012 02:03:12 | More by TheSevenDuffs

ChugginOil

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours black as night with a thin rim of dissipating tan head. Spotty lacing.

The nose is beastly and incredible. Chocolate, caramel, tannin, bourbon and oak are inviting me in so nicely. Smooth and sweet. Lovely.

The flavors are following the nose closely. 17.42%? No way. Dangerously drinkable. Notes of fudge, bakers chocolate, wood, bourbon and some dark fruits. A true dessert beer that tickles the tastebuds. Sweet, buttery, bourbony gloriousness.

The mouthfeel is thick and viscous, coating the palate with sticky and sweet beauty.

Overall, awesomeness. If u get a chance, drink it or be sorry.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 06:07:46 | More by ChugginOil

obrike

Texas

4.4/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I bought a single back in July and saved it until Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I was sick on Thanksgiving, so I popped it tonight for MNF. Man, this is an incredible beer.

Nothing too crazy about the look. Typical stout look...pours black with a big dark brown head that fades to a ring and leaves little to no lacing on my Chimay goblet.

For such a boozy beer, I was impressed that I was not overwhelmed with bourbon/alcohol on the first scent. The nose starts with a good dash of cocoa and chocolate and a bit of licorace. As it warmed, there was a bit of vanilla and toffee along with some dark fruits.

Man, the taste is much better than I expected based on the scent. I get a lot of vanilla, chocolate, roasted toffee, and dark fruits. The flavors are mesh together perfectly. So tasty, gets so much better as it warms. This one is uber thick and chewy with a huge creamy finish to boot. I've never had a big beer taste this smooth before. Perfect.

It ticks me off that I did not buy a few more of these back when I had the chance over the summer. I'd love to try another in a year or so. This one is easily one of my top 20 beers.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2012 04:03:30 | More by obrike

mdfb79

New York

4.5/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

From 11/21/12 notes. Picked this up a month or so ago at Top Hops in NYC. Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a Chimay chalice; split with my brother. Bottled 03/27/12.

a - Pours a jet black color with two inches of dark tan head and moderate carbonation evident. Head lasts for a minute or so. Looks awesome.

s - Smells of bourbon, sweet chocolate, toffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, toasted malts, oak, and burnt malts. Nose is pretty amazing; just a ton of sweet (good) bourbon, vanilla, and chocolate. Huge fan of this so far.

t - Tastes of bourbon, sweet chocolate, oak, toffee, vanilla, caramel malts, cream, burnt malts, toasted malts, bread, dark fruits, and alcohol. Taste follows the nose pretty closely but has a little more alcohol to it in my opinion. You can definitely taste some heat from the bourbon barrels but I like it. Very small step down from the nose.

m - Full bodied stout with low to moderate carbonation; the body is thick and chewy. Very good mouthfeel for a big stout; some heat but does not feel over 17% ABV at all.

o - Overall I loved this one; I was blown away with how great it was. It looks great and has a great mouthfeel for a big stout, and the nose and taste are a fantastic mix of bourbon, chocolate, and vanilla. It is definitely a hot beer, but if you like bourbon-forward hot beers as long as it still tastes good and mixes well with other flavors than this would be right up your alley. With a little time on it in the cellar this could become even better, but IMO it's great now. Definitely going to be looking to get more bottle of this soon.

Serving type: bottle

11-23-2012 15:44:08 | More by mdfb79

stakem

Pennsylvania

3.7/5  rDev -14.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle into a matching Avery tulip pint glass. A very rough pour down the middle of the glass yields a thick black solution with less than a finger of brown head atop. The cap fades and holds to a thin film atop supported by some rising bubbles of carbonation. Faintly around the edge of the glass can you see a bit of brown clarity. When swirled, some fingers of fine lace stick to the glass.

The aroma has some rich malt sweetness reminiscent of cocoa blended with just a hint of leather, tobacco and soy. More smells bring out a focus on alcohol esters with raisins and plums being quite evident. The barrel presence is really felt here with vanilla, coconut and caramel. Collectively, the aromatics here point to this being a sweet brew but there are hints of alcohol that burn the nose when too deep of a whiff is taken.

The taste is somewhat sweet as expected with a rich maltiness tasting of something along the lines of creme brulee. Toasted coconut, vanilla and caramel are felt from the barrel aging with a touch of oxidation that comes off mildy like cardboard that fades towards the backend. Alcohol flavors mix with the malt to create a sense of raisins or prunes mid-palate mixing with leather, tobacco and a hint of bitter coffee.

This is a medium to fuller bodied brew with a modest amount of carbonation. It is rich and complex but becomes quite numbing across the tongue in a hurry. While colder than ideal, there is quite a bit of enjoyable character to take in. However, as it warms up it really becomes a bugger to put down (like some other big series Avery brews.) There is quite a bit of oxidation evident in this already and while all signs point to aging this, I dont know how I would feel with more oxidative quality present. I liked this and would drink it again but probably opt-in for only a couple of ounces.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2012 01:31:45 | More by stakem