New Holland Dragon's Milk Oak Barrel Ale - New Holland Brewing Company

JJFlowgoer

Alabama

3.44/5  rDev -12%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

My review will be misleading perhaps, because I don't like bourbon. And this is a Bourbon Barrel Stout! But in spite of that, I'm going to do my very first review here after a year or so of reading all of everyone else. Mouthfeel is nice and thick but to me, which I love. But that 10% ABV is right up front - as is a bit of that bourbon barrel flavor. Everything about the rest of this beer stands behind that. Not that I don't like my hefty ABV - just I think you have to like bourbon, or at least be warm to it, to really enjoy this one. Still glad I bought it. (Probably the 10% ABV that caused me to write my first review! LOL!)

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2013 04:58:55 | More by JJFlowgoer

AndyP612

Illinois

4.26/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12 oz bottle poured violently into a tulip. 2013 vintage.

A- Black and thick ale with a lighter off white semi fluffy head. The contrast between the blackness of the liquid and the light head is very interesting being this is a bourbon barrel conditioned stout.

S- The nose is quite sweet with hints of sweet coffee and chocolate, slight vanilla and whiskey tease.

T- There's the bourbon! Bourbon is actually quite delicately integrated into the largely coffee and chocolate overtones thrown at me in the nose. Big in roasted, blackened malt with a punch of whiskey!

M- Very light in carbonation. Mouthfeel of about a 0.5% milk, medium bodied. Appearance wise, I would expect something a little bigger feel in the mouth but since this is a relatively young stout in a bottle I am anxious to see how it ages.

O- Great stout for May 12th when it's in the 40's! It's been a while since I have had this stout and I remember it being sweeter, almost too sweet, but this vintage is very nice and well balanced with the bourbon presence balancing out the sweet malt. As stated earlier, I can't wait for next winter to drink this and see how it matures in the bottle. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2013 03:29:14 | More by AndyP612

sommersb

Tennessee

4.24/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Tasted On: 05-06-2013
Freshness: 2012 Vintage
Packaging: 12 oz. bottle, pry-cap
Glassware: Snifter
Purchased: Received in a trade

Pours a black and opaque beer, with a small tan head that doesn't last long. Lacing on the glass is good.

Aromas have sweet milk chocolate, wood/oak, vanilla, dark ripened fruits and alcohol notes.

The taste is super rich with a big opening of malty sweetness, roasted grains and then vanilla and chocolates. Has quite an alcohol presence as well.

The mouthfeel is creamy on a thick body. It finishes in a very similar fashion to the taste -- malty, chocolate, woody, sweet and boozy.

Overall this is a very strong and delightful oak-aged stout; a real treat for sipping at the end of the day.

Big thanks to Cameron (TheBishopco) for bringing me this from my wants list!

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2013 04:45:33 | More by sommersb

donkeyrunner

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +12%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

"In this land we have defended from all things dark and cruel
Now we are defenseless in a land where dragons rule"
- Where Dragons Rule, by Dragonforce

Dark brown pour that sits black in my mighty chalice. Thin head collars after only a few sips but still manages some fine foam drapery.

Roasty, wood barrel, brown sugar coated raisin and molasses. That's what it smells like.

Hotsy totsy. This is the 2013 vintage so it's pretty hot, bordering on boozy giddiness. The bourbon flavor is obvious and appreciated. Brown sugar, dried raisin and very vanilla. That's what it tastes like.

While I still believe that I'll enjoy anything doused in bourbon this is one of the better bourbon beers out there IMO.

My first New Holland.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 12:15:18 | More by donkeyrunner

davey101

Connecticut

2.99/5  rDev -23.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

2013 vintage, 12 oz bottle into a tulip glass. Huge thanks to match1112!

A - Pours a clear brown but sits nearly black. If you squint hard enough you can see the bottom of the glass. Two fingers of light khaki foam settle down into thin edging. Looks a little thin, but a pretty basic stout appearance.

S - Oh boy. This is like a double oaked stout, only the base beer is average and the oak isn't exactly welcome. Its just an awkward mix of super intense wood, synthetic vanilla, and dry chocolate powder.

T - That dreadful aroma in liquid form! Lots of over the top oak, fake vanilla, and a dry chocolate that is missing any sweetness. This is a weird beer. Its not bad, but its not good. Its exactly in the middle. I mean I don't mind if I had another sip of this but the prospect isn't entirely attractive. Thin to medium body, meh carbonation.

O - Like a clothespin with a chocolate powder dusting. The barrel aging seemed forced and artificial and the base beer was probably not an all star to begin with. Happy to try this beer because now I know!

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2013 04:02:48 | More by davey101

macher0

Kentucky

4.06/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured into a tulip glass.

A: Extremely dark brown. Barely translucent. No head, with a think copper rim. No lacing.

S: Malty. Some sweet bourbon/oak. Moderately fragrant.

T: Taste follows smell, but the malts are muted and the bourbon/oak really comes out. Very clean palette on end. No lingering taste. A little sweet from bourbon/oak, very pleasant. A strong alcohol presence.

M: Full bodied. Low carbonation. Not very smooth, seemingly due to high alcohol content.

O: This is a very good barrel-aged stout, especially for the price. The top dog barrel-aged stouts have this one beat, but for the price and availability, this is a wonderful substitution. I generally keep this around. This is a one-and-done beer (I can only drink one per session).

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2013 01:14:31 | More by macher0

jadejaws

Missouri

3.99/5  rDev +2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Even though it is a high ABV beer and that is understood, the taste of alcohol is overbearing at first. Further in, the beer has a distinct flavor of bourbon and toffee. Excellent beer just know what you are getting into at 10% ABV. I would drink this (slowly) again and enjoy it very much.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2013 04:35:00 | More by jadejaws

alphaacid9000

Michigan

4.35/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Bottle from 2011

Pours almost black with an off white head.

Beautiful aroma. bourbon, oak, chocolate, figs, alcohol and raisins

Flavor is slightly sweet which is cut nicely with the bitterness. More oak and vanilla in the flavor than anything. Chocolate, toffee and caramel up front with bourbon and alcohol lingering in the finish

Overall - I love this beer. One of the best in its style and available year round.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2013 01:31:45 | More by alphaacid9000

StaveHooks

Oklahoma

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Vintage 2012 Bourbon Barrel
12oz served in a snifter.

A - Pours a dark brown almost black with highlighted edges. Small kahki head creates wispy patterns of micro thin bubbles.

S - Chocolate, vanilla, oak wood, toasted but sweet caramel/toffee, chocolate liqueur, bourbon comes out more as it warms.

T/M- Firm chocolate malts, wrapped in vanilla oak, cherry notes, caramel/toffee, maple sweetness, bourbon comes out later, earthy roasted bitterness, and bitter leafy green hops combine with a bourbon alcohol character on the finish.

M - Heavy side of medium body, creamy and fluffy carbonation, but the ethanol thins it out. A tad hot on the finish but seems to work.

I love how this beer shifts from a strong but rounded vanilla oak characeter at first but transitions into a serious bourbon character as it warms up. A very inviting aroma, and wonderfully melded flavors. This is to sipped on preferably around a fire.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2013 02:13:23 | More by StaveHooks

nickapalooza86

Wisconsin

4.39/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

I like to consider this my fall back when I dont want to drink any of my BCBS or I am out of CW BBS... But the fact is, this one can stand on its own and is no fall back, really good considering the year round easy to obtain status,

Pours about the darkest brown that it could be, almost black, finger of light tan head.

Smell is vanilla, toffee, caramel, oak

taste is much sweeter then most BA stouts, vanilla all over the place, bourbon, chocolate, oak, caramel and finishes with a almost milk stout lactose sweetness.

Mouthfeel is medium full and creamy, finishes a little dry for the style, but not offensively so.

This is one I buy 6 months before I plan on drinking, it is almost always hot right away, but at about 6 months to a year it can run with the big boys, New Holland deserves more credit for this one!

Fresh I would give it a solid 4.15, but with a little age I land quite a bit higher!

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2013 00:31:14 | More by nickapalooza86

bcm75

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. bottle poured in a snifter.

One of New Holland's better offerings - sweet but not cloyingly so. Booze tastes are definitely there (can't be ignored). It isn't overpowering, but not quite as well balanced as some of the high-end brews in this genre.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2013 01:30:02 | More by bcm75

Rope

Illinois

3.53/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served in a pilsner glass.

Appearance-
Dark, but not black. Thin white head, one finger.

Smell-
Oversweet vanilla, not hop presence.

Taste-
Good, a standard in barrel aged stouts. More sweetness than anything else.

Mouthfeel-
Thick, black oil like a good stout should have.

Overall-
Reliving and old beer, and it works as a drinkin' beer but nothing special.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 23:04:33 | More by Rope

stooge

Michigan

4.26/5  rDev +9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

2012 Vintage, aged approximately one year in refrigeration.

12 oz. bottle poured into a Duvel tulip glass.

Appearance- Dark brown, slightly opaque, with a very little head; laces well, with low carbonation.

Aroma- Not overly aromatic, subtle scents of vanilla, roasted malt, and oak present.

Taste- Slightly sweet with toffee, caramel and chocolate on the front end, followed by a nice vanilla and boozy oak finish. Hints of oak and bittersweet chocolate linger.

Mouthfeel- Very nicely balanced, perfect mouthfeel for the style.

Overall- Very enjoyable, perhaps not on the level of some of the more hyped barrel aged selections that are released in limited quantities, but well balanced and available year around. Dragon's Milk has become a staple in my beer fridge due to it's consistency and availability. Highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 05:31:48 | More by stooge

BB1313

Ohio

3.48/5  rDev -11%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5

I haven't had this one in awhile. 12oz bottle poured into a snifter. Pours black with barely any light getting through. There's a small off-white/kakhi head which fades and leaves solid lacing. Aromas are subtle, but very solid. The bourbon blends very nicely with the oak and milk chocolate. There's also hints of vanilla bean, butterscotch, and caramel malts. Flavors are very solid as well. The oak/wood seems to take control. The bourbon does blend very well with the flavors as well. Roasted dark chocolate gives this one a decent bitterness and the milk chocolate gives it a solid sweetness. There's a touch of heat, but it basically non-existent. Aromas and flavors almost seem one dimensional, but there's just enough to make in pretty interesting. Mouthfeel is very nice. It's very rich, velvety, fluffy, creamy. It has a good carbonation, but still remains very smooth. Like I mentioned, there's a dash of heat, but nothing overwhelming and doesn't effect the drinkability.

I'm glad I revisited this one. It's not a mind blower, but it's pretty solid. Gotta appreciate that it's a barrel-aged stout that's easy to find on shelves. Worth checking out..

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 21:16:34 | More by BB1313

stumac

Texas

4.41/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

So I'm chillin at home last night smoking a little herb and playing Battlefield 3, when I realize... I have a bottle of Dragon's Milk in my fridge!!! Busted it open. Poured it in a glass. This is my experience....

Pours up black as an ageless storm, small head of color I cant remember. Aroma is so easy and pleasant on my senses. Malty, warm, hint of earth. I sip. I go into a coma. I recover three weeks later. The flavor profile was electric. Big barrel smoothness, malty, oak, vanilla, vanilla, vanilla, some hops came by to see how I was doing but left shortly thereafter. The body was big, the carbo was smooth. Then, I awoke. Strange. No bottle in sight. No beer residue in my glass. Had I really drank the elixir...or was it all a dream...

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 16:27:35 | More by stumac

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.96/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.75

Served on tap in a snifter

Appearance- Served a deep brown colored brew with a tiny tan colored head. The head fades almost instantly leaving just scant lacing on the sides of the glass.

Smell – The aroma is of a sweeter caramel, milk chocolate, vanilla and a coffee smell with a strong presence of roasted malt. Mixed with these smells is a moderately strong oaky and bourbon smell, producing when combined with the sweeter and roastier smells, a very warming smelling brew.

Taste – The taste begins with a sweeter caramel and coffee flavor upfront. There is some milk chocolate in the taste upfront with both becoming stronger more toward the middle of the taste. The caramel fades slightly in the middle however, leaving a slightly drier flavor. This loss of caramel is replaced by some flavors of vanilla later in the taste. In the end a strong bourbon, boozy, and oak flavor come to the tongue. These are accompanied by some earthy hop flavors as well as an increase in the roasted malt and bitter coffee characteristics of the brew to leave a lightly bittered and roasty boozy warming taste on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is on the average side in terms of its creaminess with a carbonation level that is a bit on the higher side. The feel is a bit off as a creamier and thicker body would have really be much more appropriate for the boozy, oak, and roasted flavors of the brew with a lower carbonation level allowing all the darker and boozier flavors time to linger on the tongue.

Overall – A tasty and boozy stout. It has a great warming and oaky flavor with a slow drinking style, even with the slightly lesser mouthfeel quality, it is still fantastic.

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2013 00:37:15 | More by Darkmagus82

mountdew1

New Hampshire

4.04/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Poured into an standard tumbler. Color was a almost completely opaque black, with a thin light brown head. A few occasional bits of carbonation rose from the bottom. Aroma was a slightly smokey acidic, almost reminded me of a smoked meat. Very small bit of sweetness in the very back of the smell. Flavor was mellow and sweet. A bit of brown sugar sweet upfront, finished with some lactose sweet. Neither was overpowering sickly sweet, but it has small bit of additional flavor beyond just the sweet. Felt great in the mouth. A hint of carbonation, with good chew, and plenty of mouth coating. Overall I felt the aroma to be a bit offputting, keeping it from ranking higher.

2012 Vintage 12oz

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2013 01:07:08 | More by mountdew1

screamking

Ohio

4.46/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle poured into snifter. *my bottle says "bourbon barrel stout". *

Appearance-pours dark brown almost black, small dark khaki head, a little lacing around glass. 3.75

Aroma-very strong bourbon notes, vanilla, toffee, and oak. Chocolate, with coffee undertones. Dark fruits are there as well, raisins and plum. 4.75

Taste-vanilla and toffee right up front with milk chocolate following very strong. Alcohol is very present in the taste as well. Dark fruits come in much more mellow then then in the aroma but dried plum is there. 4.5

Feel-on the lighter side of full bodied, coats palate very well, alcohol burn is very present. Not as smooth as the top shelf bourbon aged stouts. 4

Overall-this is a very underrated beer in my eyes. It lacks some of the softness and class of bells black note. However, its kick of alcohol is one of the things I enjoy the most. Another huge plus is availablity, no waiting list to snag just one bottle, if you get new holland you can get this year round. 4.5

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2013 03:29:51 | More by screamking

Hopswagger

Oklahoma

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

P: Thick creamy cappuccino head that billows over the top of a black mahogany highlighted body. Intricate lacing leaving beautiful walkways around the glass.

S: Sweet oaks drenched in molasses, thick rich malts, cocoa, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, big booze factor, vanilla, French oak, and over ripe bananas.

T/M: Huge bourbon flavor, vanilla bean, French oak, roasted cocoa nibs and milk chocolate. Old leather and cardboard once warmed and in the after taste. Full creamy body with a subtle carbonation sting. Finishes spicy with an aged presence.

O: A fantastic creation that displays a well balanced beer that has the aged bourbon flare but doesn't overpower the creamy richness. Hats off to New Holland.

Serving type: on-tap

02-28-2013 21:23:05 | More by Hopswagger

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

4.03/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz bomber poured into a snifter

This beer pours pitch black with a small off tan colored head. The beer is more oak forward then I was expecting. A nice oak presence reminds me of a bourbon barrel aged brew and has a nice dry crispiness to it. The beer is fairly roasty but has a strong toffee and burnt caramel presence to it. It is fairly sweet and sugary. A nice chocolate presence from this beer. There is a portion of this beer that reminds me of and English stout like Samuel Smiths but im not sure what the flavor comes from. A solid stout and a nice example of Oak aging.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2013 00:41:22 | More by TwelveOunces

Dave_in_GR

Michigan

4.28/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Served from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass, date on bottle says aged 2012.

Appearance - poured a really nice dark brown color with just a small layer of light brown head. Completely opaque in the glass.

Smell - seems to be dominated by the oak from the barrel aging. No alcohol smell whatsoever. The aroma is relatively mild.

Taste - the taste is dominated by oak and a creamy vanilla flavor. As with the aroma, the alcohol is hardly noticeable. There is a bit of a bitter aftertaste, perhaps from the roasted malts. Definitely a beer to drink slowly.

Mouthfeel - definitely some astringency in the mouth while drinking, and it is a strange mix with the sweet and creamy vanilla flavors. Otherwise very pleasant, very lightly carbonated.

Overall - lovely dessert stout with sweet and distinctive flavors.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2013 21:09:40 | More by Dave_in_GR

AmitC

Indiana

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 oz bottle.

Relatively very thin dark brown colored pour. Dark black inside the glass. Very thin tan colored head. Some shine. Fades easily. Excellent lacing on the sides. Opaque.

Aroma is a mix of oak barrel characters. Good amount of vanilla and creamy sweetness. Dark roasted malts. Strength is moderate to slightly faint. No hint of 10% whatsoever. Slightly porter like feel. Not a very robust aroma by any means.

Taste is perplexing. Good amount of warming but not hurting alcohol upfront. A lot of charred and almost ash like burnt up flavor. Too much charcoal. But distinct. I like it slightly. Some hops as well. Nice to see again. Finish is dry.

Mouth feel is medium and slightly thin for a stout. Decent warmth. No astringency of any kind except for some burnt up smokey flavor. Moderate carbonation.

A distinct brew. Could have used a better body, appearance and aromas and it would be a winner.

Edit: A very nice mix and interplay of robust barrel aged tastes. Excellent towards the end.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2013 23:49:26 | More by AmitC

Steamer

Missouri

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a 16 oz Goblet. A dark, dark ruby red appearance with a one finger head that disappears rather quickly leaving a thin rim of tan foam. Smell - Alcohol, ripe plums, heavy vanilla, maple syrup, over-toasted almonds.... did I mention the alcohol! Taste - Burnt toast, nice roasted maltiness, the high alcohol level is prevalent throughout and comes back strong at the very end warming the throat. Medium mouth feel, a bit lighter than expected. Overall - a lot going on with this stout. Complex and very pleasing. Could be a little better balance between the alcohol and other ingredients but excellent nonetheless. Glad I picked up and 4 pack!

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2013 01:04:30 | More by Steamer

TheSSG

Illinois

3.43/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

(vintage 2011) Pours a nice, dense, tan head. Bright, coffee-like, caramel-vanilla aroma (a slight astringentness is behind it all). Black. Starts with a touch of toasted malt, a touch of bitter, slightly sweet, boozey as hell (this dominates), and moves into a medium bitterness. As the booze swells back, it milds out into a very bourbon-like finish; vanilla, oak, and a hint of toasted caramel. There is a slight floral hop flavor that appears well into the finish.

Overall, the aging really helped this. This isn't too bad. It may still be the most aggressively barreled bier I've had. I find that assertive barreling to not be very well balanced with the bier, which means it's similar to an odd, weak bourbon that is carbonated. Not my favorite, but if you want to try it, buy at least 2 bottles and age one of them. The results are MUCH, MUCH better.

I think I'll pick up one of these sometime and try aging it for 3-5 years. That could be nice.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 04:17:29 | More by TheSSG

BrewskiGal

South Carolina

3.45/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Dragon's Milk is a very sweet beer. I would classify it as a dessert beer, meaning that it is a nice beer to drink once in a while. I wouldn't want to drink more than one and it is definitely not a beer for an upbeat social gathering. If compared to a coffee it would be a sweetened Starbucks blended frappuchino, perhaps a caramel frappe.

It is a thicker, heavier beer, strongly flavored like bourbon. It is sweet and the high ABV is noticeable. The flavor of alcohol outlasts the particular flavor of the brew itself.

For its kind, it was a good beer. It was not, however, my beer of choice due to its overwhelming sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2013 05:24:52 | More by BrewskiGal