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Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout
New Holland Brewing Company
- From:
- New Holland Brewing Company
- Michigan, United States
- Style:
- American Imperial Stout
Ranked #1,631 - ABV:
- 11%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #8,179 - Avg:
- 4.05 | pDev: 12.59%
- Reviews:
- 1,770
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 16, 2024
- Added:
- Aug 12, 2002
- Wants:
- 448
- Gots:
- 2,251
Throughout the ages, the term Dragon’s Milk has been used to describe potent ales and elixirs worthy of celebration – a reward at the end of the journey. We are proud to be stewards of that ancient tradition today, hand-crafting each batch of Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout in Holland, Michigan. The best liquid in our house is now yours.
Roasted malt delivers notes of coffee and chocolate, which are married with sweet undertones of vanilla and oak from a three month stay in bourbon barrels. The result is a truly legendary blend of flavor.
Roasted malt delivers notes of coffee and chocolate, which are married with sweet undertones of vanilla and oak from a three month stay in bourbon barrels. The result is a truly legendary blend of flavor.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by TheCraftBrewReview:
Reviewed by TheCraftBrewReview from Georgia
4.46/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.46/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Appearance – 93: This hard-hitting imperial stout pours with an extremely deep black hue – even when holding up the beer to the light, nothing gets through. The head was rather thin around 1/4 of an inch, but left a thin veil of bubbles that played along the surface. The 750mL bottles come with an impressive label from a marketing perspective – a black dragon curled on top of a bourbon barrel – signifying the defining characteristic of the beer. The foiled bottle top is a nice touch.
Aroma – 93: Perhaps the most impressive attribute of this beer is the smell – roasted malts are immediately present but intermingle nicely with bourbon and vanilla. The smell is distinct, yet very smooth.
Body and Texture – 91: Despite the darker overtones of the beer and the stout characteristics, the initial mouth feel was more moderate than heavy, which I found to be surprising. As with most stouts, initial notes of a coffee/chocolate blend are certainly present, but as the beer warms, the ABV really kicks in, greeting the owner with a warm vanilla presence.
Taste – 94.5: One of the most important characteristics for me when grading taste is how true the beer is to its marketing. Are all the flavors and infusions present that I expect? If so, how do they mix? Dragon’s Milk is described as a barrel-aged stout with roasted malts and deep vanilla tones in an oak bath. This couldn’t be more spot on. Given the double-digit ABV I was expecting a real kick in the mouth while sipping on this, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The word that I keep coming back to in my mind is smooth. There are a variety of shortcomings that could have ruined this beer – the bourbon flavor not delivering, not enough vanilla notes, or the malts becoming bitter or overwhelmed by the alcohol content. None of that happened. (The only side effect of me pounding down the entire 750 mL bottle in one sitting was pretending that I was a dragon and thinking I could fly – be forewarned that having more than two glasses of this stuff will knock you on your butt).
Overall – 93.4 (Excellent): Each of the contributors on this site has their own particular niche that they frequent – Ed and Nick are fans of IPAs,Tom will frequently sample double IPAs and strong ales, and while I will drink anything that is cold and unique, I’d consider stouts and porters to be my “areas of expertise”. The bourbon-barrel aged craze of 2014-15 shows no signs of slowing down – yet for all the eye-rolling that one can do regarding the trend, lumping this beer into a broad category does it a great injustice. Although I’d still have to rank Goose Island’s Bourbon County slightly ahead of it in overall taste, this beer is available to a much bigger market at a much more reasonable price. New Holland has combined the perfect combination of roasted malts and sweet vanilla together in a marriage that will have enthusiasts “flying” back to the store for more.
Purchase Value (B) – “Bombers” are typically more expensive than their six or four pack counterparts, and I’ve seen a four pack available for $14.99 locally. This is priced just about right considering the high ABV and fantastic taste. A beer that I would recommend aging and serving close to room temperature.
Feb 06, 2015Aroma – 93: Perhaps the most impressive attribute of this beer is the smell – roasted malts are immediately present but intermingle nicely with bourbon and vanilla. The smell is distinct, yet very smooth.
Body and Texture – 91: Despite the darker overtones of the beer and the stout characteristics, the initial mouth feel was more moderate than heavy, which I found to be surprising. As with most stouts, initial notes of a coffee/chocolate blend are certainly present, but as the beer warms, the ABV really kicks in, greeting the owner with a warm vanilla presence.
Taste – 94.5: One of the most important characteristics for me when grading taste is how true the beer is to its marketing. Are all the flavors and infusions present that I expect? If so, how do they mix? Dragon’s Milk is described as a barrel-aged stout with roasted malts and deep vanilla tones in an oak bath. This couldn’t be more spot on. Given the double-digit ABV I was expecting a real kick in the mouth while sipping on this, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The word that I keep coming back to in my mind is smooth. There are a variety of shortcomings that could have ruined this beer – the bourbon flavor not delivering, not enough vanilla notes, or the malts becoming bitter or overwhelmed by the alcohol content. None of that happened. (The only side effect of me pounding down the entire 750 mL bottle in one sitting was pretending that I was a dragon and thinking I could fly – be forewarned that having more than two glasses of this stuff will knock you on your butt).
Overall – 93.4 (Excellent): Each of the contributors on this site has their own particular niche that they frequent – Ed and Nick are fans of IPAs,Tom will frequently sample double IPAs and strong ales, and while I will drink anything that is cold and unique, I’d consider stouts and porters to be my “areas of expertise”. The bourbon-barrel aged craze of 2014-15 shows no signs of slowing down – yet for all the eye-rolling that one can do regarding the trend, lumping this beer into a broad category does it a great injustice. Although I’d still have to rank Goose Island’s Bourbon County slightly ahead of it in overall taste, this beer is available to a much bigger market at a much more reasonable price. New Holland has combined the perfect combination of roasted malts and sweet vanilla together in a marriage that will have enthusiasts “flying” back to the store for more.
Purchase Value (B) – “Bombers” are typically more expensive than their six or four pack counterparts, and I’ve seen a four pack available for $14.99 locally. This is priced just about right considering the high ABV and fantastic taste. A beer that I would recommend aging and serving close to room temperature.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by MrOH from Maryland
4.06/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.06/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Black with a big, tight tan head, excellent retention, thick rings of lace. Much better size and retention of head, and lacing than is usual for this strength.
Oak, vanilla, coconut, a little dried fruit, and chocolate aroma
Tastes like it smell. Chocolate comes across as cocoa.
Heavy bodied and appropriately lower carbonation.
For a bourbon-barrel aged beer that you can always find on the shelf, really really good.
Mar 11, 2024Oak, vanilla, coconut, a little dried fruit, and chocolate aroma
Tastes like it smell. Chocolate comes across as cocoa.
Heavy bodied and appropriately lower carbonation.
For a bourbon-barrel aged beer that you can always find on the shelf, really really good.
Reviewed by travis1108 from Missouri
3.86/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
3.86/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
I'm not usually into the bourbon barrel crap so this is a very good score from me. It is not overly sickly sweet like most of them. Has a vanilla flavor that is nice. Good mouth feel. Solid for a beer period but excellent so far as barrel aged goes.
Jan 28, 2024Reviewed by harrypowers from Massachusetts
4.17/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.17/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours an opaque brown color with a 1/2F tan head with moderate lacing.
Smells mof chocolate and bourbon.
Tastes of sweet toasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee, bourbon, cinnamon and vanilla with a lightly bitter, decidedly boozy warm finish.
Medium heavy body with light carbonation. Lush, syrupy and smooth mouthfeel.
This is a very strong, flavorful sipping brew that mellows as one's glass warms.
Jan 18, 2024Smells mof chocolate and bourbon.
Tastes of sweet toasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee, bourbon, cinnamon and vanilla with a lightly bitter, decidedly boozy warm finish.
Medium heavy body with light carbonation. Lush, syrupy and smooth mouthfeel.
This is a very strong, flavorful sipping brew that mellows as one's glass warms.
Rated by Rwoodroffe
4.08/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.08/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Very dark with minimal dark colored head. Smell is unimpressive and flavor is not super sweet but more earthy with vanilla undertones.
Jan 16, 2024Rated by sentrytec from Pennsylvania
3.32/5 rDev -18%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3
3.32/5 rDev -18%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3
Not bad if you like Count Chocola and getting drunk.
Dec 13, 2023Reviewed by augustgarage from California
3.81/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.81/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottled on September 11th, 2023 - enjoyed on November 24th, 2023 - poured from a 12oz bottle into my snifter.
Opaque black bean body with a dense wheat/almond cap receding to a lasting collar and surface slick. Fine lacing; very good retention; light glassy sheen of legs.
Baker's chocolate, molasses, and brown bread from the malt joined by tobacco and vanilla from the barrel. Fairly one-dimensional yet inviting.
Rich malty palate entry with licorice and char joining the flavors that follow the nose. Medium finish never quite dries out, though there is some faintly acrid acidity from the barrel. A touch boozy hints of cherry and tar. Low bitterness throughout.
Somewhat hot, medium-bodied, but smooth rather than sticky.
A decent, affordable barrel-aged stout, though it lacks nuance/balance compared to the best versions of the style.
Nov 24, 2023Opaque black bean body with a dense wheat/almond cap receding to a lasting collar and surface slick. Fine lacing; very good retention; light glassy sheen of legs.
Baker's chocolate, molasses, and brown bread from the malt joined by tobacco and vanilla from the barrel. Fairly one-dimensional yet inviting.
Rich malty palate entry with licorice and char joining the flavors that follow the nose. Medium finish never quite dries out, though there is some faintly acrid acidity from the barrel. A touch boozy hints of cherry and tar. Low bitterness throughout.
Somewhat hot, medium-bodied, but smooth rather than sticky.
A decent, affordable barrel-aged stout, though it lacks nuance/balance compared to the best versions of the style.
Reviewed by JohnniEMc from Pennsylvania
4.46/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.46/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
A dark brown bottle which contained 22 ounces has been emptied into a clear glass liter mug. That should be enough. The liquid gets the close enough to the black coffee brown color description. There's a very thin tan head. The aroma brings coffee, roasted malt, tannins and just a little alcohol. Although the tannins are there to taste, they're reserved enough to let other flavors emerge. The potent alcohol is nicely incorporated into the overall and is really only noticed during the finish. Those two concerns, either of which could ruin a decent Imperial Stout, are definitely set aside. That makes this a remarkable brew. It's always an impressive brewing feat to get this much alcohol in a beer, with only a little notice of it. Especially when it's Bourbon barrel aged, there's a good chance it's going to taste like a boilermaker made with a Stout. Most beer lovers don't want that and this doesn't. There's almost some dark chocolate and coconut sweetness to it and of course, that black coffee taste reference many Stouts give. Most of these flavor levels are modest and the body could be just a little fuller, if there is to be a criticism. Although the glass lacing isn't copious, it's stratified to mark each episode liquid left the vessel. Sometimes it's a shame there's so much alcohol in a beer, because at the end of the glass, it seemed like a good idea to have another. But, it wasn't.
Nov 12, 2023Reviewed by Oktoberfest from Ohio
5/5 rDev +23.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +23.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
The OG. The pater familias. The alpha and the omega.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But if this isn't up your alley, please understand that you are wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.
Oct 28, 2023Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But if this isn't up your alley, please understand that you are wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.
Reviewed by meast007 from Colorado
3.68/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
3.68/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
First taste amazing, drank out of a bottle unable to admire the look. The feel was nice and smooth as it traverse down. Really love the tast would have ranked higher if it were colder pretty sure, it has a nice stout taste, again very smooth.
Oct 22, 2023
Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout from New Holland Brewing Company
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
6683 ratings
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