Brewer's Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout - Central Waters Brewing Company

derkfromwi

Wisconsin

4.3/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Got a growler from an awesome liquor store nearby that always has a nice great lakes area brew on tap in the back.

A: Good light tan one-finger head that fades and leaves a nice ring of head around the edges for the remainder of the beer, pitch black color, good carbonation, little bit of lacing

S: Coffee, bourbon, vanilla, oak, roasted malts, chocolates, light alcohol

T: Not quite as much going on as aroma, but still good, bourbon, roasted malts, some oakiness, touch of dark chocolate, sweet vanilla and just a touch of boozy finish

M: Medium to full-bodied, smooth, too thin for me, warming, just a touch boozy but not as much as from the bottle (yet to review, but have drank a few, some still sitting in the fridge)

O: Good stuff, shared growler with friend and wish I would have opened a bottle with it to compare, very happy this is available from Central Waters every year

Serving type: growler

02-27-2012 03:31:22 | More by derkfromwi

jj21

Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Growler hand delivered from thefatkid13 on his way to getting sunburned at DLD (Thanks again!)

Pours thickly into a snifter creating a fantastic brown head. To my surprise the growler was clear! I thought the way that not a ray of light was getting through that for sure it was brown. Damn this was dark! Carbonation settles ala Guinness, etc... but that's where the comparison ends. Head settles to a nice lacing over the top.

Aromas are wonderful- coffee, malts and Bourbon oh my. I first poured too cold and didn't get it at all it's glory (shame on me) but as it warmed up it became even more complex. The kind of beer you want to bury your nose in.

Big flavors of malty bourbon and oak. Some vanilla from the barrel hints at the finish. There's a nice bitter charred flavor that I wasn't expecting that really finished well. Full bodied and very smooth despite the higher alcohol (9.5%) presence.

I finished off a growler in two nights. I probably could have in one, but I found enough self control to hold back. It keeps you wanting more and I look forward to Central Waters opening distribution into my area (nudge nudge) sometime soon.

Serving type: growler

05-04-2007 17:39:50 | More by jj21

Andrew61923

Connecticut

4.75/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

2012 vintage. Poured from bottle out of my beer fridge into my Duvel tulip. Normally I'd say that it is entirely too hot out to have a stout, and especially a BA one, but I need to get through my cellar before the big move.

A: Pours a dark, dark brown that borders on black with a finger's worth of cream colored head after a fairly aggressive pour. I noticed a good amount of light coming through on the pour, so I was pleasantly surprised to see a darker end product than I expected. The head fades slower than I would expect with light lacing along the glass. A good start.

S: This beer smells so strongly of oak and delightful bourbon that I could smell it from across the kitchen after I poured it. A healthy dose of chocolate and raisin. I'm really excited to get into this one.

T: Wow. Picking up on a lot of chocolate covered raisin with a good amount of the oakiness coming through on the finish. Though a different style, I would compare this to Tyranena's Dirty Old Man...and that's good company to be in.

M: As I mentioned, this is similar in a lot of ways to a specific barrel-aged porter, not a stout as advertised. It is a bit thin, but there are no other complaints here. Carb is spot-on and the taste lingers plenty long enough to make me want to dive right back in.

O: I really enjoyed Peruvian Morning, so I'm not surprised that I had a similar great experience with this beer. Certainly different beers, but definitely cousins at the very least. If you see this, pick it up and drink it...weather be damned.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 02:22:45 | More by Andrew61923

bum732

Maryland

4/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

S: Very rich breadiness, almost a yeastiness, sweet bourbon with some dark chocolate, medium high bourbon on the nose.

L: Very dark brown bordering on black. Light tan head that dissipates. Good lacing.

T: Rich breadiness up front with the bourbon sweetness following. Medium low bitterness with chocolate sweetness complementing the sweet bourbon. A big wave of breadiness hits before finishing.

M: Medium thin body, medium carbonation.

Pretty tasty, body was definitely on the thinner side. Not necessarily a bad thing. Nice balance of the bready malt with the bourbon.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 02:11:48 | More by bum732

NoLeafClover44

Delaware

4.25/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

12 oz. bottle poured into a Cigar city snifter. Vintage 2012.

A - Pours nearly black with about a finger of tan head. The foam dies to nothing in the middle but remains steady at a finger around the edge. Sticky lacing.

S - Blackstrap molasses and figs hit immediately. Sweet notes of vanilla and bitter charred barley come to mind as well. Slight oak and bourbon character with the large alcohol presence making itself known.

T - Big chocolate roasted malts on the forefront. Fig, dates, and cherry contribute some fruity esters. Vanilla sweetness is balanced by oak and burnt malts. Sweetens considerably as it warms. The finish is full of molasses and bourbon.

M - Just a touch thin for the style, but goes down smooth. Adequate carbonation.

O - Central Waters seems to know their way around a barrel. This was a fantastic representation of the style. Big aromas and flavors of vanilla, bourbon, molasses, and dark fruits. I enjoyed it more and more as it warmed. Smooth and easy drinking for a big BA stout. I highly recommend this beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 01:05:14 | More by NoLeafClover44

unclejazz

New York

4.51/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

2013 vintage

A-brown/black body with a short live tan head.

S-pit fruit/dates and bourbon, a touch of smoke and cola.

T-nics sweet cola start with date and then a smooth vanilla bourbon backbone. A little bit of bread malt presence with a nice roasted flavor in the back of the mouth.

M-there is a nice dance of carbonation that really allows the date and bourbon flavors to pop. This a just a bit reminiscent of Kuhnhenn BB4D.

O-I like this better than last year's release, bravo CW!

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2013 00:43:21 | More by unclejazz

ThickNStout

Georgia

3.56/5  rDev -15.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle from Powderhornphil (thanks man!). Bottled in 2012. Served in a Three Floyds teku.

Pours dark cola brown with a half finger of tan head. No lace to speak of.

Smells of vanilla, coffee, cocoa, boubon, coconut and oak.

Taste is much more bitter and roasty than I expect from a bourbon barreled stout. The bitter, roasty dark chocolate battles with hot bourbon for top billing. Occasionally other flavors get through including cola, coffee, vanilla, oak, earthy char, nutty and of course a bit of alcohol. Some grassy bitter hops keep the sweetness in check.

Medium bodied, fairly creamy and smooth, with moderate carbonation. Long bitter char and bourbon finish.

Not quite what I expected given the high praise I've seen for this. Not particularly balanced and a tad thin. But still quite tasty overall. I think this is one that I would enjoy more after a year or two when the prominent bourbon hopefully settles down a bit to let more of the orher flavors to be noticed.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2013 05:04:33 | More by ThickNStout

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.25/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Many thanks to Garret L. for the opportunity to try this one.

The beer pours a blackish brown color with good head retention and plenty of creamy foam and lacing. The nose is likewise attractive in this one, as I pick up considerale milk dud, milk chocolate, vanilla and light coffee. There's a hint of bourbon as well, but the milk chocolate and milk dud aroma really dominates in this one. The flavor profile replicates the nose in this well crafted stout. It's a bit on the sweet side from all the milk chocolate and vanilla flavor, but there's enough hoppy bitterness at the very end to keep that sweetness in check, and to keep it from coming across as cloying. Mouthfeel is medium bodied to full, with a fairly long, slightly creamy finish. Alcohol is very well integrated into the flavor profile, and I had no trouble at all downing my 12 ounce bottle.

A very nice effort from the folks at Central Waters.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 11:29:42 | More by johnmichaelsen

Pecan

California

4.4/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Pours black with minimal tan head.

Smells of extreme bourbon. Subtle hints of vanilla, but very overpowered by bourbon.

Taste begins with serious (and expected) upfront bourbon, but transitions into a creamy, sweet dark malt flavor. There is a nut flavor that begins subtly and grows into a dominant position in the finish, balancing extremely well with the still present but fading bourbon and chocolate. The finish is crisp.

The mouthfeel is slightly oily. Very nice for the flavor profile.

Overall, I think this is a very well-done bourbon stout. Again with CW, I am impressed with the quality in general and especially considering the price point.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 07:34:36 | More by Pecan

joeseppy

Illinois

4.8/5  rDev +14%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Had on-tap @ Beer Bistro, Chi-town. Thanks Bob and Chris for scoring a barrel.

Kinda dark in the bar but a black pour with a one inch creamy head. At any time, putting this down, you could rouse up a thin vanilla cream topping by agitating the pint.

Aroma of sweet cream, vanilla and trace bourbon.

First sip is CHOCOLATE decadence. Not too sweet to hurt your teeth. Picking up on dried coconut flakes, vanilla and just the right amount of bourbon. The malt bill is spectacular. Simple saying-this is a Coke float with vanilla ice cream and a shot of choice bourbon. Medium density but this doesn't need to be thick, IMO.

This is my fourth BA from Central Waters and they have their barrel program nailed this past year. This brew right here is the pie'ce de resistance : )

Serving type: on-tap

03-27-2013 15:10:15 | More by joeseppy

BlackElixir

Wisconsin

4.26/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25

2012 Vintage, poured into a snifter at cellar temperature.

Appearance- Dark brown, not quite black. Half finger, khaki head; dissipates quickly.

Aroma- Oak, bourbon, chocolate, toasted coconut, vanilla, mix of sugary dark fruit & a hint of maraschino cherries. I swear I got a few whiffs of cinnamon as well.

Taste- Oak, bourbon, vanilla, coffee, roasted malt, mix of dark & milk chocolate...a bit pudding-like, a bit of sugary dark fruit. Seemed to be nicely balanced with sweet flavors coming first, but finishing nicely roasted and slightly bitter. The barrel did not seem to be overpowering either.

Mouthfeel- Medium-light carbonation. Medium body. Alcohol warmth in back of throat.

Overall- Very nice in flavor and aroma, with some nice complexities. Very tasty! Not the most inky-black stout out there, and a bit thin...but these factors don't drag this beer down too much. While this may not be the stout to end all stouts, it is definitely well above average and well worth your time if you can find it. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2013 03:17:35 | More by BlackElixir

kojevergas

California

3.83/5  rDev -9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Got this goodie from the very gracious Duff27 in a trade. Thanks again, buddy! This is my first real beer from Central Waters; I had Shine On before but that's it. 2012 vintage. I wish I had a snifter to serve this in, but the best I can do while away from my glass collection in Colorado is to serve it in a conical Samuel Smith's pint glass. Reviewed live. "Malt Beverage Aged in Used Oak Bourbon Barrels." Expectations are through the roof, current ratings are great, it sounds great, and it's got quite a reputation. I don't see an ABV listed on the label. Label art is simple and appealing. 12 fl oz brown glass bottle with standard gold pressure cap.

Served cold and allowed to warm considerably over the course of consumption. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

Not paired with food.

A: Pours a lovely two finger khaki-tan colour head of very good creamy character, great thickness, and great (8+) minute retention for the high ABV. Soft, frothy, creamy, and appealing. Body colour is a very dark solid black - not quite a jet black - but certainly black. Nontransparent and opaque; no yeast particles are visible. No bbuble show. Light attractive lacing as the head slowly recedes. Looks exactly as it should, with an impressive head. I'm excited to try it. I imagine it'd look even better in a snifter.

Sm: Pungent bourbon - complete with subtle vanilla and oak notes - exactly what I want from a bourbon barrel aged stout. There'd be no mistaking the bourbon if I handed this to you blind. The execution seems good, if strong. Wow. Dark malts, cream, maybe chocolate. It's all buried beneath the bourbon. I wouldn't call it a woody aroma, but the oak is certainly there with depth and subtlety. I get a hint of alcohol off the aroma, but I wouldn't call it a hot or boozy aroma. Just a touch of appealing warmth. Love the bourbon notes here, but constructively I could use a bit more toasty character. A pretty strong aroma. So far, so good. Can't wait to try it.

T: Wow. Extravagant bourbon notes are right up front here, with subtle vanilla and rich oak really ringing distinct. Little alcohol presence if any; it's got the great flavour of a good bourbon but none of the alcohol burden. Body is a touch roasty - though not quite as much as I'd like. Milk chocolate hits on the climax, blending well with the already luscious vanilla for a fantastic flavour. Creamy throughout, complementing the smooth chocolate. There's no bothersome caramel malt here, and no bitterness from the chocolate. A hint of coconut - it took me awhile to place that note; I'm not sure it's doing the beer a service, but it's interesting. Any hop character is unnoticeable. No yeast character comes through. I fancy the foundation is comprised of dark malts, but they don't intrude. Oak is the guiding body of this beer, and really lends it a cohesive, whole feel. I will say the flavour falls off in the third act; it just fades. This isn't a bad thing per se. Impressively well balanced and built. A very successful marriage of a good stout with bourbon notes. I quite like it. Now that it's warming up a bit more, I do get some buried roast in the third act.

The more and more I drank, the more a tiny nagging feeling came on that it was a touch too sweet. This is a nitpicking criticism, but - I think - a valid one.

Mf: Nicely creamy. Smooth and wet. Great body - not too thick or overbearing. Complements the flavour profile really well. Carbonation is just a biteen overdone. Silky. Good presence on the palate, enabling full delivery of the complex depth of flavour. Chewy.

Dr: Quite drinkable considering the high ABV, which is itself noticeable but not unpleasant. It's best enjoyed as a sipper; this one deserves to be savoured. A lovely bourbon barrel aged stout all around. A smashing success for the style. I'd definitely get this again if I was so lucky. I'd love to try this one aged. I'll enjoy finishing the bottle alone, but I'd recommend ideally that you share it with a friend. Thanks again for the chance to try this one, Duff27!

Low B+

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 04:58:27 | More by kojevergas

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

This poured out as a very deep red color turning black once it's in the glass. The head is tan, settles quickly leaves just a ring around the glass. The retention is minimal, and there really isn't much lacing. The smell of the beer is sweet with bourbon aromas, wood and vanilla, there is some roasted chocolate on the nose also. The taste of the beer is boozy, some strong vanilla and sweet malt with a dry roasted finish. The mouthfeel is creamy and smooth, gentle carbonation with some heat in the finish. Overall it's a very good beer, the flavors blend really well making this really enjoyable. The beer gets better as it warms. Definitely worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 19:36:04 | More by Knapp85

popery

California

3.91/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Pours dark brown, like weak coffee. Looks transparent. Beige head. Lots of fine bubbles. Pretty good retention. Aroma is brown sugar, vanilla, bourbon, chocolate, a little booze and mild booze. Taste is fairly sweet. Lots of chocolate. Dries out some towards the end. A bit prickly in the mouthfeel. Pretty good barrel presence. Solid imperial stout.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2013 02:29:13 | More by popery

Jimmys

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

12 oz bottle. 2012 vintage.

A: pitch black body. head is a medium shade of brown. head is dense and tightly bubbled. frothy retention remains. very pleasant looking. thick chunks of lacing as each sip goes down. spots too.

S: super rich. bourbon and raisins. dark chocolate. lots of vanilla. a little bit of clay. warming.

T: a lot of oak tannins on the body. lingering flavor of sweet raisins. there is a bit of smoke to this thing as well. the more I get used to the bourbon and oak, the more I find this thing full of chocolate and even a minor coffee.

M: smooth and subtle. full bodied for sure.

D: very drinkable big bourbon stout here. smooth, complex, rich, and fulfilling. surprised at how good this is so close the bottling date. drinking now seems to be fine, but im sure one I the cellar wouldn't hurt either!

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 13:34:19 | More by Jimmys

Belgianbeerbunny

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A - Mahogany with 1/2 inch cream-colored head.

S - I just smell Bourbon. Not like that's a bad thing, but that's what I get.

T - Bourbon in the front of the mouth and chocolate in the back. Not as complex as Central Water's Peruvian Morning, in which the flavors were more blended.

M - Medium-bodied, expecting thicker. Smooth going down, but sticky on the lips.

O - A fine Bourbon Barrel Stout, but I'd reach for a Peruvian Morning first.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2013 21:47:08 | More by Belgianbeerbunny

thegoon55

South Carolina

4.41/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

vintage 2012

A- pours a black maybe dark brown light tan nice head.

S- amazing. bourbon forward, than chocolate followed by carmel and vanilla. Smells absolutely fantastic.

T- following the nose, lots of bourbon up front followed by a heavy dose of chocolate with hints of caramel and vanilla.

M- medium carbonation, full body.

O- absolutely fantastic. i love this beer. Im glad a have another, can't wait too taste fifteen since this beer is so fantastic.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2013 19:38:48 | More by thegoon55

corby112

Pennsylvania

4.34/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

2012 vintage

Pours a dark chestnut brown color that appears pitch black in the glass with a one finger beige head that quickly settles into a thick, lasting ring. Streaks of soapy lacing left behind.

Wow, the aroma of this beer is incredible with a complex barrel presence that's perfectly integrated into the characteristics of the base beer. Very nice bourbon presence with dry oak, vanilla, toasted coconut and marshmallow followed by roasted malt, silky chocolate and a dessert-like fudge cake quality. Very complex and although the bourbon barrel is the strongest component, the dark malts and stout notes aren't overpowered at all. Smells incredible! I could see some folks wanting more bourbon in the nose but to me the aroma is nearly perfect.

Full bodied with a blast of bourbon heat that lingers over the other barrel notes and roasted malt into a slightly spicy, dry finish. A bit boozier and heavier on the bourbon flavors th an the nose suggests, but the barrel character remains complex and is nicely integrated into the base beer. Some dry, charred oak followed by a strong sweet and spicy bourbon presence that's followed by a smooth vanilla bean flavor before the roasted and sweet malt notes come in. Not as sweet or dessert like as the nose hinted at but there's still some subtle silky chocolate flavor countering the intense roast. The rost compliments the dry oak and spicy spirit with hints of dark chocolate, burnt toast, oatmeal and espresso bean. Slightly hot with some warmth in the finish but after the palate adjusts, the high ABV is relatively well masked. Definitely a sipper but the complexity and intense flavors make it a very enjoyable drink.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 06:54:08 | More by corby112

Jimmeekrek

Wisconsin

4.91/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

Truly an epic Bourbon Barrel aged imperial stout, at a price point that defies the industry standard. Basically the same componentry as 1414, which won gold at the GABF, this spends a year in heaven hill bourbon barrels, and the result is nearly perfect. Chocolate, vanilla, bourbon and a hint of coconut make for an outstanding beer. Do yourself a favor, get a bottle or two if you can.

Serving type: on-tap

03-11-2013 03:00:15 | More by Jimmeekrek

jzeilinger

Pennsylvania

4.31/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

First off, many thanks to Ri0 for sending this bottle.

A - Pours a very dark caramel brown color that comes off looking like black, this tan lacing ring and very thick looking. Eventually what little ring is left dies off and leaves a tulip full of black liquid.

S - Bourbon, roasted caramel/toffee, cocoa, oak, light char, and vanilla. The nose is really good and everything blends nicely with the bourbon being a little more forward than the rest.

T - The bourbon and oak definitely rule here and everything else falls in behind it. Bourbon and oak up front followed by warm roasted toffee, with light notes of vanilla and cocoa. The alcohol does create some warming on the way down and avoids being too hot. There's also a light smoke sensation from the barrel aging.

M - Heavy medium body, rich texture, silky carbonation, slippery, viscous, and lip smacking sticky.

O - Definitely worth a try if barrel aged beers are your thing.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 00:24:52 | More by jzeilinger

DovaliHops

California

4.04/5  rDev -4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

2012 Vintage. Pours black...but appears dark brown when held up to light. Small, light-tan head that disappears quickly. Scent is is bourbon up front with some nice chocolatey notes. Pretty heavy caramel malt aroma with some very subtle oak. As the beer warms up.. a little bit of chocolate cocoa comes through with just a hint of coffee. Taste is sweet bourbon at first. Lovely notes of vanilla and toffee. Somewhat of an interesting soda-like flavor...can't tell if I like this aspect or not. Nice chocolate flavors with just a hint of black licorice. Mouthfeel could use a little more body. Drinkability is pretty high, as the ABV is WELL-hidden. Overall, I wouldn't consider this among the top bourbon barrel stouts out there (Parabola, BCBS, KBS, etc), but it's pretty damn tasty. Needs more body though.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2013 09:06:26 | More by DovaliHops

Dope

Massachusetts

4.11/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2011 batch.

A: Pours a very dark brown. Big and fluffy light brown head. Head fades away fairly slowly, leaving moderate splotches of lacing behind with decent retention.

S: Loads of bourbon, quite strong. Vanilla is extremely prominent, almost overpowering. Decent amount of coconut with it too. Dark, sickly sweet caramel with some toffee. I don't get anything other than the bourbon, even though the bourbon is quite nice.

T: Lots of bourbon once again. Super heavy on the vanilla and toffee initially. As it fades away I finally get a glimpse of that roasted malt. It's pretty mellow to be honest. It's very sweet milk chocolate in the middle. Kinda creamy, like chocolate milk. Then you get some more bourbon, mainly coconut, vanilla and oak.

M: Bourbon thins this one out decently so it's not super heavy. Medium bodied.

O: Hmph, tough call. Beer is quite unbalanced, super heavy on the bourbon. It's not so much that the bourbon is so overpowering, it's that the base just seems weak. Having said that, the bourbon flavors are really nice. Overall it's quite nice; it would be amazing with a bigger, sharper roasted malt base to hold up to the bourbon.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2013 06:20:50 | More by Dope

PerHops

California

4.44/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A- To be perfectly honest, a little lighter looking than I expected and a fairly high amount of carbonation from the looks of it...

S- This is where it starts to improve, immediately. The vanilla, bourbon and chocolate were immediately present and worked in nearly perfect harmony. My first thought was chocolate cookie dough ice cream. Doesn't smell as "bourbony" as expected, but that absolutely works in this particular beers favor.

T- The taste is nearly identical to the aroma. The only difference is I can taste the bourbon slightly more than expected from the aroma.

M- There is a pretty active amount of carbonation here, which I am still trying to decide if it makes the beer more or less enjoyable.

O- For the style I knocked a couple of points off due to it being a little thin, but the aroma was spot on and the flavor was nice I just wish there was a little more body. In the same breath, it's kind of refreshing to enjoy a beer of this style without committing to such a high abv. Very good beer overall.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2013 05:31:24 | More by PerHops

TheSSG

Illinois

4.78/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a light, loud hissing, tan head that collapses to a thin edging. MASSIVE nose of woody vanilla with a noticeable booziness behind it. Black. Starts out aggressively woody and vanilla-y, with that booze behind it; almost as forceful as a bourbon. Moves to a medium bitterness as an AMAZING, deep, toasted coffee flavor comes through, switches to dark chocolate, and finishes with roasted malt and chocolate. This has a nice, thick, viscous consistency.

This is AMAZING. Simply stunning. This is everything a bourbon barrel stout should be; the bourbon flavors lead the way, but the stout is equally strong and these flavors blend so well with the wood notes to create a sensationally complex, toasty, coffee/chocolate character.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2013 03:05:45 | More by TheSSG

tut2528

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

2012 Release

A: pours extremely dark brown borderline black. absolutely no transparency and the pour did not elicit any head formation. what did form was mostly due forced carbonation at the end of the pour.

S: massive bourbon and oak dominate the aroma. there is a nice touch of alcohol soaked dark fruits (figs then raisins). there is a slight touch of vanilla in there and even some smokiness in the background.

T: again, big massive bourbon, alcohol heat and oak. there really isn't much of a difference from the aromas. The is a sweet creamy vanilla finish that really helps cut the alcohol notes.

M: full-medium bodied brew. but it really doesn't leave much on the palate which shocked the hell out of me for being a barrel aged beer.

O: some say that this is comparable to BCS, but this isn't even in its shadow. its a straight forward bourbon and oak brew, with subtle sweet notes that make there presence known just enough that prevents this brew from being off too off balanced. Glad I was able to buy a single of these, bc I can't justifiy the price of a 4 pk

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 02:09:03 | More by tut2528