What Our Panel Thought
Aroma: “Bourbon-filled aged chocolates, caramel, vanilla, toffee, sweet chocolate. Slight biscuit malt, toasted bread.”
Flavor: “For as much as the barrel dominates the nose, it’s more balanced in the flavor. Still some cola notes with some dark melanoidin malt sweetness, but the roast is a bit more pronounced and works well with the vanilla and coconut character from the barrel. Alcohol and bourbon are especially strong in aftertaste.”
Overall: “How one lagers in a bourbon barrel, I can’t say, but these folks seem to have figured it out quite well. A fun beer that may not beat out any barrel-aged Russian imperial stouts for top spot, but it showcases what boozy dark lagers can do.”
What the Brewers Say
“Kicking its way out of fresh bourbon barrels, this high-gravity double black lager was laid down and aged for several months before coming to life. A bold sweet vanilla-bean aroma rises from the nose, followed by flavors of complex dark chocolate and ripened stone fruit. This lively lager finishes with a charred oak character and a smooth, warm caramel bourbon flavor.”
