What Our Panel Thought
Aroma: “Big warm bourbon hug, with a bit of wine barrel. Vanilla, strong cacao nibs, rich malt, moderate alcohol, along with some spicy phenols.”
Flavor: “Bourbon is strongest in the mix and a little hot. The vanilla is more oaky than bean. Underneath the liquor, I can still find the malt, along with the raisin, plum, and nuttiness I’d expect in a big beer. Moderate cocoa. Some spicy alcohol warmth. Nice phenols and esters. Bourbon lingers into the finish, where I’d prefer the malt.”
Overall: “If you can get some of this for the holidays, do it! Chocolate may be over strong in the aftertaste, but it just adds to the warming sensation. Dry finish helps with drinkability. A well-made Belgian Dark Strong with a barrel-full of bourbon. Will be excellent with proper aging.”
What the Brewers Say
“Belgian Dark Strong Ale aged in bourbon barrels with Nuance Ghana Chocolate husks. Barrels are a blend of Dancing Pines Bourbon Whiskey and Jack Daniels Whiskey.”
