Brooklyn Dark Matter

Brewed by Brooklyn Brewery
Style: American Strong Ale
Brooklyn, New York USA

I am writing this review in the full knowledge, acceptance, and understanding that I have total bias in my thorough enjoyment of this beer. But before I delve into the sensual and orgasmic experience that was the Brooklyn Dark Matter, let me back up and first discuss another love of mine, bourbon. I was able to enjoy my first good bourbon a little over a year ago which was the Woodford Reserve. I love a good single malt scotch, but bourbons are new territory for me. Thankfully, my first foray into unknown woods was with a quality bourbon, albeit a bit on the sweeter side as opposed to some. It was divine. With my Woodford Reserve indoctrination under my belt, I was more than ready to delve into the Dark Matter from Brooklyn Brewery. A special gift and a very limited production with absolutely no intentions for any further production, I was thrilled to savor its dark depths, and depressed to know that I would be unable to ever meet her again.
Brooklyn Dark Matter is their brown ale which is taken and aged for 8 months in Woodford Reserve bourbon barrels. After spending 8 luxurious months in the barrels, the brown ale was then taken and bottled with champagne yeast in 750ml corked bottles for a secondary and final fermentation to create the truly divine and inspired brew within.
My Dark Matter poured a rich opaque brown, much like dark mud or wet dirt, with faint traces of burnt amber tracing the bottom of my glass. A tightly packed dark head fades to a miniscule ring around the sides of my glass while her brew below stares seductively at me. Very slight brussels lace invite as I partake of her nose. Fresh vanilla beans, warm spices and bourbon notes, smoke, with faint traces of cinnamon and burnt malt. her deep brown tones belies her soft and light body, thanks largely in part to being bottled for a secondary fermentation with champagne yeasts. Immediately my tastebuds and whole person are warmed by rich bourbon, vanilla, and wood notes. Coming in second are toffee and caramelized brown sugar. I am in heaven, literally. I want to savor her slowly, but I cannot wait and must return for more. Rich, warm, vanilla bourbon barrel notes; seductive. Subtly sweet and effervescent from start to finish. As I finish my glass, a few more brussels lace trace her divine travels from barrel, to bottle, to glass, and finally to me. I am left craving more, along with a glass of Woodford Reserve.
There are very few beer experiences I can recall where days afterwards I could in full clarity relive every single quaff. The Brooklyn Dark Matter is one such beer, and despite my desire for more, I will probably never be able to enjoy her ever again. But, that is a minor detail when compared to the privilege and life-altering experience of being blessed by her. If I could go back in time, I would go back to that moment so I could enjoy my Dark Matter once more.

Bottle from the Otown throwdown. miketd you rock. Nice brown pour wtih a tan colored head. Bourbon smacks your nose upon opening it and keep smacking your nose throughout. Some vanilla, oak and caramel matls are evident but as you drink it the bourbon just kicks ass. What a great beer to try.

C&PLYFOTD: Bottle, courtesy miketd. Dark brown pour, thick lacing and frothy head. Spicy nose, woodsy oak, vanilla and thick chocolate with a slight coffee must. Rich woodsy flavors, with tons of chocolate, caramel and lots of spices. Full and rich, very delicious, and could get better in the coming months.

Bottle. Pours a cloudy brown, bordering on a deep purple on the edges, with a fizzy off-white head that settles down into a thin, creamy coating of foam. Nose is vanilla, bourbon, brown sugar, a bit nutty, dark fruits. Taste begins with a bit of spicy brown sugar up front, hints of ripe dark fruit as well, with the bourbon really coming on towards the finish. Finish itself is long and rich, exhales of bourbon, with just a hint of charred oak in the tail end. Mouthfeel is soft and creamy, with just the softest, crisp edge to it up front, quite dry throughout. Medium to medium light body, creamy. Beautifully done beer - bourbon is presence in just the right amount, you get the full flavor without overwhelming the beer itself. One of the most drinkable barrel aged beers I’ve experienced. Very unique.

Bottle. Pours with a frothy head that settles into a thin sheen. Aroma is bourbon but it doesnt smack you in the face. Flavor is a nice caramel with a soft carbonation and the bourbon complements it nicely. I thought this beer was a crazy idea but it really works.

Bottle. Pours a dark brown body with a tan head. Chocolate, licorice, loads of chocolate, lots of bourbon and oak. Light fruitiness. Great beer.

Bottle at Blind Tiger’s Brooklyn Event. Mahogany brown, cloudy, with a tan head. Sweet and hoppy aroma, caramel, toffee, vanilla, and nice woodiness. Balanced, with more toffee and pithy citrus. Cinnamon and clove, excellent smooth and easy finish. Nice, tight mouthfeel and quite smooth. The bourbon here is really well balanced, and definitely there, but it doesn’t take away from the other flavors at all. So far, I’m quite impressed with the Brooklyn barrel aged offerings. Nicely done.

Bottle at the Blind Tiger. I was expecting to hate this, but despite it being extremely bourbony it was really quite nice to drink. Had a great pour with a wonderful head, especially for a beer out of a barrel. Very dark brown. Aroma is up front bourbon, but filled with cherry and vanilla, and is very smooth. No heat from the alcohol or spirits. The body is a bit hot though, with a sweet, corny bourbon, mellow and round and robust. Some wheat and bubblegum flavors show up as well — the latter being the only hint this had any Belgian influence at one point. Solid work.