Callys Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Brewed by Cally’s Restaurant & Brewing Co. (formerly Calhoun’s)
Style: Imperial Stout
Harrisonburg, Virginia USA

Thanks to Rob for letting us know this was out. 30 days on the barrel per the brewmaster. Vanilla, woodsy, and roasty aroma. Flavor is remarkably balanced of bourbon, wood, vanilla, cherry, raisin and a solid roasty stout finish. An exceptional example of how bourbon barrel aging can perfectly compliment a brew without overwhelming it. A superb sipper that is also dangerously drinkable.

On Draft @ Cally’s. Like the last guy said it’s on a nitro tap. Very thin creamy head and a jet black color. No real aroma other than alcohol. Reminds me a lot of baily’s irish cream, and its way to over powering and thick. Good lasting roast flavor. To heavy, not evened out enough with hops and malts to make this drinkable over a long period of time. Definitely can be improved with some work.

On nitro tap at Cally’s. Dark black body with a medium creamy light brown head. Sweet bourbon and molassas aroma with caramel and light chocolate. Sweet vanilla, bourbon and light chocolate flavor. Smooth mouthfeel with low carbonation from nitro.

Draft at Cally’s. I’m psyched that they pursued such a lofty brew. Not much in the nose on this one, it poured dark brown with very little head to speak of. Mostly sweet whiskey malt in the mouth, there was a distinct lack of roasted malt. Fairly little complexity, I might have gotten a bit raisin. Almost overwhelmingly sweet, but leads to a smooth creamy mouthfeel. All that said, Imperial Stout is a tall order and I appreciate the effort here. I think it could use a bit of refinement in general.