CooperSmiths Bourbon Barrel Stout

From the Jug at the GABF, Colorado Convention Center 11/10/2007 Whisky aroma. Small white head. Black strong in alcohol and smooth on the palate with a warming dry bitter whisky finish.

Deep, deep black is a great way to describe this wickedly dark hand-drawn cask ale. There’s a few hints of light, but nothing that would make you think anything other than "black" when describing the appearance. Also included a great, copper-colored head that didn’t go away until I was finished drinking the beer.The smell is distinct, yet subdued. Unlike anything you’ve smelled before, but not strong enough to definitively say "this is a bourbon barrel stout." The smell includes a mild booze smell and quite a bit of the characteristic coopersmith’s stout smell.The taste is great. Total bliss in this department. It’s everything you can love about bourbon and everything great about a high gravity stout rolled into one glass. It’s sweet, but not overly so, and the flavor is something you’re not likely to forget in the near future.The mouthfeel is thick and oily, but still memorable. It’s not anything too spectacular, but it’s far from disappointing.As far as drinkability goes, I had no problem drinking a pint. None at all. I actually considered a second, but decided I didn’t want to burn myself out. I don’t think this would function well as any sort of session beer, but a couple would be A-OK.

This was just delicious! Rich and creamy with loads of milk chocolate. An ample dusting of cocoa powder, caramel and even a hint of nuttiness, melds with sweet vanilla bourbon notes. I could seriously drink this all night and never get tired of it. Great balance overall and throughout.

#400! Pours an almost dark brownish black. Nice retention. Strong aroma of bourbon, and that drowns out most else except light chocolate notes. Flavor is a lot of milk chocolate and a decent amount of bourbon. Oated roast notes come in through the finish. Medium body, a bit watery. Overall a good one...could maybe use a bit more oats to make it thicker.

On tap at the brewpub on 10/14/07: Pours an opaque black with a full-lacing froth of rich dark tan head. Sweet dark caramel, chocolate and bourbon nose is quite enticing. Body starts with good, rich viscosity for a sweet stout and low amounts of carbonation with a smooth, creamy dark chocolate and bourbon finish. Great balance and flavor with good drinkability.

GABF 2007: Poured black with a beige head. Doughy aroma. The flavor had a light roasty, fruity and doughy. the barrel was fairly light.

@ brewpub and hand pulled. Black with a creamy tan head. First bourbon, mild but there, aroma followed by vanilla, hazelnuts and roasted malt. Roasty with a bourbon middle. Vanilla at the end. Light tartness. Medium body with a smooth mouthfeel.

Date: 10/14/2007
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewpub

black, fine beige head, streaks of drippy lace, rich chocolate aroma with sweet dark caramel and vanilla ending with a touch of bourbon, creamy body, dark chocolate flavor, vanilla character adds sweetness, bourbon kicks in to add extra sweetness, light oak adds the only bitterness

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 8/10; Flavor: 8/10; Palate: 8/10; Overall: 16/20
Rating: 3.9/5.0
Drinkability: 8/10
Score: **4

Almost an espresso type creme, more than a head, with a rich amber brown color. Definite hints of cream and black pepper flavors of the Horsetooth Stout base, while the flavor of bourbon quietly dances on your tongue.