Free State Barrel Aged Mocha Stout

WOW...this was an impressive and standout beer on the Lord Gorlock USA Tour 2004. This beer was served from tap at the Free State brewery. It poured a black color with a fairly thick tanned head and may I add this beer MUST be had with a clean palate to fully understand its complex flavors. The aroma is of coffee, and i love coffee. It also is of vanilla, and chocolate with hints of black currants. The taste is so damn creamy its not even funny. Chocolate, caramel, mocha, vanilla, brown sugar, sugar candy, and nuttiness surround this beer. Excellent lacing down the side of my glass. Wonderfully full mouthfeel with mild carbonation. A slight hoppy finish to add a slight bit of balance with a hint of pine needles. This was an incredible beer! So fresh I couldnt even describe it. According to the waitress this was the first day this was available to the public (this batch at least).

Draft: Dark chestnut. Sparse tan foam with a thick tan ring. Puffy, cakey malt, vanilla beans, and toasted coconut aroma. Slight wafts of cocoa, toffee, tar, heavy cream, and cookie. Firm-bodied. Miniscule carbonation. Early wave of tingly vinous notes and fresh vanilla flavors. Charred sugars fill the center amid hints of toasty malt and whiskey tones. Mild sherry twang. Moderate acidity from the whiskey reinforces the rich caramel malt with the perfect level of plummy malt to balance out the resounding chocolate richness. Currants and mixed berries soften the sharp tannic bite on the finish. Medley of dried plums, tannins, coconut, and black malt linger on. Exponentially better than the non-wood-aged version.

The barrel-aged version had more body than the regular mocha stout, to say the least. Instead of imparting a bourbon flavor, the barrel aging brought out the malts otherwise hidden by the intensity of the coffee. Thick, rich mouthfeel, lasting creamy palate. Less aroma than the regular version. Not incredibly interesting but enjoyable.