Gourmetbryggeriet Brewers Reserve Grain Barrel Stout

RBSG 2008. Pours dark brown with a soft tan head. Bourbony sharp note up front, peaty, earthy, and slightly boozy. Dark bakers chocolate up front, medium roastiness. The finish picked up a soft acidic character.

Bottle at GBBF 08 ... Deep black ... rich vanilla ... little whiskey ... loads of malts ... rich chocolate ... bit unbalanced.

Bottle 75cl.
Clear dark black color with a average, frothy, good lancing, mostly lasting, beige head. Aroma is moderate to light heavy malty, roasted, chocolate, coffee, wood - oak, peat, red wine notes. Flavor is moderate to light heavy sweet and moderate bitter with a average to long duration. Body is medium, texture is oily, carbonation is soft. (310508)

2006 bottle at RBSG. Poured deep brown with a short dusting of tan head. The aroma picked up sweet, brighter barrel notes upfront with oak, vanilla, and lesser sweet Scotch representin’.. the stout itself was less robust with roasted dark chocolate and star anise in there.. enjoyed it very much. The flavor had rich dark chocolate and licorice on the initial impression with spicy black pepper, sour oak, and vanilla beans coming shortly after.. smoky whiskey picked up at the back, giving a dry, engaging finish. Medium-plus bodied with OK balance on the palate.. a touch too much barrel tartness, but that was a minor misstep. Great!

(6/29/08) Bottle sample at RBESG08 grand tasting in Plzen. Black with a brown head. Aroma of some cocoa and espresso and some dark fruit notes. Sweetish flavor with burnt malt and quite a lot of espresso. Quite full-bodied.