Great Lakes Barrel-Aged Blackout Stout

Brewed by Great Lakes Brewing Company
Style: Imperial Stout
Cleveland, Ohio USA

I usually don’t like bourbon in my beer but this one is done right. The bourbon is there in the nose but not overpowering, with malt and alcohol aromas present as well. Flavor is salty, more bourbon, and oak, which makes this a little bit dry. A thick beer. Still, I preferred the stand Blackout without the bourbon.

I have had the regular GL Blackout Stout previously. I wasn’t overly impressed with that, thought it was middle of the road as far as Imperial Stouts go. Tonight, I sampled both beers and liked the BA version better. A bourbon beer done right. Not too heavy on the flavor (like GI Bourbon Cty stout), but nice subleties here. I enjoyed this brew very much, and it lives up to the score IMO.

This is how a bourbon beer should be done. A little lighter color with strong caramel, green olive, and roasty smokiness on the nose. The palate is definately controlled by the sweet bourbon, but the blance is better than most. A nice creamy smokiness accent the slight alcohol bite and chocolate/caramel sweetness.

Burbon is the dominate peice of this beer, without question. More chocolate in the aroma, and a bit less complex overall. It does feel a bit more inviting. The flavour is softer and a bit more refined, more vanilla and a lot of burbon. Has a saltiness to it. Very well done, balanced, and tasty.

Same coloring as the sraight to the bottle version, but exhibiting a dry leather, bourbon and chocolate aroma. Salty pimento flavor intially gives way to hints of oaky whiskey, anise and caramel. Full-bodied, rich and oily in the mouth. The barrel and some age seems to have had a slightly strange effect; although the result is not wholly foreign, it’s certainly hard to define as either good or bad. Thanks for sharing, Zac!

I love it, i can’t say enough good about this beer. Coffee, chocolate, deliciousness... you name it. its all there. incredible.

Not the best bourbon barrel-aged stout ever to flow from a tap but a why split hairs...this is every bit as good as tiramisu and sex. GLBC has avoided the liquid sugar, vanillin overload of lesser bourbon-aged brews, so the decadent range of coffee, wood, chocolate, toffee, pecan, molasses, and manna all peak through nicely. (And to think that when I left Oregon for Ohio I was sure my relationship with beer was coming to an end!) Thanks Great Lakes!

22oz. bomber thanks to Jhop. Deep black color with a small tan head. Aroma of dark roasted malts, char, oak, vanilla and molasses. Flavor is quite sweet, with rich roasted malts up front. A bit of smoke, along with the oak and vanilla come next. The finish is somewhat tart and vinous, with lots of molasses and a hint of coffee. Really good, but was hoping to be blown away. I always hate when I get my hopes up high to try a new beer because they usually fall somewhat short of expectations.