Grumpy Troll Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Brewed by Grumpy Troll Brewery, Restaurant and Pizzeria
Style: Imperial Stout
Mount Horeb, Wisconsin USA

On tap at Grumpy Troll as "Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout". Poured inky black with a ring of deep tan head. The aroma picked up sweet bourbon and vanilla upfront over coffee and moderately-roasted black malts.. gave an increasingly sour oaky impression as it warmed up.. well-presented. The flavor had a delightful bourbon presence throughout with overtones of vanilla and toasted, slightly sour oak.. dark chocolate and lesser coffee supported from the core.. long, satisfying bourbon-y finish. Heavier-bodied with low carbonation on the palate.. light sourness from the barrel.. flowed well overall.

Black with a cap of tan head, spots of frothy lace. Aroma focuses on the roasted malt: dark fruit, slightly burnt, a significant alcohol presence, hot, spicy, slightly fusel. Served a little bit too cold. After it warms up, the caramel and vanilla bourbon elements are there on the front, and tasty, but sometimes hard to find. The toasted tree fruit malt body forms the middle and finish. Medium to full body, only mildly carbonated, a little too hot for my taste.