 chicagodri (473), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Feb 14, 2008 I always have such high expectations for any of Chicago’s Barrel Aged beers. I think this one was just average. It was a dark black/brown with a thin tan head. The aroma was overpowering coffee and a little bourbon. I think it could have been better balanced. I really thought the coffee overpowered everything else in this beer, and the bourbon was more of an afterthought. I think it might have been served a little too cold. Still though, even a little disappointing barrel aged beer from RB is better than most of the stuff around. I like what they have been brewing.
JMerritt (1106), Macomb, Illinois, USA
Dec 10, 2007 On tap at Chicago Rock Bottom. Straight coffee aroma is surprisingly bland for a barrel-aged offering. My immediate impressions are that this is far too carbonated, distractingly so. Earthy flavor, moderately bitter and lightly sweet. Heavily grainy flavor, like homemade rye bread. Jet black in color with a small, tan head that is totally diminishing after a few moments. Alcoholic finish. Just not too exciting. That being said, the bartender said that they *just* tapped this, so methinks it was tapped too early. 2006’s offering was likely much more robust, looking at the other ratings.
RAYBOY01 (1622), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Feb 28, 2006 Great big coffee and bourbon nose. More coffee and bourbon flavor, but vanilla/chocolate/molasses/ and brown sugar hitch a ride. Nice smooth roundness of mouthfeel...the oatmeal obviously! Very well brewed.
Cornfield (4255), Oak Forest, Illinois, USA
Feb 27, 2006 Black with a thick brown head, Bourbon rearing its head throughout all phases of the drink... just like the old Bourbon drinker in me likes. But that’s certainly not all there is to this stout. Vanilla, brown sugar, coffee, cocoa, and the smoothness of oatmeal all expertly blended together. Another masterful work from Mr.Crawley. <font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/events-detail.asp?eventID=3395> Vintage Beer Fest at Delilah’s, Chicago, IL 02/25/2006<font size=-1>
El_Borracho (472), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Feb 6, 2006 On tap at the brewpub. First off, this was poured way too cold. After letting it warm for a while I then dove in. Near black with a brown laced head. Seems a little thin for an impy. Aroma of vanilla, molasses, and Bourbon. The Bourbon is strong in the forefront of the taste but then fades to the more complex flavors of the brew. Very nice.
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