 MartinT (4316), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
May 26, 2008
My Bottom Line:
A plethora of intense flavors and aromas runs across the senses: bourbon, molasses, chocolate, roastiness, alcohol, dry wood, etc. This plump and bold Imperial Stout might stilll be a tad before its prime, but it has a lot going for it now for those who love the style.
Further Personal Perceptions:
-A veil of foam surfaces atop the pitch darkness.
-The vanilla character of the bourbon barrel fits with the grain bill.
-The alcohol hit in the finish is not really fun, to my tastes. It takes quite a bit of getting used to.
-The body is seductively rotund.
-There is as much barrel contribution as there is an imperial stout apport here, so this is for bourbon barrel fans, no doubt.
-All the flavors will probably meld with a few more months (or years).
From a 1-liter swing-top growler.
JMFG (1117), Florida, USA
Aug 23, 2008 On tap @ Stone, RBSG. Stark black pour, light tan head that dissipates quickly. The aroma is surprisingly balanced between bourbon, oak, roast, and alcohol, none of them overpowering. The barrel is more apparent in the taste, but still allows the chocolate and roast, plus some vanilla, to come through. Creamy palate. Excellent.
jsh12bama (211), Alabama, USA
Aug 23, 2008 Draft @ Stone bistro. Pours motor oil black with thick tan head. Aroma of chocolate, bourbon, and oak. Taste of bouron, chocolate, and vanilla. Nice thick, creamy mouthfeel. Was expecting a lot and it met my expectations.
cgort (52), mission viejo, California, USA
Aug 9, 2008 MAN! Talk about an awesome beer! I had this on tap from the world bistro. It was a 2003 bourbon. This beer was super complex with a definite wood flavor. Everyone who loves beer should try this one... maybe even wine drinkers! The palate was just right and was actually a bit lighter than I would have thought. This is a super black beer with a FANTASTIC overall impression.
pepsican (708), the beer wastelands of, Iowa, USA
Aug 8, 2008 This made a great friday morning breakfast. Thanks to wetherel for the hand bottle. Black pour with thin tan head. Heavy chocolate in the aroma, with oak, bourbon, and alcohol rounding it out. Flavor was much less sweet and bourbony than the aroma lead on. Smoke, tobacco, some chocolate, toffee, bourbon, and vanilla. Thick boozy finish. Very nice.
yespr (6259), Copenhagen O, Denmark
Aug 7, 2008 From tap at Stone Bistro. Pours pitch black with a short lasting head. Sweet fruity and dense roasted malt aroma. Flavour is fruity, dense caramel and mild chocolate. Holds a nice note of vanilla too. Warming alchol finish.
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