Valley Brew Black Cat Whiskey Barrel Stout

Brewed by Valley Brewing Company
Style: Sweet Stout
Stockton, California USA

Notes of black licorice and bourbon filled chocolates up front with a touch of smoke , coffee and toasted caramel on the palate. Nice apertif.

Tasted at the April Northern California Beer Tasting. This stout pours a deep black color from the tap. Medium sized beige foamy head. The aroma is chocolate and coffee, touch of smoke and oak. A medium bodied stout. The malts are chocolate and coffee, touch of oak and some bourbon. The bourbon flavors are sort of subdued. The hops are earthy. Nice hint of vanilla and oak as well. Nice balance. Mouthfeel is full. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.

On tap @ Valley. Beautiful opaque, deep chocolate brown with a gorgeous fluffy tan head. The barrel influence was a subtle and smooth addition to an already good brew.

On tap at the brewpub - I had gone to the pub with the hopes of getting a pint of Steve’s wheat wine, but when the server told me they were out, but had this one on tap I knew where I had wanted to go. An aroma of subtle coffee/roasted malt, chocolate, peppers, and a touch of vanilla. Appearance was jet black, soft brown edges with a scant head. Flavor was decidedly dry, with notes of dark chocolate/molasses bitterness, mellow licorice, vanilla and a touch of alcohol at the end. It didn’t really pair well with the nachos I had, but it was still quite tasty. Personally I would have liked a bit more sweetness but I’ve got a huge sweetooth anyways.