Olde Rabbit's Foot | Foothills Brewing Company - Downtown Brewpub
Brewed by:
Foothills Brewing Company - Downtown Brewpub
North Carolina, United States
foothillsbrewing.com
Style: American Double / Imperial Stout
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 10.13%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
2010-2012 were brewed at Foothills Brewing. 2009 at Olde Hickory.
Duck Rabbit, Olde Hickory, and Foothills each contribute the wort from their signature imperial stouts. The combined brew is then aged in 23-year old Pappy Van Winkle barrels with honey and cocoa nibs.
Added by atsprings on 10-25-2010
This beer is retired; no longer brewed.
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Reviews: 117 | Ratings: 371
4.63/5 rDev +11.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Bottled 12/12 in a 22oz Bomber
color: Pitch black dark chocolate
Aroma: Oak, Melted chocolate, Smore's,
Taste: It's a graham cracker bourbon sandwich. The years of age added roasted and caramelized marshmallow flavors. the combination creates a a rich background for the sweet and oaky Pappy barrels. The barrels may be a bit too flabby to stand up to the base beer though. The barrels add a ton of mouth feel and oakyness but they are too delicate and add too much boozy heat to the beer.
Mouth feel: Oaky, tannic, and slightly syrupy. Really really full for the modest 9.6% ABV.
Overall: This stout is a sweet and boozy monster worth finding. Every sip is so full of rich flavor and they all meld together really well. The Pappy barrel is a bit of a mild barrel but overall it adds a pleasant whiskey flavor.
★ 819 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Bottled 12/12 in a 22oz Bomber
color: Pitch black dark chocolate
Aroma: Oak, Melted chocolate, Smore's,
Taste: It's a graham cracker bourbon sandwich. The years of age added roasted and caramelized marshmallow flavors. the combination creates a a rich background for the sweet and oaky Pappy barrels. The barrels may be a bit too flabby to stand up to the base beer though. The barrels add a ton of mouth feel and oakyness but they are too delicate and add too much boozy heat to the beer.
Mouth feel: Oaky, tannic, and slightly syrupy. Really really full for the modest 9.6% ABV.
Overall: This stout is a sweet and boozy monster worth finding. Every sip is so full of rich flavor and they all meld together really well. The Pappy barrel is a bit of a mild barrel but overall it adds a pleasant whiskey flavor.
★ 819 characters
4.71/5 rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
2011 bottle from a generous beer friend split with 2 other friends . I was unaware of this collaboration when I obtained this bottle but was saving it for good times with friends.
A- Poured like any barrel aged imperial stout would, black with a few cream colored bubbles around the edges.
S- muted aromas which I am attributing to being cellared for 3 years. Faint honey and cocoa from the adjuncts, all the aromas that go with bourbon barrel aging but heavier on barrel aspects. Well rounded all about.
T- Smooth sipping barrel aged imperial stout. Muted honey and cocoa balanced but notable in the accompanying bourbon notes. Creamy, chocolatey, stouty
M- Really good - worth it
★ 686 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
2011 bottle from a generous beer friend split with 2 other friends . I was unaware of this collaboration when I obtained this bottle but was saving it for good times with friends.
A- Poured like any barrel aged imperial stout would, black with a few cream colored bubbles around the edges.
S- muted aromas which I am attributing to being cellared for 3 years. Faint honey and cocoa from the adjuncts, all the aromas that go with bourbon barrel aging but heavier on barrel aspects. Well rounded all about.
T- Smooth sipping barrel aged imperial stout. Muted honey and cocoa balanced but notable in the accompanying bourbon notes. Creamy, chocolatey, stouty
M- Really good - worth it
★ 686 characters
4.59/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to rudzud for sharing.
2012 vintage.
Gets a smaller fizzy head, little creamy and dark, great legs all over, super pitch black color.
Yeah, amazing stout with phenomenal bourbon. Some caramel cookie crumbs, into big cocoa, dark choc, little toffee like candy, mild sweet toffee candy, bit of vanilla barrel and some nice bourbon and barrel juice.
Taste brings great stout at first, dark malts, little coffee roast and black malt, touch of caramel and cookie like, into big dark choc, stout dark malts, little sweetness. Then nice vanilla barrel, little toasty barrel, but great smooth bourbon, very mellow, nice bourbon flavor and smooth rich at the same time. Finish is sticky heavy like, little dry, hint of warming booze finally, bit more cocoa and nice smooth bourbon, delicious.
Mouth is smooth, fuller bod, nice carb, very little booze.
Overall great, nice base stout with vanilla barrel and very nice smooth mellow bourbon.
★ 945 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to rudzud for sharing.
2012 vintage.
Gets a smaller fizzy head, little creamy and dark, great legs all over, super pitch black color.
Yeah, amazing stout with phenomenal bourbon. Some caramel cookie crumbs, into big cocoa, dark choc, little toffee like candy, mild sweet toffee candy, bit of vanilla barrel and some nice bourbon and barrel juice.
Taste brings great stout at first, dark malts, little coffee roast and black malt, touch of caramel and cookie like, into big dark choc, stout dark malts, little sweetness. Then nice vanilla barrel, little toasty barrel, but great smooth bourbon, very mellow, nice bourbon flavor and smooth rich at the same time. Finish is sticky heavy like, little dry, hint of warming booze finally, bit more cocoa and nice smooth bourbon, delicious.
Mouth is smooth, fuller bod, nice carb, very little booze.
Overall great, nice base stout with vanilla barrel and very nice smooth mellow bourbon.
★ 945 characters
4.59/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
2012 vintage, shared with JLindros and Threelions.
A - Poured into a Kate the Great tulip a motor oil black with a thin thin mocha head that faded almost immediately to thin wisps.
S - Aromas of chocolate, light roast malts, huge mellow bourbon barrel, huge soft bourbon notes, vanilla, coconut, incredible.
T - Taste is nice chocolate, light honey, super mellow bourbon. Clearly pappy, so so sweet bourbon, vanilla, oak, coconut. Chocolate it's huge so is the bourbon, rich and velvet, very smooth smooth bourbon.
M - Mouthfeel is super mellow, creamy.
O - Overall this beer was really awesome, the pappy really shines. Phenomenal.
★ 637 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
2012 vintage, shared with JLindros and Threelions.
A - Poured into a Kate the Great tulip a motor oil black with a thin thin mocha head that faded almost immediately to thin wisps.
S - Aromas of chocolate, light roast malts, huge mellow bourbon barrel, huge soft bourbon notes, vanilla, coconut, incredible.
T - Taste is nice chocolate, light honey, super mellow bourbon. Clearly pappy, so so sweet bourbon, vanilla, oak, coconut. Chocolate it's huge so is the bourbon, rich and velvet, very smooth smooth bourbon.
M - Mouthfeel is super mellow, creamy.
O - Overall this beer was really awesome, the pappy really shines. Phenomenal.
★ 637 characters
4.52/5 rDev +8.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
2012 bottle into a snifter.
pours a pitch black with a small head. smell is big on bourbon and even honey. taste is great and so smooth. bourbon, chocolate, tad of sweetness. high point is mouthfeel. could drink this all day its so smooth and creamy. full bodied, low carbonation.
overall amazing. love it!
★ 309 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
2012 bottle into a snifter.
pours a pitch black with a small head. smell is big on bourbon and even honey. taste is great and so smooth. bourbon, chocolate, tad of sweetness. high point is mouthfeel. could drink this all day its so smooth and creamy. full bodied, low carbonation.
overall amazing. love it!
★ 309 characters
4.29/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bottle from JR - thanks dude! Served in a snifter at Tom's place. This was the 2010 vintage.
A - Mocha foam settles to a partial cap, thick collar, and minimal lacework. Very dark brown body with a glint of transparency at the edges of the glass.
S - A nice mix of oak and bourbon flavors, with some slight spiciness. Notes of honey, baker's chocolate, dark bread, roasted malts, vanilla, caramel, and perhaps a touch of dark fruit oxidation.
T - The taste isn't quite as excellent as the aroma, although it's still quite pleasant. Spicy oak, bourbon, dark chocolate, roasted malts, a hint of smoke, a bit of green cocoa nibs, and some mild vanilla sweetness in the finish. Quite mellow, with well-hidden alcohol.
M - A tad thin for 10%, but definitely medium in body. Sticky and chewy, with some light tannins and dry oak in the finish.
D - Not as excellent as the 2009 version, but still pretty good. Not sure where all the infection reports came from, as I've had multiple bottles of the '09 and '10 vintages and all have been excellent. I suspect this has already peaked, so I don't recommend any further aging.
★ 1,120 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bottle from JR - thanks dude! Served in a snifter at Tom's place. This was the 2010 vintage.
A - Mocha foam settles to a partial cap, thick collar, and minimal lacework. Very dark brown body with a glint of transparency at the edges of the glass.
S - A nice mix of oak and bourbon flavors, with some slight spiciness. Notes of honey, baker's chocolate, dark bread, roasted malts, vanilla, caramel, and perhaps a touch of dark fruit oxidation.
T - The taste isn't quite as excellent as the aroma, although it's still quite pleasant. Spicy oak, bourbon, dark chocolate, roasted malts, a hint of smoke, a bit of green cocoa nibs, and some mild vanilla sweetness in the finish. Quite mellow, with well-hidden alcohol.
M - A tad thin for 10%, but definitely medium in body. Sticky and chewy, with some light tannins and dry oak in the finish.
D - Not as excellent as the 2009 version, but still pretty good. Not sure where all the infection reports came from, as I've had multiple bottles of the '09 and '10 vintages and all have been excellent. I suspect this has already peaked, so I don't recommend any further aging.
★ 1,120 characters
4.28/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A - pours near black with an amazing looking dark chocolate head. Decent spotty lacing and decent retention
S - smells very sweet from chocolaty type malts, lots of oaky vanilla and a mild bourbon burn.
T- incredibly chocolate/vanilla sweet, oaky with a nice bourbonl burn, roasty coffee flavors. Sweet sweet aftertaste
M - medium bodied, slightly lighter than expected. Quite smooth
O - very tasty and quite drinkable for what it is
★ 437 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A - pours near black with an amazing looking dark chocolate head. Decent spotty lacing and decent retention
S - smells very sweet from chocolaty type malts, lots of oaky vanilla and a mild bourbon burn.
T- incredibly chocolate/vanilla sweet, oaky with a nice bourbonl burn, roasty coffee flavors. Sweet sweet aftertaste
M - medium bodied, slightly lighter than expected. Quite smooth
O - very tasty and quite drinkable for what it is
★ 437 characters
3.68/5 rDev -11.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
2011 vintage.
Appearance: Pours out pretty much pitch black in the glass. No light can be seen when it's held up to the light. About 3/4" of thick, dark khaki head forms, which has excellent retention and nice lacing. Very good looking stout.
Smell: A lot going on on the nose. Initially, light charred malts and milk chocolate sweetness intermingle. Following that the barrel pretty much takes over. Very prominent oak presence, as well as vanilla and bourbon. The barrel definitely stands out on the nose, but does not overshadow everything else that is going on. Pretty well balanced.
Taste: Good roast/sweetness balance up front. Barrel presence is, again, still strong. Plenty of vanilla and bourbon notes present, and the back end is heavy with oak tannins.
Mouthfeel/Overall: Mouthfeel was very thin for the style. Finish is not long lasting. Nice fine carbonation makes it surprisingly smooth drinking, but that does not change the fact that it is thin. Really retracts from the taste for me as well with the thin finish. Overall, a decent stout. Nice favors and barrel character, but the mouthfeel leaves something to be desired.
★ 1,146 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
2011 vintage.
Appearance: Pours out pretty much pitch black in the glass. No light can be seen when it's held up to the light. About 3/4" of thick, dark khaki head forms, which has excellent retention and nice lacing. Very good looking stout.
Smell: A lot going on on the nose. Initially, light charred malts and milk chocolate sweetness intermingle. Following that the barrel pretty much takes over. Very prominent oak presence, as well as vanilla and bourbon. The barrel definitely stands out on the nose, but does not overshadow everything else that is going on. Pretty well balanced.
Taste: Good roast/sweetness balance up front. Barrel presence is, again, still strong. Plenty of vanilla and bourbon notes present, and the back end is heavy with oak tannins.
Mouthfeel/Overall: Mouthfeel was very thin for the style. Finish is not long lasting. Nice fine carbonation makes it surprisingly smooth drinking, but that does not change the fact that it is thin. Really retracts from the taste for me as well with the thin finish. Overall, a decent stout. Nice favors and barrel character, but the mouthfeel leaves something to be desired.
★ 1,146 characters
3.2/5 rDev -23.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
A long time want generously tracked down and sent over by jbeatty. Thanks man! Been happy with Foothills and Olde Hickory up to this point, so got high hopes for this one.
From a bomber into a snifter
Vintage: 2012
Stout brewed with honey, cocoa nibs and aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels
APPEARANCE: A black pour yields a 1+ finger, medium looking, dark tan head with good retention. Black body with slightly higher levels of carbonation evident. Head slowly fades to a full wisp. A splotchy wisp and ring remain until the end leaving some dots of lacing down the glass. Pretty decent looking.
SMELL: Big bourbon nose with oak, vanilla, sweet cream, milk chocolate, as well as some dark, pure chocolate there too. A hint or roasted barley as a base, with some caramel and coconut as well. This is really nice and enticing.
TASTE: Doesn't quite meausre up. Caramel and bourbon notes up front, but unfortunately comes off a little watery initially. Lots of booze at the swallow, with oak flavors, bourbon again, vanilla and coconut lingering on the palate. Hints of dark chocolate with the bourbon barrel as well. Flavor shows potential, but it comes across somewhat watery, as the palate is below par for sure.
PALATE: Thinner body and medium levels of carbonation. Lighter on the palate, definitely watery, not creamy at all, goes down easy and finishes slighty dry on the palate. Watery and missing body for sure. Not creamy enough and doesn't suppor the flavors, though it still isn't off-putting.
OVERALL: The nose on this was really nice and the flavors showed a lot of potential, but the feel was so thin and watey that it couldn't support the flavors and make it the beer it deserved to be. Started so well, but finished so poorly. I don't know if anyone's to blame for this, but given my experiences with these breweries, I'm afriad I'd have to give Foothill's and Hickory the benifit of the doubt. Worth checking out and I definitely enjoyed it, but not something I'd be after again unless the feel is greatly improved. Cheers jbeatty. Always good times.
★ 2,073 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
A long time want generously tracked down and sent over by jbeatty. Thanks man! Been happy with Foothills and Olde Hickory up to this point, so got high hopes for this one.
From a bomber into a snifter
Vintage: 2012
Stout brewed with honey, cocoa nibs and aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels
APPEARANCE: A black pour yields a 1+ finger, medium looking, dark tan head with good retention. Black body with slightly higher levels of carbonation evident. Head slowly fades to a full wisp. A splotchy wisp and ring remain until the end leaving some dots of lacing down the glass. Pretty decent looking.
SMELL: Big bourbon nose with oak, vanilla, sweet cream, milk chocolate, as well as some dark, pure chocolate there too. A hint or roasted barley as a base, with some caramel and coconut as well. This is really nice and enticing.
TASTE: Doesn't quite meausre up. Caramel and bourbon notes up front, but unfortunately comes off a little watery initially. Lots of booze at the swallow, with oak flavors, bourbon again, vanilla and coconut lingering on the palate. Hints of dark chocolate with the bourbon barrel as well. Flavor shows potential, but it comes across somewhat watery, as the palate is below par for sure.
PALATE: Thinner body and medium levels of carbonation. Lighter on the palate, definitely watery, not creamy at all, goes down easy and finishes slighty dry on the palate. Watery and missing body for sure. Not creamy enough and doesn't suppor the flavors, though it still isn't off-putting.
OVERALL: The nose on this was really nice and the flavors showed a lot of potential, but the feel was so thin and watey that it couldn't support the flavors and make it the beer it deserved to be. Started so well, but finished so poorly. I don't know if anyone's to blame for this, but given my experiences with these breweries, I'm afriad I'd have to give Foothill's and Hickory the benifit of the doubt. Worth checking out and I definitely enjoyed it, but not something I'd be after again unless the feel is greatly improved. Cheers jbeatty. Always good times.
★ 2,073 characters
4.15/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml bottle (2012 vintage) poured into a CBS snifter.
A - Pours an opaque near pitch black in the glass. Hardly any effort is made at forming a head. Only the thinnest of collars appears around the edge of the glass. Appears near still in the glass.
S - Tons of creamy vanilla up front, mixed with some coconut, smooth and sweet bourbon, a touch of anise. Smells super smooth and somewhat candy-like.
T - Cool anise up front, healthy bourbon flavor, touch of molasses, smooth vanilla, honey, brown sugar, mild hop bitterness.
M - Medium-full body with a very low carbonation...appearance didn't deceive on this one. Mild bourbon warmth and just a hint of a tingle on the lips and back of the throat on each sip/swallow.
O - Quite complex with a lot going on in the aroma and flavor. Most of it works, but there is a bit of an off flavor that lingers past the swallow that I think is a bit of honey and molasses sweetness that tastes a little bit dirty. Only a minor distraction, but keeps this from reaching the upper eschelon of the style for me. Barrel aging is done well. Bourbon is smooth, only showing a low warmth which I really like...the bourbon shouldn't overpower the beer, only complement it.
★ 1,209 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml bottle (2012 vintage) poured into a CBS snifter.
A - Pours an opaque near pitch black in the glass. Hardly any effort is made at forming a head. Only the thinnest of collars appears around the edge of the glass. Appears near still in the glass.
S - Tons of creamy vanilla up front, mixed with some coconut, smooth and sweet bourbon, a touch of anise. Smells super smooth and somewhat candy-like.
T - Cool anise up front, healthy bourbon flavor, touch of molasses, smooth vanilla, honey, brown sugar, mild hop bitterness.
M - Medium-full body with a very low carbonation...appearance didn't deceive on this one. Mild bourbon warmth and just a hint of a tingle on the lips and back of the throat on each sip/swallow.
O - Quite complex with a lot going on in the aroma and flavor. Most of it works, but there is a bit of an off flavor that lingers past the swallow that I think is a bit of honey and molasses sweetness that tastes a little bit dirty. Only a minor distraction, but keeps this from reaching the upper eschelon of the style for me. Barrel aging is done well. Bourbon is smooth, only showing a low warmth which I really like...the bourbon shouldn't overpower the beer, only complement it.
★ 1,209 characters
4.21/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bottle split amongst a few friends, poured into a small snifter.
The appearance is dark brown, small tan head to this offering from Foothills. Its` nose contains dark fruit, chocolate, bourbon and a little oak. A lot going on in the aroma, it is very nice. I take a sip and taste roasted malts, dark chocolate, booze, a bit of dark licorice. Mouthfeel is med-full, fair amount of heat present. All in all, a very nice beer that I was glad to have tried.
★ 454 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bottle split amongst a few friends, poured into a small snifter.
The appearance is dark brown, small tan head to this offering from Foothills. Its` nose contains dark fruit, chocolate, bourbon and a little oak. A lot going on in the aroma, it is very nice. I take a sip and taste roasted malts, dark chocolate, booze, a bit of dark licorice. Mouthfeel is med-full, fair amount of heat present. All in all, a very nice beer that I was glad to have tried.
★ 454 characters
4.8/5 rDev +15.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
22 oz. bomber (2012 special release) split with a few friends. Liquid portion comes out dark brown with deep mahogany highlights. Nice dark brown head with small bubbles that goes away pretty quickly. Some good lacing to it and each sip coats the glass like cough syrup, nothing not to like in the look.
Smell is awesome, super sweet and decent. You can totally pick up the coco nibs and the honey, sort of gives it a boiling brown sugar type smell that's really great. Very roasty and slightly boozy/bourbony (if that's a word). Either way it's a great smelling beer.
The taste is equally as excellent. Big roasty flavors of a quality stout with some awesome sweetness. Honey and coco nibs provide a nice sugary flavor with this that blend nice with the roasty stout flavors. There's also a slight dark fruit liquor flavor to it, maybe raisons and dehydrated cherries. All meshes together great, nothing not to like about it.
Mouthfeel is good. It was a cold and rainy day today and this heavy medium to full bodied barrel aged beer warmed me to the core. Silky smooth with a good carbonation level with a nice warm finish from the bourbon blends together really nicely. This beer is a perfect sipper for the end of the night. I'm almost upset I shared it, but it was shared with good people so it's ok I guess. Super drinkable, would drink this year round even if it wasn't a cold day. Curious to see how this one ages. Props to Old Hickory, Duck-Rabbit, and Foothhills for collaborating such a great beer. I wish all 3 came to my area.
★ 1,542 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
22 oz. bomber (2012 special release) split with a few friends. Liquid portion comes out dark brown with deep mahogany highlights. Nice dark brown head with small bubbles that goes away pretty quickly. Some good lacing to it and each sip coats the glass like cough syrup, nothing not to like in the look.
Smell is awesome, super sweet and decent. You can totally pick up the coco nibs and the honey, sort of gives it a boiling brown sugar type smell that's really great. Very roasty and slightly boozy/bourbony (if that's a word). Either way it's a great smelling beer.
The taste is equally as excellent. Big roasty flavors of a quality stout with some awesome sweetness. Honey and coco nibs provide a nice sugary flavor with this that blend nice with the roasty stout flavors. There's also a slight dark fruit liquor flavor to it, maybe raisons and dehydrated cherries. All meshes together great, nothing not to like about it.
Mouthfeel is good. It was a cold and rainy day today and this heavy medium to full bodied barrel aged beer warmed me to the core. Silky smooth with a good carbonation level with a nice warm finish from the bourbon blends together really nicely. This beer is a perfect sipper for the end of the night. I'm almost upset I shared it, but it was shared with good people so it's ok I guess. Super drinkable, would drink this year round even if it wasn't a cold day. Curious to see how this one ages. Props to Old Hickory, Duck-Rabbit, and Foothhills for collaborating such a great beer. I wish all 3 came to my area.
★ 1,542 characters
4.28/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bottle #385 of 694. Don't see a vintage date. Tulip glass.
A: Pours a sturdy black with a ring of sand colored head, fine and espresso like. Pretty good retention but no lacing to speak of.
S: Dark chocolatey goodness, fair amount of roast, and a little oak and cinnamon. Has the sharp acidity of an RIS. Barrel influence is quite muted.
T: Roasted malt, dark chocolate, a touch of bourbon, and mild RIS-like acidity, with a longish medium roast coffee finish.
M: Medium, creamy body and medium smooth carbonation.
O: Pretty drinkable and well balanced, but no standout flavors and very muted barrel presence in both the aroma and taste.
★ 642 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bottle #385 of 694. Don't see a vintage date. Tulip glass.
A: Pours a sturdy black with a ring of sand colored head, fine and espresso like. Pretty good retention but no lacing to speak of.
S: Dark chocolatey goodness, fair amount of roast, and a little oak and cinnamon. Has the sharp acidity of an RIS. Barrel influence is quite muted.
T: Roasted malt, dark chocolate, a touch of bourbon, and mild RIS-like acidity, with a longish medium roast coffee finish.
M: Medium, creamy body and medium smooth carbonation.
O: Pretty drinkable and well balanced, but no standout flavors and very muted barrel presence in both the aroma and taste.
★ 642 characters
4.03/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
2010 bottling
Appearance: The black liquid fills the chalice with the tiniest of tawny highlights and is topped by a modest head that fades to a bubbly ringlet; leggy strands of lace dot the glass
Smell: Roasty, with charred black bread, dark chocolate, coffee, Bourbon and oak tones
Taste: Chocolate and coffee, up front, with the Bourbon tones developing in the middle; the roasty character builds, after the swallow, along with a bit of tart dark fruit; in the finish, both chocolate and vanilla flavors linger with the Bourbon
Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate carbonation; a bit thin for the style
Overall: I have had this beer a number of times, but this is the first time I have reviewed it; it is a bit thinner than I remembered nor do I recall the tartness; I will have to compare it to the later bottlings I have in my cellar at another time
★ 867 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
2010 bottling
Appearance: The black liquid fills the chalice with the tiniest of tawny highlights and is topped by a modest head that fades to a bubbly ringlet; leggy strands of lace dot the glass
Smell: Roasty, with charred black bread, dark chocolate, coffee, Bourbon and oak tones
Taste: Chocolate and coffee, up front, with the Bourbon tones developing in the middle; the roasty character builds, after the swallow, along with a bit of tart dark fruit; in the finish, both chocolate and vanilla flavors linger with the Bourbon
Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate carbonation; a bit thin for the style
Overall: I have had this beer a number of times, but this is the first time I have reviewed it; it is a bit thinner than I remembered nor do I recall the tartness; I will have to compare it to the later bottlings I have in my cellar at another time
★ 867 characters
4.21/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: Pours near jet black with a nice medium sized brown head that reseds leaving some nice lacing and a good dose of bubbles
S: A nice roastiness with nice dark chocolate, some espresso, and bourbon soaked wood. Light notes of tobacco, vanilla and figs appear but not as dominant
T: Milk chocolate and coffee at the forfront with a nice bourbon sting, some vanilla represents. I stepped away from it and came back as it warmed to room temp. Big dark fruits, cocoa and holy tobacco. This beer really came alive as warmed and breathed. A bit sticky on the finish with some nice heat and loads of flavor.
M: Big body, well carbonated, robust and filling but it was a tad thin for me.
O: Fantastic beer.
★ 703 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: Pours near jet black with a nice medium sized brown head that reseds leaving some nice lacing and a good dose of bubbles
S: A nice roastiness with nice dark chocolate, some espresso, and bourbon soaked wood. Light notes of tobacco, vanilla and figs appear but not as dominant
T: Milk chocolate and coffee at the forfront with a nice bourbon sting, some vanilla represents. I stepped away from it and came back as it warmed to room temp. Big dark fruits, cocoa and holy tobacco. This beer really came alive as warmed and breathed. A bit sticky on the finish with some nice heat and loads of flavor.
M: Big body, well carbonated, robust and filling but it was a tad thin for me.
O: Fantastic beer.
★ 703 characters
4.37/5 rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A - Near black, tan head that leaves quickly. Large bubbles all around the edges. Some spotty cling lace.
S - Baked chocolate desserts. Choc chip cookies, brownies, soy sauce.
T - Malty, boozy, smell attributes evident in taste.
M - Big body, thick, good carbonation, nice balance.
D - Very enjoyable. Perfect for a winter night.
★ 334 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A - Near black, tan head that leaves quickly. Large bubbles all around the edges. Some spotty cling lace.
S - Baked chocolate desserts. Choc chip cookies, brownies, soy sauce.
T - Malty, boozy, smell attributes evident in taste.
M - Big body, thick, good carbonation, nice balance.
D - Very enjoyable. Perfect for a winter night.
★ 334 characters
3.95/5 rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A-pours pitch black with no head and no lacing.
S-chocolate, coffee, bourbon, alcohol, roasted malt
T-Similar to the nose. A nice balance of chocolate, coffee, bourbon, coconut, oak, and alcohol primarily dominate the flavor profile. There is a great balance between the sweetness of this beer and its roasted malt flavors. The bourbon plays an important role in the flavor but it is not overwhelming.
M-Somewhat thin, yet much more syrupy than carbonated.
D-Deffintely a sipper given its complexity and high abv.
Overall, this is a really good beer and I am glad I was able to get one of the last glasses before it ran out. This is a solid barrel aged imperial stout and I highly recommend it.
★ 700 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A-pours pitch black with no head and no lacing.
S-chocolate, coffee, bourbon, alcohol, roasted malt
T-Similar to the nose. A nice balance of chocolate, coffee, bourbon, coconut, oak, and alcohol primarily dominate the flavor profile. There is a great balance between the sweetness of this beer and its roasted malt flavors. The bourbon plays an important role in the flavor but it is not overwhelming.
M-Somewhat thin, yet much more syrupy than carbonated.
D-Deffintely a sipper given its complexity and high abv.
Overall, this is a really good beer and I am glad I was able to get one of the last glasses before it ran out. This is a solid barrel aged imperial stout and I highly recommend it.
★ 700 characters
4.5/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Enjoyed on-tap at the brewery.
A: Pours a very dark brown color with a half finger head and nice lacing.
S: Strong aromas of chocolate, oak, and bourbon. Smells tasty!!
T: Just like the smell, there are strong chocolate, bourbon, and oak flavors balanced amazingly together.
M: In between medium and full bodied with some carbonation. Very smooth.
O: Wow!! What a great example of a Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. I only wish I had some bottles to age for a year. I think this would be almost perfect after a year. Once again, I'm extremely blessed to live close to the brewery and get the opportunity to try all of their amazing beers.
★ 647 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Enjoyed on-tap at the brewery.
A: Pours a very dark brown color with a half finger head and nice lacing.
S: Strong aromas of chocolate, oak, and bourbon. Smells tasty!!
T: Just like the smell, there are strong chocolate, bourbon, and oak flavors balanced amazingly together.
M: In between medium and full bodied with some carbonation. Very smooth.
O: Wow!! What a great example of a Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. I only wish I had some bottles to age for a year. I think this would be almost perfect after a year. Once again, I'm extremely blessed to live close to the brewery and get the opportunity to try all of their amazing beers.
★ 647 characters
4.42/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had on tap at Foothills the day after the bottle release. Didn't get any bottles, but excited to try this on tap. Looks very dark, with barely a dark tan head that disappears almost immediately. Very nice lacing of the same dark tan variety. Smells of cocoa and sweet bourbon, really great smell. The taste is wonderful, with dark fruit, the cocoa from the nose, wood, and a perfect amount of bourbon blending together perfectly. The way the flavors work together is artful, with the bourbon in a excellent dance with the flavors of the base beer, neither dominating the other. There is no notice of the 10% ABV, well done. The moutheel is on the fuller side of medium, with some creaminess. This is where I could see some small room for improvement, as in replicating the outrageous mouthfeel of Event Horizon. However, this is merely nitpicking. Overall, a wonderful beer I enjoyed very much.
★ 894 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had on tap at Foothills the day after the bottle release. Didn't get any bottles, but excited to try this on tap. Looks very dark, with barely a dark tan head that disappears almost immediately. Very nice lacing of the same dark tan variety. Smells of cocoa and sweet bourbon, really great smell. The taste is wonderful, with dark fruit, the cocoa from the nose, wood, and a perfect amount of bourbon blending together perfectly. The way the flavors work together is artful, with the bourbon in a excellent dance with the flavors of the base beer, neither dominating the other. There is no notice of the 10% ABV, well done. The moutheel is on the fuller side of medium, with some creaminess. This is where I could see some small room for improvement, as in replicating the outrageous mouthfeel of Event Horizon. However, this is merely nitpicking. Overall, a wonderful beer I enjoyed very much.
★ 894 characters
4.7/5 rDev +13%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
2011 version, from bottle to snifter
A: Clear dark ruby when put to the light. Head dissipates quickly as expected.
S: Malty sweetness along with dark chocolate, coffee, toffee, and licorice.
T: Dynamic blend of chocolate, cherry, licorice, oak, and tobacco. Lingering oak, bourbon, and chocolate. The persistent oak flavor is a bit much.
M: Viscous to the extent of an oatmeal stout, but obviously not underattenuated. Low carbonation.
O: Perhaps the best bourbon barrel age imperial stout I've ever had. Aside from the overwhelming oak in the finish, I can't imagine this being better.
I'm glad I have a couple more bottles to age. I hope the oak fades and the other characters become more dominant. Excellent beer.
★ 725 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
2011 version, from bottle to snifter
A: Clear dark ruby when put to the light. Head dissipates quickly as expected.
S: Malty sweetness along with dark chocolate, coffee, toffee, and licorice.
T: Dynamic blend of chocolate, cherry, licorice, oak, and tobacco. Lingering oak, bourbon, and chocolate. The persistent oak flavor is a bit much.
M: Viscous to the extent of an oatmeal stout, but obviously not underattenuated. Low carbonation.
O: Perhaps the best bourbon barrel age imperial stout I've ever had. Aside from the overwhelming oak in the finish, I can't imagine this being better.
I'm glad I have a couple more bottles to age. I hope the oak fades and the other characters become more dominant. Excellent beer.
★ 725 characters
4.2/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - pours black into the glass, frothing up a somewhat subdued chocolaty head
S - nose is milk chocolate malts intertwined with bourbon notes
T - opens up with milk chocolates that were so dominant in the aroma. These move on to some spicy vanilla bourbon flavors that eventually move on to some dark chocolates on the backend. Finshes chocolaty and delicious.
M - medium silky body that is very smooth
D - really nice brew on hand here. Another winner in the North Carolina brewery collaborations. Second time having it, and it is better than I remember it.
★ 562 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - pours black into the glass, frothing up a somewhat subdued chocolaty head
S - nose is milk chocolate malts intertwined with bourbon notes
T - opens up with milk chocolates that were so dominant in the aroma. These move on to some spicy vanilla bourbon flavors that eventually move on to some dark chocolates on the backend. Finshes chocolaty and delicious.
M - medium silky body that is very smooth
D - really nice brew on hand here. Another winner in the North Carolina brewery collaborations. Second time having it, and it is better than I remember it.
★ 562 characters
4.09/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks to Retsinis for sharing this one at NoSignsOfPain's birthday bottleshare hosted by mrbubbler.
Pours an opaque black with a foamy dark khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Small streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cookie dough, cocoa, coffee, wood, and bourbon. Taste is much the same with an alcohol kick and woody finish. There is a medium roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer with a nice barrel aged presence but I think this one smells better than it tastes.
★ 644 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks to Retsinis for sharing this one at NoSignsOfPain's birthday bottleshare hosted by mrbubbler.
Pours an opaque black with a foamy dark khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Small streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cookie dough, cocoa, coffee, wood, and bourbon. Taste is much the same with an alcohol kick and woody finish. There is a medium roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer with a nice barrel aged presence but I think this one smells better than it tastes.
★ 644 characters
4.03/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2010 vintage poured from 22 oz bottle into a Alesmith Horny Devil snifter.
A- pours pitch black with a 1 finger dark tan head. Small bubbles and thick waves of lacing remain on the glass.
S- big bourbon and vanilla notes at first. Chocolate, oak, and some dark fruit almost citrus notes.
T- licorice, chocolate, bourbon, and vanilla. Dark fruits and a slight tartness comes in towards the end.
M- full body, medium carbonation. Higher viscosity and bubbly finish.
O- good imperial stout but not sure if it's the age on it but the dark fruit tartness takes away from this beer.
★ 582 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2010 vintage poured from 22 oz bottle into a Alesmith Horny Devil snifter.
A- pours pitch black with a 1 finger dark tan head. Small bubbles and thick waves of lacing remain on the glass.
S- big bourbon and vanilla notes at first. Chocolate, oak, and some dark fruit almost citrus notes.
T- licorice, chocolate, bourbon, and vanilla. Dark fruits and a slight tartness comes in towards the end.
M- full body, medium carbonation. Higher viscosity and bubbly finish.
O- good imperial stout but not sure if it's the age on it but the dark fruit tartness takes away from this beer.
★ 582 characters
4.05/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Pitch black with almost no head, the tidbit of froth has only the lightest brown tinge. The nose is dark fruit with anise aperrault van winkle bourbon. Served a bit too cold in a rush to suddenly consume for luck before this game, it's a bit heavy on the bourbon. I realize some of y'all think that's impossible....
It's a neat beer and, surprisingly, I feel like it hasn't returned to '09 form. Now, I perceive it more of a combo of these three (great) beers instead of a new beer complex in its own right. It lacks the chocolatey feel of traditional SC, but the sweeter smooth Olde Hickory contrasts nicely with the darkly fruity, anise-filled Rabid Duck. A good beer, but one that for me has lost its luster. BUT if it can still hold true to its lucky name, I will forever hold it in my heart....
★ 800 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Pitch black with almost no head, the tidbit of froth has only the lightest brown tinge. The nose is dark fruit with anise aperrault van winkle bourbon. Served a bit too cold in a rush to suddenly consume for luck before this game, it's a bit heavy on the bourbon. I realize some of y'all think that's impossible....
It's a neat beer and, surprisingly, I feel like it hasn't returned to '09 form. Now, I perceive it more of a combo of these three (great) beers instead of a new beer complex in its own right. It lacks the chocolatey feel of traditional SC, but the sweeter smooth Olde Hickory contrasts nicely with the darkly fruity, anise-filled Rabid Duck. A good beer, but one that for me has lost its luster. BUT if it can still hold true to its lucky name, I will forever hold it in my heart....
★ 800 characters
Olde Rabbit's Foot from Foothills Brewing Company - Downtown Brewpub
4.16
out of 5
based on 371 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2012 bottle.
This one is still drinking fabulously. Pours jet black with small brown head. Smells of chocolate and bourbon. Taste is sweet, including some honey. Alcohol still present in the back end. Still very nice, wish I had another!
★ 243 characters