Night Rider - Bourbon Barrel Aged
Pizza Port Solana Beach

 

Pitch black and nearly opaque with faint chestnut brown edges and a two finger frothy mocha head that very slowly settles into a thick, lasting ring. Very good retention for style and ABV leaving streaks of soapy lacing behind.

Very inviting and complex aroma with a luscious barrel presnce that's nicely integrated into the characteristic of the base beer. A decent amount of sweet, spicy bourbon but no overpowering or too boozy. Lots of vanilla bean and toasted coconut along with subtle dry oak. This is countered by delicate roast and silky chocolate malt sweetness. Hints of bakers chocolate, caramel, oatmeal and gourmet coffee beans. Smells awesome!

Medium body with a blast of spicy, boozy heat that dominates the flavor lingering over the subtle roast into a boozy, bone dry finish. Strong char with heavy oak and bourbon flavor. Strong whiskey presence along with toothpick and burnt wood. Not as complex or well balanced as the nose suggests. Slightly smokey/peated but most of he vanilla and coconut smoothness from the nose is missing. Underneath, there is some dry roast with oatmeal, spent coffee grinds, burnt toast and biittersweet dark chocolate. Lacking the dessert-like sweetness from the aroma. One dimensional and lacking in balance. Needs less whiskey/heat and a more complex barrel character. Also, the body is a bit thin and overall could used more sweetness.