Bourbon Barrel Rain Check
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Spreading their roasty wings, the Asheville Sierra Nevada brewers show that they are much more than Narwhal with a spicy, bourbony and scotchy stout that's intended for the most discriminating beer drinker.

Bourbon Barrel Rain Check is a dark, black beer however showing deep crimson about the margins. Casting an aromatic display of molasses, oak, bourbon pepper and peat, the nose is tantalizing and savory. Heavy sweetness coats the palate with over-cooked caramels leading to molasses, coffee and cocoa flavors early and often.

As the taste develops, the sweet molasses saturates deeply and resists much of a fade. Layers of taste pile on the middle palate with bittersweet chocolates, robust french-roast coffee, roasting walnut, but also the light taste of charred peat, tobacco, grilled dark fruit and with a woodsy, chicory finish of coffee grounds, bourbon-soaked oak and peppercorn.

Carrying a light vinous fruit finish, its fortified wine stems from the campfire character and adds complexity to the persistent sweetness and full, nearly cloying mouthfeel. A long finish of peat spice and bourbon extend with a honey-like finish and with a spirited prickling warmth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at the Sierra Nevada Torpedo Room in Berkeley, CA.

Pours an opaque black with a foamy dark khaki head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Small streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cocoa powder, bourbon, caramel, toffee, and vanilla aromas. Taste is much the same with cocoa powder, caramel, toffee, bourbon, and wood flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and sticky mouthfeel. Overall, this is a very good beer that has a barrel aged presence that comes through much better as the beer warms up.

Serving type: on tap.

It's got a pleasant aroma similar to Narwahl with dark chocolate and dark fruit but also some winter ale type of spices.

Flavor definitely reminds me of Christmas. Got some clove-like flavor along with the creamy, rich dark chocolate, dark fruit and light hop feel and flavor.

Where dem barrels though?

A- 4.5, S- 4, T- 3.75, F- 3.75, O- 3.75

 

 

 

On draft at the brand new Sierra Nevada facility in Mills River, NC. Inky black with a nice tan head. A lot of malt sweetness, with chocolate and coffee predominating. Thick mouthfeel; creamy smooth. Excellent stout. Would have again in a heartbeat!