Plead the 5th - Bourbon Barrel Aged S’More
Dark Horse Brewing Company

Make no mistake. This is a slow sipper not just due to the ABV but because the flavors are large and the sweetness through the roof. Lovely body too, which makes the drinking experience even more fun. Also it must be said that is a beer for American palates. Delicate palates from overseas may not be able to handle it. Just kidding of course

 

Canned on: 12-09-22

A - Dark brown pour with dense caramel colored lacing.

S - Smells like a Bourbon smore. Any questions? Chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker, and Bourbon.

T - Graham cracker, oak, chocolate, coffee, and marshmallow with a lingering chocolate char on the back side.

M - Light syrupy body and leaves a sugary residue on the lips

O - An interesting twist on a Dark Horse Classic.

Doesn't hide the bourbon on the nose, but it blends very well with the sweeter notes from whatever additives they used. Gives an impression a touch closer to French Toast than s'mores, actually, but that's certainly not a bad thing.

Immediately rich and chocolatey on the palate. Definitely more of a s'more impression, including a Graham Crackery flavor that starts to hit mid-sip and stays strong through the finish. Rich, barely sweet chocolate. Darker coffee notes from the roasted barley, especially on the aftertaste. Bourbon is restrained but complementary; it doesn't really stand out, but that's not a bad thing, as the whole is quite tasty. Additional notes of vanilla and cream (as opposed to marshmallow), toffee, cherry, and a touch of red grape (especially on the finish). Not overly sweet.

A touch thinner on the palate than I'd prefer for the style, but it's still full bodied. Fairly balanced bitterness, not as much as in an unadulterated RIS, but present, especially on the finish and aftertaste. Noticeable boozy heat but not unpleasant.

This is a fantastically executed beer, worthy of the Pt5 label. It's somehow rich without being decadent; a dessert stout that's still very much a beer, and doesn't veer off into full-on pastry stout territory (although if that had been the aim, I suspect the end product would have been just as good). Really lovely. I could do with just a touch more bourbon presence, but that would probably have compromised the boozy heat, and right now, it's sitting in a sweet spot.

 

Pours jets black like used motor oil with no head on top. Gives off a sweet sugary smell. Taste is of sweet dark fruit with a hint of roasted coffee. No barrel to be found.