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Bourbon Barrel Porter (BBP) | AleWerks Brewing Company
Brewed by:
AleWerks Brewing Company
Virginia, United States
alewerks.com
Style: American Imperial Porter
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 9.00%
Availability: Spring
Notes / Commercial Description:
Annually-released Imperial Porter, brewed with Caribbean unrefined sugar and aged in Virginia Gentleman Bourbon barrels. Notes of rich chocolate and caramel are complemented by vanilla and the aroma of Bourbon. Exceptional depth and balance in a rich, seductive experience.
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 621 | Reviews: 182
4.35/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a very dark brown, almost black with a well retained one inch tan head that left sticky lacing. Smells of bourbon, molasses, chocolate, oak and some char. Tastes of dark chocolate, cocoa, bourbon, oak, vanilla, slightly burnt molasses, figs, coffee and roasted malts. Full bodied for a porter, lightly carbonated, creamy mouth feel with a slightly sweet finish.
367 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a very dark brown, almost black with a well retained one inch tan head that left sticky lacing. Smells of bourbon, molasses, chocolate, oak and some char. Tastes of dark chocolate, cocoa, bourbon, oak, vanilla, slightly burnt molasses, figs, coffee and roasted malts. Full bodied for a porter, lightly carbonated, creamy mouth feel with a slightly sweet finish.
367 characters
4.17/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: deep brown as it pours, but near black in the glass. With a fairly strong pour you can coax some dark brown head out of it.
S: smells of creme brulee, vanilla, oak, and and bourbon. Rich and sweet
T: sweet vanilla, oak, and brown sugar. Some decent dark malt in there, but there is a lot of bourbon flavor. After taste is coffee and malt.
M: medium thick, but with higher carbonation than others of the style. Done thickness in the finish.
O: overall a damn fine beer.
476 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: deep brown as it pours, but near black in the glass. With a fairly strong pour you can coax some dark brown head out of it.
S: smells of creme brulee, vanilla, oak, and and bourbon. Rich and sweet
T: sweet vanilla, oak, and brown sugar. Some decent dark malt in there, but there is a lot of bourbon flavor. After taste is coffee and malt.
M: medium thick, but with higher carbonation than others of the style. Done thickness in the finish.
O: overall a damn fine beer.
476 characters
4.28/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
A-Pours an opaque color with a generous head and lacing
A-Aroma has nice Bourbon, dark chocolate and caramel hints
T-The taste follows the nose with a Bourbon dark chocolate and caramel flavors
M-A medium bodied well carbonated beer
O-A well balanced Porter
257 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
A-Pours an opaque color with a generous head and lacing
A-Aroma has nice Bourbon, dark chocolate and caramel hints
T-The taste follows the nose with a Bourbon dark chocolate and caramel flavors
M-A medium bodied well carbonated beer
O-A well balanced Porter
257 characters
4.3/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Dark, opaque body; thick, frothy tan head; sticky foam clinging to the sides of the glass. Rich aroma of bitter chocolate, dates and figs, some booze; a bit of licorice. The taste amplifies what comes through in the smell; cocoa and bourbon. Heavy, chewy mouthfeel; lushes and velvety; robust sweetness coats the palate.
Well, I must say this is one fine barrel-aged porter. It really steps up its sensory game when the beer hits your taste buds and palate. Incredibly deep and complex and very satisfying.
507 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Dark, opaque body; thick, frothy tan head; sticky foam clinging to the sides of the glass. Rich aroma of bitter chocolate, dates and figs, some booze; a bit of licorice. The taste amplifies what comes through in the smell; cocoa and bourbon. Heavy, chewy mouthfeel; lushes and velvety; robust sweetness coats the palate.
Well, I must say this is one fine barrel-aged porter. It really steps up its sensory game when the beer hits your taste buds and palate. Incredibly deep and complex and very satisfying.
507 characters
4.23/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown, appearing nearly opaque black in the glass with a quarter finger light khaki head with good retention and lacing. Aroma of dark toasted malt, milk and dark chocolate, bourbon, vanilla and a little oak. Flavor is dark toasted malt, bourbon, dark chocolate, oaky vanilla, light molasses and a hint of coffee. Finishes a little bourbon boozy. Medium bodied with light creaminess and sharp carbonation. A richly chocolate porter that is also quite bourbon forward. The chocolate and vanilla character is excellent and and the malt is robust enough to support the bourbon. The bourbon barrel character is a little overwhelming in the finish, cutting through the malt in the finish, however the overall flavor is so rich that it invited repeat tasting. My second beer from Alewerks: both were impressive.
870 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown, appearing nearly opaque black in the glass with a quarter finger light khaki head with good retention and lacing. Aroma of dark toasted malt, milk and dark chocolate, bourbon, vanilla and a little oak. Flavor is dark toasted malt, bourbon, dark chocolate, oaky vanilla, light molasses and a hint of coffee. Finishes a little bourbon boozy. Medium bodied with light creaminess and sharp carbonation. A richly chocolate porter that is also quite bourbon forward. The chocolate and vanilla character is excellent and and the malt is robust enough to support the bourbon. The bourbon barrel character is a little overwhelming in the finish, cutting through the malt in the finish, however the overall flavor is so rich that it invited repeat tasting. My second beer from Alewerks: both were impressive.
870 characters
3.52/5 rDev -17.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
4.39/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
12oz bottle dated 10/24/2018 oozes into a classic hotel room glass and boasts an ebony colored body favoring cola highlights that briefly floats an 1/8in cinnamon colored head of medium bubbles leaving spotted lacing steps.
Aromas up front evoke a bourbon soaked, candied, bacon with the expected colors of vanilla, oak, char, leather, brown sugar, and tobacco.
Flavors match with an emphasis on booze leaving a sugary aftertaste.
Mouthfeel is full and just short of creamy with a wet finish.
Overall a really fine example of the style. Thanks to Craig for the opportunity.
577 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
12oz bottle dated 10/24/2018 oozes into a classic hotel room glass and boasts an ebony colored body favoring cola highlights that briefly floats an 1/8in cinnamon colored head of medium bubbles leaving spotted lacing steps.
Aromas up front evoke a bourbon soaked, candied, bacon with the expected colors of vanilla, oak, char, leather, brown sugar, and tobacco.
Flavors match with an emphasis on booze leaving a sugary aftertaste.
Mouthfeel is full and just short of creamy with a wet finish.
Overall a really fine example of the style. Thanks to Craig for the opportunity.
577 characters
4.27/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.04/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
4.41/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Another big thanks out to Craig!
BBP pours black. It looks viscous coming out of the bottle. The deep abyss of a body is capped by a thin bubbled tanned head, which recedes into small islands and a fading coastal blend of colors.
If there has ever been a beer that smells like straight up fudge, this is it. Liquid fudge doused in oak and booze. It smells decadent.
And it is. Dense, rich, chocolatey fudge with caramel and walnut highlights make this a euphoric dessert experience. The oak and booze play supporting cast perfectly, rather than dominating the delicious base. A slight dark cherry tartness only elevates the flavor.
The feel matches just as it should. It is in fact decadent with it's smooth, creamy, syrupy body. It's no question on the sweet side, but has a wonderful charred and oaky presence to keep it in check. Every sip coats the mouth, and let lingers lung enough to allow intermissions between each sip.
This beer is amazing. Perhaps a bit too bold to be labeled a "porter", but who gives a shit? This is a wonderful experience. If you find it, consider yourself lucky, and indulge. Thanks again Craig. Cheers!
1,155 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Another big thanks out to Craig!
BBP pours black. It looks viscous coming out of the bottle. The deep abyss of a body is capped by a thin bubbled tanned head, which recedes into small islands and a fading coastal blend of colors.
If there has ever been a beer that smells like straight up fudge, this is it. Liquid fudge doused in oak and booze. It smells decadent.
And it is. Dense, rich, chocolatey fudge with caramel and walnut highlights make this a euphoric dessert experience. The oak and booze play supporting cast perfectly, rather than dominating the delicious base. A slight dark cherry tartness only elevates the flavor.
The feel matches just as it should. It is in fact decadent with it's smooth, creamy, syrupy body. It's no question on the sweet side, but has a wonderful charred and oaky presence to keep it in check. Every sip coats the mouth, and let lingers lung enough to allow intermissions between each sip.
This beer is amazing. Perhaps a bit too bold to be labeled a "porter", but who gives a shit? This is a wonderful experience. If you find it, consider yourself lucky, and indulge. Thanks again Craig. Cheers!
1,155 characters
4.43/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2015-03-14 bottle date
Deep brown to black with a hint of brown tinted head
Nose is bourbon but not booze, notes of barrel, notes of caramel, and notes of coffee
Taste is the same - bourbon and caramel, a bit of vanilla, some coffee, charred barrel character, and subtle sweetness
Mouthful is medium and smooth. Carbonation is low. Finish is semi sweet accented by barrel.
Overall aging this bottle worked out very well. The booze notes abated and all you were left with were the bourbon character. Very much recommend aging a couple of bottles.
555 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2015-03-14 bottle date
Deep brown to black with a hint of brown tinted head
Nose is bourbon but not booze, notes of barrel, notes of caramel, and notes of coffee
Taste is the same - bourbon and caramel, a bit of vanilla, some coffee, charred barrel character, and subtle sweetness
Mouthful is medium and smooth. Carbonation is low. Finish is semi sweet accented by barrel.
Overall aging this bottle worked out very well. The booze notes abated and all you were left with were the bourbon character. Very much recommend aging a couple of bottles.
555 characters
5/5 rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Aged almost a year. Solid BA porter. If you like desserty porters and BCBS, grab this. Very impressed with Alewerks’ BA dark brew offerings! Similar to Cafe Royale, but I like Cafe Royale a little more since cafe royale is more full body with more Fudgy bourbonness. Love it!
277 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Aged almost a year. Solid BA porter. If you like desserty porters and BCBS, grab this. Very impressed with Alewerks’ BA dark brew offerings! Similar to Cafe Royale, but I like Cafe Royale a little more since cafe royale is more full body with more Fudgy bourbonness. Love it!
277 characters
3.76/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.28/5 rDev -23.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Dark, syrupy beer with a tan-brown head. Smells boozy. Tastes boozy up front (it's 9% ABV and you can taste it). Some bourbon flavor, but the brown sugar and molasses flavors are right there. Fells like a heavy beer, syrupy. Overall, I love bourbon but I thought this one was a little strong.
297 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Dark, syrupy beer with a tan-brown head. Smells boozy. Tastes boozy up front (it's 9% ABV and you can taste it). Some bourbon flavor, but the brown sugar and molasses flavors are right there. Fells like a heavy beer, syrupy. Overall, I love bourbon but I thought this one was a little strong.
297 characters
4.29/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.18/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a snifter. Nearly opaque dark brown color with a modest tan head. Bourbon, vanilla, and honey on the nose - only a slight hint of roasty malt. More porter-like up front on the palate but quickly enveloped by a nice warming bourbon presence. Slightly sweet and woody. Also a noticeable cherry tartness on the finish that melded well with chocolatey notes. Full-bodied but easy to drink. Really enjoyable.
416 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a snifter. Nearly opaque dark brown color with a modest tan head. Bourbon, vanilla, and honey on the nose - only a slight hint of roasty malt. More porter-like up front on the palate but quickly enveloped by a nice warming bourbon presence. Slightly sweet and woody. Also a noticeable cherry tartness on the finish that melded well with chocolatey notes. Full-bodied but easy to drink. Really enjoyable.
416 characters
4.43/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22oz bottle poured into a tulip
A- pours a deep black color with just a hint of light creeping through, one-finger creamy khaki head that reduces to a ring around the edge
S- plenty of barrel notes on the aroma with woody oak, bourbon and vanilla. Roasted malt gives some chocolaty aromas as well as caramel
T- bold bourbon notes up front, wet wood, barrel juice caramel and coconut. Mid-palate gives roasted malt and layers of chocolate. The finish gives more bourbon and chocolate on the linger
M- medium-heavy body with moderate carbonation leads to a creamy mouthfeel and a viscous velvety finish
O- bold flavors with plenty of barrel notes and roasted chocolate, very good
686 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22oz bottle poured into a tulip
A- pours a deep black color with just a hint of light creeping through, one-finger creamy khaki head that reduces to a ring around the edge
S- plenty of barrel notes on the aroma with woody oak, bourbon and vanilla. Roasted malt gives some chocolaty aromas as well as caramel
T- bold bourbon notes up front, wet wood, barrel juice caramel and coconut. Mid-palate gives roasted malt and layers of chocolate. The finish gives more bourbon and chocolate on the linger
M- medium-heavy body with moderate carbonation leads to a creamy mouthfeel and a viscous velvety finish
O- bold flavors with plenty of barrel notes and roasted chocolate, very good
686 characters
4.85/5 rDev +13.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.49/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.18/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bourbon Barrel Porter (BBP) from AleWerks Brewing Company
Beer rating:
4.27 out of
5 with
621 ratings
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