Ancient Future 2022
Great Basin Brewing Co.

Ah harken back to 2022, still calling BS on all the narratives that duped many of the people you come across in the beer/internet/soy world. But we got Frey Ranch barrels out here, so we got that going for us. We drank this back to back with FiftyFifty Eclipse Frey Ranch for science (because that words means so much now, thanks).

So, imperial stout aged in bourbon barrel pours black. Knock your socks off how bout dat. Brown head, 1/4" deep. Aroma of bourbon, fudge, vanilla, chocolate. Commercial tug job says raisin but I didn't get it.

Taste pushes a good amount of bourbon first and foremost, but the chocolate/fudge aspect is a close second. The mouthfeel is surprisingly good despite this being a higher abv and viscosity guy up in here. Just enough sweetness to give the mouthfeel an easier job despite being able to tasted both roasted malt/charred barrel but also the sweetness and vanilla. La Isla Bonita indeed.

Been a minute since I liked one of their "new" beers.

Dark, murky brown pour; near black and opaque in the glass; thin, khaki head. Impressive dark chocolate nose intermingled with dark roasted grains and a whiff of whiskey. Huge barrel aged taste; chocolate and whiskey; dark roasted grain. Heavy body yet seems a bit thin for the style; lots of alcohol warmth permeating through the residual sugars.

All in all, this barrel aged imperial stout is pretty good. The smell and taste are the high points.

ABV: 14.2%; pouring temperature: 55 °F; bottling info: 2022
Source: Tavour

 

Shimmering black stout pour with a tan cap and inconsistent spotted lacing. Big bourbon leads with rugged rustic wood, char and earth. Taste is much the same, some dark bitter chocolate added but the wood is more splintered and booziness is the lead of the bourbon component. Feel is very warm verging on hot, bourbon dominates here with malt backbone behind. Not a refined ba stout, but more in the throwback mold. Age this one