Barrel Aged The Hyper Dog
Pipeworks Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- American Imperial Stout
Ranked #92 - ABV:
- 13%
- Score:
- 98
Ranked #412 - Avg:
- 4.52 | pDev: 4.65%
- Reviews:
- 21
- Ratings:
- From:
- Pipeworks Brewing Company
- Illinois, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating
- Wants
- 53
- Gots
- 29
SCORE
98
World-Class
98
World-Class
Notes:
Imperial milk stout brewed with @darkmattercoffee vanilla beans, cacao nib and aged in 12 yr Elijah Craig Barrels.
Reviews: 21
| Ratings: 126
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4.51/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
22 ounce bottle into a snifter. Bottled Summer 2017, had 8/10/18. This release was aged in Heaven Hill barrels.
Pours an opaque, dark brown, with no head and some spotty lacing. Aromas of coffee, bourbon, chocolate, malt, figs, some caramel and vanilla, light tobacco and char. This smells incredible. The flavor is a little more bourbon forward, then coffee, malt, chocolate, vanilla, some caramel and figs, light oak and tobacco, a little cocoa. Very smooth, a good full body, well carbonated.
Just a beautiful beer. The barrels and the coffee are excellent. Has one of the best aromas I’ve had the pleasure to inhale. Has a touch lighter of a feel than BA Jones Dog, but it’s not a negative. Like many of PW’s barrel aged beers, you should get this every time it’s released.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
22 ounce bottle into a snifter. Bottled Summer 2017, had 8/10/18. This release was aged in Heaven Hill barrels.
Pours an opaque, dark brown, with no head and some spotty lacing. Aromas of coffee, bourbon, chocolate, malt, figs, some caramel and vanilla, light tobacco and char. This smells incredible. The flavor is a little more bourbon forward, then coffee, malt, chocolate, vanilla, some caramel and figs, light oak and tobacco, a little cocoa. Very smooth, a good full body, well carbonated.
Just a beautiful beer. The barrels and the coffee are excellent. Has one of the best aromas I’ve had the pleasure to inhale. Has a touch lighter of a feel than BA Jones Dog, but it’s not a negative. Like many of PW’s barrel aged beers, you should get this every time it’s released.
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4.34/5 rDev -4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
December 2018 bomber release from the Dojo. Pours moderately thick with good legs but only a smattering of carbonation. Strong coffee and vanilla notes on the nose, with an aggressive, boozy kick and a touch of tartness on the palate. I'm not sure yet if the tartness if barrel oak, yogurt from the lactose, or a bit of greenness from the coffee extraction. Either way, it doesn't detract too much from what is otherwise a really excellent BBA milk stout. Rich and chocolatey.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
December 2018 bomber release from the Dojo. Pours moderately thick with good legs but only a smattering of carbonation. Strong coffee and vanilla notes on the nose, with an aggressive, boozy kick and a touch of tartness on the palate. I'm not sure yet if the tartness if barrel oak, yogurt from the lactose, or a bit of greenness from the coffee extraction. Either way, it doesn't detract too much from what is otherwise a really excellent BBA milk stout. Rich and chocolatey.
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4.42/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Many thanks to HIGHPA for this 22 oz. bottle. “My” dog when I was growing up was a black lab, & if that isn’t a hang-dog black lab on the label, I’m imagining it is. Split with my wife.
Black. Head devolves within moments to the thinnest little ring around the edge of the pond. Smells like coffee that’s been tagged liberally with pretty creamers. Rich.
The Hyper Dog tastes like liquefied porn. I’m not sure I’ve ever had such a milky milk stout. A massive shot of lactose & sweet malt greet the tongue, followed closely by a blast of smooth bourbon & concussion-like booziness. Mid-palate brings rich chocolate, vanilla, with a roast that’s smoother than George Michael’s ass. Finishes even more smooth. I like harsh, but this has an appeal all its own. I could drink this solo. And I might end up doing so, since my wife is drunk off of Totmas & jello shots.
I’ve heard good things about Pipeworks barrel program & my first brush with it has left me spent & worn out. Fantastic beer, & I’m looking forward to the next one.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Many thanks to HIGHPA for this 22 oz. bottle. “My” dog when I was growing up was a black lab, & if that isn’t a hang-dog black lab on the label, I’m imagining it is. Split with my wife.
Black. Head devolves within moments to the thinnest little ring around the edge of the pond. Smells like coffee that’s been tagged liberally with pretty creamers. Rich.
The Hyper Dog tastes like liquefied porn. I’m not sure I’ve ever had such a milky milk stout. A massive shot of lactose & sweet malt greet the tongue, followed closely by a blast of smooth bourbon & concussion-like booziness. Mid-palate brings rich chocolate, vanilla, with a roast that’s smoother than George Michael’s ass. Finishes even more smooth. I like harsh, but this has an appeal all its own. I could drink this solo. And I might end up doing so, since my wife is drunk off of Totmas & jello shots.
I’ve heard good things about Pipeworks barrel program & my first brush with it has left me spent & worn out. Fantastic beer, & I’m looking forward to the next one.
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4.6/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2016 Elijah Craig 12 year ba on tap.
No head. Black color.
Tons of vanilla bean and coffee. Sweet, silky, and lightly roasted. Bourbon and chocolate. This is by far the best pipeworks beer I have had. Thick. Full bodied.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2016 Elijah Craig 12 year ba on tap.
No head. Black color.
Tons of vanilla bean and coffee. Sweet, silky, and lightly roasted. Bourbon and chocolate. This is by far the best pipeworks beer I have had. Thick. Full bodied.
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4.52/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very solid barrel aged stout from Pipeworks. pours dark and great bourbon nose to start, full roasty bold barrel notes. Perfect sipper for the cold winter months.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very solid barrel aged stout from Pipeworks. pours dark and great bourbon nose to start, full roasty bold barrel notes. Perfect sipper for the cold winter months.
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4.76/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
My favorite BA stout from Pipeworks. Amazing smell and so many flavors that linger on the tongue. Amazing coffe and chocolate flavors. Only slight downside is that it doesn't hide the alcohol as well the absolute best BA stouts.
12/27/19- drinking a fall ‘18 bottle now and updating my review. I lowered the feel to 4.25 as it’s a little thin compared to my favorites. Still an amazing barrel aged stout and I hope I can pick up this years’ version
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look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
My favorite BA stout from Pipeworks. Amazing smell and so many flavors that linger on the tongue. Amazing coffe and chocolate flavors. Only slight downside is that it doesn't hide the alcohol as well the absolute best BA stouts.
12/27/19- drinking a fall ‘18 bottle now and updating my review. I lowered the feel to 4.25 as it’s a little thin compared to my favorites. Still an amazing barrel aged stout and I hope I can pick up this years’ version
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4.37/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is a super rich thick and creamy stout. The body is on point. I really dont get a ton of coffee. Barrel charecter is medium-light. Overall its pretty tasty, alot like bourbon county. In that sense, it is pretty heavy on the dark fruits which im iffy on
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is a super rich thick and creamy stout. The body is on point. I really dont get a ton of coffee. Barrel charecter is medium-light. Overall its pretty tasty, alot like bourbon county. In that sense, it is pretty heavy on the dark fruits which im iffy on
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4.67/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Had on tap. I have had a lot of beer by pipeworks, and this might be the best. The chocolate and vanilla steal the show in the smell from the bourbon and coffee, not that they all do not work together, but the chocolate and vanilla are the clear stars. In the taste all elements are more balanced and together make an unforgettable beer experience. Sweet and bitter, creamy and smooth, boozy and tranquil. Just need a little more thickening on the back end of the body.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Had on tap. I have had a lot of beer by pipeworks, and this might be the best. The chocolate and vanilla steal the show in the smell from the bourbon and coffee, not that they all do not work together, but the chocolate and vanilla are the clear stars. In the taste all elements are more balanced and together make an unforgettable beer experience. Sweet and bitter, creamy and smooth, boozy and tranquil. Just need a little more thickening on the back end of the body.
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4.34/5 rDev -4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bottled September 2017; drank 10/5/17 @ the Yarchives.
Black/brown appearance.
An even pour yielded a small, noisy tan head; almost no lace.
Chocolate syrup, vanilla & mild oak notes in the nose.
Thick, creamy mouthfeel.
Chocolate syrup & mild vanilla flavors up front; mild oak & faint bourbon notes on the finish. As this warmed, bourbon notes emerged.
I think time will make this less boozy; for now, well-above average & quite enjoyable.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bottled September 2017; drank 10/5/17 @ the Yarchives.
Black/brown appearance.
An even pour yielded a small, noisy tan head; almost no lace.
Chocolate syrup, vanilla & mild oak notes in the nose.
Thick, creamy mouthfeel.
Chocolate syrup & mild vanilla flavors up front; mild oak & faint bourbon notes on the finish. As this warmed, bourbon notes emerged.
I think time will make this less boozy; for now, well-above average & quite enjoyable.
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4.4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.5
650ml bottle, 2016 vintage, poured into a Pipeworks snifter glass. Enjoyed on 4.13.17, reviewed from Tasting Journal.
The beer pours a deep jet black color, very thick, very viscous and inky with a tan head, little retention and spots of lace. The aroma is excellent, tons of chocolate, vanilla bean adds a nice rich layer without being too sweet, soft bourbon, coffee roast with charred wood and a hint of stone fruit. The flavors hit the spot, lots of vanilla, milk chocolate character melds so well with the marshmallow and vanilla bean character with pleasant stone fruits while the coffee isn't overpowering, smooth roast, light acidity, nice expression of Dark Matter coffee that interplays well with the charred characteristics of the bourbon barrel. The mouthfeel is good, medium to full body, coating, super smooth with a bit of prickly carbonation, and a warm finish that could use a bit of oomph.
Verdict: A really delicious barrel aged stout from Pipeworks. The coffee presence is deftly done and the balancing nature of the vanilla rather than the overpowering nature that vanilla so often is makes for a great beer. I wish the body was a bit more firm but the flavors of the beer are excellent.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.5
650ml bottle, 2016 vintage, poured into a Pipeworks snifter glass. Enjoyed on 4.13.17, reviewed from Tasting Journal.
The beer pours a deep jet black color, very thick, very viscous and inky with a tan head, little retention and spots of lace. The aroma is excellent, tons of chocolate, vanilla bean adds a nice rich layer without being too sweet, soft bourbon, coffee roast with charred wood and a hint of stone fruit. The flavors hit the spot, lots of vanilla, milk chocolate character melds so well with the marshmallow and vanilla bean character with pleasant stone fruits while the coffee isn't overpowering, smooth roast, light acidity, nice expression of Dark Matter coffee that interplays well with the charred characteristics of the bourbon barrel. The mouthfeel is good, medium to full body, coating, super smooth with a bit of prickly carbonation, and a warm finish that could use a bit of oomph.
Verdict: A really delicious barrel aged stout from Pipeworks. The coffee presence is deftly done and the balancing nature of the vanilla rather than the overpowering nature that vanilla so often is makes for a great beer. I wish the body was a bit more firm but the flavors of the beer are excellent.
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4.6/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On draft, in a snifter
L: Dark with minimal head
S: Chocolate & Whiskey
T: There's some coffee, but I taste the vanilla, chocolate and oak a bit more. That's a win for me!
F: Smooth, creamy. A little hot but crazy easy to drink for a beer this strong!
O: Awesome, a little hot but overall a great beer with the barrel aging working great with the base stout!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On draft, in a snifter
L: Dark with minimal head
S: Chocolate & Whiskey
T: There's some coffee, but I taste the vanilla, chocolate and oak a bit more. That's a win for me!
F: Smooth, creamy. A little hot but crazy easy to drink for a beer this strong!
O: Awesome, a little hot but overall a great beer with the barrel aging working great with the base stout!
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4.35/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Solid BA beer. I'm not a big fan of non BA Hyper Dog, so this was a nice surprise. Had good BA stout flavor to it with a bit of heat. Didn't note any cocoa, but real solid flavor anyway.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Solid BA beer. I'm not a big fan of non BA Hyper Dog, so this was a nice surprise. Had good BA stout flavor to it with a bit of heat. Didn't note any cocoa, but real solid flavor anyway.
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4.47/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A- Black with thin tan head
S- Whiskey, coconut, vanilla, carmel
T- Coconut sweetness, vanilla, oak, roasted base
F- Medium-full
O- Awesome beer. Tons of flavors in waves.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A- Black with thin tan head
S- Whiskey, coconut, vanilla, carmel
T- Coconut sweetness, vanilla, oak, roasted base
F- Medium-full
O- Awesome beer. Tons of flavors in waves.
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3.71/5 rDev -17.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.75
22oz into snifter at cellar temp (55 degrees)
Pours thin with effervescent head. Not quite opaque black, more deep chocolate brown
coffee and boozy heat. A bit of chocolate wafting in the background
more of the same, coffee, sweet cocoa, base beer peeks through but really hot
Medium to thin bodied. Not up to par for the ABV or flavor profile
Overall decent - nothing special; thin, sweet and hot
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.75
22oz into snifter at cellar temp (55 degrees)
Pours thin with effervescent head. Not quite opaque black, more deep chocolate brown
coffee and boozy heat. A bit of chocolate wafting in the background
more of the same, coffee, sweet cocoa, base beer peeks through but really hot
Medium to thin bodied. Not up to par for the ABV or flavor profile
Overall decent - nothing special; thin, sweet and hot
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4.68/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
This is an excellent BA stout. The Beer Advocate description says this is an imperial stout, but the bottle describes it as a milk stout. Either way, Pipeworks did a very nice job of balancing the sweet with the bourbon, and it did not come across as sticky sweet like other lactose stouts I've had (barrel aged or not). I will have to pick up the base version of this beer, as I really had to search for the coffee, chocolate and vanilla notes underneath the bourbon and alcohol.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
This is an excellent BA stout. The Beer Advocate description says this is an imperial stout, but the bottle describes it as a milk stout. Either way, Pipeworks did a very nice job of balancing the sweet with the bourbon, and it did not come across as sticky sweet like other lactose stouts I've had (barrel aged or not). I will have to pick up the base version of this beer, as I really had to search for the coffee, chocolate and vanilla notes underneath the bourbon and alcohol.
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4.37/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
650ml bottle, served in a snifter glass.
Pours a dark brown body, nearly black, half finger brown head, good retention, nice lacing. Smells of vanilla, tons of coffee, cocoa, chocolate, lactose and a fair amount of bourbon. Hefty chocolate coffee aromas that remind me a lot of Bourbon County Coffee (not infected, of course). Flavour is on the sweeter side, a lot of vanilla bean and coffee to go along with milk chocolate and bourbon. It's damn tasty. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, not as rich and substantial as the comparison beer I just made, but it's enough. Good carbonation. This was a tasty coffee chocolate bomb, with a fair amount of vanilla bean sweetness on the backend.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
650ml bottle, served in a snifter glass.
Pours a dark brown body, nearly black, half finger brown head, good retention, nice lacing. Smells of vanilla, tons of coffee, cocoa, chocolate, lactose and a fair amount of bourbon. Hefty chocolate coffee aromas that remind me a lot of Bourbon County Coffee (not infected, of course). Flavour is on the sweeter side, a lot of vanilla bean and coffee to go along with milk chocolate and bourbon. It's damn tasty. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, not as rich and substantial as the comparison beer I just made, but it's enough. Good carbonation. This was a tasty coffee chocolate bomb, with a fair amount of vanilla bean sweetness on the backend.
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4.74/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured from a bomber into a snifter - split 5 ways. Super bourbon smell! Black with some lacing. Good coffee after taste. Well balanced beer and it's just amazing! Wish I had more
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured from a bomber into a snifter - split 5 ways. Super bourbon smell! Black with some lacing. Good coffee after taste. Well balanced beer and it's just amazing! Wish I had more
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4.84/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
From bottle into snifter.
Typical pitch black appearance. No head at all upon pour. Smell is of bourbon, coffee and cinnamon. Delivers on the taste with already mentioned. No noticeable chili hotness but the bourbon is all there. Not going to say it's smooth at end, instead very complex. Incredible stout overall. I am so glad I have another bottle of this because this may be my beer of 2015. Exceeded my expectations.
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look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
From bottle into snifter.
Typical pitch black appearance. No head at all upon pour. Smell is of bourbon, coffee and cinnamon. Delivers on the taste with already mentioned. No noticeable chili hotness but the bourbon is all there. Not going to say it's smooth at end, instead very complex. Incredible stout overall. I am so glad I have another bottle of this because this may be my beer of 2015. Exceeded my expectations.
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4.5/5 rDev -0.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is the best barrel aged pipework that I have drank to date. Really awesome stout that balances out all the adjuncts in the base beer with great integration of the barrel aging. The mouthfeel is chewy but not overly thick. Very smooth! Home run by pipeworks!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is the best barrel aged pipework that I have drank to date. Really awesome stout that balances out all the adjuncts in the base beer with great integration of the barrel aging. The mouthfeel is chewy but not overly thick. Very smooth! Home run by pipeworks!
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4.72/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Pitch black color with prominent dark brown lacing. The smell is chocolate and bourbon, slightly the hot. The taste is chocolate bourbon espresso in all the best ways. The feel is super creamy and savory. Its thick and enjoyable allowing for every taste to linger a long time. Absolutely phenomenal beer, one of the best BA beers I've had.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Pitch black color with prominent dark brown lacing. The smell is chocolate and bourbon, slightly the hot. The taste is chocolate bourbon espresso in all the best ways. The feel is super creamy and savory. Its thick and enjoyable allowing for every taste to linger a long time. Absolutely phenomenal beer, one of the best BA beers I've had.
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4.72/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Lucky enough to have my local bottle shop save one for me. Super creamy and smooth, lots of chocolate goodness! Coffee punch is there but not overpowering. Same with booze. Perfect blend of chocolate, coffee, booze. Only detraction is it just a tad thin for a BA stout, but other than that......this beer is definitely worth picking up.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Lucky enough to have my local bottle shop save one for me. Super creamy and smooth, lots of chocolate goodness! Coffee punch is there but not overpowering. Same with booze. Perfect blend of chocolate, coffee, booze. Only detraction is it just a tad thin for a BA stout, but other than that......this beer is definitely worth picking up.
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Barrel Aged The Hyper Dog from Pipeworks Brewing Company
Beer rating:
98 out of
100 with
126 ratings
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