Bourbon Barrel Cherry Imperial Stout
America's Brewpub

This was on-tap at the brewpub over the weekend. It spent 547 days in oak, and cherry extract was added. It was also recently served at Goose Island for Stoutfest 2010.

A small black orb of a snifter arrived with a slim cap of mocha foam. Soon after it left a thin crown of lace, but then dwindled to nothing at the halfway point.

Roasty char in the nose, lots of oak, boozy whiskey fumes, and a pleasant cherry sharpness. Sweet and confectionary, with plenty of heft already apparent.

The cherry element adds a mild tartness to the flavor, countering the huge roast malt sweetness and dry oak. Dark chocolate, almost fudgy, with some coffee-like roast and bitterness. Body is fairly full with lower carbonation, giving it a somewhat oily feel. A decadent dessert in a glass...