Barrel Aged Oatmeal Stout
West Sixth Brewing Company

Giving the grand old style of stout a major upgrade, the brewers at West Sxith up the flavor and body to imperial status and then lay it down to mature in freshly decanted Kentucky bourbon barrels for a sweet and spicy complement to the savory sipping session.

Barrel Aged Oatmeal Stout pours coffee black and swirls with a dainty creme of froth. Its sultry aromas of espresso, caramel, coconut, cocoa and walnut permeates the nose and awaits a first sip that's chocked full of caramel, cream, vanilla with a quick rebuttal of roast.

As the middle palate unfolds, the beer's sweetness begins to slowly expire and the more savory flavors of roast begin to emerge. Espresso, walnut, bittersweet chocolate and a campfire whimsy all counter the sweetness and takes the flavors in a toasty, roasty direction. Mild broad bitterness from hops give a greater coffee character late with woods, spice and char. Bourbon spice continues to balance the malt while contributing a savory oaken charm in complement.

Full bodied and slightly cloying, the beer's sweet char and savory booze continues to resonate on the finish with sweetened espresso and a continuing prickle of whisky. A long aftertaste of coffee, burnt toast and toasted coconut lingers into the next lush sip.