Bourbon Barrel Aged Amnesia
The Grumpy Troll Restaurant and Brewery

 

Lazy dog danglin afternoon side trip after an enjoyable trip to New Glarus for Octoberfest.

Uber dark with spotty bubbles and light brown highlights along the edges. Served in a snifter.

Slightly sweet, mild tannins, moderate roast, dark chocolate, and soft bourbon from the Heaven Hills barrels. Very appealing.

Cocoa segues into darker chocolate. Barrel imparts some nice vanilla and cola. Actually quite mild for 9% and not as rough and tumble as some bigger Baltic Porters. A very nice effort and extremely accessible.

The barrel aging, apparently for six months, thins this beer substantially. There is a surprising lack of body and depth here. Carbonation is low, and while appropriate, a bit more carbonation might help to lift the overall experience. This is the one area that this beer does not measure up.

Drinkability is extremely high and nowhere is there any hint of alcohol. A very nice effort from a brewery that I have professed that I'd like to enjoy, but have had mixed experiences with. Very well done Grumpy Troll.

Served in a snifter at the Grumpy Troll one fine fall day where I played hooky from work and got taken to a bunch of SW Wisconsin breweries by my wonderful girlfriend. Dark brown, almost black, with a touch of ruby when held to the light. Thin bubbly lace. Rich aroma of vanilla, prunes, and ripe sweet cherries. Bourbon notes are subdued and mature. Slick and warm body. Rather full body, thoguh lighter than most BA stouts, and well balanced. Flavors of dark, sweet, and boozy dried fruits including cherries and plums. Cocoa powder is ever present. Finish is laced with anise spice. Excellent brew and quite drinkable compared to many other BA beers.