BBIS mmxix (2019)
Reuben's Brews

 

Had on tap while socially distant outside at Special Brews Lynnwood, WA

2019 vintage from a 22oz bottle.

L: Pours nearly black in color with a huge brown head. Not much lacing.

S: Caramel, vanilla, bourbon.

T: Bourbon and sweetness on the front. Finish lingers with a bit of roasty flavor which is a bit surprising because I don't remember that from the last time I had a bottle or when I had it on draft.

F: Body is lighter than you may expect for a BA stout. Smooth and easy to drink.

2019 may be the best vintage of this beer, although 2014 was pretty special. I had this beer on draft at the tap room and noticed far more bourbon flavor (a bit unbalanced, but how I like it). The two times I've had it from the bottle the bourbon had been far less pronounced but it's still a great beer. Well balanced, easy to drink, hides the 14% well.

I really enjoyed this beer.

Look: Deep dark color, frothy, oatmeal with brown sugarhead, pours with a bit more foam than other barrel aged beers.

Smell: Exactly what you expect, vanilla, caramel, oak, prune.

Taste: This is where this beer stood out to me. It's not quite as smooth as something like BCBS but this has more balance to it from less sweetness. The stout still shines with the barrel being a complimentary flavor profile. I think on blind taste tests I may prefer this over some other well known barrel aged beers.

Feel: Moderate carbonation, rich but not thick. The oats add a bit of smoothness.

I hope I find another bottle of this.