Double Barrel Doppelbock
Church Street Brewing Company

fobab 2021.

Had on tap. Opaque dark brown with a tan head and spotted lacing. Love the port barrel along with the bourbon, brings a slightly musty but even more so sweet red grape note to the caramel malts, molasses, dried dark fruits, a kiss of baker's chocoalte, and the oaks of both barrels have some vanillins to lend too. Smells is more barrel centric but similar. Feel has the malt a little compromised by the booziness, breaking up the body a little, but not hot or too much either.

 

Pontificator aged 2 years in a blend of Heaven Hill bourbon barrels and port barrels.

Look is a dull brown body with a reddish/rose/pink hue, which may be appropriate but doesn't say 'drink me' to me, at least. Active and noisy bubbles explode at the surface before the 1/4' cap of light brown head disappears while constant lively, tiny bubbles at the edge of the glass.

Aromas are killer. Chocolate, grape tannins, oak, vanilla, more cocoa, dried fruit, and some roast malts all make their presence known.

Flavors require slightly more effort, meaning: some, to recognize, but the same are all there. Port flavors up front can dominate, but with warmth joins the chocolate and barrel notes.

Mouthfeel is silky smooth, full, with a memory of tannins.

Overall a smooth sipper on a chilly evening. Perfect for that stone snifter.