Ol' Dirty Barrel
Belching Beaver Pub 980

 

 

 

 

I finally opened up a 2012 bottle during a share. This beer had many of the usual characteristics of a high end bourbon barrel aged stout. The look and smell are pleasing. Dark body, creamy, mocha colored head, and wafts of dark malts, light bourbon, faded coffee, and darker chocolate. In the mouth, this stout was smoother than not, did not disappoint. Creamy feeling, with a good amount of dense lather in the mouth. Heavier body with a thick feel.

Overall, I am impressed. I am sure the time sitting around did some favors for this beer. I am glad I have one more bottle for future consumption.

 

 

 

 

Thanks to BigTuro for sharing this one at Retsinis' tasting.

Pours an opaque black with a foamy khaki head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Tiny dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cocoa, bourbon, and wood aromas. Taste is much the same with cocoa and bourbon flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of roast bitterness and an alcohol kick on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer with a bourbon presence that is slightly better in the taste.

 

A: Pours a deep mahogany color with a one finger tan head. Leaves a nice patchwork of lace behind with each sip.

S: When it's cold, I get a lot of bourbon and toasted coconut notes. As the beer warms, heavily roasted malt, charred wood, espresso, light cinnamon-like spice note and some traces of dark fruit.

T: Opens with some roasted malt, molasses and a good amount of bourbon. Subtle barrel character, some burnt espresso and dark chocolate. Finishes with a hunt of burnt malt, charred wood and some fudge. Mouthfeel leaves a bit to be desired. Just not quite thick enough, though it's far from feeling watery. A pretty solid barrel aged stout.