BBFB (Bourbon Barrel Fracking Blackstrap Imperial Stout) 2021
5 Stones Artisan Brewery

BBFB (Bourbon Barrel Fracking Blackstrap Imperial Stout (2021 version)) from 5 Stones. At reefer temperature shelf at Five Stones Artisan Brewery, New Braunfels, TX. About $ 10 /16.9 oz bottle (about $ 0.592/oz). Stored at home at 42 degrees. Reviewed 13/6/21. Note that I use DD/MM/YY protocol.
Undated bottle other than “2021” on front label. Served at 52.3 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter. Final temperature 59.1 degrees.
Appearance – 3.
First pour – Ruby Brown (SRM 24), clear.
Body – Black (SRM 40), opaque. When rear-lite, translucent ruby around the edge.
Head – Tiny (Maximum seven mm, aggressive center pour), fawn, low density froth before settling into a high density three mm crown, and a thin partial cap, both of which last.
Lacing – None.
Aroma – 4 – Weak molasses and weak roasted malt, no hops, no yeast, no bourbon, no barrel.
Flavor – 4.5 – Begins mildly sweet with a generic dark fruitiness, a hint of molasses, exceptionally smooth and non-threatening bourbon, no hops, no yeast, and no ethanol (? % ABV, NOT marked on container) taste or aroma. No dimethylsulfide or diacetyl. Neither vanillin nor tannin from the barrels is detected.
Palate – 4 – Medium, almost creamy, soft carbonation.
Final impression and summation: 4.5 The whole is greater than the sum (or average) of the parts. On my last trip to TX, we spent several afternoons at 5 Stones, eating and consuming (me, anyway) multiple plastic glasses of BBFB. This brew was sooooo good I should have bought a case! Unlike many BBA stouts, the bourbon smoothly fit in, while not being dominant or aggressive – there was/is no ethanol burn. I did ask and was told what bourbon barrels were used; unfortunately, I’ve since forgotten but I do remember being suitably impressed.