Doppelbock (Bourbon Barrel Aged)
Blue Stallion Brewing Co.

 

Had this when they released the first batch. This is a new version, aged much longer in barrels.

Aroma is toffee and caramel dominant, with toasted, nutty malt, vanilla, and hints of dark fruit. Very complex.

Flavor reveals a huge bourbon presence, with caramel and vanilla throughout. There's a bit of alcohol burn and notes of ethanol that detract from the toasted caramel malt backbone quite a bit. Notes of dark cherry and prunes are muted, but should emerge in time. Dry, oaky finish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The traditional European beer makers in Blue Stallion has found new and exciting ways innovating, staying current and creating excitement with the help of Kentucky bourbon barrels. Who knew that the barrel and the bock had such strong affinities for one another?

The Bourbon Barrel Aged Dopplebock kicks off with a masculine garnet clarity that simply glistens in the snifter. Its strong and sturdy sweetness pits caramel, maple, toffee and molasses up against savory toasted succulence, something akin to bread pudding. Dark cherry, plum, fig and raisin all play a part in the complexity but its the coconut character that steals the show.

The middle is full, rich and somewhat chewy. As its alcohol-laden sweetness coats the palate, it clings to the mouth like savory port wine, brandy and honey raki. With candied pecan, dark dried fruit and a nearly vinous tone, the barrel comes out to play with its own series of wood caramels, spices and vanillans.

Its indefinite sweet finish lingers deep and lush, with only the slight reprieve of alcohol to slice through its cloying maltiness. Spicy and sweet, the ale stands up to any after dinner dessert, strong cheese or even a bold, fragrant cigar.

For the One Year Anniversary, Blue Stallion decided to barrel age their Doppelbock, and I'm glad they did.

This poured with an outstanding froth of brown cream that sat thickly onto for the whole drink. The color was a deep cola brown with some weaker tones near the bottom.

The nose had some aspects of the barrel, the vanilla and coconut were sweet, but the nose seemed to hit the stronger malt aromas. Chocolate and caramel malts with whiffs of toffee were evident.

The flavor is outstanding with the base beer maltiness being multiplied. The barley malt backbone is strong as chocolate, caramel, toffee and brownie batter take over. There is a nice sweetness in the form of vanilla and coconut before the chocolate finishes through. All the while you get hints of the bourbon.

The feel is reasonably thick and the carbonation is appropriately lower.

This rolled right into my wheel house as I enjoy the sweet chocolate, caramel, vanilla and toffee flavors that the beer provides while the bourbon stays just underneath.