Bourbon Barrel Black Squirrel
Cinder Block Brewery

Thanks to Harrison8 for this one. 22oz bottle poured into 12oz goblet. poured a typical solid black color, with just a this cap of tan head that had no retention or lacing.

The aroma was that of a basic barrel aged Imperial stout, some roasty malts, a bit of oak, some booze. Same story on the tongue, with the addition of some alcohol heat.

The body was medium, perhaps a bit thinner than average for the style. Drinkability was good, but would have been better if the heat had had a chance to subside a bit. Overall, a solid brew. probably worth a shot if you see it.

22oz undated bottle generously provided by @harrison8 poured into a Spiegelau stout glass at fridge temp 12% ABV. The beer pours dense black with no light penetration and builds a small mocha colored head. The head recedes to a fat ring and leaves a little lacing. The aroma is wood barrel, whiskey, vanilla, chocolate and coconut all mixed together in a delightful presentation. The taste is very dark chocolate with hints of whiskey & barrel. The vanilla, coconut and wood flavors are woven throughout each sip. The bitterness is adequate yet restrained. The mouthfeel is full bodied with just less than medium carbonation and a mostly dry finish. Overall, excellent. This is an exceptional and flavorful beer with great barrel use gaining complexity without tasting like a shot in a beer.

 

Pours black with two fingers of khaki head. Fantastic head retention, and tight, nitro-like lacing left behind. Aroma is bourbon, booze, oak, and roasted and toasted malts. It smells as a straight forward dark stout with bourbon. Flavor profile is roasted and toasted malts. Bourbon and oak show up at the finish. It's heavy and dark, but lovely. Mouth feel is thick and filling, with a heavy, dark and robust presence. Overall, a hearty stout with a solid dose of bourbon, but doesn't taste overly boozy or harsh.

Served in a 6oz snifter. Draft. Reviewed from notes.