Barrel Aged - New Old Stock
Bissell Brothers Brewing Co.

I am so far behind. On tap at the brewery on a motorcycle trip this summer.

 

 

Poured at 56°. Creamy lite tan head; ok cap retention; solid ring; soapy lace on swirl, thin legs at best; thin legs at best; dark brown liquid with ruby edges and some clarity. Nose is bourbon and chocolate; oak becomes prominent. Taste is oaky chocolate; minimal bourbon; proprietary house yeast flavor (have you been Bisselled?). Dry oaky/rye mouthfeel; thin light body; mild warmth from 11.8% abv. Overall, the dryness is not appealing to me; feels like a flavored d wooden tongue-depressor; drinks thin for abv (ok, it’s a porter); nevertheless, one and done.

Appears as very dark milk chocolate brown, with no light passing through. A 2.5" tight khaki head gradually compresses to eventually form a thick ring and blanket. Dense puffy rings of lace mark progress down the wall of a Pretentious Glass Co. Aromatic Snifter.

Bourbon is obvious from a distance, without being over barring. Mild oak and coffee follow. It has a solid dark roasted malt spine. Dark chocolate leads to a second pop of sweet bourbon at the end of each sniff. Warmth adds licorice while increasing the bourbon, almost becoming boozy.

Yikes! There is no modesty from the bourbon. While too strong for the Porter (Baltic or not), it is never the less tasty. The vanilla and oak are also prominent, all overwhelming the roasted malt and chocolate, which surprisingly are still noticeable with effort. It starts more sweet then bitterness flips the script. Warmth mellows the bourbon somehow.

A full bodied Porter with a slick, smooth texture. The 11.8% abv is hot, well above my expectations, lending a mild numbing sensation to the tongue and gums. Carbonation is soft.

Despite some flavor reservations, I very much enjoyed this big bold Baltic Porter. There is no chance of confusion with a stout, as I sip it outside on a cool and dreary afternoon. This brings the feeling of a long smoldering fire, warming and packed with flavors and aromas. I recommend consuming it at a cool room temperature, as it really comes together with time.