Big Breakfast - Bourbon Barrel
Glasstown Brewing Co.

Reviewed on weekend of can release. Poured into a shaker glass. It's nearly black with a thin cap of an unusual orange-khaki-colored foam and modest lacing. The smell is maple syrup-forward with notes of freshly-brewed coffee, dark chocolate, nutty char, tobacco smoke, and just a faint whiff of bourbon. Its taste is dry and earthy with a big, acidic coffee ground presence. The maple syrup is mellow and the barrel influence is subtle. You can taste it for sure but it's quite delicate. There is just a hint of cinnamon in the background but overall, this is a dry, bitter, classic American Porter. It's moderate in body with lite carbonation, and Glasstown resisted the temptation to dial up the ABV. At 7.2% (the same as the base) it's very drinkable. Overall, Glasstown has done a great job with this brew. The original Big Breakfast is an excellent American Porter that has the desired flavors without being gimmicky. This BA version honors that history and adds just the right touch of bourbon barrel influence. A very fine offering.