No. ∞ Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
The Freehouse

 

Beige head. Black in color.

So much fudge and chocolate. Warming. Oaky, nice bourbon. Whiskey. Vanilla. Toffee and caramel.

Nice bodied. Pretty thick. Smooth with a light roast.

This is super under the radar. Wow, impressive. Well done.

Arrives a black color. The head is minimal, but it is barrel aged so that makes sense. The aroma more bourbon than beer. There is a noticeable alcohol presence. The taste is very bourbon present too, but the beer is there somewhat. The mouthfeel is full bodied, chewy, and appropriately low carbonated. Overall, I prefer bourbon barrel aged beers to be balanced between the beer and the bourbon barrel. This one isn't my thing, but it might be someone else's

Poured black as night with a small, light brown head of foam. It smelled of roasted malt, oak and vanilla. Bold, rich roasted malt with some boozy sweetness. Mild oak and vanilla flavors.

 

 

On tap at 3 Squares (Maple Grove, MN) on 1/2/15. Minimal tan head fades immediately to small ring. Little lacing. Nearly black on color with slight ruby tint on edges. Moderate bourbon taste; more oak barrel flavor. A standard roasted taste with plums, raisins, and some orange peel. Fairly complex set of flavors which are well-balanced. The mouthful is somewhat light; more thickness/stickiness would have helped and matched the flavor better.

This was enjoyable and possibly the best Freehouse brew I've tried. This BA Stout is not at the BCBS or CWBBS level, but brings in a bit of Darkness. Definitely a treat from a local brewer and taproom.