Imperial Stout Heart
Bur Oak Brewing Company

 

Poured from undated can into a snulip glass at 60° It's a very dark walnut with a half finger of creamy, light khaki-colored head and a thin film of lacing. On the nose is chocolate, caramel, freshly-brewed coffee, and nutty char. I don't smell any bourbon. But I'm impressed by the taste! It is chocolate-forward with notes of coffee, vanilla, and burnt nuts. The barrel effect is quite delicate; I can taste it but it doesn't overwhelm the other flavors. It has a terrific mouth feel: thick and creamy, almost chewy, with low carbonation, and the 11% ABV is barely warming. I don't like the phrase "dangerously drinkable" but it applies here. Up till now I haven't been impressed with Bur Oak but Imperial Stout Heart is top shelf.

 

8oz pour at the brewery. Poured out an opaque, jet-black color with a small, off-white head of foam. It left sudsy lacing on the glass. It smelled of bourbon, vanilla, oak and chocolate. Strong bourbon taste with vanilla, oak, coffee and chocolate.