Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Drake's Brewing Co.

I had this beer at City Beer during their Drake's barrel aged event. There certainly seems to be a difference of opinion about what constitutes effective barrel aging and as to what constitures a great beer versus an abysmal one. I stand by my reviews of these exceptional barrel aged brews that are truly unique and different than anything else out there. Part of the reason for the diversity of opinions about these barrel aged gems are probably beacause of the unique flavors created by the very long aging and often, the introduction of Brett. The beers are all Imperial Stouts, but the barrel aging in this case is all about pushing them toward the sour and funky end of the spectrum. Many people just don't like the complex and challenging tastes that are created in those instances. On the other hand, if you like the sound of this and your palate is a little more accepting of the unusual, you'll probably recognize these beers for the masterpieces they are.

This particular beer was aged for 9 months in Pinot Noir barrels- far less time than the 4 1/2 years that the one with blueberries or the one with cherries. This one also has no introduced Brett. The Pinot Noir barrel, though gives a vinous quality that sours the beer some, and some natural Brett and other bugs in the barrel creates some more sourness. Even so, its not so sour or funky as the above mentioned brews. I like this beer even better than those other brews. In fact, I like this beer so much that I just can't find fault with it and give it my first perfect score. It's not so much that I like the lesser sourness or funk in this beer- I love those flavors and they are still here to some extent. Its that an incredible milk chocolate flavor and satiny texture has been preserved from the original stout here and is perfectly married to the Pinot Noir flavors.

The beer itself pours black with a great head and beautiful lacing. Wonderful aromas of milk chocolate and cherries with a bit of complex tannins on the end. Amazing flavors of satiny milk chocolate up front, followed by bright cherry flavors and a touch of forest floor from the Pinot Noir, and a complex interplay of vinous sourness and tannic bitterness on the finish with a slight haunting roastiness weaving through the other flavors. Silky mouthfeel but with a nice tannic snap at the finish with a bit of sourness. I could drink a glass of this every day. Just beautiful, an amazing experience which I thank City Beer and Drake's for providing.