Hubbard’s Cuvee V1
Hubbard's Cave Brewery

 

 

 

 

Drank from a 1 pint 9.4. fl oz (750ml) bottle purchased at Fort Point Market, Boston, MA
2020 vintage
Served in a tulip

Dark brown bordering on black appearance. A small, bubbly, caramel colored crown rose above the shimmery, oily looking body. The head quickly dropped to a thick, frothy, lasting collar. A few streaks of lacing stuck along the glass.

The aroma was really interesting and definitely leaned more barleywine than imperial stout. Rich, sweet and boozy with strong caramel and dark fruit notes. Bourbon soaked raisins came through big time. Dates and dried figs were noticeable as well. Good dose of brown sugar sweetness too. Touch of vanilla. The bourbon-barrel presence was quite punchy and really intensified as the beer warmed. Some roast and powdered cocoa notes were detectable from the imperial stout. The vanilla also became more pronounced.

The flavor profile was fantastic as well. Big roasted and caramel malt presence up front. Dark fruits were also apparent. Again, bourbon soaked raisins, dates and dried figs came to mind. Moderately boozy. Brown sugar was noticeable in the center. Some powdered cocoa too. More boozy, bourbon-barrel notes on the back end and the finish. Hint of lingering roast after the swallow.

Medium bodied mouthfeel. Slick and smooth on the palate. Somewhat thinner than I anticipated. The liquid contained a finely bubbled, soft and subtle effervescence that fluffed up very nicely. After a few sips, the liquid left a slightly sticky film on my lips.

This amazing “cuvée” by Hubbard’s Cave features an imperial stout that was aged in Four Roses barrels for 16 months and a barleywine that was aged in Woodford Reserve Double Oak barrels for an astonishing 28 months. The resulting blend is amazingly rich, smooth and complex and displays strong barrel notes from each of its respective components. I am truly blown away that I found this 750 ml bottle sitting on a shelf at my local bottle shop and that it cost me a mere $23.

 

750 ml bottle into a snifter. 2020 edition, had 5/2/20.

Pours a dark brown, opaque, with a one inch foamy head and some foamy lacing. Aromas of bourbon, oak, tobacco, chocolate, cocoa, caramel, some coffee, some char, light plums, faint cherries. Smells great. The flavor pretty much follows the nose- bourbon, milk chocolate, cocoa, oak, malt, tobacco, light coffee, light char, a light fruity flavor, faint cherries. It’s a touch sweet. It tastes as good as it smells. Smooth, a solid full body, well carbonated.

Leans hard to the stout side, but the barleywine certainly contributes. Excellent barrels, terrific aromas and flavors. Well blended and really enjoyable. Well worth a purchase.