DCBC1
Dark City Brewing Co.

 

12oz can courtesy of @MacMalt. First beer from this brewery, love their name, though, as the sci-fy film of the same name (the one the makers of The Matrix ripped off) is one of my favorite films.

Poured into an Iron Goat snifter, this was at first look a flat black color with a creamy tan head that dropped quickly, leaving sheets of lace behind. After hoisting it up to light, things took on a dark shade of brown.

Subdued nose for something bourbon barrel aged. Very mild aromas of bourbon and brown sugar.

Restrained, sweet, roasty malts are what hits the taste buds, along with a bit of mineral water tanginess and some scorchy bitterness. There's some bourbon flavor midway through, but it's way, way in the background. The finish is where there's a teensy bit of alcohol heat, along with a bit of dry, herbal hoppiness. As it warms, the bourbon flavors come out to play a little more, but still come across as restrained.

Medium body, with a slightly watery mouthfeel for a big, boozy beer like this.

I'm always happy to try anything bba, and I very much appreciated receiving this beer as part of the most recent NBS BIF, but I have to admit I'm not terribly impressed by this. It seems unduly bitter and one dimensional to me, but with no date on the can it's possible it's something where portions have faded over time, leaving unbalanced aspects sticking out more than they might have otherwise.

 

 

Can not dated. Poured into Brakspear pint glass. It pours a dark cola with one finger of khaki-colored head and lacing. It has a nice, rich aroma of roasted malt, coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, and bourbon. The taste is more bitter than the smell would indicate with lots of burnt coffee and a strong after taste with an almost anise quality. The bitterness dissipated as the glass warmed. You can taste the bourbon and it warms you at the finish but it's not overpowering. This ale is medium-bodied with fairly light carbonation. The 10.5% ABV is noticeable but not overpowering. Overall, the idea of a BA English Brown Ale is intriguing and I commend Dark City for this beer. DC beers tend to be quite bitter. If that doesn't bother you, then this ale has a lot to commend it.

 

Pours dark brown with a thin off white head that fades quickly. Aroma is burbon but not too strong. Taste is also burbon with some dark malt notes. Feel is a bit thin but good. Overall a very good brown ale.

Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Brown ale. this is the best beer I've ever had. I could drink this forever if it wasn't a knock you on your a$$ 10.5% ABV. The bourbon flavor is evident from the moment you open the can. You can smell it just walking by someone who is drinking it, but somehow it doesn't overpower you. It's really smooth, and leaves no bad after taste.