Barrel Aged Buku
Mile Wide Beer Co.

 

 

When the Mile Wide brewers set out to make a massive imperial stout, they aren't going to be satisfied until the beer is cram packed full of flavors that can only be described as a bukoo of flavors. But in their bourbon barrel aged version of the stout has got even more bukoos for extra measure.

Jet black and pouring like ink, the luscious and mysteriously dark ale releases a short blanket of froth before swooning the nose with a rich and robust scent of chocolate, coffee, nuttiness and caramel with the oaken nuances of coconut, vanilla, char and whisky spice. Lavishly sweet on the tongue, an intense malty upstart unleashes a sense of brownie batter to set a dessert-like tone early.

As the flavors roll across the middle palate, its sweetness only intensified into an alcohol laced, molasses rich taste of dark chocolate, espresso, caramel, toffee and candied walnut. As the expected bourbon character enters the mix, its vanilla and coconut soothes the alcohol and roast while the char of oak adds a depth of campfire character. Wood caramel and spice aid in both balance and easing the strength of the malt to something of aged sherry and port.

Light on bitterness, the full bodied beer is malt dominant from start to finish, all of the sweet roast variety while leaving a trail of coffee liquor, bourbon and kahlua on a warm and spicy after palate.

 

Served on tap at the release weekend; nose is standard for style. flavors are booze on top of fudge, booze winning out as it nears room temperature. Very good, could use some more body and barrel.