Speed of Darkness - Bourbon Barrel Aged
Oliver Brewing Company

Solid black body with a small beige head and nearly zero lacing. Roasted malt aroma from start to finish. In between are notes of dark chocolate, coffee, licorice and toffee. Tastes like the malts have been charred a bit but that matches up well with aspects of the aroma. Some dark fruit showing up as well. Flavor from the bourbon barrels more pronounced. Bittersweet aftertaste. Full bodied, softly carbonated mouthfeel leading to a lingering finish.

On this occasion, the contents of a pint can were emptied into a clear glass liter mug. A very modest brown head appeared briefly on top of a black coffee brown liquid. Some chocolate and vanilla nose notes try to come through, but the aroma here is mostly all oak tannins. Although the mouthfeel is rich and smooth, there's still a bit of a burn from the 10% ABV. To taste, there's more chocolate and a little more vanilla. Still, it's tannins laden. The roasted barley malt and alcohol give this a bite that contrasts with the smooth and supple body. There's no deception here, as this is something the label describes. This is a brew for those that love tannins in them. Even some that do may find it a little heavy handed here. Typical of the style, there's no glass lacing. Yet, it's a very well made beer in a niche category that some like much.

 

 

Canned on 1/11/2018 in memory of Fast Eddie (Rest In Power)
Color of old motor oil, big brown head, good retention, rings of lace
Aromas of bourbon, oak, vanilla, dried dark stone fruits, a hint of cocoa
Strong bourbon and oak flavor, dried fruit, earthy cocoa and light roast coffee
Heavy bodied, a little bit more carbonation than you normally get on this big of a stout, but it makes it a little more drinkable
Really good.

A - Pitch black pour with a micro-thin caramel colored lacing on top and low carbonation.

S - Dark chocolate roast, oak, coffee, and Bourbon

T - Dark chocolate roast, roasted caramel on the fringes, oak, and Bourbon. Nice lingering chocolate char roast along with lightly toasted caramel/toffee and Bourbon.

M - Big body with a silky texture and a dry finish on the back of the tongue.

O - This is a rock solid barrel aged Stout that's priced perfectly and doesn't "break the wallet". This easily could be a regular sipper for me. Recommended.