BBA Harry's Darker Side
Ludlam Island Brewery

BBA Harry's Darker SideBBA Harry's Darker Side
Beer Geek Stats
From:
Ludlam Island Brewery
 
New Jersey, United States
Style:
American Imperial Stout
ABV:
17.5%
Score:
+9 ratings needed
Avg:
4.39 | pDev: 0%
Ratings:
1 | reviews: 1
Status:
Active
Rated:
Jan 11, 2026
Added:
Jan 02, 2026
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
Built on our Harry’s Darker Side Imperial Stout, this barrel-aged monster was brewed with Harry & Beans organic Sumatra coffee and rested for over a year in an Elijah Craig Bourbon barrel. While it clocks in at 14.5% at brew, extended barrel aging pushed the estimated finishing ABV into the 17–20% range. Expect massive roasted character, bold coffee, and layers of bourbon-soaked oak and charred sweetness.
Recent ratings and reviews.
Photo of MacMalt
Reviewed by MacMalt from New Jersey

4.39/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This is a variant of Ludlam Island's Harry's Darker Side. It is aged in Elijah Craig bourbon barrels. The cans were released on or about December 20, 2025. I let the Stout sit at room temperature for about 2 hours. Poured into a tumbler. It is dark mahogany. The frothy, medium mocha-colored head disappeared very quickly. It boasts a fragrant nose with roasted malt, freshly-brewed coffee, chocolate, and some dark fruit. The bourbon scent is subtle but noticeable. It is delicious! Like the base Stout the Harry's coffee is the key - it is strong and fresh. The chocolate notes are of the baker's variety - more bitter than sweet. There is a hint of back cherry and raisin, along with earthy char, in the background. The barrel effect is strong; you taste the Elijah Craig. It compliments the other flavors without distracting. It seems to me that the mouth feel less viscous that the base Stout which is surprising. I thought it would be more chewy. The carbonation level is a little higher than I'd anticipated. And there is no escaping the 17.5% ABV; this Stout is a monster so sip it slowly. Overall, this variant of one of my favorite Coffee Stouts is terrific. It is well-conceived and executed.
Jan 11, 2026