Stampede
Front Street Brewery

 

Picked up a bomber at the brewery last weekend. It's a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel aged version of their Dram Tree Scottish Ale, from the description on the website. Poured in a shaker pint, the beer is a very dark, chestnut highlighted brown coloring with a dense, foamy, low profile, creamy off-white head. Aromas of bourbon, oak, and vanilla blast forward, with a rich toffee note underlying. Smells big. Flavors are rich and tangy caramel forward, with an overlay of bourbon and vanilla once again, building a warmth throughout early on. Toffee rich, with hints of mocha and baker's chocolate towards the end of the palate, providing some balance and also a slight bitterness. Char characteristics throughout, also. Very smooth and surprisingly light in mouth, aiding the drinkability. The alcohol is balanced throughout nicely, and the smooth, rich flavors build on into the aftertaste, leaving a slightly cloying linger. Slick, smooth finish, with a slight filmy sweetness left behind, along with the warmth from the bourbon and ABV. Very drinkable, very smooth, very balanced beer. Well done.