Bourbon Barrel Aged Chocolate Volcano
Heavy Seas Beer

From the bottom of the can: "23110"

Appearance: It is a black bodied beer with a medium-short foamy tan cap. The cap stands for a long time. The can states that this is "10.5% ABV" and for such a high ABV it has outstanding head formation and retention. No lacing forms on the glass but otherwise it looks very nice.

Aroma: It has an aroma of cherry and wet oak wood. There is a light charred scent in the background. It has a very inviting aroma that draws the nose in, wanting more of its rich scent. The wet oak scent is fantastic and there is this cherry note which just amplifies everything.

Taste: A strong vanilla flavor hits the palate at first. This is followed by notes of milk chocolate, cocoa, a touch of raspberry, and a light char flavor mixed with bourbon at the end. Towards the back of the palate there is a light fruity twinge which comes across as cherry and a bit of fresh plum. This is a very flavorful beer.

Mouthfeel: It has a solid body which rests just north of medium to medium-full. It isn't quite full bodied but it feels like it's on the cusp all the time. The label on the can states that this is "10.5% ABV" and although the beer has a high ABV it feels like it was expertly navigated to the point where it maintains enough body to support the flavor while not feeling too heavy. Carbonation feels good and the delivery of the beer on the palate feels great. I wouldn't say that this is a perfect mouthfeel but it is quite close. The beer feels very mellow on the palate and extremely approachable.

Overall: I was extremely impressed by this beer. I have had quite a few beers from Heavy Seas over the years and the vast majority of them have been flops. This beer is like a shark for Heavy Seas. It is definitely a competitor in the industry but it also delivers a much better drinking experience than most. It is a very easy drinking and mellow beer while boasting both "10.5% ABV" and being "BOURBON BARREL AGED" (as indicated on the label). Compared to something like BCBS 2023 this is far more enjoyable to drink because there is no alcohol burn or flavor of alcohol on the palate. The label states that this is a "CHOCOLATE DESSERT STOUT" and that is a pretty fair assessment. I highly recommend it and I would buy it again.

L: Pours a slick, dark brown that forms a thin espresso head. Faint swirl of retention and a moderate tan lacing around the edge of the snifter. Held to the light, this beer has a nutty penny hue.

S: Dark chocolate. Faint vanilla and spice. Light barrel.

T: Heavy bourbon influence, with chocolate and vanilla. Notes of oak and a hint of char. Starts astringent but finishes sweet with some alcohol burn.

F: Silky, coating. A light carbonation. Medium- to full-bodied, biased towards medium.

O: Pretty strong imperial stout. Good bourbon barrel influence, strong flavors offset a little by fainter aromas.

Purchased at Bound Beverage, Warrington, PA. $18.00 4pk/16oz cans

Pours a murky black color, totally opaque. A nice, two-finger, dense, deep mocha colored head on the initial pour. The head lasts quite a long time.

Aromas of sweet, dark chocolate with a mild bourbon aroma.

A very well done stout. Flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla & dark, roasted malts with a nice, but not overly done bourban background. The barrel aging is more subtle than some other stouts I’ve had. It isn’t nearly as boozy which makes it an easier drinking stout. That being said, it’s a 16oz can at 10.5% ABV so you’ll want to take your time savoring this brew. Slightly bitter aftertaste.

A smooth, creamy beer with low carbonation.

Overall, a very good stout. I enjoyed the more subtle hint of the bourban which let the chocolate taste take the forefront. Well done, Heavy Seas…cheers!