Black Diamond Bourbon Barrel Grand Cru
Black Diamond Brewing Co.

Black Diamond Bourbon Barrel Grand CruBlack Diamond Bourbon Barrel Grand Cru
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From:
Black Diamond Brewing Co.
 
California, United States
Style:
Dubbel
ABV:
9%
Score:
82
Avg:
3.61 | pDev: 18.28%
Reviews:
32
Ratings:
90
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Sep 11, 2017
Added:
Jul 22, 2011
Wants:
  7
Gots:
  16
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by jzeilinger:
Photo of jzeilinger
Reviewed by jzeilinger from Pennsylvania

3.31/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A - Dark burgundy mahogany with thick tan lacing with great retention when the glass is swirled..

S - Yeasty, vanilla, light grape, tart cherry, funkiness, slightly musty.

T - Chocolate, yeasty, tart cherry and grape, mild bourbon, light cardboard and spice, some dark fruit.

M - Full medium body and thick.

O - Glad I was able to try it, would like to try a newer batch, this one didn't do it for me.
Jul 25, 2013
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.86 by leprechaunandfatman from Ohio

Sep 11, 2017
 
Rated: 3.91 by SamuelMiller from Montana

Jan 21, 2017
Photo of Jadjunk
Reviewed by Jadjunk from Georgia

3.59/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
"The designation of 'Grand Cru' originates from the Burgundy region of France. Brewers have taken the term and applied it to more elaborate, aged and reserved versions of their beers. Our Belgian-style dark ale has been taken to the next level by careful blending and aging techniques. After much tinkering - with a number of unique ingredients combined with wood barrel aging - we arrived at this wonderful juxtaposition of fruitiness and maltiness which harmonized magically to produce this delicious winter warmer. When poured, the beer has a deep mahogany hue. In the aroma, figs and dark fruit intermingle with notes from the wood barrel used, as well as subtle notes of banana and bubble gum from the fermentation process. Aging for twelve months on oak brings forth the flavor of the barrel, as well as vanillin from the wood that is complemented by vanilla beans which provide a velvety smoothness and richness, The taste starts with the rich sweetness of the fruitm carries through with a rich mellow center and finishes dry, allowing for another glass as you sit by a cozy fire." Brewed in the style of a Belgian Style Dark ale, aged in Bourbon Barrels and available in 22 oz. bottles.

Poured from a 22 oz. bottle to a tulip glass.

(Appearance) Pours a crisp, foamy head of a light brown color over a very deep brown body with mahogany highlights. Retention is above average and there is light, spotty lacing. 4

(Smell) Toasted bread malts, ripe stone fruits, molasses, and caramelized sugars generate a moderate smooth sweetness with undertones of earthy licorice spiciness, vanilla and delicate oak tannins. Potency is moderate. 3.75

(Taste) Smooth bread malts and fruit syrups generates a smooth, but dense malt body with tangy fruit characters, spicy licorice notes, soft oak tannins and vanilla. Undertones of roasted barley and a smooth graininess complicate the style somewhat. 3.5

(Mouthfeel) Texture is slick, lightly oily, moderately dry. Carbonation is modest, generating a moderate frothiness and a moderately crisp finish. Body is medium for the style, medium+ overall. Balance is slightly tangy, tart and earthy bitter over sweet. Alcohol presence is mild and there are no off characters. 3.5

(Overall) An interesting and very busy Belgian style ale that has some elements that are rather unusual for the style, namely roasted grains and exposed graininess. The barrel aging impact was subtle but enjoyable overall. Generally enjoyable but not outstanding by any means, I probably won't need to revisit this beer again. 3.5

Black Diamond Brewing Co.'s
Bourbon Barrel Aged Grand Cru
/5.00
Jul 11, 2016
 
Rated: 3.77 by Birdlegs from Washington

Nov 23, 2015
 
Rated: 3.41 by RBassSFHOPit2ME from California

Oct 28, 2015
Photo of fankhauserg
Rated by fankhauserg from Georgia

3.88/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Sweet and SOUR!
Sep 12, 2015
 
Rated: 4.41 by KarmicSkrambl8 from California

Sep 04, 2015
Photo of BMBCLT
Rated by BMBCLT from South Carolina

1.51/5  rDev -58.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.25 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
2012 bottle and it's infected.

Drain-pour!
Aug 30, 2015
 
Rated: 3.7 by elglueckert from Montana

Aug 18, 2015
Photo of tigg924
Reviewed by tigg924 from Massachusetts

3.44/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Above average dubbel with big bready and raisin taste. Barrel aging adds dryness and light barrel flavor. Interesting and boozy. Good enough to keep me curious about the brewery, but unsure if I want another.
Aug 01, 2015
Photo of BottleConditioned
Reviewed by BottleConditioned

2.34/5  rDev -35.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.25
The grand cru moniker sets high expectations, the label picture is classic but the overall design is reminiscent of a self trained designer without natural talent. The confused packaging follows through on the palet. With a Belgium chocolate cherry coordigal where the sour fruit, burnt chocolate, and bellegium funk duke it out in a battle royale where everybody losses.
Jun 14, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by OldTime from Georgia

Jun 07, 2015
 
Rated: 3.77 by joemcgrath27 from Canada (AB)

Apr 30, 2015
 
Rated: 3.59 by piccnd3 from Montana

Apr 24, 2015
 
Rated: 3.91 by evilbuck from California

Apr 11, 2015
 
Rated: 3.96 by Gator_Chomp from Florida

Apr 09, 2015
Photo of sa93
Reviewed by sa93 from Arizona

4.48/5  rDev +24.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
First sip has some bourbon on the front, but unfortunately, not as much to be detected later on. Still, the tastes of fig and raisins is really nice, and for a dark, 9% abv beer, this is very easy to drink. Not usually a fan of fruity beers, but this is really pleasant. One of the more enjoyable beers I have had in awhile, but probably works best as a dessert beer.
Apr 03, 2015
 
Rated: 3.5 by DeadeyeOTDO from Arizona

Mar 12, 2015
 
Rated: 3.38 by Canada_Dan from Colorado

Feb 20, 2015
Black Diamond Bourbon Barrel Grand Cru from Black Diamond Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 82 out of 100 with 90 ratings