Imperial Eclipse Compared to Other Barrel Aged Stouts

Dude I had the Makers Mark version and it was right up there with the best stouts I have ever had. Truly a masterpiece beer that falls short IMO only because its easier to get then the whales. $30 yea its pricy, but well worth it.

 

Personally, I can't justify spending $30 on what amounts to 2 glasses of beer. Just won't do it. There is too much amazing and much more reasonably priced beer out there for me to enjoy. However, if someone else doesn't mind spending that kind of money on a beer, I say drink up and enjoy! We all have different means and priorities.

 

Eclipse is good to great, depending on the barrel, and I think almost universally agreed to be overpriced. That's the only reason it's on your shelf to begin with 6 months after it came out. Like others have said, some versions are bordering on mediocre, while others are excellent. I personally have not had any that blew my doors off, but if you're a fan of BA stouts, it's certainly worth trying one or two and make your own decision. Check the ratings for a pretty good idea of which versions are likely to be more impressive.

 

Agree with @rightcoast7. It's worth trying at least one to see if it's up your alley or not. Judging by my avatar, you can guess where I land on the subject.

 

They haven't. I just had one two weeks ago and the flavor profile was definitely there. So long as they are away from sunlight, you should be ok.

 

Caliente?

 

SO SO SO kicking myself for not picking up the 20 year EC at the release party this past Dec. They were selling the 2011 20 year EC for $38 a bottle...a effing steal imo. I love the 12 year EC Eclipse, it's the one I've had the most often and still my fav. Ok let me take that back, my favorite that I know you can get. My true favorite is the Vanilla Eclipse with 12 year EC second and Java a very close third. Then I went all crazy at the release party and had them mix a Java and Vanilla Eclipse, BOOM SAUCE, that's it buy it, buy it all (tip looks like this year they are doing a coffee/vanilla Eclipse thanks to I think literally everyone at that party mixing the two all night).

 

If anybody ever hears me say "$38 a bottle... what a steal!", please help me... I need an intervention!

 

They're very enjoyable, you may prefer other variations though more so than others.

 

Of course depends on what bottle you're talking about…

 

I've only had the EC 12 Year and the Bernheim Wheat, but I loved both. FiftyFifty is definitely trying cultivate a luxury good mystique with the series, right down to the price tag. For that reason (and the fact I can only get them when I'm visiting friends out of state), I'm not lining my closet with Eclipses. Just a couple bottles a year as a treat. It's a tasty stout, though, and the ones I've had could stack up against any other regularly bottled BA stout (well, maybe not Parabola or BA Pt5).

Also, I'm opening a Java this weekend. Should I get my hopes unreasonably high?

 

I have a java sitting in the cellar - looking forward to hearing your review!

 

Just had the High West Rye on Monday. I put it in the "WOW thread" so that tells you what I think of it. Then again, mine was a birthday gift, so it cost me nothing. Great, great stout though.

 

BCBCS > Java. Pappy, Rum, and Vanilla were off the hook this year. All others should be cellared for a couple years before opening IMHO. I opened a 2011 EC 12, 2011 EC 18 (20), and a 2011 Rittenhouse Rye within the last five months and they have all been sensational.

 

Though i like bcbs i think some of the eclipse are better. Especially if you get all the colors and that way you can taste the difference between barrels. Sure 20 bucks for a 4pack of bcbs makes it imo no contest but if i could drink bcbs and a ec 12/20 or pappy not considering cost or limit I'd take the eclipse. It all comes down to flavor for me.

 

All depends on your budget. Certainly a fine beer, love the elijah craig but from a value standpoint I don't see it. I'd take two Parabola for one Eclipse all day long

 

Why thank you, I think that's a pretty fair price. EC12 Single Barrel (Barrel Proof) is only like $26.99 and Four Roses Single Barrel is $29.99.

I will say that BCBS is the best BA beer I've ever had, and at $17.49 a 4 pack I can imagine why everyone else has to cost so much. I mean, I like Ten-Fidy but it's $14.99 a 4 pack. For the extra couple of bucks the BCBS is in another world.

 

If Brooklyn (bcs) can make a 10% stout and only charge 10 for a 4 pack, something really is wrong with others charging so much more. No way in hell am I paying more than 12 for any bomber, and frankly its been years and years since I paid more than 10.

Still I never say its not worth it, if money was no object I be drinking utopias.

 

$10 !!, Brooklyn BCS runs $7.99 a 4 pack here.

 

The key to enjoying Eclipse, and not feeling the sting of the price, is in the futures.

http://fiftyfiftybrewing.com/eclipse/

Cheaper then retail, and they break the cost down to two payments. Plus this year they had futures only options, that (unless resold, traded for, or black market sales) won't see distribution. They will ship in California, and a trustee can then ship it to you.

I've gotten futures the last several years, and for me it's worth it, but YMMV.

As for comparisons OP, you have your palette, only you know what you like, and only trying the beer will tell you if it's "better". Cheers