BA Impy Stouts from Europe

Have you only had Struise stouts? Black Albert isn't barrel-aged, and I find that Struise barrel-aged stouts often have a much more minimal barrel character than many American BA stouts. You should try some stuff from De Molen and the dozens of other European breweries who make BA stouts.

What?

 

While I've been known to make pretty harsh critiques of certain European brewers and brewing traditions... this is just totally untrue.

In terms of barrel aged stouts, this one immediately comes to mind:
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/13307/73552/?ba=yamar68

 

get some BA George! into ya

 

Have been following the thread and I definitely need to try more European BA stouts. The only reason I haven't tried more so far is because of being underwhelmed by the regular stouts from Struise and DeMolen I have tried, along with others I would have to research to remember their names, they didn't impress even well enough to want to remember them.

Those who argue American BA stouts are too balanced, well, when stouts such as Abyss and Parabola are accused of this, I see it as inaccurate, because the flavors of them please in a way that presents their complexity, and doesn't overwhelm in any way to diminish the other flavors, especially in the way of overpowering barrel notes, as has been charged.

Perhaps with more experience I would like a more ash forward BA stout. Personally I find the levels of this in Hunahpu's to be adequate, but with all the recommends on this thread gonna give these supposedly more bitter ashy/less barrel forward/better than our American BA stouts a try.

 

Nobody said better. Different.

Jeff

 

Well, it seemed some thought they were better, and who knows, maybe I will also

 

I do perfectly agree with Jeffo's description. But we have BA stuff similar to what is done in the US in Europe too. I can't help thinking to BA George! specially because the base beer is a bit thin compared to the BA product.
If you like bourbon flavors more than ashes or burnt malts, you could also give a try to Barrel Aged Texas Ranger.
De Molen makes also masterpieces in peated whisky barrel ageing.
And if you're still not convinced by European Barrel Aged Stouts, please try the Kaggen! Stormaktsporter.

 

I still need more experience with OTHER craft from European breweries. As many of you know I have been full speed with drinking as much Italian craft as I can afford. Oddly this is the time of the year where I am training in the gym so I MAY drink only on the weekend. In any rate, I hope to try some classic Belgians, other then what I have tried, and sours may be up my alley too.