Adding bourbon to stout

If you added the whole bottle, and chugged it would probably be OK. But seriously, the barrel adds flavor without bringing the ABV up a huge amount, just adding bourbon you would get a boozy mess and probably cringe inducing.

 

In my opinion, Bourbon should only be added to one thing, ice.

To me that sounds like a waste of good beer and good bourbon.

 

I tried adding maybe 2 oz. of Pappy 15 to a Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro. It was terrible -- the flavors really seemed to clash in a bad, bad way. I could try it again with less bourbon, but I doubt the results will be much more favorable.

EDIT: Note that I don't do this kind of stuff often, ruining perfectly good beer with perfectly good bourbon (or vice versa if you prefer.)

 

No ice either, like icing your beer. a bit of water is ok but ice is a no no

 

If you think Founder's Imperial Stout needs ANYTHING but to be enjoyed, you gots to go back to school bro...
Just kidding, but in my opinion, I wouldn't wreck one like that, just send it to me if it's not right for you.

 

It can be done, but remember, you can always add more...but you can not take some out.
For example, for our massive Halloween Party in '10, my buddy, who brews at a not-to-be-named metro-Detroit brewpub, added a fifth of Jim Beam to a 1/4 bbl of his porter, and dubbed it Cop Puncher. The proportions were perfect, but not all trials end in such success...it was, however, the best of all 13 beers on tap that night.

 

Sounds like we need to do some more research! Is it the bourbon or the barrel that is adding the greatest influence?

 

I will meet you over on Bourbon Advocate.com and we can debate the ice question.

 

Straightbourbon.com

 

I've done it with varying degrees of success -- but my favorite bourbon and beer combination was undoubtedly the time I added a 1/4 shot of bourbon to Anchor's Our Special Ale. 'Twas the perfect winter warmer. We tend to think about bourbon notes pairing well with stouts, but that rudimentary concoction was one of the most fitting "bourbon beers" I've had.

Anchor distills, too -- I wish they'd do something like this.

 

A couple years back, Makers Mark gave ice ball trays to their "ambassadors".

I don't think that was so I could put ice in my lemonade.

 

Interesting... may have to try this. I suspected that part of the issue was upwards of a shot being too much for one 12 oz beer.

 

IMO, it's both. Charred oak barrels impart bourbon with both taste and color, and the beer also benefits as well. Not only does the beer pick up the flavor of the barrel aged bourbon, but also so of the same charred oak flavors of the barrel itself. I think if it was easy for the beer to acquire the same taste from simply adding bourbon, brewers would do it.

 

And Coors Light has cold-activated cans, but that doesn't mean I want my beer that cold.

Kidding on the ice thing. I prefer my bourbon straight or maybe with a drop or two of water, but I encourage people to drink what they like, how they like.

 

Don't compare MM to coors. Makers Mark is a quality product.

 

agreed. I think KBS captures the bourbon perfectly.

 

if you do ~ you'll only want to add drops (literally) ~ not ounces.

 

why not? are you implying flat out Coors isn't a quality product?