Imperial Stout Appreciation Thread (2023)

I agree it’s different. Heavier, “muddier,” with more chocolate up front. The barrel is a bit more subtle, with the maple clearly not integrating flavors from the bourbon and wood because it’s an add-on.

I have a few years of the BLiS versions, that might need side-by-side comparisons.

 

There is a glut of that and the Backyard Rye around here. Not a good sign. I foresee shelf turds.

 

$25 here in Western NY.

 

i had to run up to schnucks last night for a few items and right there at the self check-out area were boxes and boxes of county… angel’s envy casks, backyard, banana foster, eagle rare and regular were all the varieties i think. showed total restraint and just stuck to the items i was sent up there for but thought all night about that eagle rare 2-year…

 

Apparently AE is the one to get. Hearing only good things. The 2 year reserves are usually not worth the markup, as it’s still BCBS but aged an extra year. The flavor difference will be a little noticeable, but not worth $30 more

 

i think the eagle rare was $34.99 but can’t remember exactly now.. was trying to pretend they weren’t there lol

 

Not sure that's those specific beers or BCBS in general. Three managers mentioned getting more BCBS OG and variants than they needed or wanted. Most stores have done away with reservation lists and limits, and they still didn't run out. If the past few years are an indication, the distributor ordered a huge stock so there will be a second wave delivered in a couple of weeks, and they'll hold back a bunch to trickle out over the next few years, at a higher price point. Our market has surpassed the saturation point for BCBS.

 

Weird seeing those in cans. It makes sense but I'll miss the cute little bottles

 

I’m still waiting for the comments on Angel’s Envy. A year in port casks to finish it certainly must have a profound effect.

If the market tastes shift to liking port aged stouts, I will be confused.

 

2023 Bourbon County, Banana Fosters. This is an incredible beer. The nose alone does it for me. Boozy banana bread, with melted semisweet chocolate chips and vanilla. Need to get more of this in my life.

 

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve Stout (2023), 14.5% ABV. I rated this 4.88, now my highest rated beer. Just incredible.

 

How much were the 22 batch down by you? They were 6.99 up here and I thought that was a fine piece for the bavss. I did think bas was pretty unremarkable and not worth the mark up

 

This year's vintage is excellent.

 

Made my Small Business Saturday shopping run with the lovely bride, finally have a sit down with an old favorite, BA Narwhal from 2021

Cross posted on Show Your Latest Beer Run

How the fuck did that Barleywine get in the pic?

 

Well this is straight up delicious. Deth’s Tar is absolutely incredible this year. Has to be the best vintage I’ve had