Is Central Waters BBA Stout A Poor Man's Bourbon County?

I dunno about "poor," but definitely the "upper middle class"-man's BCBS. It's very tasty and at a better price.

 

no. end thread.

 

Not much barrel flavor at all when I had it, wasn't a huge fan. I'll take bcbs any day

 

BCBS is much bigger and thicker. CWBBA is fine, but not in the same league.

 

Central Waters is a good beer. It's not quite like BCBS, but a damn fine BBA stout.

I also have some Dragon's Milk, and IMO that would maybe be closer? Not sure, I haven't had any of those three in a while. Certainly never side by side by side

 

and similar in taste.

 

I would not put it in near the same category as BCBS, it has a thinner mouthfeel and the flavor is not the same. Although, I get similar flavors from both, the proportions are very different. In CW's I get way more vanilla and bourbon, less dark fruit, and in BCBS, way more chocolate/dark fruits, lighter on the bourbon, and medium vanilla. Quantifiably, they are very different beers, is CW cheaper and more readily available yes, but I still wouldn't say it is a cheaper version of BCBS, because they aren't similar enough, I just think they are both great bba stouts with different flavor profiles

 

Did the same thing. Not even close to the same animal. Quality beer but not immense in body and weight like BCBS...not as full flavored either

 

Since you opened this big can of warms, can we go fishing and drink some bcbs/cwbas now? I got a bottle of both to compair

 

Not even close to BCBS. Much thinner and a lot less flavor.

 

Not even close.

 

This. The Barleywine is legit as hell though.

 

It's a great alternative given its half the cost and say easier to get, though it's a definite step down. The anniversary barrel aged stouts, however, I think are a step above bcbs. I'd put them up against anything

 

No, not close. Not a knock on CW, but BCBS is far superior.

 

They are both great and different. I prefer CW because I can get it easily and wow trading partners who have never had it by including it as extras. I've gotten a universal, "holy crap that's great!" response from all of them.
I am also lucky enough to have a place down the road that has CW BA stout and BW on tap all year round, so I can get it anytime I want. I think I'll have both tonight

 

I'll agree with pretty much everyone on this thread not from Wisconsin. Not all that similar, and for me, not as good, but I do enjoy the CW beer. As mentioned already ad nauseum lacks the body and intensity of BCBS with its super thick fudge brownie and booze flavors.

There are days where I'd probably prefer the CW beer...one doesn't have to be totally steamrolled all the time with an utterly massive beer. CW is clearly an easier drinker.

Personal taste - I prefer CW's BA BW and Scotch Ales to the stout and think those are both really world class.

 

I love both as well, but generally find myself grabbing the CW over BCBS. It's easier to drink on a work night, and very tasty. Though I haven't had many aged BCBS, I understand it probably ages better that CW. The CW bourbon tends to fall off a bit after a year or so. Just my opinion, but I like it better fresh.

 

I am a big fan of CW! Their barrel program is first class. For me, BCBS is more of an occasion beer, definitely a weekend beer (or special occasion) for me while CW I could enjoy more often. BCBS is so big a sweet that although I love it, only crave it occasionally. Love them both, for different reasons. As other have mentioned, I would definitely put CW BW on par with BCBW. They are both great and equal IMO. Would put their BA scotch ale on par with Founders Backwoods Bastard, with CW a little smoother and "lighter" than FBB.

 

But lacking in body and flavor.