guyinchicago (196), marengo, Illinois, USA Apr 24, 2008 on tap at brewery black with thick brown head the first thing i noticed was the bourbon didn’t make you feel like you were drinking whiskey it was very mild it said they were 17 year old bourbon barrels i dont know if thats what mellowed it or just being a stout not an imperial stout non the less i really enjoyed this beer
Brewosk (137), Illinois, USA Mar 25, 2007 Very nice bourbon barrel stout with a great cherry flavor. A very good late night sipper Brigadier (833), Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA Mar 6, 2007 On tap at brewpub
There were three special releases the day I visited - this and two Belgians. Given that the other two packed a little more of a punch I started with this. According to the board it is their normal stout aged for 16 months in Woodford Reserve barrels. However, do not be deceived - since the base was not an imperial stout this one is not an automatic entry into the Top 50. Still, it is pretty enjoyable despite a few oddities.
Aroma / Appearance - The nose coming off of this beer is one of the most unusual I have come across in a bourbon barrel aged beer. I’m not sure how they did it but the combination of bourbon, cherry pie filling, peaches, lemon and sea salt creates a very interesting sensation. I am reminded of the smell of Jolly Ranchers. The beer giving off this aroma is a deep black with a thin sandy head.
Flavor / Palate - Creamy bourbon, peach Jolly Rancher, pears and cherries create a very sweet fruity introduction. As it fades the stout characteristics come out strongly as black coffee. The malty dry finish wipes away the last remnants of sweetness. The alcohol is well hidden but this is still a definite sipping beer. Cornfield (4254), Oak Lawn, Illinois, USA Dec 16, 2006 Black and headless, this has an aroma of Boubon, sweet cherries, dark malt, and a bit of vanilla. The Bourbon carries the flavor, the malt, cherries, and oak playing a subservient role. This ale now has a 6.2% abv rather than the posted 5.8%. No matter. Not bad, but not great.
<font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=2247>Carlyle Brewing Company, Rockford, IL<font size=-1>
gws57 (951), Saint Charles, Illinois, USA Nov 22, 2006 Had this one on draught at the brewpub. A bit too alcoholic in the finish for me. It’s still pretty good though. I’m very impressed by Carlyle’s stuff.
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