 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Feb 1, 2005 Updated: May 22, 2007
2005 draught XBF05.
Dark black, mostly likely opaque body with a surprisingly decent-sized head for a barrel-aged beer. Sharp notes of brandy soaked prunes, Spanish coffee, Irish coffee, vanilla blossoms. Pretty interesting aroma, all told. Flavor has some sharp alcohol notes, syrupy bourbon, light bakers chocolate and plenty of harsh dryness on the finish. Medium-full flavor, but a bit loose in texture. I keep finding some out-of place syrupiness. And what I loved about the Breakfast stout (lack of astringency and acid/alcohol) really seems to be a problem here. Sharp, bitter and too alcoholic. 7/4/6/3/12
Draught at Redbones, 8/6/06
Stuff only lasted 2 days and I can see why. First sip cold actually produces a perfect breakfast stout flavor up front, with chocolate and lightly dry roastiness following. The bourbon comes on the end, and is at first, quite sharp and apparent, with harsh tannins and vinousness. However, that was only the first sip or two. As it warmed, it actually got to the point where it was only minimally noticeable. Just adding some dryness and another layer of complexity. In short, another one of the few times I’ve had a barrel aged stout done correctly and not dominated by it. Very slick, lightly chewy body on draught with near-perfect carbonation levels. Some vanilla and coffee, with some warm bourbon notes trail off very pleasantly. 7/3/8/5/16.
Draught at Redbones on 5/4/07
Hmm, not that this was overly bourbony this time, nor was it too hoppy or messy. But this time, it actually seemed a little bit muted/dull what have you. Somewhat chalky and very roasty, but the brilliant sweetness matched with juicy, fresh hops seems to be gone this year. I’m still impressed that it’s not overdone, but it didnt seem to have much character this batch. Lots of dry chocolate, heavy, dullish roast and probably a lot of neutral barrel tannin accounting for the more lackluster feel/flavor/aroma this time around. Bound to happen as the barrels get used. Score is a rough average of my 3 experiences with it thus far.
Gregis (923), Shawnee, Kansas, USA
Oct 6, 2008 Bottle purchased at Crown #15, in Fishers, IN. Pours like black coffee, from the bottle, raising a thin, creamy dark cocoa head that leaves cascading, patchy lace upon the snifter. The nose is of old coffee blended with bourbon and a light note of cigarette ash. This is NOT among my favorite noses on an imperial stout. As I see all of the 8s & 9s running down this page, I have to wonder if I have a poorly handled bottle or if my nose is just off this evening. Medium-bodied and oily with a moderately astringent finish. Sweet, roasty, fruity dark malt with a sweet, oaky bourbon backing and a light tobacco ashiness at the finish. This beer definitely improves as it nears room temperature, but with it’s reputation, I was expecting much more. It’s good... but not great.
bp (313), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Oct 4, 2008 Bottle: pours a nice dark motor oil black with a thin tan head that was quick to disappear, aroma is loaded with coffee, a hint of the bourbon, tobacco and oak, taste is coffee, dark chocolate, bourbon, a touch bitter, medium body which is probably the only disappointment for me. I’d like to have this feel a little heavier. Still very good stuff!
Pastor (280), Maine, USA
Oct 3, 2008 A 07 Bottle poured into a tulip glass produce a coco colored head that left little lace on top of a pitch black body
Big roasted malts (chocolate and coffee) smell coming off my glass some wood quality in the nose as well even a little tobacco smell that kind of threw me a curve
You can taste the bourbon a little vanilla, of coarse the chocolate and espresso hit your taste buds too. Great mouthfeel to it like a stout should be rich and smooth
Great sippability on this not to be drank quickly as you can tell If I saw this on a shelf I would not pass it by
kegbear (103), Orange, California, USA
Oct 3, 2008 Bottle, Aroma of coffee, dark dried fruits and bourbon. Tastes strongly of coffee, dried fruit, chocolate, vanilla and bourbon. Not too strong on the bourbon side. I really liked this one.
Alraomon (63), Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Sep 28, 2008 Courtesy cdumler. Thanks for sharing!
Dark brownish black. Head is touch, but retention is okay.
Coffee and malts, with chocolate notes. It’s quite reminiscent of a Coffee Crisp bar (more familiar to the Canadians, I believe, though it can be found in the US, as well). A nice blend of the two.
Very deep roasted malts and coffee flavours. Some bitterness and a touch of astringency that stings a little. A creamy mouthfeel and light on the carbonation... almost like heavily creamed coffee in some ways.
Tasty, and somewhat candy line in some ways. The coffee flavours might be a little on the artificial side, but definitely taste great. I’d happily have it again, though it’s almost sinful.
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