 brewandbbq (201), Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
Apr 21, 2008 Vintage 2004...
Had been saving this one bottle for a mini-vertical when Full Sail released a new batch. I didn’t figure it would be four years!
Pours opaque black with a one-inch head of dark tan foam. The frothy head subsided quickly, leaving a few traces of dotted lacework.
Aromatics are amazingly vineous. A smokey chocolate base, with a winelike, boozy bourbon following through. Slightly charrish and oaky, with ripe fruits and espresso grounds.
Slickish and smooth mouthfeel. Liquid velvet.
Carbonation is on the low side and adds some creaminess.
A blast of rounded bourbon, dark chocolate, and espresso lead off the pallet. Warming on the exhale.
A red wine vineousity follows closely behind the bourbon, and oaky tannins bring on some dryness.
Finishes with tannic red grapes, bitter chocolate, and lingering mellowed bourbon.
Wowza. A tremendously complex and sophisticated brew. Amazing vineousity which I was not expecting.
Let’s see how the 2008 compares...
kp (6000), Woodstock, Georgia, USA
Apr 5, 2008 Name: BA Imperial Porter
Date: 03/22/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting, Cellar Party
Vintage: 2008
Appearance: black, fine tan head,
Aroma: sweet whiskey and dark chocolate aroma,
Flavor: lots of bourbon flavor long with the chocolate and dark caramel sweetness, lots like a bourbon filled chocolate candy,
Aroma: 8/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 8/10; Palate: 7/10; Overall: 17/20
Rating: 4.1/5.0
Drinkability: 8/10
Score: ***+/4
SuzyGreenberg (799), Seattle, Washington, USA
Dec 3, 2007 draft @ bigwood fest - jet black with thin head; roasted aromas almost blocked completely by the bourbon aromas; drinks smooth and thin with mild aromas and obvious bourbon hints again; seemed more like a good porter spiked with bourbon rather than a beer aged in bourbon; same kind of feeling as a few other porters i tried this night
glkaiser (872), Seattle, Washington, USA
Nov 30, 2007 Updated: Jan 31, 20082004 Keg at Big Wood Fest. Tons of chocolate, vanilla and nutty bourbon/oak. Obvious soy present, but not enough to ruin it for me. Smooth as all hell. Subdued alcohol. Really enjoy this one despite it’s flaws.
Old_Mr_Crow (982), Seattle, Washington, USA
Nov 30, 2007 2004 keg on tap at the Brouwers Bigwood fest Nov ’07.
Dark pour with big lacing. Very strong bourbon overwhelms the nose; chocolate but lots of oxidation; I think this one may have seen better days. Strong alcohol burn. Nonetheless, not bad.
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