 willblake (1932), Long Branch, New Jersey, USA
Oct 10, 2005
09.29.05 GABF Why in the world did they have the bottles of this stuff buried in a tub of ice? Well, it’s black as can be, even in the tiny GABF tasting cup, and I get little to zero head on the multiple pours. Great nose melds bourbon and oak nicely with chocolate and tobacco. I don’t get the smoke notes that many talked about, but there seems to be a dry, earthy quality to it that could be the wood or could be the barrel’s pitch. Either way, it’s complimentary and nice. A sure bitterness pervades mixing bitter roast and woody hops. Long and roasty finish could be more bitter, but there’s a sweet coating, like the exhale of a flavored pipe tobacco. Very nice.
kegbear (81), Orange, California, USA
Sep 7, 2008 Bottle thanks to KingpinIPA. Wonderful aroma of dried prunes, sweet cherry, dates, vanilla. Great thick mouthfeel. Tastes of prunes, dark fruit, carmel, vanilla and bourbon. Finish gives a really nice alcohol warmth. I really liked this one.
bretupdegraff (64), Fishers, Indiana, USA
Sep 5, 2008 Sweet smokey aroma - virtually no head and I poured it pretty hard- First sip threw me hard with a strong licorice and dark fruit kick. Aftertaste is kinda bourbon smoke. not a bad brew -very strong ABV at 13% and you can taste it. I think the dark fruit might be a bit too strong for my taste.
SuperDave70 (768), Arizona, USA
Aug 31, 2008 This bottle somehow ended up in my cooler at a local tasting, thanks hellbilly! Pours a thick dark black with a small tan head that eventually fights it way to the top. Big aroma of roasted malt, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, bourbon and alcohol. Flavor is much the same, with the addition of dark fruit. Thick and creamy on the palate. A bit of an alcohol burn on the otherwise sweet, sticky finish. A fantastic brew!
BigJoe7231 (20), Schererville, Indiana, USA
Aug 29, 2008 Good stuff! Pours black, with almost no head. Smells of sweet bourbon oak. The 13% ABV is disguised nicely by the bourbon and chocolately overtones.
SHANER4 (208), Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Aug 29, 2008 Poured a black violet color with small head. Aroma is very strong - smelled like bourbon smoke and cofee grounds. Taste is very strong, high ABV. is very evident. definte sipping brew. Flavor of smoke and coffee on palate with a strong alcohol finish. This beer is rated quite high, I am surprised because of overpowering alcohol flavor. Combine bourbon and coffee and you have this brew.
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