225 of the Best Barrel aged Imperial Stouts, Blind-Tasted and Ranked

Learn about how we rate & review beers with our BJCP blind panel here


Captain Lawrence Brewing Company Barrel-Aged Frost Monster (82)

“Frost Monster Imperial Stout aged in oak barrels.”

Boulder Beer The Dude’s D’Spare (82)

“Uses a blend of specialty malts for a dark chocolate, roasty flavor with hints of black licorice. Aging it in first-use Cabernet wine barrels adds depth, bringing out soft fruit flavors and subtle oakiness.”

Wichita Brewing Co. Catherine III Russian Imperial Stout (82)

“Crack this beer open and discover a deep black landscape of chocolate, oak, whiskey, roasted coffee, and a hint of distant smoke. As if she couldn't possibly exhibit any more characteristics, you'll soon realize a rush of dark fruit-like esters as contributed by the distinct Scottish ale yeast responsible for such a miraculous development.”

Coronado Brewing Company Barrel-Aged Stupid Stout (83)

“A roasty, chocolaty barrel-aged liquid treasure that leaves you dreaming of vanilla bourbon notes.”

Thirsty Dog Brewing Company Barrel-Aged Siberian Night (83)

“Our Siberian Night Russian imperial stout aged for 11 months in fresh bourbon barrels. The dark chocolate malt yields a milk chocolate flavor that blends perfectly with the vanilla flavor from the barrel.”

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers Barrel-Aged Scarface (83)

“The bourbon barrel-aged edition of Scarface will assault your senses with sweet caramel, oak, and vanilla.”

Prairie Artisan Ales Pirate Noir (83)

“Pirate Noir is our Jamaican rum barrel–aged imperial oatmeal stout. This beer adds intense notes of vanilla, coconut, and rum to our Prairie Noir.”

AleSmith Brewing Company Speedway Stout (Vietnamese Coffee) (83)

“This Vietnamese coffee version of Speedway Stout is and continues to be AleSmith's most popular variation of the ever-growing Speedway Stout collection. Since 2012 we have been adding this blend of four Vietnamese coffees, known in Vietnam as cà phê sa đá, to our popular imperial stout. The coffee beans were slowly roasted at low temperatures and then brewed by AleSmith with a traditional phin-style filter that gently percolates water through the ground coffee. The result is an intensely aromatic and bold tasting coffee that complements the notes of chocolate and roast in this massive stout.”

Kannah Creek Brewing Company The Demise of Ivan 2016 (84)

“This complex beer was aged for nine to twelve months in bourbon oak barrels, bringing out notes of tobacco, raisins, figs, and undertones of dark cherry. Enjoy now or age for several years.”

Melvin Brewing Eureka (House of Flying Barrels) Three Years! (85)

“S’mores-inspired smoked imperial stout blended with bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout with vanilla beans, maple syrup, cacao, cinnamon, graham crackers added.”

Lift Bridge Brewery Silhouette with Vanilla (85)

“Brewed in the style of an imperial stout and aged in bourbon barrels with whole Madagascar vanilla beans for up to 4 years.”

Great Divide Brewing Company Oak Aged Y (85)

“Crack open Yeti Imperial Stout’s sophisticated sibling Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout. Although these beers come from the same clan, they have entirely different personalities. Aging on a blend of French and toasted oak chips infuses a subtle oak and vanilla character into Yeti's already intense chocolate, roasted coffee malt flavor and hugely assertive hops profile. Who says you can't tame a Yeti?”

Full Sail Brewing Co. Bourbon Barrel Stout (85)

“This beer was brewed in November of 2015 and was carefully aged for months in Wild Turkey Bourbon casks from Kentucky. This extended aging presents hints of vanilla and allows the stout to pick up the flavors of the wood, bourbon, and oak. This year’s Bourbon Barrel–Aged Stout is inky black with aroma of dried cherry, shaved chocolate, and whiskey. It has a full malty palate with flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, cherry, dried figs, and a subtle hint of molasses.”

pFriem Family Brewers Rum Barrel Aged Porter (85)

"We age our Imperial Porter for a year in barrels kissed by the Caribbean, giving pFriem’s Rum Barrel Aged Porter notes of chocolate truffles, ripe cherries and vanilla beans. Drink in this captivating brew and taste luscious decadence."

Kannah Creek Brewing Company Demise of Ivan (86)

“Aged for 9–12 months in bourbon oak barrels bringing out notes of tobacco, raisins, and figs, and undertones of dark cherry. Enjoy now or age for several years.”

Solemn Oath Brewery The Black Corridor (86)

Double Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout which spent ten months in Willet bourbon barrels and an additional six months in Weller bourbon barrels. After barrel-aging, the beer is laid down for an additional six weeks to bottle condition. This process produces minimal carbonation which allows the depth and beauty of the barrel character to shine without the tinge of effervescence.

Burial Beer Co Ninth Passing (86)

“Rum and bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout with toasted coconut, cocoa nibs, vanilla beans.”

The Veil Brewing Company Sleeping Forever Grand Cru 2020 (86)

“Blend of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old barrel-aged imperial stout.”

The Bruery Black Tuesday Grand Reserve (86)

"Triple barrel-aged imperial stout."

Horus Aged Ales Pallas's Pere (86)

"William Larue Weller bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout."

Fort George Brewery Matryoshka 2022 w/ Vanilla, Cardamom, Ginger, Cinnamon and Coffee (86)

“Barrel-aged Russian imperial stout with vanilla, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, coffee.”

Great Notion Brewing Bourbon Barrel Aged Jumbo (86)

“Imperial stout aged in a Widow Jane bourbon barrel with marshmallows, vanilla beans, pecans.”

MadTree Brewing Barrel-Aged Axis Mundi (86)

“The Siberians believed a ‘World Tree’ connects worlds through its roots and branches. While this Russian imperial stout isn’t the world’s cosmic axis, it does connect you to rich flavors.”

pFriem Family Brewers Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout (86)

Aged Oola Distiller’s bourbon barrels for a year, resulting in huge roasted malt, chocolate mousse, coconut, and ripe cherry flavors.

Ecliptic Brewing Barrel-aged Oort (86)

"Named after the mysterious region of our solar system that breeds comets, Oort Imperial Stout has massive amounts of roasted barley combined with three types of Caramel malts for a rich, full mouth feel. Chinook, Cascade and Sterling hops lend a balanced bitterness and subtle hop flavor. This barrel-aged version slumbered for twelve months, imparting notes of rich, bitter chocolate, vanilla and oak."

Four Peaks Brewing Company Sirius Black (86)

“Sirius Black is our Russian lmperial Stout to which we have added more complexity by adding locally roasted Indian Monsooned Malabar coffee and licorice root to the beer. It has an intense roasted malt and coffee aroma with flavors of toffee and caramel as well as a slight alcoholic "heat."

Single Hill Brewing Company Reserve - Osa Major (86)

"This imperial stout was aged in Westland American Single Malt Whiskey barrels, imparting stellar notes of dark roast coffee, sweet vanilla, and cocoa powder."

The Pike Brewing Company 2015 Pike Entire Wood-Aged Stout (87)

“Smooth and chocolaty, reminiscent of small-batch bourbon with its vanilla and wood overtones. Aged in Woodinville Whiskey barrels, which impart creamy vanilla and whiskey flavors.”

Roaring Table Brewing Sunburnt Mirth 2020 (87)

"Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Mole Milk Stout."

Main & Mill Brewing Co. Barrel-Aged Imperial Chocolate Peanut Butter Jifforia (87)

Brewed with peanut butter and cacao nibs. Aged in Four Roses bourbon barrels.

The Big Friendly Bourbon Barrel Oil Boom (87)

“Imperial stout aged in Makers Mark Private Select bourbon barrels.”

The Bruery Aloha Friday (87)

"Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels with toasted coconut and macadamia nuts."

Stone Brewing Company Bitter Chocolate Oakmeal (87)

“A recipe of unsweetened chocolate, flaked oats, and dark-roasted malts is made even more complex, care of bourbon oak barrels that impart oak and coconut-like flavors up front while accentuating the smooth mid-palate with oak vanillin notes.”

River North Brewery Mr. Sandman (87)

“Nightmare Fuel minus the coffee.”

Melvin Brewing Eureka (House of Flying Barrels) 2 Years (87)

"Imperial Smoked Wheat Stout aged for 18months in Weller Bourbon barrels with Coconut and toasted Pistachios added. Made to commemorate our 2 year anniversary."

Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company Beasts of Bourbon (88)

Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout blended with Bourbon Barrel Aged Barlewine

Big Grove Brewery and Taproom Richard the Whale (88)

“Our bourbon barrel–aged Russian imperial stout.”

Reuben's Brews Barrel Aged Stout (88)

“This brew is a rich, big imperial stout deliberately brewed to age in bourbon barrels for many months. It has a rich body, vanilla notes, bourbon, light oak, and an underlying flavor profile of smooth milk chocolate.”

Pondaseta Brewing Co. Rye Barrel Aged Castle Black (88)

"Castle Black is an American Imperial stout with huge roast emphasis. We aged it for 9 months in Willet Rye Barrels and the result is bursting with Rye Whiskey aroma balanced by a complex and roasty mid section, and finishing with a nuanced caramel and vanilla derived from the barrel."

Port Brewing Churchill's Finest Hour (88)

"Smooth with tons of cocoa and a hint of bourbon."

Fifty West Brewing BBA Death Valley Shootout (88)

"Rich notes of baker's chocolate, maple sap, and tobacco blend with barrel character."

Elevation Beer Company Oil Man (88)

“Much like the sweet light crude oil from the eastern plains of Colorado, this beer pours a deep black with an unbelievable coffee-colored head. Aromatics of sweet malt and bourbon envelop the nose. The malt profile continues through the palate from beginning to end with subtle hints of chocolate, coffee, and of course, bourbon.”

Chapman Crafted Ballad of the Barrels (88)

Imperial stout aged in Buffalo Trace barrels.

Perrin Brewing Company No Rules 2021 (88)

"NO RULES were followed throughout the creation of this product. This 15% Imperial Porter was made with coconut and turbinado sugar then laid down and aged in bourbon barrels for several months. We hope you enjoy this product as much as we did making it!"

The Virginia Beer Company Pocket Square (89)

“A Knob Creek barrel-aged imperial stout with toasted coconut and Indonesian vanilla.”

Single Hill Brewing Company Overstory with Hazelnuts, Vanilla, & Chocolate (89)

“Dessert flavors of hazelnut, vanilla, chocolate with our blend of barrel-aged imperial stout.”

Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse Demons Run Coconut Vanilla (89)

“Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout with coconut and vanilla beans added.”

Anchorage Brewing Blessed (89)

"Blend of ... barrel–aged imperial stouts finished on tons of coconut and Madagascar vanilla beans."

Highland Brewing Southern Nouveau Cafe au Lait (89)

"Barrel-aged imperial breakfast stout with coffee, maple syrup, vanilla, cacao nibs, and lactose."

Mikerphone Brewing In Unison Vol. 1 (89)

“Blend of barrel-aged barleywine and imperial stouts.”

Fremont Brewing Barrel Aged Dark Star Spice Wars (89)

“This year’s release is a blend of 18, 12, and 8-month bourbon barrel–aged KDS Dark Star in 12-year-old Kentucky Bourbon barrels. The roasted and chocolate malts complement the smooth oats to bring you a stout delight wrapped in the gentle embrace of bourbon barrel–aged warmth. A touch of sweetness dances in balance with the hops to finish with a wave, and then she’s gone.”

Cape May Brewing Bourbon Barrel-Aged Concrete Ship (89)

Russian imperial stout aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels.

New Image Brewing Co Anaphora B2 (89)

“Imperial stout aged in bourbon, rum, and rye barrels.”

Perennial Artisan Ales Société du Chêne 2022, Papua New Guinea (89)

“Imperial stout with Papua New Guinea vanilla beans aged in Weller barrels. A blend of 67 percent aged 17 months and 33 percent aged 16 months.”

Abandoned Building Brewery Belladonna (89)

"Big notes of vanilla, wood, chocolate, and bourbon infuse this imperial stout."

Amalgam Brewing Other Realms (89)

Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels for 14 months.

Broad Brook Brewing Company Rooster Inhaler Barrel Aged Imperial Stout (90)

“Russian imperial stout. Roasted-chocolate and burnt-malt flavors. Aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels.”

Fonta Flora Brewery At Whipoorwill Farm A Decade Under the Imperial Stout (90)

“Conditioned on 10 ingredients, selected by 10 different breweries.”

Elevation Beer Oil Man Imperial Stout (90)

"Notes of bourbon, oak, chocolate, tobacco, and licorice."

Hoppin’ Frog BA T.O.R.I.S. the Tyrant Triple Oatmeal-Imperial Stout (90)

Super-tasty rich, dark, and flavorful with complementary characteristics of oak, vanilla, and whiskey.

Transient Artisan Ales Buckley Reserve #2 (90)

“Imperial stout with vanilla, Tugboat coffee, maple syrup, aged in a whiskey foeder for 1 year, then in Blis Maple Syrup barrels for 1 year.”

Two Roads Brewing Co Igor's Dream (90)

“Unorthodox Russian imperial stout made with rye and aged in bourbon and rye-whiskey barrels.”

Browar Pinta Immensity (90)

“Imperial stout aged in bourbon maple barrels infused with maple syrup, vanilla, coffee.”

Lakefront Brewery Black Friday 2019 (90)

"Combines massive caramel and roasted malts with huge vanilla and oak flavor."

2nd Shift Brewing Pinckney Bend BBA Liquid Spiritual Delight (90)

"American-style imperial stout aged in Pinckney Bend Distillery bourbon barrels."

12 West Brewing Sacrifices (90)

"Double-mashed stout aged in Four Roses barrels for more than a year."

Judaculla Nantahala Brewing Company (90)

“Judaculla (pronounced JOOda KULLa) is our Russian imperial stout made with local sorghum syrup and wildflower honey and aged in Jack Daniels barrels for three months. Judaculla, or Tsul'kalu, is a Cherokee beast of legend. This slant-eyed Master of Game was said to have had seven toes on each foot and left marks in earth and rock when he jumped up and down.”

Mother’s Brewing Native Oak Version 2 (90)

A blend of four imperial stouts selected from our favorite barrels.

Greater Good Imperial Brew Co Bourbon Barrel Aged Evana (90)

“Aged in bourbon barrels. Creamy chocolate flavors with a smooth and subtle bourbon flavor reign supreme.”

Rhinegeist Brewery Barrel-Aged Ink (91)

“Our Ink imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels.”

Hop Butcher For the World Lincoln Anniversary Stout (91)

“Bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout.”

The Veil Brewing Company Pallbearer Reserve Melange (91)

“Blend of apple brandy barrel-aged imperial stout and bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout.”

Free Will Brewing Company Decadent Chocolate Ralphius (91)

In collaboration with Pierre’s Chocolates (New Hope, Pennsylvania), we carefully selected a blend of responsibly sourced Central and South American cacao nibs and chocolate to age with this particular variant of our bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout, Ralphius.

Moksa Brewing Co Soulful Memories (91)

“Imperial stout aged in George T. Stagg bourbon barrels for 22 months.”

DESTIHL Brewery Dosvidanya Rye (91)

"Our Dosvidanya Rye has deep, rich, dark-chocolate maltiness and earthy, spicy rye flavors."

Crooked Run Brewing Virtue (91)

"Blend of multiple stouts aged in port barrels from Stone Tower Winery."

Avery Brewing Night Warden (91)

"Strong notes of vanilla and caramel from fresh whiskey barrels complement a roasted malt bill ... a smooth and full-bodied stout."

10 Torr Brewing Menacing Vibrations (91)

"Roasty and deep ... providing swirling intense flavors of coffee, chocolate, bourbon, and vanilla."

Verboten Little Nonsense (91)

“This imperial oatmeal stout was aged for nine months in bourbon barrels. Robust flavors of dark malts, the smoothness of oats, and the complementary flavors the bourbon barrels bring will warm you up this winter.”

EPIC Brewing Company Big Bad Baptista (91)

“Big Bad Baptista is inspired by traditional Mexican coffee, Café de Olla, which is served with cinnamon and piloncillo, an unrefined sugar. A combination of vanilla, cinnamon, Mexican coffee roasted by Blue Copper, and Solstice Chocolate cacao nibs.”

Smog City Brewing Company Infinite Wishes (91)

“Infinite Wishes is an inspired reimagination of a classic imperial stout, Decadently aged for twelve months in bourbon barrels. Infinite Wishes draws from the depths of nothingness and pours obsidian-black with intense aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and cooked sugar finishing with the layered richness of a bourbon chocolate pie.”

Evil Twin Brewing Even More Jesus (91)

“A few times in the history of craft beer it has happened that a highly praised beer rises beyond mortal stardom into a higher godly league. Usually the recipe to make such heavenly drops is thick fudge-like body, pitch black color, amazingly overwhelming aromas of chocolate, coffee, dark fruits and muscovado sugar, obviously only made in limited amounts and most crucial of all—it must taste rare!”

Verboten Brewing Vanilla Not a Speck of Light (91)

"Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels with Tahitian vanilla added."

Hop Butcher/Solemn Oath Hobson (91)

A massively rich imperial milk stout, full of chocolate, that has a smooth warming finish with just a hint of smoke.

Ozark Beer Company BDCS 2021 (91)

"Imperial Double Cream Stout aged in Bourbon Barrel for 8 months."

Deschutes Brewery The Abyss Coconut (91)

“Roasted coconut flakes, licorice, cherry bark, vanilla beans on top of an imperial stout aged in whiskey barrels.”

Incendiary Brewing Company Spiritus Mundi (91)

“Blend of black barleywine and imperial stout, both aged in Weller bourbon barrels.”

Elevation Beer Company Coconut Oil Man (91)

“Aged in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels, brewed with organic coconut.”

SweetWater Brewing Company Bourbon Barrel–Aged Imperial Stout (92)

“Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a supremely rich, full-bodied imperial stout laced with subtle notes of chocolate and bourbon, acquired while aging in bourbon barrels. A big beer at 11.2 percent ABV, this is the highest ABV creation SweetWater will release this year.”

Burial Beer Co Anno Domini MMXXI (2021) Rum Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut, Hazelnut, and Mexican Vanilla Bean (92)

"This Imperial Stout is aged in Caribbean rum barrels for over a year, and after racking back to steel, we aged it on accompanying doses of macaroon coconut, toasted hazelnuts and Mexican vanilla bean. Sip longingly on toasted coconut daiquiris, hazelnut rum cake, drizzled with vanilla creme anglaise and washed down with a stiff Nutella frapp with Bacardi floater."

Green Bench Brewing Co The Lifted Veil (92)

The Lifted Veil is a blend of Foursquare Rum barrel-aged Imperial Stouts, and Heaven Hill 7-year barrel-aged English-style Barleywines, all aged for nearly 2 years prior to blending. Bold and complex, The Lifted Veil is a treat: warm chocolate and sweet caramel with nuanced vanilla, cocoa, and molasses barrel character.

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. BA Awaken, My Love (92)

“Barrel-aged imperial stout made with coffee and cinnamon.”

Deschutes Brewery The Abyss (92)

"Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with hints of molasses and licorice."

North Park Beer Co. Mostra Before Dying (92)

"Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout conditioned on toasted coconut, shredded coconut, Veracruz Mexican vanilla beans, and a proprietary blend of Mostra Coffee's Ethiopian Anaerobic Honey Coffee and Ghost Bear Espresso Blend Coffee."

Hoppin' Frog Brewing Extended Barrel-Aged D.O.R.I.S. The Destroyer Double Oatmeal Imperial Stout (92)

"Extra-long aging in select Bourbon Barrels adds intense flavors and aromas of oak, toasted vanilla, and fine tobacco to the deep-roasted and full-bodied character of our infamous Double Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout."

Aspen Brewing Co. Barrel Aged 10th Mountain (92)

“Eight types of malt and a blend of English and American hops are combined to create a decadent beer worthy of sipping by the fire or sharing with friends. This brew pours black as a cold winter night and it’s powerful enough to keep you warm, too.”

Main & Mill Brewing Co. Bourbon Barrel–Aged Carpathian 2019 (92)

Imperial stout base aged in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels.

Westbound & Down BA Western Justice (92)

"A blend of 21-, 15-, and 10-month imperial stout from some of our favorite barrels."

Epic Brewing Co., LLC Sextuple Barrel Big Bad Baptist (92)

"Imperial Stout aged in Whiskey Barrels with Barrel-Aged Coffee, Barrel-Aged Cacao, Barrel-Aged Coconut, Barrel-Aged Almonds and Barrel-Aged Salt."

Westbound & Down Brewing Company Single Barrel Select: Heaven Hill Double Absence (92)

"Double mash Imperial Stout aged 11 months in a single Heaven Hill Rye barrel."

Verboten Brewing Not a Speck of Light (92)

"Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels."

Schlafly Beer/The Saint Louis Brewery Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (93)

“Brewed with a big malt flavor, plenty of hops bitterness, and roasted barley for notes of dark chocolate. Aged in freshly emptied Kentucky bourbon barrels.”

Oskar Blues Brewery Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY (93)

“Our titanic, immensely viscous Ten FIDY stout aged in bourbon barrels.”

The Bruery So Happens It’s Tuesday (93)

“Dark and delicious like Black Tuesday, but in a more affable format. Things happen, and life goes on. This beer can be enjoyed in all of those moments and seasons.”

Forgotten Road Ales M 3rd 25th: Fires of Nightmares (93)

“Bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout with cinnamon and vanilla.”

Uhl’s Brewing Co Deep Dark Depths (93)

['"Unencumbered by spice or flavor additives, this unique barrel aged imperial stout explodes with bourbon character, enveloping an incredibly complex base Imperial Stout with divine layers of chocolate malt flavor. It’s been slumbering for 10', '176 hours, soaking up all that goodness - now it’s time to share."\n']

Madhouse Brewing Barrel Aged Carpe Diem 2019 (93)

Bourbon barrel-aged imperial breakfast stout made with oats, chocolate, Kona coffee, and bourbon barrel–aged Iowa maple syrup.

Narrow Gauge Brewing Barrel Aged Vanil (Batch #2) (93)

"Imperial stout aged in maple syrup bourbon barrels with Indian vanilla beans."

Foothills Brewing Dead & Berried Imperial Stout (93)

"Aged in Woodford Reserve barrels and finished with Oregon blackberries."

The Big Friendly Rummy (2023) (93)

“Imperial stout aged in Caribbean rum barrels.”

Incendiary Brewing Company Blessed Below (93)

“Blend of imperial stouts aged in bourbon barrels.”

Great Notion Brewing Timberbeast 2022 (93)

“Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels with Madagascar vanilla beans and Coava coffee.”

Moksa Brewing Grasp of Oak (93)

"An imperial stout aged in vanilla bourbon and apple brandy barrels for 23 months."

Ex Novo Brewing Kill the Sun (93)

"Notes of roasty dark chocolate, coffee, molasses, vanilla, marshmallows, graham crackers, and smooth whiskey."

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout 2016 (93)

“A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with thick foam the color of a bourbon barrel. The nose is an intense mix of charred oak, chocolate, vanilla, caramel and smoke.”

Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company Single Barrel Anarchy Project (93)

"Our Imperial Stout aged 15 months in a Laws whiskey barrel."

Wicked Weed Dark Arts (93)

“The third incarnation of this annual imperial stout has been aged since October 2015 in rum barrels. This beer was brewed with brown sugar, agave, and honey, then fermented using our house Brettanomyces culture.”

Fort George Brewery Bourbon Barrel Cavatica (94)

“Pours jet black with a lacy caramel head. Welcoming aroma of bourbon and roasted barley. Smooth and thick on the palate with a lingering warmness.”

Pontoon Brewing Company Barrel Aged German Chocolate Cake (94)

"Barrel-Aged imperial stout with coconut, chocolate, pecans, vanilla and lactose."

Main & Mill Brewing Co. Barrel-Aged Imperial Breakfast Stout 2019 (94)

Brewed with cinnamon, vanilla, Mississippi Mud Espresso, cacao nibs, and maple syrup. Aged in Four Roses bourbon barrels.

Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company Bourbon Barrel-Aged Leon Russian Imperial Stout (94)

“Brewed with handmade marshmallow fluff, graham crackers, and bittersweet baker’s chocolate and aged for six months in bourbon barrels.”

Kros Strain Brewing Company Imperial Stout (94)

“Imperial stout aged for 24 months in Heaven Hill barrels.”

Great Divide Brewing Barrel Aged Yeti (94)

"The spirited aging process produces a hugely complex but mellowed Yeti."

Bend Brewing Barrel Aged Trade War (94)

"Notes of bittersweet baker's chocolate and oak dominate with subtle spice notes and a full body."

Amalgam Brewing Singular Realm (94)

“Imperial stout aged in a single Stagg Jr. bourbon barrel.”

Mikerphone Brewing Amburana (94)

“Base imperial stout aged in a Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel and conditioned on Amburana spirals.”

Amalgam & Westbound & Down Meta Coconut (94)

"Blend of imperial stouts ... finished on more than a pound of toasted and raw coconut per gallon."

Station 26 Brewing Hell Bear (94)

"Full-bodied, roasted, and aged in a local Denver distillery's (Mythology) American whiskey barrels."

Jackie O's Brewery BA Dark Apparition (94)

"A truly decadent brew that is intended to be poured into your favorite snifter."

Amalgam Brewing Another Realm (94)

"Imperial stout aged in Blaum Bros. and Old Fitzgerald barrels."

Breakside Brewery Cute Metal (94)

"Blended Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon barrels for 12 months and aged on Ecuadorian chocolate/cacao nibs."

Crooked Stave Private Reserve Bourbon Barrel Imperial Oatmeal Stout #183 (94)

Imperial oatmeal stout aged for 27 months in a 5-year-old Old Forester bourbon barrel.

Finback Brewery Incarnation (94)

"Imperial snack stout with Philippines Sitio Belis coffee and maple. Aged in bourbon barrels."

Incendiary Brewing Company Our Darkest Days 2021 (94)

"Imperial dessert stout aged in Weller barrels and conditioned on chocolate covered malt balls."

Melvin Brewing Eureka (House of Flying Barrels) Night Visions - Vanilla Latte (94)

"Imperial Stout brewed with lactose sugar and aged on Ugandan Vanilla beans and SUMP coffee."

Fremont Brewing Bourbon Barrel Dark Star (95)

“The roasted and chocolate malts complement the smooth oats and bourbon barrel–aged warmth. A touch of sweetness dances in balance with the hops to finish.”

Lift Bridge Brewery Irish Coffee Stout (95)

“Milk stout is blended with whiskey barrel-aged imperial stout before it’s finished off with locally roasted coffee.”

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Seven Year Anniversary blend (95)

“Double barrel-aged imperial stout aged in maple bourbon barrels with maple syrup, coffee.”

Fremont Barrel Aged Dark Star 2016 (95)

“This year’s release is a blend of 18-, 12-, and 8-month bourbon barrel−aged KDS Dark Star in twelve-year-old Kentucky bourbon barrels. The roasted and chocolate malts complement the smooth oats to bring you a stout wrapped in the gentle embrace of bourbon barrel−aged warmth.”

River North Brewery Whiskey Barrel Aged Nightmare Fuel (95)

“2016 bourbon barrel–aged version of Nightmare Fuel. More heavenly. More horrifying.”

New Realm Brewing Wooded Reserve Series: Doomsday Hound Russian Imperial Stout aged in Templeton Rye Barrels (95)

"Russian Imperial Stout aged 9 months in Templeton Rye barrels. Doomsday Hound is a beast with a roasted coffee and cocoa character. Barrel aging adds depth with a warming rye spiciness and nuances of oak and a hint of tobacco. 2020 Vintage."

Firestone Walker Brewing Co Paraboloid (95)

“Imperial stout aged two years in 14- to 18-year-old whiskey barrels.”

American Solera Delta Blend (95)

“Imperial stout aged 12–18 months in whiskey barrels.”

Old Thunder Brewing A Glimmer in the Oak (95)

“An imperial stout aged in whiskey barrels with coffee.”

Melvin Brewing Vladimir Gluten (95)

"BA Russian imperial stout with vanilla and cocoa nibs."

Seventh Son Brewing Murmuration (95)

"Showcase[s] beer aged in spirit barrels, including bourbon, rum, rye, and others."

Revolution Brewing Deth's Tar 2019 (95)

"Layers of complexity, reminiscent of vanilla, toasted coconut, and caramel candy."

Mikerphone Brewing TMF (95)

"Blend of five different beers and barrels."

Humboldt Brewing Company Black Xantus (95)

“Our imperial stout is infused with fair-trade, organic coffee from a local roaster, Jobella, and aged for 6 months in a combination of bourbon, retired Firestone Union, and wine barrels.”

Odell Brewing Company Jolly Russian (95)

“Jolly Russian is a rich Russian imperial stout stowed away in rum barrels for aging. Dark as night and thick as the raging sea, this brew boasts notes of coffee and cocoa with waves of oak, spiced molasses, dried fruit, and vanilla from the planks.”

Rogue Ales Rolling Thunder (95)

“Black with ruby hues, Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout delivers a complex array of aromas and flavors that explode upon drinking, making this culmination of grain, oak, time, and effort a revolutionary experience.”

Goose Island Bourbon County Properietor's '16 (95)

“Each year this release will differ from the previous year. 2016 Variant—with chipotle peppers, cocoa nibs, and aged in bourbon barrels that previously stored maple syrup.”

Goose Island Beer Co. Suffolk County Stout (95)

"Imperial stout brewed with English hops and English malts then aged in Adnams Southwold single malt whisky barrels from Suffolk County, England."

The Veil Brewing Company Apple Brandy Pallbearer (95)

"Imperial Stout Aged in Laird's apple brandy barrels for 21 months."

Second Self Beer Malibu Doyle (95)

"Imperial coffee stout aged in rum barrels finished with toasted coconut."

Peculier Ales Maple Confessions (95)

English Barleywine aged for 18 months in a barrel that previously held whiskey, vanilla imperial stout, and maple syrup.

Cerebral Brewing Astral Predator (95)

A blend of Barleywine and Imperial Stout aged 24-28 months in 9 year EH Taylor Bourbon, 10 year Templeton Rye Whiskey and French XO Cognac Barrels, with tasting notes of Raisinets, Dutch Cocoa Powder and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Firestone Walker Brewing Co PNC Imperial Buckwheat Stout (95)

“A Firestone Walker classic returns with the 2021 vintage of PNC—an imperial buckwheat stout aged in bourbon, brandy, and tequila barrels.”

Westbound & Down Brewing Company School Night (96)

Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout & Barleywine Blend A blend of 14- and 18-month-old imperial stout and barleywine aged in Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, Weller, Austin Nichols and Woodford Reserve barrels. 

Cycle Brewing 6 Years Beers with Mexican Vanilla Beans (96)

"Barrel-aged imperial stout with Mexican vanilla beans."

New Image Brewing Three Halves (96)

Barrel-aged imperial stout with coffee, cacao, and vanilla.

Horus Aged Ales Coconut Convergence (96)

"Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel aged imperial stout with coconut candy, coconut syrup, coconut water, desiccated coconut, shredded coconut, and toasted coconut added."

River North Brewery Anniversary 11 Stout (96)

"Quadruple barrel aged imperial stout. Consecutively aged in CO Whiskey, KY Bourbon, CO Bourbon, and CO Single Malt Whiskey Barrels."

Fort George Brewery Matryoshka (96)

Bourbon barrel–aged Russian imperial stout.

Surly Brewing 2020 Barrel-aged Darkness (96)

"Massive Russian imperial stout matured in rye- whiskey barrels."

Oskar Blues Brewing Barrel Aged Ten Fidy (96)

"Aromas of molasses and vanilla mix with flavors of dark chocolate, espresso beans, and roasted barley."

Reuben's Brews Chocolate Box: Hazelnut Praline (96)

"Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels with hazelnut, cocoa nibs, and vanilla beans."

Perennial Artisan Ales Fantastic Voyage (96)

"Imperial stout with coconut, aged in whiskey barrels."

Epic Brewing Double Barrel Big Bad Baptist 2016 (96)

“Double Barrel Big Bad Baptist is the cream of the crop with only the choicest barrels selected for the blend, barrel-aged single-origin coffee, artisanal micro-batch cacao nibs, and our ceaseless passion for style.”

Transient Artisan Ales Kentuckley (96)

“The 2015 Buckley Imperial Breakfast Stout aged in bourbon barrels.”

4 Noses Toasted Coconut & Vanilla Ryeciprocal (96)

Russian imperial stout aged in rye whiskey barrels with toasted coconut and vanilla beans.

Perennial Artisan Ales Maman (96)

"Imperial Stout aged in barrels for 22-27 months."

Breakside Brewery Space Music (96)

"Blended Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon barrels for 14 months."

Alvarado Street Brewery Chop & Scrape Batch#2 (96)

"Imperial stout aged in a single vanilla extract bourbon barrel and then conditioned on vanilla beans."

Tripping Animals Brewing Company Navaho Churro (96)

"Imperial Stout brewed with Churros, Madagascar Vanilla, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, and Mexican Mezcal Barrel-Aged Mostra Coffee. This beer is in Collaboration with our great friends from 3 Sons Brewing and Mostra Coffee."

Westbound & Down Brewing Company Beyond Opulence (96)

"Imperial Oatmeal Stout aged 19 months in a Heaven Hill Rye barrel + Double Absence aged 9 months in a Heaven Hill Rye barrel with Madagascar Vanilla Beans + Finished on Ugandan Vanilla Beans & Macadamia Nuts = Beyond Opulence."

Lawson's Finest Liquids Coffee Fayston Maple Imperial Stout (96)

“This seasonal specialty is brewed with organic pale malt and almost 2 gallons of Vermont maple syrup per barrel. This cellar-aged brew is a huge, rich, and strong stout with a maple

Great Notion Brewing Radio Silence 2022 (97)

“Blend of 21- and 24-month bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout.”

Creature Comforts Brewing Concurrence Blend No. 1 (97)

Bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout with vanilla beans.

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Continuum II (97)

"Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout."

Alvarado Street Brewery Motor Oil 10 (97)

"A blend of barrel aged and non-barrel aged imperial stout conditioned on vanilla beans and cacao nibs."

La Cumbre La Negra (97)

“2016’s La Negra is our bourbon barrel-aged Russian imperial stout, brewed with our British pale malt and an enormous amount of roasted malts. The resulting beer has a big bourbon and raisin nose, a rich body, and a bittersweet cocoa finish.”

Weldwerks Barrel-Aged Mexican Achromatic (97)

“Brewed with roasted cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla beans and aged in Breckenridge Distillery bourbon barrels, Barrel Aged Mexican Achromatic is a rich, decadent beer.”

Surly Brewing Company 2021 Barrel-Aged Darkness (97)

"This special edition of our massive Russian imperial stout matured in Elijah Craig 12-year bourbon barrels and brings waves of chocolate, vanilla, dried fruit, and cherry flavors, enhanced by the oak and bourbon character of the barrel and its previous occupant."

Perennial Artisan Ales Barrel Aged Abraxas (97)

"Imperial stout brewed with ancho chili peppers, cinnamon, cacao nibs, and vanilla beans. Aged in whiskey barrels."

Alvarado Street Brewery Anniversary Ale 2022 (97)

“Blend of imperial stouts aged in bourbon barrels across 26–52 months.”

Cruz Blanca Brewery 2021 Rey Gordo (97)

“Imperial stout aged in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels.”

Weldwerks Old Fitz Medianoche (97)

"We used flaked wheat and flaked oats to further enhance the mouthfeel."

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery Double Barrel B.O.R.I.S. (97)

"Aged in hand-selected special bourbon whiskey barrels and finished in port-wine barrels."

Goose Island Brewery Bourbon County Stout 2019 (97)

"Flavors of cocoa, fudge, vanilla, caramel, almond, plus leather and tobacco."

Albright Grove Brewing Company Walker Valley (97)

"This imperial stout has been aged for 12 months in bourbon barrels made from American White Oak. Rich bourbon and chocolate aroma, with a substantial malt body with notes of toffee, caramel, chocolate and coffee, and complex notes of vanilla and coconut from the oak's tannins, this is a wonderful stout to share or savor all on your own."

Wolf's Ridge Brewing Moscatel Barrel Magellan (97)

"Imperial Maple Stout aged in imported Moscatel wine puncheons for 18 months. Flavors of maple and chocolate marry with French oak, mild citrus, toffee, and raisin from the cask."

Highland Park Brewery Luxury (98)

“Aged in a rye barrel, blended with barrel-aged imperial stouts, dosed with three types of vanilla.”

Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse Demons Run Barrel Select - Amburana (98)

“Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout conditioned on amburana wood chips.”

Commonwealth Brewing Kamehameha (98)

Rye and brandy barrel–aged imperial stout with banana, coconut, macadamia nuts, vanilla, and cacao nibs.

Mikerphone Brewing Barrel-Aged Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit (98)

“Imperial stout with coffee and barrel-aged maple syrup. Aged in Blanton’s bourbon barrels.”

American Solera Lizard Bites (98)

“Imperial stout aged in rum barrels with coconut, hazelnut, vanilla, marshmallow.”

Creature Comforts Brewing Concurrence No. 5 (98)

"Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels with coconut, Ugandan vanilla, and dulce de leche."

Against the Grain 70K Amburana (98)

"70K aged in amburana wood barrels."

Perennial Artisan Ales Maman (98)

"Three vintages of spirit-barrel–aged stout ranging in age from 20–30 months."

Birds Fly South Empress Rising: Red Wine (98)

"Notes of roast and soy sauce lead into a velvety smooth mouthfeel."

Alvarado Street Brewery Dark Libations #3 (98)

Our third variant of our ‘Dark Libations’ Imperial Stout was aged in a single rum barrel with irresistible mac-adamia nuts and vanilla beans.

Westbound & Down Brewing Company P23 (98)

“Blend of imperial stouts aged in a Pappy 23 barrel. Walnut, dark cocoa, anise, leather.”

Prison City Pub & Brewery Wham Whams (98)

The original, non-barrel-aged version of this beer starts as full bodied imperial stout. Conditioned on toasted coconut and Madagascar vanilla beans. Like a boozy liquid Mounds bar.

Melvin Brewing Eureka (House of Flying Barrels) Assembled Armor (98)

“A blend of imperial stouts and barleywines aged in bourbon and rye whiskey barrels with toasted black and white sesame seeds, smoked sea salt, maple syrup, cinnamon.”

Westbound & Down Brewing Company Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (2021) (99)

"Oak and bourbon forward with big brownie batter flavors and delicate coffee and vanilla notes from extended aging in select Blanton’s, Weller, Dickel bourbon barrels. Think Ghirardelli brownie mix with bourbon substituted for water."

The Big Friendly Vanilla Boom (99)

“Bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout with Ecuadorian, Ugandan, and Madagascar vanilla beans.”

Wiley Roots Brewing Co Cryptonym (99)

“Barrel-aged imperial stout with Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, Ghanaian cocoa nibs, toasted coconut.”

Jackie O's Brewery Cellar Cuvee 1 (99)

“Blend of bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout and honey wheatwine.”

Side Project Brewing Beer: Barrel: Time (99)

"Thoughtfully selected and blended to achieve our goals."

Magic Hat Brewing Company Meatwhistle (99)

Meatwhistle is a complex concoction, a giant imperial stout with a nice nose of vanilla and bourbon from oaken Heaven Hill barrels in which it was aged. Meatwhistle pleases the palate with hints of chocolate, raisins, currants, and coffee.

Creature Comforts Brewing Life in Flux (99)

A blended imperial stout aged in whiskey barrels.

Amalgam Underground Breakfast (99)

Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels for 14 months with extended aging on Madagascar vanilla beans, bourbon barrel–aged maple syrup and Dragon Fly Coffee Roasters’ Terre Celesti whole bean coffee.

Perennial Artisan Ales BA Abraxas 2019 (99)

Imperial stout aged 15–17 months in rye whiskey barrels and steeped on ancho chilies, cocoa nibs, cinna-mon, and vanilla beans.

Side Project BVC (99)

A collaboration with our friends from Cycle Brewing, this imperial stout is aged in brandy barrels with vanilla and cinnamon.

Pinthouse Brewing The First 6 Black Sabbath Records (99)

"Imperial Stout aged in Balcones Cask Strength Rye Whisky Barrel. We're getting notes of cocoa puffs and sweet chocolate milk with a mild rye spiciness from the rye whiskey barrel."

Breakside Brewery & Taproom The Trappings and The Suits of Woe (99)

“Imperial milk stout aged in bourbon, American whiskey, and Nocino barrels.”

Finback BA The Hawk & Whale (99)

Imperial coffee stout with kopi luwak coffee, aged 15 months in bourbon barrels and then finished with fresh kopi luwak coffee. Brewed in collaboration with Horus Aged Ales.

Great Notion Brewing BA Double Stack (99)

Our imperial breakfast stout fermented with a ridiculous amount of maple syrup and conditioned on whole-bean Sumatra from Clutch Coffee. Aged in Heaven Hill, Woodford Reserve, and Bull Run bourbon barrels.

Fonta Flora Brewery At Whipoorwill Farm Double Barrel Decoy (100)

“A double bourbon barrel–aged, double-mashed imperial stout.”

Perennial Artisan Ales Barrel-Aged Abraxas (100)

“Imperial stout aged twelve months in Rittenhouse Rye barrels with cacao nibs, vanilla beans, ancho chiles, and cinnamon sticks.”

Toppling Goliath Brewing Assassin 2020 (100)

"This barrel-aged stout spends more than a year in barrels, sometimes closer to two. Notes of bourbon warm each sip, washing over a fudgy chocolate base."