Big Grove Brewery and Taproom Richard the Whale
What the brewers say
“Our bourbon barrel–aged Russian imperial stout.”
What our panel thought
“Subdued aroma highlights fruity esters, oak, spirits with a hint of chocolate, raisin, toast. Nice balance between the barrel and the beer. Flavor is sharply boozy, with the roast elements subsumed in the boozy concoction. Clean and focused on the booze. Enjoyable, but lacks complexity. Oddly sweet. Simple.”
What our editors thought
“Wet woody notes in the nose with thinner bourbon. Warmer bourbon and roast in the sip, rounded but a bit thin.”