SweetWater Brewing Company Bourbon Barrel–Aged Imperial Stout

Chocolate nose with a hint of tartness from the dark malt. Hints of chocolate and coffee-like bitterness com-plement the roasted malt notes and are well balanced by a subtle piney hops note. Good balance of roast, bitterness, with a bit of heat from the alcohol. Enough body and residual sweetness to create the impression of a scarily easy-drinking beer despite its ABV.

Inviting aroma: milk chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon; lighter graham cracker, toast, and coffee. Straightforward flavor—bittersweet chocolate, light spice, roast malt. Chocolate flavors linger. Subdued barrel.

__Aroma:__ “Strong chocolaty sweetness with vanilla, bourbon, some light cherry, raisin, and plum, plus a touch of mercaptan or plastic. Light oak and lots of malt sweetness, but with some roasted malt and smoke, too.” __Flavor:__ “A mix of chocolate sweetness and sweet dark fruit (plum/prune) carries through. Moderate vanilla, caramel, leather, and smoke. Strong bourbon carries through the finish, along with some molasses sweetness and medium alcohol. Thick, chewy body, and a sweetness that lingers. A bit of umami/soy sauce in the aftertaste, with bitter hops and alcohol warmth.” __Overall:__ “When the beer was cold, the chocolate, molasses, and sweetness were more in balance with the umami/soy sauce notes. As it warms, the alcohol dominates. The dark fruits were strong and flavorful, like a dried fruit cocktail, with layers of flavors to enjoy.”