pFriem Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout (2017)
What the brewers say
“Our own Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout absorbs the tannins of Oola Distiller’s bourbon barrels for a full year, resulting in huge roasted malt, chocolate mousse, coconut, and ripe cherry flavors.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Boozy roast chocolate notes with a hint of soy sauce.”
Flavor: “Rich and chewy chocolate, caramel, and roast character with a bitter finish. Nice tannic spicy character on the swallow, with mellow alcohol warming quality. The bitterness masks some of the more delicate malt sweetness overall.”
Overall: “Rich and complex, a great combination of a well-made imperial stout and barrel qualities that pair well with the underlying beer. The finish is bitter from the roast, maybe bordering on harsh, but it works well with this beer.”