River North Brewery Anniversary 11 Stout
What the brewers say
"Quadruple barrel aged imperial stout. Consecutively aged in CO Whiskey, KY Bourbon, CO Bourbon, and CO Single Malt Whiskey Barrels."
What our panel thought
"Rich, melting, fondue dark chocolate. Smells of deep oak, vanilla, and chocolate covered dark fruits with hints of tobacco.A slight booziness in the aroma that comes in much stronger in the flavor. Rich, oaky and resplendent. Oak and alcohol flavors are predominant, but allow for chocolate covered raisins to follow through and a slight cherry impression adds depth. Lots of vanilla oozing from the thick, dark mysteries. A spicy mouthfeel appears midway through the finish. Definitely strong, but its surprising momentum eases away after a few sips, and then you're fully in its grasp."
What our editors thought
"Boozy bourbon on the nose, with a smooth refined chocolate chocolate. Silky in the sip with a thick body that's more ethanol heft than roasty malt. Deep and rich chocolate notes, buffed to a mirror polish by an oak-driven bourbon sweetness. Impossibly rich and ethanol-forward, but it never takes a wrong step."