Style: Barrel-Aged Coffee & Breakfast Stout

ABV: 12.8 IBU: 40.0

90/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 16
Mouthfeel: 5

Jackie O’s Brewery Vanilla & Coffee Bean Bourbon Barrel Dark Apparition 2019

What the brewers say

Aged in bourbon barrels conditioned on vanilla beans and coffee beans.

What our panel thought

Vanilla and coffee notes up front in the aroma. Moderate mouthfeel with a great vanilla and coffee aspect. A very enjoyable example.

What our editors thought

Sweet latte and Werther’s notes on the nose, backed by a refined espresso roast, while the sip offers less than expected, which becomes more. The sweetness is not overwhelming, the body isn’t thick, but offers enough support for the various flavors, and the vanilla offers a softening note that increases perceived sweet-ness. Well-considered and thoroughly enjoyable.

Review printed in: Stouts for All Seasons (Oct-Nov 2019) (View All Issues)


REVIEWS FOR YOU >

WeldWerks Brewing Co. Medianoche: Vanilla Moonlight

“Strong oak dominates the aroma, with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, roast. Thick body, like Hershey’s syrup, with a flavor to match. Medium cherry and dark-fruit esters appear in the sweet, long-lasting finish. Plenty of warming in the chest.”

Oskar Blues JAHvanilla Ten FIDY 2019

Coffee- and chocolate-forward in aroma and flavor, with hints of vanilla, caramel, roast malt, and toasted marshmallow that complement the base beer and add an impression of alcoholic warmth. A bit on the thin side and a bit harshly boozy.

Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery Bourbon Dark Apparition

**Aroma:** “A beautiful blend of vanilla and roasted coconut with great chocolate, roasty undercurrent. Some sweet alcohol notes are pleasant, but foreboding. The roast sits behind the prominent barrel character with some chocolate and cherry notes.” **Flavor:** “Rich, juicy, and chewy throughout with a strong umami profile indicative of being nicely aged. Complex blend of perceived earthy, salty, soy-sauce, vanilla, and coconut components. Some low level esters reside underneath, but are well blended. Finishes relatively dry with some contribution from the tannins likely. Some chocolate, slight coffee, and dark fruits are present.” **Overall:** “This beer requires one’s place of ultimate comfort to sip on a quiet evening. It’s contemplative and enveloping, and wonderfully features smooth chocolate, vanilla, and roasted coconut with an almost salty richness. Well crafted and well presented.”

FRESH BEERS >

The best new craft beers available in a beer store near you. Sponsored content.