Style: Stout (Barrel-aged)

ABV: 14.3

99/100

Aroma:	12
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	19
Mouthfeel:	5

Westbound & Down Brewing Company Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (2021)

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What the brewers say

"Oak and bourbon forward with big brownie batter flavors and delicate coffee and vanilla notes from extended aging in select Blanton’s, Weller, Dickel bourbon barrels. Think Ghirardelli brownie mix with bourbon substituted for water."

What our panel thought

“Muscled-up olafactory pounding of bourbon, plum, vanilla, chocolate cake, smooth barrel char. Flavors of fudge, red dessert wine, and burnt caramel keep me coming back. Base stout debauched in complex layers that marry so well with the barrel. Big, thick, boozy—in a great way. Fantastic beer.”

What our editors thought

“Bourbon-praline nose with a bit of derby pie. The sip brings energetic bourbon with deep fudge and smooth espresso. Cohesive, beautifully blended. Despite the intensity, it feels effortless.”

Review printed in: The Route to Stout (October-November 2021) (View All Issues)

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