Initial Rating Date: 4/23/2010
Cask version at Barley’s Smokehouse, served in a snifter. Pours black with a medium tan head that dissipates to an outer ring quickly. Stringy lacing on the glass. Aroma of bourbon, vanilla and a bit of coconut. Medium to full smooth body with a moderately boozy character and flavors oaky bourbon, vanilla, malt and a touch of coconut. The finish is dark malts and bourbon. Pretty good overall but a definite step below most of the world class Barrel Aged Stouts out there. Earlier Rating: 10/10/2005 Total Score: 4.2
10/8/05 - Firkin "preview": If this beer is an indicator of what the tower version will be, then Barley’s has finally entered the Imperial Stout arena with a true contender. Pitch black color with only a thin film atop, nil lacing as well. Loads of malt and bourbon in the nose. Super thick body but very smooth. Sweet malt and caramel dominate at first, with warming alcohol and bitter dark chocolate asserting themselves quickly. The finish is chewy and sweet with a bit of coffee and hops in the background. Looking forward to trying the regular version, considering how good this was.