Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout
Received this brew some time ago but for the life of me I can't remember who sent it. This will be my first brew from Bluegrass Brewing and perhaps from Kentucky. Drank from my Darkness snifter while watching game 1 of the ALDS (Twins vs. Yankees). Bottled March 2006 Appearance- Pours an extremely dark brownish black with a small ring like head that is fairly brown. The cap dissipates very quickly leaving a decent sized collar and some spotty lacing. Smell- Fairly smooth and an almost subdued nose with a bit of dark chocolate and plenty of heavily roasted chocolates. Some roasted grains and a light oaky vanilla aspect. The bourbon is very light in the nose and I'd probably never guess it was bourbon aged (just oak aged) if it wasn't on the label. Taste- Like the nose the beer is pretty subdued. Starts with a bit of acrid roast that isn't really strong enough to be coffee-ish. Some dark chocolate and gritty cocoa add the chocolate aspect but again, it's light. The oak and bourbon are about the strongest part of the beer. Maybe a tinge of butterscotch and vanilla toward the finish. Mouthfeel- Very light and watery with very light carbonation. Not how a nice big stout should feel. Drinkability- The mouthfeel is very disappointing and although I'd like a bit more 'flavor' the beer isn't bad. Although it doesn't smell bourbon barrel aged, at least it tastes like it. Thanks again whoever sent this!