First thing I notice here is a subtle label change; what used to be “Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels” is now just “Original Stout.” Flashlight fails to penetrate the inky black, no real head retention, smells of oak, bourbon, and chocolate. The taste is rich and decadent with flavors of mocha cappuccino, chocolate milk, and a hint of cherry on a smooth, super thick and syrupy body. The finish is long, warm, and moderately bitter featuring notes of dark chocolate, espresso, charred oak, and vanilla. Overall it’s a fantastic beer on its own, but compared to releases from other years, it’s middle of the road. Heavy on the chocolate, I’m really intrigued to see how this one ages.
“DRINK BY: 6/5/29”
