Founders Bourbon Imperial Stout

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

From notes 17Aug09. On tap at Founders. Pours was extremely dark, nearly pitch black, with thin tan head that faded quickly to a thin film. Lacing was minimal, leaving some thin wisps behind. Smell; oak and bourbon hit me as it was set in front of me. I knew it would have a good bourbon presence but wow. Vanilla and some faint dark fruits come through once I get used to the bourbon. Taste; the bourbon is definitely a dominant feature to this beer, but it's not as overpowering as the aroma led me to believe. Bourbon, toffee, chocolate, vanilla and dates. Just layer after layer of flavors. I could drink this all night I think, and still pick out something new I think. I ordered this hoping the barrel aging would not destroy a great Imperial Stout, but this one surpassed my hopes. Mouthfeel/drinkability; mouthfeel is full bodied and luxuriously smooth, and the drinkability is deceptively good, as this disappeared all to quickly from my glass. I had a couple other barrel aged beers, including KBS earlier in the week while visiting, and I thought this was best of them all.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

This Imperial Stout pours a deep black color. Medium to small sized tan foamy head. The aroma is roasted malt, chocolate, vanilla and a hint of bourbon. Medium bodied Imperial Stout. The malts are chocolate, coffee and roasted malts with a hint of bourbon and oak. The hops are earthy. Very smooth taste. Nice balance. Hides the alcohol very well. Hints of vanilla and oak. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.