Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout by Wyndridge Farm Brewing

Aged in Hidden Hills Spirits Bourbon barrels

13.9% ABV
Beer Advocate score - 4.38/5
Untappd score 4.18/5

20C. Imperial Stout

An intensely-flavored, big, dark ale with a wide range of flavor balances and regional interpretations. Roasty-burnt malt with deep dark or dried fruit flavors, and a warming, bittersweet finish. Despite the intense flavors, the components need to meld together to create a complex, harmonious beer, not a hot mess.

Shipment from Tavour - Hails from Dallastown, PA

It just seems like I review a lot of Imperial Stouts. I don't do it on purpose (or do I?), they are really hard to pass up. Maybe I should be more selective about these things...probably not gonna happen though. If given a choice between a Double IPA and a Bourbon Barrel Imperial, I am bourbon every time. Sorry IPA, dark beer has stolen my heart.

Appearance: Pours a deep black color with a thin mocha head. The head dissipates quickly and leaves nice lacing behind.  8

Aroma: My mouth started salivating from the hints of coffee and bourbon layered on top of the chocolate, vanilla and toffee. Nicely done.  8
 
Flavor: A nicely balanced brew. The bitterness of the coffee lingers all the way through. It's balanced out by the sweetness of toffee, chocolate and a bit of cherry. Get a nice pinch of the bourbon character as well.  9

Mouthfeel: Full bodied but not too thick and syrupy. Has the right amount of carbonation with nice acidity level.   9

Overall: This is a fine example of a bourbon barrel imperial stout. I wish I had bought another one but you can't always do that when buying on a budget and also wanting all the beers. If you can find this, pay whatever they are asking for it...it's worth it. 8.5

Matt's mark: 4.25/5

Duchesse Chocolate Cherry by Brouwerij Verhaeghe

Beer Advocate - 4.18/5
Untappd - 4.07/5

23B. Flanders Red Ale

A sour, fruity, red wine-like Belgianstyle ale with interesting supportive malt flavors and fruit complexity. The dry finish and tannin completes the mental image of a fine red wine.

Purchased from Tavour - Hails from Vichte, Belgium.

So I have this thing against the Flanders Red style. I had a bad experience once and for some reason or another, I couldn't let it go. I vowed to never again, try another Flanders Red. Tavour then offered up this particular ale and I ended up with it...without realizing that it was indeed a Flanders Red. I guess it's time to find out what I though...On to the review!

Appearance: The coloring of the brew is that of a lighter Pinot Noir but not quite a Rosé. The head is, of course, the coloring of a Rosé. Looks inviting.  8.6

Aroma: An inviting tart aroma that has notes of cherry and chocolate with an earthiness. Maybe from the oak casks.  8

Flavor: The tartness of the cherry combined with the loveliness of the chocolate is quite delicious. Has a touch of oak and vanilla.  8.2

Mouthfeel: Light and crisp with a the perfect, light carbonation. Has a nice, dry finish.  8

Overall: Huh. I guess I shouldn't base an entire style of beer on just one sample. This Flanders Red Ale was delicious and I wish I had another right now. I am curious as to how the regular Duchesse (without the chocolate cherry part) would mingle with my taste buds. If I can find it, I will give it a go.  8.2

Matt's mark: 4.1/5