Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout

Ddepaola sent me a few bottles of this a while back and it caught my eye the other night so I figured I’d take some notes. Thanks again depasta!



Style – American Double/Imperial Stout
ABV – 8.5%
Brewed In – Louisville, KY
Availability – Year Round

Score – 8.5/10

Appearance
The bottled on date on the label is March ’08. It pours jet black with a light tan head. The retention and lacing are almost non-existent.

Smell
There’s no mistaking that this is a bourbon aged beer from the first sniff. There is a very light hint of smokiness and cocoa underneath the plethora (Would you say I have a plethora of piñatas?) of bourbon.

Taste
I couldn’t have been more surprised by my first taste of this beer. Completely unlike the nose, the bourbon flavor isn’t overpowering at all. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a strong bourbon presence, but it’s not the only thing going on. There is a huge cocoa flavor present, although not to the point of being overshadowing. There is also a touch of caramel malt and smokiness from the bourbon. Overall it has a nicely balanced flavor.

Feel
There is really no carbonation to speak of, which works well with this beer. The body is nice and thick, as well as very smooth.

Overall
I really enjoyed this beer. Definitely a sipper, and because of this I like that it comes in the 12oz bottles so you can enjoy one by yourself without overwhelming your palate. Overall it is a nice representation of a style that’s popularity is booming at the moment. That being said, if you don’t like bourbon, this one probably isn’t for you.

Thanks again Dan. :thumbs:

Nice review man. I always enjoy it when you are expecting something obvious based on the nose and the taste catches you completely off guard. A buddy of mine brought a bottle of this to a tasting a while back and I remember it being just ok with a really thin body. Might have to revisit is seeing as how it was able to achieve the fabled 8.5.

That looks so interesting.

I just finished off a bottle of Jefferson's Reserve. Probably my third, it is a great bottle.

Now I must find this.

Nice review Justin,

I am sucker for Bourbon and Coffee brews because they seem to have a lot of body and flavor. This is just another I will have to put on the must try list.

Cheers,
Adrian

wow that looks and sounds tasty! Now if I can only find a play to buy it rp

Agreed, this is a good one! About the only good thing coming out of Louisville these days.

Great review, This is a very interesting beer. I will have to keep an eye out for this or something similar.

:thumbs: Thanks for posting.

Very nice review, thanks.