New Holland Brewing 'Dragon's Milk' Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout. 11% abv. 51 IBU. Black in color, with a finger of mocha bubbly head. Excellent retention and lace. Head drops to half-inch fairly quickly but remains there, lending to the velvety lacing.
Nose of toasted oak, bourbon, vanilla, toffee. Front taste of bourbon, caramel, light molasses, raisins, warm wood expression throughout. Aftertaste of dark fruit, bittersweet dark chocolate, bourbon, vanilla sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, boozy, thick, clingy, carby, creamy.
This is an extraordinary beer, a BBA with bright spots of fruits and chocolate, warm wood notes, all on a foundation of bourbon and vanilla. All the basic elements of a BBA are here, yet the flavor profile is complex and the body and mouthfeel are more than expected. I could confidently pick this beer out of a short lineup of BBA stouts, which is always a sure sign of craftsmanship. It's not merely good or great, it's memorable. Wonderful brew. Strongly recommended.
From the brewery:
"Rich, toasty, and creamy with heavy notes of vanilla and just enough familiar warmth from oak barrels. Reminds us that all of life's events - big or small - are worth celebrating."
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