Esteban Carreras '13 Years Habano' Maduro Robusto. 5x52. Excellent build with straight edges, some subdued veins. Dark roasted oily wrap with a nutty, dark herbal aroma. Cut and lit well. Pre-light draw was a little tough. Post-light draw soon became slightly easier, settling on a medium draw.

First half tastes of earth, cured light wood, cocoa powder, bitter leaf on the exhale. Second half tastes of almond wood, ground coffee, walnut, black pepper notes on the sustain. Ash was clean, light gray, holding over an inch with ease. Burn was fairly even across with little maintenance.

This is a rich, solid cigar, a maduro with a deep, roasty, earthy filler complemented by a round, balanced wrapper taste, something surely earned from its 13 years of aging. A full-bodied smoke that starts strong, but gradually evens out on the palate with a flavor profile that has several shifts in expression. Woods, dank spices, earth, coffee, raw chocolate. A wonderful afternoon smoke. Well recommended.


From the company:

"Premium Esteban Carreras Habano cigars are bold and delicious Nicaraguan puros highlighted by a seamless, 13-year old vintage Habano wrapper that’s gleaming with oil. One of the strongest blends in the popular Esteban Carreras portfolio, these powerhouse cigars, featured in five popular sizes, all boast immaculate construction, a crisp even burn, and an effortless draw. After lighting, the cigar aficionado will experience a feast of fabulous full-bodied flavors that include coffee, nuts, cinnamon, dried fruit, earth, and cocoa."

[source: jrcigars.com]

Founders Brewing 'KBS' Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chocolate Coffee Stout. 12.3% abv. Black color, dense, with thin mocha head that fast falls to a sustaining collar and scattered surface. Moderate retention, decent lacing. Nose of bourbon, charred oak, dark chocolate, vanilla. The bourbon aroma steps forward as the temp rises.

Front taste is bittersweet chocolate, black coffee, plum, with vanilla and wood notes on the back end. Aftertaste is tall bourbon, bitter cocoa, raisins, molasses, with a dry finish. Full body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, round, creamy, sticky, viscous, astringent, boozy.

Two of my recent reviews were also Founders beers, with one being a surprisingly solid experimental wood-aged red, while the other turned out to be one of the worst beers I’ve had in years. Comparing notes with other beer enthusiasts, it would appear that Founders is one of those breweries that is bold and fearless to a fault, so daring that it affects their batting average. They’re hit-and-miss, particularly with their novelty offering. However, I went into today’s review unafraid, as it’s not only one of their classics, but one of THE classics of modern craft beer, a benchmark of its category.

Simply put, this is an extraordinary, big, rich, full beer, a true BBA stout, with a boozy aroma and flavor profile supported by chocolate and coffee, wrapped with a mouthfeel you can sink your teeth into. This is a sipping beer. A dessert beer. It’s meant to be a an occasional decadent treat with a complex taste, and it delivers on its promise.

Consistently ranked as one of the best beers in the world, this beer now has battalions of competitors who have met or exceeded its high standard. That being said, even in this day of bourbon-barrel aging mania, in a time when every brewery is experimenting with a barrel program, and mostly succeeding, KBS is still a knockout and a standout, still one of the best, with quality and craftsmanship evident in every sip and sniff. I’m sure you’ve had this famous brew before, but regardless, I highly encourage you to seek it out and let it warm you inside-out during a cold winter. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"What we’ve got here is an imperial stout brewed with a massive amount of coffee and chocolates, then cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels for an entire year to make sure wonderful bourbon undertones come through in the finish. Makes your taste buds squeal with delight."

[source: foundersbrewing.com]

Epic Brewing 'Big Bad Baptista' Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Stout 2017. 11.5% abv. Deep black in color with two fingers of creamy mocha head that slowly recedes to a thick sustaining surface. Outstanding retention and superb lacing. Nose of bourbon, almond, cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa powder. Aroma lingers down to the last drops in the glass.

First taste is semi-sweet dark chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, oak expression throughout, whiskey coming through on the back end. Aftertaste is black coffee, vanilla, almond cookie, with an alcohol sustain and sweet finish. Big body. Mouthfeel is hot, rich, boozy, creamy, clingy.

This is an outstanding beer, a bounty of rich flavors that have mellowed well in the year since its release. The many tastes of chocolate, spice, coffee, whiskey, and wood all merge together beautifully. Each flavor can be singled out, yet they do not fight for attention, achieving a perfect balance. Each sip was savory, smooth, and slightly sweet, with a touch of boozy punch. A special, marvelous, well-crafted beer. Highly recommended.


From the brewery:

"Rare Release 2017. Big Bad Baptista is inspired by traditional Mexican coffee, Café de Olla, which is served with cinnamon and piloncillo, an unrefined sugar. The Cinnamon adds another layer of complexity and accentuates the earthy character of Mexican Coffee, but more importantly, it captures the essence of a place and its culture. As beverage geeks we wanted to pay homage to that rich tradition and offer our unique take. Big Bad Baptista is a combination of Vanilla, Cinnamon, Mexican coffee roasted by Blue Copper, and Solstice Chocolate cacao nibs. It’s luxurious to say the least, with a pleasant warming sensation generated by the cinnamon and alcohol. Enjoying the interplay of chocolate, malt, oak, and spice is the perfect way to spend a cool evening, with friends around a fire."
[source: epicbrewing.com]

"Inspired by the spicy and bold flavors of a Café de Olla, we added vanilla and cinnamon along with Mexican coffee beans and cacao nibs to out 100% barrel-aged Big Bad Baptist. The result is luxurious, complex, and the perfect after-dinner companion on chilly evenings."
[source: bottle]

My friend Chris and I shared a bomber of Big Bad Baptista with a couple of cigars. A perfect combination.

Ballast Point 'Victory at Sea' High West Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter 2017. 12% abv. 35 IBU. Black in color, dense. Finger of foamy, mocha head. Outstanding retention and superb lacing. Even after ten minutes, there is still a thick surface. Nose of vanilla, bourbon, raisins, dark chocolate. Coffee aroma comes through as the temp changes.

Front taste is bourbon, bittersweet chocolate, walnut. Plum taste and wood expression stands tall in time. Aftertaste is ground coffee, rich chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, mild herbal hops, sweet forward with a dry finish. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, boozy, thick, clingy, carby, astringent on the back end.

This is an extraordinary beer, a big BBA that is an exemplary example of its category. The flavor profile is complex, with huge swaths of chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and bourbon, supported throughout by high notes of dark fruit, oak, sweet pastry, and herbal hops. Readers of this blog know that I am a huge fan of BBA brews, and this is a solid, steadfast example of the brilliance that can come from a barrel. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Imperial porter with coffee and vanilla flavors aged in High West bourbon and rye barrels... We partnered with our friends at High West® Distillery to create a barrel-aged version of  Ballast Point Victory at Sea, our award-winning Imperial Porter with cold-steeped coffee and vanilla. From a blend of Ballast Point Victory at Sea aged in High West’s own bourbon & rye whiskey oak casks, new layers of complexity emerge with notes of soft caramel and smoky oak over a dark chocolate and roasted almond body. High West crafts delicious and distinctive whiskeys to honor the American West, making it the perfect pairing with our signature San Diego-born porter."
[source: ballastpoint.com]

Founders 'Doom' Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial IPA. 12.4% abv. Hazy honey-copper color. Two fingers of foamy white head that gradually falls to a sustaining thick surface. Outstanding retention and superb lacing. Nose of bourbon, vanilla, herbal hops, with whiskey and oak emerging as the temp rises. 

Front taste of rich malt, bourbon, sweet bread, toffee. Aftertaste is caramel, sweet fruit, tall hops, whiskey expression rises at the end. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, boozy, astringent, carby, round.

This is an outstanding little BBA, one that delivers on the usual promises of bourbon and wood, merging well with the malty backbone of a DIPA, but also plays well with the ample hop bundle of its base IPA. The everlasting head powerfully brings the aroma forth, especially once the temp rises to room, with lacing that clings without fade. The craftsmanship is clear and forward. Wonderful brew. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Doom may be impending but that doesn’t mean you have to fear it. A collision of worlds, the intense hop character of our imperial IPA mingles with the warm vanilla and oak notes imparted from time spent in our favorite bourbon barrels. Like all good things, Doom comes to those who wait."
[source: foundersbrewing.com]

Eel River Brewing 'Twenty' 20th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Triple Exultation Old Ale. Vintage 2015. 11% abv. 80 IBU. Dark ruby color. Hazy. Fine sediment. Finger of foamy beige head that falls fast to a sustaining collar. Fair retention, excellent lacing. 

Nose of molasses, bourbon, vanilla, sweet bread. Front taste is molasses, bourbon, roasted oak, pungent plum. Aftertaste is bourbon, raisin, plum, black coffee, pecans. Dry finish. Full body. Mouthfeel is hot, boozy, astringent, thick, syrupy, sticky, clingy.

This is an extraordinary BBA brew, a decadent offering that demands moderate enjoyment. You don't chug this one. Rich, thick, tall, strong. Starts sweet, ends dry. Plenty of bourbon and oak as promised, bound by dark malty and fruity depths. Wonderful. This is what a BBA should be. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Our Triple Exultation Old Ale aged 6 months in single pass, white oak bourbon barrels. Rich notes of bourbon, toffee, toasted malt and ripe fruit balanced by an aroma reminiscent of vanilla, oak, molasses, and caramel."

[source: bottle]

Firestone Walker 'Bravo' Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Brown Ale 2017 Vintage. 13.2% abv. 28 IBU. Red-brown in color with thin tan head that quickly recedes to a five-minute collar before losing nearly all carb. Moderate retention, excellent lacing. Nose of roasted malt, chocolate, bourbon, dark fruit. Intense wood notes and a tall aroma of toffee rise with the temperature.

Front taste of caramel, vanilla, bourbon, oak. Rich dark chocolate emerges as the temp approaches room. Aftertaste is boozy, warm brown sugar, strong bourbon, some bitter fruity hops on the back of the tongue, sweet finish. Full body. Mouthfeel is thick, sticky, round, astringent.

This is an extraordinary beer, a perfect example of what I look for in a BBA. Fans of brown ales may be put off by this big beer which crosses category past the point of recognition. Few will feel this is a brown ale at all. 

That being said, judging it strictly as a BBA, the promised bourbon is up front, beginning in the aroma and continuing in every sip. The wood expression is ever present once the temperature rises. The overall flavor profile includes dark chocolate, plum, vanilla, all of which mingles with the bourbon and oak in a perfect balance. 

The aroma is superb from the start, only to get better as the beer warms. I found myself smelling this beer almost as much as I was sipping it. And make no mistake, this is a sipping beer. Frat boys looking to chug-a-lug need look elsewhere. At 13.2%, this big bold brew is meant for casual enjoyment over the course of a conversation. Alas, I was alone on my patio when I popped this bottle, but I normally share such treats with others, not only to spread the wealth but to prevent myself from getting too drunk.

I first had Bravo at the Firestone Walker brewery two years ago. At the time, it was not available in bottles with no plans as such. It was brewed exclusively to be blended in their annual Anniversary Ale. Enjoying it on its own was reserved for visitors to the brewery. I remember my friends and I marveling at how  amazing it was, and how it was easily the biggest and best brown ale we'd ever had. We wished they would bottle it. Finally, our wish has been granted. Seek out this limited release beer, especially if you love browns and BBA's. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"February 4, 2017 Release. We proudly present the 2017 Vintage of Bravo, our Imperial Brown Ale aged in retired American oak bourbon barrels. Although Bravo was the first strong ale brewed for our Anniversary Ale blending program over ten years ago, it has yet to see its own bottled release, until now. Balancing rich toasty and chocolate malt flavors with a gentle balance of noble hops, Bravo is brewed to showcase barrel flavors with massive bourbon barrel notes that morph as the beer warms in the glass."

[source: firestonebeer.com]

“Since founding our brewery in 1996, we have specialized in the rare art of fermenting beer in oak barrels. In the Fall of 2006, we embarked on a program to barrel age a series of vintage strong ales that would later be used as components of a blended beer. That blend would become our first Anniversary Ale, ’10’. After the release of ’10’, we released limited amounts of the components beers on draft only. Many of these beers gained a cult following that craft beer fans raved about and begged for us to put in bottle. Bravo was one of these beers.We proudly present the 2017 vintage of Bravo, our Imperial Brown Ale aged in retired American oak bourbon barrels. Although Bravo was the first strong ale brewed for our Anniversary Ale blending program over ten years ago, it has yet to see its own bottled release, until now. Balancing rich toasty and chocolate malt flavors with a gentle balance of noble hops, Bravo is brewed to showcase barrel flavors with massive bourbon barrel notes that morph as the beer warms in the glass."

[source: box]

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."

[source: bottle]

Humboldt Brewing 'Black Xantus' Imperial Stout. 11% abv. 60 IBU. Black in color. Two fingers of thick mocha head. Sustaining head gradually recedes to a reliable collar. Outstanding retention and lacing. Nose of port, bourbon, ground coffee, bitter dark fruit. 

Front taste of dark sweet malt, red wine berries, burnt brown sugar, wood notes and bourbon ribbon underneath throughout. Aftertaste is sweet black coffee, bittersweet berries, treacle, hot and dry finish. Full body. Mouthfeel is hot, boozy, thick, syrupy, clingy, astringent sustain.

This is an extraordinary beer, a decadent barrel-aged beast that manages to be sweet, savory, and boozy all at once. The bourbon is certainly there throughout, as are heavy wine and coffee flavors, all thick and sweet with a vapory dry finish. I've been craving BBA's lately, and this is certainly a keeper. This big beer makes me want to have another, and to explore the rest of the lineup from Humboldt. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Our Imperial Stout is infused with fair-trade, organic coffee from a local roaster, Jobella, and aged for 6 months in a combination of Bourbon, retired Firestone Union and wine barrels. Black Xantus packs a powerful punch. Hungry? This brew would go great with dessert… or as dessert."

[source: humboldtbrewingco.com]

Mad River Brewing 'Brewer's Secret' Vanilla Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels. Artisan Reserve Series. 9% abv. 34 IBU. Dark brown color. Finger of beige small-bead foamy head. Excellent retention and lacing. Nose is sweet, warm brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla. 

Front taste of bourbon, round oak, rich caramel, strong vanilla on the back end. Aftertaste of bright bourbon, toffee, vanilla ribbon across, wood expression on the sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, rich, creamy, boozy.

This is an excellent BBA porter,  decadent treat that tastes and feels almost like soft bourbon vanilla ice cream. The bourbon and wood taste is certainly there, as is the promised vanilla throughout. The aroma is sweet and warm, and the taste builds upon the nose with a creamy body that holds the flavors well. My one nitpick is that it's a little thin for a BBA, but it's no dealbreaker. I would gladly open another bottle of this delight. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"How could we possibly improve on the excellence of our Steelhead Porter? Age it in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels, with fresh vanilla beans added of course! This limited edition Porter has complex malt characteristics balanced with a mild hop profile, taken to a whole new level by forward notes of bourbon, oak and vanilla. Smoked and peated malts lend added complexity and a mild smokey flavor that melds perfectly with the southern charms of decadent bourbon flavors."

[source: madriverbrewing.com]

Out Of Bounds Brewing 'The Prophet' Oak Aged Stout. 6.8% abv. 55 IBU. Black in color with two fingers of beige foamy head. Excellent retention and lace. Nose of mild bourbon, light wood, chocolate. Notes of herbs and cocoa powder emerge in the aroma as the temp rises. Front taste of dark malt, toffee, dark fruit, oak on the back end. Aftertaste of bitter herbal hops, bittersweet dark chocolate, vanilla sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is creamy, carby, clingy tail.

This is a good wood-aged stout in a world full of great ones. Flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and bitter hops are surely present, but complemented by only mild bourbon and faint oak tastes. I would have like a much greater expression of oak and perhaps a consistent ribbon of bourbon throughout.

My guess is that when "bourbon oak" is mentioned on the label, it's not the spirit that's being referenced but rather the type of wood being used. If so, that's easy confusion on my part, but it influenced my critique nonetheless. The label also describes this as a full-bodied brew, but I peg it firmly as medium in body.

Despite my nitpicks, this beer hits most of its notes well. I ended it wanting more, which is always a good sign, but know that there are plenty of other wood-aged beers to try before getting to this one. Recommended.

From the brewery:

"Few can bring a message that can change the minds and hearts of the masses. Bearing a bend of the forbidden, The Prophet brings the gift of a full-bodied West coast stout, plentiful with hops and chocolate notes and then aged with bourbon oak. Even fewer care whether they share The Prophet’s message with others and would rather keep it all to themselves. Enjoy this stout with the worthy, or indulge in it all by yourself. Be a chosen one!"

[source: bottle]