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]

Eel River Brewing 'Raven's Eye' Imperial Stout. 9.5% abv. 54 IBU. Black color. Two fingers of thick tan head. Superb retention and lacing. Nose of roasted grain, dark chocolate. Front taste of roasted malt, coffee, cocoa powder, sweet prunes. Aftertaste of bittersweet chocolate, tangy dark fruit, sweet malt. Full body. Mouthfeel is slightly sticky, thick, sustaining bitter on the back end.

This is an outstanding beer, full of rich, dark flavors and a perfectly balanced bitter aftertaste. Thanks to my sister for giving this to me as a Xmas gift. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"A rich, roasty brew with a deep espresso character, this Russian Imperial Stout is strong, yet incredibly smooth. Brewed for the Imperial Court in Russia, this style stout is a warm festive drink made with the cold Russian winters in mind."