An Uncommon Combination - the CWS and Zipline's The Stout

It is hot and humid outside. I started vacation with a good workout and a walk outside at a local recreation area. My goal for the day was to watch some College World Series (CWS) baseball in the comfort of my cool basement. Mission accomplished!

I was cleaning out the beer fridge, and what did I find? The last Zipline Brewing Co. 2025 Reserve Stout!

This decadent stout was aged in Cognac barrels, which brings out dark fruit, nutty, and roasty notes. The finish is unique, tart with fruit and warming notes in this full-bodied 13.4% barrel-aged stout.

Cheers to another great beer from Zipline Brewing Co!

Let The Snow Fly! I Have a Barrel Sled.

It is winter with only an inch of snow, and almost Valentine’s Day! This could be the week we see some flakes in Omaha, and I am prepared!

Barrel Sled is a barrel-aged imperial coconut stout from Empyrean Brewing Co. This oatmeal stout is aged in Old Elk whiskey barrels and then placed on toasted coconut. This 8.5% ABV stout is robust, with whiskey notes throughout. The medium body makes each sip enjoyable with a hint of coconut.

I loved sledding as a kid, but I will stick with a barrel sled as an adult.

Cheers!

Surly Good Night

I was out running errands, getting ready for Christmas. What do I see? Indeed, it was a Christmas miracle when I found the Surly Brewing Co 2024 Double Barrel Darkness Imperial Stout!

You can see there were eyes on this beer as I poured it. The lovely, thick, tan head compliments the immense dark color. I let this pour warm for about 20 - 30 minutes to let all the notes come through. Deep chocolate notes greet you. The rum sweetness from the Tattersall barrel appears with a quick transition to the warming bourbon notes from the O’Shaughnessy barrel. The finish has marshmallow and vanilla notes.

The body provides a thick mouthfeel with amazing legs clinging to the glass. The ABV checks in at a healthy 12%, making this a perfect choice on a cold winter’s night.

Cheers!

Matryoshka Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Like Nesting Dolls, Matryoshka Releases In Variants Each More Delicate Than The Last

A tradition in stouts like no other!

Fort George Brewery in Astoria, Oregon, started a tradition in 2017: barrel-aging it’s From Astoria With Love stout. Why stop with a good thing when you can make it a great one? Starting with Westland and Westward Whiskey barrels, this stout ages for 12 months before the magic begins with smaller and smaller variants being created.

On this particular August night, with Big Ten football media days in full swing, an imperial stout seemed to fit the occasion! So, I am enjoying the 2023 release of Mexican vanilla beans and coconut. First, I must thank my good friend Mike B. for giving this to me for my birthday.

This full-bodied stout immediately has deep chocolate and vanilla notes. The coconut notes are mild, and the finish reveals the whiskey in this 12.2% ABV stout.

A must experience. Cheers!

Is it Death Star or Deth's Tar?

Those who know me know I am not a Star Wars fan but a Revolution Brewing fan. Whenever I am in Chicago, I always try to find their beer. A good friend recently got me Deth’s Tar for my birthday. Even though it is hot outside, there is never a bad time for a barrel-aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout!

This beauty has a nice, thick, tan head. The first sip is full of chocolate and oak notes. The bourbon notes are mildly present initially but become more predominant at the finish. The body is full and silky in this 14.8% ABV stout.

Revolution Brewing has many great beers, such as the Anti-Hero IPA. Look for them in Chicago or wherever their beer is distributed.

Cheers!

President's Day with The Stout - 2024 Reserve

As we think about our past great presidents, such as George Washington, I wonder what they would think of today’s craft beer. President Washington was known to enjoy a good Porter. It would be incredible to see what he would think about Zipline Brewing Co’s barrel-aged The Stout.

The 2024 Reserver was barrel-aged in Cabernet Sauvignon and Bourbon barrels. The flavor profile changes as it warms. My first sip had prominent chocolate and cherry notes. As the stout warms, the oakiness comes out in this full-bodied stout. The wine barrel adds another characteristic: a bit of dryness that kicks in on the back and side tastebuds.

It is an incredibly big stout, coming in at 13.7% ABV! Zipline Brewing covers the spectrum of craft beer, and I enjoy trying all the styles they make. It is always a presidential type of day when you have a glass of Zipline Brewing beer!

Cheers!

The Spumoni of Bourbon County Stouts

It has been many years since I have had Spumoni. It is a layered delight of chocolate, strawberry, and pistachio ice cream. I believe that my grandmother introduced it to me. I do remember the combination of wonderful flavors!

Goose Island’s 2020 Proprietor’s Bourbon County Stout brings those flavors back together in this 14.2% ABV barrel-aged stout! The nose is definitely chocolate with a bit of oak and bourbon. The notes are chocolate-forward with a bit of vanilla. The middle introduces the bourbon. In the finish, I get tart cherry notes and the warmth of this big stout. I couldn’t pick up on the pistachios, but that flavor is usually very subtle in Porters and Stouts.

I am grateful to the friend from Chicago who gifted me this fantastic stout! It has been taken care of very well. This three-year-old stout, I would imagine, has changed from the original release date but has matured exceptionally!

Cheers!