First off, I'm a sucker for oak barrel, bourbon-infused quads and stouts. Obviously, at 13% ABV, it's difficult to have more than one, but I'm sitting at home with no obligations in the morning, so...
The stout aspect of this beer reminds me of some of the better milk stouts, sometimes called sweet stouts, as there is a pleasant sweetness permeating every sip. And don't even think about consuming this beauty at anything other than a sipping pace. This gives it a certain smoothness. Some of this sweet smoothness (or smooth sweetness) comes from the oak barrels on which the beer was aged. Old Elk Bourbon Distillery, just down the road from Odell's provided the bourbon barrels, and the oak transmits notes of vanilla and molasses to the whole.
Hints of dark chocolate, black cherry and brown sugar surface as the stout achieves room temperature. The 13% ABV imparts a comfortable alcohol heat (remember what I said: sip!) and the bourbon flavoring makes this a perfect representation of the style.
Look forward to more Ill-Gotten Booty Beer Reviews...he's back!
