Barrel-Aged Beer

97 Bourbon County Stout 2006, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL). 12% ABV (8/07)
Opaque black with a saffron rim. Rich toffeed nuts, bourbon whisky and creamy vanilla aromas follow through to a rich, velvety, mildly sweet full-bodied palate with chocolate-covered espresso accents and a long sumptuous finish. An amazingly delicious and satisfying barrel-aged stout. World class!

92 Woody Stein, Grumpy Troll Brewery (WI). (9/09) %{Brewpub}
Deep chestnut color with a foamy manila head. Bold aromas of molasses, caramelized stone fruit and brown butter follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with tart sour apple, roasted Brazil nut and mossy earthy hops on the long, resonant fade. A fun, woody treat to pair with exotic farmhouse cheeses.

92 Paradox Islay, BrewDog (Scotland). 10% ABV (8/08)
Murky brown-black color with a bubbly head. Peaty Islay whisky, toffee and dark toast aromas follow through on big, lightly syrupy entry to a dry-yet-fruity, full body with nougat, praline, fresh peat and moss, coffee and cocoa notes. Finishes with a long rich cocoa and peat fade. A big, smoky safari of a beer.

90 Kross 5 Wood Aged Beer, Wood Aged Southern Brewing (Chile). 7.2% ABV (9/09)
Deep copper color with a foamy taupe blanket. Aromas of brown sugar, vanilla yogurt and praline have a balsamic edge and follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with maple and French toast-like notes and a tangy citrusy hop and nutty malt finish. A nice, very drinkable barrel-aged beer.