Whistle Buoy Brewing Co: Desolate Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Overview
- Brewery: Whistle Buoy, Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.
- Beer Style: Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, bourbon barrel aged, Imperial Stout, Stout
- ABV: 8.5%
- IBU: 69
- Format Reviewed: Bottle 500ml
- Brewery Web Page: More info
Whistle Buoy Brewing Co: Desolate Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout Review
Whistle Buoy Brewing in Victoria’s Market Square released Desolate in mid-November, a bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout. According to the label and website, it is the “first-ever release of our barrel program and is extremely limited”. My bottle was number 177 of 800. It’s encouraging to see that even such a small-scale brewery as Whistle Buoy can still find the money, time, and motivation to get their hands on some bourbon barrels and brew a huge stout to fill them with.
Desolate pours black with a medium-sized, tan coloured head that lingers. The aroma is raisin, rum, and dark chocolate with hints of charred oak and molasses. It is full-bodied with a viscous creamy texture. The flavour is definitely bourbon barrel forward but without withering tannins. There is a moderate alcohol note throughout with bourbon, cherry, creamy coffee, and milk chocolate notes. There is also a perceived vanilla sweetness but dryer than you would think. The finish is endless belly-warming bourbon.
Available at the brewery or in their online shop until they are gone!
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Appearance(4)
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Aroma(4.5)
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Palate(4)
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Flavour(4.5)
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Overall Enjoyment(4.5)
About This Beverage
- Colour: Black
- Head Size & Retention: Normal head + retention
- Carbonation: Mild Carbonation
- Clarity: Opaque
- Balance: Very Malty
- Drinkability: For Sipping/Challenging to drink
- Enjoyment: I would definitely seek this beer out again
- Malt Characteristics: Rich/Sweet, Coffee or Chocolate, Dark Fruit (raisins, prunes, figs, black currants)
- Palate: Full Bodied
Summary
Even little breweries can make exceptional big barrel aged stouts as Desolate from Whistle Buoy proves.
