About Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

About Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
The category of barrel-aged beer represents a diverse range of ale and lager styles that have been aged in non-neutral wood. These beers commonly range between 7.5-10% in alcohol with further variations depending on the interpretation of the style. These beers are characterized by both wood-influenced flavors (vanillia, caramel, toast, coconut) and secondary flavors of the alcohol previously aged in the wood (bourbon, scotch whisky, sherry). The overall character of the final beer may also included acetic, lactic or Brettanomyces flavors and aromas resultant of the barrel.

A wide variety of base beer styles may be barrel-aged for an additional level of complexity, although barrel-aged versions of darker or more alcoholic styles are among the more common examples. Noteworthy examples of this style include: Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Alltech Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Grand Rapids The Mound Maker.

Top Picks for Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Fremont Brewing The Rusty Nail Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout
97 points
Rich and decadent, but with dark bittersweet chocolate on the palate supplying a pleasant dryness; the intoxicating aromas lead to a full, beautiful body and crisp finish.
Awards: 2023 World Beer Championships Platinum Medal - 2023 Best Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout - Best of Show
Fremont Brewing Bourbon Barrel-Aged Dark Star Imperial Oatmeal Stout
96 points
Rich cocoa nibs and sweet malt with notes of bourbon; a journey of a beer, and an excellent dessert pour.
Awards: 2023 World Beer Championships Gold Medal
Fremont Brewing 2021 Spice Wars Edition Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout
96 points
A colossal, velvety Barrel Aged Imperial Stout for palate pampering.
Awards: 2022 World Beer Championships Gold Medal
Revolution Brewing Deths Tar Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout
93 points
A delicious, rich barrel-aged Stout with integrated flavors of dried fruits and chocolate cake; the oak elements and malt characteristics give this a boozy decadent flavor.
Awards: 2023 World Beer Championships Bronze Medal