Top 100 Beers of 2020
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Editorial Dept.
Each year, we collect the highest-scoring beers of the year from our Official Review in a compendium of the best beers of the year. This year, 150 beers were included ranging from adjunct-filled pastry stouts to light-bodied and elegant craft lagers.
Though 2020 was a year unlike any other due to an unprecedented global pandemic, brewers managed to experiment in a variety of styles – and those styles are represented in our Top 100 Beers of 2020. Hazy, juicy IPAs were at the forefront of the craft beer scene (as expected), but the sheer volume that our judges reviewed was truly staggering.
Beyond those lush and citrusy brews were barrel-aged stouts and other strong styles, which were reviewed in impressively high numbers by our judges. Perhaps it was because everyone was stuck at home for many months of the year that these high-ABV brews came to the forefront.
We sincerely hope you enjoy exploring this list of the Top 100 Beers of 2020 and employ this list as you venture out into the wide world of beer.
ABOUT
The Official Review is conducted in a single blind tasting format that adheres to the Beer Judge Certification Program 2015 Style Guidelines. This method provides the best opportunity to rely on facts and to avoid favoritism, ensuring a level playing field for all brewers. It serves both the industry and the consumer to have unbiased and objective scores from qualified experts.
In effort to provide the most credible evaluations, The Beer Connoisseur hand-selects judges with a minimum BJCP ranking of “National” or Master Cicerone®. Judges are required to work with an assistant that handles beer prior to evaluation, and breweries are not allowed to solicit judges directly.
In the single blind tasting format, judges are presented with a chilled, properly poured beer and given its style category. Scoring is then done on the following basis using a 100-point scale: Aroma (24 points), Appearance (6 points), Flavor (40 points), Mouthfeel (10 points) and Overall Impression (20 points).
The score breakdown is as follows:
100 to 96: World Class – You need this beer in your life.
95 to 91: Exceptional – Don’t hesitate.
90 to 86: Very Good – A brew to savor.
85 to 75: Average – Somewhat unimpressive.
74 and below: Not Recommended – Just walk away.
#100
91
Big DIPPA
Reformation Brewery
#99
91
Conceited Genius
Wise Man Brewing
#98
91
Hello, LA
Highland Park Brewery
#97
91
Alpha Abstraction, Vol. 14
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#96
91
Medalla Light
Cervecera de Puerto Rico
#95
91
Fear.Movie.Lions Double IPA
Stone Brewing Co.
#94
91
Tie 9 On
Monday Night Brewing
#93
91
Born Bohemian Pils
Denizens Brewing Co.
#92
91
Long Ride Pale Ale
Confluence Brewing Co.
#91
91
Kujo
Flying Dog Brewery
#90
91
Attention Please!
Bearded Iris Brewing
#89
91
Gnarly Barley India Pale Lager
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
#88
91
Big DIPA
Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
#87
91
Vicious Hook
Flying Dog Brewery
#86
91
Lightpoint
New Holland Brewing Co.
#85
92
Singillis Donker
Singillis Bieren
#84
92
Largemouth IPA
Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
#83
92
Westland Whiskey Barrel Aged Metamorphic Flanders Style Red w/Raspberry and Cherry
Bozeman Brewing Co.
#82
92
Fight Milk
Pontoon Brewing
#81
92
Three Harvest
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#80
92
Barrel Aged Brownie Batter Blend #2 Mexican Hot Chocolate
Pontoon Brewing
#79
92
New Wave
Pontoon Brewing
#78
92
Once Around the Sun
Thompson Island Brewing Co.
#77
92
Pre-Pro Lager
East Brother Beer Co.
#76
92
Birthday Month Triple IPA
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#75
92
Alpha Abstraction, Vol. 13
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#74
92
Lounging Iguanas
Abita Brewing Co.
#73
92
Papagayo
Denizens Brewing Co.
#72
92
With A Little Help From My Friends
Monday Night Brewing
#71
92
Nightmare Fuel
Pontoon Brewing
#70
92
It’s Tiki Time!
Westbrook Brewing Co.
#69
92
Dire Wolf
Olde Mother Brewing Co.
#68
92
C’mon Sunshine
Birds Fly South Ale Project
#67
92
pFriem Mexican-Style Lager
pFriem Family Brewers
#66
92
Not My King
13 Stripes Brewery
#65
92
Gnarly Barley Stout
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
#64
92
Pulp Theory Hazy IPA
Odell Brewing Co.
#63
92
No Mates – Nelson Sauvin
Astro Lab Brewing
#62
92
Tan Limes
Cape May Brewing Co.
#61
92
The Call
New Holland Brewing Co.
#60
92
Pear Lambic
Area Two Experimental Brewing
#59
92
Fit Bits
WeldWerks Brewing Co.
#58
92
Dr. Juice
Parish Brewing Co.
#57
92
Little Sip
Lawson’s Finest Liquids
#56
93
Gnarly Barley Lager
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
#55
93
Low Light
Motorworks Brewing
#54
93
Cookies & Cream Stout
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#53
93
Hawley Hefeweizen
Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
#52
93
Stand By IPA
Pontoon Brewing
#51
93
Abita Amber Lager
Abita Brewing Co.
#50
93
Over the Ivy
Confluence Brewing Co.
#49
93
Jammy Pale
pFriem Family Brewers
#48
93
Reuben’s Crush Series: Crush Cancer
Reuben’s Brews
#47
93
St. Feuillien Quadrupel
Brasserie St-Feuillien
#46
93
Holy Simcoe, Batman!
Bhramari Brewing Co.
#45
93
pFriem Golden IPA
pFriem Family Brewers
#44
93
Vlad the Imp Aler
Cascade Brewing
#43
93
Squib Cakes
Odd Breed Wild Ales
#42
93
Evil Haze Factory
WeldWerks Brewing Co.
#41
93
Galipette Brut
Galipette Cidre
#40
93
Small Stash Reserve – Barrel Aged Doppelbock 2020
Seedstock Brewery
#39
93
Cloud Sourced Hazy IPA
Two Roads Brewing Co.
#38
93
Havana Lager
Concrete Beach Brewery
#37
94
ORNG Double IPA
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#36
94
Hypnic Jerk
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
#35
94
Barrel Aged Brownie Batter Blend #2 S’mores
Pontoon Brewing
#34
94
Galaxie:503
Black Lung Brewing Co.
#33
94
Timbo Pils
Highland Park Brewery
#32
94
Hazy Boom
Garage Brewing Co.
#31
94
95 Shilling Imperial Scotch Ale
Wild Heaven Beer
#30
94
Birthday Month Barrel Aged Cake and Ice Cream Stout
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#29
94
Mierka
Vasen Brewing Co.
#28
94
951 Blonde Ale
Garage Brewing Co.
#27
94
7B Hazy IPA
Laughing Dog Brewing
#26
94
Here Comes the Sun
Monday Night Brewing
#25
94
Rocky Road Ice Cream Stout
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#24
94
Contee
Definitive Brewing Co.
#23
94
Particles
Definitive Brewing Co.
#22
94
Fermata
Olde Mother Brewing Co.
#21
94
pFriem Japanese Lager
pFriem Family Brewers
#20
94
Black Raspberry Lambic
Area Two Experimental Brewing
#19
94
Alpha Abstraction, Vol. 12
Wild Leap Brew Co.
#18
94
Jucifer
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
#17
95
Christmas Pancakes
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
#16
95
7 Deadly Stouts
Monday Night Brewing
#15
95
Rhymes With Purple
Bhramari Brewing Co.
#14
95
Black Is Beautiful
Pontoon Brewing
#13
95
American AF
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
#12
95
Past & Future
Odd Breed Wild Ales
#11
95
Advanced Fluid Dynamics: Sultana
WeldWerks Brewing Co.
#10
95
Rustic Sunday
Birds Fly South Ale Project
#9
95
Sion Kölsch
Radeberger
#8
95
Rustique
Motorworks Brewing
#7
95
Good Omen
Reformation Brewery
#6
96
Feasta
by Dan Martich
Vasen Brewing Co.
Co-Founder & Brewmaster Tony Giordano Talks Feasta
Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
All the recipes made at Väsen are a result of the brewers and lab employees working together.
What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
The Feasta and all of our IPAs are different from most traditionally made IPAs due to the yeast we use. Our house yeast strains come from farms in Sweden and Norway. They are called kveik strains and assist in many ways including big citrus flavors.
What makes this beer truly World Class?
I believe that the body of the beer made with oats and wheat is velvety and smooth. Mixed with the kveik yeast characteristics and the hops we chose – Nelson Sauvin (white grape), Mosaic (dank berry) and Vic Secret (passion fruit) – make this an easy-drinking deeply tropical brew that hides the ABV well, and keeps you coming back for another sip.
What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
I love the nose on this beer, which features notes of passion fruit, berries and grapes.
How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
People truly love this beer!
Where does this beer’s name come from?
The name comes from the Norwegian word for party. The beer was brewed for our third anniversary celebration, hence the name Feasta.
Is this your “desert island beer?”
Although I do enjoy this beer a lot, I think my desert island beer would be a saison.
Can you describe this beer in ten words or less?
Creamy, smooth, fruity, balanced, vinous and delicious!
What’s a good food pairing for this beer?
I think this beer would pair well with a low country boil.
Judge’s Second Opinion
We’re living in a time where nearly every American craft brewery has at least two or three double IPA offerings. More likely than not, one of those offerings will be a hazy or New England-style rendition. That’s just the state of craft brewing in 2020.
Over the years, I’ve seen these beers develop from being bitterness-forward, to malty, alcoholic bombs to lactose-infused, sweet, syrupy juice. Once in a while, there comes a beer that marries the best that those three qualities present all while delivering a balanced approach to the style. Feasta by Väsen Brewing Co. is one such beer.
Fresh, juicy, tropical fruit notes of pineapple, cantaloupe and passion fruit abound with the freshness of fresh-squeezed fruit juices. Ripe peach nectar notes develop after a few sips. And behind all that freshness are notes of grainy malt that bring you back to a sweet juicy finish. Another name for this beer could be “Fresh, Sweet and Juicy!” The hops dominate in the aroma and flavor – as they should for the style. There is a subtle alcoholic flavor just before the finish to remind you that, although juicy, this beer carries a punch. Though balanced in flavor, it is decidedly hop-centric with a moderate degree of bitterness. This beer finishes semi-sweet and becomes drier with a long aftertaste.
Here’s a beer that’s hard to put down based on the flavors and hop aroma profile. The body makes it very quaffable while keeping the alcohol restrained. – Dan Martich
#5
96
by Joseph Formanek
Puff Puff Pastry Stout
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
Head Brewer Joey Charpentier Talks Puff Puff Pastry Stout
Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
I came up with this one.
What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
Many pastry stouts can get overly sweet, but our version does a good job of having a big body and pushes the boundaries of sweetness without getting cloying.
What makes this beer truly World Class?
This beer hits perfectly on all levels. It’s hard to find a flaw in that recipe. You can’t open just one of these.
What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
Mouthfeel all the way. This beer is just so creamy and luscious; it’s the perfect chocolaty dessert beer.
How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
This beer sells out immediately when we release it, so I would say it’s quite popular. It’s one of our most sought-after brews.
Where does this beer’s name come from?
Puff, puff, pass… the pastry stout!
Is this your “desert island beer?”
As much as we enjoyed brewing this one, I can’t say that’s the case. However, I would definitely knock a few of these back if they were around on that island!
Can you describe this beer in ten words or less?
Decadent paradise of chocolate, spices and booze.
What’s a good food pairing for this beer?
White chocolate bread pudding.
Judge’s Second Opinion
These days it seems like most breweries have a pastry stout offering. These are quite literally a dessert in a bottle, typically being rather sweet and loaded with flavors associated with desserts – chocolate, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and others depending upon the creativity of the brewer. Another consistent aspect of the style is, much like a dessert, it is best appreciated in small portions. While Puff Puff Pastry Stout certainly fits within the pastry stout style, it is an amazingly complex rendition of the style with an exceptional level of balance so that you can enjoyably consume more of it than just a taste.
This brew, even with its high level of complexity, exhibits a surprising level of balance in both the aroma and flavor that really makes it stand out from the crowd. The nose exhibits a solid roast barley and black malt character, followed by spicy caramel chocolate aromas. It is quite rich and decadent, yet quite drinkable. The beer is an opaque black with a thin tan head with dissipating small bubbles.
An important aspect of this style is the quality of the base beer. The imperial stout style is one that I am particularly fond of and particularly sensitive to when it comes to quality. If the imperial stout base is weak, then the pastry flavor elements can overwhelm the overall flavor and come off as cloying and imbalanced. The brewers at Gnarly Barley really know their craft when it comes to imperial stouts, however! The base beer in Puff Puff Pastry Stout is a solid one with great depth of flavor from the layers of malt in the grain bill. It is big, and these flavors are immediately followed by the typical milk chocolate, caramel, cinnamon and other brown spice characters seen in this style. There is a lot going on here, but, importantly, it is approachable, and it works. The harmony between all of these big flavors is quite exceptional. The middle, finish and aftertaste are led by the caramel and spice flavors that linger through the drink. The body is medium-full with a moderate level of sweetness that is enhanced by the high levels of alcohol in this brew but also balanced a bit by the high level of hop bitterness.
Yes, this is a dessert stout. However, it should be considered for non-dessert times as well. This would be a great one to enjoy during those cold winter months. – Joseph Formanek
#4
96
by Randy Scorby
Caramel Cake Stout
Wild Leap Brew Co.
Chief Brewing Officer Chris Elliott Talks Caramel Cake Stout
Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
My brew team and I worked to develop different variations of this recipe together in smaller batches before the larger release.
What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
We wanted to make a truly decadent, dessert-like stout, so we used lactose and a lower attenuating yeast to have a decent amount of residual sugar. The result is what I would call a “dessert/beer hybrid” that is a little sweeter than many beers in the style.
What makes this beer truly World Class?
Balance. When we make beers with many different ingredients, we work hard to get each individual element to shine. With this beer, we built the cake flavors with baker’s cinnamon and vanilla. It matched perfectly with layers of caramel.
What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
The flavor of this beer is my favorite aspect. I feel like we absolutely nailed the caramel cake flavors.
How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
This beer, like most of our stouts, is incredibly popular with our fans. We have a very dedicated group of drinkers that really enjoy our way of brewing stouts.
Where does this beer’s name come from?
We decided to go with a very simple and explanatory name on this one. Our target was a beer that tastes exactly like a caramel cake, and we wanted the name to tell people exactly what to expect.
Is this your “desert island beer?”
This beer is definitely one of my favorite stouts, and from a calorie standpoint it would absolutely be the best beer to have if I was stuck on a desert island!
Can you describe this beer in ten words or less?
Thick, sweet, rich and satisfying after-dinner delight.
Judge’s Second Opinion
When you see something like Caramel Cake Stout on the label, your brain automatically sends signals to your palate that a beer with a sweet, cloying finish may be inevitable. Lesson #1: Don’t always believe your brain.
Beers in the spice category are particularly challenging as the adjuncts must be carefully added to avoid either being absent or totally dominating within the beer. This takes a very careful hand. The beauty of this beer is in its balance and drinkability. One aspect of the drinkability is the roller coaster-like complexity in both the aroma and flavor, as the character continually flows and changes. Do you like chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla and caramel? You’re in luck, because all four of those elements weave in and out among the fermentation esters, alcohol and malt to create an incredibly well-balanced beer. The 10.5% ABV provides a solid backbone and enhances the complexity.
What makes Caramel Cake Stout so special is that the spices linger long through the finish into the aftertaste without dominating, like a slice of caramel cake that you let sit in your mouth. Although this beer showcases the spices, there is a light roast character along with stone fruit esters that make this a well-rounded beer. The solid residual sweetness that develops mid-palate dries out in the finish.
Wild Leap Brew Co. is a relative newcomer to the craft beer scene, as it started brewing operations in early 2017. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try their offerings, I would highly encourage you to do so – with beers like Caramel Cake Stout they will certainly be around for a very long time. This incredibly delightful beer is perfect for one of those long, lazy winter nights in front of a crackling wood fire where you can truly enjoy the artistry and technique that it took for the brewer to create it. If you don’t have a fireplace, then use your imagination, as there are multiple scenarios that you can (and should) come up with to enjoy Caramel Cake Stout. And make sure that you have some time to spare; this is one you definitely won’t want to rush through. – Randy Scorby
#3
97
by Sal Mortillaro II
Situational Ethics Apple Brandy Barrel-Aged
Monday Night Brewing
Brewmaster Peter Kiley Talks Situational Ethics Apple Brandy Barrel-Aged
Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
Myself, head brewer Ryan Cooley and wood cellar manager Tim McDonald.
What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
Using honey in any beer is difficult because it wants to ferment. Of course, the meadowfoam honey we used in this beer did, and it added a level of dryness that you don’t see in a lot of contemporary stouts, which I kind of miss. Not to say that contemporary stouts are overly cloying, but there’s definitely a trend in that direction. I like the fact that this version is balanced and has complexity, and the apple brandy barrel presence on it just shined so brightly without interference from other flavors.
What makes this beer truly World Class?
The team that made it. Our team at Monday Night Brewing — Aaron Butzen, our cellar manager, Ryan Cooley, our head brewer and Tim McDonald, our wood cellar manager, along with their teams – all had a hand in creating Situational Ethics. Also, everyone’s hyper invested in it. The series has gotten better every year. After this year, there’ll be twelve different variants within the series – all of them being exceptional, unique, creative and exploratory.
What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
The mouthfeel once again, which I find to be pleasant to my palate. From there, the meadowfoam honey can come across as subtle, but I think a discerning palate, especially if you drink it a little bit warmer, will start to get notes of roasted marshmallows. If you’ve ever had this beer, you know the nose is king – the smell of those apple brandy barrels is incredible. There’s no better representation of an apple brandy barrel-aged stout than this beer.
How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
I always hate to assume how popular things are, but clearly it rang true to them. There have been many people who have told me how much they appreciated it. With Situational Ethics, I always say there needs to be a variant that pushes our team, one that pushes our fans, and one that we all agree on. Last year, the apple brandy barrel was the one we all agreed on. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and beauty is much easier to achieve when simplicity is your guideline.
Judge’s Second Opinion
The past year has seen some interesting beer trends that have pushed the envelope of what actually defines “beer.” We’ve seen heavily fruited sours, slushy beers, over-the-top pastry and adjunct stouts and many other “out-there” styles. While I have always been a proponent of creativity in beer, the underlying question is: At what point is the beverage in front of you so experimental and boundary-pushing that it’s no longer beer?
Situational Ethics Apple Brandy Barrel-Aged by Monday Night Brewing is not one of these beers. Even several months after having the beer, I remember that when it was brought to me, I could smell the aroma from several feet away. Though impressive, I wondered if this was going to be another over-the-top barrel-aged stout. When I tasted it, I knew what a special beer I had in front of me. I thought this beer was the marriage of an incredible base stout with the proper amount of wet barrel and an addition of vanilla, both of which worked in harmony with and elevated the base beer. This was an extremely well executed example of balance in a beer, yet it had such intensity, depth and complexity in the aroma and the flavor that “balanced” and “boring” wouldn’t be dared used in the same review when discussing this terrific beer.
I was extremely sad to learn that this incredible beer was a one-off as I was looking forward to attempting to get my hands on another one or two to enjoy. Though that is something that will probably not happen, I hope Monday Night Brewing and other breweries are inspired by beers such as this one. This beer show showcases artful execution and innovation. As this year ends and the winter months are upon us, I really wish I could be enjoying this beer by a fire. –Sal Mortillaro II
#2
97
by Joseph Formanek
Barrel Aged Imperial Korova
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
Head Brewer Joey Charpentier Talks Barrel Aged Imperial Korova
Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
This beer is based off of Gnarly Barley owner and brewer Zac Caramonta’s GABF silver medal-winning Korova Milk Porter recipe with some small tweaks from me.
What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
This beer uses a lager yeast for fermentation, which I think creates a really unique flavor profile.
What makes this beer truly World Class?
When picking this beer apart it’s hard to find something to be unhappy with. We took a GABF silver medal-winning beer for the base recipe, made an imperial version of it, then aged it in a barrel. I think the end result speaks for itself. We’re really proud of this beer.
What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
The flavor for sure. The bourbon barrels add so much complexity to this beer and create an incredible bourbon chocolaty goodness.
How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
We’re constantly getting asked about when we’ll have this beer out again. We’re currently aging another batch in bourbon barrels at the moment and planning on releasing it in early 2021.
Where does this beer’s name come from?
This beer is a riff on one of our flagship beers. The name and artwork were inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s classic film A Clockwork Orange.
Is this your “desert island beer?”
I would definitely need this beer in my desert island cellar!
Can you describe this beer in ten words or less?
Bourbon. Chocolate. Delicious.
What’s a good food pairing for this beer?
You can’t go wrong with pairing any kind of over-the-top chocolate dessert with this brew.
Judge’s Second Opinion
Seeing as 2020 was such a difficult and tumultuous year, it is important to find things that can help deliver some cheer to the soul – and Gnarly Barley Barrel Aged Imperial Korova truly fits the bill in that respect. I initially gave it a 97, and, looking back, I could have gone even higher. It really is an amazingly rich, complex and delicious treat.
This brew is a sensory treat from start to finish. The aroma has an incredibly layered complexity of bourbon, chocolate, dark malt, sweet raisin, coffee and caramel. Very inviting and it begs you to try a sip! The oak character from the barrel is mellow and complementary. The beer is an opaque inky black color, which is what you would expect for such a brew. This, as a whole, raises your expectations for the flavor.
And, oh, that flavor! Big bourbon notes are up front on top of layers of an extremely rich chocolate, coffee and caramel malt character that all marry very well. Hop flavor and bitterness is subtle, but there is enough of the latter to balance out the sweetness of this brew pretty well, while adding to the layers of taste and flavor. That’s the important thing in a brew such as this – having these flavors that are complementary but deliver delight during their duration on the palate. Even with all of this going on, the body is still medium-full and not too thick, which allows you to enjoy the full flavors without the distraction of heaviness. The only quibble is that the carbonation is a little low. Alcohol is hidden very well. There is a delicious lingering rich malty aftertaste, and an oily slickness on the palate that is complementary to the flavor that keeps the memory of the experience maintained until the next sip.
The brewers at Gnarly Barley are very adept at brewing delicious high-octane brews!
As I mentioned in my earlier review, this beer is a complex, full-flavored offering that deserves to be savored beside a roaring fire among friends. It really is quite delicious. Cheers and enjoy! – Joseph Formanek
#1
98
by Dan Martich
Barrel Aged Brownie Batter Blend #1
Pontoon Brewing
CEO & Owner Sean O’Keefe (left) and Head Brewer Chris Baratz (right) Talk Barrel Aged Brownie Batter Blend #1
Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
This one is a combined effort. I (Sean) initially came up with this recipe during my homebrewing days. I’ve been tweaking it over the years and Chris has continued to rework it at the brewery! The combined effort has helped evolve the recipe over time, which adds to the complexity of the blend.
What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
The flavor profile and blending. The flavor is a mix of dark chocolate and caramel with a good amount of barrel and spirit character. The end result is a liquid brownie.
What makes this beer truly World Class?
The blend. We employed the best barrels in order to create a more complete final product. The blend also pulls enough barrel and spirit character to combine with the malt bill to taste like brownies.
What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
The body, balance and lack of adjuncts make the flavor profile of brownie batter. The barrel then rounds out the edges with some micro-oxidation to create a very balanced and refined final product with good oak tannins and spirit characteristics. Blending has become the essential part of this project.
How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
This is probably our most sought-after beer series. It’s also our favorite series! BC:
Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
We’ve been chasing this level of body on a stout since we’ve opened. When homebrewing, it’s much easier to boil down a stout to achieve the body you want, but on a commercial-size brewhouse, that eight hour boil turned into twenty-four plus hours without putting in a bunch of maltodextrin or lactose to achieve that body. It took so long that we had to brew in shifts overnight, which was a new experience and one that we don’t like to do often! It was supposed to be a one-off beer but now, we mark the calendar and dread the day of the boil that seems to grow by more hours every year!
Judge’s Second Opinion
This beer poured out of its wax-topped bottle like a moonless night. Wax-topped bottles usually entail a truly special brew, and this did not disappoint in that regard. When a brewery goes out of its way to offer a difference in package, you know you’ll be in for a treat. The wax top meant this was a special offering. Like dressing up to go to a lavish ball, this beer had the looks of a winner right away. After pouring, the aroma began with vanilla, sweet roasted malt and pleasantly smooth bourbon. The aroma then went back to the dark roasted malts. I could smell this beer all day long.
On the first sip… wow! Sweet roasty goodness, big bold flavors of espresso with a touch of cream and plenty of boozy alcohol are all present, and they play beautifully together. This beer develops into a myriad of flavor experiences. With the hop flavor and bitterness absent, the finish is of semi-sweet dark chocolate. The aftertaste is of delightful bourbon primarily. Sweet dark chocolate notes are here too, and a roasty malt bitterness gives this beer wonderful complexity. And while the alcoholic warmth is high, it is on point with the bold flavors.
Barrel Aged Brownie Batter Blend #1 is clearly a world-class brew. So much so that it is worth investing in multiple bottles if possible in order to see how it ages after some time in your beer cellar. This beer will only ratchet up its complexity with a few years of time under its belt. The beer’s high ABV and barrel-aging characteristics will lend themselves to extended periods of time maturing in a cellar. – Dan Martich
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