Judge’s Review: 92 Rating – Bourbon Barrel Aged French Macaron Stout by pFriem Family Brewers

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer | Limited Release | USA

By Richard Wong

Judges Rating: 92
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

Bourbon Barrel Aged French Macaron Stout by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as Style 33B (Specialty Wood Aged Beer) per the 2021 BJCP Beer Guidelines. 
The beer poured a dark, rich black hue that had a hint of a tan carbonated foam. The aroma had a very strong and wonderful presence of bourbon and oak along with hints of roasted malts and coconut. The first sip of this beer revealed complexity of roasted malts that had hints of chocolate and subtle coffee notes along with the ever-present flavor of bourbon, oak and a light hint of coconut in the background. The alcohol is quite evident in this beer. I first detected it in the aroma and in the taste where I knew it was a big beer with an ABV of 11.5% !  This beer should be enjoyed in small pours especially during the cold, dark winter months. The mouthfeel and body of this beer is medium-heavy with a nice carbonation level. The aftertaste of had a nice alcohol burn in the finish with complex flavors and smoothness in the palate.