Irish Coffee Barrel-Aged Legion by Community Beer Co. is being evaluated as a Wood-Aged Beer (2015 BJCP Category 33A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the base beer to remain present while the barrel-aged character provides additional character from the barrel contact.
I am presented with an opaque, light absorbing jet black ale with a large, 4” frothy brown head perched atop. The aroma fills my nose with heavy and rich sweet milk chocolate and light coffee notes. The flavor is a mouth-coating heavy and lightly bitter and rich dark malt, reminiscent of dark chocolate truffles, a light hop bitterness, light spicy hops and a malt-dominant, dry finish. Full bodied, a medium alcohol warmth and medium carbonation.
Further analysis and contemplation yields plump dark fruit aromas, cocoa powder and light oak. The head persists throughout and leaves a short-lived lace line. The beer is clean with only malt-derived fruit character of dark fruits to be specific. Dark chocolate lingers into the finish and a dry alcoholic character cuts the sweetness. Some oak character is present as is a spicy rye whiskey.
This bold, assertive Imperial Stout would stand up to the richest of chocolate cakes or the stinkiest of blue cheeses.