Lone Buffalo: 18mo Barrel Aged Anniversary Stout by Wild Leap Brew Co. was evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (Category 33B) per the 2021 BJCP guidelines with the noted base style of an Imperial Stout and aged for 18 months in a rum barrel.

This beer pours a black color with opaque clarity due to the color. No head is present in this beer even when roused. A very slight acetic note is fleeting as well as a touch of Marmite on the initial aroma. A high, sugary sweetness is noticeable in this beer followed by a medium chocolate aroma with a touch of roasted malt. As the beer warms, a medium-low coconut aroma develops along with tertiary aromas of toffee. There is no hop aroma in this beer, which is fine for the style.

A very quick acetic flavor is quickly covered up by a high lactose-like sweetness. This is quickly followed by a medium chocolate and medium coconut flavor, which blends nicely with the initial sweetness. Subtle smoky and roasted notes from the malt manifest in the flavor as well as the toffee notes. A pleasant ethyl alcohol character persists in this beer. There is no perceivable hop flavor or bitterness in this beer. A finish of sweet, chocolate, coconut and umami linger.

This beer has a full, chewy body with low carbonation. 

Overall, this beer would be nicer with a touch less sweetness to let the stout and barrel characteristics shine through a little more. The touch of acetic and umami notes are a little distracting, though they can be easily worked though, allowing the beer to be enjoyed.