Cognac Barrel-Aged Double Mash Imperial Stout by pFriem Family Brewers is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Specialty Wood-Aged Beers are aged in spirit barrels and should have a harmonious blend between the barrel characters (typically vanilla and toasted oak), the barrel spirits and the base style. Imperial Stouts are noted for strong, rich chocolate and roasted malt flavors, black color with opaque clarity, and full body and smooth mouthfeel. Cognac Barrel Double Mash Imperial Stout required two mashes with no sparge to achieve its massive 14% ABV strength. After fermentation, it was aged for 10 months in French Cognac barrels.

Cognac Barrel Double Mash Imperial Stout pours inky black with an opaque appearance and a small dark brown head. The aroma is very strong roasted, chocolate and molasses dark malt flavors; the alcohol is readily apparent (but is not hot). The mouthfeel showcases a full body and is very smooth and creamy. The flavor is very prominent roasted, chocolate and molasses dark malts with lighter notes of caramel and vanilla. The finish is moderately bitter with strong dark malt flavors of roasted, chocolate and roasted; the dark malt flavors linger long with just a hint of sweetness and a note of Cognac.

This Imperial Stout is a huge punch in the face by dark malt. The beer is massive in strength and is not apologetic about it. Unfortunately, the Cognac does not power through the aggressive dark malt flavors. Regardless, enjoy this well-brewed, very strong imperial stout. This will make a perfect nightcap on a cold winter’s night.