Judge’s Review: 95 Rating – Double Barrel Narcissist by O’so Brewing Co.

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer | Limited Release | USA

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 95.00
Aroma: 23.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 37.00
Mouthfeel: 10.00
Overall Impression: 19.00

Double Barrel Narcissist by O’so Brewing Co. is a twice Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout and 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 their strong, rich chocolate and roasted malt flavors, black color, full body, and smooth mouthfeel. Double Barrel Narcissist was aged in Elijah Craig and George Dickel bourbon barrels and measures in at 14.5% ABV.
Double Narcissist pours black in color, is opaque, and sports a small rim of brown head. The aroma is strong roasted and chocolate malts with a complementing moderately strong rich caramel malt. Barrel aromas complement as well with aromas of light vanilla, toasted oak, and bourbon. There is a moderate ethanol aroma but without harshness or sharpness. The body is full with a creamy mouthfeel and a moderate and pleasant warmth. The flavor is strong chocolate and roasted malt with a complementary caramel malt and a light sweetness. Light bourbon, vanilla, and toasted oak complement the dark malts. The beer finishes with a moderate bitterness with strong chocolate and roasted malts and support from caramel malt. Lighter notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and bourbon linger long into the finish.
Double Narcissist is an excellent bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. The beer measures in at 14.5% ABV but still exhibits quaffability, where many other beers of this strength seem to be like hefty meals. The caramel malt complements the strong dark malt presence well; excessive sweetness and dark malt acidity are absent from this excellent example. But, for a double barrel-aged beer, I would expect a higher level of barrel and spirit character. Enjoy this well-brewed Imperial Stout that showcases the barrel-aging skills of the brewers.