Judge’s Review: 96 Rating – Planifolia Barrel Aged Stout by Phase Three Brewing Co.

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer | Limited Release | USA

By James Link

Judges Rating: 96.00
Aroma: 23.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 38.00
Mouthfeel: 10.00
Overall Impression: 19.00

The following reviewed beer was performed utilizing style descriptions as provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under category 33B Specialty Wood- Aged Beers.
I was immediately rewarded for having the foresight to use a snifter for this review. The aromatics were delightfully aggressive. Vanilla and chocolate in spades with notes of bourbon and a smack of alcohol to warm the nose.
Planifolia poured a dark brown hued almost black appearance with ruby highlights and a coffee-colored head that was somewhat restrained. This is not abnormal for higher gravity beers. The nose provided well-balanced combination of rich charred chocolate that is complimented by bourbon notes and a very pure and distinct vanilla complexity.
The body was full and smooth, with a firm alcoholic warmth that avoided astringency from the darker roasted grains.
Overall, a full flavored and well-conceived example of the style that is guaranteed to warm your cockles in front of the fire on a cold winter night.