Year of New Beer: Bourbon Barrel Vanilla Black Maple, Jackie O's Pub & Brewery (OH)

Written By: Dion on 12/18/2016

As the name would suggest, vanilla and maple show up on the nose in a big way. Essence of chocolate, charred wood, and a ton of bourbon join the fray as well. On the tongue, a toffee sweetness leads, augmented by a vanilla that is slightly more subdued than the aroma would suggest. The sweetness is held in check by a healthy bourbon barrel influence, as the wood provides a nice roasted element before the maple revisits on the finish. Even though the bourbon is obvious, this doesn't drink as hot as expected. Excellent beer.