A co-worker dropped a couple of bottles of Jefferson’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout by my cube a couple of weeks ago. This is a stout, aged for 60 days in Jefferson Reserve Bourbon barrels. I’d waxed semi-poetic about Jefferson Reserve small batch bourbon previously. Based on my fondness for the bourbon, my co-worker suggested I try out the stout.
Firstly, I am not a beer snob by any means. The industrial, US big name beers, cold and within reach, have brought much joy to watching sporting events, grilling food, and listening to country music.
Secondly, I rarely drink stouts. When I’m in the proper frame of mind, I’ve been known to enjoy some of the finer products of the brewer’s art.
So, last night being steak night and all, I opened the first bottle, and carefully poured the dark nectar into a pint glass1 to enjoy a pre-dinner libation. And what a treat. The bitterness and heaviness I’d previously associated with stouts was nowhere in evidence. While more robust than the common lagers I’ve been knocking back for decades, this stuff was creamy and aromatic. The hint of the bourbon was unmistakeable, and there was a subtle hint of chocolate in the finish. MLB had a little sip and pronounced it to be primo.
I wouldn’t kill a twelver of this watching NASCAR races, but man, for pure enjoyment, it was excellent. One reason one doesn’t swill this is that it has ABV 8%. Stout, indeed. It needs to be savored at the proper time, and in the proper manner.
It’s hard to find around here, apparently. But, in case my coworker makes any more excursions in search of it, I’ll have a few bucks to pay him for whatever he’s willing to mule back for me.
Oh, and I slept like a baby last night. ABV 8% has its advantages.
-k-
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Man listen to you rhapsodize over this like some yuppie in heat over a cabernet…
Sounds nice maybe will try some day.