Perrin Brewing Black Goat

LOC: Comstock Park, Michigan ABV: 8.5% | IBUS: 25 | SRM: N/A

What the brewer says

“Kicking its way out of fresh bourbon barrels, this high-gravity double black lager was laid down and aged for several months before coming to life. A bold sweet vanilla-bean aroma rises from the nose, followed by flavors of complex dark chocolate and ripened stone fruit. This lively lager finishes with a charred oak character and a smooth, warm caramel bourbon flavor.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Bourbon-filled aged chocolates, caramel, vanilla, toffee, sweet chocolate. Slight biscuit malt, toasted bread.” Flavor: “For as much as the barrel dominates the nose, it’s more balanced in the flavor. Still some cola notes with some dark melanoidin malt sweetness, but the roast is a bit more pronounced and works well with the vanilla and coconut character from the barrel. Alcohol and bourbon are especially strong in aftertaste.” Overall: “How one lagers in a bourbon barrel, I can’t say, but these folks seem to have figured it out quite well. A fun beer that may not beat out any barrel-aged Russian imperial stouts for top spot, but it showcases what boozy dark lagers can do.”

AROMA: 12 APPEARANCE: 3 FLAVOR: 19 MOUTHFEEL: 4 OVERALL: 9

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