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Whiskey Barrel Stout

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Robust flavors of vanilla, espresso, whiskey, chocolate and roasted grain are balanced by hints of date and plum, with just enough hops to round it out. Over the top but surprisingly approachable, it starts with barley, rye, oats and wheat. Roughly one third is freshly brewed beer, the rest ages up to a year or more in first and second use whiskey casks. 11.8% ABV, 32 IBU.

ABV
11.8%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter32 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark40
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
chocolatevanillaroasted
chocolate
vanilla
roasted
coffee
oak
dark fruit
Aroma
Bourbon and oak dominate the opening, layered with rich espresso and roasted grain notes that build complexity.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Whiskey Barrel Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep black-brown color with minimal light transmission, characteristic of the Imperial Stout style at SRM 40. A dense, tan head forms and clings persistently to the glass walls, indicating substantial body and malt presence. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, creating a creamy visual texture.

deep black-browndense tan headpersistent lacingopaque

◌ Aroma

Bourbon and oak dominate the opening, layered with rich espresso and roasted grain notes that build complexity. Vanilla and chocolate undertones emerge with time in the glass, accompanied by subtle dark fruit—primarily date and plum—that adds depth without overpowering. The whiskey cask influence is assertive yet harmonious, framing rather than masking the malt foundation.

bourbon oakespresso roastvanilla chocolatedark fruitwhiskey barrel

◐ Taste

The entry is full-bodied and warming, leading with chocolate and roasted grain before shifting toward coffee and oak in the mid-palate. Vanilla and stone fruit notes provide counterbalance, preventing any single character from dominating. Bitterness remains restrained at 32 IBU, allowing the malt sweetness and barrel-derived warmth to define the overall impression without harsh edges.

chocolate-forwardcoffee oakvanilla sweetnesswarming alcoholsmooth finish

◑ Finish

The finish is lingering and rich, with chocolate and oak notes persisting for several minutes. A subtle whiskey warmth settles into the aftertaste without sharp burn, leaving the palate satiated rather than fatigued.

long finishbarrel warmthsmooth fade
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
90
Taste
89
Appearance
85
Finish
84
Serve at 13–16°C

Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Can be cellared 2–5 years. Develops dark fruit, leather and port-like complexity with age.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Whiskey Barrel Stout

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About Imperial Stout

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Imperial Stout?

Stouts are dark ales with roasted barley character, 4–8% ABV and IBU 25–45. Expect coffee, dark chocolate and toast flavors with a creamy body and dry finish.

Finding a similar Imperial Stout

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same chocolate, vanilla, roasted character as Whiskey Barrel Stout will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Imperial Stout beers in hopIQ →New to Imperial Stout? Read our guide →Browse United States beers →