Barrel Aged Blackout
An imperial stout named after the 2003 power outage across the northeastern United States, aged for several months in bourbon barrels and released each November in cans. Simcoe and Nugget hops sit on two-row malt, Crystal 77, black malt and roasted barley. It pours black with a tan head. Dark chocolate and roasted grain lead, followed by vanilla, bourbon-soaked oak, toffee and a thread of dark fruit. The body is full and smooth, the alcohol shows as sweet warmth, and the finish is long, with coffee-like char and a dry oak edge.
AWARDS
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Barrel Aged Blackout
Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.
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.
More from Great Lakes Brewing Company
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, roasted, oak character as Barrel Aged Blackout will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.