A stout that has been aged in a barrel? You have my attention! This isn't the first of these beers (and I think that Lexington actually produces quite a few barrel aged beers) but I always look forward to them. Some are absolutely fantastic, and I tend to forget the ones that aren't. That must mean I like them, right? It's some kind of confirmation bias, I think.
First sip is sweet, woody, dark earth, and cherries. I never thought about a barrel-aged beer making it into the dessert beer category, but this one is sweet enough for it. It has the stoic nature of an imperial stout that gives backbone compared to the more entertaining milk stout, and the whole thing is given a sea of liquor to bask in. I really like the sip a lot, and I fear it will be too much for a swig.
Tip-in is sweet malt, dark fruit, and earth with minimal carbonation intrusion. The middle allows some carbonation to tickle the roof of the mouth while the creamy smooth sweet malt gives a bed for the other flavors to lounge around on. The finish is a slight bitterness and dryness as a hint of coffee enters and is joined by cherries for the trail off.
Bottom Line: A very solid beer.
3.75/5
