I’m a big fan of Imperial Stouts. They’re rich, roasty, and can sport incredible depth of flavor. The high alcohol content is often well masked (in good versions) making them the perfect style for sipping and sharing.
In late January, Full Sail announced the annual release of their 2014 Vintage Bourbon Aged Imperial Stout. I reviewed the 2013 vintage last spring and was impressed. The 2014 and 2013 vintages each spent one year in barrels before being bottled. However, this beer is a perfect candidate for extended cellaring. So I'm going to put the my bottle (a sample from Full Sail) in the cellar for a year and see how it compares to the 2013. Check back in a year. All good things to those who wait...
For more information about the current release, check out the details below.
Full Sail Brewing Releases 2014 Vintage Bourbon Aged Imperial Stout
Hood River, Oregon – In the 1990s, a master distiller
visiting from Scotland, and a Brewmaster from a small brewery in Hood River,
serendipitously crossed paths. Over a pint or two, they shared their labors of
love and pondered a rather intriguing question: what would happen if beer and
distilled spirits met somewhere along the way? The outcome of their inspiration
was Full Sail’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, an annual celebration of
the best of American beer and American bourbon. With a tip of the hat to the
Scotsman that inspired the idea, Full Sail offers this finely crafted beer for
a limited time.
Full Sail Brewing will release their 2014 Bourbon Barrel
Aged Imperial Stout in early February. This beer has been patiently and
carefully aging in bourbon casks for over a year. Highly anticipated by beer
lovers every year, this release from the Brewery has received numerous
accolades over the years, including gold and silver medals, five star ratings,
and a bounty of happy customers.
This beer was brewed in December of 2012 and aged in
Kentucky bourbon casks from Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Makers Mark. This
extended aging presents hints of vanilla and allows the Imperial Stout to pick
up the flavors of the wood, bourbon, and oak. The aging accentuates the robust
character of the Imperial Stout and brings out the depth of flavor from the
bourbon creating chocolate and caramel notes and an overall elegantly
sophisticated beer.
The beer is racked in small batches and is available in only
very limited quantities. It cellars well, so if you store a few bottles in a
dark, cool place and be patient, you will be rewarded for your effort and
restraint. This special beer is available early February in 22oz. bottles and
draft. ABV 9.84% IBU 40
About Full Sail Brewing Company:
The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is
perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and
kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment our specialists in the
liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among
the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Limited Lager
Series, Pub Ale Series, Session Premium, Session Black, and Session Fest
lagers. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting award winning
godlike nectar for 26 years, and is committed to brewing great beer
sustainably. The Full Sail Brew Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a
pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. 
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