Day 22: Hammer Imperial Barrel Aged Stout

No you're not seeing double; this is the barrel-aged brother to the Hammer Imperial Stout (Day 6)
The Story:
As a brewer, experimentation and having fun with beer are two principles that have really guided our path.  Barrel-aging has always been on our radar, but 2011 was the first year we were able to actually get our hands on some freshly-emptied whiskey barrels.  We also happened to have just finished brewing our annual Hammer Imperial Stout, and on a whim opted to throw some into the barrels to see what would happen.  The result was one of the most delicious experiments we've done, with the warm bourbon flavours infusing vanilla and subtle sweetness into the rich roasted Hammer Stout that we had come to know and love.  We've been releasing this Barrel-Aged brother along with the original Hammer ever since so that others can do tasting experiments of their own and really taste the difference that barrel-aging can make on a beer.  It's the same recipe, but two very different beers.

Tasting Notes:
Pours a deep earthy brown colour with a caramel-coloured head. Aromas of sweet bourbon and vanilla lead to a full-bodied, roasted flavour profile wrapped in soft bourbon with hints of dark chocolate.
 
Availability:
Hammer Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout is available seasonally for a limited time, usually around December.  You can still find this brew on the shelves of some finer private craft-focused liquor stores.