Beer Review: Breakside Black & Tan Bourbon Barrel Aged Ale
Style: American Strong Ale / Imperial Stout (It’s a blend, so it has characteristics of both)
ABV: 9.2%
IBU: Not listed, but likely moderate given the blend and barrel aging.
Brewery: Breakside Brewery (Portland, OR)
“Stout-aged in Bourbon Barrels”: implying the stout component is barrel-aged and then blended.
Appearance: Pours a deep, inviting mahogany bordering on black, with ruby highlights visible when held to the light. A creamy, tan-colored head forms, reminiscent of a classic Black & Tan pour, though in this case, it’s a homogeneous blend in the can. The head dissipates slowly, leaving behind a nice lacing on the glass. It’s opaque and rich, hinting at the depths within.
Aroma: The aroma is complex and luxurious, immediately signaling its barrel-aged nature. Rich notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and caramelized sugar are evident in the stout component. This is beautifully interwoven with the unmistakable warmth of bourbon, featuring notes of vanilla, oak, and a subtle, boozy sweetness. There’s also a hint of dried dark fruit, such as raisin and fig, adding another layer of sophistication. The “tan” aspect might contribute a lighter, bready malt note that peeks through, preventing it from being solely a heavy stout aroma.
Taste: The taste is a journey. It opens with a robust blend of sweet and savory flavors: rich, dark chocolate and espresso bitterness from the stout, balanced by a smooth caramel sweetness and vanilla notes from the bourbon barrels. The bourbon character is prominent but well-integrated, providing warmth without harshness. As it warms, subtle notes of toasted nuts, toffee, and a whisper of dark fruit emerge. The “tan” ale component likely provides a balancing malty sweetness and perhaps some slight hop presence that cuts through the richness, creating a more dynamic flavor profile than a straight barrel-aged stout might offer. The finish is long, warming, and pleasantly bittersweet, with lingering notes of oak and bourbon.
Mouthfeel: This beer boasts a full, velvety body that coats the palate beautifully. It’s thick and chewy, yet surprisingly smooth and not syrupy. The carbonation is moderate, just enough to lift the flavors without being prickly. The 9.2% ABV is noticeable as a gentle, comforting warmth in the chest, making it perfect for slow sipping.
Breakside’s Black & Tan Bourbon Barrel Aged Ale is a masterclass in blending and barrel aging. It successfully takes the concept of a “Black & Tan” beyond just layering two beers, integrating the characteristics into a single, cohesive, and remarkably complex brew. It’s rich, decadent, and warming, making it an excellent choice for colder evenings or as a dessert beer. The balance between the stout’s roastiness and the bourbon barrel’s sweetness and oak character is superb. This is a beer to savor and appreciate for its depth and craftsmanship. Highly recommended for fans of barrel-aged stouts and strong ales seeking a beer with an extra layer of nuanced flavor.