Score: 87/100 – Great
Appearance 6/6
The beer pours a clear black with a moderately tall, frothy, creamy, brown head. Great foam retention considering the very high ABV. A great looking brew!
Aroma 22/24
Strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is rich, deep, and inviting.
A strong barrel character leads the way, complemented by prominent dark and specialty malt notes. The alcohol is noticeable, but in a positive way, and the oxidation adds a pleasant complexity. Mild esters are present with no discernible hop character. Outstanding!
Flavour 37/40
Strong intensity with good balance and aggressive perceived bitterness.
The flavor mirrors the richness and depth of the aroma, with significant barrel character and dark/specialty malt notes. The alcohol is noticeable but doesn’t have a fusel-like quality. Pleasant oxidation adds an umami component. There are no prominent hop notes or esters, and no apparent off-flavors for the style.
Mouthfeel 5/10
Full body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel is viscous, heavy, and sharp with harsh alcohol warming and a luscious finish. No noticeable astringency but the beer is somewhat harsh on the palate due to the intensity of the warming sensation.
Overall 17/20
Left Field Brewery’s Bourbon Barrel-Aged Blackburne is an excellent beer.
Fantastic appearance for the style – the foam attributes are impressive, which can be a challenge for beers of this strength. The aroma is intense, immediately grabbing your attention. The same can be said for the flavor as it delivers a bold punch in your mouth. The mouthfeel is rich and complements the rest of the beer nicely. However, the alcohol heat is a bit overpowering, diminishing the overall drinking experience.
Overall, this is a beer worth trying, and I would happily drink it again. While it doesn’t quite stand out due to its sweetness and the strong alcohol warmth, they work together as the heat cuts through the sugar. Great flavour, this is a delicious beer.
Beerfection | Craft Beer Reviews | Montreal, Canada 