It was lower than a yr in the past that we reviewed the primary batch of this thrilling collaboration between (in any other case unrelated) Breckenridge Brewery and Breckenridge Distillery during which they shared barrels used for his or her beer and whiskey. (As a refresher: Breckenridge Brewery brewed an Imperial Oatmeal Stout which was aged in Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon barrels. After growing old, the beer was returned to tanks and the barrels had been returned to Breckenridge Distillery, stuffed with Breckenridge Whiskey to complete for a yr.)
Now we’re again to attempt batch 2. Let’s see how they arise.
Breckenridge Brewery Buddy Cross Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout Batch 2 – Within the first launch of this collaboration, the barrel-aged stout ended up too candy, however this yr, there’s a greater stability. It’s nonetheless a candy beer, however not cloying, and there may be actually no lack of taste as daring, creamy notes of bittersweet chocolate, fig jam, maraschino cherry, and toffee come pouring out of the glass. At one level, there’s a little bit of a cough syrup be aware, however it’s minor. The shut, as with the primary batch, reveals some tasty graham cracker because the chocolate notes disappear. With its excessive proof, daring taste, and thick, syrupy mouthfeel, it is a beer that’ll preserve you heat by way of the winter. 11% abv. B+ / $14 per four-pack
Breckenridge Distillery Buddy Cross Whiskey Imperial Stout Cask Batch 2 – The nostril is pretty restrained, providing notes of dusty mocha, cinnamon, sandalwood, cereal grain, and a contact of caramel. As with the final batch, the palate is far more expressive, exhibiting a number of semi-sweet chocolate and fig jam. With a while, caramel and cereal grains add to the expertise. There’s some sweetness right here, however it isn’t excessive, and the end is pretty lengthy because the caramel be aware slowly disappears. That is total fairly spectacular. Regardless of its excessive proof and stout cask growing old, it is a advanced and refined whiskey. 114.7 proof. A- / $55
On a lark, I attempted the 2 side-by-side, and the collaboration goes deeper. The flavors in every complement the opposite superbly. Chocolate builds on chocolate, caramel notes get deeper, and the creaminess of the beer balances the ability of the whiskey. On the cusp of one other Boston winter, I believe I’ve discovered the boilermaker that might get me by way of the coldest nights of the yr.
Breckenridge Distillery Buddy Cross Whiskey Imperial Stout Cask Batch 2
$55
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