Stigbergets Big Bourbon B.A. Stout (2021)

Style: Barrel aged imperial stout
Producer: Stigbergets Bryggeri
Origin: Sweden
Size: 44cl
Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: 70kr
Systembolaget: – (sold out)

Stigbergets Bryggeri was founded in 2012 in Gothenburg. They started as a small operation connected to the Stigberget restaurant before quickly expanding into one of Scandinavia’s most recognized craft breweries. This was released as a seasonal beer for several years, including this 2021 edition. This was matured for a year on Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve and King’s Country distillery barrels. I’ve always had a big passion for imperial stouts and especially barrel aged editions, so this was a no brainer to have this in the anniversary tasting.

This poured jet black with a lingering tan head and an oily, full-bodied feel. The aroma was intensely rich, packed with notes of oak, vanilla, brown sugar and molasses layered over roasted coffee and dark chocolate. On the palate it leaned sweet and boozy, with bourbon character front and centre, balanced by a relatively low roasted bitterness for the style. The mouthfeel was thick and coating, with warming alcohol and a long finish of chocolate, cream and subtle char.

Overall, it was a bold, luxurious barrel-aged stout that delivered exactly what you wanted from the style—big, complex and built for slow sipping or sharing. Another excellent beer from Stigbergets that aged extremely well.