Orpheus The 12th Labor (Bourbon Barrel Aged)

Orpheus The 12th Labor (Bourbon Barrel Aged) is an American Double/Imperial Stout, 13% ABV. This massive stout is fermented with a Belgian yeast strain originating from Rochefort and aged in bourbon barrels. Big thanks to Kevin and Meredith for bringing this back from Atlanta and sharing it at a recent work meeting.

This pours with a nice and dark black color, not much head after the 750ml bottle was shared four ways. The aroma is fantastic. A ton of sweet and boozy bourbon with a good dose of vanilla and sweet raisins. The taste has a plethora of every dark fruit known to man, raisin, plum, fig, prunes… you name it, it’s in there (I’m am going to guess some of this is coming form the Rochefort yeast strain) as well as a some tasty caramel notes. The bourbon barrel aging turned out perfect. Not too much, but always there is a smooth underlying way. A hint of roast and hop bitterness on the finish ends this outstanding stout. The mouth-feel is spot on as well, once again not too big, but not too thin either.

It takes a lot at this point to really impress when it comes to a new bourbon barrel aged stout, but Orpheus really got me to audibly say “wow!” after my first sip. Pick it up if you can find it.