It’s time to invite a few Stout-loving buddies, don your finest lab coats, and conduct a boozy science experiment. The goal: find out what happens when a massive RIS spends months in freshly emptied Bourbon Barrels. 

Because today, you can snag the classic Epitaph Russian Imperial Stout (to use as your control) AND the 2019 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Epitaph. When we got a few cases of last years’ Barrel-aged vintage, you guys gave it an obscene 4.38 rating on Tavour!

Pop the top on the un-aged Epitaph and pour it into a beaker. Or a pint glass if you don’t have any beakers lying around. Analyze its swirling aromas of mocha and anise. Take a sip, and rich fudge and black licorice flavors flood the palate, carried on a 12% ABV. The finish is dry, like 90% dark chocolate. 

After a few decadent sips, you might forget about the Barrel-Aged version altogether, but that would be a huge mistake. It demands observation!

Open up the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Epitaph, and it smells like an Irish coffee with a dusting of cocoa. Billowing roasty aromas and hints of fennel fill the air, along with strong notes of top-shelf whiskey. Hold a sip on your tongue, and layers of Bourbon and oaky vanilla accentuate nuances of espresso and still more dark chocolate and anise. 

Grab these bottles from the Washington Beer Award-winners at Heathen Brewing and conduct your own experiment with back-to-back sips that highlight the power of Bourbon Barrels. 

You might not all agree on which one you like more, but you’ll have a great time pouring over the data!

Bourbon Barrel-aged Epitaph rated 4.16 on Untappd; Epitaph rated 3.97 on Untappd

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Heathen Brewing is certified independent by the Brewers Association