When it comes to beer styles born for barrel aging, Scotch Ales are at the top of the list -- some argue their candied fruit-maltiness grabs more flavors from the barrel than Stouts or Porters. Well, we’ve got a leg up on this one because we practically live next door to Black Raven Brewing and their crowd favorite 10.8% ABV Bourbon Barrel Aged Splinters.

With a 4.23 on Beer Advocate, this limited release boasts an eye-opening snap of oak, a caramel-seared kiss of kettle corn, and the rich date-like sweetness of its award-winning Scotch Ale base. Lovers of uncompromising desserty flavors and bourbon will find what they crave in this powerful brew.

To maximize barrel complexity, Splinters is aged for six months in various whiskey barrels-- each with their own distinct flavor imprint. Then for one month, Black Raven combines the contents, enabling the spicy, fruity, dessert-like range of single-barrel flavors to meld together. Drinking means drizzles of milk chocolate infused with ripe raisins, and toffee in a cellar-full of spicy liquor-soaked wood.

So dim the lights and grab a snifter full of Splinters. When you kick back in your recliner and close your eyes, you’ll swear you’re floating to heaven on a top-shelf whiskey flight.

Rated 4.23 on Beer Advocate