Beer Review: Backwoods Bastard (2011)

Reviewing the Backwoods Bastard from Founders Brewing Company.
Score: 93

10 oz tap pour served in a globe glass from a 2011 vintage keg at the Brickhouse BBQ on 01/22/12.

Appearance: Served with a thin tan ring of head around the glass. Body is an opaque dark chestnut brown color with yellow-brown highlights at the bottom and lower sides of the glass. When held up to light, huge amounts of reddish-yellow highlights cut through all but the core of the beer. You cannot see through this beer at all. Leaves an oily residue on the side of the glass. 4/5

Smell: Sweet brown sugar and dates prominently featured in the nose along with marshmallows and nondescript dark fruit. Burnt dark sugar, oak, bourbon, rum and malty caramel round out the aroma. 4/5

Taste: Tastes like someone dropped a shot of bourbon in my Dirty Bastard. This beer is very bourbon forward and more aggressive than some of the barrel aged beers that I have drank of late. First pull is primarily sweet bourbon and sticky brown sugar/molasses. There is also some mellow vanilla and dark fruit. Honestly, the dark fruit tastes like bourbon soaked figs and dates. Malty caramel on the midpalate and in the finish. Some alcohol warmth and much more boozy characteristics than the Kentucky Breakfast Stout. There is a spiced rum character to the flavor as well. Finish is bourbon soaked dates. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-full bodied, minimal carbonation. Sticky mouthfeel, sweet finish. 4.5/5

Overall: A more aggressively flavored barrel aged beer. If you like Dirty Bastard and bourbon, this is a must try brew for you.

Recommendation: Those who do not like brown liquor or heavy bourbon flavors should avoid this brew. All else are encouraged to try.

Pairings: The epicly delicious and creamy mac and cheese from the Brickhouse BBQ.

Cost: $6.50 for a 10 oz pint pour or $15.99 for a four pack.