Beer Review: Gravedigger Billy

Reviewing the Gravedigger Billy from Revolution Brewing Company out of Chicago. I wonder if this brew is named after the Simpsons' character (no, I am not referring to Groundskeeper Willie). Revolution is quite possibly Chicago's best brewery, and they'll be canning some of their year-round beers for distribution very soon (likely within the next 2-3 months).
Score: 98

9 oz tap pour served in a snifter glass and enjoyed on 02/23/12.

Appearance: This beer is a very deep/dark and opaque brownish red color with caramel colored highlights, not unlike the Founders Backwoods Bastard. Served with a finger of creamy tan/off-white head that ultimately settles into a thin creamy layer around the glass. Solid lacing. 4/5

Smell: Caramelized brown sugar, sweet raisin and sweet dark fruit. A little bourbon, lots of vanilla/oak, "roasty" malt, a hint of chocolate, and a light amount of spice. Some molasses too. A very sweet smelling, complex barrel-forward aroma. 5/5

Taste: Whoa! The flavor follows the nose, but it's even more satisfying. Tons of flavorful barrel flavors throughout. Sweet and chewy bourbon soaked raisins upfront. Then vanilla, whiskey caramel, malty caramel, rye spice, plum, fig, and molasses soak the midpalate. A little wood and spice on the midpalate too, in addition to a hint of hops and a light cocoa flavor. No alcohol/boozy flavor present, but some warming effect does occur on the palate. A second wave of malty sweet caramel, vanilla and raisin hits towards the finish and reloads the barrel flavors for a long-lasting bourbon soaked raisin finish. The scotch ale characteristics do not really stand out by any means, but they blend in perfectly with the bourbon barrel flavors to create a truly magnificent beer. As it warms, a certain straight bourbon flavor comes out towards the finish for those who enjoy that sort of thing. 5/5

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, minimal carbonation. Sweet and moderately dry finish. The mouthfeel is damn near perfect. 5/5

Overall: Easily the best Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy that I have ever had. This brew blows Backwoods Bastard out of the water and should be sought after. Sadly, it's a brewery only tap, costs $8 for a 9 oz pour, is not sold in growlers and when it's gone, it'll be gone. In other words, head over the brew pub now -- before it's too late. Hopefully this beer will find its way into a special bottle release once Revolution gets its distribution underway. I would absolutely buy this one again.

Recommendation: Go to the brewery this weekend to have a snifter-full of this beer. You will absolutely regret missing this one. Even casual beer drinkers should love the balanced, sweet and flavorful taste.

Pairings: Beef jerky.

Cost: $8 for a 9 oz snifter pour.