Beer Review: Barrel Aged B.O.R.I.S. Van Wink

Reviewing the Barrel Aged B.O.R.I.S. Van Wink from the Hoppin' Frog Brewery out of Akron, Ohio. This beer is Hoppin' Frog's signature BORIS Russian imperial stout aged in pappy van winkle barrels.

Score: 84

November 2013 vintage bottle served in a Surly Darkness chalice and enjoyed on 07/12/14. Thank you Kevin S. for sending me this brew!

Appearance: Pours a pitch black color with just under a finger of khaki head that recedes quickly to a thick ring around the glass. Okay lacing and retention, light browning from swirling. 4/5

Smell: Fudge, bourbon, oak, caramel, chocolate and a little roast. Really nice mix! 4.5/5

Taste: Taste is boozier, oakier and less integrated than the nose. Licorice, oak, dark fruit, booze and baker's chocolate. Has a kiss of ashiness. Not bad at all, but it is a far cry from the quality that the nose led on or even regular barrel aged BORIS. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, low carbonation. More bitter than anticipated. Creamy mouthfeel. 3.5/5

Overall: A solid, but far from spectacular beer that proves that using Pappy barrels does not always make a beer better. Regular barrel aged BORIS, and even non-barrel aged BORIS, were better in my opinion.

Cost: $15.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.