Barrel aged stouts often come with a lot of hype and an even bigger price tag, but Central Waters Brewing has quietly built one of the most dependable barrel programs in the country. Their Brewer’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout doesn’t rely on gimmicks or excess. It simply delivers a classic, well executed barrel aged stout that feels approachable, affordable, and far too overlooked for how good it is.
Brewer’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout
It pours a flat black with half a finger of light brown foam. The bubbles settle quickly, leaving behind a small ring of lace clinging to the edge of the snifter. The beer looks dense and still, giving off the impression of something rich and deliberate.
Sweet bourbon and malt fill the nose right away, followed by oaky vanilla and soft notes of caramel and toffee. The barrel presence is clear but not aggressive, inviting rather than overpowering.
On the palate, rich sweet malt slides across the tongue, bringing light caramel and a hint of char before the bourbon fully shows itself. Vanilla and oak mingle smoothly, while each sip finishes with just a touch of bourbon warmth. There’s enough burn to remind you the barrels were wet when this beer went in, but never enough to distract. It is real sweet sipping from start to finish.
Best Of The Barrels
Central Waters Brewing Brewer’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout is the kind of beer that proves great barrel aged stouts do not need to be rare or expensive to be memorable. Readily available, fairly priced, and consistently excellent, it is an easy recommendation for anyone who appreciates a straightforward bourbon barrel stout done right.