Senior weekend brings families to the beer review table

Another week, another beer review and another chance for us to talk about some barrel aged stouts (even though we said we were done with them a month ago). Over the past weekend, like many seniors, the three of us got to enjoy Senior Weekend on campus. However, this week’s edition was a special one for us. We had an audience this time around. At the start of the semester, we all agreed that we wanted to take the opportunity to share what it is like to review beer with our family, and that is exactly what we did. We were able to get our hands on two very remarkable barrel-aged stouts. We all agreed that we had a lot of fun watching some of our family members try a barrel-aged stout for one of the first times. Let’s just say there was a big adjustment to the complex flavor profile. To all of our seniors, we genuinely wish that you had as much fun as we did over Senior Weekend with your families. If you’re 21+, enjoy barrel-aged stouts as much as we do or are looking for a nice bottle to bring home to enjoy with family, go check out the following beers.

Peanut Kong Vs. Maple Monster – Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout (13.2%)

We’re starting off with a strong one from Junkyard Brewing in Moorhead, Minn. We were able to pick up the heavy notes of peanut butter chocolate with a sweet maple smell that tied in nicely on the nose of the beer. Think of Reese’s with a hint of maple syrup. When we tried the beer, there was a strong peanut taste along with a rich and savory maple flavor. The dark chocolate we noticed on the nose made its appearance on the aftertaste. The dark chocolate aftertaste brought the beer that crisp, roasted finish without overpowering the peanut and maple flavor. While it was a bit sweet for us to have too much in one sitting, it was a great beer to share with family. We had six people drinking and felt like we all got the perfect amount. This is a complex and fantastic dessert beer for all to enjoy. We all agreed that since this was bottled in 2021, it had aged remarkably well. Great pick, Andrew.

Arise 2022 Edition – Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout (11.0%)

For our second beer of this week’s review, we have Arise. Once again, we have a beer from Rush River Brewing in River Falls, Wis., in the beer review. On the nose of the beer, we could definitely tell that it was a boozy beer. However, behind the boozy aroma we were able to pick up notes of dark chocolate and a very slight sweet and savory component that was reminiscent of sugar and vanilla. When we tasted the beer, we agreed that it was a balanced beer and checked all the boxes for what a Russian imperial stout should be. The roasted dark chocolate came through strong and became a savory, creamy vanilla on the back end. The boozy flavor of the beer finished at the end of the aftertaste; however, it was not overpowering. Arise was also a beer with many complex flavors that balanced well on the palate. This one also aged very well since it was bottled in 2022. Great way to end it, Caden.