The bourbon barrel aged beer is a highly sought after delicacy in the craft beer world.  Many companies have their own version of this style.  However, the reality is that not all are excellent offerings.

Those barrel-aged brews that are deemed of the highest caliber are naturally those in greatest demand.

While I contend, from time to time, that scarcity creates an undue bolstering of certain beers elevated status’;  I have had occasions to compare, head-to-head, some of these more sought after barrel-aged stouts and find the accolades warranted.

But how wildly should the praises be heaped upon these beers?  Are they deserving of wallet-emptying price tags and fifteen minute sell through?  Do they distance themselves that extensively from other barrel-aged stouts to deserve these exorbitant price tags?

Should a bottle of Founders KBS cost me $9?

Does a bottle of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout call for $10 a bottle?

Is it reasonable for a bottle of Port Brewing Older Viscosity to occupy shelf space at $25 a bottle?

If the market for these beers will pay it, then yes, these are rational prices.  But do I ever feel that I’ve been properly compensated by flavor for the prices that I’ve paid, no, not really.

When an alternative to these outlandishly priced juggernauts surfaces, both my bank account and palate rejoice.  When a brew not only contends as an alternative, and at a discount, but completely satisfies flavor-wise as well, then it’s time to stock up.

Duclaw Brewing Company – Devil’s Due – This is a blend of DuClaw’s bourbon barrel aged imperial stout Retribution and formidable barley wine Devil’s Milk.  If I were to speculate, I would guess a 70/30 split with the seventy percent being Retribution.  My assumption arising from the dominant bourbon flavor associated with this brew.  The nose is emphatically bourbon-laden.  Elements of cocoa, marshmallow, and licorice come through as well.  The body is sinfully dark, possesses very light carbonation, and creates minimal lacing on the glass.  Expectedly, the taste delivers bourbon, then some more bourbon atop a creamy but slightly thin profile that finishes chocolatey and with wisps of booziness.  Upon a few subsequent tastes, traces of tobacco and caramel grace my palate.  This is amazingly gratifying, and is also available at fractions of the cost of many of the bourbon-barrel whales navigating the craft ocean.  I’ve already bought a case.  I suggest you do the same.  Maybe make it two cases, given the bargain available. DDD 10/10

Humbly yours,

J