Stoutmaker.beer

Was able to get out to Ahnapee Brewing for their Barrel Aged Two Stall Squared Imperial/double milk stout.

This one has been on tap before, but it has been out of circulation for a few years. Is now once again out for a limited release.

An upscaled version of thier fantastic Two Stall stout. (which I have just noticed that we have not done a review of that one on here yet!)
9% abv and 21 IBU. So lets get in this because I just cant wait any longer.

The tap pour is about as black as you can get. There is a thick pillowy tan head that drop fairly quickly. But that’s usually the way Bourbon Barreled beer work.

The amount of aroma that this well aged beer still has is impressive.  Still big roast and chocolate. I’d have to even say some oatmeal notes hidden back there. The beer just leads you into taking that first sip.

Oh and when you do… It so velvety smooth. Roast up front, but gentle. That that same low chocolate rolls in on top of a sweetness that stays well short of cloying, but it really plays well with that alcohol, Marshmallow and very subtle raisin notes and just the faintest hints of that “Old Elk” Bourbon barrel.
Quite a bit still going on here, but things have really mingled, mellowed and smoothed out.

You might think that this would be a heavy, thick bodied stout by the looks and descriptions of it, but it really has quite an easy medium body and feel to it. That low 21 IBU makes it feel heavier and is smack on what was needed to keep that sweetness toned down.
There are suprisingly decent legs on the swirls and a nice warming of alcohol with out the bite. I didn’t expect that so much in a beer that’s only 9%.

What a fantastic beer. Its got a little bit of everything going on, and has aged to perfection.
Aboslutly one of the best local beers around, and most definitely the best local Stout.
I know it would be nearly impossible for this to be a regular offering,, but I can manage with these special releases.

Easily 4.75/5. If you can manage to get to Ahnapee Brewing while they still have this, it is a must have.