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I would much prefer this Colorado release from Oskar Blues to be in 10oz cans considering it is 10%+ but I do like the Stovepipe can look of the new Barrel-Aged Ten Fidy that will be coming out next month to your favorite beer retailer in a shade over 19 ounces.
The Imperial Stout is aged in what is described as “a mix of (different) brands” of bourbon barrels for months before getting canned into their final, smaller containers.
Three years of Ten Fidy from Oskar Blues? Sign me up. At Boneyard Bistro last night, I got the chance to compare and contrast three vintages of the Colorado beer at yet another great LA Beer Week event…
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The ’11 was strong with a lot of roasted notes. As it warmed up, the hoppiness revealed a bit but it was dimmed by the rising heat at the back.
The ’10 was much more mellow and sported a chocolately flavor. The roasted qualities were there but not in abundance but I did get some bourbon flavors as well.
The ’09 was my favorite of the night. Milder than the ’10 with a milk chocolate taste. Had some vinous wine aspects to it and as it warmed, I got more floral tea like notes.
To top it off, amongst the many stout choices available, I went with Ballast Point and their Indra Kunindira. And that is a beer that I am still, the day after trying to decide if I liked it or not. It was this swirling combination of vanilla, cinnamon and pepper on a base of stout. The 4oz pour was perfect. I can’t imagine trying to drink more than that. It is a fireplace after dinner, snifter beer for sure.
Thanks to Rory and the Bistro for showing off some world class stouts!