Unveiling the Allure of Stouts
Why do craft beer enthusiasts have a soft spot for stouts? The answer lies in the rich, velvety layers of these dark beers, which offer a soul-satisfying experience. Celebrated for their complexity and depth, stouts have captivated beer lovers across the globe. According to trusted beer platform Untappd, the “Imperial/Double Stout” ranks among the top five most popular beer styles, showcasing its universal appeal.
From coffee-infused varieties to the luxurious chocolate notes of pastry stouts, this style offers endless exploration. Yet, it’s the imperial or double stouts, with their robust profiles and higher alcohol content, that truly capture our imaginations. The whiskey barrel-aged imperial stout first gained acclaim thanks to Goose Island’s innovative batch of bourbon barrel-aged stout over three decades ago. Today, such stouts remain a testament to creativity and mastery in brewing.
Celebrating International Stout Day
As we mark International Stout Day on November 6, 2025, let’s delve into some of the most revered and highly rated imperial stouts featured on Untappd. These brews have become iconic, setting benchmarks for richness and depth in the stout category. Amongst these are Toppling Goliath’s Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout and Side Project’s Beer : Barrel : Time, offering exceptional taste experiences for beer aficionados.
Instead of compiling a comprehensive list of annual releases, we highlight noteworthy iterations that have consistently impressed. These stouts are a toast to tradition and innovation, aging gracefully and enhancing the flavors that have defined our love for this style.
Toppling Goliath’s Triumph: Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout
Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout – Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Residing in Decorah, Iowa, Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. has crafted a legend with its Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout (KBBS). Born from the finest barrels, this imperial stout has become a global beacon for beer enthusiasts. The magical combination of maple, coffee, and bourbon flavors catapulted it to the top rankings on beer acclaim sites like BeerAdvocate and RateBeer.
Since its debut in 2012, KBBS has been celebrated as one of the best beers worldwide, earning gold at the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Its legacy continues, with various editions consistently praised on platforms like Untappd.
Beer : Barrel : Time – Side Project Brewing
In St. Louis, Missouri, Side Project Brewing honors the art of barrel-aging with their revered Beer : Barrel : Time series. Founder Cory King utilizes no adjuncts, relying instead on meticulous blending and aging to unleash a symphony of natural flavors. The brewery’s annually curated selections include an array of imperial stouts aged in diverse barrels, resulting in blends like the esteemed 2023 Van Winkle version.
Ranked among the highest on Untappd, these brews emphasize the beauty of simplicity and aging, turning every sip into a celebration of time, taste, and tradition.
Goose Island’s Bourbon County Legacy
Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout (2010) – Goose Island Beer Co.
Chicago’s Goose Island Beer Co. paved the way for barrel-aged stouts with its Bourbon County Brand series. The 2010 Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout, aged in 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon barrels, has left an indelible mark on the craft beer scene. Despite production ups and downs, its legacy endures as a sought-after treasure among beer connoisseurs.
This iteration tops the charts on Untappd, a testament to Goose Island’s pioneering spirit in the realm of barrel-aged beers, continually delighting those seeking complex and bold flavors.
Proprietor’s Bourbon County Brand Stout (2014) – Goose Island Beer Co.
Paying tribute to hometown fans, Goose Island released Proprietor’s Bourbon County Brand Stout in 2014. This variant, aged in rye barrels with cassia bark, cocoa nibs, panela, and coconut water, exemplifies creativity and boldness in stout crafting. This unforgettable creation is remembered for its innovative flavor palette.
Proving that experimentation and gratitude go hand in hand, Proprietor’s Stout remains a cherished entry on lists of outstanding imperial stouts.
Innovative Stout Masters
Double Barrel Assassin – Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Toppling Goliath once again dazzles with Double Barrel Assassin, an imperial stout matured first in bourbon barrels, then in apple brandy casks. This double-barrel method infuses complexity and depth into the beer, showcasing an impeccable balance of flavors. Recognized among “The 21 Best Beers We Drank in 2021,” it’s a must-try for those seeking innovative flavors in their brews.
With apple brandy notes intertwining with renowned smoothness, this brew offers a taste journey that demands appreciation and sharing.
O.W.K. (2018) – Side Project Brewing
O.W.K., crafted by Side Project Brewing for founder Cory King’s son, exemplifies the height of personalized brewing. This imperial stout matures in fifteen-year-old Willett Family Estate Bourbon barrels before finishing on Ugandan vanilla beans. Revered for its smooth elegance, O.W.K. is a tribute to craftsmanship and familial bonds.
Blessed – Anchorage Brewing Company
Anchorage Brewing Company’s Blessed stands out with an indulgent imperial stout featuring Madagascar vanilla beans and a bounty of coconut. Aged in Willet and Woodford Reserve barrels, this beer incorporates real ingredients, yielding a decadent taste reminiscent of German chocolate cake. Founder Gabe Fletcher’s dedication to natural adjuncts and innovation shines through, making this a beloved choice among stout enthusiasts.
The collaborative efforts and the unique processes utilized have firmly rooted Blessed as a standout in the world of barrel-aged stouts.
DM (Blend #1) – Side Project Brewing
Truly a master in stout craftsmanship, Side Project impresses yet again with DM (Blend #1), a collaboration with WeldWerks Brewing. This rye imperial stout is meticulously infused with toasted and raw coconut, alongside Mexican vanilla beans. Aged to perfection, this brew balances robustness and smoothness, cementing its place in stout lore.
Good Morning – Tree House Brewing Company
From Massachusetts, Tree House Brewing delights with Good Morning, an imperial stout steeped with Maxwell Road Maple syrup. Often hailed as a top beer in the world, its flavors evoke memories of chocolate-covered delights and fresh coffee. Renowned for hazy IPAs, Tree House proves their prowess in creating a perfect breakfast-inspired stout.
Fundamental Observation (2016) – Bottle Logic Brewing
A showcase of vanilla and barrel interplay, Bottle Logic Brewing’s Fundamental Observation combines Madagascan vanilla beans with Bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, and Heaven Hill. This Southern California standout provides a rich, aromatic experience that resonates with enthusiasts of experimental brewing practices.
Looking to explore more? BreweriesNearMe.us offers a treasure trove of exceptional double and imperial stouts just waiting to be discovered. Cheers to the enduring allure of these marvelous brews!
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