Beverage of the Week: Founders Black Biscuit

I think I've found a brewing company that loves dark beer as much as I do. I've got all these tingly-inside feelings. I could just titter away like a schoolgirl.

Founders Black Biscuit starts with an imperial stout, which in itself is excellent (though I still prefer Gonzo, myself). That lovely little stout then goes to live in oak barrels, and though there's no horse's-mouth info on Founders' website, the story I've been able to put together is as follows: these barrels start life aging bourbon, travel up to Michigan to create another lovely Founder's beer (Kentucky Breakfast Stout), then they head to New England to age maple syrup for a while, and THEN they come back to age Black Biscuit in the old gypsum caves under Grand Rapids. Tres cool.

This is a pitch-dark, night sky of beer with a burnt-toffee head. The nose tells the tale of those well-traveled barrels, but the best part is everything is underplayed - just hints of maple, bourbon and earthy oak, all calmly mingling. My one complaint about most bourbon stouts - KBS included - is the bourbon is way too thick and coarse on the nose. This doesn't fall into that trap; everything is mild enough to let more delicate notes come through. The palate is very similar, and a love the way the hint of maple ties the dark chocolate, coffee, and bourbon notes together....this is a beer where you can think through all the interesting notes, but ultimately they cohere into one hell of a good beer. Easily an 8.5 out of 9.

Just one thing left to do - I have to find that maple syrup.