Wyndridge Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
I picked up this bottle of Wyndridge Farm’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout a few weeks back on a trip to Total Wine — I had a gift card burning a hole in my wallet. This farm-based retreat, restaurant and brewery is based out of Dallastown, Pennsylvania and appears to have been brewing since around 2014-2015. Beyond that, this is my first experience with the company and, man, what an impression this big beer makes.
Aged in Hidden Still Spirits bourbon barrels, Wyndridge’s imperial stout provides a wonderful array of barrel influence. From the old wood notes to the warm and smooth bourbon influence, the big beer (13.9% ABV) provides a rich and decadent drinking experience. Coffee, dark chocolate, jammy dark fruits, a moderate sweetness and a bit of vanilla swell cleanly, carried along on a thick and chewy mouthfeel. The beer tiptoes along the line of entering a cloying realm as it retains an excellent balance and dynamic flavor profile.
I was thoroughly impressed with this big imperial stout. The barrel influence is refined and balanced, making for an excellent brew to sip during a frigid January evening. I’m not sure how often the brewery’s products will make it down to Virginia, but I’ll certainly keep my eyes open for Wyndridge labels on future shopping trips.