Karbach Brewing Co. Bourbon Barrel Hellfighter 2012

January 18th, 2013 by Scott in Other Beer Reviews

Karbach has really been on a roll with its barrel aged beers. F.U.N. Series #003 is Hellfighter, an Imperial porter aged in bourbon barrels for at least five months. A 10.8% ABV limited edition brew, this bottle can cause a little bit of confusion because Hellfighter is also the name of Karbach’s regular Imperial porter. Unlike Bodacious and Fra-Gee-Lay, Karbach didn’t give this one a new clever name.

If you like darker, more robust ales and you also have a penchant for whiskey, you may have just reached the promised land. We took our Hellfighter Imperial Porter and aged it in bourbon barrels for several months. Alluring aromas of vanilla, chocolate and coffee give way to a rich, malty sweetness that slowly transitions to a silky, oaky finish. Bourbon Barrel Aged Hellfighter is a special brew that is best enjoyed with hearty foods, decadent desserts or the finest cigars. Ready to drink now in a snifter-style glass at 45-50* F, this fine ale will also benefit from years of cellaring under proper conditions.

Hellfighter is a very dark beer with a thick tan head that dissipates slowly and leaves a nice lacing on the glass. Chocolate sweetness, roasted scents, and the unmistakeable smell of bourbon fill the nose. Similar flavors intermingle when sipping this beer. Sweet, roasted imperial porter flavors transition to a distinct bourbon flavor with the wood of the barrel. Bourbon Barrel Aged Hellfighter is a thick, sticky liquid that coats the palate. Carbonation is light but slightly prickly.

Karbach really knows what they’re doing with these barrel aged beers. All three have been excellent and well worth the cost of a bomber. If you happen to be in Houston, try to seek one of these out while you can. The grocery store by my house just got a second shipment, so there may be some in the area.