Ep 115 - Bourbon Barrel Bliss: Exploring 608 Brewing's Imperial Stouts

Dive into the dark, boozy world of barrel-aged beers as Mike welcomes his brother Brian, a professional brewer, to sample six high-octane offerings from 608 Brewing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With ABVs ranging from 14.1% to a staggering 17.6%, this isn't your average beer tasting!The brothers carefully work through each imperial stout and barleywine, sharing their expert insights on flavor profiles, brewing techniques, and the subtle art of barrel aging. From the coconut-infused opener to the cinnamon-forward "Nuclear Nightfall," a mysteriously peanut butter-less "Peanut Butter Face," and the complex birthday cake variants, each beer tells a story of 608's impressive barrel program. The tasting reaches its climax with "Kimmy Cakes" (their unanimous favorite) and the massive 17.6% "Shores of Hell" barleywine that drinks dangerously smooth despite its intimidating strength.Beyond the tasting notes, Mike and Brian share valuable perspectives from both sides of the brewing world – as consumers and producers. They discuss the evolution of their palates from mainstream lagers to appreciating complex barrel-aged beers, reflect on the welcoming nature of the craft beer community compared to other scenes, and emphasize the importance of supporting local breweries. Whether you're a seasoned barrel-aged beer enthusiast or just craft-curious, their accessible conversation provides a perfect entry point into understanding what makes these special beers worth seeking out.Follow the Northwoods Beer Guy on social media and Untappd to continue your craft beer journey, and remember – there's something out there for everyone, just keep an open mind and support your local brewers!Send us Fan MailThank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.