Sierra Nevada Barrel Aged Narwhal (473ml)

Barrel aging gives this drink rich chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and bourbon flavors, as well as a silky texture. Take your time to enjoy it.

This barrel-aged imperial stout is a version of Narwhal, part of Sierra Nevada's high-alcohol, full-bodied beer line, "High Altitude." It is aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels.

Narwhal is a product inspired by the narwhal, a mysterious creature that lives in the deep seas of the Arctic Ocean.

Narwhals are small whales, and males have one very long tusk.

Its body length can reach up to 4.7m, while its tusks can be up to 3m long and weigh up to 10kg.

They are good at diving, and can reach depths of about 1,000 meters by descending at a speed of about 2 meters per second for 8 to 10 minutes.

The bourbon barrels used are those previously used to hold Willet, Heaven Hill, and Jim Beam brand whiskeys, and the whiskey is aged for eight months.

This has elevated this "jets-black monster with a striking depth of malt" to a new dimension.

The roasted flavor and berry fruitiness that were so strong in the fresh Narwhal have been toned down, and instead have been transformed into a flavor with rich chocolate-like nuances at the forefront.

When poured into a glass, the jet black liquid is topped with a dark brown head.

Aromas of rich cocoa, espresso with a hint of vanilla, toasted coconut, and oak from the barrel.

When you put it in your mouth, the first thing you taste is the sweetness of dark chocolate, followed by flavors of coffee, toffee, vanilla, coconut, bourbon, oak, cocoa, and more.

The finish is woody with a slight bitterness and a pleasant sweetness that lingers for a long time.

Moderate carbonation and silky mouthfeel.

After Narwhal was released in October 2012, the barrel-aged version was sold in small quantities on draft, but has been available in packaged release since 2014.

Barrel Aged Narwhal, with a depth reminiscent of the ocean 1,000m below sea level, is a limited edition beer that will shock any drinker.

• ABV: 11.9%
• IBU: 55
• Alcohol: Beer
• Ingredients: malt, hops
• Hops: Challenger, Magnum
• Brewery: Sierra Nevada
• Style: Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
• Contents: 473ml
• Container: CAN