Black Diamond Bourbon Barrel Aged Grand Cru (9/10)

Black Diamond Brewing Company of Concord, California, produces this Bourbon Barrel Aged Grand Cru ale.  It's based on the Belgian Dubbel style.  It's a limited release beer that reportedly employs a number of aging and blending techniques.

It pours a deep, dark, brown.  The head is fairly thick, as you can see in the picture, and lasts a while.

The aroma is a bouquet of dark fruit, plums, and malt with just a hint of bourbon.

The flavor is a complex mash-up of bourbon, malt, dark fruit, a mild sourness, and a raspberry-like malt finish.  There are so many interest flavors in here that this is a beer you're going to sip rather than drink.  It's really an excellent brew and my hats are off to the good folks at Black Diamond.

The Rate Beer folks and I agree on this one.  Their 93/100 rating is right in line with my 9 out of 10.  Beer Advocate is a bit tougher on it, rating the beer only 82 or "good".

Because this is another of those limited-edition beers, you'll have to call around or shop to find a bottle.  When you do, you'll be glad you did.  It's a great beer.