Black Flannel Academy

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer

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North Coast Old Rasputin XII, bourbon-barrel-aged stout
Pictured: North Coast Old Rasputin XII, bourbon-barrel-aged stout. Photo: Bernt Rostad / Wikimedia Commons ยท CC BY 2.0. Resized and cropped for display.

A base beer elevated through wood aging with residual alcohol character from previous barrel contents. The best examples show smoothness, flavor balance and proper maturation.

Color

OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV are not defined independently for this category – they vary with the declared base style. BJCP 2021. Typically above-average gravity and alcohol, often darker than the base style, especially with charred barrels.

Bitterness

OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV are not defined independently for this category – they vary with the declared base style. BJCP 2021. Typically above-average gravity and alcohol, often darker than the base style, especially with charred barrels.

Alcohol

OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV are not defined independently for this category – they vary with the declared base style. BJCP 2021. Typically above-average gravity and alcohol, often darker than the base style, especially with charred barrels.

Sweetness

Balance

History

Classic characteristics

Flavor Profile Deep Dive

Service notes

BJCP designation

Overall Impression: A base beer elevated through wood aging with residual alcohol character from previous barrel contents. The best examples show smoothness, flavor balance and proper maturation.

Entry Instructions: Specify the alcohol source (bourbon, whiskey, rum, etc.) and describe any unusual woods or ingredients used, plus a base style or detailed target character.

Style Comparison: Wild ale versions belong in 28C. Excessive oxidation or sourness is a significant flaw. Commercial examples include Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Firestone Walker Parabola.

Vital Statistics: OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV are not defined independently for this category – they vary with the declared base style. BJCP 2021. Typically above-average gravity and alcohol, often darker than the base style, especially with charred barrels.

Source: BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines, bjcp.org, retrieved 2026-09-13. Vital statistics are as published; descriptive text is condensed from the published guideline.

Brewers Association designation

Style comparison

Similar Styles

Wild ale versions belong in 28C. Excessive oxidation or sourness is a significant flaw. Commercial examples include Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Firestone Walker Parabola.

Ingredients

Brewing process

Food pairings

Spirit pairings

The soundtrack

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