Standby alert. Deth's Tar approaching! I'm paraphrasing a line from the very first Star Wars film, of course, but I'm referring to Revolution Brewing Deth's Tar Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels. I had never tried the beer before, so when I saw it for sale on the Half Time Beverage website I immediately added a can to my cart. My great fear was they would run out before they filled my order, but they didn't, and the rest is history.
You could easily sit on this beer and age it for several years or more I think, but I chose not to do so. I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype, and besides, it was the occasion of my 60th birthday and that called for something special.
Revolution Deth's Tar Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels has an alcohol content of 14.8% by volume-a sipping beer to be sure-and that's exactly how I enjoyed it. My can is stamped FILLED 10-04-2023.
About Revolution Brewing
In the summer of 1995, Josh Deth landed a job at Golden Prairie Brewing. At this now-defunct brewery, Josh was just a novice, where he started learning the beer business by dutifully cleaning kegs and scrubbing tanks. Revolution Brewing opened up in February 2010, and is now Illinois' largest independently-owned brewery.
Revolution Deth's Tar in a Finch's Beer Co. Glass
Tasting Notes
Revolution Brewing Deth's Tar Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels pours to a jet-black color with a moderate creamy tan head and a nose of black coffee and boozy bourbon. Taking a sip the beer is full in body, luxuriant in mouthfeel as it slides over the tongue. Notes of caramel and coffee, toffee and roast, and oh so much boozy bourbon abound. Dark fruit emerges akin to bourbon soaked raisins, woody oak is apparent, a hint of vanilla and in the finish there is super warming alcohol and a strong lingering bourbon character.
Value & Verdict
I paid $14.99 for my 19.2 ounce can. Total Wine sells it for $23.99 for a 4-pack of 12 ounce cans.
Not many beers can back up $15 a can, but this one does. Judged by style, a barrel aged imperial stout, I can’t think of any better.
