Nebraska Brewing Company - Barrel Aged Reserve Series: Black Betty

Barrel-aged Black Betty seems the perfect way to cap just about any tasting. This hits much darker notes—chocolate, coffee, deep levels of roast—than the barrel-aged Fathead in this series, but it offers a similarly ideal match of unexpected smoothness and explorable depth.

Which is all to say: We found this an immensely enjoyable beer to dig into and savor.

So much of Black Betty’s drinkability reminded us of creamy indulgences like North Coast’s Old Rasputin, but this beer feels significantly more appointed: licorice and rich nuttiness are present from the first sip, playing out alongside familiar roast, bitter chocolate and cocoa. It’s such a generous barrel-aged stout, incorporating sweet vanilla from oak and spiced elements from the preceding whiskey. Black Betty’s 11% and bottle-conditioned: don’t be afraid to set some bottles in the cellar. The brewery suggests pairing with equally lush chocolate dessert.

So much of Black Betty’s drinkability reminded us of creamy indulgences like North Coast’s Old Rasputin, but this beer feels significantly more appointed: licorice and rich nuttiness are present from the first sip, playing out alongside familiar roast, bitter chocolate and cocoa. It’s such a generous barrel-aged stout, incorporating sweet vanilla from oak and spiced elements from the preceding whiskey. Black Betty’s 11% and bottle-conditioned: don’t be afraid to set some bottles in the cellar. The brewery suggests pairing with equally lush chocolate dessert.