Modern Times Phenom Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Phenom Bourbon Barrel pours pitch black with a mocha-tinged crown, releasing aromas of dark chocolate, charred oak, and warm bourbon. The palate is dense and decadent, layering roasted malt and molasses against sweet vanilla and caramel pulled directly from the staves. Bourbon warmth weaves through a viscous body, lending notes of toasted coconut, brown sugar, and a whisper of leather. The finish is long and boozy, balancing oak tannins with lingering cocoa and dark fruit. A meticulously composed imperial stout showcasing Modern Times’ command of barrel aging and rich, layered complexity.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with sea salt and crème fraîche to mirror the beer’s cocoa and vanilla depth. Alternatively, serve alongside a wedge of aged blue cheese with toasted walnuts and fig jam, where the salty funk and sweetness amplify the bourbon warmth and roasted malt character.

About Modern Times Beer

Modern Times Beer was founded in 2013 in San Diego, California, establishing itself as a distinctive voice in American craft brewing. The brewery built its reputation on a progressive philosophy that intertwines quality beer production with worker ownership and environmental consciousness, having transitioned to an employee-owned cooperative model. Modern Times became particularly renowned for their hop-forward West Coast IPAs and an exceptional portfolio of coffee-infused stouts, reflecting San Diego’s vibrant craft beer culture while pushing creative boundaries. Their brewing approach balances technical precision with experimental fermentation, producing both classic styles and innovative interpretations that garnered a devoted following. The brewery expanded beyond its original Point Loma location to include additional facilities and tasting rooms, though it faced significant challenges in recent years. Known for their distinctive retro-futuristic branding and literary references, Modern Times cultivated a unique identity in the crowded craft beer landscape. Their commitment to quality ingredients and creative recipe development, particularly in darker beer styles and hop-forward offerings, established them as an influential producer in the American craft beer movement.