When it comes to barrel-aged stouts in the Pacific Northwest, there is one name that creates a literal line out the door every year: BBIS.
Reuben’s Brews has officially released the 2025 Edition of their Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout (BBIS), and it remains the undisputed crown jewel of their barrel-aging program. Whether you’re a long-time “Reuben’s Crew” member or a newcomer to the craft beer cellar scene, this year’s vintage is a masterclass in the “glass backwards” philosophy.
The Legacy of BBIS
The story of BBIS is legendary in Seattle craft beer lore. In 2013, co-founder Adam Robbings drove to Portland in his own car to pick up the very first barrels from Hair of the Dog Brewing. Those barrels shifted in the back, scratching up his car doors; scars he kept as a badge of honor.
Since then, BBIS has grown from a two-barrel experiment into a world-class series, winning Grand National Champion at the US Beer Tasting Championship and multiple gold medals at the World Beer Championships.
What’s Inside the 2025 Blend?
The 2025 Edition of BBIS stays true to the oat-forward, British specialty malt recipe that debuted over a decade ago, but the blending process has become increasingly sophisticated.
- The Aging: The majority of the 2025 blend spent 18 months slumbering in 8 to 12-year-old bourbon barrels.
- The “Secret Sauce”: To add layers of depth, the brewers integrated a portion of “younger” BBIS. This creates a bridge between the vibrant, fresh chocolate notes of the base stout and the oxidized, oaky complexity of the long-term barrels.
- The Stats: 14% ABV | 40 IBU.
Tasting Notes: A Liquid Truffle
The 2025 vintage of BBIS is described by the brewing team as bigger and silkier than ever.
- Aroma: Immediate warmth with heavy cocoa, milk chocolate, and the unmistakable “vanilla-char” of premium bourbon.
- Palate: A velvety, viscous mouthfeel. You’ll find mid-palate notes of rich milk chocolate and creamy vanilla.
- The Finish: As it warms, subtle background notes of smoke, licorice, and coffee emerge, all tied together by a lingering cherry liqueur sweetness.
Why 2025 BBIS is Special
This year feels particularly momentous as Reuben’s Brews continues to expand, now pouring BBIS at three distinct locations: the original Ballard Taproom, the Ship Canal production brewery, and their brand-new Downtown Seattle taproom on the waterfront.
Brewer’s Tip: “BBIS is brewed to be rich and decadent, designed to show off the barrel. We use a double-mash technique to get a thicker body that can stand up to 18 months of oak tannins without losing its soul.”
How to Get It
The 2025 BBIS is available in 22oz wax-dipped bottles and on draft (while supplies last).
Cellar: If you have the patience, this beer is a prime candidate for aging. The high ABV and oat-heavy body mean it will continue to mellow and develop dark fruit complexities over the next 3–5 years.
Drink Now: It is tasting phenomenal right now; the bourbon is present but well-integrated.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
