Stout season is back! Back Pew Releases Canto V
Ronnie Risner
It’s that time of the year that I preach doesn’t have a specific time of the year: it’s STOUT SEASON! Speaking of preaching, Back Pew Brewing Company has released Canto V, and I am beyond excited for this release.
Don’t know about the Canto series? It’s a highly-anticipated bourbon barrel-aged series Back Pew has been doing for years. What does the fifth installment entail, you may ask?
Canto V is a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Oatmeal Stout that uses Wolf’s Dream, a Double Imperial Oatmeal Stout, as the base beer. It was aged in Weller barrels! The last time Wolf’s Dream was on tap, it went fast, so you know aging it in bourbon barrels is only going to make it even better. If you have ever read any of my articles, you know how much I geek out on BBA stouts (I have one of the largest collections of them!), so allow me to tell you about this one that really caught my attention.
One thing I love about BBA stouts is the nose and the balance of barrel and beer that is impossible to replicate outside of my favorite style. The nose on Canto V is sweet, like dark chocolate, with a balanced bourbon barrel presence that gives hints of vanilla, cherry, and a touch of spice. This could honestly be a candle, and I would just dive into the scent over and over again. There is just something about the way the chocolate and the spice of the barrel combine to make the aroma a genuine treat.
I know I can’t keep sniffing the beer forever, so let me tell you about the way Back Pew balanced this beer beautifully.
I initially get a roasty ancho-style chili note with some dark chocolate up front that made me light up with a smile. There is a mild, nutty flavor in there (think hazelnut) if you really allow the beer to sit on your tongue and linger, as you should when enjoying a well-made stout. The finish is well-balanced and doesn’t overpower the palate but brings the barrel out, which is where the notes of cherry and spice come from. You can practically taste the barrel char in the back end of the sip—if you’re a bourbon fan, you’ll know how important this is.
The mouthfeel is rich, creamy, and smooth while finishing with a mild bourbon bite that keeps the burn and sweetness in check so you can continue to enjoy the pour. As for the color, it has a beautiful brownish-tan head and a beer so dark no light passes through the glass, allowing the logo on the glass to pop.
Overall, I could see myself enjoying a couple of bottles on a chill night with time to savor. The beer only gets better as it comes up to room temperature. If you’re patient enough to allow it to warm up, you really can see how perfectly balanced Canto V is and truly get the spice notes with the barrel char characters.
Let’s be honest, as I’ve said before, stout season is the best and something beer enthusiasts look forward to every year. Want to get your hands on it?
Canto V is available in the taproom in bottles to go as well as on draft until they run out. So, don’t hesitate to make it out, because I may just drink it all if you don’t hurry!
Can’t make it to Porter? Don’t worry, H-E-B and Specs will have them in stores while supplies last. Every Canto release is always quick to sell out, so you may not want to wait around.
With the coldest months on the way, bourbon barrel-aged stouts are the best way to stay warm. I can’t wait to enjoy this beer around a fire pit and good company. Come raise a glass with me at Back Pew and tell me what you think or what notes you get from this great beer!
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