Pitt Street Brewing Co. “Castor” and “Pollux”

We’ve got another “two for the price of one” New Release post today! In this case, the circumstances are a bit unique. The brew crew at Pitt Street Brewing Company, here in Greenville, NC, recently released their first bourbon barrel-aged imperial stouts (yes, plural!). The beer was aged for four months in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels and they planned to have one large batch to keg and release at the brewery. However, according to Mary Ann at Pitt Street, there was a noticeable difference in the final product between the two barrels, and thus, “Castor” and “Pollux” were born. Joe is going to share his review of “Castor,” while Nick breaks down “Pollux.”

Joe’s Beer – “Castor”
Style: Barrel-aged Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.5%

The twins born of barrels…from the barrel to the keg and to our stomachs. Nick and I ventured on the beer path of two brothers forged by barrel aging. For review, I am writing of “Castor,” the less boozy of the set but still full and deep with flavor. 

“Castor” poured a deep midnight black in the small tulip glass (secondary to it’s brutal ABV) that I received after requesting the brew. The head dissipated very quickly and stayed as a thin ring of tan foam around the edge of the glass.

The aroma of the twin beer was filled with sweet alcoholic aromatics. There were some characteristics of the 4 months barrel aging present and shown themselves as vanillins, a sweet woodiness, and a slight bourbon alcohol bite.

Mouthfeel of the barrel-aged stout was a bit thinner than expected, but at the same time it exhibited a syrup-like thickness. It was an interesting perception to have both thick and thin at the same time. Carbonation of the brew was mild as to be expected and the beer drank surprisingly easily.

The flavor of “Castor” was intense and palate punching. The first flavor I detected was an alcoholic sweetness, but this was not too intense and was followed up by a sweet oaky vanilla flavor. This characterized the bourbon imparted by the Buffalo Trace barrels. The rest of the flavor was all beer with deep roasted malts and a charred sweetness reminiscent of burnt sugar.

“Castor” was a heavy hitter and drinkability reflects that fact. It is best suited to sessions of slow sipping and conversing with friends. This is definitely a beer that would spark conversation and is best enjoyed when it can be discussed. The intense flavors and aromas make it a conversation piece and the high ABV makes it a conversation starter. Give the barrel-aged brothers a try and see which of the twins is your favorite.

Nick’s Beer – “Pollux”
Style: Barrel-aged Imperial Stout
ABV: 11.5%

Joe and I tried both beers, of course, but ended up having slight favorites between the two. Not surprising, as the consensus among the staff at Pitt Street seemed to be…well, that there was no consensus. The great thing about these two stouts having some contrasts is that some people will enjoy one more than the other, and it makes for fun conversation. I’ll break down my tasting notes of “Pollux” and describe some of the reasons that it barely edged out “Castor” for me.

The two beers are almost identical in appearance – that dark, motor oil-looking body with tan head – but “Pollux” had a slightly more pronounced ring of foam. The tan ring lingered around much longer than that of “Castor” and added a richness to the look.

Most notable for me in aroma was the bourbon I detected each time I gave the tulip glass a small swirl and brought it to my nose. For some reason, the “Pollux” batch seemed to take on a bit more of that Buffalo Trace bourbon flavor (at least for me – results may vary). However, underneath that boozy layer was sweetness that was not going to be hidden. Really nice notes of vanilla and some light woody character.

“Pollux” has a medium body and is slightly viscous, like “Castor.” I’d give the nod to “Pollux” being a bit more viscous and syrupy, though. Also, I felt as though the carbonation was a little more present in “Pollux” when I took a new sip. On the backend was a spicy attribute, similar to the soft burn of a good bourbon.

The flavors of this twin were similar, but again, distinct or discernible from “Castor.” There were heaps of roasty malt flavor, sweet vanilla, woody notes, and of course, bourbon. “Pollux” tasted more boozy than “Castor” and the ABV is just a touch higher, so it’s not a surprise. While you can taste the effects of the Buffalo Trace barrels in both beers, you might find that “Pollux” gives you a bit more flavor reminiscent of bourbon, while still contributing sweet and roasty flavors you know and love from imperial stouts.

Only because of the 11.5% ABV and alcohol qualities imparted by “Pollux” do I not rate drinkability super high. It’s still very nice to drink and I enjoyed every sip – it just took me a little longer than most beers to finish (to be expected from this style). I liked “Pollux” just slightly more than “Castor” because of its more pronounced bourbon taste, but the two beers are great to enjoy as a pair.