De Molen Barrel Aged Balcones Edition 2023 Imperial Stout Craft Beer 33 cl 11.4%

Balcones is Texan whisky with attitude - raw, powerful and unforgiving. The same can be said of the Imperial Stout allowed to rest in its barrels.

Expert description of De Molen Barrel Aged Balcones Edition 2023 Imperial Stout

Balcones Edition 2023 is a heavy Imperial Stout at 11.4% from the Dutch brewery De Molen, aged in barrels from the Texan whisky distillery Balcones. The barrel ageing adds distinct notes of vanilla, caramel and a raw, grainy whisky character on top of the stout's deep base of roasted malt, dark chocolate and coffee.

De Molen is a Dutch brewery from Bodegraven, founded in 2004 by Menno Olivier and named after the historic windmill "De Arkduif" from 1697, where the brewery is based. De Molen is known internationally for intense, boundary-pushing specialty beers and an ambitious barrel-ageing programme - but the brewery ceased production on 1 October 2025, making these bottles part of the last vintages it will ever brew.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Roasted malt, dark chocolate and a raw, grainy whisky warmth from the Balcones barrel.

Taste

Full-bodied and intense with coffee, caramel and vanilla, carried by a deep, roasted malt base.

Finish

Long and warm with lingering notes of whisky and roasted malt.

Specifications

Name: Balcones Edition 2023
Brewery: De Molen
Country/Region: Netherlands
Beer style: Imperial Stout (Barrel Aged)
ABV: 11.4%
Size: 33 CL
Cask type: Balcones whisky barrels
Malt: Barley malt
Allergens: Gluten (barley)
Best before: 01/07/2027
EAN: 8717624423970
Serving suggestion: 10-14°C in a wide tulip glass or snifter

Flavour Profile

Roasted · Sweet · Barrel-aged · Full-bodied

Did You Know?

Balcones is known as one of the most experimental American whisky producers, and De Molen's use of its barrels underscores the brewery's own philosophy of seeking out the most intense, boundary-pushing collaborations - before production stopped in 2025.

See our full range of De Molen

Listen to our podcast:

Frequently Asked Questions about De Molen Balcones Edition 2023 Imperial Stout

Is Balcones Edition 2023 worth the money?

Yes, both for the flavour and the rarity. De Molen has ceased all production, making this whisky barrel-aged Imperial Stout part of the brewery's final releases.

What does Balcones Edition 2023 taste like?

It tastes of coffee, dark chocolate and caramel, with a raw whisky warmth from the barrel ageing and a long, intense finish.

What food pairs well with Balcones Edition 2023?

It works best as a dessert beer on its own, but can also be paired with dark chocolate or bold, aged cheeses.

What temperature should it be served at?

Serve it at 10-14°C in a wide beer glass or tulip glass, ideally in small pours.

How rare is this beer?

Very rare. De Molen closed all production in October 2025, so this batch will not be released again.

Can Balcones Edition 2023 be stored for a long time?

Yes, this batch is best before 01/07/2027, and with its heavy, barrel-aged profile it can easily be cellared for several years when stored cool and dark.