Upland Bourbon Barrel Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores 4Pk

Upland Bourbon Barrel Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores 4Pk is a bourbon barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout from Bloomington, Indiana, clocking in at 11% ABV and sold as a four-pack. Built on Upland Brewing Company’s gold medal-winning Teddy Bear Kisses base honored at the 2010 World Beer Championships (BTI) this S’mores variant layers cacao nibs, vanilla beans, cinnamon, and chocolate over eight months of bourbon barrel aging.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11% | IBU: 80 | Origin: Bloomington, Indiana | Style: Russian Imperial Stout | Brewery: Upland Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Upland Brewing Company, based in Bloomington, Indiana, has built a devoted following for its barrel-aged program, and Teddy Bear Kisses (TBK) remains one of its flagship limited releases. The S’mores variant begins with a modified grain bill that includes lactose and cinnamon, then spends time on a substantial charge of cacao nibs before resting in fresh bourbon barrels for eight months. After barrel aging, real vanilla beans, additional cinnamon chips, and chocolate are introduced. The brewery has been deliberate in balancing these layered additions so the base imperial stout remains present and assertive a philosophy they distinguish from the pastry stout trend by keeping roast character, bitterness, and structure intact.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark roast malt and cocoa dominate the nose immediately, followed by warm cinnamon and a subtle bourbon butterscotch sweetness. Toasted marshmallow rounds out the aromatics, nodding directly to the S’mores concept without tipping into cloying territory.

Taste: The entry is rich with dark chocolate and roasted grain, establishing the imperial stout backbone before the mid-palate introduces cinnamon warmth, lactose creaminess, and vanilla. At its peak, bourbon-soaked oak and bittersweet cocoa converge, with 80 IBUs providing a refreshing counterbalance to the malt density. The brewery’s insistence on preserving the base beer’s identity shows here this drinks like a barrel-aged stout first, with S’mores character woven through rather than painted over.

Finish: Long and velvety, with lingering dark chocolate, toasted cinnamon, and a faint bourbon heat that warms without burning. The mouthfeel stays thick and coating, slowly fading into roast bitterness and a trace of vanilla.

How to Drink Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores

Pour this into a snifter or tulip glass at around 5055F to let the barrel character and layered aromatics open fully; it rewards slow sipping as it warms. At 11% ABV, it stands confidently on its own and does not require mixing, though it works in a handful of creative applications. A Barrel-Aged Stout Float pairs it with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. A Black Russian variation substitutes this for standard stout to add cinnamon-chocolate complexity. An Espresso S’mores Cocktail combining a shot of espresso with a short pour of TBK S’mores over ice creates a rich after-dinner sipper.

Best For

• Winter fireside sessions where a heavy, warming stout fits the mood
• Sharing with craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate barrel-aged complexity
• Dessert course pairing at a dinner party in place of a traditional digestif
• Gifting to a stout collector seeking limited Indiana brewery releases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores taste like? It delivers dark roast malt, bittersweet chocolate, and bourbon warmth layered with cinnamon, vanilla, and a marshmallow-like sweetness, all held together by a structured imperial stout backbone at 80 IBUs.

How does Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores compare to Bell’s Expedition Stout? Bell’s Expedition Stout is often cited as the gold standard for American imperial stouts and shares a similarly robust malt profile and high ABV. Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores diverges with its eight months of bourbon barrel aging and the addition of cacao, vanilla, and cinnamon, making it a more dessert-forward but still structurally sound alternative.

Is Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores good for sipping neat? Absolutely this is a sipping beer designed to be poured into a glass and enjoyed slowly, ideally at cellar temperature to reveal the full spectrum of barrel and spice character.

Where is Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores made? It is brewed by Upland Brewing Company in Bloomington, Indiana, a brewery known for its sour and barrel-aged programs within the Midwestern craft beer scene.

What foods pair well with Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores? Dark chocolate brownies amplify the cocoa and bourbon notes. Smoked brisket contrasts the sweetness with savory depth. A sharp aged cheddar cuts through the richness with acidity and salt. Crme brle mirrors the vanilla and caramelized sugar qualities. Pecan pie echoes the toasted, nutty barrel character.

What sizes does Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores come in? It is available as a four-pack; individual container sizes may vary by release, so check the packaging for exact volume per can or bottle.

Is Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores worth the price? This positions as a premium limited-release barrel-aged stout, and the eight-month bourbon barrel maturation, real vanilla beans, cacao nibs, and cinnamon additions justify its place above standard imperial stout pricing particularly for collectors and barrel-aged beer enthusiasts.

Why Teddy Bear Kisses S’mores?

What separates this release from the crowded field of adjunct stouts is Upland’s commitment to keeping the base imperial stout front and center. Eight months in fresh bourbon barrels contribute oak and butterscotch complexity without masking the dark roast grain and cocoa foundation. The S’mores additions vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, and a marshmallow-like softness from lactose are integrated rather than dominant, resulting in a beer that drinks with genuine stout character rather than liquid candy. For drinkers who want dessert-inspired flavor with real brewing discipline behind it, this is one of Indiana’s most compelling barrel-aged releases.