Navigator is Ballast Point’s love letter to strong German lagers, and the brandy barrel version takes that idea even further. Inspired by dark bocks, it is built on caramelized malt sugars and dried fruit, then given time in brandy barrels to round out the edges. The brewery calls it liquid bread, and that is not far off: this is a big, malt-driven beer that eats like a meal.

The basics

• Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)
• Style: Doppelbock (Brandy Barrel-Aged)
• ABV: 9%
• IBU: Not disclosed by the brewery

What to expect

Brandy Barrel Navigator pours deep brown with a beige head. The aroma is rich malt: caramel, toffee, and dried fruit like raisins, apricots, and prunes, with a gentle brandy warmth behind it. On the palate it is full and smooth, with caramelized malt sugars leading, dried fruit in the middle, and a soft barrel note that never overwhelms the base beer. The finish is long, warming, and malty rather than hot.

This is a slow beer, best in a snifter after dinner or with roasted pork, aged cheese, or a fruit dessert. One glass goes a long way.

Our rating

7.9/10

Rated by Alex (7.9). Alex puts this one at a 7.9, and that high mark is earned. The malt depth is genuinely impressive, the dried fruit character is layered rather than one-note, and the brandy barrel adds warmth without turning the beer into a spirit. It is a little rich for a second pour, but as a single, thoughtful glass, it is one of the best dark lagers Ballast Point has made.