10 Barrel Brandy Barrel Pray for Snow

Brewed by 10 Barrel Brewing Company
Style: American Strong Ale
Bend, Oregon USA

Serve in Snifter, Tulip

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Draught at Bailey’s Taproom, Portland. Strong, sweaty aroma with some pears and alcohol. Light cloudy orange-brown color, rocky head. Initial flavor is like distilled pear juice; mid palate brings some good bitterness and a bit of the brandy; final is creamy, weak, and more or less balanced. Nice attempt -- but it doesn’t really develop into a cohesive series of flavors.

At the brewpub in Bend, Oregon. This draft pour came a clear deep red amber with an off-white head that left great lacing rings as it slowly settled. The nose showed lots of aromas, including ripe fruit, roast malts, and floral hops. Medium to bold n body, the mouthfeel is smooth and almost slick. The flavor is complex with a lot of subtle tastes, including ripe fruit, a hint of chocolate, and spices. The oak appears and stays with you through the finish, which displays a touch of bitterness. This is a hard beer to describe because it is so complex but overall the high malt show and good hop balance make for a real knockout of a winter warmer. Great beer.

UPDATED: JAN 9, 2012 Tap @ The BeerMongers... Had minimal brandy or boozy spirit flavors. Just some hints of wood from the barrel(s). Poured deep reddish/ruby with a thick, vibrant white head. Incredible retention and lacing on the walls of the goblet glass. Overall it was quite soapy. Some grassy hops and toasted malt sweetness, and again with a soapy water, chemical flavor.