AleSmith Barrel Aged Wee Heavy

Brewed by AleSmith Brewing Company
Style: Scotch Ale
San Diego, California USA

750ml bottle (#51), 2006 vintage, shared by iowaherkeye. Thank you for personally importing this from California. Sampled side-by-side with the regular Wee Heavy. Poured a cloudy brown color with a thin khaki head. The aroma was similar to the regular Wee Heavy with dark fruit and toffee elements, but there were also added whiskey and Saltine notes. Very nice. Medium to full bodied and sweet with caramel, raisin, vanilla, and toffee flavors. There was also a mellow bourbon flavor that wasn’t overdone. Not over-bourbonated, as they say. Good beer.

Bottle 2004, thank you Eyedrinkale for my first BA alesmith offering. Taste is raw bourbon and not a great balance even after this time. Coats your mouth with heavy Etoh in every sip. Wood, caramel, and dark fruit. An odd case where i can do without the barrel.

Sampled next to regualr Wee Heavy, thanks iowaherkeye. Bottle #51 from 2006. The body was dark brown with a yellowish khaki head. The aroma was sweet pancakes with some strong vanilla. There was also some marigold flower and caramel. The taste was strong caramel with a little bit of bourbon and bread crust. Well made.

bottle #51 shared at general_gao’s thanks to Some Jerk named iowaherkeye. Dark brown pour with a thin tan head. Aroma was very strong vanilla and oak. Flavor had a strong vanilla and butterscotch kick, with a bit of bourbon and dark fruit. Finished with very mild carbonation, slightly boozy.

Bottle at Toncatchers event. 2006 vintage superbly cellared, # 131/254. Poured a murky dark brown bronze color with a medium beige head. The nose displayed a good aged, mellow cognac aroma. The flavor showed a good melding of whiskey and roasted ale malts. Mouthfeel is almost perfect, If the palate rating went up to ten, this would be a nine. The finish is long with lingering whiskey. Overall: One of the great BA beers.

Bottle (2006) from brewery. Number is somewhere in the 70’s, it got wiped. Pours a low carbonated bronze/amber color. Very peaty and earthy. Somewhat sweet with a little bourbon aroma. Flavor is a dark fruity sweetness with hints of wood from a barrel and strong bourbon notes. Very smooth with low carbonation. Quite enjoyable.

’06. The bourbon has done wonders for how it supports the already strong aroma and taste of this wonderful beer. A little light on the palate when compared to the initial hit when first sampling, otherwise a near perfect brew.

If you like super bourbaned beers...you might like this one...but it overpowers the malt flavor of the wee heavy to me.......I was disapointed in it myself....but everyone I shared it with.....LOVED it...so there....