Avery Oak Barrel Salvation

Sampled at the second annual Bistro’s West Coast Barrel Aged Beer Fest as "Salvation Crucified": Clear golden bronze color has a nicely-lacing white head. Aroma of sweet biscuity Belgian malt and a hint of mint and orange peel along with a light fruity tartness. Body starts with a nice oaky chardonnay complexity and sweet Belgian maltiness with a good balance of coriander and clove spices toward a crisp oaky vinous finish. Nice choice of barrel and good balance throughout.

Draft... Mid-GABF ’06 at the Falling Rock Tap House, Denver... Mostly clear golden ale with a small, frothy, off-white head. The aroma is malty, spicy and fruity with all the usual suspects regarding tripel esters and phenols. Only now the nose is a bit more vinous and woodsy with a hint of vanilla. Moderately tart, moderately bitter, fruity, spicy flavor. Full-bodied and creamy with lively carbonation. Finishes watery and vinous.

2005 Boulder Strong Ale Fest. Body is dark yellow. Aroma is moderately malty (cookie), lightly hoppy (flowers, lemon), with notes of banana, clove, grapes, and wood. Flavor is moderately sweet, moderately acidic, lightly bitter. Finish is lightly sweet, moderately acidic, moderately bitter. Medium body, watery texture, lively carbonation, moderately alcoholic. Still needs more aging time, but showing the most wine character of the three so far. I hope Adam is patient with these oaked versions, especially the Salvation and Reverend, which stand to gain the most from this process IMHO.

Salvation on oak-on tap-pours a light tan head that’s rich and thick. Color is a cloudy orange. Taste is spiced and syrupy.

Draft @ Falling Rock: My favorite of the BA Trinity series. Hazy golden color. Great aroma of white wine, caramel and some light yeasty funk. A little sweaty. Nice balance of malt, fruitiness and chardonnay. Lightly tart. Warming with a medium body.