Barleys Woodford Reserve Barrel-Aged J. Scott Francis ESB

Brewed by Barleys Brewing Company
Style: Bitter
Columbus, Ohio USA

Serve in English pint

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Sample at Barley’s Smokehouse. The beer is a clear dark amber color with a medium thick beige head that diminishes steadily. Stringy lacing on the glass. Aroma of caramel malt, citrus and a touch of bourbon. Medium body with flavors of sweet malt, fruit and subtle oaky bourbon. The finish is fruity with an earthy, oaky aftertaste. I was admittedly not expecting much from a barrel-aged ESB but this exceeded my expectations.

Pint on cask at the Smokehouse on 5/2/12. Clear amber pour with a thick tan cascading head. Aroma of orange, oak, caramel, malt and light booze. Malty flavor with some caramel, oak and slight citrus before a mild booze finish. Bourbon is well masked here and I think that’s what makes this beer work. I love my bourbon beers, but an ESB? This beer takes on the pleasant oaky character without being completely overtaken by bourbon. Well done.