Bear Republic Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Rocket

Brewed by Bear Republic Brewing Company
Style: American Strong Ale
Healdsburg, California USA

Serve in Snifter, Tulip

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I think this is what I had at the brewpub in late April, but I’m not sure. I don’t think my notes fit the descriptions on the chalkboard too well. Anyway, this one went sour, in a very bad way. Bourbon Barrel-aged red rocket, tasting like vinegar? It was just wrong to me. Maybe it’s what the brewer intended, but it felt completely out of place.

Draught at the brewpub as "Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Rocket", 6.9%abv. Red-amber with a thick off-white head. The aroma is mostly vanilla and wood, with little of the base beer showing, but it’s a good combo. The flavor is lightly vinous, quite oaky, malty with some caramel flavors, and ends hoppy and bitter with grapefruit and other citrus flavors. Medium bodied with medium carbonation. The hoppiness of Red Rocket mixes with plenty of barrel character to make an interesting and refreshing combo, though I would be more likely to reach for the original in the future.

Sampled at the brewpub. I’m a huge fan of the regular Red Rocket, but this one was just a murky alcohol mess. Pours an off red with a thick head. Aroma is mostly booze and oak with some citrus thrown in. Flavor is full of bourbon and oak and a mild amount of hop. This one could use some aging.

Poured from the Cask at Bear Republic to a cloudy reddish-orange withmedium thick white head and okay lacing. Nose was a pleasant blend of hoopy citrus and a hint of bourbon, with alcohol slowly creeping in as the beer warmed. Mouthfeel was tingly and the taste followed the lead of the nose, wioth again, the alcohol becoming more dominating at mid-beer. Finish was crisp, slightly bitter and enjoyable. A good beer.

On tap @ the brewpub, 10oz pour. Clear orange brown with a small creamy beige head, good retention. Aroma of oak and chewing tobacco. Flavor has the same weird minty chew thing going on with a fair amount of fruity chardonnay-like characteristics. I’m getting no bourbon, but I do get some oak, esp. in the dry finish, bitterness a 3. Light carbonation with a medium body. Dunno about this one.

UPDATED: APR 25, 2009 Tasted at brewery. Sounded like a great spin on the very good Rocket. Didn’t turn out that way. Dark copper/ reddish color. Strong whiskey/ alcohol aroma and flavor. Very thin tasting, not much mouthfeel. Finish was tinny and bitter. Not an enjoyable beer for me.

Tasted at brewery. Red copper color with no head. Whiskey and oak aroma. Sweet malt and whiskey taste followed by banana and unforuntantly end with a bandaid taste.