 awaisanen (1143), Irvine, California, USA
May 6, 2007 Updated: Sep 1, 2008
On cask at the brewery. Tried several samples at the first anniversary party. I’m so glad I thought to bring a real tasting glass in order to gain a full appreciation of this one; it was certainly worth the extra attention. Pours a dark, semi-opaque red cedar bark brown color with a frothy layer of creamy tan head. Aroma is dripping with dark fruits - prunes, raisins, and figs, and is softened and sweetened by a silky wave of sweet caramels and lots of vanilla bean. The bourbon character is really the perfect compliment for the beer, as the slightly drier oak character of the bourbon barrel seems to work perfectly with the beer. While there is an increased oak presence compared to the brandy barrel version, the barrel character still holds itself very much in check with the overall balance of the nose, allowing the terrific, sweet malt complexities shine through on the center stage. A little bit of caramelly bourbon reveals itself to the nose, but is sufficiently subdued to leave but a gentle warming glow in the nostrils. Medium bodied, creamy mouthfeel - this beer lends itself to the cask amazingly well. Loads of freshly picked, black cherries instantly flood the tongue, backed by an aggressively flavorful blend of raisins and lightly spiced fig. Tons of heavenly malt sweetness that’s complex and far from cloying; the light creaminess of the body simply makes this one dance across the tongue. Some fresh, woody maple syrup, clover honey, and lots and lots of vanilla bean enhance the dark fruity base. A little bit of dry oakiness lingers in the finish along with some warming bourbon, although while not hot, is pretty much the only less-than-perfect trait this brew has. Honestly, was it possible for this one to be a disappointment? No. Is it possible that this one even surpasses the brandy barrel’s greatness? Hopefully someday there will be bottles to do a just side-by-side comparison. Fantastic.
kegbear (78), Orange, California, USA
Sep 5, 2008 Updated: Sep 6, 2008375 ml Bottle. Dark brown with a huge head. Aroma of toasted coconut, carmel and dried fruit. As it warmed the aroma became more like shellac. Taste is quite boozy with caramel, vanilla, dark dried fruit and some oak. Wonderful.
HogTownHarry (3200), Toronto (Harbourfront), Ontario, Canada
Sep 3, 2008 Bottle (375ml corked & caged). Shared with blankboy & tupalev, bottle courtesy of irishboy - who else?. HAD to open this tonight - after the Labbat Blue Dry 10.1% it was an obligation. Poured deep, deep mahogany, large lasting fluffy mottled tan/brown head. Lush well-blended bourbon/vanilla with medium-roast malt, cocoa, nuttiness, dry grain - not over the top at all. Excellent taste - oak, vanilla, fresh grain, definite alcohol and a surprising presence of green herbal hops. Smooth, creamy mouthfeel, surprisingly lively mouthfeel, a fresh, bourbony finish but the underlying BW malt and alcohol stand up to the barrel aging well - outstanding: I think I prefer the (version 001 of course!) regular Angel’s Share, but this is stunning in its own right - once again, huge thanks, Richard.
DMRz (148), Durham, North Carolina, USA
Sep 3, 2008 375 ml. bottle. Dark brown color with a medium tan head. Aromas of sweet chocolate malt, Irish coffee, and vanilla. Flavors of cappuccino, sweet vanilla, and a hint of oak. This beer is quite smooth and pleasantly warming. It was a pleasure to try such an excellent barrel aged beer - the only problem is now I really need to try the standard release... A superlative effort!!
RCL (1020), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Sep 3, 2008 Bit of a gusher upon opening; quite carbonated. Delicious coconut caramel aroma. Sweet but not cloying with rich caramel and a light piney hop finish. Wish this was easier to find!
00cobraR (953), Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
Sep 2, 2008 What a great beer. I cant decided if i like this one better than the original or not. Pours out a deep brown color with a large head. Aroma was sweet with notes of malt, choco, and best of all, BOURBON! Flavor is sweet, but dominated by the bourbon. This was another great beer by these guys.
|
