North Coast Old Stock Cellar Reserve Brandy Barrel

Bottle from xmarcnolanx - thanks! This one is a nice darker brown color with almost no head. Aroma is heavy and sweet - lots of vanilla, oak, brandy, brown sugar, dark fruits, and a bit of alcohol. Flavor is sweet and delicious - woody vanilla undertones with a powerful, sugary wallop that has some brandy and ripe fruit. Wonderful mouthfeel that leaves you wanting more. Its no wonder that this is great, starting with old stock and all, but this really takes it to the next level. A bit more time on this would help. The only downside to the beer is that, having tried the Angels Share, it is a close #2 in Brandy Barrel beers. Still wonderful - please make more!!!

Picked up at the brewery. Been saving for a special occasion and this trip to Lake Tahoe is it. Poured into a Delirium Tremins snifter and at first I was a little nervous because it was pouring a hazy brown. The head is virtually non existent, however @ 14.7 abv there usually is not, the alcohol kills it. The aroma is quite amazing with tremendous aromas of wood, fruit & alcohol. Nice vanilla aspects from the wood. What I really appreciate is that the Brandy is not at the forefront of this beer. It is an enhancement to the beer. For a% abv beer I feel that is quite drinkable not too sweet. I am so glad that I have more of this to age at home. I should have never expected anything less from the great folks at North Coast. Up next.....the Bourbon Barrel.

One of, if not the best beer I’ve had in 2008. Incredibly complex aroma that gives notes of raisins, figs, caramel, toffee from the base beer as well as added dimensions of brandy soaked wood, vanilla and coconut from the oak. Flavor consists of chocolate, caramel, brandy, coconut, vanilla, dark fruit. Port-like character. Chewy and beyond rich. This beer is amazing and a total jaw dropper. Thanks to Steve for sharing.

Thanks a lot for sharing, iowaherkeye! Cloduy dark brown body with no head. With some swirling I got a little bit of a light kahki head. The aroma is light brandy with some leather and milk chocolate. There is also a little bit of almond. The taste has some light toffee and cocoa. There is some nice hints of brown sugar. This is very good.

btl opened by JohnC. Hazy brown pour with light head and lace. Brandy, cherries, and raisins on the nose. Flavor of raisins, dates, and abv. Solid full palate with good carbonation. A beer that I would classify as a super sipper not a drinker:) thanks John