OFallon Whiskey Barrel Smoked Porter

Wow, I have to say, this one is underrated big time. Thanks no xmarcnolanx for this one. Was saving it for a special occassion, and decided to break it open on my godson’s birthday. Too bad he is only 2 and his Mom wouldn’t let him have any! Seriously though, I liked this one a lot and it was nothing like what I was expecting. I expected a very boozy and smokey beer, and what I got was actually a really enjoyable porter, wtih a nice solid smoke presence, and just a hint of bourbon. This is how I like bourbon beers, where it adds character and flavor without actually *becoming* the flavor. The texture on this one was nice and rich, almost like velvet, and I detected some notes of vanilla cream swirling around as well. Maybe could have used some more smoke, or a little more complexity, but overall, a damn nice beer that I wish I had more of!

22oz bottle. Dark brown colored body with a large tan-colored head. Big, sharp, smoky bourbon whiskey nose, contains notes of toffee malts, buttered (but light) bread, a light touch of roast and chocolate as well, but minimal smoke... noticeable but very subdued. Flavor is somewhat harsh, centers around whiskey, light char, light roast, overall a little too astringent and not nearly as complex and I think it could be.

Wow! I was afraid this wouldn’t be worth the money, a little pricey at $16, but man was this enjoyable. I would love to come back to this after it has layed down and aged for a while. Aromas of wood, and boozy vanilla with a light hint of smoke and burnt caramel. Lots of dark fruits on the palate, with a sweet bourbon note always lurking in the background. The thing I enjoy the most about this is the bourbon works with the beer instead of overpowering its good qualities. This has a really nice balance to it.

This beer smells amazing. But then loses some of the power in the taste. Pours a dark black color. It does have a long lasting creamy head. Smells like whiskey and carmel. Nice smell, but the taste is too strong of whiskey. It felt like I was drinking a crown and beer instead of a crown and coke.

Bottle at 33 Wine Shop and Tasting Bar, St. Louis. Pours black with a small, fizzy, light brown head, mostly diminishing with spare lacing. Aroma is heavy malt (molasses, chocolate, nutty), light hops (grass), average yeast (leather) with notes of prune, date, wood, smoke, tar, and alcohol. Full bodied, creamy texture, average carbonation, and a bitter finish. Long duration, moderate sweetness, light acidity and bitterness.

Seems this one is flying under the radar.Had this one last night and this is a great beer. Not your over the top in your face whiskey aged beer this one has some smoke added. Both are noticeable in the nose and on the palette. This is and incredibly smooth beer. I guess I was pre warmed up for this one though because I had a Bourbon Angel’s Share prior to this so my palette was spoiled beforehand.Oak,Smoke,Bourbon,Vanilla,it’s all here I recomend trying this one if you get the chance and is worth seeking our for sure!

Shared by STLwill. The aroma has oak and bourbon, and more of the same in the flavor but there is also oak and smoke here. Some roasted malt. Ordinarily I don’t like bourbon beers, but this one is very well done, and the quality bourbon complements the beer rather than overwhelms it.

Small sample at OSLO and Guerde’s tasting on Friday, 5-23-08. Aged in Pappy Van Winkle 23 barrels. Bottle #301 of 960, dated April 10, 2008. Thanks to STLWill for sharing. Pours an opaque, dark brown. I definitely get the bourbon in the aroma. The very nice smell also features tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla scents. Good, oaky, sharp, dry taste features bacon and vanilla flavors. Lively on the palate. This is a very strong and underrated beer. It was one of my favorites of the tasting, beating out many more highly rated brews.