Bourbon Abominable Winter Ale - Fremont Brewing Company

DaveAnderson

Minnesota

3.53/5  rDev -20.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

2011 bottle with red wax

A: Under the wax, the bottle cap is rusty. Hope that isn't a bad sign. A vigorous pour into a Darkness tulip reveals a dark brown, slightly crimson-hued liquid, but yields almost no head whatsoever. Does not appear carbonated. After the bottle warmed to room temperature, I could coax a small, foamy head from a strong pour, but it dissipated in about 20 seconds.

S: Smells a little like cookies before baking. There's a strong vanilla component, and some brown sugar. Bourbon is apparent, and there is plenty of oak. As it warms, I get some tobacco and black cherry. A second pour brings out something fruitier, like figs, but that disappears as soon as the head does. Do I detect chocolate?

T: Much like the smell. Sweet at first, but with a lingering sourness and bitterness left in the back of the mouth. The oak gets a little too much play for my tastes.

M: On the tongue, I can detect some carbonation, but I would call it little more than light effervescence. Not as flat as it looks, but in the end, it feels a little thin.

O: I actually didn't like this beer at first. I might have started at too cold a temperature, but even after letting it warm, I didn't think it improved significantly. On the other hand, didn't think it was worthy of being poured down the drain, so I opened an IPA, and found that alternating between this beer and an IPA made both beers better.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2012 03:03:22 | More by DaveAnderson

beertunes

Washington

3.58/5  rDev -19.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This beer is also known as B-Bomb. The pretty mahogany of the base beer stays the same in this version, as does the the retention and lacing.

On the nose the bourbon is certainly noticeable, but not overpowering. The bourbon comes across a little bolder on the tongue and slightly detracts from the source beer. The body remains about the same. Drinkability will, of course, depend on your tolerance for bourbon. I like bourbon and it complements this beer nicely, but does overpower the tastebuds slightly.

This beer is worth seeking out, it's certainly worth the road trip from Portland to Seattle. If you're west of the Cascades, you should try this.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2010 08:57:22 | More by beertunes

womencantsail

California

3.58/5  rDev -19.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Thanks for sharing this, Javi.

The pour is dark brown in color with a small khaki head. The aroma starts off with lots of roast and a bit of coffee. Bourbon is there, but not very strong. There's more oak than bourbon. Some toffee sweetness with a bit of dark chocolate. Again, not much bourbon flavor, but there is some oak and vanilla. A bit of roast and coffee with a fair amount of dark chocolate. Moderate sweetness of caramel and toffee. Actually sort of mellow.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2012 22:05:01 | More by womencantsail

Holland

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Big thanks to Greg (ithinkimasofa) on this one!

A: dark brown with lighter highlights and a dark tan head that dissipates quickly and leaves only a small ring.

S: definite dark fruit smells with some bourbon and wood, with some hints of spice.

T: first I get the spice, then bourbon, alcohol, some sweetness, and then bitterness and wood. Surprised at the bitter finish. There is also some roasted flavor and dark fruits.

M: medium-thick body with light carbonation makes this tough to swallow, even when it warms.

O: decent beer. The major flaw is the mouthfeel, but I also don't care for the spiciness. It's not overpowering, but just under the surface. For some reason it doesn't jive with me.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2012 00:10:13 | More by Holland

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.85/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Thanks to koufax21 for bringing this out to the post Christmas poker game of 2012. Broke out right around the middle of the night, in the midst of some awesome walezbro.

Looks a sturdy deep rich brown and black. Half inch head, dark tan on it, decent retention for a bourbon beer. I like how they push the nickname Bbomb, its far from a bourbon bomb, but every geographical entity needs its rare bourbon beer to push with a nickname. Aroma was straightforward, caramel, bourbon, butterscotch.

Taste reveals many of the same notes as the aroma, but a strong vanilla presence comes out. Chocolate has a small presence, not huge. Not absent. Oak or wood presence was even more reluctant to rear its head. Frankly comes off like it was really soaked or even bourbon added. There is a difference between a bourbon bomb and just boozy heat, and while this one wasn't terrible in that department, it also isn't the best bourbon heavy barrel beer that hides alcohol.

This beer has a moderate amount of booziness, but the sweetness and mild chocolate aspect with substantial vanilla does work out to be a decent beer. I don't think my rating is gonna be above the average, but, when judged by a non local, I think this will be an overall positive experience, just don't have your expectations so high that you think you're getting a world class experience, you're just getting a good PacNW experience in terms of barrel experiments, definitely one of their best yet.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2013 04:28:42 | More by Beerandraiderfan

BeerAdvocate

Massachusetts

3.91/5  rDev -11.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

From BeerAdvocate magazine Issue #61 (Feb 2012):

LOOK: Nearly pitch black

SMELL: Boozy, vanilla, wood, ripe cherries, rose water, vague spiciness, caramel, charcoal, mild coffee, molasses, burnt raisins

TASTE: Fresh barrel juice, pulling wood, vanilla, caramel, perfumey alcohol, warming, smooth, burnt sugar, more booze, ripe fruit, peppery, fresh, boozy semisweet finish

In a sea of bourbon barrel-aged beers that continues to trend, this one is above the middle of the pack. Smacks of that bourbon barrel it was aged in. Balances just enough, while still stirring the palate with interest. Damn tasty.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 17:24:41 | More by BeerAdvocate

maximum12

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Many thanks & a manly hug to pwnzilla for answering my plea for a bottle of this beer. It arrived, with friends, in quite a lovely trade. 22 oz. bottle split with my wife while watching my hapless Twins thump the Stupid Sox. Chalk one up for the good guys.

Thick red wax gives way like a beery chastity belt, with great reluctance. Forth the beer! Very dark brown pour, then I bump the glass halfway off the big coaster & my heart almost stops. Yikes! Lost almost an entire Big Eddy that way a couple weeks back. Smells as advertised: vanilla, bourbon, clove-edged spicing. Nice. Very nice.

Bourbon Barrel Adominable redefines smooth, almost bringing a cask-like edge (or something) to the glass bottle. Everything's here but it's either refined or muted, take your pick. The bourbon is smooth & throwing off that distinct vanilla aftertaste, & it's gorilla-strong. Caramel, brown sugar, molasses, faint spices make appearances. Is there a beer under there? Barrels dominate & define this brew. I am, however, drinking this like liquid donut searching for subtle delicacies, & it drinks like a champ.

My belly is warm for a beer still, albeit barely, in the single digits. Eminently drinkable, this improves markedly as it warms a bit; rather flat when cold, it really opens up. Really good, just a cold nose from the upper echelon.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2012 02:37:30 | More by maximum12

oline73

Maryland

4/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from the bottle into a tasting snifter.

Pours a dark brown color, this beer almost looks like a stout. The smell is sweet with some dark fruit and caramel notes. There is a strong sweetness in the flavor, but the roasted malt notes balance it out a bit. I enjoyed the caramel and dark fruit along with the bourbon. The finish is sweet with a roast bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2013 05:15:21 | More by oline73

KevSal

California

4.05/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

huge thanks to stx00lax for this generous addition, crap i still owe ya jacob.

ive been staring at this one since i got it, couldnt wait to crack it open. i enjoy winter warmers quite a bit.

bomber split into 2 bruery tulips

a- looks great! dark dark ruby red. can only see through the edges.

s- this beers nose really shines very fruity almost as if its got raspberries in the mix. heavy bourbon upfront. really liking this aroma.

t- taste is a bit different than the nose. not quite as fruity but the barrel come out front and center for sure! slight fruits and spices tickle the tongue in the back, alcohol in the finish.

m-like the mouthfeel, alcohol still very present and makes it a bit rough on the tongue. thick body for a winter warmer whch i very much enjoy

o- very fine beer! really glad to try it. both of us enjoyed each glass. i think i was impatient with this one dammit as i feel with a bit more age this one will be steller, malt meld the fruit and barrel together while toning down burn. would love to try this one with a year on it!

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2012 05:20:55 | More by KevSal

smakawhat

Maryland

4.05/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured from the bottle into a snifter glass at Smoke & Barrel DC for the bottle share. Vintage 2012. From notes.

A nice dark walnut brown body with a faint tan collar, some nice mahogany brown edges along the sides of the glass underneath.

Nose has milk chocolate, and a big candy malted whoppers feeling. Lost of milky powder sensations, Nestle Quik with a hint of mild caramel like sensations.

Palate continues the milky sweetness, and even some dense milk chocolate comes out. Faint mild roast but a good sense of playful carbonation. Carbonation hints at some Coca Cola like sweetness.

An interesting take and result for a barrel aged brew. Fun one to drink also, and very easy drinking also.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 20:14:48 | More by smakawhat

MasterSki

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle shared by Carleton - thanks dude! Served in a Russian River tulip. I think this was the most recent vintage?

A - Tan foam settles to a thin cap, thick collar, and spotty lace. Body is a near-black, dark cola brown color.

S - This smells like bourbon barrel-aged Dr. Pepper. Mix of oak, bourbon, cola, cherries, dark fruits, caramel, perhaps a hint of spice and sarsparilla. It's a bit hot and heavy on the oak, but otherwise it's quite nice.

T - The taste is quite similar, with a heavy cola and spice note in the finish. Bourbon overwhelms, but with notes of chocolate, black cherry, caramel, and vanilla. Oak isn't quite as heavy here, which is appreciated.

M - A tad thin, with a flat soda kind of vibe going on. Medium-bodied, a bit watery, lower carbonation, but otherwise smooth and creamy.

D - Interesting stuff. It's definitely a 'winter' ale and somewhat hard to peg style-wise. A bit more heft and spritz would do this wonders, but it's still pretty enjoyable. I'd have this again, although I don't know if I'd go out of my way to trade for it in the future.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2013 19:23:29 | More by MasterSki

tewaris

Minnesota

4.1/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Shared by dc55110. Thanks Dan!

This style category is apt for this beer because it doesn't really belong anywhere. Old ale like in a way with plenty of dark maltiness and excellent barrel-vanilla character. The aroma is one to die for.

Spice notes are more prominent in taste but barrel aged sweetness manages to hold its own. Good presence of roast as well, borders an Imperial Stout. Carbonation was a tad high for my liking but otherwise it was really good.

4, 4.5, 4, 4, 4

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2012 12:12:24 | More by tewaris

Bendurgin

Maine

4.13/5  rDev -7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Huge thanks to Andy for sharing this wax capped bottle. Poured into a chalice. Pours a dark brown with a small layer of khaki head.

Rich boozey toffee and caramel with raisins and a nice roasty bourbon aroma. Real nice smelling with some sweet milk chocolate and hints of vanilla. The flavor is a lot like the aroma. Nice toffee and butterscotch flavors with some dark fruits and some milk chocolate and vanilla. Gives of a real nice bourbon finish with oak characters.

The body is full with smooth carbonation. A little hot on the finish. Overall this one is real tasty. Glad to have the chance to give it a whirl.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2012 02:42:03 | More by Bendurgin

Jeffo

Netherlands

4.13/5  rDev -7%
look: 2 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Got this one in a trade with Cheapbeerbuzz a while back. Thanks for the beers man!

From a bomber into a snifter
Vintage: 2011
Red Wax

APPEARANCE: A dark pour yields a small, fizzy, tan head that quickly vanishes. Slight ring remains, but that's it. Bistre brown body and no carbonation evident. Basically looks flat by the end and leaves no lacing at all. Lousy first impression, really.

SMELL: This is how you make a good second impression. Big barrel notes with lots of whisky, oak, milk chocolate, vanilla and coconut cream on the nose. Light roasted touches with some dark chocolate in there as well. Lots of barrel, but the base beer is still hanging around. Really nice.

TASTE: This is excellent. Whisky and oak in there, with some caramel sweetness up front. Bold flavors, with vanilla and pure and roasted chocolate flavors at the swallow. Nice stuff. Bold and lingering finish of whisky, coconut vanilla, lots of pure, baker's chocolate and some roasted malt flavors as well. Lots of chocoalte with a wondeful barrel presence. Just delicous.

PALATE: Medium body and medium carbonation. A little light on the palate, unfortunately, but creamy enough, goes down a touch prickly with a bit of a burn at the swallow and finishes slightly mouth-coating. A bit of heat lingers. A heavier palate would definitely help this one, but the feel is creamy and smooth enough to pass.

OVERALL: This is excellent stuff. Nevermind the lack-luster look, the flavors are big and bold and they show a superb balance between the base beer and the barrel aging. The feel could use a little beefing up, which would help push the flavors into the euphoric zone, but as it is now, this is definitely a spot-on brew. I would gladly drink this again, and would gladly try more of their stuff. Thanks again Cheapbeerbuzz.

Note: We drank a 2012 vintage last night and it was spectacular. The mouthfeel was much thicker and heavier than the 2011, which helped the overall experience. Excellent stuff. Easily a 4.5 beer. Thanks again Erik!

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 19:58:13 | More by Jeffo

ehammond1

California

4.18/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle (2011)

Acquired via trade
Thanks, hoparoundnw2337!

(Aged for 1+ year)

Very dark in color; nearly black. No light penetrates through this one, that's for sure. If I was poured this blind, I'd definitely say it was a stout, and not a winter ale...though, stouts largely are my winter ales...so...whatever, this is a dark and pretty beer. Very little head, though a ring of dark khaki foam does remain around the edges of the beer. Leaves the glass nearly clean on the way down.

This doesn't have a particularly expressive aroma, unfortunately. I'm surprised at the lack of aroma because the beer really is delicious. There's a faint bit of chocolate and very mild bourbon, but I really have to search to find much of anything. It's been sitting with me and warming for nearly a half hour now, hoping to revisit the aroma as I drink down the bottle and continue this review.

The flavor, as opposed to the aroma, is something quite spectacular. Layers of chocolate and bourbon integrate incredibly well. This is a very drinkable bourbon barrel-aged beer. Some dark fruits and a bit of Christmas spice emerges as the beer warms. Balanced, warming, rich, and incredibly enjoyable.

Medium to near full in body, especially for the style. Some alcohol heat, but it's welcome in a brew like this.

Fantastic. This is special stuff. Disappointing (lack of) aroma, though.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 05:00:50 | More by ehammond1

HopHead84

California

4.2/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

5/21/2011

The rapture never occurred, so here I am opening up a barrel aged beverage. Huge thanks to bgramer for the super generous extra from a brewery I'd never heard of. Poured into a snifter. Bottling number 1 of the 2010 batch.

A: Ruddy dark brown and opaque with a big creamy off white head. Sort of ruddy and swampish. Not a particularly attractive color. Good retention and some scattered lacing.

S: Lots of vanilla and caramel with a moderately powerful wood profile. There's an unmistakable bourbon presence which seems to be of high quality. The oak is lightly spicy on the nose. Some earthy notes with a little chocolate as well, and alcohol is well hidden. All the different characteristics are well balanced and on the whole, the beer gives the impression of subtlety and nuance. Just a trace of smoke.

T: Very mellow, exhibiting exceptional balance. Notes of vanilla and caramel meld with bourbon, light chocolate, light roast, and a dash of chocolate. The balance is something to marvel at. Alcohol is restrained. Very nice. This is closer to a 4.25 in flavor. The marriage of caramel and bourbon is superb.

M: Creamy, silky, and sticky. Upper medium in body with moderate carbonation.

Overall: A well balanced, highly drinkable, and thoroughly enjoyable bourbon barrel aged strong ale. I've been enjoying the hell out of this for the last two hours. Really killer stuff.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2011 03:31:34 | More by HopHead84

BAS

4.2/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is a solid bourbon barrel that doesn't disappoint.

Appearance - I prefer most beers cold, so I kept it in the refrigerator overnight and poured it at around 45F. Poured with plenty of vigor, the beer is thick, almost as thick as the Old Viscosity which is one of my regulars, dark and opaque, and produces a thin brown head that tends to stick around for a while. and say, "Hello."

Smell - Strong mix of bourbon and coffee stout. "How are you?"

Taste - Definitely bourbon forward, evoking memories of drinking a whiskey chaser after a strong stout. "Quite well."

Mouthfeel - A little oily, but not too much. Nice and smooth. "Mmmm..."

Overall - Simply enjoyable. "Thank you very much."

An excellent whiskey beer. Rather expensive. I got mine for $18USD for a 22oz bottle at a local grocery, which is by far the highest price for any bottled beer I've seen in a non-specialty store. But I have to say that it was worth every penny. Would buy again.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 06:15:14 | More by BAS

blackie

Virginia

4.21/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

brewpub draft, 2011 release

a: served in a small chalice, essentially black in color, sporting a lasting ring of tan carbonation

s: rich barrel sugars, bourbon vanilla, booze soaked wood, semisweet chocolate and rich roasts, toffee, pine hops, hugely complex, pretty great

m: carbonation low to moderate, smooth, with a slick, full body

t: loaded with bourbon barrel supplied vanilla over a body of black, smooth roasted malt carrying loads of dark and semisweet chocolate notes, sweet toffee and caramelized wood sugars, moderate pine hops, long lingering, delicious

o: a big fan of this one, almost running into stout territory, but more towards the balance of rich sugars and bourbon/vanilla with some chocolate accompaniment that roast-focused

Serving type: on-tap

04-09-2013 22:34:09 | More by blackie

julian

Washington

4.25/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Wax capped bomber purchased at the brewery. 2011 vintage.

A: Dark brown, near black. Medium-heavy viscosity. Head is minimal and shy even with an aggressive pour but does yield a pale khaki colored layer of foam which quickly retreats leaving a bubbly outer ring. Little to no lacing.

S: Nose is crazy. Fruity, caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dark malt, brown sugar. Lots going on here. Complex and well crafted. Hope the taste is as good as the nose.

T&M: Mildly chocolatey, hint of dark roast, brown sugar, toffee, bourbon, vanilla. Wow. Booze is well hidden but also definitely present. Very nice blend. medium-heavy body with great carbonation. Finishes a little sweet.

O: This is by far one of the best beers I've had from Fremont. Clearly they know how to barrel age and blend, as this is flavorful, aromatic and just flat out delicious. I can't wait for their lambics and eventually gueuzes. These guys might be the only WA brewery that gives a shit about making quality beer of all styles. Keep it up guys!

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2011 06:50:45 | More by julian

Duff27

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Short tan head dissipates fairly quickly, collar left on a dark brown beer. Body is a dark brown...no shit?

Mega bourbony aroma. Not detecting a whole lot after that.

Barrel aging up front and center from the beginning. Sweet booze. Some roastiness. Omnom. 11%? Give this too me in bunches.

Medium mouthfeel, smooooth. Lower carbonation.

Sterling example on a barrel aged bourbon forward beer. Can tell why they call this the catch all "strong ale" as apposed to stout or barleywine.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2012 22:56:34 | More by Duff27

Treebs

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Waxed 22 oz. bottle served FFF teku glass. 2012 vintage. Big thanks to mfavoino for sharing this guy.

A: Pours a dark blackish color with some semi-clear brown edges. A tan head forms on the pour and recedes quickly to a thin ring. Some splotches of lace are left behind.

S: Some light all spice and nutmeg. Dark fruits and very smooth bourbon. Sweet malts with some light barrel oak.

T: Toffee sweetness with some bourbon and light roasted malts. A little chocolate, some light all spice and a finish of caramel with more bourbon.

M: Medium to heavy bodied with some medium to low carb. Some residual sugar sweetness as well leaving a little sweetness that coats the teeth.

O: This was very delicious. The spices still came through while the barrel really shined. I'd love to lay one down and see what some age does to it.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 01:07:33 | More by Treebs

tectactoe

Michigan

4.29/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Big thanks to whomever brought this one to the tasting! Pours a dark brown, might as well call this one black, topped off with a light-tan colored head that doesn't stick around for too long. The nose is full of bourbon and oak with an underlying, woody-vanilla sweetness. Some lighter tones of cocoa, toasted caramel, and sticky molasses. Labeled as a "strong ale" but this could easily pass as an English barleywine.

Creamy and silky bourbon is the first thing to hit the palate, and it comes off as more of a sweet bourbon flavor than a harsh one. Light plums and dark cherries lead the forefront of the fruits, playing atop the hefty malt backbone, complete with molasses, caramel, and some other sweet and syrupy flavors, maybe even a bit of burnt brown sugar. I start to pick up some dark and bittersweet cocoa flavors as this one goes on, too. Woody and oaky with a nice helping of wet bark in the aftertaste, right alongside the warm bourbon flavor. Silky and creamy on the palate, heavy bodied and lightly carbonated.

Devilishly smooth and easily drinkable, complete with the traditional flavors you'd expect from a BBA barleywine, though it's labeled as a "strong ale". Creamy bourbon and oak, along with a unique bittersweet cocoa flavor that comes into play.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 23:20:14 | More by tectactoe

Jwale73

Rhode Island

4.3/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to jedwards for sharing. 2010 vintage, bottling #3, bottle number 19 out of 240. Pours a murky, reddish-brown with no head, just a soapy skim and sudsy bubbles around the shoulders. Nose is malty, slightly vinous and also expresses figs and raisins. Fantastic flavors - bourbon, vanilla and a buttery quality on a nice malty backbone - dark fruits are interspersed nicely through the flavor profile. Mouthfeel is medium-light, perhaps a little watery, with a mild carbonation. This is a great beer. I would classify it as being closer to an Old Ale than an American Strong, however. That being said, a truly exceptional beer if you have the opportunity to try it.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2011 16:49:50 | More by Jwale73

stx00lax

Washington

4.3/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- dark brown, not much head or lacing

S- Interesting, the vanilla and oak come through nicely. But it comes off smelling like big-league chew; in a good way.

T- Delicious! What a nice surprise as I had no expectations going into this beer. A little bourbon heat, but mostly vanilla, oak and caramelized brown sugar.

M- A little thin and hot, but the flavor makes up for it here.

O- A bit spendy, but I wasnt disappointed, I cant think of many delicious barrel-aged beers from this state. This is one of them.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2012 04:07:37 | More by stx00lax

FosterJM

California

4.3/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

1415th Review on BA
Bottle to snifter
22oz

2011 Vintage

Thanks to Dvelcich for sharing

App- This poured more like a flat dubble or like a bit of a quad. More of a purple color with a small bubble activity. The cling was zero but had a couple bubbles and then a good density.

Smell- Very nice. It was a smooth smelling beer with a good amount of spice and malt behind it from the style but added a vanilla and bourbon prickly note.

Taste- This was a damn fine beer. The bourbon with the spice and vanilla added a rich depth of flavor and the ABV added a fullness to it. Rich, prickly and flavorful. A really good beer.

Mouth- A prickly medium carbonation. The body is a full medium and a residual spicy vanilla.

Drink- I can see why this was so coveted. It had great flavor. It was rich and spicy and bourbon forward but retained the winter warmer flavors. Outstanding job.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2012 04:58:29 | More by FosterJM