Barrel Aged Smoke (Smoked Porter) - O'Fallon Brewery

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

An amazing delicious concoction that reminded me little of the non-barrel version I consumed a few days earlier. The smoked porter definately takes a backseat to the bourbon whiskey sweetness and sourness and some kind of full mouthfeel yeasty reaction that was a delight with a good spicey fish and meat dinner. I am sure it would be great with cajun. A bit woody and vanilla and chocolate. Blackened colour.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2007 03:56:17 | More by northyorksammy

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.83/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I was super thrilled to be able to score a couple of these, I had waited a long time to try this gem. A smoked whiskey beer, what more could I ask for! Served chilled this twenty two ounce bomber was poured into a pint glass and consumed on 12/22/2008.

Wonderful rich looking pour. A deep, dark brown color with a ton of rich tan lacing throughout the glass. Competely opaque with no light shing through and the two inch head of chocolate on top only settled down gradually by the end of the session.

The aroma was to die for. Rich notes of whiskey and campfire aromas mixed seemlessly into a roasted malt and light coffee like smell. The flavor though was simply superb. Touches of oak and roasted caramel mixing with lots of peat and whiskey barrle goodness. So rich and full, even as it warmed it was second to none in the smoked flavor. This was easily the best smoked beer I have ever had. Such a rich mix of barrel flavors and the whiskey just presented itself in the perfect mixture. Full bodied with wonderful carbonation and the alcohol was no where near too strong, in facvt it came off just right.

Overall I was floored by this one. One of the better beers I have had this year hands down. I am very happy to have a couple more of these to settle down with, they will make fine additions to the cellar.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2008 02:17:09 | More by mikesgroove

brentk56

North Carolina

3.75/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Pours a very dary brown color with a nice head that takes a while to settle and leaves some lacing behind

Smell: Tons of smoke and charred wood, plenty of vanilla, a fair amount of beef jerky and, of course, Jim Beam

Taste: Opens with a smokey, whiskey flavor that is distinctly sour by mid-palate; after the swallow, the beer becomes more subtle, with vanilla and Bourbon flavors predominating

Mouthfeel: A blizzard of carbonation dominates the brew such that the body is hard to discern; kind of medium but somewhat watery

Drinkability: Marred by excessive carbonation and a souring element as the beer ages; should be drinking much better at this stage but I fear that this is on its way out

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2008 04:07:51 | More by brentk56

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.55/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Served in a nonic pint glass.

Big thanks to Trxxpaxxs for this bottle!

Bottle #41/2398, dated 1/10/10. Reviewed blind as part of Blind BIF 6. It pours a murky black-brown topped by a finger or so of dusty tan foam. The nose comprises roasted malts, light campfire smoke (wood and all, kids), molasses, and a touch of graham crackers. The taste brings on more of the same, with the smoke lagging behind the general wood and a newfound sense of whiskey (not too strong, but definitely there). The body is a straight medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a somewhat thin feel. Overall, a nice barrel-aged brew, but unfortunately one that sacrifices a good deal of smoke to the barrel, which doesn't add enough to make up for the loss. Still enjoyable, though.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2012 23:39:39 | More by TMoney2591

Mora2000

Texas

4.33/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to my brother for sharing this bottle. Bottle number 2138 of 2398.

The beer pours a very dark brown color with a tan head. The aroma is heavy on the smoke and roasted malt. Surprisingly, I don't get much, if any, whiskey in the aroma. Somewhat disappointing, but still a very nice smelling beer.

The flavor is much more complex and more enjoyable. I get a lot of maple and chocolate notes, as well as some smoke and ash. I also get some whiskey and roasted malt notes. The bourbon notes compliment the smoke and roasted malt character very well and the chocolate notes are a welcome surprise.

Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2011 04:53:47 | More by Mora2000

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.2/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Acquired from abrand so a big "Thank You" goes out to him. Poured from a 22oz bottle #2020 of 2398 into an imperial pint glass.

A: The beer is a deep dark brown color, with a short off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains smoky roasted malts, dark fruit, coffee, whiskey and a touch of hops.

T: The taste starts out with a hearty roasted malt character that is quickly followed by a strong but not over-powering smokiness. There are flavors of coffee, dark fruit and chocolate in the background. The hops presence is mild but where it should be for this type of beer and brings a good balance. The flavors of smoke and whiskey barrel-aging seem to complement each other well. The after-taste is slightly smoky and slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

D: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, good kick, good representation of style, this is very good beer with a lot of flavor and substance that make it worth drinking for a long time.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2011 05:50:51 | More by TheManiacalOne

russpowell

Oklahoma

3.83/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Picked this up in KC ( Gomer's), bottle 2248 pours a brown tinged mahogany with 2 fingers of mocha colored head. Minimal head retention & lacing

S: Coffee,toasty malt, & a touch of cherry & iron

T: Slight hickory smokeyness, dryness, along with cocoa & some coffee up front. A touch of sour-mash as this warms, plus a some prunes & figs & some restrained smokeyness & a hint of herbal hops

MF: Medium bodied, semi-smooth, fairly lively carbonation, thins out as this warms

Drinks alright, not a solid enough porter or a smokey enough one to get too excited about either way. Give me an Alaskan Smoked or Stones Porter any day, cheaper by several bucks per bomber too...

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2010 04:45:49 | More by russpowell

emerge077

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

"#862 of 960 April 10th, 2008" is handwritten on the bottle, this is the batch aged in 23 yr. old Pappy Van Winkle barrels. It was dressed up in a cellophane wrapper with a ribbon, and a neck tag about the history of Pappy Van Winkle.

Served in a Kentucky Breakfast goblet, around 50º. Dark woody color, nearly black in the glass, with an auburn edge in the light. Tan foam is a little thin with a cluster of larger bubbles on one side.

Smouldering campfire smoke, mixed with sweet bourbon notes in the nose. Very woody. Smooth feel with a touch of whiskey warmth in the finish. Complex flavors of smoke, wet barrel, tobacco leaf, and mellow bourbon traces. Earthy finish, and a hint of dry sweetness from the spirits. Body was fairly thin, it could use more heft. Low level carbonation. Not too overbearing, it's an interesting blend that's overall cohesive.

Serving type: bottle

08-30-2008 01:50:19 | More by emerge077

akorsak

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Update on Batch 3, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Year, bottle 946 (of 960) courtesy of hwwty4.

The nose is pleasantly smoked with a strong bourbon presence of vanilla and oak. The bourbon is smooth, well-ingrained in the beer.

The taste is sharp with the smoked malts driving a chewy, meaty flavor. The bourbon is hot, a counterpoint to the smoke, that is vanilla and pepper and wood. The smoke is fuller, overtaking the porter, and an improvement over Batch 2. The bourbon never overpowers but does leave a sweet boozy finish.

***

A wax-capped bomber of Batch 2, the Buffalo Trace Ancient Age barrel, courtesy of hwwty4.

A: The porter is a dark cola-colored ale, dark caramel and chocolate in tone. An off-white tan emerged on pour quickly melted away to a thin band.

S: The aroma is a tempting blend of smoke and whiskey. The smoke is the more dominant aspect, thick and meaty, but the whiskey is not slouch. Sweet corn and vanilla augment the smoke without getting in the way.

T: The ale is surprisingly smooth, neither element overasserts itself. Darker malts, touches of chocolate and burnt bread signify the porter. They are mixed with relaxed smokiness. The smoke is much more focused in the aroma. As the smoked porter flavors pass, the Buffalo Trace Ancient Age whiskey emerges. The flavor is surprisingly boozy, much like a glass of bourbon. Corn, char and vanilla beans highlight the whiskey, along with a peppery bite. For as strong as the flavor is at times, it is fleeting, quickly vanishing to leave only a touch of bourbon on the tongue.

M: The mouthfeel is not as robust as I'd expected. The plus side is that the whiskey flavors don't destroy the tastebuds and this is a much smoother beer to sip over the longhaul.

D: The alcohol level is nice n' low, even if the ale has a distinct whiskey kick. From a snifter, the bomber'll last several hours, assisting me as I watch Resident Evil: Extinction.

5-Jul-08 Batch 2: 4/4/3.5/4/4.5/3.85

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2009 01:03:33 | More by akorsak

rhoadsrage

Illinois

3.83/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

(Served in a dimple mug)

A- This beer pours a jet brown body that holds a oatmeal tan lumpy head for a good while. The only carbonation is a few tiny bubble stuck to the glass.

S- The nose is very clean with a faint hint of smoke coming through but no band-aid qualities. As the beer warms quite a bit some lighter notes of dark malt come through but are still covered by the smoke.

T- The big earthy whiskey taste has some creamy flavors to it with some brown malt flavors. There is no boozy flavor to the whiskey but it does have a smoked bacon flavor. As the beer warms there is a watery taste that comes through followed by a light sweaty note that leads into a smoky note in the finish.

M- This beer has a medium mouthfeel with a watery texture but no alcohol heat is noticed.

D- This beer has a big smoky flavor with some whiskey flavors but I seemed to miss the porter. Most of the malt flavors are missing or covered up by the smoke but atleast the smoke is a good flavor with no band-aid/plastic notes at all.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2009 14:09:25 | More by rhoadsrage

mdfb79

New York

4.15/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

From 7/9/10 notes. Had at a local DC tasting.

a - Pours a dark brown color with light carbonation and no head.

s - Smells of rye, whiskey, oak, roasted malts, and has some smokiness to it.

t - Tastes of smoke, rye, whiskey, oak, and roasted malts.

m - Medium body and moderate carbonation. Smooth and easy to drink.

d - A pretty good smoked porter. Quite enjoyable and easy to drink. Would like to try again.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2010 02:39:38 | More by mdfb79

ppoitras

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle obtained via NoBS BIF v3 from Vancer. Thanks for the opportunity... Red waxed cap.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a tight 1/8" beige head over the almost opaque root-beer brown brew. Head quickly fades to scant bubbles, huddled around the rim, with lasting lacing. Aroma is minimal, dark malts with a slight boozy undercurrent. Taste starts with a small tart peek, then bows to the husky dark sweetness, with whiskey owning the end. Mouthfeel is smooth but perhaps a bit too uncarbonated, which is not unexpected for a barrel brew, and drinkability is easier than most barrel brew, due to the comparatively low abv. All in all, an enjoyable brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2008 23:10:02 | More by ppoitras

stakem

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Thanks to ClockworkOrange for sharing this with CaltinRedbeard and I. Bomber with no date or bottle numbering. Dipped in red wax just enough to barely cover the cap. Poured into a couple of snifters, this brew appears dark brown with some reddish coloration and clarity through the body when held to the light. A tan to light brownish head forms across the top and leaves spotty lace on the glass as it quickly recedes.

The smell is woodsy with a touch of smoke that leads into a smell of burning incense. It is sweet and spicy smelling with a touch of oak. Some tangy alcohol spices are evident through the back as it warms. I can't get over how much this brew smells like incense though, crazy different but good.

The taste is tangy with some spirit infused kick and some spices. A mild barrel ages character of vanilla is evident with some spices like the previously mentioned reminiscent character of burning incense and maybe cedar instead of oak? There is a tangy aspect that creeps in with a wild touch but it isn't out of control. It keeps the brew interesting and lively. The aftertaste is a light afterthought of smoke, incense and wild, tangy alcohol.

This is a medium bodied brew that sits light in the mouth with a modest level of carbonation. A little watery at times but easy drinking for 7%. Seemingly no alcohol inclusion except for the extra spirit kick that is present at times. This was an interesting experience. I really dug the way it smelled but I would not have known this was a "smoked beer" without being told. Thanks again Jason for the chance to try this.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2011 13:56:26 | More by stakem

gford217

Georgia

3.95/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

22oz bomber courtesy of STLStoutAddict poured into a tulip. Bottle labeled April 10, 2008, #112 of 960.

Pours almost completely black in the glass with mahogany showing through the edges under a small creamy off-white head that lingers on top with a good collar and a swirl of bubbles on top.

The aroma is a wonderful blend of smoked hickory and bourbon with hints of vanilla and chocolate. There is also a heavy dose of molasses sweetness coming out as it warms. I was blown away by the away honestly and could just smell this thing all night.

The taste is a bit of a let down after the aroma as it's slightly more watered down. There is a heavy bourbon flavor up front with some roasted malts and chocolate underneath. The smoke is present as well, but the flavor isn't as full as I was hoping for.

The mouthfeel is light to medium bodied and close to watery, but not quite. The carbonation is soft and the body isn't quite heavy enough to support the low carbonation.

I really enjoyed this beer and the aroma had me thinking this would be a stunner, but, as it is, it's just a really solid beer. i think I may prefer the regular smoked over this, but it's close.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2009 03:07:53 | More by gford217

scruffwhor

Illinois

3.83/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a very dark brown with garnet highlights. Light brown head lasts for only a couple of seconds. Half roasted and half smoked malts give the aroma of robust coffee and dark chocolate. The whiskey barrel imparts some faint sweetness and even fainter bourbon notes. I also get a hint of the tire aisle at Sam's Club?!?!? The taste starts heavy with roasted and smoked malts. The middle of the palate quickly sweetens with some smokey vanilla and mocha. The finish showcases smooth vanilla, boubon, oak, and a little earthy peet. You can feel a little of the alcohol. Gives this oaken brew a little warmth, and makes it a nice median sipper/session beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2009 06:46:21 | More by scruffwhor

Tone

Missouri

3.7/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a black color. 1/4 inch head of an off-white color. Slight retention and slight lacing. Smells of oak alcohol, yeast, sweet malt, and slight hop. Fits the style of an American Porter. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp with an average carbonation level. Tastes of oak alcohol, sweet malt, slight roasted malt, slight yeast, and slight hop. Overall, the alcohol dominates the blend, but otherwise a good beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2010 23:52:02 | More by Tone

TurdFurgison

Ohio

3.83/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

While rearranging beers in my cellar I found this tucked away in a box, bottle 1838/2398, dated 01-10-10. Not sure which barrels were used, I've heard that a previous year was PVW bourbon, but maybe this year is something else.

A barrel aged smoked porter. The obvious comparison will be to the Fear & Trembling series, but that might be a little unfair as those are so unbelievably good.

This pours very dark, nearly black until held to a light, then a little reddish at the edges (although still nearly opaque), with a couple fingers of tan foam. The nose is nice, the smoke comes through first, then the whiskey/bourbon. Smells like beer jerkey dipped in bourbon, actually something I'd like.

Initially a little sweet, some dark sugars like molasses or brown sugar, then the bourbony notes, with a long sweet and smoky finish. Nice smoked malt character, maybe a little too sweet for my tastes but still tasty.

Lightly carbonated, a kind of creamy mouthfeel, this goes down easy except for the sweetness which is getting a little tiring.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2011 00:51:58 | More by TurdFurgison

DefenCorps

Oregon

3.63/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Chris brought this to our impromptu tasting last night. Thanks, man!

Dark brown with brown highlights, this beer is capped by a tan head with decent retention. Mild lacing is present. The nose is smoky as hell, just washing out everything else. Some toasted oak and vanilla appear before more smoke comes through. The chocolate character is mellow and the coffee is very low, this is just smoky with some whiskey heat.

Thin in body, this beer has flavors of smoke, burning wood and a little cocoa. Smoky with vanilla and some whiskey, this beer finishes dry, smoky and a little ashy. A touch overcarbonated and too thin, this is solid stuff, not necessarily something I'd seek out though. I love rauchbiers, but the smoke in this beer doesn't seem well executed.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2010 20:52:28 | More by DefenCorps

bluejacket74

Ohio

4.4/5  rDev +10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22 ounce bottle, bottled on 1/10/2010, #1792 of 2398 handwritten on label. A very nice surprise when I saw this at the store the other day! Served in a nonic pint glass, the beer pours very dark brown with about an inch tan head. The head didn't stick around for too long, and there isn't much lacing either. Aroma is smoked and roasted malt, chocolate, oak, vanilla and bourbon. Taste is similar to the aroma, all of the flavors are pretty well balanced as the bourbon taste in the beer isn't overpowering at all. There's also a nice lingering smoky finish. I wish there was a little more of a bourbon taste in this brew, but that's a very minor complaint as it's still pretty tasty. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's a bit coating and has moderate carbonation. Drinkability is great, it's very smooth and easy to drink. Hopefully O'Fallon will make this beer more often!

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2010 23:20:19 | More by bluejacket74

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

3.03/5  rDev -24.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I won this brew in a LiF held by rsyberg01, Thanks Ric!

22oz bottle, brown wax seal, April 10, 2008 #490 of 960, served in a tulip glass.

L - murky, brown color with a beige head that thinned to a light layer.

S - the whiskey aroma is very apparent over very faint smokiness.

T - you can surely taste the whiskey in this one. I let it warm and still tasted mostly whiskey. There is a slight smokey taste, but any flavor of malt and/or hops has been killed by the flavor of whiskey.

F - light/medium bodied, thin feel.

D - I'm not a big fan of this one.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2008 00:34:27 | More by JoeyBeerBelly

Vancer

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Finally broke down and popped this one open – and I can’t wait to get some of the next batch. This is a perfect sippin <session> beer (it’s appx 6%).

Coal black pour, just a minimum of head after aging for over a year. Malty and sticky ivory laces, but any carbonation is almost gone.

I take a whiff, and whoa, I’m stunned by the maltiness aroma – and hey, the Jim Beam is lurking just beneath the surface. Coffee, chocolate and or course, a hint of smoke.

I’m digging subtle way the J. Beam is interfused in this brew, quite a strong entrance – but the smokiness mellows ‘er out. A bit on the dry side to finish.

What an easy drinking, smooth, wholly enjoyable porter.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2007 16:21:18 | More by Vancer

GbVDave

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from an oxblood-red wax sealed 22oz bomber into a Kentucky Breakfast snifter.

A: Pours a sinister looking pitch-black color, with only the slightest bit of lighter brown at the edges. Capping this is a darkish khaki-colored head that dissolves rather quickly and turns into a thin skim and thick & bubbly ring. Some random ropes and splotches of lace left behind.

S: Delicious aromas of deeply roasted malt, campfire, whiskey barrel oak, and dark chocolate.

T: See above. Subtle hints of whiskey along with roasted malt, milk & dark chocolate, cherry, firepit, oak, and citrus-y hops. Nice whiskey flavors in the lingering finish.

M: Porter thinness that thickens as it warms and a creamy texture that is complimented by a bit of spicy bitterness and tangy citrus.

D: Begs to be consumed. Very easy on the palate and doesn't destroy the tastebuds like I expected. This was my first beer from O'Fallon and I must say I'm very impressed.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2009 00:30:22 | More by GbVDave

brewdlyhooked13

Ohio

4.03/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Toasted in Bill Bland's honor this evening. I didn't know him but he just *looked* like a friendly guy you would like to sit and have a beer with. From one beer advocate to another, well done, sir!

Appearance - pours a brownish cola into a Belgian glass, but sets up totally opaque. A thin head of light mocha doesn't get far before trailing away to a wispy covering.

Aroma - has a very woodsy, earthy aroma. I get a hint of whiskey but it's mostly wood. Some smoke, but no malt revealed here, a little disappointing, but the smoke and peat may be too much to contend with.

Taste - the first taste certainly shows off some smoked malt. That segues so smoothly into the peaty, whiskey character that you have to pay attention to sense when it occurs. Very nice transition there, a bite of sour mash on the swallow, followed at long last by some nice roasted grain character. A last little bit of char as this winds down with some faint wood/whisky sourness and even a touch of chocolate as it warms. A very smoky exhale breath, nice!

Mouthfeel - pretty smooth for as bubbly as it feels. Good solid weight to it, right on.

Drinkability - very nice! Lots going on here, a very interesting and enjoyable bomber. Lots of flavor in a respectable 7% package. Here's to Bill... :-)

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2009 04:24:03 | More by brewdlyhooked13

billab914

Virginia

3.93/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

2010 vintage poured into my Dogfish snifter. It poured dark brown in color with a thin tan head scattered across the top of the beer.

The aroma shows a good amount of smoke and roastedness to it. It blends in pretty well with a milk chocolaty, caramel sweetness of the base porter. I t has a bit of a milk stout like quality to it. The smoke is pretty nice though.

The taste shows some really nice smoke throughout as well. I get a little bit of a burnt, bitterness in the finish as well. The base beer again has a little of a sweet, milk stout like quality with some brown sugar, milk chocolate and caramel coming through.

The mouthfeel is medium bodied for the style with carbonation being moderate. Overall it was a pretty good beer, but not an outstanding one. I'm a big smoked beer fan and this one did have some very nice smokiness to it that I really liked. The base beer however seemed a little thin and overly sweet though. It almost seemed like a smoked sweet/milk stout.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2012 00:26:26 | More by billab914

maximum12

Minnesota

3.08/5  rDev -23%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Thanks to beandip for this bottle, which has been resting comfortably for over a year. I like my smoke subtle & quiet, so most of my smoky beers age a bit. Bottle 1171 out of 2398, bottled 1-10-10. Split in twain, shared with my smoke-shy wife. And Cocktail is on TV. Wow. I miss the 80's.

Pours black shaded with crimson around the edges. Smell is smoke-soaked-bacon. That is all.

Barrel Aged Smoke tastes much better than it smells; the one-dimensional aroma gives way to more subtle plays of light & dark. The smoky malts come hard, but they're cut nicely by quiet layers of wood & whiskey cum vanilla. My wife takes one drink of the smokiness & hands me her glass. Dammit.

Mellow, understated, simple, but a little too simple. A little barrel, a little porter, a little smokiness, but not really enough of any of them. Decent enough beer. I'm not going to be able to down the whole bomber.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2011 03:33:30 | More by maximum12