Geno's Pale Ale With Whiskey Oak Chips - El Toro Brewing Co.

ThreeWiseMen

California

4.18/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Ordered a 10oz. sample of this at the brewpub on Friday night. Following review written based on notes taken at that time.

Served in a 10oz. nonic.

Appearance: Arrived with a crown of large bubbles on top - not the dense, creamy, white bread-like slab I was hoping for. Body is crystal clear and vibrant orange-gold in color. Spotty lacing.

Smell: Caramel, whiskey, and other simple syrups come through first. Light floral accents and a touch of honey then appear, trailed by light citrus from the hops. Very well balanced and enjoyable. While the whiskey plays a fairly large role in the nose, it does so without adding any fusel burn. Well done!

Taste: Earthy and piney hops jump out immediately. Caramel and whiskey slowly enter the fray and then take over in the aftertaste. Finishes dry, sweet, and floral.

Mouthfeel: Dry, medium-bodied, and lightly carbonated. The whiskey chips add a very light sting in the finish, though the beer is very smooth overall.

Drinkability: There aren't a whole lot of oak-aged pale ales out there, but I'd love to see more, especially more like this one. Kudos to Geno! I would've ordered several more of these guys if I didn't have to drive.

Serving type: cask

02-06-2011 19:14:51 | More by ThreeWiseMen