Bourbon Barrel Barleywine - Central Waters Brewing Company

lstokes

Illinois

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

Had on-tap at the Norse, this came out dark with red highlights and smelled like woody cherries and bourbon. Taste is very sweet, with ripe fruit flavors, vanilla, lots of caramel and oaked wood. I like the fact that the bourbon isn't overwhelming, and that the beer gets more and more complex as it warms. I'm also genuinely surprised at the 11.5 ABV--this was so smooth! So light! So easy to drink! I don't normally love this style, but this I would have again in a second.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2012 04:48:50 | More by lstokes

oglmcdgl

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

09 vintage on tap at the old eagle tavern. First time, I will be back.

A- comes to me with a solid finger of light tan head that does hold for a second then settles leaving only thin ring and a few wisps on top. Murky brown orange in color with a good glow.

S- wow! What a nose. Tons of bourbon and vanilla hits with a deep roasty chocolate flourish. Bits of coffee and brown sugar and caramel with a touch of stone fruits.

T- opens up with a smooth semi sweet bourbon and brown sugar punch. The malts are nicely toasted giving a touch of nuttiness and bakers chocolate. Hints of fall spice and a great dessert bread touch. With a subtle but clean bourbon finish.

M- a few steps above medium in body with a bit of chew to it. Nicely carbed for the style and its lightens things up in the mouth just right. Great heat on the palate, I'm always looking for that right amount of heat in a bbbw.

O- amazing brew, plain and simple. One of the best bbbw I've ever had. The time down has done wonderful things to this.

Serving type: on-tap

06-11-2011 01:13:22 | More by oglmcdgl

xnicknj

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

on tap at devils den during the bella vista bash - 09 vintage

Pours a deep amber color, fairly dark, thick froth of off-white head retains well with some patchy lacing on the glass.

Strong bourbon notes, vanilla and oak, slight sweetness, notes of hoppiness and dark fruit.

Big bourbon flavor right up front with wood and vanilla tones. Boozy and full flavored, residual dark fruit with raisin and dates. Hops slice through in the beginning and towards the finish, which is warm and smooth.

Full bodied, somewhat higher carbonation, a bit creamy, lasting finish on the tongue. Drinks really nice, I was psyched to try this and I'm happy I have a 2011 bottle at home to compare this to.

Serving type: on-tap

06-04-2011 16:25:41 | More by xnicknj

Deuane

Pennsylvania

4.68/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Multiple pours from the CW booth at GToM 2009.

A-Deep, ruby tinted burnt siena color with a small light tan head that vanished into a thin ring and left spotty lace.

S-Rich bourbon notes swirl with sweet caramel, toffee, citrus and dark fruits. A very complex and interesting aroma.

T-Luscious bourbon tantilizes the palate with sweet caramel, grapefruit citrus, prunes and burnt toffee in the finish. Wonderful complexity with no one single flavour dominating the others.

M-Medium bodied, smooth and creamy. Long lasting flavours with an astringent finish.

D-About as good as a BBA barleywine can get. The folks at CW sure know how to barrel aged beers. I am surprised they remain under the radar, but in a way I am glad they do! A well kept Wisconsin secret! Keep up the great work CW!

Serving type: on-tap

08-17-2009 05:56:10 | More by Deuane

GJ40

North Carolina

4.01/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Sampled from a 12ox bottle. Thanks Surge1311! This is a big, boozy beer. In fact it might be a bourbon with a hit of beer. The aroma is strong bourbon. The flavor follows with a rich malt backbone. This beer is flavorful and intense. I think the bourbon dominates too much but it's a fantastic beer that leaves you with a lot to think about.

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2013 03:39:56 | More by GJ40

bigaltemple

Colorado

4.2/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

12oz. 2013 Vintage

Pours a dark amber with ruby highlights at edges. Mild, 1/4", tan head disappears immediately leaving only a thin collar. Some spotty lacing.

No mistaking this has seen a barrel. First impression is all bourbon with heavy vanilla and oak notes. Caramel malts and dark brown sugar start to sneak past. Very light earthy hops bitterness is buried in there as well.

Very boozy. Barrel is quite prominent in each sip. Lots of oak. Some caramel and vanilla sweetness mingle with the alcohol. Very low on bitterness. Drinks like a full bodied brew, but seems just a touch thin to me. Very dry finish. Definite sipper.

Thought it was very good. Wouldn't mind having more to open every few months to note any mellowing/changes.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2013 03:33:19 | More by bigaltemple

weonfire

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

2013 Vintage.

A - Amber/Burgundy, finger of cream head- dissaptes quickly into a small ring around rim. small lines of carbonation rising. small amount of light is barely visible at bottom of glass - mostly opaque.

S - Bourbon, vanilla, oak, sweet carmel, aged fruits

T - Sweet bourbon, vanilla, toffee, carmel, oak. finish is a somewhat boozy taste, bitter hop is real low (2/10)

M - excellent carbonation, froth level is very good, high viscosity

O - Very good. Enjoyed very much. Yes, very sweet and a bit boozy at times - but it is 11.5 ABV. flavors are excellent. Bourbon/vanilla/oakiness are very drinkable. nose bursts with awesomeness.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2013 22:38:25 | More by weonfire

mdaschaf

Washington

4.35/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Review from notes. Thanks to Shane for this one!

A: Pours a reddish/brown color with a small tan head on top. The head lasts for a few moments before dissipating to a thin coating on top. Minimal lacing.

S: Lots of bourbon upfront, some vanilla, brown sugar, and caramel. A little bit of dark fruit comes out, more so as it warms. Some bready malt as well.

T: Lots of caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla on the flavor profile. The bourbon comes through and there is a sweetness on the finish.

T: Full bodied with low to medium carbonation. Slight heat.

O: Another great BA beer from Central Waters, have enjoyed pretty much everything I have tried from them.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2013 21:01:36 | More by mdaschaf

langchops

Illinois

4.16/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

12 oz. Bottle poured into snifter

2013 Vintage

I was expecting more bourbon based on the reviews I've read here, but was a little disappointed by the lack of this. It's a smooth barleywine but I would not say this is a bourbon bomb by any means.

Solid barleywine, would drink this again

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2013 18:18:47 | More by langchops

wisrarebeer

Wisconsin

3.78/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75

A: Deep copper color, slight haze, nice head that dissipated.
S: deep bourbon and roasted malt, some heat
T: deep bourbon taste, bourbon dominates over roasted malt, a bit too much bourbon that makes it unbalanced for the style
M: warm, roasted, full

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2013 01:41:32 | More by wisrarebeer

MCImes

Minnesota

2.5/5  rDev -41.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

I like bourbon barrel aged anything, but CW goes way too far over the top with this beer. There is literally no beer flavor, its just bourbon nose, bourbon taste, bourbon finish.

I you LOVE bourbon this is YOUR beer. The bourbon is overwhelming. Its just booze, vanilla, and bourbon through and through. Very unbalanced. (this could be a good thing if you love bourbon)

Overall, if you cant get enough bourbon in your beer, this is for you. If you like a more balanced barrel flavor, there are better choices.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 18:59:19 | More by MCImes

pcstuck

Illinois

4.04/5  rDev -6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pour is more of a dark auburn with a fairly tall head. Smelled the bourbon right when i cracked it open. Great aroma. Bourbon with earthy hop notes along with chocolate. The bourbon is upfront in this, so if thats not your style you may not like it. Almost a sweet taste to the bourbon. Maybe a caramel. Great brew all around.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 05:33:57 | More by pcstuck

tbryan5

Louisiana

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to pmarlowe for sending me this in a trade.

12 oz bottle poured into a snifter.

A- Pours a dark cloudy bronze color with minimal head that dissipates pretty quickly. It does leave a little lacing on the glass.

S- Wow! Is this whiskey or beer? The bourbon hits you as soon as the bottle is cracked open. Even more huge bourbon notes as I poured it. As this brew mellows and warms, I can start to notice more sweetness and the dark fruit aromas come out.

T- Again, more bourbon. But I like it. I almost want to say that CW did not empty the barrels out completely before they added the beer. The bourbon, oak, sand barleywine mesh well in my opinion and produce a very flavorful brew. I can see how it may be too overpowering for some but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

M- Medium carbonation and it goes down easily. Definitely has an alcohol bite to it.

O- Not for the faint of heart. If you do not like bourbon, you will not like this one. I, for one, found it to be delicious and would pick it up again if I had access to it here in Louisiana.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 20:41:05 | More by tbryan5

deebo

Minnesota

2.25/5  rDev -47.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Nothing like saying FU to snow on May in Minnesota with a big ass beer. Will go with Central Waters BB Barleywine. 2013 vintage.

A-Poured into a snifter this beer has a murky light brown color with a thin tan head that quickly recedes.

S-Aroma of bourbon is quite strong. Also notes of oak, dark ripe fruits (prune-like) jump out of the glass.

T-Also bourbon heavy. The bourbon dominates this brew. Sure there are other flavors in here (ripe fruity malt, oak and a hint of vanilla) but the bourbon is overpowering.

M-A slick mouthfeel, plenty of carbonation and an alcohol sting in the finish.

O-A barleywine for the bourbon drinker. Too bourbon forward for me. This one is too much like a shot of bourbon in every sip to be enjoyable. Big time sipper.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2013 02:53:34 | More by deebo

thebigredone

Wisconsin

4.36/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

I've had this beer ever since attending the CW Anniversary party earlier this year, not sure what took me so long to give it a try.

Appearance is pretty cool, verry reddish when held to the light.

Smell is great, typical CW bourbon barrel treatment.

Taste is excellent, a slight bitterness on the tongue and then the bourbon takes over. Roasty malt notes take over, and then a tinge of sweetness on the finish.

Mouthfeel is solid.

Overall, and excellent beer, and definitely a sipper. I enjoy the dominance of the bourbon and roast, as opposed to the cloying sweetness sometimes found in a bareywine. Well done CW!

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2013 23:12:26 | More by thebigredone

Clonies720

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle. 2013 vintage. No freshness date. Gold cap. Poured into tulip glass

Appearance: Pours a dark-reddish-orange tint. 1/2th inch tan-colored head. When held up to the light, none passes through this fearsome brew. (It clears up as it gets warmer)

Smell: A spicy woody character hits my nose first. It's quickly followed by notes of dark, bourbon-soaked fruits. Medium hints of vanilla. Caramel and rich toffee titillate my senses as this beer warms up. It's very malt forward. Perhaps even a touch bready. Slight earthy hop aroma.

Taste: It's an explosion of flavor! A light sweet honey gently skates upon my tongue. Then the symphony of flavors melds into huge vanilla and a strong, spicy bourbon flavor. Finally, the concerto climaxes with a smooth, rich toffee & caramel presence.

The alcohol heat is there, but it's not overpowering or overdone. Perfect for a cold night.

Mouthfeel: Full-bodied. Medium-high carbonation. Somewhat chewy. Velvety and luscious

Overall: Bravisimo to the conductor of this symphony! I stood up and applauded furiously to express my gratitude and appreciation of the music that was presented to my tastebuds.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 23:15:01 | More by Clonies720

HuskyinPDX

Washington

4.25/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Bottle opened on 4.15.13

A - Pours an opaque reddish-amber with a one inch tan head that fades quickly.

S - Bourbon up front, subtle oak and some toffee.

T - Tons of carmel and toffee with vanilla and al ittle bourbon in the finish. Very good.

D - Lower carbonation with a medium body.

O - Great carmel and vanilla with a hint of bourbon. Stellar!

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 04:18:49 | More by HuskyinPDX

MattyG85

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a Surly Darkness chalice. 2013 Vintage.

Appearance: Pours a very deep and hazy brownish copper amber with some hints of ruby. Moderate amount of bubbles and about one finger of off white head which fades into a thin creamy layer. Decent amount of lacing.

Smell: A sweet and rich aroma of whiskey barrel hints, toasty caramel malt, and fruit undertones. Big barrel presence upfront with hints of bourbon whiskey, vanilla, oak, and wood. Burnt brown sugar along with some hints of maple syrup. Sweet bready toasted malts with big hints of caramel, toffee, biscuit, yeast, butterscotch, and grain. Fruit esters of dried apple and banana as well as dark raisin, fig, cherry, and dates. Hops are kind of subtle with some hints of grass. Some booze scents as well. A huge and complex aroma.

Taste: As big and complex as it smells with a mix of sweet malts, barrel notes, and fruits. Big bourbon barrel notes with a taste of whiskey, oak, sweet vanilla, and wood. Adding to the sweetness is some brown sugar and maple syrup. Bready toasted malts with a taste of caramel, toffee, biscuit, butterscotch, grains, and yeast. Dried fruit taste of apple and banana. Undertones of dark fruit with notes of raisin, fig, dates, and cherry. Earth hop notes along with some grass in the background. A fair amount of alcohol taste. A very good taste.

Mouthfeel: Big full body with a moderate amount of carbonation. Creamy, rich, and somewhat chewy. Starts sweet but has a fairly drying finish. There is some alcohol heat as expected.

Overall: A really great Malt forward Barley Wine. The barrel aging adds some great notes. Sweet but far from cloying.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2013 06:13:02 | More by MattyG85

mtbdonn

United Kingdom (England)

4.19/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Received a 2013 from mishuggah as an extra in a trade; thank you sir!
Enjoyed in my favorite DeMolen tall tulip glass.
A-The coloring was red-orange and foggy, lingering white head with light, lacing.
S-Super welcoming, warm aroma of dark fruits, caramel, toffee, bourbon.
T-Sticky, brown sugar, candied bourbon, sweet caramel, very appealing and relaxing flavors as a whole, malts and some floral aspects. The abv flavor was very subdued. The taste develops nicely as it warms up.
M-Medium bodied, low carbonation, thick and chewy.
O-Excellent, top notch beer that does well in a style that’s crowded with competition.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2013 11:04:42 | More by mtbdonn

chugalug06

Colorado

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Dark brown-red with small yellow-ish head.

Tons of oaked vanilla, almonds, nutty, creamy, lactic. . . Odd, yet unique.

Lots of resinous raisin, sticky, biting, bitter, perky amount of vanilla, high bourbon heat, carbonation is a bit too much for me. A touch on the overly sweet side.

Recommended. but not overwhelming... Thanks for this one mr. parker.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 03:16:52 | More by chugalug06

tut2528

Illinois

4.01/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

2012 Vintage from MatttYCE. Thanks man!

A: pours a murky caramel in color, with touches of ruby tints, with about 1/2 fingers worth of head formation. without much lacing.

S: big caramel/toffee and vanilla right up front. there is a some oak and bourbon barrel presence as well, but it takes a back seat to the primary characters. i also pick up a slight hop note.

T: caramel sweetness right up front with a oaky bourbon presence coming out much more. i also pick up on more hop qualities here than what I was expecting from the smell. and the finish is vanilla creaminess. alcohol is definitely present.

M: flat, very thin for its style, and it doesnt quite coat the palate as it should.

O: its a nice brew. and this would be a great introductory barleywine to people who aren't familiar with the style.. and it has high drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 02:54:56 | More by tut2528

kojevergas

California

3.95/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 fl oz brown glass bottle with standard unbranded gold pressure cap and simple straightforward label served into a flared stem-tulip glass in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Acquired from Duff27 in a recent trade; thanks, buddy! "Malt beverage aged in used oak bourbon barrels." 2013 vintage. Label is an orange-brown and differs from the photo currently used on this webpage. Expectations are quite high; I loved the Y2K barleywine I had from Central Waters.

Served slightly chilled; I like my barleywines a bit warmer. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

A: Pours a 1.5 finger light khaki colour head of nice cream and thickness, and very good retention (~5-6 minutes) for the high ABV. Even lacing sticks to the sides of the glass as the head slowly recedes. Body colour is a refined rich amber. Looks like a fine brandy. Semitransparent. Translucent. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. I'm impressed with the head. It looks as a barleywine ought to; understated and classy. Though the translucency/transparency is atypical of the style.

Sm: A bit of candi sweetness, candied fruits, subtle vanilla from the bourbon barrel, light toasted oak (less prominent than I'd like), caramel, toffee, maple, and rich malts. Refined and appealing, but I'm concerned about the sweetness. No yeast character or alcohol is detectable; this is shockingly un-boozy for its ABV. I like the fruits and vanilla. They play well together. A mild strength aroma.

T: The candi sweetness is problematic, but not to the degree I feared. Light vanilla. Very buried toasted oak notes. Caramel, toffee, and a heavy rich malt build. Sweet up front. Fruity on the climax, but these notes really fall off towards the finish, never quite feeling seamless in the build. No hop notes are detectable; maybe some minimal floral hopping at most. Some syrupy maple on the finish. ABV is decently hidden; some alcohol does come through. No yeast character. I want more from the oak; the bourbon notes are well integrated but shallow. It's balanced, if overly sweet. Well built for the style with good barrel aging execution.

More aggressive hopping is needed here to add bitterness and thereby balance the malty sweetness.

Mf: Silky. Refined. Smooth and wet. Even a biteen creamy. Good presence on the palate. Good thickness. Perfect carbonation. A well done texture for a barleywine. Good body.

Dr: Drinkable for the ABV, but I can tell this one needs some time to age. The sweetness is just too high at the moment. Don't get me wrong though; this one is definitely a sipper - you couldn't chug it. It'll probably take me a good half hour to finish the bottle. It's a fine barleywine with good bourbon notes, but it just needs to develop more. I'd like to revisit this one with some age on it - no more than five years. Fans of the style will love this one - even fresh. Another solid brew from Central Waters. There's serious potential here. Thanks for the bottle, Duff27!

High B+

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 00:40:18 | More by kojevergas

KFBR392

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: Hits all the checkpoint that a great barleywine should. Very dark brown amber color. Light lacing on the edge of the glass as this one was enjoyed. Thin head on the pour which quickly dissipated. Some of the most active carbonation I've seen in a barleywine, extremely active carbonation throughout for a barleywine.

Smell: Simply outstanding. The front is a rounded and full caramel and molasses brightness. They standout but are perfectly balanced, do not overtake the aroma. Some smokey malt and perfect accents of bourbon on the undertones. All of the major players in this aroma are in perfect balance. The high abv fits in perfectly, adding a little danger and intimidation to this brew.

Taste: The front of this brew is an extremely bright molasses thickness very similar to the aroma. The sweetness builds up and reaches a strong crescendo as you hit the body of this brew. Once you are in deep, a medium bodied hop bitterness clings to the palette. The finish is a dry alcohol and some slightly funky/sticky hops continue to bound around. I think the body could be a bit stronger but overall really fantastic.

Mouthfeel: Quite a widely varying experience. Goes from a full bodied front to a slight thin dry feeling toward the end. Enjoyable but could be slightly better.

Overall: One of the better barleywines I've had in a while. As a bourbon fan, I really enjoy the barrel accents in this brew. It stands out but is in no way offensive. By far the best Central Waters product I have had. They will get some more opportunities after how much I enjoyed this one.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2013 23:32:03 | More by KFBR392

mltobin

Connecticut

3.94/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2013 bottle, poured into a wine glass.

The appearance is dark red-brown with a thin tannish head. Its` nose comes off with malts, a good deal of bourbon, vanilla, brown sugar and raisins. Tipping this one back and it tastes of caramel, syrup, more malts, alcohol. Mouthfeel is rich and full bodied, finishes with oak and bourbon. A nice barleywine from this brewery out of Wisconsin, had to pick this one up while passing through PA.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2013 23:18:38 | More by mltobin

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

This poured out as a hazy brown color with a cream colored head. There was a decent retention as well as some lacing for a while. There was some oily legs on the glass as well. The smell of the beer is boozy, lots of ethanol on the nose, hints of vanilla and caramel. The taste of the beer is sweet, malty with more vanilla and some subtle hop bitterness. The mouthfeel smooth, oily, moderate carbonation and kind of thick. Overall this beer is really quite good, big amounts of flavors. Has a lot of the characteristics of a solid barley wine. Worth trying for sure!

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 02:30:32 | More by Knapp85