Mar 31, 2011

Widmer Brothers Barrel Aged Brrrbon

Widmer Barrel Aged Brrrbon label

This bottle of Barrel Aged Brrrbon is, hands down, the best Widmer Brothers beer I’ve ever had. I’ve never had the regular Brrr Seasonal that the brewery releases, so I’m unable to compare it to this bourbon barrel aged version, not that I think it would matter in this case anyways.

Barrel Aged Brrrbon has a fairly prominent bourbon and oaky character that many beers of this style tend to lack. I’m not entirely sure how long the Brrr Seasonal was aged in the barrels, but it comes out tasting pretty damned good to me. I love the spicy hops that intermingle with the barrel influence throughout this 9.4% ABV sipper.

Appearance

Deep amber in color, Barrel Aged Brrrbon sits nicely in a snifter with a thin white head.

Aroma

Mmmm… smells darn good. A fairly strong malt sweetness mingles with hints of bourbon, wood, vanilla and light, piny hops.

Taste

I’m surprised by the amount of hops that come forward almost immediately. Spicy and piny in nature the hops character blends nicely with the vanilla and bourbon components as the beer transitions to a warming, lingering finish. The bourbon isn’t overly accentuated on the palate, but is at just the right level for my liking — present and influential without dominating the other elements of the beer.

Overall

I’m a big fan of bourbon and therefor a big fan of a tasty brew that’s been aged in spent barrels for a good while. This Widmer Brothers beer may not be the best of the bunch that I’ve enjoyed, but it’s a damn strong entry into the field from a brewery whose best known (in my mind) for a Hefeweizen — although I could certainly go for some Drifter Pale Ale right about now. At any rate, it’s a tasty brew, that I wish I had picked up more of for a little time in the basement.

Rating:4/5

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