What Our Panel Thought
Aroma: “Moderate oak and vanilla up front with bit of peach hiding in the background. A touch of bready malt sweetness. Rich spicy phenols: clove, pepper, fenugreek (maple).”
Flavor: “The flavor is bigger than the aroma with more vanilla. It comes together like a peach pie. Moderate sweetness that fades into a finish where there’s a bit of spice from the oak tannins and alcohol. A light Brett characteristic in the middle is super interesting and has a touch of horse blanket.”
Overall: “Well-made beer where the barrel and the beer itself enhance each other. This beer was fun. The barrel notes of oak and vanilla blended well with the honey and fruit character of the Belgian golden ale.”
Flavor: “Nice light sweetness. Notes of vanilla, slight oak, and bourbon hit up front. Sweetness is added with honey and caramel. A little chocolate. Plum, prune, and raisin follow. Finishes sweet with some alcohol heat.”
Overall: “Thank you for a big decadent beer. It’s 90°F outside, but I want to have a glass of this at my fireplace. Share this one.”
What the Brewers Say
“This beer’s journey begins in new American oak barrels, matures in French chardonnay oak barrels, and finishes fermentation with Viognier white-wine grapes. The oak tones gambol with floral aromas, grapefruit, tastes of apricot, and subtle hops bitterness.”
