Barrel-aged beers

Beer Snob | March 25th, 2015

Photo by Abigail Maki

By Krissy Ness

Whiskey and bourbon and oak, oh my!

This week we will dive headfirst into some pretty heavy barrel-aged beers. They will keep you warm on those chilly spring days.

Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Stout (2014)(ABV 9.5 percent)

This Wisconsin beer has a decent head that sits atop the deep-dark imperial stout, which is aged in oak bourbon barrels and smells as potent as it tastes.

Large notes of vanilla attack your tongue while the not-so-subtle aftertaste of bourbon warms your belly. A tingling sensation begins at the tip of your tongue and continues to the back of your throat. This beer should be served in a snifter for maximum enjoyment.

Empyrean Barrel Aged Dark Side (2015)(ABV 6.5 percent, IBU 23)

This Nebraskan vanilla porter is also aged in oak bourbon barrels. Extra vanilla beans were added to this brew to gain maximum vanilla, oak and bourbon flavors. A vivacious head rests upon this deep, yet smooth beer, while a major scent of vanilla rises from the glass carrying the flavors into your mouth. The body of this beer is a little lighter, but the flavor is massive.

This beer is a favorite among Empyrean drinkers. It adds a little twist to the original Dark Side Vanilla Porter. This beer can be served in a pint or tall glass, depending on how brave you are.

Fulton Barrel Aged Libertine (2014)(ABV 8.5 percent, IBU 50)

Heaven Hill’s Rye Whiskey barrels are used to make this aged version of the original Libertine. The Minnesota beer is deep red in color with an abundant head, which makes the beer as good to look at as it tastes.

Indications of caramel, vanilla and oak show through in this over-the-top brew. Rounding out this beer is a pleasant, sweet finish, making it enjoyable yet exciting.

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (2014) (ABV 14.2 percent, IBU 60)

This award-winning beer has a heavy body that is as dark as night with a head that is tan and frothy. Scents of bourbon, oak chips, vanilla and a very minimal hint of Willamette hops waft from the glass and continue on through the flavor, which is guaranteed to warm your belly and your cheeks. This beer should be served in a snifter for full flavor.

Sierra Nevada Barrel-Aged Narwhal (ABV 12.9 percent, IBU 62)

With hints of espresso and massive amounts of dark chocolate, this Kentucky bourbon oak barrel-aged beer is sure to leave your mouth watering. An impressive head rests on this beast of a beer that is smooth on the tongue and heavy on the flavor. This Californian beer is best served in a snifter.