Bourbon BA Barley Wine
(has 1 batch)

The bourbon barrel aged version of this prominent Utrecht brewery's barleywine, bottle from Geers in Oostakker near Ghent, shared with my girlfriend. Medium sized, pale greyish beige, shred-lacing head breaking and opening quickly but retaining well around the edge; clear, dark mahogany brown robe with vermillion red glow. Aroma of chestnut purée, hazelnut oil, dried prunes, bourbon indeed, candied figs, clear vanilla-scenting oak wood, crumbled speculoos, dates, brandy, brown honey, toffee, varnish, stewed pear, cinnamon. Sweet onset but nothing sticky, light sourish edge, impressions of ripe pear, blue plum, dried fig and raisin, softish carb, full and vinous but still smooth and supple mouthfeel. Walnutty, very caramelly and hazelnutty maltiness, mouth-filling, with a toasty bitterish edge, soon heated by warm, clearly bourbon-coloured booziness accompanied by tannic woodiness and a herbal, tea-ish, mild hop bitter factor. Brown honey and candied date sweetness linger amidst this hot bourbon element, making for a warming, rounded, bit desserty finish, where the toasty bitter malt aspect still provides some counterbalance. Rich and tasty, but perhaps a tad straightforward for the style, with a sweet caramelly character and dark maltiness that is more reminiscent of Belgian quadrupel than true Anglo-Saxon barleywine. Nonetheless very well made, with the wood getting to shine the way it should and heated by the bourbon in a non-offensive manner. Very enjoyable slow sipper and a solid representation of VandeStreek's skills.

Bottle. Deep dark brown color. Dried fruit in the aroma. Hint of cinnamon. Full bodied, Malty sweet flavor with dried fruit, vanilla and bourbon. Just a bit sharp and alcoholic, otherwise a fine beer.