Release the Hounds - Syrah Barrel

2020 vintage - 500ml bottle for 11 bucks at the brewery - yes, please - clear dark amber - the dry hopping on this is still surprisingly apparent, but has mellowed enough for the caramelized maltiness to shine - notes of plum, date, sherry - light oxidation and and very mild funkiness to it - the barrel is really understated, but there is an oaky tannic character that is just beneath the surface throughout - alcohol is not apparent at all - creamy texture, full body - I'm not really a fan of the base beer, especially when fresh, but the age and barrel treatment have made this quite nice - I appreciate that it does not bludgeon you over the head and is not a syrupy sugar bomb.