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Kentucky Cream Barrel Aged Pale Ale

Oregon
United States
Kentucky Cream Barrel Aged Pale Ale by Full Sail Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
95
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

A medium-bodied, honey colored ale brewed with malted barley, corn, and rye. The same key ingredients used to make classic American Bourbon. Brewed in February 2016 and aged for over a year in Kentucky Bourbon barrels. The barrel aging presents aromas of ripe cherries, vanilla and tobacco leaf and oak that lead to flavors of caramel, honey and dried fruit finishing with a warm sweetness. With malted rye imparting a slightly spicy finish. Aged in Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oak Bourbon, and Old Forester.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10%
IBUs: 
40
Served at: 
40-42°
Hops: 
Nugget
Malts: 
2 Row Pale, Flaked Corn, Flaked Rye
Judges Review 
Richard Wong's picture
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This Full Sail Brewing Co. beer was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (BJCP 33B).

The beer featured a very light brown color with little or no carbonation. At first sniff the aroma was heavenly. I detected hints of vanilla, raisins/dried fruit, malt sweetness and oak notes and very little hop aromas. And the flavors did not disappoint. I had wonderful flavors of vanilla, dried fruit, raisins and caramel from the bourbon barrel along with roasted malts and a dominant malt bill balanced nicely with moderate hop bittering. At first glance, I thought the hops might be too strong of a presence in this beer, but it compliments it nicely. The mouthfeel and body was medium/heavy and the carbonation was just spot on. The aftertaste had a nice malt sweetness along with a lingering alcohol warmth associated with bigger beers like Old Ale and/or Barley Wine. The alcohol was a little heavy for this beer style (Pale Ale), mostly due to the residual bourbon left in the barrel. I mean, the alcohol clocks in at 10 percent!  While somewhat perplexing, it was still an enjoyable beer best consumed in a small quantity.