Year of New Beer: 2017 Brewer's Reserve Bourbon Barrel Barleywine, Central Waters Brewing (WI)

Written By: Dion on 08/02/2017

Caramelized sugar, toffee, toasted bread, and a heavy note of boozy oak hit the nose initially. Warmth brings an earthy hop bitterness. Sweet on the tongue, with raisins and caramel intertwined with a solid bourbon element that offers up hints of charred wood and light vanilla. The hops take on a slightly pithy note, with a damp earth entering as the temperature elevates. Pretty boozy, but the flavors seem to be much more integrated than those of many American barleywines. Kicking myself for only buying a single.  If you find yourself in Louisville with some time to kill, drive 10 minutes across the river and visit The Keg Liquors in Clarksville, you won't be disappointed.