Brewsters Brewing Company Blue Monk Bourbon Barleywine (2015) American Barleywine at 11.8% ABV | 60 IBU (C$12.49 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 28-Sep-2015, reviewed 1-Jan-2017)
Appearance: hazy medium amber with one fat finger of rocky light beige head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: orange peel, bready caramel malt, bourbon, dark fruit, resin. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter, slight metallic. (7/10) Palate: medium-full slightly slick body, soft carbonation, lingering bitter and warming finish. (4/5)
Similar to its non-bourbon compatriot, but distinctly hotter. Where I described the other as “not solventy or excessively hot,” this one… is. Well, perhaps not “excessively,” but certainly “emphatically.” On the other hand, the bourbon works reasonably well with the citrus, dark fruit, and hop notes. Again, it seems that the year’s cellaring has helped mellow it. Not clearly better than the original, but a solid alternative. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
