Aspen Brewing Co. Barrel Aged 10th Mountain
What the brewers say
“Eight types of malt and a blend of English and American hops are combined to create a decadent beer worthy of sipping by the fire or sharing with friends. This brew pours black as a cold winter night and it’s powerful enough to keep you warm, too.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Huge spicy bourbon character, with heavy vanilla and roast, light clove, molasses, coconut, and almond. Some fruity characteristics of sherry, red berry, raspberry, and cherry. Strong barrel notes take the lead.”
Flavor: “The rich vanilla and oak are well-balanced with the beer and barrel character. There’s some whiskey, chocolate, coconut, and roast, with light ash smoke and molasses in the background. Medium sweetness and bitterness complement an amaretto-like note at the back end, along with some subdued heat from the alcohol. It finishes dry.”
Overall: “Initially, its aroma suggested a huge barrel character without much beer, but the flavor revealed a nice balance between the chocolate and roast of the base beer and the vanilla and oak notes from the barrel.”
