AleSmith Brewing Company Barrel-Aged Old Numbskull
What the brewers say
“This barrel-aged version of our American Barleywine Ale is matured in bourbon barrels for up to one year. The result is a complex beer that balances the caramel and toasted malt character with notes of vanilla, oak, and bourbon.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Cornucopia of dried fruits: gs, raisins, dates. Rich bread and caramel tones. Malty, oaky, and boozy. Wood and alcohol combine in a delicious melange. A hops presence of grapefruit and pine peeks through. Fantastic!”
Flavor: “Well balanced with noticeable hops bitterness to support the rich bread and caramel tones. Some peppery and slightly earthy hops avors. Oak and vanilla from the barrel work well with the base beer. Boozy and oxidized in a good way. Alcohol cuts the otherwise sweet body, making the beer more drinkable.”
Overall: “Right down the middle for an American barleywine. Works well throughout, with a slightly dry and bitter nish. Has everything you want in a barrel-aged barleywine including some complex, vintage avors. Another year or two of aging might help mellow the alcohol presence even further.”
