Great Divide Brewing Company Barrel Aged Old Ruffian
What the brewers say
“Aged in whiskey barrels for more than 12 months. The process tempers Old Ruffian’s edges for a mellowed version with heady whiskey flavors and subtle oak notes. This rounded wonder clocks in at 85–90 IBUs.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Vanilla, bourbon-like sweetness, and lots of buttery English toffee. Rich malt notes with a pleasant vanilla undertone. Medium level of alcohol. Nice malt nose: cocoa nibs and buttered toast. Barely perceptible diacetyl.”
Flavor: “Robust caramel malt sweetness, with hints of toffee and butterscotch, complemented by a complex oak character, with hints of vanilla and some pleasant oak tannins. Barrel character is subtle but complementary. Moderate hops bitterness to balance. Alcohol seems a little edgy, not quite hot.”
Overall: “A lovely, well-executed barrel-aged barleywine with the base beer being more of the focus than the barrels. The barrel character is subtle but complements the malt complexity very nicely. Delicate yet complex and flavorful. If you love English toffee, this one’s for you!”
