Cambridge Brewing Co. Blunderbuss
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What the brewers say
“During the boil a touch of honey was added to the kettle, along with six varieties of hops to provide balance for the sweet malt. Fermented in stainless it was then sent to the CBC Barrel Cellar where it aged in a quartet of Heaven Hill bourbon barrels for months of slumber.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Whiskey barrel with apple, vanilla, oak, and a touch of earthy wet leaves is up front. Underlying beer is caramel and toffee with a hint of chocolate, squash blossom, and floral hops.”
Flavor: “Rich malt with caramel, toasted coconut, and toffee comes out more in the flavor. Vanilla from the barrel sits behind the malt. Fairly sweet but not over the top. Really interesting spicy notes of chili and cinnamon emerge. The wood character is most prominent in the middle and lingers into the end, where it finishes dry. As it warms the sweetness comes out as well as the honey.”
Overall: “This is a pretty textbook barrel-aged barleywine. It balances the barrel character and complex malt in a deft way. Overall, just very well executed.”
