Fremont Brewing Rusty Nail 2016
What the brewers say
“The Rusty Nail begins life as The First Nail, an oatmeal stout of epic proportions with brewer’s licorice, smoked barley, and pale malt and is then aged on cinnamon bark. She becomes the Rusty Nail after spending 15 months in 12-year-old bourbon barrels.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “A heavy vanilla defines the nose. Notes of burnt malt, fig, chocolate, dark stone fruits, a touch of raisin, toffee/caramel, and coconut are present as well. The barrel character is strong and wonderfully inviting.”
Flavor: “Sweetness is present up front, with burned roastiness and some dark fruits (raisin and plums) that follow. It’s a beautiful blend of chocolate, vanilla, coconut, roast, dark cherry, and molasses, with light coffee notes that add complexity. A nice blend of a bourbon-barrel character, with spice and booziness.”
Overall: “Well-rounded, blended beautifully, deeply complex, and distinctly unique. This beer takes the familiar barrel-aged stout dark fruit flavors and sweetness, braces them with perfectly placed roast, and wraps them in a warm envelope of bourbon. Delicious.”
