Barrel Aged Agent 99
The Livery

 

 

 

 

 

sampled on tap at hopcat as part of the 3rd annual extreme beer fest, jan 21/2011.

pours hazy deep orange, nearly pale brown, with a fine ring of a few white bubbles. no lace.

aroma is great. sour cherry. cider vinegar. lots of horse blanket and leather. bit of tobacco. faint citrus. bit of caramel. light vanilla. hint of alcohol.

taste is good. tart cherry. horse blanket. vanilla and oak. hint of alcohol. light citrus. grain. cracker. bit of biscuit and white bread. tobacco and leather. mild cider vinegar. lightly tart with just a bit of sourness that never gets too acidic or overpoweringly sour.

mouthfeel is good. just over medium body with a nice dry finish. low carbonation level.

drinkability is good. this drinks more like a 7% brew than 12%. great balance. restrained sourness. nice depth. good stuff!

Draft at The Livery. Poured cloudy orange color with an average frothy off-white head that lasted with excellent lacing. Moderate to heavy yeast and tart fruit aroma. Medium to full body with a smooth texture and soft carbonation. Medium to heavy yeasty sweet & sour flavor with a medium to heavy sweet finish of moderate duration with a small alcohol bite. This is a standout beer.

Transcribed from tasting notes.
Light brown, minimal head, no retention. Aroma is faint, but wood/oak, fruits, particularly dark, caramel.
Medium to full bodied, it shows malty sweetness, but unbalanced with a lot of woodiness, some unpleasant tannins, and even a significant sour twang that just does not blend well.
I personally did not enjoy this one.

Whoa buddy. This was the biggest beer I tried yesterday at the Livery...topping out just under 12% abv.

Described as a barrel-aged Tripel, but it fit the profile of Quad most definitely. Deep tawny orange jewel tone, nice clarity, had a slim collar of foam. Head disappeared, never to return.

Aroma of apple pancakes drizzled with maple syrup.

Clear bourbon flavor with a warming alcohol presence, some sweetness. Body is rich, this is a slow sipper. Wouldn't want more than a small glass of this, it's a potential ass-kicker.

"Aged 9 months in a 5th use barrel and then dry-hopped with English Fuggles hop, the Livery batch 99 is brewed for release in celebration of the 2nd anniversary of the brewery."

Appearance: Pours a lightly hazed amber body. There are a few disorganized bubbles on top, but calling it a "head" would be a somewhat dubious claim.

Smell: A fruit platter served upon a wooden plank with a side of caramel.

Taste: Caramel and a melted candy sweetness overlayed with a pleasant fruitiness of peaches, pears, and lychees. An everpresent woodiness and light tannins help lend it a dry finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Mild carbonation.

Drinkability: Pretty good. I, myself, did not find the wood character to be overwhelming (or even whelming).