Bourbon Barrel-Aged Brick Kiln | Jackie O's Pub & Brewery
Brewed by:
Jackie O's Pub & Brewery
Ohio, United States | website
Style: English Barleywine
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 11.80%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by MasterSki on 12-03-2012
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 68 | Ratings: 402
4.35/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
2014 vintage. Shared with JLindros.
A - Poured into a Kate the Great tulip a nice one finger head that fades to leave a thin wispy blanket.
S - Aromas of rich bourbon, sticky toffee, sweet malts, nice bawl barrel notes. Really solid brown sugar notes, no alcohol.
T - Taste is similar to the, decent bourbon notes and almost bourbon soaked raisin. Good toffee and caramel notes, lots of brown sugar.
M - Mouthfeel is lightly carbonated, smooth, alcohol hidden nicely.
O - Overall this was a rather solid barley wine. Very nice bourbon notes.
Serving type: bottle
★ 571 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
2014 vintage. Shared with JLindros.
A - Poured into a Kate the Great tulip a nice one finger head that fades to leave a thin wispy blanket.
S - Aromas of rich bourbon, sticky toffee, sweet malts, nice bawl barrel notes. Really solid brown sugar notes, no alcohol.
T - Taste is similar to the, decent bourbon notes and almost bourbon soaked raisin. Good toffee and caramel notes, lots of brown sugar.
M - Mouthfeel is lightly carbonated, smooth, alcohol hidden nicely.
O - Overall this was a rather solid barley wine. Very nice bourbon notes.
Serving type: bottle
★ 571 characters
4/5 rDev -5.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Look, smell, and feel we're all good, but unfortunately when it comes to taste (most important aspect), it falls quite short. Has good barrel qualities, but for an English style Barleywine, I expect a lot more caramel, toffee, fruity sweetness. Not a bad beer by any means, but I will not be seeking it out again and does not even come close to being an upper echelon BA English Barleywine.
★ 391 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Look, smell, and feel we're all good, but unfortunately when it comes to taste (most important aspect), it falls quite short. Has good barrel qualities, but for an English style Barleywine, I expect a lot more caramel, toffee, fruity sweetness. Not a bad beer by any means, but I will not be seeking it out again and does not even come close to being an upper echelon BA English Barleywine.
★ 391 characters
4.47/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance - Brick Kiln looks the part of a typical barleywine in terms of color; it is ruddy, dirty brown that straddles the line between black and sewer water. Unappetizing, perhaps, but par for the course. A tan head makes an appearance, but quickly (and surprisingly loudly) fizzles away, leaving only stray islands of foam to saunter on the top of the beer, leaving only an eclipse of lighter foam around the edge of the glass.
Aroma - The aroma is a touch more subdued than Bourbon Barrel Wood Burner and other Jackie O's beers I remember. The bourbon is definitely still the focus of the beer, but besides that and some sweetness, I'm coming up empty. Think alcohol-soaked figs, bourbon staves, and bittersweet chocolate, and you got Bourbon Barrel Brick Kiln.
Taste - Take what I just said about the aroma and flip it 180 degrees. The taste is multi-faceted, complex, and delicious. Unlike other JO BA beers, the dominant flavor isn't so much the barrel, but the malts and beer underneath, which allow a great depth of flavor development. The first wave is chocolate and dark fruits, like a rum cake made with bourbon. If anything, Jackie O's has a signature barrel-aged characteristic that is common in their beers, and BA Brick Kiln is no exception. If you like it, this is perfect, and to me, this is nearly-perfect. Perhaps a little less bourbon would help this really open up, but otherwise, this is a great flavor.
Mouthfeel - The mouthfeel is spot-on. Not too thick, not too thin, with precise carbonation.
Closing Arguments - Overall, this is near the top of JO beers in my book. The barrel-aging is at the forefront without overshadowing the actual beer, the body is nicely balanced, and it develops in the glass to acclaim.
★ 1,745 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance - Brick Kiln looks the part of a typical barleywine in terms of color; it is ruddy, dirty brown that straddles the line between black and sewer water. Unappetizing, perhaps, but par for the course. A tan head makes an appearance, but quickly (and surprisingly loudly) fizzles away, leaving only stray islands of foam to saunter on the top of the beer, leaving only an eclipse of lighter foam around the edge of the glass.
Aroma - The aroma is a touch more subdued than Bourbon Barrel Wood Burner and other Jackie O's beers I remember. The bourbon is definitely still the focus of the beer, but besides that and some sweetness, I'm coming up empty. Think alcohol-soaked figs, bourbon staves, and bittersweet chocolate, and you got Bourbon Barrel Brick Kiln.
Taste - Take what I just said about the aroma and flip it 180 degrees. The taste is multi-faceted, complex, and delicious. Unlike other JO BA beers, the dominant flavor isn't so much the barrel, but the malts and beer underneath, which allow a great depth of flavor development. The first wave is chocolate and dark fruits, like a rum cake made with bourbon. If anything, Jackie O's has a signature barrel-aged characteristic that is common in their beers, and BA Brick Kiln is no exception. If you like it, this is perfect, and to me, this is nearly-perfect. Perhaps a little less bourbon would help this really open up, but otherwise, this is a great flavor.
Mouthfeel - The mouthfeel is spot-on. Not too thick, not too thin, with precise carbonation.
Closing Arguments - Overall, this is near the top of JO beers in my book. The barrel-aging is at the forefront without overshadowing the actual beer, the body is nicely balanced, and it develops in the glass to acclaim.
★ 1,745 characters
5/5 rDev +18.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Strong BA flavor in this barley wine. Excellent balance. More hazy than most BWs. Touch of sweetness with a lot of barrel. Smell is a perfect mix of wood, bourbon and honey.
★ 173 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Strong BA flavor in this barley wine. Excellent balance. More hazy than most BWs. Touch of sweetness with a lot of barrel. Smell is a perfect mix of wood, bourbon and honey.
★ 173 characters
5/5 rDev +18.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Awesome barley wine with a great barrel finish. Somehow Jackie Os keep putting out home runs. Color reminds me of apple juice. Nice smell. Barrel at the end. Nose sweet
★ 168 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Awesome barley wine with a great barrel finish. Somehow Jackie Os keep putting out home runs. Color reminds me of apple juice. Nice smell. Barrel at the end. Nose sweet
★ 168 characters
4.38/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
As both a barleywine freak AND a bourbon freak I had high hopes for this beer and it delivered. All I had to do was pop the cap and I knew it was going to hit the spot I was looking to hit.
A bit darker than a typical BW, almost stout-like in appearance. You see immediately that it's not super thick or viscous, and the small off-white head dissipates quickly. Little lacing to speak of.
Rich bourbony aroma, a little oak and vanilla, offset by brown sugar and caramel notes, subtler fruity tones. Vague fusel alcohol. The flavor follows suit, medium-sweet, cleaned up on the finish by some alcohol heat and a little bit of earthy hoppy bitterness. Strong barrel character but not to the point of totally overwhelming the base of the beer. Mildly woody but with tasty vanilla notes as the beer comes up to temperature.
Medium body, medium to just slightly low carbonation. Very smooth and pleasing feel without being excessively big, syrupy or underattenuated.
Big fan here and should please fans of barrel aged barleywines nicely. Rich bourbon notes combined with familiar barleywine flavors, but low on fruity esters and a little more bitter than anticipated, which serves the beer well. Not at all flabby. Still comes close to the BCBW realm (pre 2015) in richness, barrel character, and stout-like aspects, but retains a degree of elegance as well.
★ 1,358 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
As both a barleywine freak AND a bourbon freak I had high hopes for this beer and it delivered. All I had to do was pop the cap and I knew it was going to hit the spot I was looking to hit.
A bit darker than a typical BW, almost stout-like in appearance. You see immediately that it's not super thick or viscous, and the small off-white head dissipates quickly. Little lacing to speak of.
Rich bourbony aroma, a little oak and vanilla, offset by brown sugar and caramel notes, subtler fruity tones. Vague fusel alcohol. The flavor follows suit, medium-sweet, cleaned up on the finish by some alcohol heat and a little bit of earthy hoppy bitterness. Strong barrel character but not to the point of totally overwhelming the base of the beer. Mildly woody but with tasty vanilla notes as the beer comes up to temperature.
Medium body, medium to just slightly low carbonation. Very smooth and pleasing feel without being excessively big, syrupy or underattenuated.
Big fan here and should please fans of barrel aged barleywines nicely. Rich bourbon notes combined with familiar barleywine flavors, but low on fruity esters and a little more bitter than anticipated, which serves the beer well. Not at all flabby. Still comes close to the BCBW realm (pre 2015) in richness, barrel character, and stout-like aspects, but retains a degree of elegance as well.
★ 1,358 characters
3.87/5 rDev -8.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Brown in color and cloudy with no head and minimal lacing.
Aroma is sweet dark fruit - raisins & plum, toffee, oak, and a bit of booze.
Taste is bourbon, raisins, malt sweetness, molasses, and oak / char on the finish.
Mouthful is medium and smooth but thin. Carbonation is low. Finish is dry.
Overall a decent barley wine. Aromas and flavor are good and slightly imbalanced. The mouthful is weak but not bad. I would drink this again but not seek it out.
★ 465 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Brown in color and cloudy with no head and minimal lacing.
Aroma is sweet dark fruit - raisins & plum, toffee, oak, and a bit of booze.
Taste is bourbon, raisins, malt sweetness, molasses, and oak / char on the finish.
Mouthful is medium and smooth but thin. Carbonation is low. Finish is dry.
Overall a decent barley wine. Aromas and flavor are good and slightly imbalanced. The mouthful is weak but not bad. I would drink this again but not seek it out.
★ 465 characters
4.25/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a Duvel tulip. No freshness date.
A- Pours a mostly opaque black color with a 1/4 inch tan head that doesn't retain long before becoming a thin ring around the edge of the glass and minimal surface foam. Not-so-resilient lacing leaves small clots behind.
S- Strong wafts of caramel, toffee and vanilla. A higher level of bourbon presence with plenty of booze fume.
T- Sweet vanilla flavors with the accompanying notes of burnt sugar, maple and more caramel. Nice roasty base. Nuts are there in the aftertaste providing a welcome extra dimension of flavor.
M- Slick and a bit creamy but there's some burn from the heat that's not the most pleasant. Low carbonation and a full body.
O- While this is certainly tasty, and I applaud them for using nuts in a subtle way rather than dumping a ton of peanut butter extract into the beer, I feel it's a bit hot and just a tad too bourbon forward to score it any higher than I did.
★ 945 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a Duvel tulip. No freshness date.
A- Pours a mostly opaque black color with a 1/4 inch tan head that doesn't retain long before becoming a thin ring around the edge of the glass and minimal surface foam. Not-so-resilient lacing leaves small clots behind.
S- Strong wafts of caramel, toffee and vanilla. A higher level of bourbon presence with plenty of booze fume.
T- Sweet vanilla flavors with the accompanying notes of burnt sugar, maple and more caramel. Nice roasty base. Nuts are there in the aftertaste providing a welcome extra dimension of flavor.
M- Slick and a bit creamy but there's some burn from the heat that's not the most pleasant. Low carbonation and a full body.
O- While this is certainly tasty, and I applaud them for using nuts in a subtle way rather than dumping a ton of peanut butter extract into the beer, I feel it's a bit hot and just a tad too bourbon forward to score it any higher than I did.
★ 945 characters
4.06/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
385 ml bottle. Pours deep brown with ruby tones. Thin off white head fades quickly, no lacing. Dark raisin and bread aroma, boozy notes. Strong bourbon presence in the flavor but not overwhelming. The caramel and raisin sweetness balances things out before ending in a fruitcake flavored bitterness. Warm boozy finish. Solid BBA BW.
★ 339 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
385 ml bottle. Pours deep brown with ruby tones. Thin off white head fades quickly, no lacing. Dark raisin and bread aroma, boozy notes. Strong bourbon presence in the flavor but not overwhelming. The caramel and raisin sweetness balances things out before ending in a fruitcake flavored bitterness. Warm boozy finish. Solid BBA BW.
★ 339 characters
3.83/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
At first I thought this was going to be yet another bourbon barrel aged Jackie O's beer ruined by too much bourbon. When I first cracked it open, I caught a huge whiff of bourbon and I immediately thought, damn, I should have got the regular version--I just wanted a warming barleywine on this shitty, snowy night.
However, just a few seconds later I did a 180.
At first, this is a very dark brown-red-purple mixture creating a black-ish impression, with absolutely no head. As it warms and gets closer to the bottom of the glass, it becomes a lighter, murky brown.
While the bourbon and charred oak is present, it is happily sharing the stage with wonderful aromas of bright red cherry, coconut, vanilla and cinnamon.
Every note of these aromas is checked off in the taste, and it's every bit the better for it. This has the classic barleywine characteristics of prune and molasses, especially as it warms, but the additional characteristics not often present in barleywines are what sets this apart.
Mouthfeel is thin but smooth and rounded.
★ 1,048 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
At first I thought this was going to be yet another bourbon barrel aged Jackie O's beer ruined by too much bourbon. When I first cracked it open, I caught a huge whiff of bourbon and I immediately thought, damn, I should have got the regular version--I just wanted a warming barleywine on this shitty, snowy night.
However, just a few seconds later I did a 180.
At first, this is a very dark brown-red-purple mixture creating a black-ish impression, with absolutely no head. As it warms and gets closer to the bottom of the glass, it becomes a lighter, murky brown.
While the bourbon and charred oak is present, it is happily sharing the stage with wonderful aromas of bright red cherry, coconut, vanilla and cinnamon.
Every note of these aromas is checked off in the taste, and it's every bit the better for it. This has the classic barleywine characteristics of prune and molasses, especially as it warms, but the additional characteristics not often present in barleywines are what sets this apart.
Mouthfeel is thin but smooth and rounded.
★ 1,048 characters
4.26/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Thanks Kegatron for the share. Pours a mahogany dark chestnut color with a darker khaki head that fades leaving spotty lace.
It smells huge with barrel presence like sweet vanilla, caramel, oaky and a fruity sort of blend to molasses.
This tastes heavily oaked with caramel, vanilla, molasses and toffee-like sweetness with mild oxidation and toasted coconut in the aftertaste.
This isnfull bodier and lightly carbonated. A crushable big brew that id love to have again.
★ 473 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Thanks Kegatron for the share. Pours a mahogany dark chestnut color with a darker khaki head that fades leaving spotty lace.
It smells huge with barrel presence like sweet vanilla, caramel, oaky and a fruity sort of blend to molasses.
This tastes heavily oaked with caramel, vanilla, molasses and toffee-like sweetness with mild oxidation and toasted coconut in the aftertaste.
This isnfull bodier and lightly carbonated. A crushable big brew that id love to have again.
★ 473 characters
4.46/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
As the popular practice of barrel aging beer often changes the beer into something decidedly bourbon-like, this time those barrels have met their match. The Brick Kiln barlewine stands its ground while welcoming the nuances that those barrels bring.
Bourbon Barrel Brick Kiln's deep mahogany pour shows deep crimsons and burgundies with a tawny port character. The delicate creme that builds slowly reveals the dense aromatics of toffee and molasses with bold bourbon sherry and dark fruit whimsy. Its taste is decadently sweet with a host of toasted caramels, maple and butterscotch.
And as the taste develops, its sweetness deepens and draws in the fruitcake medley of dates, fig and prune with raisin and spiced rum. With the oak, vanilla and coconut taste of the barrels showing even more complexity, its spicy tannins offer a sherry-like vinous taste. Curing tobacco and leather give greater rise to the earthiness of stone fruit and the beer's underlying marmalade earthiness.
Full and luscious, the beer's texture is rich but surprisingly dry as the wood spices and light vinous tang gives the finish a powder-fine dryness that's seemingly of extended wood-aged bordeaux. With the warmth of bourbon, the barleywine trails with a long linger of fruitcake and tar.
★ 1,272 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
As the popular practice of barrel aging beer often changes the beer into something decidedly bourbon-like, this time those barrels have met their match. The Brick Kiln barlewine stands its ground while welcoming the nuances that those barrels bring.
Bourbon Barrel Brick Kiln's deep mahogany pour shows deep crimsons and burgundies with a tawny port character. The delicate creme that builds slowly reveals the dense aromatics of toffee and molasses with bold bourbon sherry and dark fruit whimsy. Its taste is decadently sweet with a host of toasted caramels, maple and butterscotch.
And as the taste develops, its sweetness deepens and draws in the fruitcake medley of dates, fig and prune with raisin and spiced rum. With the oak, vanilla and coconut taste of the barrels showing even more complexity, its spicy tannins offer a sherry-like vinous taste. Curing tobacco and leather give greater rise to the earthiness of stone fruit and the beer's underlying marmalade earthiness.
Full and luscious, the beer's texture is rich but surprisingly dry as the wood spices and light vinous tang gives the finish a powder-fine dryness that's seemingly of extended wood-aged bordeaux. With the warmth of bourbon, the barleywine trails with a long linger of fruitcake and tar.
★ 1,272 characters
4.09/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
poured 375 ml bottle into snifter, 2014 vintage bottling. Dark brown color with a 1 finger tan head with spotty lacing on the glass. Aromas of caramel, toffee, brown sugar, dark fruits such as figs and raisins. Also some vanilla, bourbon, and oak. Flavor is very pleasant caramel, toffee with the bourbon and vanilla. Notes of figs and raisins and hints of oak. Light carbonation and fairly full bodied; with a very smooth, creamy, and fairly slick mouthfeel. Overall this is a tasty BA English Barleywine..
★ 508 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
poured 375 ml bottle into snifter, 2014 vintage bottling. Dark brown color with a 1 finger tan head with spotty lacing on the glass. Aromas of caramel, toffee, brown sugar, dark fruits such as figs and raisins. Also some vanilla, bourbon, and oak. Flavor is very pleasant caramel, toffee with the bourbon and vanilla. Notes of figs and raisins and hints of oak. Light carbonation and fairly full bodied; with a very smooth, creamy, and fairly slick mouthfeel. Overall this is a tasty BA English Barleywine..
★ 508 characters
3.95/5 rDev -6.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Looks flat with little hint of carbonation. Dingy opaque brown.
Lots going on in the aroma. Caramel, butterscotch, light smokey notes, vanilla, toffee.
Nice flavor. Nice dose of bourbon- vanilla and oak. Caramel, vanilla, tobacco.
Oh man, so disappointed it falls way flat (pun intended) in the mouthfeel. There's almost no carbonation in this bottle. Thank goodness it's not syrupy, the sweetness in the flavor isn't overbearing despite the lack of carbonation. Medium body, but damn... just flat.
I'm hoping that's not the norm. Otherwise, the aroma and flavor were fantastic. I'd definitely try another bottle if given the chance and would revisit this review.
★ 680 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Looks flat with little hint of carbonation. Dingy opaque brown.
Lots going on in the aroma. Caramel, butterscotch, light smokey notes, vanilla, toffee.
Nice flavor. Nice dose of bourbon- vanilla and oak. Caramel, vanilla, tobacco.
Oh man, so disappointed it falls way flat (pun intended) in the mouthfeel. There's almost no carbonation in this bottle. Thank goodness it's not syrupy, the sweetness in the flavor isn't overbearing despite the lack of carbonation. Medium body, but damn... just flat.
I'm hoping that's not the norm. Otherwise, the aroma and flavor were fantastic. I'd definitely try another bottle if given the chance and would revisit this review.
★ 680 characters
4.48/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
375ml bottle poured into a snifter
Pours a deep mahogany with amber highlights and one finger of creamy tan head, which leaves a solid collar and minimal lacing. Smell is primarily toffee and vanilla, with hints of dark fruit, leather and bourbon.
The sweetness in the nose is certainly present in the taste, as vanilla, caramel and toffee make the first impression. Notes of wood throughout, with bourbon accents. Medium bodied with low carbonation. Excellent mouthfeel. Slightly creamy, although it could stand to be slightly heavier. Finishes soft and clean.
Great stuff. It's a bit on the sweet side, but the barrel brings just enough bourbon spice and heat to give it a little balance. The best beer I had on New Year's Day, which paired perfectly with a Notre Dame beatdown at the hands of OSU.
★ 803 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
375ml bottle poured into a snifter
Pours a deep mahogany with amber highlights and one finger of creamy tan head, which leaves a solid collar and minimal lacing. Smell is primarily toffee and vanilla, with hints of dark fruit, leather and bourbon.
The sweetness in the nose is certainly present in the taste, as vanilla, caramel and toffee make the first impression. Notes of wood throughout, with bourbon accents. Medium bodied with low carbonation. Excellent mouthfeel. Slightly creamy, although it could stand to be slightly heavier. Finishes soft and clean.
Great stuff. It's a bit on the sweet side, but the barrel brings just enough bourbon spice and heat to give it a little balance. The best beer I had on New Year's Day, which paired perfectly with a Notre Dame beatdown at the hands of OSU.
★ 803 characters
4.32/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
S: bourbon forward, boozy, vanilla, caramel.
T: toffee, caramel, vanilla, boozy, sweet, tannins, touch of dark fruit.
F: sweet, medium-lo mouthfeel, boozy.
★ 159 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
S: bourbon forward, boozy, vanilla, caramel.
T: toffee, caramel, vanilla, boozy, sweet, tannins, touch of dark fruit.
F: sweet, medium-lo mouthfeel, boozy.
★ 159 characters
4.39/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours rich garnet amber with a tiny soft head that doesn't hang around long. Smell is toffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, oatmeal cookie, not boozy. Taste is rich grain with hints of barrel heat at sweetness. Big rich vanilla, caramel and molasses. Feel is super smooth and not boozy at all. Very still texture. Great with Christmas dessert. Awesome beer.
★ 357 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours rich garnet amber with a tiny soft head that doesn't hang around long. Smell is toffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, oatmeal cookie, not boozy. Taste is rich grain with hints of barrel heat at sweetness. Big rich vanilla, caramel and molasses. Feel is super smooth and not boozy at all. Very still texture. Great with Christmas dessert. Awesome beer.
★ 357 characters
4.5/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Got this in a trade with @stinger80OH - thanks!
A - Pours a dark brown with no head at all.
S - Aroma is sweet, molasses and boozy.
T - Tastes of toffee, vanilla, raisins and a little booze.
M - Medium mouth feel, very low carbonation.
O - Barleywine? Not sure. Delicious? Absolutely. A real winter warmer, makes me wish it was cold outside. I sure wish this was distributed in Illinois.
★ 391 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Got this in a trade with @stinger80OH - thanks!
A - Pours a dark brown with no head at all.
S - Aroma is sweet, molasses and boozy.
T - Tastes of toffee, vanilla, raisins and a little booze.
M - Medium mouth feel, very low carbonation.
O - Barleywine? Not sure. Delicious? Absolutely. A real winter warmer, makes me wish it was cold outside. I sure wish this was distributed in Illinois.
★ 391 characters
4.26/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Look: Dark brown body. Light beige, minimal head, that quickly retreats into a creamy, and thick(er) halo around my favorite 15.5 ounce brandy snifter. With a twirl of the glass, the legs and curtains on this one are very attractive, and creates a good looking latticework of irregular lacing that melts beautifully from the sides of the snifter.
Smell: Geez, I love the way Jackie O's beer smell. Big sweet, dark grains. Dark fruit in the background, politely mixed with caramel and vanilla aromas.
Taste: English barleywine(ish). Faded bourbon, with some wood, mellow on the tongue. Sweet. Loads of caramel and vanilla. Very even, somewhat sweet, good to go. Soft finish.
Feel: Smooth, and say...soft. Low carb.
Overall - I like this stuff, and would recommend this to anyone who was interested in drinking a fine English Barleywine.
★ 852 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Look: Dark brown body. Light beige, minimal head, that quickly retreats into a creamy, and thick(er) halo around my favorite 15.5 ounce brandy snifter. With a twirl of the glass, the legs and curtains on this one are very attractive, and creates a good looking latticework of irregular lacing that melts beautifully from the sides of the snifter.
Smell: Geez, I love the way Jackie O's beer smell. Big sweet, dark grains. Dark fruit in the background, politely mixed with caramel and vanilla aromas.
Taste: English barleywine(ish). Faded bourbon, with some wood, mellow on the tongue. Sweet. Loads of caramel and vanilla. Very even, somewhat sweet, good to go. Soft finish.
Feel: Smooth, and say...soft. Low carb.
Overall - I like this stuff, and would recommend this to anyone who was interested in drinking a fine English Barleywine.
★ 852 characters
4/5 rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a deep brown with amber highlights. Head drops rather quickly, not unexpected with the ABV level. Aroma of Caramel malts, quality bourbon, oak, toffee, vanilla and fruity esters. Maybe a very slight touch of diacetyl, but not in a bad way. Flavor is sweet caramel, toffee, fig, raisin, vanilla, hops, bourbon, oak, molasses, brown sugar, and maybe a hint of maple, honey and cherry. The 11.8 ABV is evident but not at all in the forefront. The feel is med-full and creamy. Spot on. I have not had the non-BA version, but I think without the barrel it may be a little too sweet, so sticking with the BA variant in the future. Overall slightly different than traditional English Barleywine, but a good American interpretation.
★ 732 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a deep brown with amber highlights. Head drops rather quickly, not unexpected with the ABV level. Aroma of Caramel malts, quality bourbon, oak, toffee, vanilla and fruity esters. Maybe a very slight touch of diacetyl, but not in a bad way. Flavor is sweet caramel, toffee, fig, raisin, vanilla, hops, bourbon, oak, molasses, brown sugar, and maybe a hint of maple, honey and cherry. The 11.8 ABV is evident but not at all in the forefront. The feel is med-full and creamy. Spot on. I have not had the non-BA version, but I think without the barrel it may be a little too sweet, so sticking with the BA variant in the future. Overall slightly different than traditional English Barleywine, but a good American interpretation.
★ 732 characters
4.4/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Really dark brown color with mocha head. Aroma is intense: bourbon, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, molasses... everything you want in a bourbon BA beer. Taste starts with a slightly tart cherry flavor. In the middle you get the bourbon and caramel notes. Finishes on a bitter, slightly roasty and hoppy note. Body is syrupy smooth and alcohol has a slight burn. A really nice barleywine with very good BA characteristics. If only the alcohol was a little better integrated.
★ 473 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Really dark brown color with mocha head. Aroma is intense: bourbon, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, molasses... everything you want in a bourbon BA beer. Taste starts with a slightly tart cherry flavor. In the middle you get the bourbon and caramel notes. Finishes on a bitter, slightly roasty and hoppy note. Body is syrupy smooth and alcohol has a slight burn. A really nice barleywine with very good BA characteristics. If only the alcohol was a little better integrated.
★ 473 characters
3.9/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A - Dark burgundy color with a very soapy and anemic looking lacing ring.
S - Very light bourbon aroma, roasted sweet toffee, maple syrup, leather, and oak tannin.
T - Lots of vanilla, roasted toffee, oak toasted caramel, bourbon, a hint of cherries.
M - Light medium body with a tad bit thin.
O - Really enjoy Jackie O's beers but this one doesn't do it for me.
★ 367 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A - Dark burgundy color with a very soapy and anemic looking lacing ring.
S - Very light bourbon aroma, roasted sweet toffee, maple syrup, leather, and oak tannin.
T - Lots of vanilla, roasted toffee, oak toasted caramel, bourbon, a hint of cherries.
M - Light medium body with a tad bit thin.
O - Really enjoy Jackie O's beers but this one doesn't do it for me.
★ 367 characters
4.18/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2015 edition poured into a snifter
A: Hazy dark brown with no head
S: Bourbon, raisin, pie cherries, molasses
T: Cherry/fig/raisin- fruity but with a solid bourbon undertone
M: Full-bodied, a bit sweet with a bit of alcohol but balanced overall
O: The time in the bourbon barrel changes the base beer in a good way, adding complexity. Worth nearly twice the price is debatable but this is quite nice
★ 399 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2015 edition poured into a snifter
A: Hazy dark brown with no head
S: Bourbon, raisin, pie cherries, molasses
T: Cherry/fig/raisin- fruity but with a solid bourbon undertone
M: Full-bodied, a bit sweet with a bit of alcohol but balanced overall
O: The time in the bourbon barrel changes the base beer in a good way, adding complexity. Worth nearly twice the price is debatable but this is quite nice
★ 399 characters
4.47/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Excellent brew. English toffee, caramel, Worther's Original dessert. Vanilla dream truffle to boot. I wish the barrel was a bit more present, as the bourbon and barrel notes were extremely mellow, but the carbonation was perfect. Good overall description would be like a musty BCBBW or Sucaba. Something just a wee bit keep this from the level of those two creams of the crop.
Highly recommended. Great stuff.
★ 411 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Excellent brew. English toffee, caramel, Worther's Original dessert. Vanilla dream truffle to boot. I wish the barrel was a bit more present, as the bourbon and barrel notes were extremely mellow, but the carbonation was perfect. Good overall description would be like a musty BCBBW or Sucaba. Something just a wee bit keep this from the level of those two creams of the crop.
Highly recommended. Great stuff.
★ 411 characters
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Brick Kiln from Jackie O's Pub & Brewery
4.22
out of 5
based on 402 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Thanks to rudzud, 2014
Mild fizzy creamy head, little lacing, long legs, very dark almost black color.
Nose tons of bourbon, barrel juice, toasted vanilla oak, into fudgey cocoa big creamy vanilla, tons of caramel toffee, little nutty, little biscuity cookie dough.
Taste thick syrupy caramel fudge, toffee, caramel, chewy nougat, mild fudgey cocoa, little bitter spicy hop, mild bourbon, vanilla oak notes, whisky with some booze warmth slight tingle, touch nutty, candy caramel, some dark roasty malts. Sweet syrupy candy finish, bitter roasted malt and little spicy hop, nougat fudge and little whisky lingering.
Mouth is fuller bod, decent carb, little fudgey chewy, very little booze.
Overall pretty nice, not amazing but nice
★ 735 characters