Wolf Spider
Fort George Brewery + Public House

 

 

Well done. Had at the taproom on New Years Day.

I had this initially at the brewery, and the menu stated this was aged in Laphroaig barrels. Review on crowler drank the next day.

Pours like oil from the can, a fizzy medium-leaning-darker tan sounded like it wanted to evaporate right after pouring. However, a thick, mildly creamy collar hangs on a long while, though there’s not much lacing.

At brewery, I ordered without knowing the barrel, and thought it was a smoked beer base. It’s more obviously a peat-driven smokiness that Laphroaig drinkers might recognize. The impression of smoked meat (ham in particular) is there. The stout aspects are somewhat dwarfed by the smoky Scotch barrel, but not missing (given that there’s no info I could find on internet, this might be pretty fresh).

For those who despise the barrel’s former contents or who don’t like smoked beers, get a small taste first. I personally find the barrel brings the smokiness I enjoy in a smoked beer, in slightly different form. Creamy smooth dark hot chocolate turned adult with a splash of spirit to open the taste. Additional warmth brings a brownie batter aspect with a decent smoky back. The specific barrel brings a sharp peaty smoke when cold, a more integrated smokiness when warm. The smoke comes with a little heat and does differentiate itself from smoked malt but in a no less enjoyable way.

Just an amazingly enjoyable beer for my tastes. For Scotch fans, start with this cold. By cellar temps, the blend is at its most complimentary