White Oak | The Bruery
Brewed by:
The Bruery
California, United States
thebruery.com
Style: Wheatwine
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 11.50%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
White Oak is a blended beer-- 50% wheatwine aged in Bourbon barrels (we call it "White Oak Sap"), and 50% Mischief (our Golden Strong Ale). Vivid caramel, coconut and vanilla flavors blanketed in a crisp yet robust wheat ale, White Oak is an exercise of balance.
Added by OlieIPA on 07-12-2009
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 296 | Ratings: 1,281
4.74/5 rDev +20.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
This beer pours a clear pale gold with a decently large head. The aroma is complex, with apricot, banana, motor oil, clove, nutmeg, and other muddy, grass aromas. The flavor is rich and sweet, with lots of banana, clove, dried apricot, guava, passionfruit, lot sof nutmeg and clove. The sweetness is tempered by bot the alcohol, dried spice, and some muddy hop bite. The mouthfeel is full, almost syrupy, with creamy foamy, c arbonation. Overall this is a hell of a beer. Three years ago I would have hatred this, but now I love the way new spice and fruit notes come forward in every sip. Deeply complex, the bourbon barrel aging has not conmtributed flavor as much as body. Highly recommended.
★ 695 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
This beer pours a clear pale gold with a decently large head. The aroma is complex, with apricot, banana, motor oil, clove, nutmeg, and other muddy, grass aromas. The flavor is rich and sweet, with lots of banana, clove, dried apricot, guava, passionfruit, lot sof nutmeg and clove. The sweetness is tempered by bot the alcohol, dried spice, and some muddy hop bite. The mouthfeel is full, almost syrupy, with creamy foamy, c arbonation. Overall this is a hell of a beer. Three years ago I would have hatred this, but now I love the way new spice and fruit notes come forward in every sip. Deeply complex, the bourbon barrel aging has not conmtributed flavor as much as body. Highly recommended.
★ 695 characters
4.7/5 rDev +19.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Grabbed a pint from Beachwood.
Brought to the table in a tulip, I nice golden color and white fluffy head. The smell is wonderful! It has a nice bourbon and caramel sweetness, with little hints vanilla and clove and a little bit if alcohol in the finish. The taste is very similar to the smell, lots of bourbon, caramel, vanilla and wheaty sweetness. It goes down super smooth and finishes very clean and dry. The bourbon plays very nice with beer. The bourbon and caramel in this beer are awesome. An absolute pleasure to drink. It coats my month very nice, medium bodied and just wonderful. The drinkability is pretty good. Overall, this is a wonderful beer! To bad this came out underneath the huge hype shadow that was Black Tuesday. But that leaves more for me!
★ 768 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Grabbed a pint from Beachwood.
Brought to the table in a tulip, I nice golden color and white fluffy head. The smell is wonderful! It has a nice bourbon and caramel sweetness, with little hints vanilla and clove and a little bit if alcohol in the finish. The taste is very similar to the smell, lots of bourbon, caramel, vanilla and wheaty sweetness. It goes down super smooth and finishes very clean and dry. The bourbon plays very nice with beer. The bourbon and caramel in this beer are awesome. An absolute pleasure to drink. It coats my month very nice, medium bodied and just wonderful. The drinkability is pretty good. Overall, this is a wonderful beer! To bad this came out underneath the huge hype shadow that was Black Tuesday. But that leaves more for me!
★ 768 characters
4.68/5 rDev +19.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Loved this beer. The closest to my favorites I enjoyed while living 4 years in Belgium, and the best tasting beer I have had recently in the USA. If you are into overly hopped beers, this is probably not for you. But if you enjoy good tasting slightly sweet beers this is a must try. It definitely has a light coconut taste at the end.
★ 335 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Loved this beer. The closest to my favorites I enjoyed while living 4 years in Belgium, and the best tasting beer I have had recently in the USA. If you are into overly hopped beers, this is probably not for you. But if you enjoy good tasting slightly sweet beers this is a must try. It definitely has a light coconut taste at the end.
★ 335 characters
4.68/5 rDev +19.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
2013 Version. Poured out of the bottle into a tulip glass. Strong head leading to a beautiful golden-Amber beer, however not translucent. It has almost no nose, probably due to the three years of collaring. Taste of honey and earthly sweetness in front ending with a mellowed boozy earthiness. This is a phenomenal beer.
★ 320 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
2013 Version. Poured out of the bottle into a tulip glass. Strong head leading to a beautiful golden-Amber beer, however not translucent. It has almost no nose, probably due to the three years of collaring. Taste of honey and earthly sweetness in front ending with a mellowed boozy earthiness. This is a phenomenal beer.
★ 320 characters
4.65/5 rDev +18.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Nice and clear brassy hue with very white head that fades away to a thin lace quite quickly. Vinous like nose, notes of white wine, oak, apple and vanilla, soft sweet bourbon notes, touch of alcohol and caramel
Quite a gorgeous beer. Incredibly complex with lots of prickly carbonation despite the strength. Tart ripe apples and stone fruit covered in a light caramel glaze. Soft notes of oak and vanilla with just the right touch of bourbon. A delicate beer like this would be so easily overpowered but sweet bourbony notes come through just a bit on the back end and compliment some of the more savory and richer notes while letting some of the brighter fruit notes still shine. Complex, surprisingly lighter in body than expected. The wheat really creates an incredibly drinkable beer out of such a big one. Alcohol heat is noticeable on the back.end but provides balance to the intense flavors and drys out the finish. Finishes lingers long and is almost tannic in that it scrubs the gums. Very nice, and well worth the bottle cost.
★ 1,037 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Nice and clear brassy hue with very white head that fades away to a thin lace quite quickly. Vinous like nose, notes of white wine, oak, apple and vanilla, soft sweet bourbon notes, touch of alcohol and caramel
Quite a gorgeous beer. Incredibly complex with lots of prickly carbonation despite the strength. Tart ripe apples and stone fruit covered in a light caramel glaze. Soft notes of oak and vanilla with just the right touch of bourbon. A delicate beer like this would be so easily overpowered but sweet bourbony notes come through just a bit on the back end and compliment some of the more savory and richer notes while letting some of the brighter fruit notes still shine. Complex, surprisingly lighter in body than expected. The wheat really creates an incredibly drinkable beer out of such a big one. Alcohol heat is noticeable on the back.end but provides balance to the intense flavors and drys out the finish. Finishes lingers long and is almost tannic in that it scrubs the gums. Very nice, and well worth the bottle cost.
★ 1,037 characters
4.63/5 rDev +17.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
bought two 750 ml bottles at the bruery halloween night. this monster pours a a perfect clowdy golden color with a long lasting thick bubbly head.
when first pored this thing had a face smacking bourbon smell with some sourness behind it. as it gets warmer it fades away to a surprising balance of grapefruit bitterness, lemon and wheat.
once warm this beer has picture perfect balance. when it was cold very boozy and in your face. after some time a lot of flavors mellow and more appear. nice blend of tropical spices, bourbon, wheat with a nice bitter bite in the end.
mouthfeel is surprsingly soft and chewy. but be careful cause this does pack a punch at 11.5%
i shared this bottle with my sister(who is becoming quite a beer advocate herself now) and she says this is her favorite beer now. i'd have to say this is one of my top favorites as well now. they are going to go far with all these phenomenal beers they're making.
★ 934 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
bought two 750 ml bottles at the bruery halloween night. this monster pours a a perfect clowdy golden color with a long lasting thick bubbly head.
when first pored this thing had a face smacking bourbon smell with some sourness behind it. as it gets warmer it fades away to a surprising balance of grapefruit bitterness, lemon and wheat.
once warm this beer has picture perfect balance. when it was cold very boozy and in your face. after some time a lot of flavors mellow and more appear. nice blend of tropical spices, bourbon, wheat with a nice bitter bite in the end.
mouthfeel is surprsingly soft and chewy. but be careful cause this does pack a punch at 11.5%
i shared this bottle with my sister(who is becoming quite a beer advocate herself now) and she says this is her favorite beer now. i'd have to say this is one of my top favorites as well now. they are going to go far with all these phenomenal beers they're making.
★ 934 characters
4.6/5 rDev +17%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Thanks to juhl31 for this!
Poured into a Delirium Tulip.
Is a thick opaque apricot color with a bright white head that turns into nice lacing that isn't going anywhere.
Smells like vanilla and caramel. A little booze as well. A little nuttiness comes out too sort of like butter pecan ice cream.
Tastes are toffee, mildly tart apple juice, sweet vanilla, bourbon and oak. Some coconut cake like qualities and cinnamon spice give way to booze shining through on the end.
Mouthfeel is pretty full bodied with good carbonation. Sticky and a little heat from the alcohol.
Overall is amazing and I'm really excited to have got to try this beer.
★ 645 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Thanks to juhl31 for this!
Poured into a Delirium Tulip.
Is a thick opaque apricot color with a bright white head that turns into nice lacing that isn't going anywhere.
Smells like vanilla and caramel. A little booze as well. A little nuttiness comes out too sort of like butter pecan ice cream.
Tastes are toffee, mildly tart apple juice, sweet vanilla, bourbon and oak. Some coconut cake like qualities and cinnamon spice give way to booze shining through on the end.
Mouthfeel is pretty full bodied with good carbonation. Sticky and a little heat from the alcohol.
Overall is amazing and I'm really excited to have got to try this beer.
★ 645 characters
4.58/5 rDev +16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Appearance: 4.0 Nice foamy-whitehead, one finger with good retention but not much lacing. Color is a hazy marigold, shiny, liquid gold.
Smell: 5.0 Honey, clover, spice, sweet wine. Some major aroma going. But it’s like going into a flower shop, can’t really identify one single smell. Lemongrass, nice citrusness. Riesling, OJ+Vodka.
Taste: Here I get first of all a waffle-like food sweetness, with butterscotch and caramel. Brown butter sauce, “refined sweetness”. Honeycomb, champagne. Light and delicious, a great brunch beer.
Mouthfeel: Deliciously carbonated, with a tad of tingly hops and a pleasant dryness at the end. Again, this reminds me more of a refined wine or spirit than a beer. Medium body, full flavor, great carbonation.
Overall: Exceptional. I thought I wouldn’t like it but it is so drinkable and tasty. “Ethereal”.
★ 859 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Appearance: 4.0 Nice foamy-whitehead, one finger with good retention but not much lacing. Color is a hazy marigold, shiny, liquid gold.
Smell: 5.0 Honey, clover, spice, sweet wine. Some major aroma going. But it’s like going into a flower shop, can’t really identify one single smell. Lemongrass, nice citrusness. Riesling, OJ+Vodka.
Taste: Here I get first of all a waffle-like food sweetness, with butterscotch and caramel. Brown butter sauce, “refined sweetness”. Honeycomb, champagne. Light and delicious, a great brunch beer.
Mouthfeel: Deliciously carbonated, with a tad of tingly hops and a pleasant dryness at the end. Again, this reminds me more of a refined wine or spirit than a beer. Medium body, full flavor, great carbonation.
Overall: Exceptional. I thought I wouldn’t like it but it is so drinkable and tasty. “Ethereal”.
★ 859 characters
4.57/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
This beer surprised the hell out of me. I went over to the Bruery to reserve a bottle or two of Black Tuesday and they had a tasting flight of BT, White Oak and Papier...
The sweet vanilla notes of the bourbon barrel stand out so well in this beer that I swear it tasted like a glazed doughnut. The taste of pear also shines through wonderfully along with some other fruit flavors. Then, the aftertaste of booze finishes out in double time. Good booze.
All and all, I think I have been more impressed with this than any other Bruery beer (other than black tuesday which is made with Narwhal horn, the blood of the last known Mayans, and Panda tears...)
★ 654 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
This beer surprised the hell out of me. I went over to the Bruery to reserve a bottle or two of Black Tuesday and they had a tasting flight of BT, White Oak and Papier...
The sweet vanilla notes of the bourbon barrel stand out so well in this beer that I swear it tasted like a glazed doughnut. The taste of pear also shines through wonderfully along with some other fruit flavors. Then, the aftertaste of booze finishes out in double time. Good booze.
All and all, I think I have been more impressed with this than any other Bruery beer (other than black tuesday which is made with Narwhal horn, the blood of the last known Mayans, and Panda tears...)
★ 654 characters
4.57/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
update: 6/5/15
2013 bottle, aged at The Bruery, poured into a tulip.
Yellow, white full rocky lasting head, with excellent lacing.
White wine, apple, grape, banana in the nose.
The flavors in the nose continue in the taste, in addition to some creamy vanilla.
This beer is what I'm looking for in a wheat wine. I liked it fresh, two years later its still going strong.
I will definitely buy more bottles if The Bruery puts them up for sale.
★ 447 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
update: 6/5/15
2013 bottle, aged at The Bruery, poured into a tulip.
Yellow, white full rocky lasting head, with excellent lacing.
White wine, apple, grape, banana in the nose.
The flavors in the nose continue in the taste, in addition to some creamy vanilla.
This beer is what I'm looking for in a wheat wine. I liked it fresh, two years later its still going strong.
I will definitely buy more bottles if The Bruery puts them up for sale.
★ 447 characters
4.57/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Head is weak to nonexistent, slightly hazy golden color. Delicious aromas of wheat, heavy oak and boozy alcohol. Flavors follow the aromas, but it is smooth and more drinkable than expected. Moderate, smooth carbonation. Medium to high hops bitterness and strong alcohol presence that is still drinkable. Delicious!
★ 320 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Head is weak to nonexistent, slightly hazy golden color. Delicious aromas of wheat, heavy oak and boozy alcohol. Flavors follow the aromas, but it is smooth and more drinkable than expected. Moderate, smooth carbonation. Medium to high hops bitterness and strong alcohol presence that is still drinkable. Delicious!
★ 320 characters
4.55/5 rDev +15.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
I drank this from a 750 ml bottle into my Westvletern chalice.
The beer pours a medium honey gold with a white head. The head is very nice, rising several fingers and providing great retention and lacing. The head is very thick and creamy.
The aroma is pretty light, lots of wheat and clove. I was expecting some wood or bourbon but got noone of it. AFter the beer warms up and tasting you start to get a little bourbon in the aroma.
The taste starts our like a normal wheat kind of sweet then your are hit of a huge amount of flavor. Its very sweet vanilla and coconut then a ton of bourbon.
My one complaint is that the beer is a light in texture with an unremarkable finsih.
The drinkability is off the chart especially at 11abv, don't taste any of it.
I didn't have much hope for this before I tried, but after i'm floored. This beer is complex, totally drinkable, and very unique. Get a hold of this if you can.
★ 923 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
I drank this from a 750 ml bottle into my Westvletern chalice.
The beer pours a medium honey gold with a white head. The head is very nice, rising several fingers and providing great retention and lacing. The head is very thick and creamy.
The aroma is pretty light, lots of wheat and clove. I was expecting some wood or bourbon but got noone of it. AFter the beer warms up and tasting you start to get a little bourbon in the aroma.
The taste starts our like a normal wheat kind of sweet then your are hit of a huge amount of flavor. Its very sweet vanilla and coconut then a ton of bourbon.
My one complaint is that the beer is a light in texture with an unremarkable finsih.
The drinkability is off the chart especially at 11abv, don't taste any of it.
I didn't have much hope for this before I tried, but after i'm floored. This beer is complex, totally drinkable, and very unique. Get a hold of this if you can.
★ 923 characters
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Caramel, coconut, vanilla, alcohol on the nose. Pours hazy orangeamber under a 2" moussey pure snow white head that produces excellent lace. Wonderful rich malt on the palate joined by caramel, fruit, banana, vanilla, coconut - the vanilla coconut banana thing is extreme and nicely done. Very nice texture and body, medium to medium full with fine soft carbonation.
★ 367 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Caramel, coconut, vanilla, alcohol on the nose. Pours hazy orangeamber under a 2" moussey pure snow white head that produces excellent lace. Wonderful rich malt on the palate joined by caramel, fruit, banana, vanilla, coconut - the vanilla coconut banana thing is extreme and nicely done. Very nice texture and body, medium to medium full with fine soft carbonation.
★ 367 characters
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A unique and complex flavor profile going on here. Oaky tannic notes and white grape are prominent up front, then some spicy, Belgian yeast and candy sugar move forward. The 11.5% abv is present in some sharp black pepper notes, but no boozyness. Prickly carbonation throughout.
★ 278 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A unique and complex flavor profile going on here. Oaky tannic notes and white grape are prominent up front, then some spicy, Belgian yeast and candy sugar move forward. The 11.5% abv is present in some sharp black pepper notes, but no boozyness. Prickly carbonation throughout.
★ 278 characters
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Lucky enough to enjoy it on draft
Deep gold in color.
Smells heavily of sweet barley and bourbon.
Taste is very rich with strong notes of vanilla caramel and bourbon barrel. Subtle notes of coconut. You can definitely tell it's a 12%.
Mouthfeel is warming and body is full.
Defiantly recommended for those who enjoy a strong ale or bourbon barrel aged beer.
★ 359 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Lucky enough to enjoy it on draft
Deep gold in color.
Smells heavily of sweet barley and bourbon.
Taste is very rich with strong notes of vanilla caramel and bourbon barrel. Subtle notes of coconut. You can definitely tell it's a 12%.
Mouthfeel is warming and body is full.
Defiantly recommended for those who enjoy a strong ale or bourbon barrel aged beer.
★ 359 characters
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Hugely carbonated, pouring this one into a snifter results in a good 3-4 fingers of rocky white foam, floating upon the dark straw colored brew. Nosing the beer, I get apricots, tropical fruits, wheat, vanilla and oak. Upon tasting the beer for the first time, I get a very complex blend of vanilla, oak, caramel, white pepper and soothing, warming alcohol. An outstanding blend and a great beer. Probably my favorite from the Bruery so far.
★ 441 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Hugely carbonated, pouring this one into a snifter results in a good 3-4 fingers of rocky white foam, floating upon the dark straw colored brew. Nosing the beer, I get apricots, tropical fruits, wheat, vanilla and oak. Upon tasting the beer for the first time, I get a very complex blend of vanilla, oak, caramel, white pepper and soothing, warming alcohol. An outstanding blend and a great beer. Probably my favorite from the Bruery so far.
★ 441 characters
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to Mothman for breaking this out at the recent tasting.
I had never heard of this before, but as soon as it was described to me I knew I would like it.
Pours a cloudy and murky golden-orange color, with about two fingers of white fluffly head. Retention is good and leaves some nice lacing.
The nose is fantastic. Smells like a Wit on 'roids. I get apples and pears, spices and wood. The characters picked up from the barrel aren't as prevelent, but they add just enough to make this extremely enticing.
The taste is fruity and spicey, with light bourbon, oak and vanilla notes. This is a great tasting beer. I had a feeling I would like it, but was totally blown away.
Appropriately high, but fine carbonation along with a medium body make for a great feel. It tingles in the mouth to excentuate the flavors. Drinkability is awesome, I didn't pick up any of the ABV. 11%, you gotta be kidding me!
This is a great beer, as the light barrel notes make this one unique and very enjoyable. Thanks Ben for breaking this one out.
★ 1,037 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to Mothman for breaking this out at the recent tasting.
I had never heard of this before, but as soon as it was described to me I knew I would like it.
Pours a cloudy and murky golden-orange color, with about two fingers of white fluffly head. Retention is good and leaves some nice lacing.
The nose is fantastic. Smells like a Wit on 'roids. I get apples and pears, spices and wood. The characters picked up from the barrel aren't as prevelent, but they add just enough to make this extremely enticing.
The taste is fruity and spicey, with light bourbon, oak and vanilla notes. This is a great tasting beer. I had a feeling I would like it, but was totally blown away.
Appropriately high, but fine carbonation along with a medium body make for a great feel. It tingles in the mouth to excentuate the flavors. Drinkability is awesome, I didn't pick up any of the ABV. 11%, you gotta be kidding me!
This is a great beer, as the light barrel notes make this one unique and very enjoyable. Thanks Ben for breaking this one out.
★ 1,037 characters
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Shared this bottle with a cmorton and a friend at Blue Palms last night. Review from notes.
Pale golden color. Half finger of white head. Nice lacing. 4.5
Smells of sour apple and white grapes. Kind of tart. Very champagne like in the nose. Also, vanilla/butterscotch fudge. 4.5
Tastes of apple juice. Sweet toffee. Vanilla fudge. Slightly tart green apples and champagne ish white grapes. Smoky oak and a dash of bourbon. 4.5
Rich, but surprisingly light. Well carbonated, and slightly dry. 4.5
Surprisingly drinkable. Alcohol is barely noticeable. 4.5
★ 558 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Shared this bottle with a cmorton and a friend at Blue Palms last night. Review from notes.
Pale golden color. Half finger of white head. Nice lacing. 4.5
Smells of sour apple and white grapes. Kind of tart. Very champagne like in the nose. Also, vanilla/butterscotch fudge. 4.5
Tastes of apple juice. Sweet toffee. Vanilla fudge. Slightly tart green apples and champagne ish white grapes. Smoky oak and a dash of bourbon. 4.5
Rich, but surprisingly light. Well carbonated, and slightly dry. 4.5
Surprisingly drinkable. Alcohol is barely noticeable. 4.5
★ 558 characters
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2012 Vintage. Pours a very hazy, golden-orange color with a large white head that goes down rather slowly. Pours very nicely. Scent is initially hoppy with some Belgian yeast aromas. Sweet coconut with spicy aromas...Very unique nose on this one. Vanilla and oak make their way to the nostrils...the oak is quite pleasant as it warms. Lots of citrus as well...orange peel, lemon, etc. Subtle bourbon. Quite the complex smelling brew we have here. Taste initially remind me of Mischief...you get that bold, spicy, hoppy, bright citrus flavor...but then it smoothly transforms to oaky coconut and caramel flavors. Sweet vanilla and bourbon...wow...just phenomenal flavors here. Finishes with a bit more citrus...somewhat bitter. A bit of alcohol as well. Mouthfeel is medium-full bodied. Smooth and creamy. Drinkability is very high, as I cannot believe this is 11.5%. Overall, such an amazing beer. I bought my full allocation of 5 bottles. I will gladly buy 5 more if I get the chance to head to Orange before it is sold out.
★ 1,025 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2012 Vintage. Pours a very hazy, golden-orange color with a large white head that goes down rather slowly. Pours very nicely. Scent is initially hoppy with some Belgian yeast aromas. Sweet coconut with spicy aromas...Very unique nose on this one. Vanilla and oak make their way to the nostrils...the oak is quite pleasant as it warms. Lots of citrus as well...orange peel, lemon, etc. Subtle bourbon. Quite the complex smelling brew we have here. Taste initially remind me of Mischief...you get that bold, spicy, hoppy, bright citrus flavor...but then it smoothly transforms to oaky coconut and caramel flavors. Sweet vanilla and bourbon...wow...just phenomenal flavors here. Finishes with a bit more citrus...somewhat bitter. A bit of alcohol as well. Mouthfeel is medium-full bodied. Smooth and creamy. Drinkability is very high, as I cannot believe this is 11.5%. Overall, such an amazing beer. I bought my full allocation of 5 bottles. I will gladly buy 5 more if I get the chance to head to Orange before it is sold out.
★ 1,025 characters
4.49/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured out of a brown 750 mL bottle into a small but bulbous snifter/tulip hybrid glass. I believe this is the 2013 version.
Appearance (4.25) - Ruddy brown-orange with highlights of yellow make up the cloudy body. An yellowish-white head of about a finger and a half rests atop with ample bubbles. A film of head remains throughout the beer, with a little more thickness around the edges of the glass. Lacing is moderate and silky.
Smell (4.5) - An intoxicating smell with note of fruit--mango specifically--along with a grainy wheat presence highlighted by veins of citrus and an underlying boozy element from the high alcohol content. Smells strong, but balanced and promising. Gives the impression of a stronger dessert wine, like a sauterne.
Taste (4.25) - The fruity element continues to have a strong presence, but is now flanked by notes of sweet caramel and even some cinnamon. Vanilla comes through from the heat of the bourbon barrels. Again, the wine-y elements are present to make this a very complex and interesting beer.
Mouthfeel (4.25) - Medium-bodied and highly viscous, with the liquid oozing back down the side of the glass after taking a drink. Carbonation is lower, but enough to counterpoint the thickness of the beer.
Overall (4.25) a wonderful beer from The Bruery, which is probably good, given the cost of this particular 750. Brings to mind the feel of cognac or even moreso a strong brandy. If this was more available, I would definitely keep it around.
★ 1,487 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured out of a brown 750 mL bottle into a small but bulbous snifter/tulip hybrid glass. I believe this is the 2013 version.
Appearance (4.25) - Ruddy brown-orange with highlights of yellow make up the cloudy body. An yellowish-white head of about a finger and a half rests atop with ample bubbles. A film of head remains throughout the beer, with a little more thickness around the edges of the glass. Lacing is moderate and silky.
Smell (4.5) - An intoxicating smell with note of fruit--mango specifically--along with a grainy wheat presence highlighted by veins of citrus and an underlying boozy element from the high alcohol content. Smells strong, but balanced and promising. Gives the impression of a stronger dessert wine, like a sauterne.
Taste (4.25) - The fruity element continues to have a strong presence, but is now flanked by notes of sweet caramel and even some cinnamon. Vanilla comes through from the heat of the bourbon barrels. Again, the wine-y elements are present to make this a very complex and interesting beer.
Mouthfeel (4.25) - Medium-bodied and highly viscous, with the liquid oozing back down the side of the glass after taking a drink. Carbonation is lower, but enough to counterpoint the thickness of the beer.
Overall (4.25) a wonderful beer from The Bruery, which is probably good, given the cost of this particular 750. Brings to mind the feel of cognac or even moreso a strong brandy. If this was more available, I would definitely keep it around.
★ 1,487 characters
4.47/5 rDev +13.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
750 ml bottle poured into a Gouden Carolus chalice. Thanks Cheesemoose! White, frothy head, high retention on a hazy golden body. Soapy, sudsy lacing, sticky. Aroma includes sweet fruits, banana, percimmon, a pleasant tartness and a hint of vanilla. Taste includes candi sugar, slight tartness, slight alcohol, some coconut as advertised. All the flavored work well together and the beer is delicious and highly drinkable for a high abv.
★ 437 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
750 ml bottle poured into a Gouden Carolus chalice. Thanks Cheesemoose! White, frothy head, high retention on a hazy golden body. Soapy, sudsy lacing, sticky. Aroma includes sweet fruits, banana, percimmon, a pleasant tartness and a hint of vanilla. Taste includes candi sugar, slight tartness, slight alcohol, some coconut as advertised. All the flavored work well together and the beer is delicious and highly drinkable for a high abv.
★ 437 characters
4.46/5 rDev +13.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Vintage bottle dated from 03/2013 sered in a wine glass cold.
Appearance: light orange with a nice foamy had and some unusually dark and grainy sediment. Kinda like black sand.
Nose: orange, vanilla, Woody, oak, caramel, coconut, nice malty backbone and a touch of wheat.
Taste: spicy and complex, oaky, caramel, coconut, tons of Barrel character, boozy orange candy
Overall: this bottle aged nicely and all has some significant hop character. I really enjoyed this beer and want some more. I just need to get the full visited White Chocolate.
★ 549 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Vintage bottle dated from 03/2013 sered in a wine glass cold.
Appearance: light orange with a nice foamy had and some unusually dark and grainy sediment. Kinda like black sand.
Nose: orange, vanilla, Woody, oak, caramel, coconut, nice malty backbone and a touch of wheat.
Taste: spicy and complex, oaky, caramel, coconut, tons of Barrel character, boozy orange candy
Overall: this bottle aged nicely and all has some significant hop character. I really enjoyed this beer and want some more. I just need to get the full visited White Chocolate.
★ 549 characters
4.45/5 rDev +13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Pours a golden color with a fluffy white head that quickly dissipates leaving some nice lacing.
Nose is subtle, oak stands out with some fruit and yeast
Taste is a complex blend of vanilla, oak, caramel, pepper, some Belgian yeast sweetness and a dry warming alcohol ending, finishes nice an clean. This is one tasty beer!
Mouthfeel features some nice carbonation.
This is a great beer, well done Bruery. This one is dangerously drinkable with a high ABV. Don't pass up the chance to drink this one.
★ 503 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Pours a golden color with a fluffy white head that quickly dissipates leaving some nice lacing.
Nose is subtle, oak stands out with some fruit and yeast
Taste is a complex blend of vanilla, oak, caramel, pepper, some Belgian yeast sweetness and a dry warming alcohol ending, finishes nice an clean. This is one tasty beer!
Mouthfeel features some nice carbonation.
This is a great beer, well done Bruery. This one is dangerously drinkable with a high ABV. Don't pass up the chance to drink this one.
★ 503 characters
4.44/5 rDev +13%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Pours a slightly hazy golden, capped by a somewhat rocky three finger white head with very good retention
S: Almost experienced sensory overload after taking a few extended whiffs. Starts out with a subtle, spicy mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg before opening up into a melange of aromas. Ripe bananas, berries, vanilla, oaky notes, sweet bread, some green apple. Various combinations of these aromas hit at different times, creating composite aromas of apple pie, berry cobbler, or a banana heavy smoothie.
T: A bit of a booze hit up front before going into a similar mixture of flavors as the nose. Spices come in a bit stronger up front with heavier clove and cinnamon, while the vanilla takes a back fruit. From there it transitions into fruit again with the banana, spices and the wheaty base combining to form a sort of banana bread character. Finishes sweet with the vanilla coming back into the picture along with a bit oak.
M: Medium bodied with low, but sufficient, carbonation. Feels very sticky as it moves over the tongue and even in the finish.
D: Takes a hit from the noticeable alcohol, but still pretty drinkable for an 11.5% beer.
★ 1,159 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Pours a slightly hazy golden, capped by a somewhat rocky three finger white head with very good retention
S: Almost experienced sensory overload after taking a few extended whiffs. Starts out with a subtle, spicy mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg before opening up into a melange of aromas. Ripe bananas, berries, vanilla, oaky notes, sweet bread, some green apple. Various combinations of these aromas hit at different times, creating composite aromas of apple pie, berry cobbler, or a banana heavy smoothie.
T: A bit of a booze hit up front before going into a similar mixture of flavors as the nose. Spices come in a bit stronger up front with heavier clove and cinnamon, while the vanilla takes a back fruit. From there it transitions into fruit again with the banana, spices and the wheaty base combining to form a sort of banana bread character. Finishes sweet with the vanilla coming back into the picture along with a bit oak.
M: Medium bodied with low, but sufficient, carbonation. Feels very sticky as it moves over the tongue and even in the finish.
D: Takes a hit from the noticeable alcohol, but still pretty drinkable for an 11.5% beer.
★ 1,159 characters
White Oak from The Bruery
3.93
out of 5
based on 1,281 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
A - lots of head (may have been over-carbonated because i poured very slowly), light brown, slightly more clear than cloudy
S - smells sweet, almost like a saison. bourbon smell is prominent
T - tastes like a saison too. can definitely taste the alcohol. bourbon flavor is very noticeable. very sweet, slightly fruity. Tastes better warmer.
M - crisp, flows nicely
O - a very good beer, but at $16 a bottle i probably will not buy it again.
★ 444 characters