White Chocolate
The Bruery
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- American Wheatwine Ale
Ranked #2 - ABV:
- 13.8%
- Score:
- 94
Ranked #1,342 - Avg:
- 4.23 | pDev: 12.06%
- Reviews:
- 224
- Ratings:
- From:
- The Bruery
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating
- Wants
- 491
- Gots
- 477
SCORE
94
Outstanding
94
Outstanding
Notes:
ABV varies by batch.
The primary component of our "White Oak" ale is a 100% barrel aged wheat wine that we affectionately refer to as "White Oak Sap." Essentially a "summer" barley-wine style ale, but made with a wheat heavy grain base, White Oak Sap is aged in used bourbon barrels for nearly a year and comes out rich in flavors of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla. To compliment the already rich flavors of the beer, we've added cacao nibs and vanilla beans to give this beer the delicate flavor of white chocolate...hence the name.
The primary component of our "White Oak" ale is a 100% barrel aged wheat wine that we affectionately refer to as "White Oak Sap." Essentially a "summer" barley-wine style ale, but made with a wheat heavy grain base, White Oak Sap is aged in used bourbon barrels for nearly a year and comes out rich in flavors of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla. To compliment the already rich flavors of the beer, we've added cacao nibs and vanilla beans to give this beer the delicate flavor of white chocolate...hence the name.
Reviews: 224
| Ratings: 1,351
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4.42/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
*White Chocolate 2020 poured into a Teku glass from a 16oz can*
*Canned on: 01/15/20*
*Drank on: 05/21/20*
This poured a hazy apple juice-like golden color and had about a half-finger white colored head which had little to no retention to it. This beer looked true to the style, but it didn't look very attractive to me in my opinion.
If I had to describe the aroma and the flavor profiles of this beer in one word, it would have to be "rich". The aromas were very barrel-forward providing strong notes of bourbon and vanilla upfront. In the middle nose, I got rich notes of coconut which then evolved to a buttery-like pastry aroma by having components of sweet honey, caramel, and cacao butter, almost reminiscent of a butter croissant with caramelized sugar. With all of these rich and decadent aromas considered, I can definitely see why The Bruery decided to call this "White Chocolate".
There was a big booziness from the bourbon upfront that was coupled with a very delicate vanilla taste. The bourbon then mellowed out to the rich taste of coconuts in addition to cacao fat from the nibs in the middle of the palate. These flavors held on for only a second, until the boozy taste of the bourbon returned in the finish along with a rich sweetness of caramel. I thought the flavors overall were quite nice, but as I continued to sip on this, I felt as though the bourbon flavors and the overall richness of the beer made the flavors a little too rich and overpowering for my tastes.
This beer doesn't try to hide its ABV. It definitely leaves you with a warmth in the throat and chest. This is very rich and boozy in both flavor and feel like you're actually eating white chocolate--it's almost like eating white chocolate dipped in bourbon. This beer felt medium bodied and had a moderate amount of carbonation, despite this, this beer is definitely meant to be sipped on and enjoyed for a couple hours, letting it open and warm up in your glass allowing you to take in all of its complexities. This beer also left a strong bourbon and a rich buttery coating around the mouth so you're constantly reminded that you're drinking a big, rich, boozy, decadent and complex beer.
Overall, this beer was very good, but also pretty rich and heavy. This is definitely meant to be sipped on and enjoyed with friends or family. Take your time, and enjoy.
2,358 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
*White Chocolate 2020 poured into a Teku glass from a 16oz can*
*Canned on: 01/15/20*
*Drank on: 05/21/20*
This poured a hazy apple juice-like golden color and had about a half-finger white colored head which had little to no retention to it. This beer looked true to the style, but it didn't look very attractive to me in my opinion.
If I had to describe the aroma and the flavor profiles of this beer in one word, it would have to be "rich". The aromas were very barrel-forward providing strong notes of bourbon and vanilla upfront. In the middle nose, I got rich notes of coconut which then evolved to a buttery-like pastry aroma by having components of sweet honey, caramel, and cacao butter, almost reminiscent of a butter croissant with caramelized sugar. With all of these rich and decadent aromas considered, I can definitely see why The Bruery decided to call this "White Chocolate".
There was a big booziness from the bourbon upfront that was coupled with a very delicate vanilla taste. The bourbon then mellowed out to the rich taste of coconuts in addition to cacao fat from the nibs in the middle of the palate. These flavors held on for only a second, until the boozy taste of the bourbon returned in the finish along with a rich sweetness of caramel. I thought the flavors overall were quite nice, but as I continued to sip on this, I felt as though the bourbon flavors and the overall richness of the beer made the flavors a little too rich and overpowering for my tastes.
This beer doesn't try to hide its ABV. It definitely leaves you with a warmth in the throat and chest. This is very rich and boozy in both flavor and feel like you're actually eating white chocolate--it's almost like eating white chocolate dipped in bourbon. This beer felt medium bodied and had a moderate amount of carbonation, despite this, this beer is definitely meant to be sipped on and enjoyed for a couple hours, letting it open and warm up in your glass allowing you to take in all of its complexities. This beer also left a strong bourbon and a rich buttery coating around the mouth so you're constantly reminded that you're drinking a big, rich, boozy, decadent and complex beer.
Overall, this beer was very good, but also pretty rich and heavy. This is definitely meant to be sipped on and enjoyed with friends or family. Take your time, and enjoy.
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4.18/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
**
05/15/2020
Can to tulip glass.
LOOK: opaque amber color, clear, small off-white head, legs but poor retention.
AROMA: lots of cocoa, hints of vanilla, wood, light barley, honey.
TASTE: tasty cocoa, a lot of wood also, baking soda, raisin, wine, brandy, vegetable.
FEEL: smooth, medium body, low carbonation,
very nice and smooth. the cocoa is fantastic and better than hoped for in this style. A really nice bru.
**
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
**
05/15/2020
Can to tulip glass.
LOOK: opaque amber color, clear, small off-white head, legs but poor retention.
AROMA: lots of cocoa, hints of vanilla, wood, light barley, honey.
TASTE: tasty cocoa, a lot of wood also, baking soda, raisin, wine, brandy, vegetable.
FEEL: smooth, medium body, low carbonation,
very nice and smooth. the cocoa is fantastic and better than hoped for in this style. A really nice bru.
**
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4.29/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a can - not quite clear amber with quickly dissipating white head leaving minimal foamy lacing and a ring of bubbles. Nose is sweet and oakey . Taste follows more or less. Really smooth and woody. Hints of cocoa and vanilla. Very smooth. Would not hesitate to cellar one for a year or 2 .
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a can - not quite clear amber with quickly dissipating white head leaving minimal foamy lacing and a ring of bubbles. Nose is sweet and oakey . Taste follows more or less. Really smooth and woody. Hints of cocoa and vanilla. Very smooth. Would not hesitate to cellar one for a year or 2 .
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5/5 rDev +18.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
It carries a classical ale look.
The smell, oh my goodness, this is one of the best smelling ales ever.
The taste is wonderful, follows the smell, butterscotch, vanilla, bourbon, chocolate, pure joy for the palate.
A little heavy for an ale, but fits perfect for this ale.
Overall, this is the best ale I have ever had.
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
It carries a classical ale look.
The smell, oh my goodness, this is one of the best smelling ales ever.
The taste is wonderful, follows the smell, butterscotch, vanilla, bourbon, chocolate, pure joy for the palate.
A little heavy for an ale, but fits perfect for this ale.
Overall, this is the best ale I have ever had.
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4.26/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
I bought this totally by accident, thinking it to be an imperial stout -- it said a barrel-aged ale with cacao nibs! But I will review with an open mind.
Appearance: Pours a translucent gold with a quickly disappearing white head.
Smell: Pleasant honey, apple, bourbon, and vanilla. Kind of like a barrel-aged apple cider.
Taste: Sweet but not cloying. Malt predominates, butterscotch balanced with bourbon barrel. Bit of apple, bit of vanilla, but not really any chocolate. Hints of booze.
Feel: Very dry on the back of the finish, probably from booze. Medium-bodied.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
I bought this totally by accident, thinking it to be an imperial stout -- it said a barrel-aged ale with cacao nibs! But I will review with an open mind.
Appearance: Pours a translucent gold with a quickly disappearing white head.
Smell: Pleasant honey, apple, bourbon, and vanilla. Kind of like a barrel-aged apple cider.
Taste: Sweet but not cloying. Malt predominates, butterscotch balanced with bourbon barrel. Bit of apple, bit of vanilla, but not really any chocolate. Hints of booze.
Feel: Very dry on the back of the finish, probably from booze. Medium-bodied.
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4.21/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appears a slightly hazy, nice brown color with a creamy head. Smooth appearance.
Nose is vanilla, butterscotch, vintage furniture, cocoa, caramel, slight hint of tobacco. What a blend.
Taste is a biting elixir of honey and vanilla, with the antique/ musty notes I picked up in the nose lending a Belgium-like flavor, kind of like an apple cider vinegar. Strong, sweet, and a dry finishing beer.
Feels well-carbonated and somewhat sticky.
More vanilla/ honey than chocolate. Bourbon-like. An interesting slow sipper, boozy but nice if you like anything in the barley-wine arena.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appears a slightly hazy, nice brown color with a creamy head. Smooth appearance.
Nose is vanilla, butterscotch, vintage furniture, cocoa, caramel, slight hint of tobacco. What a blend.
Taste is a biting elixir of honey and vanilla, with the antique/ musty notes I picked up in the nose lending a Belgium-like flavor, kind of like an apple cider vinegar. Strong, sweet, and a dry finishing beer.
Feels well-carbonated and somewhat sticky.
More vanilla/ honey than chocolate. Bourbon-like. An interesting slow sipper, boozy but nice if you like anything in the barley-wine arena.
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4.25/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a translucent amber with two fingers of densely packed bubbles. Mild lacing.
Nose is bright and sweet. Malt and bourbon are the stars of the show here. Vanilla is strong on the nose as well. So much so that it reminds me of vanilla pudding or frosting. Kind of like egg nog before all of the spices. Booze is definitely detected. At 14% this isn't much surprise.
Taste is similar. Bourbon, malt, vanilla reminiscent of pastries, a very small amount of chocolate comes through now. A tiny bit of bitterness comes in on the back end, but I'm not sure if that's hop addition or the cacao nibs. Regardless it's a small force against the sheer amount of sweetness that this brew brings. The honey like quality starts to build the more I drink.
Mouthfeel is silky smooth. Fullbodied with mild carbonation.
A fun, novelty brew from The Bruery. Share it with someone or pair with a meal because this one is a big sweet beast and it will tap you out by the second round.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a translucent amber with two fingers of densely packed bubbles. Mild lacing.
Nose is bright and sweet. Malt and bourbon are the stars of the show here. Vanilla is strong on the nose as well. So much so that it reminds me of vanilla pudding or frosting. Kind of like egg nog before all of the spices. Booze is definitely detected. At 14% this isn't much surprise.
Taste is similar. Bourbon, malt, vanilla reminiscent of pastries, a very small amount of chocolate comes through now. A tiny bit of bitterness comes in on the back end, but I'm not sure if that's hop addition or the cacao nibs. Regardless it's a small force against the sheer amount of sweetness that this brew brings. The honey like quality starts to build the more I drink.
Mouthfeel is silky smooth. Fullbodied with mild carbonation.
A fun, novelty brew from The Bruery. Share it with someone or pair with a meal because this one is a big sweet beast and it will tap you out by the second round.
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4.52/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Aroma is white chocolate/vanilla, caramel and very big barley/wheatwine malts. The flavor is big malts/wheat, caramel, white chocolate and a signature barley/wheatwine warming alcoholic finish.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Aroma is white chocolate/vanilla, caramel and very big barley/wheatwine malts. The flavor is big malts/wheat, caramel, white chocolate and a signature barley/wheatwine warming alcoholic finish.
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4.29/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a moderately hazy, medium orange with a quarter finger white head with good retention and lacing. Aroma of lightly caramel malt, vanilla and light coconut and bourbon. Flavor is caramel malt, bourbon, vanilla, hints of cocoa and coconut; a more fruity finish that has a bit of mild tartness. Lingering vanilla and bourbon. Medium bodied with fizzy carbonation. I'm not quite getting the white chocolate part, but it's been a long time since I had that form of chocolate. This does have a fairly traditional wheatwine style body with dominant bourbon flavors from the barrel. Vanilla seem to be the major secondary flavor. Hints of cocoa and coconut are present too. As I recall, white chocolate has more vanilla/crème flavor than cocoa, so I guess this is what they were aiming for. They had me at wheatwine, and I liked this quite a bit as a bourboned wheatwine with vanilla. Flavorful and solid; I've been wanting to try this for a long time. The fizzy, fruity finish makes me wonder about ageing this one.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a moderately hazy, medium orange with a quarter finger white head with good retention and lacing. Aroma of lightly caramel malt, vanilla and light coconut and bourbon. Flavor is caramel malt, bourbon, vanilla, hints of cocoa and coconut; a more fruity finish that has a bit of mild tartness. Lingering vanilla and bourbon. Medium bodied with fizzy carbonation. I'm not quite getting the white chocolate part, but it's been a long time since I had that form of chocolate. This does have a fairly traditional wheatwine style body with dominant bourbon flavors from the barrel. Vanilla seem to be the major secondary flavor. Hints of cocoa and coconut are present too. As I recall, white chocolate has more vanilla/crème flavor than cocoa, so I guess this is what they were aiming for. They had me at wheatwine, and I liked this quite a bit as a bourboned wheatwine with vanilla. Flavorful and solid; I've been wanting to try this for a long time. The fizzy, fruity finish makes me wonder about ageing this one.
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4.46/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
750 ml bottle, 2017, poured into a tulip
A- A clear amber with a two finger off white head.
S- Bourbon, caramel, chocolate, some vanilla, hints of stone fruits.
T- Caramel, chocolate, bourbon, some vanilla, stone fruits, touch of oak.
M- Smooth, medium to full body, chewy.
O- Even at 3 years old it still has nice white chocolate flavors. The alcohol is well hidden, surprisingly easy to drink.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
750 ml bottle, 2017, poured into a tulip
A- A clear amber with a two finger off white head.
S- Bourbon, caramel, chocolate, some vanilla, hints of stone fruits.
T- Caramel, chocolate, bourbon, some vanilla, stone fruits, touch of oak.
M- Smooth, medium to full body, chewy.
O- Even at 3 years old it still has nice white chocolate flavors. The alcohol is well hidden, surprisingly easy to drink.
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4.08/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a crystal clear chestnut color. Didn't get a good look at the head and swirling couldn't bring it back to life.
Aroma is cacao, bourbon, cherry, cherry cordial, and hot alcohol vapors.
Flavor is cherry cordial, light vanilla, bourbon, some oak notes, hints of toffee and apple juice. Very noticeable alcohol flavor. Starts quite sweet, finishes dry.
Mouthfeel was heavy bodied, but not chewy. Light-ish carbonation (mine was sitting for some time before I could try it - millage may vary.) Alcohol is very hot, but appropriate for the high ABV.
Overall, very delicious and rich. Definitely recommend for bourbon lovers with friends to share this with.
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look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a crystal clear chestnut color. Didn't get a good look at the head and swirling couldn't bring it back to life.
Aroma is cacao, bourbon, cherry, cherry cordial, and hot alcohol vapors.
Flavor is cherry cordial, light vanilla, bourbon, some oak notes, hints of toffee and apple juice. Very noticeable alcohol flavor. Starts quite sweet, finishes dry.
Mouthfeel was heavy bodied, but not chewy. Light-ish carbonation (mine was sitting for some time before I could try it - millage may vary.) Alcohol is very hot, but appropriate for the high ABV.
Overall, very delicious and rich. Definitely recommend for bourbon lovers with friends to share this with.
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4.32/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Playground in Santa Ana, CA.
Yep. If King Arthur pulled up to the bar, he’d be like, “Give me a White Chocolate.” This one is big and rich like Lizzo eating her supper, and it also is just so damn legit and smooth. Wow. This is 14.3%? For real? What a treat. This is some renisance shit, and you don’t even have to dress up like a dork to enjoy it.
Yep!
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Playground in Santa Ana, CA.
Yep. If King Arthur pulled up to the bar, he’d be like, “Give me a White Chocolate.” This one is big and rich like Lizzo eating her supper, and it also is just so damn legit and smooth. Wow. This is 14.3%? For real? What a treat. This is some renisance shit, and you don’t even have to dress up like a dork to enjoy it.
Yep!
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4.29/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L - Golden/copper with a white head that dissipates somewhat quickly leaving behind no real lacing.
S - Tons of booze and sweet bourbon on the nose as well as a decent amount of vanilla.
T - Sweet bourbon and oak dominate throughout with hints of vanilla, coconut, caramel, some sweet honey. Not really getting the white chocolate - but there's vanilla so...
F - Medium bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation - somewhat soft.
O - A solid ale with a decent amount of complexity that makes it worth a visit.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L - Golden/copper with a white head that dissipates somewhat quickly leaving behind no real lacing.
S - Tons of booze and sweet bourbon on the nose as well as a decent amount of vanilla.
T - Sweet bourbon and oak dominate throughout with hints of vanilla, coconut, caramel, some sweet honey. Not really getting the white chocolate - but there's vanilla so...
F - Medium bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation - somewhat soft.
O - A solid ale with a decent amount of complexity that makes it worth a visit.
514 characters
4.26/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Type: 750-ml. bottle
Glass: Revision 12-oz. tulip
From: The Bruery in Placentia, Calif.
Price: $17.50 (averaged out the four bottles I purchased for $70)
Purchased: N/A; Received on June 2, 2019
Consumed: June 8, 2019
Reviewed as: Wheatwine
Misc.: Bottled on Jan. 15, 2019 at 9:49 a.m. PT
Got this as part of the quarterly packages I purchased from The Bruery only because of Wee Heavy Coconuts. Untappd description called it, “This bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale made a fanciful trip to the chocolatier and returned with luscious flavors of white chocolate – hence the name. White Chocolate is a rewarding summons to the senses – beginning with its golden appearance and finishing with warming, white chocolate-like flavors. This is accomplished by adding cacao nibs from TCHO and fresh vanilla beans to our bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale, complimenting the rich notes of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla from extensive barrel-aging.” Right up my alley.
Poured a copper clear color with two fingers of off-white frothy head. Lots of bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass, looking like a snow globe. Below average watery lacing. Decent retention. (Sight - 3.50)
Smelled smooth bourbon, oak, leather, white chocolate, vanilla, chocolate syrup, cocoa, caramel, toffee and honey. (Smell - 4.25)
Taste wasn’t quite as good, but solid nonetheless. Got smooth bourbon, vanilla, white chocolate, oak, leather, chocolate syrup, cocoa, caramel, toffee and honey. (Taste - 4.25)
Medium body. Creamy texture. Average carbonation. Long, warming finish. (Feel - 4.75)
Just a really good beer. Loved it. (Overall - 4.25)
4.26 | 95 | A
1,667 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Type: 750-ml. bottle
Glass: Revision 12-oz. tulip
From: The Bruery in Placentia, Calif.
Price: $17.50 (averaged out the four bottles I purchased for $70)
Purchased: N/A; Received on June 2, 2019
Consumed: June 8, 2019
Reviewed as: Wheatwine
Misc.: Bottled on Jan. 15, 2019 at 9:49 a.m. PT
Got this as part of the quarterly packages I purchased from The Bruery only because of Wee Heavy Coconuts. Untappd description called it, “This bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale made a fanciful trip to the chocolatier and returned with luscious flavors of white chocolate – hence the name. White Chocolate is a rewarding summons to the senses – beginning with its golden appearance and finishing with warming, white chocolate-like flavors. This is accomplished by adding cacao nibs from TCHO and fresh vanilla beans to our bourbon barrel-aged wheatwine-style ale, complimenting the rich notes of coconut, honey, caramel and vanilla from extensive barrel-aging.” Right up my alley.
Poured a copper clear color with two fingers of off-white frothy head. Lots of bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass, looking like a snow globe. Below average watery lacing. Decent retention. (Sight - 3.50)
Smelled smooth bourbon, oak, leather, white chocolate, vanilla, chocolate syrup, cocoa, caramel, toffee and honey. (Smell - 4.25)
Taste wasn’t quite as good, but solid nonetheless. Got smooth bourbon, vanilla, white chocolate, oak, leather, chocolate syrup, cocoa, caramel, toffee and honey. (Taste - 4.25)
Medium body. Creamy texture. Average carbonation. Long, warming finish. (Feel - 4.75)
Just a really good beer. Loved it. (Overall - 4.25)
4.26 | 95 | A
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3.79/5 rDev -10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
750ml bottle a few years old.
Pours clear copper with zero head or retention. Nose is very boozy with the slightest hint of vanilla. Medium bodied with a syrupy mouthfeel. Big booze on the palate with some malt and a hint of vanilla. Finishes with plenty of sweet heft.
Big boozy wheatwine.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
750ml bottle a few years old.
Pours clear copper with zero head or retention. Nose is very boozy with the slightest hint of vanilla. Medium bodied with a syrupy mouthfeel. Big booze on the palate with some malt and a hint of vanilla. Finishes with plenty of sweet heft.
Big boozy wheatwine.
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3.74/5 rDev -11.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Draught @ Beer Temple, Amsterdam, 10 cl pour. Pours a hazy amber-ish colour, with no head. Aroma's are sweet, vanilla, firm malt. Retronasal there's additional wood and booziness. Flavour is sweet, but not overly so, with some alcohol, light sour, light bitter. Strong alcohol feel. Medium bodied though. Long finish, woody and light bitter.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Draught @ Beer Temple, Amsterdam, 10 cl pour. Pours a hazy amber-ish colour, with no head. Aroma's are sweet, vanilla, firm malt. Retronasal there's additional wood and booziness. Flavour is sweet, but not overly so, with some alcohol, light sour, light bitter. Strong alcohol feel. Medium bodied though. Long finish, woody and light bitter.
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4.22/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
I opened two bottles of this in 2019; first a 2017 bottle, then a 2018 bottle after I noticed I didn't detect any white chocolate in the 2017 bottle. I reviewed them both below, but my score reflects the 2018 bottle which I thought was better.
Look – 2017 bottle poured a dirty amber color, with a creamy thick head that lasted a while and stuck to the glass. The 2018 bottle was a much cleaner looking amber color, also with a nice creamy thick long lasting head.
Smell – The 2017 bottle had a barley wine scent, with a slight tartness, oak, bourbon, and just a touch of honey. The 2018 bottle wasn't as tart, and it also included a very light hint of cacao and vanilla.
Taste – The taste closely follows the smell for both bottles, and can be described about the same as the smell. It's good, but I don't think that 'white chocolate' is a good description for either bottle. I think it's much more of a wheat wine.
Feel – Both bottles were nice and creamy with a perfect amount of carbonation. A very good mouthfeel!
Overall – Very drinkable for 14.0% abv. I don't know if this should be opened fresh, or if I just had a sour (infected?) 2017 bottle that a number of other reviewers complained about. My wife actually preferred the 2017 bottle.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
I opened two bottles of this in 2019; first a 2017 bottle, then a 2018 bottle after I noticed I didn't detect any white chocolate in the 2017 bottle. I reviewed them both below, but my score reflects the 2018 bottle which I thought was better.
Look – 2017 bottle poured a dirty amber color, with a creamy thick head that lasted a while and stuck to the glass. The 2018 bottle was a much cleaner looking amber color, also with a nice creamy thick long lasting head.
Smell – The 2017 bottle had a barley wine scent, with a slight tartness, oak, bourbon, and just a touch of honey. The 2018 bottle wasn't as tart, and it also included a very light hint of cacao and vanilla.
Taste – The taste closely follows the smell for both bottles, and can be described about the same as the smell. It's good, but I don't think that 'white chocolate' is a good description for either bottle. I think it's much more of a wheat wine.
Feel – Both bottles were nice and creamy with a perfect amount of carbonation. A very good mouthfeel!
Overall – Very drinkable for 14.0% abv. I don't know if this should be opened fresh, or if I just had a sour (infected?) 2017 bottle that a number of other reviewers complained about. My wife actually preferred the 2017 bottle.
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3.34/5 rDev -21%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
For the 2020 edition!
Sweet carmel-honey and vanilla bourbon aromatics on this one! Taste follows with a honey-vanilla, dark chocolate bitter, boozy vibe. The flavors are there, but it is not what I would compare to being white chocolate. This packs a punch with the ABV, but is a little thin on the palate. As it warms it gets a little syrupy and the booziness dominates.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
For the 2020 edition!
Sweet carmel-honey and vanilla bourbon aromatics on this one! Taste follows with a honey-vanilla, dark chocolate bitter, boozy vibe. The flavors are there, but it is not what I would compare to being white chocolate. This packs a punch with the ABV, but is a little thin on the palate. As it warms it gets a little syrupy and the booziness dominates.
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4.43/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Basically a bourbon barrel aged wheat wine with vanilla beans and cacao beans added... Opaque, orange-amber, caramel-looking beer with but a trace of a head; served on tap at The Good Life in Massapequa, NY... This was a great beer - a big beer ("sipper" lol)... Smooth, creamy blended fruits accented with bourbon and sweet vanilla... Body is plush, full, and smooth... Some of the chocolate and vanilla comes across on the finish, leaving this coating like, the fruit you've been eating was covered in chocolate and vanilla... Thinking they pretty much nailed what they were shooting for here...
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Basically a bourbon barrel aged wheat wine with vanilla beans and cacao beans added... Opaque, orange-amber, caramel-looking beer with but a trace of a head; served on tap at The Good Life in Massapequa, NY... This was a great beer - a big beer ("sipper" lol)... Smooth, creamy blended fruits accented with bourbon and sweet vanilla... Body is plush, full, and smooth... Some of the chocolate and vanilla comes across on the finish, leaving this coating like, the fruit you've been eating was covered in chocolate and vanilla... Thinking they pretty much nailed what they were shooting for here...
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2.59/5 rDev -38.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.25
Honestly. This is a weird beer. I don't know if the appeal is here. It is cloyingly sweet, and probably overly boozy. I got the white chocolate on the front, but there is a weird raspberry or fruity note on the backend that turns the whole thing off for me. Seriously, no.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.25
Honestly. This is a weird beer. I don't know if the appeal is here. It is cloyingly sweet, and probably overly boozy. I got the white chocolate on the front, but there is a weird raspberry or fruity note on the backend that turns the whole thing off for me. Seriously, no.
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4.3/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a dull, semi-clear deep amber (which clears as the brew warms) with decent rising effervescence and no readily detectable particulates. The pour produces 2 fingers of beige, fine bubbled, foamy, somewhat lasting head that leaves motes and wisps of lace. Aroma is boozy wheat and honey with sweet fruity esters: apple, overripe banana, cherry, lemon, melon and possibly others I can't define; chocolate, vanilla, coconut and earth are in the background and I also detect a cereal and we'll defined sour hint. Taste is sweet, wheat with a biscuit hint and honey; fruity notes are numerous but are not as diverse as in the nose: dried apple, orange and lemon. Bourbon is detectable as is faint chocolate as is vanilla, toasted coconut and leather with spice and bitterness from the alcohol. Finishes semi-sweet, with a vinous dryness and pepper, but more heavily to alcohol and spice (the alcohol portion of which is probably responsible for the dryness). Aftertaste is fruity, alcohol spice & bitterness. Overall this is brew has a deep earthiness. Mouthfeel is medium-heavy bodied with low-moderate carbonation, thick with a syrupy, creamy feel with alcohol warmth & spice. The alcohol while easily detectable as warmth, bitterness and spice is not overly so for the high ABV.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a dull, semi-clear deep amber (which clears as the brew warms) with decent rising effervescence and no readily detectable particulates. The pour produces 2 fingers of beige, fine bubbled, foamy, somewhat lasting head that leaves motes and wisps of lace. Aroma is boozy wheat and honey with sweet fruity esters: apple, overripe banana, cherry, lemon, melon and possibly others I can't define; chocolate, vanilla, coconut and earth are in the background and I also detect a cereal and we'll defined sour hint. Taste is sweet, wheat with a biscuit hint and honey; fruity notes are numerous but are not as diverse as in the nose: dried apple, orange and lemon. Bourbon is detectable as is faint chocolate as is vanilla, toasted coconut and leather with spice and bitterness from the alcohol. Finishes semi-sweet, with a vinous dryness and pepper, but more heavily to alcohol and spice (the alcohol portion of which is probably responsible for the dryness). Aftertaste is fruity, alcohol spice & bitterness. Overall this is brew has a deep earthiness. Mouthfeel is medium-heavy bodied with low-moderate carbonation, thick with a syrupy, creamy feel with alcohol warmth & spice. The alcohol while easily detectable as warmth, bitterness and spice is not overly so for the high ABV.
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4.24/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Vintage 2017
A: Pours a bronze orange color with 2 fingers of head that fades down to a small cap
S: Lots of chocolate, vanilla, and oak up front along with some bourbon and coconut. Quite in your face (in a good way)
T: Follows the nose. Starts off with the vanilla and bourbon and then slowly picks up the chocolate and oak. Lightly sweet honey and caramel notes pop in and out. Alcohol is present but works well with the flavor profile, lends some light fruitiness, and doesn't show as nearly 13.8%. Finishes with lingering chocolate, vanilla, and bourbon
M: Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. Surprisingly slim (not in a bad way) for such a massive beer
O: Definitely encapsulates bourbon and white chocolate. A great sipper that has done well with age (nearly 2 years on the bottle). Perfect for a holiday near the fire
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Vintage 2017
A: Pours a bronze orange color with 2 fingers of head that fades down to a small cap
S: Lots of chocolate, vanilla, and oak up front along with some bourbon and coconut. Quite in your face (in a good way)
T: Follows the nose. Starts off with the vanilla and bourbon and then slowly picks up the chocolate and oak. Lightly sweet honey and caramel notes pop in and out. Alcohol is present but works well with the flavor profile, lends some light fruitiness, and doesn't show as nearly 13.8%. Finishes with lingering chocolate, vanilla, and bourbon
M: Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. Surprisingly slim (not in a bad way) for such a massive beer
O: Definitely encapsulates bourbon and white chocolate. A great sipper that has done well with age (nearly 2 years on the bottle). Perfect for a holiday near the fire
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4.11/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours amber, half centimeter of fine head.
Smells of vanilla, graham cracker, nutty.
Taste is chocolate, vanilla, slight bourbon, fruity notes on the back end.
Mouthfeel is thick and smooth. Bubbles are soft.
Overall, great riff on the strong ale/bw style. This is a really interesting beer, I'm not sure that I've had much like it. Though the price point is on the higher end, its much easier to justify when you're getting a unique experience.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours amber, half centimeter of fine head.
Smells of vanilla, graham cracker, nutty.
Taste is chocolate, vanilla, slight bourbon, fruity notes on the back end.
Mouthfeel is thick and smooth. Bubbles are soft.
Overall, great riff on the strong ale/bw style. This is a really interesting beer, I'm not sure that I've had much like it. Though the price point is on the higher end, its much easier to justify when you're getting a unique experience.
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4.64/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours a slightly cloudy orangish amber with a thick white cap that recedes quickly and leaves minimal lacing. Aroma is chocolate, oak and bourbon. Flavor is rich caramel with chocolate, vanilla and bourbon. Feel is medium bodied with low carbonation. Overall a tremendous beer.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours a slightly cloudy orangish amber with a thick white cap that recedes quickly and leaves minimal lacing. Aroma is chocolate, oak and bourbon. Flavor is rich caramel with chocolate, vanilla and bourbon. Feel is medium bodied with low carbonation. Overall a tremendous beer.
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4.15/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A-A nice hazy amber color with a nice head and lacing
A-Aroma has abundant oak hints
T-The taste follows the nose with a pleasant oak flavor
M-A medium bodied well carbonated beer
O-A well balanced barleywine beer with a gentle but strong kick
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A-A nice hazy amber color with a nice head and lacing
A-Aroma has abundant oak hints
T-The taste follows the nose with a pleasant oak flavor
M-A medium bodied well carbonated beer
O-A well balanced barleywine beer with a gentle but strong kick
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White Chocolate from The Bruery
Beer rating:
94 out of
100 with
1351 ratings
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