Rye Barl Stout
Anderson Valley Brewing Company

 

 

Drinking this on-tap at the brewery's brewpub after getting the awesome tour of Anderson Valley's facility from my very good friend Jon Passow, who is the Barrel Operations Manager at this brewery. I am currently on vacation in north western California as I write this review. Drinking this beer, which is a rye barrel aged version of their oatmeal stout, on tap at the brewpub. Served to me in a snifter, this beer is a very dark brown color with a nice tan head about an inch thick when first served. Settles to a medium sized ring lining the inside I the glass. Not much lacing though because the whiskey kills the head. Aromas of the whiskey. Aromas of dark roasted malt and oatmeal along with hints of rye of course. The taste is pretty much the same, with big hints of dark roasted malt with nice cocoa and oatmeal notes and a subtle hint of rye. Not much bourbon. Rounded out with a slight hint of hops. Has a nice smooth, frothy, creamy medium to full bodied mouthfeel with moderate carbonation. Easy to drink in a good way.

Eric