Brew 8000 - Double Barrel
Fremont Brewing Company

 

On tap, poured into a Fremont snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown, appearing nearly opaque in the glass with a thin khaki film that dissipates to almost nothing with slight lacing. Almost looks like a still pour. Aroma of dry caramel malt, raisins, plums, dates and a hint of rye. Flavor is dry caramel malt, bourbon, raisins and plums, hints of molasses and and rye; solid rye character in the finish. Medium bodied with moderate creaminess and good carbonation despite the still looking pour. Finding out that I had missed this variant when I picked up my bottle of 8000, I had a 4 oz. pour at the brewery. Glad I got to try it. Interestingly, I asked about the two barrels used here and was told one was a rye barrel and I got distinct rye flavors in the finish. I see now that the description mentions only Heaven Hill and Woodford Reserve bourbon barrels, maybe it was power of suggestion. At any rate, I really liked whatever produced the rye character. A fine English style barleywine that leans to fresher dark fruit flavors with less dried fruit typical to the style, but plenty of flavor depth. Remarkably well covered ABV. Nicely done as usual.

2024-04-28
6oz pour at the brewery. It's screaming dates, toffee, and vanilla. Very sweet, just the right booziness. Excellent beer.