Texas Bourbon Barrel Series: Imperial Red
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

$ 18.06(Including tax and discount)/four-pack of 12 oz cans ($ 0.376/oz) from Spec’s #100, DeZavala, San Antonio. Reviewed 3/12/19.
“12/5/18” stamped on bottom of can. On shelf in store. Stored at 42 degrees and served at 42 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter.
Appearance – 4.
Body – Brown, opaque. When held to the light, minimum penetration occurs at the upper edge. Effervescent.
Head – Small (Maximum one cm, aggressive center pour), tan, average density, average retention, diminishing to a three mm ring fed by effervescence, and a thin partial layer.
Lacing – None, as expected with a 10.96% ABV brew
First pour – Red-amber, hazy.
Aroma – 4.25 – Malt, dark fruit, and a bit of bourbon.
Flavor – 4 - Begins with slightly sour malt and quickly slides into bourbon. Malt and hops are well-balanced to produce minimal bitterness. No alcohol (10.96% ABV), no dimethylsulfide, no diacetyl.
Palate – 4 – Medium, almost creamy, lively carbonation.
Impression and interpretation – 4 – Interesting – the combination of bourbon with malt flavor and weak hoppiness reminds me of a BBA scotch ale. As it warms, some alcohol appears on the post-swallow exhale.

Spotted this single at the best local retailer. I like trying big reds when I see them. Murky brown pour, thick appearance. Full head, rich lacing.
Nose is chocolate and black licorice. Just a hint of barrel and hops. Wow. Nailed here.
Taste is dark fruit, plum, cherry hints, and woody resins. Toasty. Hops and the bite are nice and subtle.
This feels thick and sticky.
The fruit notes with the cocoa, that’s the nicest thing here. But everything else is so well-balanced. Not what I expected. Much much better. For me this is how an imperial red can be measured going forward. Where has this beer been?!