Cabernet Barrel Aged Mesquite Smoked Porter
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

 

A: Pours a light black. head is basically not there, agitate and its still not there. A bit of lace that leaves quickly.
S: The Cabernet really pops out here, and dominates the smell. Its a bit smokey in the background.
T:The Cabernet really shines here as well. It dominates the taste until the beer warms up a bit, then the smokey/woody flavors start to stick out more.
M/O: This was very interesting at first, but towards the end I wanted it to be bigger, more flavorful. The carbonation was lacking, not completely balanced, and a bit underwhelming for the 4.75 for a half pint I paid for it.

On tap at the Flying Saucer in Houston.

A: Pours an opaque black color. A tiny bubbly tan head forms, and recedes to nothing. No lace. Looks a little lifeless.
S: Up front the wine barrels are noticeable. Lightly vinous with some fruity aromas. That fades quickly, and a ton of smoke comes in next. Like a BBQ pit. A light sweetness as well. Interesting, but odd.
T: Follows the nose with the wine barrel front and center. That fades in a second with some roasted malt and sweetness coming through. That BBQ pit flavor again. Smoked meat. As this lingers, some of the vinous barrel character comes back.
M/D: This is thin, watery, and under carbonated. Something to sip on, but one is plenty for me.

This is very interesting. Though the wine barrel and the smoked porter just does not mesh well at all for me. I think the Cabernet barrels would work wonders with La Bestia, but it just ends up being odd with the smoked porter. Very unique and interesting is about the best I can say with this offering.