Bourbon Barrel Hooligan
Catawba Brewing Co.

Decadent, rich and teeming with the irresistible bourbon barrel sweetness and succulence- its their strong Scotch ale that gives a robust maltiness to support the booze and oak while preventing any dominance over the ale.

Catawba's Bourbon Barrel Hooligan pours with a deep copper and bronze hue, tawny with a faint hazy glow. Toffee, butterscotch, oak, caramel and nuttiness flood the nose while the same savory sweetness coats the mouth. Off-syrup or cloying, the taste culminates like roasted and candied pecan with a hint of spice cake and rum.

As the bourbon influence grows, the maltiness of the ale stays true- galvanized by maple, molasses and toffee with mild nuances of chocolate, coffee and toast, the nuttiness and slight peaten quality of the ale is full and lush on its own. But the oaken spices of the barrel assist in drying the taste and adding its own nutty, weathered oak character. As vanilla, coconut, pepper and cherry keep adding to the complexity, the ale trails with a sweet and savory array.

Its full and lavish body is creamy with the subtle roundness of carbonation that's slightly higher than the character of cask. With lingering sweetness, the beer is a slow sipping affair with the simmering warmth and viscous textures prevents a high rate of consumption. But with the immense culinary art that's involved, those who imbibe have no problem with that. Save for an after dinner digestive.