Hoop And Stave No. 2 (Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Style Ale)
Payette Brewing

Dark amber brown with minimal foam in the Ciney snifter. Pleasant boozy note. The barrel flavor is more mellow than some. No hint of souring, but there's a pleasant sharp mouthfeel. Modest brandy aroma with a whiff of vanilla.

Flavor is rich with roast malt, dark caramel, and the aromatic liquor. Not overly sweet but plenty of malt. The Belgian yeast gives is a little more dryness. A warming sip with a cedar and burnt sugar finish. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Platypus in Bend, Ore.

 

 

Bottle from the Co-op. My first impression was of a sour brown, not a quad. Body was a bit thin and ABV a bit low. The barrel treatments however add a whole other level of complexity, wine like notes, and a slow burn at the finish. Still good, definitely Belgian , but the style could be debated.

Bottle picked up at the COOP... Price is about $13ish.. Shared tonight with Matt and Jeremy.. Pours pretty clear dark amber/walnut.. No real head. Nose shows PLENTY of EtOH, Brandy is big and not EVER my favorite barrel treatment.. Brandy and toffee... Brown sugar without ever being cloying... A little thin perhaps. Is there Belgian yeast character? If so, it is pretty mild and doesn't really have the mouthfeel and coating maltiness/yeast presence to really project "Belgian". Still surprisingly good... I didn't think I would dig this one as much as I did.. The brandy presence works well good base beer.

3.75/4/4/3.75/4