Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Style Abbey Ale
Martin City Brewing Company

 

 

 

Pours a burgundy that is a few ticks away from black. Head forms around a finger thick in khaki with a nice, tight head. Retention is moderate, with not so good lacing. Head formation and retention is solid for a BA beer. Aroma is open and playful, with notes of sticky caramel and toffee, raisins, fig, and bourbon. It is a bit fleshy and boozy, and yet refined. It's fun to sniff. Flavors are complex and delicate in the flavor profile, with an opening of caramel and toffee, before intermingling with raisins and fig, and then a bourbon, slightly boozy finish. Despite the complexities, and overall sugar-y taste, it is easy to drink, which is most likely thanks to a slightly watery taste throughout the flavor profile. The watery taste shows up more as the beer warms. Mouth feel continues the watery note, not to say this beer is thin. It has a medium thickness consistency and a slightly grainy texture. Overall, it's a very fun beer to drink. It's remarkably smooth considering its ABV is somewhat high, and it is barrel aged. It also pours and looks delightful in a glass.

Served in a 12oz snifter.

 

Raisins, dates, figs, and boozy bourbon notes of caramel and vanilla form the aroma. There's a hint of oak.

Flavor has a sour barrel character. More raisins, figs, and bourbon underlie that dominant flavor. Finish is oaky dry. Pretty hot.