Vengeful Heart - Bourbon Barrel
Kane Brewing Company

 

There is a really nice chocolatey molasses note that takes center stage. Kane doesn't say how long this blend spent in barrels but it tastes like an extended period to me. I also get potent leather and hints of dark fruits and soy. The booze is plenty strong, no surprised at 15.5%, but it's warming and refined. Another great barleywine from Kane.

This egregiously large BA barleywine (15.5%) pours a rich mahogany brown color that has the appearance of a creek that’s been stirred a bit by the current - not murky, but not clear, either. There’s also a creamy tan head that lingers a bit. Gorgeous beer.

The barrel notes are prominent as soon as the cap is popped off the bottle - waves of booze and oak and vanilla. There’s also a significant stone fruit aroma, I’d guess from the Simcoe hops referenced on the bottle.

The taste is boozy, rich, and decadent - yet it’s led by a toffee flavor that is sublime, flowing into the stone fruit flavors, which are substantial and reminiscent of ripe cherries, and the warming booze at the back of the palate that fits like a well-sized glove.

The mouthfeel is the decadent in this world class beer, a full and creamy slalom through the ride this magnificent beer provides. The Kane “big beer” game literally has no bounds.

Dark brown oily appearance with a tan head that recedes slowly to a collar, moderate retention, minimal lacing. Bourbon, caramel, molasses, chocolate, fig. Thick body, mild carbonation.