CBC No. 4
Bull & Bush Brewery

on the one hand, i wanted the cherry and fig to be way more in the lead on this one. i think they are a mix of lost to the rich red malt and also fermented down closer to dry than would be ideal, losing some of their essence with the sugar, but on the other hand the beer is amazing, and i wouldnt really want to change much about it! the beer is mid red in color, amber and relatively rich looking, but when i drink it its not insanely full bodied or anything, its not heavy or sweet really, and it doesnt drink anywhere near as strong as it is, holy cow, sneaky! i am really into the malt depth of this, its obviously amplified by the added fruit, but its got a leathery element, a toast and a caramel thing, sort of english, but far more nuanced than what i know from there. rich oak here too, a cognac note, and some raisiny sweetness presumably from the fig in the finish. i get some slightly fake or medicinal cherry, but its gone before it ever sets in. smooth going down with a rather relaxed carbonation and less body than the malt flavors would suggest, awesome beer overall, love these guys, and have been impressed with the cbc series so far!

Type: 16.9-oz. bottle
Glass: The Bruery 6-oz. taster
From: ucsbmullet on Beer Advocate
Price: N/A
Purchased: N/A; Received on Sept. 22, 2017
Consumed: Oct. 13, 2017
Reviewed as: American Red Ale
Misc.: Bottled on Nov. 21, 2016

Thanks, Nick!

Was psyched to get this from Nick on a recent trip to Colorado Springs. Had forgotten about Bull & Bush, but the ones he had got me before had been killers in terms of imperial stouts. This one read a barrel-aged double red ale with cherries and figs. Was really looking forward to it.

Poured a medium amber semi-clear color with two fingers of off-white khaki head. Lots of fast-moving bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass. Below average lacing. Average retention. (Sight - 3.50)

Smelled oak, sweet cherries, earthy figs, vanilla, dark fruits and cranberry. (Smell - 4.50)

Taste followed the nose for the most part. Just a solid beer. Got earthy oak, figs, raisins, dark cherries, cranberry, dark fruits, wood and vanilla. (Taste - 4.50)

Medium body. Sticky texture. Average carbonation. Long, smooth finish. (Feel - 5.00)

This was a tremendous beer for the style, reminding me of Bosque. (Overall - 4.50)

4.49 | 99 | A

Color is deep red-amber with a big but brief head. Expansive aroma of fruitcake. Rich and sweet with a boozy taste. Label says this is barrel aged and brewed with cherries and figs.

Very warming and hot with alcohol. Huge malt, on the viscous side, and a total fruit bomb. Tastes like raisins and figs, yes. It's hard to compare this to any sort of Red/Amber Ale since it's so out of the usual ballpark in every way. More like a Wee Heavy with the peaty, fruity taste. Maybe there was a Scotch barrel involved. From the 500 ml bottle purchased at Grapevine Liquors, which is one of the partners in this "Colorado Barrel Collective."