2020 Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

Poured at 57°. Limited release, #29 of 72. Deep Amber/mahogany hue; excellent clarity; off white head; poor cap retention, nevertheless a thin yet persistent ring; heavy legs. Nose is sweet toffee, molasses and bourbon. Taste follows with oaky middle and layers of dried fruit - apricots and raisins; mild bourbon caramel candy finish with bitter hops on backend. Smooth, lux feel; medium plus body; medium minus carbonation; face flushing warmth from 11.5% abv; dry oaky finish. Overall, truly outstanding; lovely bourbon, fruity, semi sweet toffee linger; I like the bitterness in the finish…well done!

Fairly clear, dark amber body; decent, slow-rising carbonation; produces a fair head but quickly fades to a thin wisp floating on top of the beer. Huge whiskey and raw white oak scent initially; dates and figs come into play midway. Big caramel and molasses flavors interspersed with a strong bourbon taste; little perceivable hop bitterness. Heavy body; sticky and chewy; boozy warmth.

The Bardstown Bourbon barrel-aging is most prominent upon opening of the beer and during the initial pour. As the beer sits, the whiskey punch gives way to a rich and long lasting malt sweetness. This is an intense yet very satisfying barleywine and goes down nicely on a cold, wet Rocky Mountain Front Range late Spring afternoon.

Unknown bottling date but bottle #34 of 72. Poured at 60° F.