Ralphius - Two Year Double Barrel (Penns Woods Merlot and Bourbon)
Free Will Brewing Co.

 

Black matte with a thin dark mocha head that quickly settles into a soupy crown.

Dark chocolate cocoa, nougat, caramel, vanilla, straight alcohol and some distant merlot in the nose.

The taste is fairly similar. Chocolate, nougat, vanilla and caramel — very candy-like. Some wine behind adds a little plum and jam. There’s some alcohol, but less heat than most in this series.

Creamy feel. Light, soft carbonation.

Tasty. The wine adds a jammy element that’s fun to try.

I had this beer with Christmas dinner which highlighted prime rib. Oh yes, it was the perfect beer for the occasion. I shared it with my niece who also enjoys good beer!

Poured from a bottle into a shaker pint (what was available). Rich dark brown with an excellent initial brown brown head ad great curtain lacing. The merlot smell and taste is upfront with the usual wonderful Ralphius dark chocolate fudge mingled in. The bourbon barrel lends a warm, comforting taste and feel. Enjoyed this beer very much. It helped make Christmas 2022 truly merry!

I think this is two different barrels blended rather than a true double barrel, not sure though. Regular BA Ralphius dominates here, tons of fudgy bourbon goodness. The wine is a very nice, faint accent throughout asserting itself just a bit more at the long finish along where it is joined by a nice oaky char. I'm really liking this one.