Ralphius - A. Smith Bowman Bourbon Barrel
Free Will Brewing Co.

Picked up a 375 ml bottle from Shangy's in Emmaus, PA on 9-23-25 for $19.99. 2024 edition consumed 4-14-26.

Beer poured black with a very nice brown head with the original pour.

Nose gives me a robust heavy roast malt base along with some chocolate. Barrel gives me a touch of vanilla and leather.

Taste is a heavy roasted malt baseline that gives notes of dark fruit, nuts, and chocolate. Barrel delivers some vanilla and lends a warming and balance with each sip.

Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with each sip thick and smooth.

Overall, yes this was the winner of the two Ralphy variants picked up late last summer in Pennsyltucky. World class, nicely done!

 

Cola black with a nice half-inch of dark mocha head that lasts fairly well for the series before settling into a soupy wisp and lasting crown.

Lovely aroma of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, plum, cherry, black licorice and booze.

Plum, almond biscotti, chocolate, anise, and umami in the taste. Some persisting nougat is in there, too. Hot throughout, including the aftertaste.

Smooth, sticky feel with soft carbonation.

Sweeter than a lot of Ralphs, but still a major bruiser with mature flavors to it. Fantastic.

 

Probably a reckless decision, but a full clear pint glass was drawn from a tap, then delivered. There was only a brief light brown glimpse of a minimal head, before it receded into the almost black coffee brown colored liquid. Brews at this ABV level seldom have much head, nor glass lacing. The aroma is pronounced and complex. Of course, there's the tannins from the barrel aging, but there's also plenty of roasted barley malt, understandably alcohol and nuances of coffee, chocolate and figs. It's as full tasting as it smells. Thankfully, the notes of dried fruit, maybe figs, maybe dates, with the rich roasted barley malt stands up to the tannins. This is something one that doesn't like whiskey tasting beers can like, whilst it should still satisfy those that do. It's so richly and fully flavorful, it's amazing how much of its ABV is concealed. It is sweet and sometimes sweet and high alcohol are a bad combination. But, not here, although tomorrow morning might have consequences. The mouthfeel is luscious. It's full, rich and more than supple enough to carry all the tastes and alcohol. Yet, it's not too heavy across the tongue. Like most in this style, there's a little effervescent missing, but that's also expected. Overall, this is an exceptional example of its style.