Namakemono
Country Boy Brewing

 

 

An excellent experience in a growler! This strong ale hits the right notes with
a dark muddled brownish black pour in a snifter with a very nice head of off white
foam that settles to a thick ring, thin layer, and features some nice light lacing.
Nose of bourbon, vanilla, oak, sweet molasses, and spicy hops with a touch of
citrus and subtle cocoa with spicy rye Flavors exceed the nose with dark fruit
notes of black berries and raisins touched by molasses and subtle bakers cocoa
that have basked in the glow of a bourbon barrel. Warming booze hits on the middle
of the palate with bourbon and vanilla and then fades into the back with oak and a
zesty hop and spicy rye note that plays off the bourbon with style! Nice mouth feel;
smooth, coating, light carbonation, and a medium dry finish that is warming without
being some poor mans version of a boiler maker. Put together with class!
Overall an excellent brew that deserved more attention.

Cheers

 

 

 

 

The close relationship of the Bluegrass' sweetheart, Country Boy Brewing and the American inspired Baird brewers of Japan once again culminates in a strong and spicy ale with the aid of rye whisky barrels for a good 'ole Kentucky-kicks-ass attitude.

Nama... Naka... Nomo... the beer pours russet brown and with a moderate rusty haze. A firm frothy cap soon gives way to bold whisky aromatics- toasty, grainy, caramelized, stone fruit-laden and spicy, its scent is somewhat a mix of whisky and port. Its up-front flavors are devilishly sweet- toffee, caramel, vanilla, chocolate and a cakey texture sets the tone for the savory and succulent session.

And then the whisky barrel comes out to play on the palate, the sweeter brown sugars, molasses and toffee flavors begin to recede. Coconut and vanilla buffer the brunt of a full booze flavor that brings the grit, raw spice and husken rye character that often proves too much for the uninitiated. Its peppery, nutty and toasted edges come more to life as the wood flavors take more and more command of taste.

Full bodied and finishing with as much of a cognac-like fruity, spicy, tannic-rich twang, the body wavers late to allow for a great sense of drinkability despite its strength and raw, rustic barrel character that nearly overwhelms the palate. A long aftertaste of dry caramel and earthen oak accompany the spice well into the next sip.