Bucket of Bolts - Whiskey Barrel Aged
River North Brewery

Pours a somewhat hazy honey-brown color; appears a semi-turbid hazelnut red in the glass; thin, bone-white head, soon turns patchy yet leaves some rings and partial curtains of foam encircling the glass interior. Beautifully rich, malty aroma; barrel-infused caramel with a wisp of raw, dry white oak. Fierce taste; beastly whiskey barrel presence with elements of raw, charred wood and biting boozy presence; struggling caramel sweetness trying to surface; mere suggestions of leather, tobacco, and dried dark fruits. Heavy body; hot; biting stickiness.

Wow! In a nutshell -- a hot, boozy taste offering. One does not always look for nuance and subtlety in a barrel aged beer, especially a barleywine, yet one would hope for a bit of balance. Perhaps the beer is still a bit young and could stand some good cellaring for at least six months. I don't know, but I do plan to buy one more bottle and age it. Then, the revisit and re-review down the road. River North generally puts out some real heavy-duty dark beers, and this could be counted as one, but they usually have better balance. This particular offering some comes across harsh. I'm hoping my future purchase, aged for while, will mellow things out. We'll see.

ABV: 13.9%; pouring temperature: 45 °F; bottling info: VINTAGE 2024 BARREL TYPE Colorado Whiskey
Source: local purchase (Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits)