Silk and Pearls – Rye Barrel (2024)
Reuben's Brews

Silk and Pearls – Rye Barrel (2024)Silk and Pearls – Rye Barrel (2024)
Beer Geek Stats
From:
Reuben's Brews
 
Washington, United States
Style:
English Barleywine
ABV:
14%
Score:
+9 ratings needed
Avg:
4.39 | pDev: 0%
Ratings:
1 | reviews: 1
Status:
Active
Rated:
Jun 07, 2025
Added:
Dec 24, 2024
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
Roughly two years ago now, our friends from Downtown Sprits in Seattle came to us with an idea. They wanted us to age one of our strong beers in two different whiskey barrels and then release them together as a fun way to compare subtle differences in character.
We loved the idea, and in mutual celebration of our 12th anniversaries, decided to finish a batch of barrel-aged barleywine in two different casks from their exclusive single barrel whiskey program: a Woodinville bourbon barrel and a Castle & Key rye barrel. Named after the traditional and modern 12th anniversary gifts—silk and pearls.
This is the Castle & Key rye barrel variety.
Recent ratings and reviews.
Photo of LiquidAmber
Reviewed by LiquidAmber from Washington

4.39/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured into a Reuben's Brew small snifter. A surprise moderate gusher, I wasn't ready for it and lost a few ounces before I got the glass nearby. Pours a very dark walnut brown with little light transmission in the glass and a half finger khaki head that dissipates to a thin film with light lacing. Aroma of dry caramel malt, dates, well dried plums and toffee; a bit boozy. Flavor is caramel malt, toffee, dates, raisins, rye whiskey and dried plums; somewhat sweet and hot. Medium bodied with moderate creaminess, nice mouth feel. I'm guessing the base ale is either Three Ryes Men or a close recipe, it has that ale's deep, dark fruit and caramel character. Good rye whiskey character too. Rich and flavorful. A hint of oxidized hops. Fortunately, despite its attempt to escape the bottle on opening, there is no evidence of infection; I guess it's just active. I'm going to try the whiskey version soon just in case. To be honest, this tastes very similar to Three Ryes Men with a bit more barrel character. I love that ale and this is quite excellent also. They must not have made much of this, because I've never seen it outside the brewery just after it was offered.
Jun 07, 2025