Batch 663
Begyle Brewing Company

22 ounce bottle into a snifter. 2019 release, had 7/4/20. Aged in Koval 4 grain whiskey barrels.

Pours a fairly clear copper color, with a half inch foamy head and light foamy lacing. Aromas of caramel, malt, whiskey, oak. Has a spicy aroma, maybe rye, for one. Flavors of whiskey, caramel, malt, raisins, spices- again, maybe rye, light oak, some wheat. There’s some alcohol bitterness and a light, general fruitiness. Mostly smooth, a very good medium body, appropriately carbonated.

Less fruity than most for the style, but the Koval barrels are great. Has a solid malt base that could maybe be a touch beefier, but not a real negative. At it’s best fully warmed. Very enjoyable.

 

650ml bottle, 2019 release, Batch 663, poured into a 14oz brandy snifter.

The beer pours a nice rich burgundy color, dark amber hues with a thin khaki head that has almost no retention and just offers a spot or two of lacing. The aroma is great, tons of brown sugar, caramel, soft bourbon spirit, charred oak, toasted coconut, prune, and lingering rich grains. The flavors are very nice, rich and hearty brown bread, caramel and brown sugar, toasted coconut, soft wood, light bourbon, a bit more spice in the bourbon character with some vanilla and lingering stone fruits. The mouthfeel is good, coating but a bit of a flaccid medium body that finishes easily with a touch of warmth.

Verdict: A very nice BA barleywine from Begyle. Rich with a great barrel character, but while the flavors are excellent, the body needs a bit of oomph.

Toffee brown clear body, no head. Smell and taste are the same, and really there isn't any mystery here: bourbon, whiskey, oak, toffee, barley, very slight peat smoke, and gentle wet earth. Feel is thin and bright, but stays together with the booze backing the barley, yet doesn't feel like 12.4%. Do not age, drink now. The wife liked it