Barrel-Aged Inspiration
Community Beer Company

Dark garnet filling to a dark mahogany with a uniform, large khaki head that slowly settles, leaving layers of spongy lace.

The Belgian yeast spiciness here really brings the bourbon forward in a big way on the nose, but not in a hot way, with a little caramel, plum, prune and pepper.

The Belgian spice makes itself known on the palate as well, with plum, prune and molasses. The bourbon seems toned down quite a bit from the nose, but then on the back end and on down the throat the bourbon actually increases and seems to climb back up and out, with some vanilla and coconut. It's a very pure expression of bourbon, while not being boozy or hot. An unusual feat.

Feel is moderate to light bodied, with a fizzy froth, finishing semi-wet.

 

I'm really enjoying this on tap. Dark mahogany color with a little tan head and minimal lace.

Smell balances vanilla/bourbon with Belgian yeast... Dark fruits smell great.

Taste starts with the oak and bourbon, but it's light and quickly passes off to the flavors of the base beer.

Feel is lacking body, but not overly light. Oily and pretty clean finish, hints of bitterness at the finish take over the sweet fruit.

Overall this is a nice brew and I'd definitely try it again if I see it.

Poured from bottle into tulip, yields 1 1/2 finger tan head, reduces to 1/2 finger and hangs around. Light passes thru, it is a burnished copper look. Smell is mostly whiskey, some stone fruit coming thru along with a little vanilla, very little yeast profile to the nose. This beer has about 6 months on it. The one I had back in November from the 4 pack was pretty hot, that is now gone, glad I hung on to these. Taste is a hit of whiskey on the front, very mild and smooth and gives way to vanilla, well that is about it. Not very much going on, but that said, I love the way this beer carries the barrel flavor thru. It has a somewhat sweet finish that turns a little bitter and keeps you going back. Mouthfeel is good, this beer pretty much coats your mouth. Going to hang on to my last one for a few more months to see what happens. Sad to see that his beer is now retired :(.

 

 

 

I enjoyed the non-barrel aged version more. I didn't think the barrel played nicely off the base. The barrel characteristics and the base's profile were not cohesive, and the barrel added nothing to the aroma.

Pours a lovely deep copper with a rim of white foam. Distinctly fruity aroma, with a mix of papaya, pineapple, strawberry, and lemon--although I've sampled a number of other beers on this New Year's eve, the depth of fruit on the nose is quite surprising for a dark ale. It's delightful, with hints of vanilla, bell pepper, jessamine, and barrel staves, but not what I expected for a dark Belgian. Very interesting!

Deep dark brown pour with a lush tan head.
Smells like coffee, cocoa, raspberry-like fruits and whisky.
Taste is interesting enough. Dark fruit and chocolate flavors are present along with the barrel burn. Big whisky burn. Vanilla stands out now, along with the fruit, which is ripe red berry, and any chocolate/ darker fruit flavors that lurk seem hidden by the barrel burn.
Feels full-bodied, thick-syrupy.
While not complex in flavor, this blend is nice to sip. I believe I prefer the individual beers Community used in creating this, respective of one other.