Barrel Aged Hokan's Brown Ale
HammerHeart Brewing Company

Dark brown coloring, nearly black, under a rich tan head, looking very promising, utterly enticing.

Aroma: I'm getting the bourbon barrel first here, big vanilla and cocoa bean coming through. All this over chocolate and caramel. Nice.

Taste: Again, the bourbon barrel flavors take command first, holding out over the primary flavors. Semi-sweet, with minor hops, medium-bodied, with a long finish. Caramel, cocoa, and everything good. I like this one, I do.

 

 

 

 

an extremely unique beer, one of the best browns i have had in 2015, maybe the single best. it doesnt look like a whole lot, quite still in the glass with some haze to it, milk chocolate to deep amber in color, and the nose is fantastic. the bourbon is quite intense on it, and with what i think is an english ale yeast strain, its a very cool complexion. english browns usually are samey to me, and seem uninspired. not so here, this is radically different than anything i have ever had. the vanilla of the whiskey with the biscuity doughy fresh yeast is a cool combinaiton. raisin and fig and hot chocolate are all there in the taste. molasses and oatmeal, it has a breakfast vibe in that way. the body is thick and there isnt much carbonation, but it gives it a cognac sort of feel, sipping beer for sure, and rather sweet, caramelized and big, but it tastes like nothing else i have ever had. these guys impressed me with ever single beer i had there, but this one may have been my favorite. this place is not to be missed.

 

 

 

Very boozy and rich, with big bourbon and vanilla, oak, and a touch of chocolate.

Flavor is boozy, as well. More bourbon than beer, with a toasted malt backbone, hints of caramel, and a bitter, lightly roasty, dry finish. Notes of cocoa lend sweetness, and oak surfaces late.

Don't get much smoke in this one, which is typically a hammerheart trademark.