Irish Red Ale (Barrel Aged)
Blue Stallion Brewing Co.

 

When in Rome... er, Kentucky, do as the Kentuckians do... and put your beer in bourbon barrels. It seems that no style, strength or flavor is safe from being barrel aged. And the Blue Stallion brewers turn to the traditional Irish red ale for added complexity and intrigue.

As the common toasted grain, bread crust and deep caramel sweetness of the red ale are on full display, its early impressions are sweet, nutty and with bold hints of butterscotch and maple syrup.

The middle develops into a creamy and lightly starch taste with a light bready texture. Toasted grain gives the flavor a bit of bite, especially as a light balance of peppercorn comes to life. With those sweeter and nearly buttery tastes lingering onward, hints of bourbon, coconut and vanilla begin to emerge.

Its malty-sweet finish balances with prominent bourbon spices that are equipped with peppery warmth, light wood tannin and charred oak. Lingering with that common "red" malty sweetness and toasted pecan, the mind can't help to compare the clear and copper ale to Cracker Jacks ballpark candy, but with an adult infusion.

 

The red is more to the mahogany with a creamy richness, almost cloudy, but bright color. The head was thick with foam, just didn't live very long.

The aroma is thick with the barrel. Vanilla, cream, oak, bourbon, pecan, grains and nuts all make an appearance.

The flavor is simply awesome. I may score this high to some but the balance and drinkability of this is mesmerizing. The bourbon is subdued, not absent, just tempered enough to add flavor but not overwhelm. The woodsy oak barrel couple with the barley, grain, and pecan to mix with the sweet cream and vanilla to score a perfect match.

The feel is velvety, creamy and smooth. No bite, no warmth just a sly thickness.

I was very impressed with the barrel aged Wee Heavy, as the bourbon was most prevalent, but this invokes all the flavors and blends them seamlessly.