Berkshire Rum Barrel Aged Shabadoo Black & Tan Ale
Berkshire Brewing Company

 

this one is just insane, never had an alcohol barrel put so much flavor into a brew. in this case, an already blended black and tan. needless to say, a new batch of this has brought it out of retirement. the pour is dark, not thick, but densely colored brown. thin white film on top. the smell of rum and oak blasts me away, I mean really. its so spiced and vanilla infused and woody from the rum barrel it hardly matters what beer is underneath, the flavor is already determined. I get some darker malts flavor with bitter undertones that fight the rum flavor, but this has spent a whole lot of time soaking it up. it smells and tastes very very alcoholic, I would have guessed over 9% abv, and I am honestly shocked to learn its so low. almost caustic on the senses. some burnt flavors in the finish, earthy and complex, but I think overall this one is a little dominated by the rum, its more than necessary, although it does make a really interesting flavor experience. recommended all the same. nobody does this.

 

 

 

On-tap at the Cask Republic.

A: Clear, radiant ruby body under a thin but persistent cap of fine light tan head. Delicate lace. Nice.

S: Wow. Sweet, fruity, complex, oaky magnificence. Major rum, vanilla, molasses, and oak up front. Some bright, grapey fruit notes as well. Very barrel-forward without being the least bit boozy. Simply amazing.

T: Sweet-tart fruit right off the bat, followed by sweet, sugary rum barrel. Molasses and oak on the finish. A little over the top with the sweetness, but still delicious.

M: Creamy, frothy medium body. Slightly sticky. Good.

O: What a beer! This has been on tap at Cask the last several times I've stopped in, and every time I haven't even bothered to look at the rest of the extensive menu. This is probably the best rum barrel beer I've ever had.

Cheers!

On tap at the cask republic with The Larse. I love the shabadoo so I really wanted to try this one. It was very sweet. Norman the bartender was very cool. He said it was BBC's porter and pilsner aged in rum barrels. The rum came through very strong. It was very nice to have about 6 oz but any more than that and it'd be too much. Very excited I got to try this one after a nice Ragged Mountain hike.

 

 

 

The beer pours a cloudy, translucent dark amber/brown color with a thick frothy off-white head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is good. It has a sweet crystal malt scent along with a mild rum character as well as some wood. The taste is decent. It has a basic pale and crystal malt flavor. It has a mild sweetness that I can't be sure is from the malts or the barrel aging. It's an easy drinker, but nothing too mind blowing. The mouthfeel is decent. It is a low/medium bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a decent beer. It's nothing I'd seek out again, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to try it.